IN THE ROOM with ???Justin Towe???

Good day, Sentinel readers. Today, I’d like to share a very unusual experience I recently had. I was walking down a flight of stairs and heard a loud squeak as I lost my footing. As I fell, I noticed I had been tripped by an errant rubber duck left on one of the steps. I tumbled head over heels to the next landing and seemingly lost consciousness for a moment. When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing on an immense keyboard with a black screen with a flashing cursor hovering before me, as if waiting for me to type a message. Although I couldn’t see or hear anything else around me, I felt as if I was not alone. Another presence was there, waiting to converse with me. I leapt from key to key, typing in a simple message.

Chaz: Hi?

JT: Hello Chaz. I am Justin Towe. I’ve read some of your past interviews and would like to have you help introduce me to the Heroes Rising world.

Chaz: Heroes Rising? What is that?

JT: The world you exist in has existed in many forms. Some you have heard of. Some you may not have. Krystal can explain it all to you, if you want specifics. I’ve been around watching over the HR universe, but recently the stars have aligned in a new way for the denizens of this realm. My influence has grown, and I am now, well, kinda in charge of it all.

Chaz: So, does that make you the big G now? Do we need to start sacrificing virgins to you or some other type of tribute?

JT: Let’s not get into that right now. How about we simply say I worked as part of a team under an individual we will call The Chef.

Chaz: That sounds familiar somehow. I think I’ve heard of that group. I believe your previous superhero name was Mr. Fix-it or more precisely, Mr. Fix-It-Right-NOW. Is that correct?

JT: Hah! Well, I do ascribe to that belief of “fix it right now”, but it was never my superhero name!

Chaz: And now you have recently garnered a new position in the HR-universe. Do you have a preferred title?

JT: Oh boy, I dunno. Architect? King? It all seems so ostentatious, just Justin is fine.

Chaz: OK, Justin. I assume from what you’ve said that you’ve been paying attention to the heroes of our world for a while now. I know that there is at least one of them who has spoken highly of what you do while calling on you frequently for aid. What is the most messages you have received in one day from Hanzo about a problem? You can round it off to the closest hundred if needed.

JT: The most? I don’t know if I can’t count that high, I usually make computers do that for me… But If I can round it to the closest hundred, I’ll say a hundred.

Chaz: Onto something a bit more serious. Why did you decide to take on the new position?

JT: I love the work, I love the community, and there was/is lots that needed/needs to be done. I was afraid of what the future may hold for both myself and for the HR-universe if things didn’t start changing, and I felt that only by unleashing my full potential could I make any meaningful change quickly.

Chaz: What is your favorite thing about Heroes Rising?

JT: The community. I love the passion and dedication so many players have – the drive to play the game, the desire to help others play the game to their full potential, the camaraderie and the rivalries that have been created over the years. I think one of the most awesome aspects is the close ties the players have with the developer(s) in order to create something together to try and make the best experience for everyone to enjoy. I love adding that personal touch to the game, and giving the players life inside the Universe, where their story has an impact in some way and the tasks they take on daily are just a little more super. How many games out there have entirely new modes created because a player made a post on Facebook?

Chaz: What are you most excited about changing?

JT: Honestly, there are so many small-to-large sized things I want to change and add, it is hard to choose something specifically. Overall, I am just excited to give players more and varied fun things to do, which is ultimately what all of my changes bring about. I am pretty excited about Player Summonable Raids though, I’ve wanted them myself for a long time.

Chaz: Yes, I think many people have. Speaking of Player Summonable Raids, could you hear Mayor CJ cry out like a little girl when you first slipped in the Raid Token for summonable raids?

JT: I was washing the dishes when it happened: a loud, high-pitched squeal, echoed in my heart, and burst through my ear drums... and caused me to drop the plate I was cleaning.

Chaz: What do the players bring to the game that you enjoy the most?

JT: Oh, I guess I kind of answered this a few questions ago, but to go on further about how great ya’ll are: it’s the ideas that everyone brings to the table that I love the most. Just so many good ideas for ways to improve the game or fix things or add things, and generally make it more fun. It makes my job much easier, cause I pretty much just read what ya’ll have to say, maybe add a few of my own ingredients, and bake away (baking being a metaphor for coding).

Chaz: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

JT: Spacetime manipulation, like Hiro Nakamura from the TV show Heroes (who was also a computer programmer).

Chaz: That’s a cool power. Will that be offered anytime soon for heroes here to have?

JT: I wouldn’t want to think about trying to code that into HR. Poison damage is giving me enough headaches right now.

Chaz: You have communicated a lot since your inheritance of Heroes Rising. Are there any secrets you haven't shared with us yet, and if there are, what are they?

JT: Oh yes, of course there are – I love secrets and putting foreshadowing for things in what I write. For example, I hinted at the Under Mountain in my Facebook post about the KOTM changes. I am working with Dan to ensure that there are hints about future story elements and game modes within the lore that is being released. Some of it might be subtle, but an astute reader may pick up on some secrets of things to come. So, I won’t just come outright and give away my secrets. Did I drop a secret or two in my responses to you though? Maybe. I’ll never tell.

Chaz: Being that it is nearly Halloween, how about some seasonal questions. What is your favorite candy?

JT: Swedish Fish or Charleston Chew

Chaz: What will you be dressing up as for Trick-or-Treating?

JT: Computer Programmer

Chaz: Will we ever see more of Legion in HR, or does your taking over mark a new beginning for the heroes?

JT: You might see a bit more of them, but that is more of a question for Dan Peyton.

Chaz: Who? That private eye in Neo Utopia?

JT: I’ve said to much. The only way to find out what will happen next is to stick around. I don’t want to give away any spoilers.

Chaz: Finally, one last question. The game is called Heroes Rising, but often some players seem to prefer being villains, or at least, villainous. Will we ever see a Villains vs Heroes Tug of War event?

JT: <jots down some notes> Uhm, yeah, probably…

With that, the vision of the large screen and keyboard faded away and I found myself faceplanted in an artificial hasta on the bottom landing. Was it all a dream, or did I actually communicate with one of the elusive developers of the world we live in?

Take the content of this interview as you will. Did it happen? Was it all a result of my hitting my head? I can’t say for sure, but stranger things have happened. Happy Halloween, Sentinel Readers, and best of luck, Justin Towe, if you really do exist…

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Halloween Contest Entry Madam Marvelous

Halloween. Without a doubt, Halloween has to be a shapeshifter’s favorite holiday. It isn’t the candy or the trickery. The parties and decorations are fun, but they aren’t what make it either. And it isn’t even our ability to change into other creatures, shapes, or people. That’s fun every day.

Halloween is the day of the year where the rest of the world can really get a taste of what it is to be us. They can create or copy other identities. They can become something or someone else for a little while and enjoy the freedom of being… other.

At least for one night a year, people are unlocked from being rigidly stuck in their lives as themselves and can discover other facets of who they could be. And it is encouraged! Children and adults both can become what they fear, what they secretly desire, or both at the same time, and are accepted warmly. Heck. Businesses make big bux off selling costumes, wigs, fake teeth, and gazillions of other accessories to help with the transformation.

Shapeshifters like I don’t need all those gimmicks. With a thought, I can become pretty much anything I want. And finally, BADGE has recognized that about me.

