JLAvengers League: Tommy vs. Joe Acro

[Sean Whitmore]

Welcome to another match of the 2007 JLAvengers League! The League is a large-scale series of battles—a tournament—where posters draft teams and pit their teams against that of other posters, and you vote to decide who wins. When voting, please consider the strategies the players have written, rather than just the team's roster.

Each match takes place in a different locale from the Marvel or DC Universe. The teams begin 100 yards away from each other. Each character is depicted as they were in the JLA/Avengers mini series (with few exceptions), and the characters have to act in character (meaning that the heroes cannot kill if they aren't normally wont to do so)

If you have any questions about the strategies, please feel free to post these questions here, and the players will answer. The match will last twenty-four hours. After that time period, the player with the largest number of votes wins.

NOTE - For your vote to count, you must have a post count of no lower than fifty.

Tommy: Zatanna, Sersi, Darkseid, Spawn, Kang, Plastic Man, Mantis

Joe Acro: Hal Jordan, Dr. Strange, Red Tornado, The Predator, Sabra, Jericho, Taskmaster

[Sean Whitmore]

Tommy's strategy:

Darksied will first fire an Omega effect at Strange. The Omega Effect can bend around obstacles, pass through matter and energy, and travel through other dimensions. It is relentless and faster than Superman. In this case all Darkseid will be doing is Omega Effecting Dr. Strange’s brain. And not all of it. He will be leaving the brainstem in tact. Dr. Strange has, in the past, managed to fight while dead, but to the best of my knowledge never while brain dead.

After he fires that bolt Darkseid will turn and fire a second at Hal Jordan, bypassing his force field to hit Hal’s creamy nugget center.

Meanwhile Zatanna is going to say “Tuhs!” to Jericho forcing his eyes closed.

Sersi will be engaging the Red Tornado. As he is a machine, she won’t have to worry about accidentally killing him, so she can bring the full scope of her transmutation powers. She will protect herself against his powers by creating a Telekinetic force field around herself (which augments her already strong physiology). She will turn his entire body (minus his memory circuits) into grass clippings. Sersi will create a vary darkly tinted pair of sunglasses for herself.

Mantis will take down the Predator. Her empathic powers will be able to locate him even if he is using his cloaking device. And she will be able to dodge any attacks he fires at her (once she stood on the opposite side of a field where Black Panther and Dr. Strange were fighting, she saw a man firing a gun at them, and AFTER he fired she ran the whole way across the field to knock Strange and BP out of the way.) Then she can use her intuitive knowledge of an opponent’s weaknesses to knock him out. (She once knocked out Thor).

Plastic Man will face off against Taskmaster. Plastic Man will wrap him up like a pig in a blanket.

Spawn will engage Sabra. While Sabra has a multitude of powers, her paralyzing quills shouldn’t work on Spawn since he is dead, his organs are non functional, and he magically regenerates from wounds. He also has super strength and durability and the power of flight. But he needs to only restrain her long enough for Zatanna to “Peels” her.

While all this is going on, Kang is going to act as my contingency person. Should any of my warriors fall, Kang will step in. Kang will deal with any possed membes of my team by placing them in an Anti-Mater force screen. Don't want to hurt the poor dearies... Kang will reconfigure his mask so that his eyes are covered.

If Darkseid's Omega effect fails on either GL or Strange he will fire more Omega Effects at them as well as use his speed, strength and psionics to affect them.

At the start of the battle Kang, the Medusa Mask, and Zatanna will all be inside an Anti-Mater force screen. This will be opaque until Zatanna finishes her first spell, preventing Jericho from possessing either of them. (I should also mention Sersi, Darkseid, and Mantis will periodically scan my team to see if he some how took someone over. They will then alert Kang who will deal with the person in question.) The Anti-Matter Defense Screen is in addition to Kang's own Force Field, and both will cover them in a sphere.

If Darkseid fails to neutralize either Strange or GL, Kang will barrage them with Anti-Mater, nerve gas, paralysis generators, and his neutrino-ray missile launcher.

Should Sersi have trouble with the Red Tornado, Kang will Augment her force field with an additional Anti-Mater screen, and fire his vibration ray to counter act Red Tornado’s wind.

