Gotham Knights #8
"Honor Bound"

by Kasz


“What-- they’re alive?!” Katana asked, confused and surprised. When Batman simply nodded, she shoved herself up from her seat and paced in a short circle.

“We’ve got to go save them,” she said shortly, whirling to face Batman, his expression remaining flat and grim.

“I’m going to get them now,” he said coolly. “You are staying here.”

“I can’t,” she said, her pleading tone uncharacteristic for the highly trained and usually unexcitable martial-artist. “My giri-ninjo requires me to come to Halo’s aid no matter the cost.”

“Which is why you must stay here,” Batman said, turning away from her. “Your personal stake in this makes you a liability in the field.”

“And yours doesn’t?” she called out to the empty cave.
_________________________________________________

Jean Paul Valley worked out alone, leveling a series of varied and damaging blows at a punching bag until Tim Drake walked over.

“Hey, Jean-Paul,” the younger teen said in greeting. He was wearing his Robin uniform, sans mask, cape and gloves, and his sharply defined physique belied his young age.

“Hello, Tim,” the man sometimes known as Azrael said in return, not turning from the punching bag. He had only recently been brought into the Batman’s world, and with all the other strange and saddening revelations in his live as late he was still very nervous around the others. That is, until he put on the mask. Then he was fearless, efficient, and almost brutal. It scared him enough that he never wore even a piece of his uniform unless he was going into action. He didn’t like the way it tried to change him.

“You’ve been at it there for a while,” Tim smiled. “But the problem with the bag is it won’t punch back. Wanna throw down a little? I was hoping to work off some stress, anyway.”

“Stress?” Jean-Paul said, trying to sound jovial and not sure if he had succeeded. “You’re too young to be that stressed…”

“Oh, being Robin isn’t enough pressure?” Tim said, only partially joking. “I’ve still got school, I’ve still got my dad who would go ape like I don’t want to imagine if he found out about all this, I’ve got no social life and no real friends that I can just relax with - I’ve got my home and I’ve got this. So, yeah, it can get stressy from time to time.”

“I can’t believe you haven’t got any friends,” Jean-Paul said as they walked to the sparring ring. “No girlfriends, even? Heck, even I had a girlfriend at your age, and I was a certifiable, ultra-sheltered geek.”

“I’ve got Ives, I guess,” Tim said, bouncing from foot to foot in the ring as he stretched his arms and warmed himself up. “But I see less and less of him. And girlfriends? Don’t I wish.”

“Being Robin doesn’t rake in the admirers?”

“Ah, but most people don’t even believe we exist,” Tim said. He had his wrists wrapped and bowed with Jean-Paul as they kept talking. “Hard to trade in on name-recognition when your boss prefers you as a myth.”

“And what about Spoiler?”

Robin bounced in his fighting stance a little, his eyes losing focus for a moment. “Let’s not go there, alright?”

“As you like.” With that, the banter stopped and the fight started. Robin threw a series of basic opening moves to feel out his opponent, and Jean-Paul returned a couple half-hearted punches of his own. Tim blocked them easily and moved into his more advanced legwork. He’d seen Azrael toe-down with some serious fighters, so he knew he could take it.

When Jean-Paul faked high, Tim anticipated the follow-up overhand strike. He dropped low and swept Jean-Paul’s legs out from under him. When he hit the floor, Tim rolled back and to the side, coming up and dropping a swift kick. Jean caught the foot and spun Tim away, and their fight elevated a couple levels. Now the taller blonde man was really trying to fight, and Tim was breaking a sweat. Still, Robin had the upper hand, and when he pressed his advantage - parrying a roundhouse kick and spinning in for a backhand - he connected hard with Jean’s jaw. He hit harder than he had intended, and Tim pulled back rather than press the advantage.

“You oka--“ Tim started before Jean delivered a twin-fist punch to his gut, brought his knee up into the teen’s chest and flipped backward while kicking Robin squarely under the chin. Tim staggered back and fell, surprised at the viciousness of the attack and holding his stomach. Jean-Paul looked like he was about to pounce before breaking his stance and shaking his head as if trying to wake himself up.

