Late breaking aCe news!
PAINMASTER ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH ASSASINATION ATTEMPT
Centrapolis, Centra Prime -- Centrapolis City police have announced that following the initial stages of a massive investigation launched into the assassination attempt on Tiber Callisto VII during his press conference last week they have reason to believe that aCe veteran and convicted criminal PainMaster is responsible for ordering the hit.
Over the past few days, many witnesses that were present at the Centrapolis Civic Center that night were called in for questioning, including several members of the all-Centra entertainment roster. Police have indicated that one key individual, who was not present at the press conference has divulged several pieces of vital information that match up with evidence recovered at the scene of the crime.
Upon being informed that PainMaster will be facing attempted homicide charges, all-Centra entertainment has released him from his contract.
SYNDICATE TECH PLANS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH NEW HEADLINER FOR THEIR aCe FACTION
Syndicate Building, Primus -- Prior to the unfortunate events that occurred during the press conference held last week, there was much speculation mounting that Peacemaker would in fact join the Syndicate faction in the aCe. That scenario is now an obvious impossibility.
New rumors began to sprout about what established, big-name star the wealthy Syndicate would offer a record-breaking contract to. After pursuing Paganax, The Amazing Mann, and Peacemaker, it seemed only natural that another top celebrity would be called to fill the spot. People wondered if they’d be seeing another former GWF or POW star. But, when the Syndicate finally spoke up, the fans and media were stunned.
Acting as the new singles star for the Syndicate faction would be a man with no wrestling experience whatsoever. In fact, this man would be plucked directly from the technological research department of the Syndicate Building! No further details were provided on the identity of this new fighter and representatives from Syndicate Technologies declined all further questioning.
As we’re left to wait for the debut of this newcomer, we are left to speculate who exactly this man is and why the Syndicate would elect to grant him such a coveted and important position. The answers to these questions and more are only days away.
aCe: Dark Tides
Available on 10-28
Remember, fans…if you've already purchased the digital version of aCe:all-Centra entertainment, YOU ALREADY OWN aCe: Dark Tides! It will automatically appear in your COTGonline account!
Just make sure you’ve got an active subscription to COTGonline to enjoy the latest and greatest aCe game edition!
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If your COTGonline subscription has lapsed and you haven’t renewed it, now is the time! The aCe is here in full effect and the Create-a-Character system and GWF War Games are right around the corner!
Broken Oath
A festive occasion was planned out over the past month with excitement for the event growing as the date drew closer.
A banquet for all involved with the new and highly successful all-Centra entertainment federation would be held at the Centrapolis Civic Center. Following the event, there would be a press conference. Then is when anxious fans would hear directly from the head of the aCe branch. Tiber Callisto VII, better known these days as Peacemaker, would give his decision on joining the now government sponsored Syndicate faction.
The media was out in full force, as was nearly every member of the aCe roster; a few were elsewhere. Paganax and his Tribesmen were burrowed in their home lairs on Mt. Ragnarok, Primus. Sycophant the Deviant and PainMaster were scheduled for an early court date the following morning and declined their invitation. Their teammate Mr. Bloat sat quietly (and hungrily) in his solitary cell in the bowels of the Centrapolis City Prison. Flatliner and Holocaust remained incased in their charger-pods at the Syndicate Building while oddities such as the Witchdoctor, Primeval Destruction, and The Others were also unaccounted for.
Ramparts of Centra commander Aegis was present alongside his wife Trisis, who was making her first public appearance since the traumatic events that surrounded her during the Battle for Centra. The couple received a standing ovation from nearly the entire crowd after they delivered a joint commencement speech. The table that seated members of the Dominion remained quiet during the applause, while at the New School’s table, an inebriated Nes Kincaid started booing wildly and was escorted out of the event by security. Donk and Rorus Oaken looked ready to brawl on their stable mate’s behalf, but were ordered to sit and behave by Avarice.
Prior to the scheduled appearance of Peacemaker, a large holovision screen was lowered. All in attendance were treated to an awesome promotional piece featuring the newest fighter signed to the aCe, the cosmic journeyman named Zeta Grey.
The promo featured clips of Zeta Grey performing in matches in over fifteen different federations across the Known Universe from Vega Championship Wrestling to the Cygnus Wrestling Alliance to Wrestling Group X. The smartest of Centra’s fans were thrilled to see that Zeta Grey had wandered all the way to their Dimension and the aCe to carry on his respected wrestling career.