Should Mantis have problems with the Predator he will fire an electro-magnetic field amplifier which would disrupt the Predator’s vision. If she still needs more help he would use his paralysis device upon him.

While I don’t think Plastic Man would need much help against Taskmaster, should he require it Kang will fire one of his missiles at them. Plastic Man being extremely durable would slither off Taskmaster at the last moment so he is slightly out of harms way.

Should Spawn and Zatanna need help against Sabra, Kang will summon several of his Growing Men. Two will be the kind that every physical impact makes them larger, while the third will separate into many little guys and fire optic beams at her.

He will also punch the blind Jericho in the head, knocking him out.

[Sean Whitmore]

Joe Acro's strategy:

Initial Actions:

• Green Lantern forms two giant walls the width of the street and as tall as the highest skyscraper, one in front of the team and the other in the back, both used to block incoming attacks. He also provides everyone with psi-proof helmets.
• Sabra flies into a nearby building.
• Predator jumps into the nearest manhole.
• If Kang does not have his forcefield extended to include Zatanna, Taskmaster throws his shield in such a way that it will ricochet before striking. He then quickly pulls out his bow and fires off an arrow. (Green Lantern adjusts the wall to allow for these actions.) The plan is for the shield to head toward Zatanna’s head. If she counters that object, the arrow is right behind it.
• Dr. Strange teleports Jericho inside Kang’s forcefield (or just outside it if it’s too compact) to possess Kang, which should be possible given an element of surprise. If the forcefield was extended to Zatanna, Jericho-Kang now grabs her by the throat and works to force her into unconsciousness.
• GL and Red Tornado watch for teleporting tactics, making sure to assault any one who comes inside the barrier. Mainly, they will just use a stall tactic of forcing the enemy (enemies) from the group until they’re ready.

Follow-through Actions:

• Dr. Strange shifts to countering whatever Zatanna may have done to affect battle conditions before being knocked down and then to assaulting Spawn. Spawn has few to no weaknesses. But just like Strange, his magic abilities should be affected. Strange will utilize as many high-powered, quick spells as he needs to damage Spawn. If he is unable to defeat him, he works to hold him at bay until he can get assistance.
• Sabra plays sniper as she fires her quills from her high vantage point. She does this with precision, making sure to specifically target Mantis and Darkseid (repeatedly). When she’s done all she can, she heads down to battlefield to assist against Spawn.
• Speaking of Darkseid, the now-impervious Jericho challenges the god in a physical struggle. If need be, he turns to Kang’s laser weaponry for assistance.
• Green Lantern drops the walls to better concentrate on making constructs. He forms three constructs of himself and then flies to confront Sersi. He uses and has his constructs use enough speed to make Sersi become confused as to which one is the really one. Since she cannot read GL’s mind, she shouldn’t be able to easily locate the real enemy. The goal is to isolate her in a small area. Once that is accomplished, Lantern will trap her in a giant prism and slowly enclose it as he drains the oxygen.
• Red Tornado works to deal with Plastic Man, whatever he’s doing. Taskmaster joins him. Taskmaster likely knows how to deal with a plastic character given the prominence of Mr. Fantastic. Unfortunately, unless Plastic Man just happens to be in the right location, he’ll be assisting without his shield. He will have his trick arrows. Taskmaster will use a combination of sonic arrows and freezing arrows in to disorient and incapacitate Plastic Man long enough for Red Tornado to really tear into him.
• Predator will use his infrared scanner to locate Darkseid. Quite likely, the god would be touching the ground. Therefore, Predator could easily use his cannon to blast the ground out from under him. Jericho is aware this is coming and would react accordingly. After making the hole, he then continues underground if he can. If he cannot, he will activate his cloaking device and join the fray.