This year, I, Madam Marvelous, will be patrolling the streets of New Amsterdam as a fully sanctioned member of BADGE. No more probationary membership. I was on my own, well, except for Eggie, my electric grandmother. Being a minor there were still policies and regulations about me being off on my own without supervision but having Eggie around wasn’t a nuisance anymore. Not after everything we had fought over the last year. I saw her (technically ‘it’, being a robot, but disguised as a nearly perfect Mrs. Doubtfire) as one of my closest allies, if not an actual grandmother.

“Well, Kitt’n,” Eggie asked as she walked alongside of me carrying her typical oversized purse and dressed as a… what did she call it… a woman’s footballer. Over-the-knee, long striped yellow and burgundy socks, bulky shorts, and a thick sweater with a collar that could have doubled as a neck-brace. “How does it feel to be on your first unsupervised mission?”

I shrugged, playing coy and dismissive about the excitement bubbling inside of me. “It’s alright, I guess. I’ll miss working with some of the others, I think, but I’m sure they have their own exciting tasks to attend to. I’m determined to make Director Nova proud, though.”

“I’m sure you will dearie,” Eggie said. “Have you spotted anything unusual yet?” “No,” I replied as I surveyed the mass of costumed children walking alongside their parents or in small groups scattered on both sides of the street. Everything seemed as normal as a typical Halloween should be. Lots of laughter, a few pretend screams or overly dramatic shouts as people disguised as popular monsters or spooks attempted to jump-scare the visitors to their doorsteps, and repeated parental chides of ‘Get out of there! No eating candy until we get home!’

“Relying on psychics for tips seems slightly foolhardy. They are like weatherpeople,” Eggie said as she bent down to pull up one of her socks that had fallen below her knee. “Eventually, they will call for rain on the right day at the right time.”

Knowing several precogs in my time with BADGE, I knew some were more reliable that others. I missed working with Astra and Futurina, two of the best in the business. I wish I knew where they had disappeared to. Same with Miss Fae. She had become nearly unreachable of late, but then so had I. My parents insisted I take some time off from being a hero, believing I was getting burned out on juggling so much between my schoolwork and heroics. “I think that since Halloween is such an occult, paranormal kinda holiday, the psychics are more apt to be on point.”

We wandered further down the street as I went door to door, collecting candy while making sure nothing strange was happening. I had disguised myself as a miniature Maleficent, from the second movie, and sauntered up to each benevolent home as if I owned it. Full sized candy bars earned a full display of my majestic wings. I don’t think many of the adults at the door ever considered I might be a superhero in disguise. They ‘ohh’ed and ‘ahh’ed to my face, but I could hear them behind me commenting on the fact my parents made far too much money for me to be coming to their door.

I did have to wonder how many heroes out tonight were heroes or children of heroes? I hoped to see baby Gem out trick or treating one day. That would be fun, if Miss Fae ever let me babysit for her, not that her kid would need watching. Gem probably would have the same logical mindset as her mother.

Eggie and I worked our way through the densest portion of the street with homes and began to approach one of the many parks in New Amsterdam. The decorations around one of the parks pavilions blew my mind as it came into view. Someone cashed out their entire bank account to be able to afford all the spectacular displays. An enormous 30 ft. tall Frankenstein monster. Drones shaped as bats circling the building from above. Dozens of zombie statues marching toward a door with a sign over the door saying “MENSA Meeting Inside”. The song Thriller 2999 played on loudspeakers and thousands of tiny lights recreated horror film scenes on a blank wall to the sound of the music.

I had to go in. This place would give away the best candy. I was sure of it. A line over twenty people long already had formed that led into the building. People could be in trouble inside.

“Well, isn’t this just the bee’s knees,” Eggie said. “Look at that wee one in the duck costume. How cute.”

My heart stopped for a moment as my mind flashed back to last year. A giant space duck had come to Earth the previous Halloween and I ended up fighting it one-on-one. I could still feel its beak tearing into the marshmallow peep body I changed into in order to fight it. Ever since, I’d had a fear of ducks, even though I never spoke of it to anyone. A hero should never show fear, right?

“Are you ok, dearie?” Eggie asked.

I shook my head, pushing the memories of that huge yellow bill out of my mind. “Yeah. I’m good. I’m going in.”

“Should I come in with you?” she asked as she adjusted her goalie mask. “Put me in coach, if you need me.”

“No, but something does seem odd to me,” I said as I continued to watch the people coming in and out of the pavilion. “It seems to me that more people are going into the building than are coming out. There might be a party going on inside that people are hanging out at. I need eyes out here in case I’m wrong.” “Maybe it’s bigger on the inside,” Eggie said coolly.

“Your British is showing,” I replied, rolling my eyes and my r’s while I headed toward the line. “I’ll be back after I’ve checked it out.”

With that, Eggie remained outside as I got into line, keeping a few people between myself and the kid in the duck costume. After roughly fifteen minutes, I made my way up to the entrance and was met by a mysterious figure in black. Their only defining feature was an oversized pair of hooker-red lips and white teeth. Against the dark background and being dressed in black clothing, the figure could have passed for a mouth floating midair without a body.

“My, aren’t we a sweet little one,” the mouth said as the person bearing it bent down to eye level with me. A pink tongue swept over the teeth inside the perverse smile. “I can practically taste you already.”

I gave her my best Maleficent face. You know, hard, unimpressed eyes, crossed arms, and pursed lips. “I bite back, so unless you wish to be a bloody lip, you’ll shut up and leave me alone.”

The person in the bodysuit jumped back, failing their will save against my intimidation check. “Wow. Head on in, kid. Stick to the left.”

The door had been covered by torn pieces of black vinyl which hung down to create a curtain. The greeter pulled a couple dangling strips away so I could enter. They might have just been trying to play a spooky character, but my nerves were afire the closer I came to entering the building. It was as if the eyes of the entire world were pressing in on me. There was something definitely odd going on inside.

Maybe I should call for backup…

That’s what I should have been thinking. Instead, I walked in alone, ready to handle whatever came next.

To be continued...

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The Mountain Before You

By: 25104

Well, League Wars is over. Some are elated with celebration. Others crushed with defeat. Sometimes, it can be a daunting task looking at other players and teams and seeing the mountain that lays between you and victory. Maybe they spend more money. Maybe they spend more time playing. Maybe any number of things. And one might ask themselves, what is the point? I can't beat this daunting opponent before me. But that's not true. While it is true I spend more than many, the truth is, at the level I play at, among the likes of Avengers, Villains Inc., OG WMD, and Chaos Theory, I'm the budget toon. But I still find success through a combination of smaller quantities of money, time spent playing, and time spent studying and contemplating all aspects of the game. Players like Javee/Stinkfist have proven one can be successful and a champion with no money at all. I recently built a toon in under 3 months for less than $1k (much of which was spent on HQs and teammates) that holds its own against 4 year old toons with $5k+ invested in them. A lot of folks will tell you these mountains can't be climbed. I'm telling you they can. The difference between them and guys like Javee or myself is they say it can't be done, while we say watch us make it happen. That, an openess to study and learn, and an attention for detail are really all it takes.