When the holovision screen was raised, there was revealed a podium set on the stage. With the lights still dimmed, a lone spotlight illuminated the ornate podium. With throngs of citizens in attendance, Peacemaker stepped up to the microphone. Chatter died down to complete silence. Flashbulbs popped as a quiet tension hung thick in the air. He spoke.
“No man, faction, or belief shall ever corrupt the foundation of this…,” said Peacemaker before the barbed and poisoned arrow, shot from an unlit balcony seat in the Civic Center, zipped through the dark, tore through Tiber Callisto’s chest muscle, and pierced his heart.
The crowd collectively gasped before screams erupted and pure panic ensued. People rushed to the stage and towards the exits as Peacemaker dropped to his knees. His eyes fluttered before rolling back and before anyone could get to him, he fell flat on his face.
Medical personnel hurried the aCe star off to the nearest hospital.
There has been no news on the condition of Peacemaker as of yet…although there are rumors he may already be dead.
aCe: Dark Tides coming in less than 2 weeks
Power of Primus
Only days after the Dominion’s decision to attempt to sap the power of Primus by defeating Paganax, the Heathen Chief stormed towards the headquarters of the aCe Board of Directors. It took only one kick to stomp the door down from its hinges.
Media who were present caught Paganax as he entered the room and announced his one demand.
“Need soldiers for war against demons!” he roared.
One of the biggest draws in the federation was not to be denied by the aCe Board. The Chief’s request would be granted.
Afterwards, Paganax was shuttled to the sanctuaries that housed the few surviving members of the fallen Tribes of Primus. Sanctuary security would later curse that day after all tribesmen were worked up into an uproar at the site of their Heathen Chief.
No humanoids, Ravagers, or any members of the media were allowed to witness the gruesome training sessions that were held by Paganax, but when it was done, several tribesman lay dead and many other were huddled together, severely injured, battered, or bruised. Only two denizens stood unscathed, one on each side of Paganax.
One Jakyll, and one Krypt.
Together they would fight in the aCe alongside their Chief. Together they would represent their Planet Primus.
They would represent…The Fallen.
Krypt Jakyll
The Fallen
aCe: Dark Tides coming in OCTOBER
Devil in the Madhouse
Godsend, dressed in a designer suit, was led through the halls of the Centrapolis Asylum by the head of staff of the institution. This was no ordinary visitor to the asylum; this was a veteran of all-Centra entertainment who had scheduled a patient visit. Godsend’s escort stopped at the last door on the left and slid open the panel that covered the cell’s window.
“Here is the patient,” the head of staff told Godsend. “Just go ahead and speak through here. Even though he’s curled up in the far corner like that, he can still hear you.”
“I’ll speak to him when I’m ready,” said Godsend. “Now leave the area immediately.”
“With all due respect, sir, it’s policy that I stay here to monitor the situation,” the head of staff explained, a nervous tremble in his voice.
Godsend nodded. “Come closer to me, fool.”
“Sir?” the head of staff asked, now visibly frightened.
Godsend’s hand shot out and grabbed the man by the face and pulled him close. The leader of The Dominion then whispered something into the head of staff’s ear. Godsend then gently let go.
With a dazed look on his face, the head of staff bowed to Godsend, and then calmly walked away.
Days later the hypnotized man would be responsible for the desecration of a local chapel.
Now left alone, Godsend peered into the cell.
“On your feet, Deacon Grimcraft!”
On command, the scrawny character in the straightjacket sprung up and excitedly made his way to the door.
“My master!” said Grimcraft, a wide smile on his face. “You’ve come to release me so I can join you on your way back to the Lower Realms!”
“No,” Godsend admitted. “I’ve come to retrieve the message that’s locked away in your demented mind.”
Grimcraft’s smile melted away. “But I’ve traveled so many miles to come to you.”
“And you will be rewarded…as soon as I restore my powers. Now deliver to me the message that Maramus has embedded in your warped brain.”
“I don’t know what…” Grimcraft muttered, his words trailing off. Suddenly the man in the straightjacket began to twitch. The left side of his face clenched up while foamy drool dribbled down his chin. Godsend watched with delight as Grimcraft’s eyeballs began to glow a soft red color. And then the Deacon began to levitate.
“There is more than just the Essence in the Dimension of Centra, my servant,” growled the demonic voice of Maramus through Deacon Grimcraft’s mouth.
Godsend’s face lit up with child-like awe. “Tell me, my lord. What power is great enough to restore my strengths?” he asked.