“Oh, God, Tim - I’m sorry!” Jean Paul said, slapping his face and hurrying to the Boy Wonder’s side. “I don’t know what happened-- I just, one minute I was there and-- sometimes the system still takes control if I’m not careful, and when you--.”

”No problem… no problem,” Robin said as he got up and craned his neck. He looked at Jean-Paul with a look the awkward Valley had grown used to - it was a look that said he was strange and different and made others uncomfortable. He wondered again how he would ever find his way to a real family, and whether the mind-warping conditioning forced on him by his father would control his life forever.
_________________________________________________


“They’ve arrived already!” An agent said, looking at the viewscreen.

“No wait,” his companion said. “That’s not them - that’s one of ours!”

“Quick; how many are up and ready to go?”

“Just Chemical Man. The rest will be out for hours.”

“Well, send out the guards,” the first agent said, standing from his station. “Wait… Batman and his allies are here too. Wilson - take Mason and a small detachment of troops and take out Batman ASAP. All other guards form up and take down the countes!
_________________________________________________

“You’ve taught me to track too well, Batman,” Katana said, looking from her perch to where the Dark Knight’s team would be striking. Checking her swords, she turned and made her way to the entrance she had scouted. Her friends had been imperiled and she could not leave it to others to save them.
_________________________________________________


The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman (70)
R Azrael (39)
E Catwoman (59)
E Batgirl (41)
R Black canary (21)
V Spoiler (22)
V Robin (22)
R Katana (37)

Total: 311

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho - 70
V Hydra Officer - 24
V Checkmate Medic - 19
E Checkmate Medic - 17
E Shield Sniper - 22*
E Shield Sniper - 22*
V Lackey- 11
V Lackey - 11
V Lackey - 11
V Checkmate Agent - 16
V Checkmate Agent - 16
R Checkmate Agent - 11
R Checkmate Agent - 11
R Checkmate Agent - 11
R Checkmate Agent - 11
R Checkmate Agent - 11

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Total: 334

Map: IAP 1

Scenario Notes:

 Gotham Knights start up Top, Lackey’s and agents on the bottom, and Katana starts at P2.

i 10 (6,4)
o 6 (4,2)

set up

The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman b11
R Azrael b12
E Catwoman b13
E Batgirl b10
R Black canary b9
V Spoiler b14
V Robin b15
R Katana p2

OK, Here we go. Lightshear, Any tips on how to play Rex? Is he brainwashed with no memory or does he remember the Outsiders and just been turned to the dark side?


Init (1,5)
Object (5,5)

Setup

The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman b11
R Azrael b12
E Catwoman b13
E Batgirl b10
R Black canary b9
V Spoiler b14
V Robin b15
R Katana p2

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho W5
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic X19
E Shield Sniper* W6
E Shield Sniper* W7
V Lackey X7
V Lackey W8
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent W12
V Checkmate Agent W16
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent X5
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent W11

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21
Light Objects: S21

Map: IAP 1

I believe you have first move (and I got my instructions for Rex, thanks editors!)

batman gave the signal

we moved slowly and with caution

no need to reveal much yet








(1)

batman to i12

batgirl to h10

spoiler to f17

robin to g19




The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman i12@
R Azrael b12
E Catwoman b13
E Batgirl h10@
R Black canary b9
V Spoiler f17@
V Robin g19@
R Katana p2

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho W5
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic X19
E Shield Sniper* W6
E Shield Sniper* W7
V Lackey X7
V Lackey W8
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent W12
V Checkmate Agent W16
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent X5
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent W11

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21 q12
Light Objects: S21 q13 t14

Map: IAP 1

Hydra Officer Leadership roll = 6

1) Shield Sniper #1 pumps Shield Sniper #2
2) Shield Sniper #2 shoots the wall at Q-7 (Rubble in P-7, Q-7)
3) Metamorpho to P-7 (through Q-6)
4) Lackey #2 to Q7
5) Checkmate Agent #2 to T-14


=================

"I can't believe we're going after the Bat Man, whispered one of the Agents. I didn't even think he existed."