Back in my 20s, I used to play table top miniatures war games. I was well known in Texas because I traveled all over it looking for an opponent that could beat me. I was a world champion later, so it was a tough search. I went into a venue to compete and most knew who I was, except this one older guy in a wheelchair missing a foot. Everyone told him before our match I was unbeatable. Before our match, he watched me wipe out every opponent within minutes of starting each hour long round. It would have been easy for him to give up faced against a giant that was on his way to becoming a world champ. But that's not what happened. Instead, he used equipment in his army no one had ever used effectively in my presence before. I smirked at his army, confident in my assured victory. He quietly, and humbly played his army against mine. We went the whole hour. When the points were counted up, even though I had killed more troops, he killed more points. He won. It was the best battle of my entire career in the game, and I lost to some guy no one knew who couldn't afford to travel to compete in state, national, or world championships. Just some regular poor Joe, missing a foot and in a wheelchair, against all odds, took out someone who was soon to be crowned the best in the world.

There's a now famous painting called "Checkmate". It shows a man playing chess against the devil. He is clearly distraught because he is about to lose. During a showing of this painting, a chess world champion took interest in the painting and stated either the painting needs to be redone, or else the name changed, because, as far as the world champion chess player was concerned, the man had 1 more move that would instead give him victory.

Sometimes,....... OFTEN, the devil is in the details. Victory is found in looking closely and seeing what others don't. A lot of my victories in games or life didn't come because I was better. They came because I was dedicated. Because I was willing to study harder and learn, really explore possibilities. And when it came time to compete, perhaps my tools weren't as expensive as my competition's, but I had more of them. So when you look at that mountain, and you can't see victory, keep looking. Keep looking for what everyone else isn't seeing.

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LWS SCARDY CATS: ROUND 3 HIGHLIGHTS

BY: Todd Goode id#12205

Hello all you ghastly goblins and ghosties. it's your gruesome twosome back for round 3 of the LWS SCARDY CATS spooktacular. I'm Scarry Harry back with my psychotic sidekick, Pooky. I hope everyone has had a frighteningly ghoul time during this league wars.

Pooky! What in the fool moon kind of get up are you wearing tonight? You look like one of them movie rejects from that 70's movie Saturday Night Dance Fever. I swear, you get more ridiculous each Halloween. You should probably put down, .... again.

Whatever Harry. Hey Harry, you know what kind of monster likes to disco. Let me sing it to ya, "I like the nightlife ... I like to boogie on the disco 'round" .... It's me Harry, I'm the Boogieman. That's right talking head, I'm the Boogieman and you can be the disco ball. Hehehe, I really slay me.

Easy there, killer. You know what a ghoul's favorite drink is Pooky? Its boos, lots and lots of boos, which I'm gonna need after seeing whatever it is you just did there. Maybe we should get to the highlights of the final round.

Okay, corn ball. You take the lead, but before we do, let's thank everyone for their hard work. Thanks for putting this haunted shindig together and thanks to all the teams that participated. Thank you everyone. Now on with the highlights.

In division 1 we see the two top teams going for the gold. Chaos Theory vs WMD.

What is chaos theory Harry? Well, Pooky, the proper definition is the branch of mathematics that deals with complex systems whose behavior is highly sensitive to slight changes in conditions, so that small alterations can give rise to strikingly great consequences but if you ask me. it's a group of volatile loose cannons that came together to take gold in division 1 with massive destruction.

Thanks Harry, for that horrific and unbearably huge bowl of word salad. You could have just said, Chaos Theory takes the gold from WMD, 96-60.

My bad Pooky. I am a talking head after all. Anyway, in division 3, those sorcerous Angels got their wings cut by Colony 5¹, 76-8.

In division 4, The Creatures of the Night get beaten and locked up in the dungeons of Fortress of Solitude for their loss. 126-37.

Hey! and Harry, in division 7, the Avengers 5¹ Walking Dead were victorious over the VI Marauders, 100-89. They made a bloody good meal for those Walking Dead. mmmmm .... brains .... goood. Also in division 7, Bowtie Karaoke and The Star Force who were tied earlier in the round but concluded with The Star Force cutting bowties for the victory, 70-57. Stay tuned for that new program, "Karaoke in Space" following the closing of LWS SCARDY CATS.

Don't forget the other last battle in division 7, Pooky. The W.A.R.E.H.O.U.S.E. shelve the SOB Society of Members of Dismembers with their own butcher's hooks. SOB just hangs around after that loss, 77-75.

That's right Harry can't forget them. I gotta say Harry, I think, overall, division 7 put on the best show of round 3. Congratulations to those guys for giving us a terribly horrific bloody good round.

Yes Pooky, it was a wicked round of mayhem unlike division 13. The battle between the 7 Musketeers and The Devious Dozen had their fighters forget to show up for round 3 causing another needless tie. I think they must have been abducted by Shadow Aliens or maybe the Grim Reaper came to sow and got em all. Who knows.

Well folks, that's a mummy wrap for LWS SCARDY CATS. Again, thanks everyone for their hard work. Thanks for putting this haunted shindig together and thanks to all the teams that participated. Thank you everyone, you were all horribly terrific which is way better than terrifically horrible. This has been Scary Harry and Pooky reporting. We'll be lurking around for some Trick or Treating. Trick or Treating starts on the 29th at 6pm spooky time.

...... I hope they got the good stuff this year. All I got last year was two potatoes and a ring Precious.

Shut up Pooky!!!! Hahahaha

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Reporting Live from League Wars 15 this is your favorite Reporter Stella Virgin.

Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat, look and see, was the taunt that went out before the start of this seasons League War began, the response was Epic! Seventy-Six leagues fought in a display of bravery and competitiveness over a thirteen division battlefield. Hear are some of the outcomes of the event.

In Division 1 Chaos Rules and Wins the Gold. . .

Will anyone ever be able to bring order to this division again? Anything might go but Chaos rules over both the Orderly and the Freak’s without check.

In Division 2 crime is out of control as villains have incorporated to go 3 and 0, whipping anyone who challenges them. Not even brutes can withstand these Evil villains!

In Division 3 we witnessed some closer matches as Guardians and Angels alike took on Area 51s Colony, but when penguins cross the ice S*** gets real!

Division 4 had its moments, we saw some very close battles and some runaways, but at the end of the day no one could overcome the Fortress of Solitude. How long will despair reign?

Division 5 displayed some Freaky stuff. There was pooh flying and some strange foreign rituals. At one-point Kilts were pulled down, followed by a hard to watch spanking. I mean we should have trusted the omens when we all saw that Bad Moon Rising.

What can I say about Division 6. The Deck was Stacked from the beginning. Not even an STD can stop these guys.

Division 7 was strait crazy! It felt more like the wild west. Members of Dismember could not seem to break into the Warehouse no matter how hard they tried. Karaoke normally works but they needed something out of this world as they quickly learned from the Star Force team. Still no matter what anyone tried The Dead just wouldn’t stay in the ground and walked all over the competition. 51 takes their 2nd Gold of League wars 15.

Division 8 started out as another Freak Show, but when the guys from Cobra Kai came on the seen the night ended up with the Bomb Squad being called. It’s all fun and games until someone calls in a Bomb threat, then S*** gets real, quick!

Division 9 came down to two heavy hitters. The Overlords of S.O.B vs. Bomb Squad 2. It looks like the guys at Overlord just complied with the authorities and will take their grievances to court.

In Division 10 the planets and star’s aligned bringing 9 Planets back into Orbit. What repercussion will these recurring phenomena have on Division 10? I cannot wait to find out. In the meantime, No one seems to be able to stop this team from collecting belts.

Division 11 was maybe the slowest of all division fights. Legion changed their name to Los Jefes aka. “The Bosses” and won the division without breaking a sweat, thanks to their patented (what some call cheap) tactics. Still no laws were broken and once again they walked away with the belt.

