Legion of Superheroes - Season 3 - Laboratory Notes of Massone Psaak 569-85-A550

Editors Note - I forgot to bring the recorder on this day, so session notes will be missing.
From our GM

Subjects 1715-1718 overview

I remain one of the few to continue to think this invasion of Sol-3, otherwise known as Terra or Earth or Dirtball, was a good idea. The Dominators feared the metagene they had discovered among Terrans and so put together this unwieldy Alliance with the goal of eliminating the future threat to the galaxy. We Psion joined to have the opportunity to study not just the Terrans and their metagenes but the other races the Alliance took prisoner as well.

This latest collection came about by accident. With the failure of the invasion and the Alliance in retreat and disarray, the Dominators (or perhaps a rogue faction) detonated a gene bomb within Dirtball’s atmosphere. Whether intended or not, the bomb caused metagene-derived powers among the Terrans to flare uncontrollably before failing completely. The metagene went into complete shut-down, rending the powered Terrans both powerless and unconscious. In the process of retreat, our ship noticed a number of now-powerless Terrans in mid-air and so captured them before they could plummet to their deaths. Most of them went directly into the available laboratories. Pseld was able to create a serum (XZ-09) which would restore the Terrans to consciousness without reactivating their metagene.

Subject 1715

This Terran seemed completely normal with its metagene deactivated. We decided that it would a useful test subject for our hypothesis concerning genetic grafting. Previous experiments have shown that Terran genes were almost universally compatible with those of other species. This suggests that the threat the Dominators saw is even more pronounced. If Terrans are able to interbreed with other species, it is possible the metagene can be passed along as well, either directly or through genetic manipulation. To test this, we extracted the soft ocular organs of Subject 1715 and grafted them with discarded cells procured from Kryptonian Subject 0001 during our stay on Dirtball. Kryptonian genes are similarly compatible and possess great potential for extraordinary abilities, though in a more predictable fashion than the Terran metagene.

The ocular organs, henceforth Subject 1715a and Subject 1715b, responded favorably to the graft with the Kryptonian cells. They were bombarded with the particular bandwidth of solar radiation known to empower Kryptonians. Immediately thereafter Subjects 1715a and 1715b began rapid cellular growth. In 2 arns they had grown .00759 tarqs. Subject 1715a was injected with Serum PY-187, which reactivated the metagene. Subject 1715b was left as a control. Within ptiks, Subject 1715a began radiating energy in the range of B187Q8, reminiscent of, but not quite identical to Oan energy B187P6 as utilized by the Green Lantern Corps.

Results were sent via hyperbeam to the homeworld, which instructed us to deliver Subjects 1715a and 1715b to them immediately. Although I was disappointed not to be able to continue my own observation of them, I loaded them onto a drone and dispatched it to homeworld.

Upon further analysis of Subject 1715’s genetics, there are remnants of energy in the B187Q8 range. Hypothesis: its metagene allows it to access this energy naturally, without use of an artificial construct such as Oan rings. I plan to harvest further soft organs from Subject 1715 for further experimentation.

Subject 1716

This subject was a surprise to acquire. It is not a Terran at all, but rather a beast from Star System 29156-2. These brutes have barely progressed beyond primates in their native jungle, but this one was wearing clothing and had somehow been affected by the gene bomb. It also had an enlarged cranial cavity with evidence of two brains that were fusing into one.

Analysis indicated that a Terran metagene had been grafted to its native genetics. (See notes for Subject 1715 for concerns about the compatibility of the Terran metagene with other species.) Perhaps this accounted for its double-brain structure and enhanced intelligence. To examine it further, the cranial cavity was opened and the secondary brain was carefully removed and dissected. Initial analysis showed faint energy of the B187Q8 range within this brain, though there are no other signs of this energy within Subject 1716. Hypothesis: Subject 1716 is a pet of Subject 1715, who used B187Q8 energy to grow a secondary brain to enable more complex tricks and understanding of commands. Possible guard creature?

Once Serum XZ-09 awakens Subject 1716, we will determine whether its intelligence was tied to the secondary brain and whether it can still understand simple commands. Following these experiments, its gonads will be harvested for dissection to determine whether the Terran metagene is present within its reproductive DNA, to be passed along to offspring.

Subject 1717

As with Subject 1716, this subject is not Terran but nevertheless shows evidence of the Terran metagene within its cellular structure. It is a vegiform in humanoid form, suggesting artificial creation given the remote chance that evolution would create a race of such creatures. There is no evidence of B187Q8 energy within the subject.

Core samples were extracted from Subject 1717 for examination. It has leaves in place of mammalian hair, bark in place of dermis, a type of sap in place of blood, and a woody flesh, all of which are consistent with the notion of a humanoid vegiform. It is bilaterally symmetrical and has organ structures mimicking typical humanoid organs. The form of its oral cavity indicates that it is capable of speech and ingesting nutrients through it. Hypothesis: Subject 1717 is also a pet of some sort, or perhaps a servant created to perform tasks. Examination of core samples will guide dissection of specific areas of Subject 1717.