"With the freak we're walking around with, how can you have trouble believing in a Giant Bat?"

"Don't let him spook ya, he's as human as they get," interupted Metamorpho, "and call me a freak again and I'll be visitin' you on the inside in the form of Chlorine Gas. Now open the wall for me."

The Sniper gulped and let loose on the office wall.

It exploded in a hail of dust and debris several metres in front of Katana.

The "Chemical Man" emerged and cast a glance in her direction.

"Hiya, Tatsu. Let's talk."

==================================================


The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman i12@
R Azrael b12
E Catwoman b13
E Batgirl h10@
R Black canary b9
V Spoiler f17@
V Robin g19@
R Katana p2

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho P7 @
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic X19
E Shield Sniper* W6 @
E Shield Sniper* W7 @
V Lackey X7
V Lackey Q7 @
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent W12
V Checkmate Agent T14 @
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent X5
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent W11

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21 q12
Light Objects: S21 q13 t14
Rubble: P-7 Q-7

Map: IAP 1

batman lead us silently

with mere gestures of his eyes we followed him



(2)

catwoman to j18

azrael to j17

canary to h8

batgirl to j10




The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman i12
R Azrael j17@
E Catwoman j18@
E Batgirl (4/5) j10@@
R Black canary h8@
V Spoiler f17
V Robin g19
R Katana p2

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho P7 @
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic X19
E Shield Sniper* W6 @
E Shield Sniper* W7 @
V Lackey X7
V Lackey Q7 @
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent W12
V Checkmate Agent T14 @
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent X5
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent W11

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21 q12
Light Objects: S21 q13 t14
Rubble: P-7 Q-7

Map: IAP 1

Leadership =2 (fails)

1) Metamorpho Pushes to move to P-3
2) V Agent #1 to Q-12
3) R Agent #5 to Q-13
4) R Agent #3 to R-6

=====================

Rex turned into a gas and drifted over to Katanna's position.

"I bet he told you not to come, huh? He's afraid he can't control you like the others. I know you think you came here to help me and Gaby, but you're really here to join us. You'll see."

Meanwhile, the other agent began to take up defensive positions, readying for the assault.

=============================


The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman i12
R Azrael j17@
E Catwoman j18@
E Batgirl (4/5) j10@@
R Black canary h8@
V Spoiler f17
V Robin g19
R Katana p2

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho (6/7) @@
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic X19
E Shield Sniper* W6
E Shield Sniper* W7
V Lackey X7
V Lackey Q7
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent Q12 @
V Checkmate Agent T14
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent R6 @
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent Q13 @

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21 q12
Light Objects: S21 q13 t14
Rubble: P-7 Q-7

Map: IAP 1

katana would not answer her assailant

emotion could cloud her judgement



(3)

katana(9) to metamorpho(16)
shapechange
-roll 4
need 7 to use bcf
-roll 7 (4,3)
-bcf 3, hit

azrael to p16

-perplex batman movement

batman to n11

spoiler to m15





The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman n11@
R Azrael (5/6) p16@@
E Catwoman j18
E Batgirl (4/5) j10
R Black canary h8
V Spoiler m15@
V Robin g19
R Katana p2@

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho (4/7) p3@@
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic X19
E Shield Sniper* W6
E Shield Sniper* W7
V Lackey X7
V Lackey Q7
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent Q12 @
V Checkmate Agent T14
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent R6 @
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent Q13 @

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21 q12
Light Objects: S21 q13 t14
Rubble: P-7 Q-7

Map: IAP 1

Leadership =5

Metamorpho Outsiders Katana

Meatmorpho Poisons Katanna for 1

Lackey #2 to P8
Sniper #1 to Q6
Sniper #2 to Q7
V Agent # 2 to R-13
E Medic to T16

==========================

Metamorpho grimaced in pain.