Division 12 had it all. There was Fried Squid, Mystics were slayed by Angels, Political parties fell apart in Green rooms, but to top it all off some Kitty’s stumbled into the Society of Butchers young Nest of Vipers and were slayed.

Finally, Division 13 showcased Good vs. Evil. A Devilish dozen, Purgatory, Penitentiaries, and Musketeer’s. But the S.O.B crew takes their second Gold of LW 15 by tapping into an old villain from the 80’s. Team Cobra left no one standing on there way to prove that S.O.B’s first gold win in LW14 was not a fluke. These guys are getting stronger and stronger.

So, what will the future hold for League Wars? Will Exploits be fixed? Will new Leagues emerge? Will Harry ever meet Sally? One thing is for certain what ever happens we will be here, Live and on scene with the latest news.

This is Stella Virgin – “Keeping it real”

ID: 35635

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LWS SCARDY CATS: ROUND 2 HIGHLIGHTS

BY: Todd Goode id#12205

Hello all you creepy crawlies. Welcome back to round 2 of LWS SCARDY CATS. I'm Scary Harry here with my weirdly dressed sidekick, Pooky.

Pooky! What in the whole wide underworld of sports are you wearing? You look like you're getting ready to fight your way out of a wet paper bag.

Call me, Jukey Pooky, you bowling ball with teeth. These is my fighting duds. I'm putting on an exhibition fight tonight during intermissions.

Okay there Jukey Pooky, don't get your bones crossed. Go on ahead and show off that knuckle only sammich you got. I gotta warn you though, Nova brought his rottweilers again and you know how much they like chewing on old bones.

Quite right there motormouth. I think I'll just stay up here with you where its safe and do the round 2 highlights with you. Them devilish hounds already got a couple of ribs from the last Halloween league wars. Speaking of highlights, maybe we should get started Harry.

We had a lot of great battles in round 2 Pooky. We even had two battles end in a tie and one of those battles has gone into double overtime. Division 11's Comfort Zone and Bomb X Squad mini were tied 0-0 at the end of regulation play to trigger overtime. Bomb X Squad mini broke that tie within mere minutes with a volley of their mini bomb grenades. Who likes fighting the full 32 hours anyway?

I can answer that ball head. That would be the division 9 teams of Lothlorien and Hellsgate who were tied 86-86 at the end of regulation time and still remain tied at 86-86 eight hours later. We'll find out who won that one next Halloween.

Still great fights though, Pooky. I'd give em all 2 thumbs up if I weren't so thumb impaired an all.

It's all good there, mush mouth, you can still just smirk em to death. Hehehe.

Shut up Pooky. We got other highlights to report on, so let us get to it. I'll start it off with division 3 Colony 51 vs The Seraphim Angels. It was still a crazy tight race in D3. There they were, locked in a tie for most of the round, the two powerhouse teams of the division staring each other down madly, like someone said something about each other's mama. Who will make the move? Who will launch the attack that sets it all ablaze?

Well, I'll tell ya. Folks, after nearly 24hours of endless taunts and stare downs, Ole Captain Bob blew Zen the kiss of death and then it happened. After a super speedy dodge to steer clear of that kiss of death, Zen started to visibly shake and honk loudly. Electricity cracked all around his penguin body and he began to change into another form.

I thought it was a myth, but it turns out the myth is true. Zen stood there in his final magnificent form. THE PENGUISHER did exist. He shot off like a missile towards his angelic foes and began to flipper whip the whole team of angels. Not once but twice, then returned to the rest of his team. He stood there all bloody and looked to the sky as the rest of his teammates steadily preened and said, we are merciful and ordered one of his students that had been watching to send them each a pebble. The Colony's lead penguin, THE PENGUISHER, takes the win 14-0.



That was well said jabber jaw.

Awwwe, thanks Pooky. Which battles did you want to highlight on this dark night.

Well, Harry, I enjoyed the battle in division 7 between the Avenger's Walking Dead and Pain Inc. They both were tied near the end at 66 wins each until Stained of Pain Inc attacked Beastmode and lost while the Newbie spanked Spanko to finish off Pain Inc. 68-66 for the victory.

I also very much enjoyed watching the Ateam battle the MacGregors to 58-46 victory in division 8, the team of Purgatory Penitentiary in division 13 lock up the Devious Dozen 47-42 and throw away the key. More great fight in those two battles than I could point a boney finger at Harry.

Those were some fine highlights Pooky and that will about wrap it for all the highlights in round 2 of LWS SCARDY CAT. Congrats to the victorious. Prepare for round 3 folks. It's gonna be scary. ooooooh. Me and Pooky gonna go find us someone to bite.

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Fan Fiction Contest Quacktober Halloween Duck Origin story

11184 ID

♆SOB♆VforVendetta TrampmasterTheBastard

Bellowing Expert below the baileys boob town comes corner conisuer trap- artist formally and circus escape tramp, safe cracker, and master thief, expert Crossbow Archer, knife sword swollower and stabber infamous employee and underground gang tramp corom Vagabonds with criminal Enterprise blood and business and are Vanacious Vanacery of V for Vendetta Story begins . . .

Third eye anonymous mental powers riding ancient ruins tests of worthy tramps

Have you ever jumped from one building over another building check it out hold my beer...

Upon the drunken airship we sails the sloppy Seas . . . . Your favorite pizza man Gotta keep it moving before you get cut

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BEST FIGHTS OF LWS SCARDY CATS: ROUND 1

BY: Todd Goode id#12205

Welcome guys and ghouls to round 1 of LWS SCARDY CAT. Scary Harry here, reporting on some of the killer action with my sidekick Pooky.

How are you tonight Pooky? You old bag of bones.

I'm doing good you ole talking head. Are you ready for that game of kickball?

Heck No! Last time I got a bloody nose and can't right now anyways. We gotta talk about round. what did you think about it Pooky?

Well Harry, it was pretty scary. See what I did there? The usual teams did their thing and slaughtered dang near everyone. I'm looking forward to some fresh meat in future league wars since the new guy took over and has been making some big changes. I wish I knew his name, but I can say this he was Just in here a minute ago. He had to leave. A couple of zombies had to be taken out and he is having their car towed. Butt enough about that. Let's get to the reporting. Who were your top battles in round 1 Harry?

Yeah, I saw the new guy. He had one long arm and another the same length with two real short legs. Good looking fellow. Welcome abroad. I mean Welcome aboard. Dang talk to text is acting up again.

Well, Pooky. I really enjoy a close battle. The kind that has you on the edge of your seat where you could almost role off. Them is the good ones.

I'd say division 4 had two of the best battles. Fortress of Solitude gathered the bounty on The Outlaws Inc. in a close battle. The Outlaws were arrested 67-64. The Creatures of the Night couldn't be hunted down by the SOB Hunter/killer crew as they lose 90-77.

Yep, those were two great battles Harry. I really enjoyed the battle in division 5. Bad Moon Rising just eclipsed Tygger's Freak Show, 78-61. Beware the wolves in the night.

I agree Pooky. I was howling at the moon after that battle but for my last great fight of round 1, I chose Division 8. The Freaks of Nature butchered the guys from SOB Meatlocker. and leave them with a broken freezer of meat, 91-85.

That about wraps it up like a mummy for round 1 guys and ghouls. Take some rest and get ready for round 2. It's going to be a bloodbath. This has been Scary Harry with Pooky, reporting. we'll be lurking forward to round 2 battles.