Final Actions:

• Green Lantern, when finished with Sersi, will move to assist Strange and Sabra in fighting Spawn.
• Eventually, through if nothing but force of will, Jericho and Predator defeat Darkseid using various weaponry, martial arts moves, and stealth tactics. Jericho-Kang then rushes to the Plastic Man battle. Taskmaster and Red Tornado provide clearance for Jericho to possess Plastic Man. Just before possessing Plastic Man, he shuts off Kang’s forcefield so that, upon leaving the body, Taskmaster or Predator can stab to kill.
• Everyone converges on Spawn. Plastic Jericho wraps around him. Green Lantern flings him about. Sabra uses her speed and strength to pound away, making sure to fire quills every time she can get in a blow. Dr. Strange summons his telepathic skills and magic and assaults Spawn mentally. Predator and Taskmaster help whenever they can.
• When Spawn is eventually defeated, my team claims the Medusa Mask and victory.

[Joe Acro]

Can Darkseid be that accurate with his Omega Effect? And I was under the impression that it can't pass through matter, hence why it does sharp turns around objects.

Sersi might be able to do all of that to Red Tornado, but he's far more than just an android. As recent issues of Justice League show, he has a soul. I'm not sure if she'd be as willing to do that action with that knowledge.

Initially, Predator is underground. Until he comes to the surface to deal with Darkseid, Mantis can't really touch him. On top of that, Sabra might be able to hit her with her quills (more on that later). Even if the two do engage at some point, I'm not sure her knowledge of physiology would help her against Predator, especially given his armor.

I find it interesting that we both have Taskmaster versus Plastic Man, each expecting a different outcome. I mean, in my scenario he has help, but it's still interesting.

Spawn might stop Sabra from serving her sniper-esque purpose. But if Strange is still operational, she should be able to get in a few shots outside of Spawn.

I think it's possible that Jericho could possess Kang before Zatanna acts. Also, it seems to me that Zatanna's spell is a bit vague. Couldn't he just reopen his eyes?

On a side note, does Darkseid have psionic powers?

[Froggy]

Can Darkseid be that accurate with his Omega Effect? And I was under the impression that it can't pass through matter, hence why it does sharp turns around objects. Yes He can be that accurate.........nto sure about the latter thoSersi might be able to do all of that to Red Tornado, but he's far more than just an android. As recent issues of Justice League show, he has a soul. I'm not sure if she'd be as willing to do that action with that knowledge. she's done it to lava men before hasn't she? I'm sure THOSE have souls too, and so do deviants so it's not out of the question
Initially, Predator is underground. Until he comes to the surface to deal with Darkseid, Mantis can't really touch him. On top of that, Sabra might be able to hit her with her quills (more on that later). Even if the two do engage at some point, I'm not sure her knowledge of physiology would help her against Predator, especially given his armor.

I find it interesting that we both have Taskmaster versus Plastic Man, each expecting a different outcome. I mean, in my scenario he has help, but it's still interesting.

Spawn might stop Sabra from serving her sniper-esque purpose. But if Strange is still operational, she should be able to get in a few shots outside of Spawn.

I think it's possible that Jericho could possess Kang before Zatanna acts. Also, it seems to me that Zatanna's spell is a bit vague. Couldn't he just reopen his eyes?

On a side note, does Darkseid have psionic powers?

yes darkseid has psionic powers

[Schornforce]

I believe Darkseid does have mental powers. I've heard them referred to, but don't remember seeing them used.

I'm not certain how accurate Darkseid is in regards to his omega beams/effect. I want to say Darkseid could get off an initial shot to take out Strange, but it would most likely kill him. I'm not sure the omega beams/effect can pass through something to teleport something else.
I think GL's constructs would be at full strength after that first shot, however, so after that it's debatable.

Oh, and in regards to Reddy, even if transmutated, he's still a wind elemental, isn't he and therefore shouldn't he still be okay even if his outer form is transmutated?

I'm uncertain who to vote for. I hope more debating goes on to help me make a decision. Both great strats, fellas!

[Tommy]

Can Darkseid be that accurate with his Omega Effect? And I was under the impression that it can't pass through matter, hence why it does sharp turns around objects.

He has managed to hit a man sized target on the other side of Apokolips. It also at least once went through Orion's body.

Sersi might be able to do all of that to Red Tornado, but he's far more than just an android. As recent issues of Justice League show, he has a soul. I'm not sure if she'd be as willing to do that action with that knowledge.