Subject 1718

This subject was initially more akin to what we expected to find—a typical Terran with a deactivated metagene. Upon further examination, however, it was discovered to be infused with a strange element not found within the databanks. Hypothesis: Subject 1718’s metagene was activated upon exposure to this element which allows the subject to channel it in some fashion. Perhaps this element, henceforth Element 256, was also responsible for the cellular rejuvenation apparent in the subject. Cell structure is more elastic and vibrant than would be suggested by genetic analysis of chronological age.

Further, Subject 1718 appears to have cellular damage consistent with Yorggian Fever, which seems to have affected it in its infancy. Although not unknown within humanoid species, it is rare and would likely be fatal to a Terran infant. Given Dirtball’s distance from galactic center as well as its relative separation from non-Terran species before this invasion, it is even more unlikely that a Terran infant could have contracted it. Although our Durlan allies have been reluctant to share knowledge, perhaps they would be willing to share information on Yorggian Fever given that 97.89% of known cases have affected Durlans.

Subject 1718 has been placed within a cellular vacuum to remove Element 256 from its body. It is unlikely to survive extraction. Its corpse will be dissected to try to determine the permanent effects Element 256 had upon its body while living.

Cells 404-407

Future experiments will be conducted upon the inhabitants of these cells once the laboratories are available.

Cell 404 contains a Coluan, formerly held hostage on the Citadel’s space prison in the Vegan system before stowing away upon this ship and being recaptured by Citadelian guards. It demonstrates intelligence surpassing the norm for its race. No evidence of other enhanced abilities. Given discoveries of the metagene in Subjects 1716 and 1717, we will examine it for metagene as well and dissect its brain for explanation of enhanced intelligence.

Cell 405 contains a Cairnian, likewise once a hostage on the Citadel’s space prison. We will examine it for the metagene. Otherwise it is of no value and so can be recycled.

Cell 406 contains a species of unknown origin that was part of the escape from the Citadel prison. No record of species can be found in the databank. Perhaps genetic analysis and dissection will provide clues. Further experimentation will depend on findings.

Cell 407 contains a Terran captured with Subjects 1715-1718. It was clearly affected by the Dominator gene bomb and is currently powerless and unconscious. Serum XZ-09 will be administered before examination. Further experimentation will depend on findings.

Cell 407 also contains a Terran that was found on this ship after our departure from Dirtball. It was unconscious with no visible abilities though it was apparently not affected by the gene bomb. It was placed with the other unconscious Terran. Note that it is wearing a uniform consistent with the Green Lantern Corps but possesses no Oan ring. We will conduct standard experimentation to determine whether it has a metagene or evidence of Oan energy. We will leave it to the Citadelian guards to determine how it came to be on the ship when it was a part of neither the Coluan’s escape party or the Terrans captured after the gene bomb detonation.

Shattered Star - Prelude to Into the Nightmare Rift - The Tinpot Dome Scandal

In Sharn, Tryptic recalls he had been directed by Onatar to go and find "Spider". Tryptic and Morrigan start asking around trying to get information on this being. Eventually, they talk with the warforged they rescued who tells them there is another warforged by this name. Spider is said to lives near a district called Cogsgate. There is a a junkyard where damage lightning rail cars are dumped near there that warforged who were damaged in the last war live.  It is a very bad part of Sharn.

The party accompanies Tryptic to the area (also, Wil buys a couple of scrolls of reincarnation). They walk down. As they enter the area below Cogsgate they note they are being watched. A child dressed in rags calls out to Morrigan and warns them that the area is dangerous and Spider lives there. Tryptic indicates he is happy because Spider is who they are looking for. The boy kicks him and runs away.

They locate the junkyard and hear a clanking noise. They find a warforged hitting his head against a wall. Tryptic tries to examine him and notes that the warforge is missing a large portion of it's skull and is unable to think anymore. Wil looks to put it out of it's misery. Another warforge tells him to "Leave Bonkers alone, fleshy!". The warforge who spoke to him is in a wheelchair. Tryptic introduces himself and says he is to meet Spider. "Flash" takes them to meet Spider. They notice that various damaged warforged who are hiding are peaking out. Tryptic repairs some damage on Flash's chair in return for helping.

"Flash" takes them to a discarded boxcar. A warforged emerges to speak with Tryptic. Spider says, "Oh, wait you are talking to 'him', not Onatar" and begins laughing maniacally. "You've been talking to 'Aritoniel'". None of the party knows who he is. Spider points out that Aritoniel is an Emperial, a type of angel. Spider tells them that he talks to Aritoniel as well. He theorises that they can help each other.

Spider tells him about "Lt. Die-Cast". In the latter parts of the last war, Die-Cast fought with the Brelish army. She was known as "Lt. Tin-Pot" amongst her subordinates because she a ruthless dictator to her troops. In her last assignment, she was betrayed by her own battalion. Eventually, she found her way to this junkyard. She has been killing non-warforged who come in. It's drawing too much attention to the area and Spider wants her 'gone'.