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Monster Mash Costume party Invite: 22 Oct 22

This Oct 22st 2022 you are invited to attend a live league event. Simply Cos-Play the season with your Hero or Heroine in game for League Wars: Scaredy Cats. No it wont effect your odds to win in a contest of might, but hey why not fight it out in style! Show up the competition while whooping some butt.

The Party starts at 12 Midnight - Bar open till 2am

Special Guest: ♆SOB♆ - (Live)

By - ID: 11122

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Pre-League Wars: Scaredy Cats - Taunt

Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat, look and see, all the little Scaredy Cat’s meowing at thee. They pamper and scamper and lick their wounds, afraid of the whipping that will soon consume. Red or Yellow, Black or White, they will all scream in fright as my sons and daughters true, tare and hack at the likes of you.

Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat, look and see, a Society of Butchers comes for thee. Enter into the fight or scamper into the night, what will it be? Or is thy League Scared indeed? We await you once more, hear at the door. Time will tell what fait has in store!

Scaredy Cat, Scaredy Cat, look and see, only the brave will win indeed.



by: ID: 12362

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Fanfiction origin story and Hero rising, Universe, Quacktober: Joan of Arc

ID: 35981

“You are being sent back to earth, “said Michael. They need you they need hero like you to fight for what’s right and no matter the obstacle you are were inspiration to many in your previous life I hope you be one now they need heroes like you more than ever.” I will with best of my ability.” I know you will I always admired your bravery you are being sent to the New York there has been some numerous accounts of missing children, I want you to find out what’s going on and if you possible find the children and bring them home.” “Here is a new sword, shield, bow and arrow and brand new carefully crafted set of armor crafted by the Infamous Elloy.” “Thank you I will find the poor children and bring them home,” and with that I was transported to the city. The city was huge and vast and tall buildings dominated skyline. People have sure come a long way since was last time I was on earth most people were living small cottages and stone castle, amazing. Just then a little girl comes running up to me.” Hey oh my gosh you’re the Joan my Grandfather Pierre told me stories of you, you so strong when I grow up, I want to just like you.” My name Michelle asked by father to meet you here, He is police the commissioner at 1pp.” “We can take ride Taxi there.” “What is a taxi.” A Taxi is car… I mean a machine you pay the driver to drive you around to where you need to go.” I guess I have a lot has changed no more horse drawn carriages.” Not much anymore except Central Park and there are the mounted Police that patrol Central Park.” “Taxi!” yelled Michelle soon yellow car pulled up. “Where to said the driver.” 1PP.” “Ok get in.” “If you don’t mind asking, are you going to a renaissance fair your dressed in armor why?” “No kind sir I’ve given task in searching for the missing children.” “Okay then one them superheroes that have been appear all over then; I see.” “I’m glad just other day few of children downstreet from my apartment went missing.” “We are here.” “We got out Michelle here is 20 for the fare.” No no its on me the not every day get meet a superhero and drive them, I didn’t get name miss.” “Its Joan sir.” My name Jean nice meet you wait as in St Joan of arc the nuns at Sunday school when I was boy told me stories of you it is really been a pleasure, here’s my phone number, call me if you ever need a ride again.” Handing it to Michelle. “My dad’s office on the top floor.” Walked through the door.” “Over here Joan, here is the elevator.” I walked over Michelle pushed a bump on the wall it lit up then to two sliding doors opened. I stepped in tiny room. “What is an elevator?” I asked. “It is a much quicker way of going up a building without using stairs,” said Michelle. “Fourteenth floor” said Michelle as she pressed a bump on the wall. Suddenly room started vibrating and I felt like I was being lifted upward. “This is fascinating what’s next you gonna tell me people fly now,” I said. “Michelle giggled,” well there is airplanes.” I was amazed and dumbfounded by all the changes. “He we are,” Michelle said, as the door slid open. Just down this hall.” We arrived a door that said Commissioner, Jamie Reagan. Michelle opened the door. “Dad!” she yelled. I found her like you asked!” As she ran around the desk and leaped into her dad’s arms.

“You did thank you my love.’ “Here is a dollar go get treat and hangout and Uncle Danny’s office till mom comes to pick you up ok.” “Okay thank you,” she said as she took the dollar and darted out of the room. “Now down to business, I take it your Joan I was told in dream by Michael you would be coming help us.” My name Jamie Reagan imy head of police in this city.” “We need all the help we can get, kids all over the city are going missing and I’ve had every cop looking and searching for traces and clues and nothing has turned up.” Where was last kidnapping, “I asked. “The last one in a in Harlem, “A boy… let’s see here named Matthew Smith.” “Ill start there, “I said. “Okay give me minute I’m gonna call my brother see if my wife picked up Michelle yet.” Hello did Eddie pick up Michelle, yes, ok thank you can come up Joan is here.” “I told numerous times don’t call me that I’m your boss now” He put a little device down. “He will be right up.” “What is that I asked.” Its a cellphone you use it talk to people.” “Wow she has got a lot to learn said man in the doorway.” Don’t even know what a cell phone how she supposed help us and what’s with the knight outfit, have entered an episode of Game of Thrones.” That’s enough Danny we need all help we get you yet to find any leads.” Okay then I guess will head over Harlem where last kidnapping was.” Okay Follow me.” We walked out building to a parked in front of building.” Get in put the seat belt on here’s how you do it got buckle it’s the law.” He said as demonstrated. Will do quick stop at hot dog vendor at the corner been I’ve been busy with this big case haven’t eaten much.” Okay here we are let’s get out.” We walked over to a little what looked like a wagon a guy was handing out food.” “You want one,” he said. “No thank you.” I said. Just then felt saw big flash of blinding light then everything went quiet and froze. “Joan, I found you.” I looked over it was Archangel Gabriel l with his horn at waste as always. “Sorry to interrupt had speak with you and couldn’t have people listening in they can’t see me or hear me so, I didn’t want them to think you’re crazy, talking to yourself.” Father tasked me with sending to another dimension help you with knowledge barrier you have from being so gone it help with your mission if you knew more about world as it is now.” A lot has changed,” I said. “Yes, it has you have no idea for better and unfortunately the worst.” “Let us be off and with that we left. “We are here, “said Gabriel. “This land is called hero rising, you must find your way to The Master Librarian.” “He will help you and give you knowledge you need to better Earth and what’s going on a lot quicker than people teaching you.” “Like sang goes knowledge is power” Michael is here training he may be able to point you right direction you, “You will find him a Bar Called Free City, just up the street I do the believe.” “Okay thank you.” I started walking down street and came to a lit-up sign that said Free City. “I went inside and saw there was Michael hovering over a green table poking a stick what looked like colored balls. “Oh, hey Joan just about done.” “Long time no see.” What you mean I only saw you hours ago.” “Time is slower here, in fact when you leave no time will have past since you left.” Wow that’s crazy hard wrap my head around.” “What brings you here Joan training.” No actually I am supposed to find someone called the Master Librarian.” “Why need find him.” “He supposed help me learn all things that happened after my death on earth, to help me better understand the current world.” He lives at top of the Golden tower at center of town you can’t miss it, I’ll take you there.”” Hey see you later Mystic and Zumbaman you owe me some Bux when I get back for beating you.” “Tell the owner when get back from his errand will have that drink.” “See you Michael,” said Mystic. “Ill pay you when get back you pool shark,” Zumbaman chuckled. We headed out door. You probably wondering why I was there in this world you join league and you fight grow together and grow in strength.” “Can I Join I said I could use some training I’m a little rusty.” I’m sure the leader will let you join he is good guy.” We are almost there just up the front steps here.” I walked to in door to what looked like elevator. Michael pushed bump on the wall and we got inside and rode to the top. “Here we are,” said Michael. I walked two big golden doors and before me a vast library. Over here is his office.” I walked in room it was cluttered with books and old artifacts. There stood very old man “You must be Joan I’ve been expecting you.” “You have?” I asked. “I’m the master Librarian and all knowing.” “No more like Gabe stopped by and told you, “Chuckled Michael. “I got back you good Joan?” “Yes.” The old man came up to me and spoke. “You’re here for the apple of knowledge” One big problem I can’t find it.” Where did you see it last.” I said. “I had at my enchanting table I was casting illusion spell on it and turned it to a duck statue so no one would steal it.” Darn it I’m so forgetful I’ve been trying for longest time to organize my library.” Trace your last steps could you misplaced it.” “No, wait you might be on to something not misplaced mislabeled, its in aviary section” He darted out of the room I raced after him man that old man sure could run. “Here we are,” he said out of breath. “Here you are,” as he waved hand and changed back into an apple. “Hold it and you will learn everything you need know.” I held in hand soon rush knowledge flew into my head. I felt like my head was going explode. My head spinning. Suddenly everything settled down. “Man, that was intense.” It can be said the Librarian. Thank you this make things a lot easier.” “I got get back.” He said. With a wave of his hand doorway appeared he opened it.” This will take you back to earth he said.” I stepped through doorway. To be Continued…….