That was why I had her leave the memory circuits still in tact.

Initially, Predator is underground. Until he comes to the surface to deal with Darkseid, Mantis can't really touch him. On top of that, Sabra might be able to hit her with her quills (more on that later). Even if the two do engage at some point, I'm not sure her knowledge of physiology would help her against Predator, especially given his armor.

Possibly, but she is still fast enough that she could land enough blows to knock him out with being defeated herself.

And a side note: I am not sure if this is allowed since I didn't spacificaly mention it in my strat, but Mantis does have the power to heal from force of will, so if she gets hit with a quill it shouldn't slow her down much.

I think it's possible that Jericho could possess Kang before Zatanna acts. Also, it seems to me that Zatanna's spell is a bit vague. Couldn't he just reopen his eyes?

Well Kang's opening move it to reconfigure his mask so it doesn't have eye holes. That would only take a thought.

And for Zatanna I was under the impression if she used a floating spell, then who ever was floating would stay floating until she let them down, as opposed to rising in the air and falling back down immediately.

I have never read a comic where she specifically had to say how long the spell was in duration for.

On a side note, does Darkseid have psionic powers?

I know he has greater mental powers than Sleez.

[Sean Whitmore]

Both good strategies.

I think Tommy may have taken it with his opening move, though. While I don't necessarily agree with his depiction of the Omega Beams (this is "Jobberseid", after all, who's failed to kill Robin with said beams), I also don't see Joe doing very much to defend against it. Strange would be taken out while he's teleporting Jericho, and all Hal does is put up a wall that the Beams could easily move around. With the biggest guns gone, and the Jericho-taking-over-Kang move thwarted by Kang's shifting mask, I don't see any way for Joe to recover with who he has left.


SEAN

[Joe Acro]

Both good strategies.

I think Tommy may have taken it with his opening move, though. While I don't necessarily agree with his depiction of the Omega Beams (this is "Jobberseid", after all, who's failed to kill Robin with said beams), I also don't see Joe doing very much to defend against it. Strange would be taken out while he's teleporting Jericho, and all Hal does is put up a wall that the Beams could easily move around. With the biggest guns gone, and the Jericho-taking-over-Kang move thwarted by Kang's shifting mask, I don't see any way for Joe to recover with who he has left.


SEAN

In theory, it's possible for Strange to avoid the beams since they will take longer to get there if they aren't allowed to travel through matter. It should also be noted that Green Lantern is on the lookout for things that make it behind the wall. He could counter.

Now, I wasn't aware that Kang could close his eye-slits. Perhaps Jericho would choose to possess someone else given that turn of events.

One more note about Zatanna's spell: Jericho opening his eyes was just an example of it being vague. Merely by saying "!tuhS", Zatanna could cause doors to shut, windows to shut, mouths to shut, or even other people's eyes to shut. It just doesn't seem focused enough to do what it needs to.

[Sean Whitmore]

Yeah, Zatanna's spell was a bit too vague. Usually she needs to address the person she's working the spell on, not to mention the body part.

For all we know, her shouting "shut" might have just caused every person on the field to lock their knees together. :)


SEAN

[Jessica Drew]

Tommy's opening move, having Darkseid take out Dr. Strange, tips the battle in his favor.

[Joe Acro]

I'd tip my hat to you, Tommy, but I haven't got a hat. (Buh-budda-buh-buh-buh) That was a clever strategy. In all honesty, I'm not sure I could've come up with a great way to fight your team. There's just so much to counter. I wish you the best in the future of the competition.

[Schornforce]

I'm sorry I missed the vote. I forgot.

I would've gone for Tommy, however, as I believe Darkseid's beams, although not having quite the described effect, would be brutal.

[Tommy]

I'd tip my hat to you, Tommy, but I haven't got a hat. (Buh-budda-buh-buh-buh) That was a clever strategy. In all honesty, I'm not sure I could've come up with a great way to fight your team. There's just so much to counter. I wish you the best in the future of the competition.

I think you did a fairly good job, and seeing how you strategize in the past certainly inspired me to new heights for my own team.

Truly you were a worthy opponent.