Before going to her, Tryptic repairs and enhances Flash's chair. Flash takes them to where Die-Cast resides. From the pile of debris, a giant half-humanoid/half-boxcar form appears with a warforged-head on it. She proceeds to scream at them with her commanding presence as if she were still in the army. Tryptic attempts to diplomatically ask her to stop just "killing".

A fight ensues but the party manages to prevail and destroy her.

The party heads back to Spider. Everyone is awestruck that the party was able to take out Lt. Die-Cast. In return, Spider meets with Tryptic privately. He sees that Spider has 6 legs and 2 arms (hence Spider). Spider gives him a scroll which is a deed of ownership to a House Kunderak strong-box. Spider thanks him and gives him a small armband indicating he is welcome in the area.

The party heads back up with the head of Die-Cast. They take the head to Inspector Cassidy in hopes of a reward.  She says she'll look into the matter and let the party know.

They head to the House Kunderak branch where the strong-box is located. It contains an extremely magical mithral belt. Tryptic identifies it as a leonic belt. It allows a warforge to shape change, increasing it's size (with all bonuses) along with other bonuses.

The party heads to House Lyrander where the airship they are supposed to use to get to Xen'drik. House Lyrander and Ghallanda and  is about to start a cruise line between Sharn and Xen'drik to take the rich and powerful to Stormreach. The arrangement is that the party will join them on a test voyage as the only passengers and test out the amenities and protect the ship if anyone attacks.

Morrigan sees about ordering a Brelish Sunset.

Legion of Superheroes - Season 3 - INVASION!!

In the aftermath of the strange inversion of the metagene bomb, the party started to feel very strange. Dynasty and Katrina start uncontrollably blasting energy. Their energy washes over the other heroes burning them.

Katrina realises that the blast seems to have effected their powers somehow. Dynasty creates a nullification shadow blast in hopes of controlling their out of control energy. Katrina looks around and our heroes black out.

Dynasty awakes in complete darkness. She feels an incredible pain in her head. She attempts to use her abilities but cannot activate them. Furthermore, she is restrained. She realises she has been effected by the metagene bomb. She hears someone come in to her room. She hears a voice a talking and apparently transcribing scientific observations but doesn't talk directly to her.

Quatro comes to and is aware of an intense pain in his head. He sees he is in a room like an operating theater. Furthermore, he is bound and restrained - unable to move. He is unable to break his restraints. He tries to communicate through his flight ring and is able to reach Dynasty. However, the being monitoring Dynasty takes her ring.

Skid awakens feeling intense pain all over his body. He is restrained in an operating room as well. On the table next to him he sees "wooden dowels" which he realises are core samples that their captors have taken. He notes his healing power and friction modification powers are failing. Skid works and manages to work his hands free from his restraints. He manages to free himself.

Katrina awakens and finds herself in a clear tube with a series of tubes attached to her that are pulling the atmospherium from her body. She is mildly restrained and that her powers are also not working. She looks around the room and realises it's a primitive (by her standards) laboratory but understands generally what she is seeing. She manages to contact Skid and Quatro via her ring.

Skid picks up the core sampling tool and manages to capture one of the aliens that are in the ship, a Psion. He orders the psion to take him to the others. He orders the Psion to take him to Katrina. They free Katrina, reverse the process, and lock him up. Skid hands her the omnipad the Psion had and figures it out.

Quatro frees himself and looks around and sees on the table next to him his removed and sliced secondary brain. The portion of his skull that housed it is EMPTY and exposed.

Dynasty manages to perform a ritual, using knowledge she gained from Antonion Stefanacci, Former Curator of the Museum of Mystic Arts in Sanangelopolis, Sorcerer Supreme of Earth, Assistant Instructor at the Legion Academy, Wearer of the Helm of Nabu, and Servant of the Lords of Order that allows her to free herself. As she escapes she notes that she still cannot see. Her eyes have been removed. She uses the ritual to start healing herself and regrow her eyes.

Skid and Katrina strike out and find Dynasty and Quatro. Dynasty works the ritual and heals the rest of the party. They also realise they don't know where Reflectikid is. Katrina reads the various notes on them by the Psions. They also read that there are other beings who have been captured.

As they finish, Khund troopers arrive. The party, powerless fights them. Katrina hacks the surgical laser in the ceiling to use as a weapon. They defeat the Khunds.

Dynasty suddenly realises that she can "un-nullify" the metagene bomb effect with a ritual to similar to how she healed everyone. Their powers return.

While this is happening, Katrina gets a call on the omnipad from the other Psions. They convince the caller that there is an error but they are able to proceed.

They head out and try to find the others who are being held captive. They locate and free Stealth, Vril Dox II, Garryn Bek, and a being that looks surprisingly like Dynasty's mother.