West Coast Avengers #23 - "Thine own worst enemy"
Written by mikeinmke
Edited by WakandaMan

The Avengers hurried back to Eros’ small vessel, almost surprised to find that the Skrulls had apparently not discovered it yet. Sersi and Eros were standing next to one another in silent communication. Ant-Man began tending to the Wasp’s wounds, and Hawkeye and Mockingbird were in each other’s arms. It didn’t take long for Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, and the other once-imprisoned Avengers to recover after the Skrulls’ neural clamps had been deactivated.

As soon as Wonder Man regained consciousness and registered that the Avengers had been forced to leave some of their friends and allies behind, he pounded his ionically powered fist on the bulkhead of the small starship. “We have to get them out of there,” he insisted.

Captain America reassured him, “There should be no doubt that we will make every effort to rescue Wanda, T’Challa, and Greer, but I’m sure you’ll agree that we have to be more careful than ever now. Our first foray led right into the Emperor’s trap, and the Skrulls will certainly be expecting us now that you managed to rescue me and the others.”

Wonder Man nodded, recognizing Captain America’s leadership. He added, however, “I want to come along, Cap. The thought of Wanda and the others in the clutches of those…” He pounded his other fist on the bulkhead, and the vessel reverberated.

“If I may speak,” Princess Anelle said. She and Mar-Vell had embraced after the android had alit and released his mistress. “Before placing me into neural submission, the Skrull guards were unable to contain their scorn and boasted to me about Emperor Dorrek’s most recent exploits.” Ant-Man, Moon Knight, and Captain America all turned their attention to analyzing Anelle;s descriptions.

Anelle continued, “The Emperor has become fascinated with Earth, both recognizing it as a long-term danger and as a desirable conquest. Its location is, shall we say, unique.”

“This fact has been known to us for millennia,” Sersi interjected. “What are you getting at, Princess?” Sersi’s last word held a tinge of sarcasm.

“The Skrull Empire pushed the Galactic Council to set up the planetary shield around Earth and intended for the released criminals to weaken the defensive potential of your planet,” Anelle stated. “To this end, Dorrek was even willing to cooperate with the Kree, whose technology was used for the shield.” She cast a brief glance and small smile at Mar-Vell, adding, “It was during these negotiations that I learned more about the Kree honor and righteous pride.”

Hawkeye said, “We know this part about the Kree. We fought them in the Andes and destroyed the shield generator.” (See WCA # 17 & #18)

“Yes,” Anelle replied, “but you don’t know something our captors confirmed: Dorrek deems your planet ripe for invasion.” She paused to let her words sink in.

The Falcon cursed. “Those chicken-5hit5 Skrull won’t face me in a straight-up fight, and now we’re too far away from home to defend it.” Hawkeye nodded in agreement with Falcon’s derisive comment.

“According to the guards, Dorrek has been conducting horrible genetic experiments on our own people. He is putting together a special force of so-called War Skrulls, which can not only adapt their external appearance but also adopt inherent super powers. What is worse, they receive genetic imprinting so as to make them utterly subservient to Dorrek’s wishes.”

Ant-Man allowed himself to speak his thoughts aloud, “I always wondered where Kl’rt had gotten his powers, but it would be frightening to face several of his ilk.” The Wasp shuddered at the thought. Ant-Man said no more and returned his gaze to Anelle.

It was, however, Captain America, who raised his voice. “Then it’s clear what we have to do – quickly. We’ll split up into two teams. I’ll lead the team to liberate our friends, and Wonder Man, you can come with us. Instead of a stealthy team, we’ll go in full-bore with Thor, Wonder Man, Eros, Mar-Vell, and myself. The other team will have to dismantle the Emperor’s genetic experimentation and shut down that operation.”

***************

Less than an hour later, the Avengers West Coast had again entered the Skrull imperial compound. Anelle and the synthezoid led the group through small corridors and little-used access hatches.

Hawkeye whispered to Mockingbird, “You sure you’re up to this?” He had an arrow all ready to fire.

Mockingbird nodded and smiled, “You’re sweet, Clint. I’m fine. The neural shackles really only kept me unconscious,” she whispered back, adding, “It’s nice to have an android’s brain to keep this crazy compound’s layout straight.”

Soon, they were all looking down through a ceiling vent into an expansive scientific facility. Although they could see no movement below, they could hear the quiet noises of the devices and, it seemed, low voices.

The android altered his density and carefully tried to get a visual scan of the situation. He returned and said softly, “It is difficult to ascertain the complement of staff in the complex from here.” He asked Anelle, “Shall I attempt a more thorough recognizance?”

“Don’t waste your time, buddy,” Iron Man said. He reached down and easily tore a large hole in the ceiling. “We have to take this place apart anyway.” He grabbed Moon Knight and activated his bootjets, flying through the new aperture.