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#GEARTALK: The LWs gear, opinion piece by Trace Evans

The LWs gear. What do you all think?

Personally, I think it's definitely a step in the right direction. It is definitely one of the best LWs prizes yet, imo, and I can certainly find good use for it. It looks to have strong defense capability, and will make a good piece for both defensive suits and offensive ones. That gives it broad appeal. Furthermore, it is nearly equally effective against all foes, with an extra bit more for those using auras. While I think this is a fantastic piece worthy of the 0.5% Shuffle value, a lot of folks seem to think epic gear needs 4 stats. I disagree, but a good number think so. It is also believed by many, that LWs prizes should be epic gear. I do agree with that. Now, while this is definitely a great piece, I have to agree, 1 more stat would make it epic. Unfortunately, the piece already has such good stats that I don't think an added stat should be too strong. Stats I think could tip this over the edge might be 1 of the following:

Stun + 5
Stun Resist + 10
Life + 50
Life + 8%
Antivenom + 10 (disrupt poison)

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Quacktober FAN-FICTION CONTEST ST Michael story Continued ....

ST Michael ID 14267

“All done with the sword and your armor don’t lose your sword this time okay it’s one of kind forged special and specially tempered for you; it is little heavier than last one so keep that in mind when you swing.” “Thank you, Eloy, fine craftmanship as always.” Michael, Gabriel stopped by he said that you are to meet Your Elder brother Azrael in Mexico City to receive further instructions for your mission.” Azrael, I thought to myself he always scared me his gloomy demeanor and appearance and his ferocity brutally in battle was unmatched. He was one sent as last resort when a problem had to be taken care of. Yet he had unexplainable since of peace he gave you when you were around him. As I approached the border to Mexico, I saw people all over streets with decorations and candles and people starting gather in cemeteries. Wait that means it’s almost Día de las Brujas, oh great that’s not good that’s when the spiritual plane vale is its thinnest and the humans our more vulnerable to demon attacks. Ill have be on my guard. I flew to steeple of a Cathedral where he was supposed to be. Where is he should be here. You’re late a Soft,” voice said from behind. “Yikes scared me I nearly fell.” I tend have to have that first impression on the living,” chuckled Azrael. “Now down to what matters,” I’m afraid your current mission will need to be delayed there is an urgent matter.” Just then a huge flock of what appeared to be ducks diving down toward the people gathering in graveyard. “What heck is going on?” The ducks are possessed by minor imps they have taken a liking to terrorizing the people gathering celebrate the passed.” “They are weak don’t put much a fight and struggle to maintain control just about every other word they say is quack.” They our becoming a nuisance though. “Well let’s take care of them,” I said. “Do lets, as he materialized his massive scythe. The thing about his scythe live to tell is that his scythe as invisible blade extended outward from the visible blade which would deceive an unlucky foe if thought they dodge and fine themselves cut into. I drew my sword they were everywhere. “We were QUACK a little QUACK fun!!” “Begone you wretch!” They Started dive bombing and pecking at everyone in sight.” That is a ENOUGH,” yelled Azrael as he swung his Scythe killing over half the flock. “You could have taken care of them on yourself.” No couldn’t they have been attacking everywhere. Just then I heard a loud,” QUACK will be back you little QUACK mark my words QUACK!” “Hurry we need to follow them to find out where they are coming from!” We flew out of the city to a mountain. “Where did they go.” “They went into that cave opening over there. I dove down.” Wait yelled Azrael!” I paused, “why they are right in there we can end this now.” “No that is unwise we will would be fighting on their turf.”” How are we going take care this?” Let’s camp here and take time to come up with a plan, besides it is getting dark.” Just then a torch was descending from the sky it was Uriel. “How goes it my twin,” said Azrael. They did look same but Uriel had more inviting aura he gave off. “Gabriel said you might need a hand.” “Okay,” I Said, “what’s that torch going do anyway they still out number us.” Uriel chuckled not just torch that lights way it shows the truth and will expel the demons from the ducks.” “Have your weapons at the ready make sure there isn’t any stragglers that get away.” I drew my sword. Let’s finish this I yelled!” Uriel aimed his torch in the cave entrance, it lit up the whole cave. I heard loud screams coming from inside,” IT BURNS QUACK QUACK BURNS!” Soon after droves of ducks flew out of the cave. “Here they come! “Yelled Azrael. Soon a swarms of imps came crawling out. I started swinging and jabbing my sword downward.” “Let none escape!” yelled Uriel. As he lifted his torch upward the flame grew big then he swiftly dropped down engulfing the rest in flame. “It is finished.” said Azrael “Thank you both for the help.” “No problem,” said Uriel,” I got head back I’m needed elsewhere.” “Thank you, Michael you were great help as always, I apologize I have appointment I must keep Ill meet you at the same place enjoy festivities stay out of trouble.” Will do,” I said. “Being the angel of death hard work never ends.” And with that he flew off.

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Justin Time!!!! A New Hope!!!!

Player ID: 25104

Well, a chapter in the story of HR has ended and a new one has opened. And with this new chapter comes a new hope for the future of this game. If you're still here, then likely you love this game and its community as much as I do. I don't have to tell any of you the rough time it has had in the past. Often, many of us questioned why we were still here. So much so that many of us no longer are. Still, some of us have held on against reason, and even done what we could to try and keep this community alive and whole. I think I can speak for many when I say that hasn't been the least bit easy. During that time, a small light shone in the darkness. It was a hired staff member named Justin Towe.

Justin had no real power to make decisions in the game. Still, he always did his best for us, even going so far as to take notes of the things we players wanted but weren't getting. Tirelessly, he fixed our problems and the bugs and glitches in the game. He was seemingly always available too. Maybe not always, but at least as much as can be expected. He has always been there to assist and answer questions.