"Cut it out," he barked, turning his arm to corosive gas and forcing Katana to drop one of her blades.

"Don't you see, he's still using you! He doesn't give a damn! Look how easily the "World's Greatest Detective" gave up on seeing if we were really dead. All he cares about is his unwinnable "mission". That's why he went out and recruited a new set of fodder. Half of them kids for Pete's sake!"

"Are you gonna let him do that to Gaby again?"


==========================
The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman n11@
R Azrael (5/6) p16@@
E Catwoman j18
E Batgirl (4/5) j10
R Black canary h8
V Spoiler m15@
V Robin g19
R Katana (4/5) (Outsidered) p2@

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho (4/7) p3
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic T16 @
E Shield Sniper* Q6 @
E Shield Sniper* Q7 @
V Lackey X7
V Lackey P8 @
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent Q12
V Checkmate Agent R13 @
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent R6
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent Q13

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21 q12
Light Objects: S21 q13 t14
Rubble: P-7 Q-7

Map: IAP 1

i heard katana

shocking cuz shes could beat batman for most silent

¨your not yourself¨






(4)

katana(9) to metamorph(14)
shapechange
-roll 2
need 5 to do 1 clix
-roll 6 (4,2) hit

batgirl to o10

canary to m11

robin to j12







The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman n11
R Azrael (5/6) p16
E Catwoman j18
E Batgirl (4/5) o10@
R Black canary m11@
V Spoiler m15
V Robin j12@
(3)R Katana (3/5) (Outsidered) p2@@

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho (4/7) p3
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic T16 @
E Shield Sniper* Q6 @
E Shield Sniper* Q7 @
V Lackey X7
V Lackey P8 @
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent Q12
V Checkmate Agent R13 @
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent R6
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent Q13

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21 q12
Light Objects: S21 q13 t14
Rubble: P-7 Q-7

Map: IAP 1

Leadership = 3

Metamorpho Outsiders Katanna

Metamorpho poisons Katana for 1

1) Metamorpho swings at Katana (2+5=7) hits for two and the KO

2) Shield Agent #2 pushes to pump SHIELD Agent #1

3) SHIELD AGENT #1 Pushes to Trick Shot RCE Batman (6+1 =7) Misses (that's going to hurt)

4) R Agent #3 to P-7

===================

"Sorry Tatsu, you're the one that's being controlled."

Rex swung a giant mallet hand, knocking her to the ground.

"But you'll be free soon."

The former hero turned and shouted:

"See that Bats! Another soldier down. Do you even care?

"Saw you brought the kiddies with you. How Robin's has this been? Hope you don't screw up, kid. He's liable to dump you in the trash can like the last few."

===================================




The Gotham Knights:

DKD Batman n11
R Azrael (5/6) p16
E Catwoman j18
E Batgirl (4/5) o10@
R Black canary m11@
V Spoiler m15
V Robin j12@
(3)R Katana KOed!

Vs.

Checkmate:

E Metamorpho (3/7) p3 @
V Hydra Officer W13
V Checkmate Medic X8
E Checkmate Medic T16
E Shield Sniper* (3/4) Q6 @@
E Shield Sniper* (3/4) Q7 @@
V Lackey X7
V Lackey P8
V Lackey W19
V Checkmate Agent Q12
V Checkmate Agent R13
R Checkmate Agent X12
R Checkmate Agent X13
R Checkmate Agent P-7 @
R Checkmate Agent X16
R Checkmate Agent Q13

* w/ Trickshot - 40

Heavy Objects: Q21, R21 q12
Light Objects: S21 q13 t14
Rubble: P-7 Q-7

Map: IAP 1

NArrative should read "How many Robins has this been?"

Carp. Metamorpho didn't have poison on that click, which means his swing also misses. I'll repost later tonight. Sorry for the mix-up.

Revision Turn 3

Man, talk about a reversal.