The Avengers had hardly hit the floor when a booming voice addressed them. “You shall prove a fitting test.” The heroes whirled to confront their challenger. Standing over seven feet tall and wielding a hammer was a Skrull warrior, grinning evilly and looking bigger and stronger than any they had seen so far.

“Hey,” Hawkeye exclaimed. “That hammer looks like…”

“Princess Anelle’s suspicions would appear to be confirmed,” the android stated. “The Emperor’s genetic manipulation seems to have been successful.”

“In the name of Emperor Dorrek and the Skrull Emperor, you shall pay for thwarting his will. I possess the best powers of you vaunted Terrans and will prove your superior. Prepare to die!”

WCAvengers
U Iron Man (M&M) 100
E Hawkeye (Ult) 60
R Ant-Man (Supernova) 48
R Moon Knight (CrMass) 18
E Mockingbird (Sinister) 27*
U Sersi (CrMass) 76
R Vision (Supernova) 65
* w/Vault feat 3
B Princess Anelle <Space Phantom> 9
==> 406 points

Skrulls!
U Super-Skrull: Avengers < SI060 > 126
U Warskrull <MU058 > 110p
LE Nenora <IC157> 17
V "Skrull Scientist" <Dum Dum Dugan SI032B > 75
V Skrull Warrior <IC024> 17
V Skrull Agent <IC021> 16
R Skrull Agent <IC019> 11
V Skrull Commando <CT018> 18
E Skrull Commando <CT017> 14
404 points

Map: Armor Wars Lab

BC: INFILTRATION (Icons #001): When placing characters at the beginning of the game, characters with Phasing/Teleport, Smoke Cloud, or Stealth showing in their stat slots may be placed into hindering terrain up to half their unmodified speed values away from their starting areas. In addition, characters with the dolphin speed symbol may be placed in water terrain up to half their unmodified speed values from their starting areas.
• Characters placed outside the starting area are still protected under the First Turn Immunity rule (see also the HeroClix Comprehensive Tournament Rules).

Special Rules:
- If you can destroy the blocking terrain at 5A, 6A, 5B, 6B, then you will be able to access Scarlet Witch next issue (nothing to do with story, this is just in lieu of bonus XP).
- Princess Anelle must survive the issue, or there will be consequences!

Alright! new issue! yay!

Does this mean it is a four-action per turn game -- or five?

I'll Villain for you!

I'll get the rolls up later (busy now, I just wanted to claim it!)

DIALS:


Megamorph: Warskrull can use Outwit and Shape Change.


Shifty: Dum Dum Dugan can use Plasticity and Running Shot.
S.W.O.R.D. FALL: Before the beginning of the first round, choose one area of elevated terrain or blocking terrain on the map. This area is considered to be clear terrain until the end of the game.

cool, Space Jawa, welcome aboard!

Initiative: 6+5=11
Objects: 3+1=4

Initiative roll is 1,2 for 3.
Object roll is 2,6 for 8.

Question on the SHIELD Fall trait - If I choose to use it to count the blocking terrain at 5A, 6A, 5B, 6B as clear, how would that affect the Scarlet Witch Bonus? Would it mean I'm being cruel and keeping him from getting her back or would it mean I'm being nice and giving her back to him?

That's a good question about the SWORD Fall trait.... i'd also like a confirmation on the number of actions per turn. Mr Esteemed Editor...?

That would be being nice. But I'd suggest you choose a different area of blocking terrain.

In 'story terms' that area of blocking terrain is the device that imbues the Warskrulls with extra abilities. Just so you know for your story posting.

Four actions.

As a general rule- round it to the nearest 100. Since you're barely over 400, it's 4 turns each.

I'll elect to start at 'the top' (rows 1 and 2 in accordance with Peers' HCUtils).

So Mike, tired of Warskrulls yet?

Eh Mike, you planning to set up your team?

EDIT:

INVINCIBLE: Damage dealt to Iron Man is reduced to 1.




w/Vault feat 3

Having won Initiative, I selected the 'top;' it's your turn to set up.

WCAvengers
U Iron Man (M&M) 100
E Hawkeye (Ult) 60
R Ant-Man (Supernova) 48
R Moon Knight (CrMass) 18
E Mockingbird (Sinister) 27*
U Sersi (CrMass) 76
R Vision (Supernova) 65
* w/Vault feat 3
B Princess Anelle <Space Phantom> 9
==> 406 points

Skrulls!
A) U Super-Skrull: Avengers < SI060 > 126 H23
B) U Warskrull <MU058 > 110p G23
1) LE Nenora <IC157> 17 F23
C) V "Skrull Scientist" <Dum Dum Dugan SI032B > 75 I23
2) V Skrull Warrior <IC024> 17 I24
3) V Skrull Agent <IC021> 16 F24
4) R Skrull Agent <IC019> 11 E23
5) V Skrull Commando <CT018> 18 G24
6) E Skrull Commando <CT017> 14 H24
404 points

HO: G21, J12, ??
LO: J11, ??, ??