That said, we all fell in love with Justin in the same way we had all wanted to fall in love with the game. But we didn't fall in love with the game. We fell in love with what we hoped, wished, and knew it could be. And we held on hoping one day, despite everything we saw to the contrary, that it might be something close to what we had all hoped for, had all been promised, when this game was first launched on Kickstarter and then upon launch, but that it never became. Quite often, mumblings around the digital water coolers sounded like, "At least we got Justin." But, being a hired hand, in the big scheme of things, Justin's hands were always tied.

Cries of "Help us Justin Wan. You're our only hope!" rang through Messenger as we hoped against hope, watching as player after player, even die hards, were dying hard and abandoning ship. But those cries didn't fall on deaf ears. Somewhere, in the darkness of his notes, a plan was being hatched. Justin had heard us. He understood our angst and misery. And like a Greek hero of the digital world, he took up those cries for help and vowed to save the community he had so grown to love, OUR community! And he did so at great expense to himself. I cannot tell you how much it cost him to liberate us, but that liberation came at great cost and risk to Justin. But he did it anyway. He did it for this community he has grown to love. He did it for us.

That said, we all know we now have the champion for this game we all always wanted and this game always needed. Justin has always had our confidence, but was always chained and we knew it. Now, to all our delights, he is unchained. He bought the company! And in taking over, he has unchained us as well. It has been only 1 week and already he has hit the ground running, implementing small but valuable, long asked for improvements, with promises for more........ MUCH, MUCH more! And we all know we can trust him. Our new raid rewards structure already is a huge windfall for players that use it. The calendar of events is a simple but HUGE addition to the game when it comes to strategic planning for players. The daily updates log that tells us when and what has been added, subtracted, or altered is something I have seen in most every other game, and now here too. Little things like turning avatars around when they fight so they face each other. Even adding smaller deal packages like $25 and $50 deals for more budgeted players.

But here's the thing. Remember when I said Justin took a big financial risk on our behalf? He did that because he thinks we're worth it. I don't know about you, but I think he's worth it too. And if you feel like I do, then we need to come together as a community and take that very scary risk Justin made on our behalfs, and make it something very rewarding for him and us both. We all need to be getting out there and telling our old friends from SHC or that left HR to return and why. We need to start recruiting players from our other games. Those of us that used to spend a lot need to start getting familiar with pulling out our wallets again. With the new cheaper price tiers for mp, free and budgeted players might want to consider getting together $25 and $50 buy groups to take their games to the next level. Anything and everything each one of us can do to tell Justin "Thank you!" for taking that risk and believing in us, we should do. And I'm not talking about words. I'm talking about active efforts to grow and develop the game again. I know it's certainly nice to have Ben Roberts back in full action again, making avatar gear like no one else. You can expect the Mayor and I to be making promo and special occasion vids for the game, as well as potentially a promo digi-comic. There's lots of ways to help, with our wallets, our word of mouth, our talents and efforts. You name it. I don't know about you, but I'm the kind of excited about the future of this game again like I was when this game first launched. I certainly hope you are, because I'm asking you, let's help Justin help us, by doing everything we can to make this game all the great things we always believed it could be.

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Heroes Rising Fiction: This is Halloween...time to scream

 

Director Nova stepped out of his office with a computer tablet in his hand. He walked down to the front of the Operations Center while still reading. There was an abrupt stop just before he ran into Justin.

"Sir? You seem distracted?" Agent Justin asked.

Nova looked up, blinking a few times. "Sorry, just checking on reports from our listening posts around the planet."

Justin looked up at the screen, which displayed the daily reports from the heroes about their activity. "Everything seems normal. Bank robberies, attempt assassinations, purse snatching, pretty basic stuff. Is there a global threat I should be worried about?"

Nova paused and looked at the screen as well. "Not yet."

"What are you expecting?"

With a shaking of his head, Nova said, "Halloween is just weeks away and so far there hasn't been any sign of activity from our friend the Spirit of Halloween."

"Maybe he's not going to cause mischief this year?" Justin said.

Nova laughed, "doubtful. Besides...wait, was there a shipment today?" Nova noticed one of the robots working at the docking controls.

Justin turned and said, "yeah, something was just delivered. I sent Gar to help out. Seems EB had something sent to the station."

Nova frowned, "he shipped something to the station? What?"

"Not sure. I thought you'd know about it. Since EB is involved, I wasn't too worried."

"EB did not tell me about this and he tells me everything. This could only be trouble." Nova shoved the tablet into Justin's arms and stormed out of the Operations center.

After a short ride down the lift to the main level, Nova stepped out and beheld a strange sight. The floor of the wide Mess Hall was covered side to side with pumpkins. Gar had a box of them in his arms that he was bringing down the corridor.

"Gar! What the hell is all this?" Nova barked.

Gar stopped with that massive box of pumpkins still on his shoulder. "EB's delivery. Look at all these pumpkins." Gar was amused by this.

Nova was not amused. "EB!!!" he stormed through the pumpkin patch that had replaced the mess hall.

EB strolled among his pumpkins with a small case in his paws. "three hundred and fifty three, three hundred and fifty four, three hundred and YIKES!" He was unceremoniously yanked up by his ears.

Nova held the bunny in front of his face. "What are you doing with all these pumpkins ON MY STATION!!"

EB grinned, "oh, you spoiled the surprise. I was hoping to have some of them ready before you saw them. I know it isn't like decorating an egg, but carving a pumpkin is not difficult. I mean, except for those really big, fat ones that are like lumpy and uuuuugly. But, those are not what I want to use. Did you know that I once tried to make an egg that big and mass produce...OW!" he was then dropped.

Nova pinched the bridge of his nose. "What are you rambling about? Does this have ANYTHING to do with the Spirit of Halloween?"

"How'd ya guess?" EB pouted. "I wanted this to be a big ole surprise for that stupid spirit thingy. That's why I'm doing this up here and not on the planet. That dumb, stink-head would sense this a mile away. But, not way up in space."

While Nova's one good eye twitched he calmly asked, "What are you doing?"

"What's it look like! I'm gonna carve a bunch of pumpkins! Only, I'm gonna make em better than stupid old scary faces. I'm gonna make them nice and sweet, and filled with the bestest chocolates ever."

Nova retained that calm, though his face was turning a new shade of red. "Why?"

EB opened the small box and pulled out a knife. He stabbed it into the side of one of the pumpkins as he explained. "You know, that stupid Spirit of Halloween got in my head once before. Well, I'm gonna repay him. I'm gonna make his dumb old holiday better by doing what I do best. I'm gonna carve these, fill em with candy, and then hide them. It'll be like Easter, which we all know is WAAAY better than some stupid..." he stabbed the pumpkin harder, "ugly," he ripped the knife around, carving the pumpkin, "dumb," he yanked out a paw-full of seeds and glop, "costume holiday."

Nova wanted to say something, but knew better than to speak. His words wouldn't be at a decent volume, and he would probably use language that was technically forbidden while on the station. Then he saw it, looking up from the working bunny, he realized that the floor of the mess hall was only the beginning. He could see into the arboretum. Every last inch of space was covered in pumpkins. The hallways leading away from this room was filled, and there were boxes to be unloaded still stacked near the lift.

"Just how many pumpkins did you order?" Nova said, through clenched teeth.

