[RPG] Thrilling Tales of the Midnight Society #4

[stevekenson]

Freedom in Flames

A Midnight Society charity gala is interrupted by the mysterious woman who calls herself Flambeaux and her armed (and tuxedo-clad) henchmen. In a slinky red satin dress, evening gloves, and domino mask, the sultry blonde femme fatale demonstrates her power to set things aflame with but a gesture. She uses to it provide a suitable distraction when the heroes attempt to block her escape; quick thinking on their part prevents and serious injuries and results in the capture of one of Flambeaux’s men.

Interrogating the man leads the Midnighters to a waterfront warehouse, but it’s a deathtrap: the warehouse is filled with chemicals and becomes an infero. The heroes barely manage to escape with the aid of Max Caine’s tremendous strength and St. George’s kung fu ability to punch through the pier to the South River below. They learn the warehouse is leased by Wick’s Cleaners, the largest dry cleaner and cleaning service in the city. Founder Horatio Wick has recently passed away, leaving his young widow Leslie in charge of the business.

Suspecting Leslie Wick is Flambeaux, the heroes try to lure her into the open by letting it be known that Skyler Hawkins (slightly injured in the warehouse explosion) has information about the fiery thief and is recovering at Maxwell Caine’s penthouse. Rather than taking the bait, however, Flambeaux kidnapps Skyler’s beloved Addison Hammond, leaving a threatening note to ensure his silence.

The Midnighters learn Mrs. Wick is leaving Freedom City on an “extended European vacation” and intercept the cruise liner Ocean Princess before it leaves port. Skyler is able to find Addison trussed-up in Leslie Wick’s cabin, but sets off another fire-trap. Some fast flying allows them to escape unharmed, while the other heroes chase the fleeing Flambeaux. They learn the secret of her “powers” lie in the use of a combination of cleaning chemicals that combust when exposed to certain radio waves (sent from hidden transmitters in her bracelets), and manage to disarm and capture her. With a long list of crimes, it’s likely Flambeaux’s “vacation” will be twenty years in the South River State Pen.

Note: A tip of the hat to Hero Games’ Masterminds & Madmen for inspiration.

Comments

[pauldrye.livejournal.com]

With a long list of crimes, it’s likely Flambeaux’s “vacation” will be twenty years in the South River State Pen.

So they're better at building supervillain-proof jails in your campaign than they are in most superhero settings, eh?

[xomec.livejournal.com]

Well, they are so far as we know, at least until I need Flambeaux to stage a daring escape for some future adventure...