Map: Armor Wars Lab

BC: INFILTRATION (Icons #001): When placing characters at the beginning of the game, characters with Phasing/Teleport, Smoke Cloud, or Stealth showing in their stat slots may be placed into hindering terrain up to half their unmodified speed values away from their starting areas. In addition, characters with the dolphin speed symbol may be placed in water terrain up to half their unmodified speed values from their starting areas.
• Characters placed outside the starting area are still protected under the First Turn Immunity rule (see also the HeroClix Comprehensive Tournament Rules).

Special Rules:
- If you can destroy the blocking terrain at 5A, 6A, 5B, 6B, then you will be able to access Scarlet Witch next issue (nothing to do with story, this is just in lieu of bonus XP).
- Princess Anelle must survive the issue, or there will be consequences!

set-up

Vision's starting placement by virtue of the BFC: Infiltration

WCAvengers
1) U Iron Man (M&M) 100 G2
2) E Hawkeye (Ult) 60 K2
3) R Ant-Man (Supernova) 48 H2
4) R Moon Knight (CrMass) 18 G1
5) E Mockingbird (Sinister) 27* L2
6) U Sersi (CrMass) 76 J2
7) R Vision (Supernova) 65 F6
8) B Princess Anelle <Space Phantom> 9 F1
* w/Vault feat 3

vs

Skrulls!
A) U Super-Skrull: Avengers < SI060 > 126 H23
B) U Warskrull <MU058 > 110p G23
1) LE Nenora <IC157> 17 F23
C) V "Skrull Scientist" <Dum Dum Dugan SI032B > 75 I23
2) V Skrull Warrior <IC024> 17 I24
3) V Skrull Agent <IC021> 16 F24
4) R Skrull Agent <IC019> 11 E23
5) V Skrull Commando <CT018> 18 G24
6) E Skrull Commando <CT017> 14 H24
404 points

HOs: G21, J12, B8
LOs: J11, G8, E13

Map: Armor Wars Lab

BC: INFILTRATION (Icons #001): When placing characters at the beginning of the game, characters with Phasing/Teleport, Smoke Cloud, or Stealth showing in their stat slots may be placed into hindering terrain up to half their unmodified speed values away from their starting areas. In addition, characters with the dolphin speed symbol may be placed in water terrain up to half their unmodified speed values from their starting areas.
• Characters placed outside the starting area are still protected under the First Turn Immunity rule (see also the HeroClix Comprehensive Tournament Rules).

Special Rules:
- If you can destroy the blocking terrain at 5A, 6A, 5B, 6B, then you will be able to access Scarlet Witch next issue (nothing to do with story, this is just in lieu of bonus XP).
- Princess Anelle must survive the issue, or there will be consequences!


( okay, now we have to see what area you affect with SWORD Fall... )

Skrull Scientist will lower (SWORD Fall) the tank thing (Squares F-H/9-11) into the ground where it will be protected from collateral damage and stray fire. (I've placed the Blue Object Tokens over it in an "X" as a reminder that it's now clear).

WCAvengers
1) U Iron Man (M&M) 100 G2
2) E Hawkeye (Ult) 60 K2
3) R Ant-Man (Supernova) 48 H2
4) R Moon Knight (CrMass) 18 G1
5) E Mockingbird (Sinister) 27* L2
6) U Sersi (CrMass) 76 J2
7) R Vision (Supernova) 65 F6
8) B Princess Anelle <Space Phantom> 9 F1
* w/Vault feat 3

vs

Skrulls!
A) U Super-Skrull: Avengers < SI060 > 126 H23
B) U Warskrull <MU058 > 110p G23
1) LE Nenora <IC157> 17 F23
C) V "Skrull Scientist" <Dum Dum Dugan SI032B > 75 I23
2) V Skrull Warrior <IC024> 17 I24
3) V Skrull Agent <IC021> 16 F24
4) R Skrull Agent <IC019> 11 E23
5) V Skrull Commando <CT018> 18 G24
6) E Skrull Commando <CT017> 14 H24
404 points

HOs: G21, J12, B8
LOs: J11, G8, E13

Map: Armor Wars Lab

BC: INFILTRATION (Icons #001): When placing characters at the beginning of the game, characters with Phasing/Teleport, Smoke Cloud, or Stealth showing in their stat slots may be placed into hindering terrain up to half their unmodified speed values away from their starting areas. In addition, characters with the dolphin speed symbol may be placed in water terrain up to half their unmodified speed values from their starting areas.
• Characters placed outside the starting area are still protected under the First Turn Immunity rule (see also the HeroClix Comprehensive Tournament Rules).

Special Rules:
- If you can destroy the blocking terrain at 5A, 6A, 5B, 6B, then you will be able to access Scarlet Witch next issue (nothing to do with story, this is just in lieu of bonus XP).
- Princess Anelle must survive the issue, or there will be consequences!