The Defenders, Vol. 2, Issue 15 - 'Round, 'Round, Get Around. They Get Around!

Battle is joined, and Yellowjacket drops quickly to the full assault of the PCs. Bullseye enters the fray against the group with devastating attacks, but is taken down shortly thereafter, having been overwhelmed when not fighting the single target he and Foster expected. Scarlet Witch appears during the battle, apparently having insinuated herself into the minds of the group, since they feel like she's been there all along, after having magically (accidentally?) transported herself into the lab - she observes and hangs about with the band, but is nowhere to be found later, seemingly without notice of the group.

Dr. Pym thanks the heroes for their aid and welcomes them, explaining that he fears he was targeted for his work. He then explains that he and his wife were entertaining a guest when the assassins struck, then goes about disposing the bodies of his wife, their friend, and Bullseye down a waterfall that the doctor explains leads to a fast-moving underground river. Bill Foster is tied and held in the wash room, unconscious, while the group and Dr. Pym decide what to do with him.

The doctor suggests they all get rest and they discuss what to do over breakfast. Here, Dr. Pym begins to explain his great work. He tells the PCs that the component was actually ordered by him, as the power core housing for a self-replicating construct that he had designed. This construct, the first named Ultra-1, would replicate as needed to serve the needs and wants of Extranormals only. The race of constructs would act in any capacity the Extranormals needed, serving as a replacement for what might otherwise lead to subjugated Baselines. With the Ultras, the Extranormal "race" would be free to pursue their own goals with no interaction or involvement with Baselines - all of those small concerns would be handled by the Ultras.

The heroes seem interested, yet hesitant to subscribe to the doctor's Utopian dream. Noting the awkwardness felt in the room, this is when Pym indicates that they should just kill his former lab assistant and drop his body in the crevice, as well, (nothing like a little levity to lighten the conversation!) as any involvement with proper authorities could compromise his and the group's separate works. The group agree and Yellowjacket is put down and flushed like the rest were.

A little bit more back and forth about the construct and the stolen component leads all to the same conclusion: the Sentinels are likely designed based off of a similar (or the exact) technology that Ultra-1 was designed with. The group decide the Sentinels need to be put down, and quickly, and head to France Aundair.

Here, they meet with Queen Aurala, with another small information exchange taking place. The band then present their idea to storm Sentinel Tower, on the southern coast of Karrnath. Unable to agree on how to assault they tower, they switch gears and focus on a piece of the Draconic Prophecy found in Dr. Pym's lab, which mentions the great weapons of the giants, named the Destiny Arms, and how as long as the Destiny Arms still exist, the world cannot be restored.

The band decide that they need to know about giants, and agree to go to Xen'drik to do research, since they also feel like the threat of Uxas is a growing thing, it then begins to seem like getting intelligence on him is included in their trip. Queen Aurala grants them the use of an airship to make passage, and they set off.

Their first stop is in Zolanberg, so that they may consult with Dr. Pym. He admits to knowing very little about the Draconic Prophecy, and claims to have found that snippet that was in his notes in his travels, though he cannot recall where he first saw it. He basically reiterates what the snippet says, and then wishes them well again on their quest as they depart for Sharn, there for a layover and resupply before heading to the mysterious southern continent.

Next Issue: The Welcoming Party


Cast of Characters
Jean Grey, Elan Psion (Kineticist) 8|Wilder 8  - Angela
Bennet du Paris [Exodus], Human Psion (Nomad) 8|Spellthief 5/Cerebrex 3 -Taylor
Kurt Wagner [Nightcrawler], Lesser Tiefling Rogue 3/Fighter 7|Totemist 2/Wizard 3/Telflammar Shadowlord 7 - David 
Kitty Pryde [Shadowcat], Human Wizard 7|Ninja 7 - Sam
Connar Kent [Superboy], Kryptonian† 6|Fighter 6 - Paul
Dr. Isaiah Crane [Scarecrow], Sorceror 6|Cleric 6 - Jon
Johnathan Blaze (Phantom Traveler) [Ghost Rider], Flaming Bone Creature 2/Warlock 4|Fighter 5/Lasher 1 - G2
Scarlet Witch, Human Wizard 5/Cleric 5 - Brady (retired)