EB took a step around a heafty pumpkin, putting it between him and Nova. "Uh...well...you see...I just order...um...one hundred and fifty thousand..."

"ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND!!!"

"To start." EB whispered.

"TO START! HOW MANY MORE DO YOU NEED?"

EB stated, as though anyone should have guessed this, "I need a lot if I'm gonna hide them all over the world. Duh! Do you have any idea how many eggs I hide each year? Don't worry, I used the BADGE credit card with the best interest and frequent flier miles to pay for them."

Nova grabbed up EB by the ears again and had him close to his face. He couldn't speak words, just glare at the bunny. His face was red, his breath cut sharp through his clenched teeth, and he appeared ready to murder.

Just then Gar said, "EB! There is a problem."

Nova turned and screamed, "WHAT NOW!?"

Gar held a pumpkin that already had a carved face. "This was in the last box."

EB said, "hey, I didn't order any that were already carved, I will call them..."

Nova growled, "you will call them and return ALL OF THESE BEFORE...."

A low, rumbling laughter echoed throughout the room. The pumpkins all shook. Then, a green mist rose up like a terrible fog rolling in.

"Aw, crap." EB muttered.

The pumpkin in Gar's hand pulled free and hovered in the air. It's face became aglow with a hideous green light.

Nova, still holding EB let out a defeated sigh, "just what we don't need."

"Little bunny, this is not your domain. To your own holiday, you should remain. Your challenge, I accept. Call your heroes, my power must be met. Never before, will this have been seen. Prepare yourself to face the power of HALLOWEEN!"

Gar quickly punched the floating pumpkin, smashing it. He smiled while pumpkin bits dripped off his stone fist. However, two more rose up from the ground and faces appeared on them with that same glowing light.

Nova dropped EB, "this isn't good." He slapped his comm unit, "HEROES, GET TO THE STATION NOW!"

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QUACKTOBER FAN-FICTION CONTEST

Happy QUACKtober!

September was a busy month with the Fan-Fiction Contest. We had many entries and all have been rewarded. CONGRATULATIONS!

For the month of QUACKtober, you are invited to participate in a new fan-fiction contest. There are two categories to join; you can join either or both.

The prizes will be based on merit (quality) and are as follows:

GOLD: 5 x Strange Fiction cards

SILVER: 4 x Strange Fiction cards

BRONZE: 3 x Strange Fiction cards

Plus, everyone whose entry gets published will get the usual Sentinel rewards in addition to a bonus Strange Fiction card as participation reward.

Here are the categories (prompts):

Category One:
HALLOWEEN DUCK
You a free to write a Halloween-themed Fan-Fiction story involving your hero. There is only one condition: there is a duck character or plot element. It can be a major plot element or just a cameo appearance: it is up to you.

Category Two:
What is your origin story? How did you end up in the Heroes Rising universe?

Reminder: you may enter as many times as you wish in either or both categories, and all published entries will receive a bonus participation reward, in addition to the gold/silver/bronze prize based on merit (quality).

To enter, post your entries to the Fan-Fiction forum with the following in the title: "FAN-FICTION CONTEST QUACKTOBER" and the title of your entry. Please also add a link to your entry in the Sentinel page so that we can monitor all entries.

Yours Quackily,
SQ

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FAN-FICTION CONTEST September | Origin Story: Ability Mage

Ten years ago, a young man, recently graduated form a junior college in North Carolina in the United States, was approached by one of the more heralded superheroes of his realm. This hero, an intelligent and resourceful mind, saw the potential in the young man and took him on as an apprentice. Their friendship was strong and over several months, the young man was equipped with unique tech that enabled him to not only handle himself against enemy forces but also read and mimic the abilities used against him.

He was then known as the Ability Mage.

Life quickly grew hectic for him as he found himself at the forefront of many a battle alongside his allies in the original Legion of Superheroes. Evil foes such as Astronikus and Lucious Bloodvayne were thwarted in part thanks to the skills of Ability Mage and his friends.

One day, his mentor and friend retired from active crime fighting. It was a sad day for many, and Ability Mage for his part also took a step back, becoming more of a back-seat coordinator. Nobody knows if his choice was affected by the departure of his closest confidant or an intentional move in order to become a mentor-of-sorts to the younger heroes who joined the alliance.

The impending threat of EA-geddon led to the dissolution of the alliance as heroes took steps to escape and or seek refuge in other places. After a tearful goodbye to his closest friends, Ability Mage set off in a single spacecraft towards deep space and a star system suspected of hosting sentient life forms that would need to be warned of the universal danger. Danger struck when meteor debris struck the spacecraft, damaging the controls and slowing its speed. An energy wake from the approaching EA caused a space-time ripple, and pulled Ability Mage out of his universe.

He awoke an unknown amount of time later, lost and alone save for a robotic companion whose main function was recording and basic command functionality. He wandered for a time, health decaying and hunger ever-present, and discovered that he was on Earth - but a different one that he was used to. One that was under the infiltration of the Legion...

ID: 12339

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FAN-FICTION CONTEST September : Origin Story - Visionary

Legends of immortal spirits that inhabit human bodies are rare, but not unknown, even in the realm of Heroes Rising. The unusual case of the man named Elijah Andrew is one still in the process of deciphering.

When morphons first seeded this planet, Elijah didn't appear to show any signs of being affected. He continued his non-descript life as a barber-by-day and part-time bartender-at-night, and as havoc reigned from New Amsterdam to Bursa to Onnatangu and places in between, he kept at his roles without bother.

Three months ago, he began to have vivid dreams - of time as a masked hero, aiding friends and battling enemies. On awakening, he had full memory of the visions although nothing was familiar. Elijah was familiar with most of the known world threats such as Necromech, Aurora, ShadowFright and Unity, and had just as impressive a knowledge of the myriad of enhanced humans called to defend the planet. But nobody in his visions was familiar. Was he seeing a future Earth? Psychiatrists analysed his visions, and even BADGE paid attention - their eyes and ears were in many a place at this time and with the knowledge that the mythical Father Time was at large, were on full alert for the presence of anybody with pre-cognitive abilities.

They interviewed, they scanned, they had their own mentally-skilled agents attempt to decipher ... to little effect. While they discovered trace amounts of morphons embedded in Elijah's genetic code, the fact that he himself did not show any signs of supernatural ability was enough for BADGE to let him go. Return to normal life, or as normal as you can, they told him.

His life mildly disrupted, Elijah took solace that BADGE had financially compensated him above and beyond what he would have expected from being away from his job and responsibilities for those several weeks. He resumed his daily tasks with relief.

That period of relief lasted two days.

As many a hero origin story would go, a criminal act in one's presence seemed to have the effect of awakening latent abilities. A pair of hooded men attempted to rob the barbershop during the early morning, and just as the barrel of a gun was pointed at the eyes of Elijah, a spark, bright and brilliant, exploded in his mind and he felt an otherworldly spirit swirl within.

"Is this who I really am?" he asked himself as he disarmed his assailant with a heavy strike to the chest, before spinning and shooting (from his extended fist!) an energy beam at the second hoodlum, knocking him unconscious on sight.

He was too stunned to do anything but flop in his chair.

An hour passed, and as the 'Closed' sign rattled on the storefront, BADGE agents opened the door.

They asked, "What do you see? Were your visions of a future yet to come?"

Elijah shook his head. "No. They are of a past. But a past that nobody here knows."

[TBC]

--- Visionary

--- ID: 3597

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