Grimcraft’s suspended body floated closer to the window of the cell door. “The power,” it said before a bizarre smile stretched across the possessed Grimcraft’s face, “of Primus.”
Godsend laughed out loud. He kept on laughing as Deacon Grimcraft’s body was dropped to the floor, released from it’s possession by Maramus, and completely exhausted from the ordeal.
Godsend continued to laugh, now hysterically as he headed back to visit the other members of the Dominion to tell them of that they all would now be hunting for two things: the Essence…and the Heathen Chief himself.
~Incident (#3): “Targeted”
You can choose to play out the following "incident" in your aCe fed.
Paganax stands behind the backstage curtain, primal adrenaline coursing through his veins. His name is announced and the crowd goes wild.
Determine which card the above incident occurs on in your fed. Roll on this chart in place of a scheduled Paganax match:
2-6 As Paganax makes his way down the aisle towards the ring, all lights in the arena go out. A burst of blue mist followed by a red flame illuminate the Heathen Chief’s shocked face for a moment before the lights come back on. Paganax, on the ground and holding his face, writhes around in pain while Godsend, Nightmare, and Darkseed stand at the top of the ramp, looking on with pleasure.
*Roll Paganax injury 1d6.
7-10 Paganax makes it to the ring and awaits his opponent. Suddenly, Nightmare crawls out from under the ring and blindsides the Heathen Chief with the Spear of Shadows. Darkseed then runs out and levels Paganax with a Spiked Mace. Godsend then strolls down to the ring and applies Hell’s Threshold, refusing to let go until security is finally able to pry him off.
*Roll Paganax is injured for 5 cards.
11-12 The Dominion stand in the ring prior to the Paganax match, calling out the Chief. Paganax storms down to the ring and fights them off, eventually catching each one with a Pagan Void while the crowd explodes.
*A 3-on-1 handicap match is scheduled featuring Paganax vs. The Dominion.
aCe: Dark Tides coming in OCTOBER
Warning
Locked away for weeks in his private office in the Ethereal Cathedral, apparently embroiled in deep research, Shepard has suddenly disappeared. His office door was found unexpectedly open early this morning. Inside the room were found various maps, diagrams, and religious texts...but no Priest.
An alarming letter was discovered tacked to Shepard’s desk.
aCe: Dark Tides coming soon
Headlines from Centra
~Shepard, Vagabond Priest has cancelled his last several aCe matches. Although he could not be contacted for comment, it's believed that the monster-slayer has been shelled up in his private quarters at the Ethereal Cathedral, involved in "extensive research" of some kind. Gabriel and Exodus have been asked for further information about their colleague’s recent activities. Neither provided comment on the situation.
~With Syndicate Technologies now a government sponsored business, the aCe branch has become Centra's wealthiest government agency, surpassing even the Ramparts of Centra branch in terms of funds and resources. It's speculated that the head of the aCe branch, Tiber Callisto VII, also known as "Peacemaker," will join forces with the rest of the Syndicate faction in the aCe federation to represent this new alliance in the ring. Many citizens of Centra are upset at the rumors that the neutral and supposedly 'uncorruptable' are already alligning themselves with the suspicious Syndicate Tech. Peacemaker has instructed everyone to wait and hear his official press conference before jumping to conclusions.
~An arrest was made after an incident at the Inter-Dimensional Spaceport this past weekend. A crazed man attempted to sprint through customs after asking to be searched by officials. When apprehended, the man created a scene by screaming obscenities and warnings at all on-lookers. Curiously, the man mentioned members of The Dominion during his ranting and raving. It's reported that the man has since been committed to the Centrapolis Asylum. The exact identity of the individual in custody remains a mystery although he claims to be a deacon of some sort. The ministry for which he might preach is unknown.
~Incident (#2): “Army of One”
You can choose to play out the following "incident" in your aCe fed.
The bell has rung and the match between Pendragon and his opponent has just ended!
Determine which card the above incident occurs on in your fed. Roll on this chart following a Pendragon match of your choice:
2-6 Witchdoctor appears at ringside accompanied by a hideous creature. What appears to be an albino fat-rat sits on the strange man's shoulder. Witchdoctor curses Pendragon from a distance.
*A match between Pendragon and Witchdoctor is signed for your next card.
7-9 Pendragon's opponent attacks him following the match. Suddenly, Scud sprints from the backstage area to the ring. "To the rescue, here I come!" he shouts before launching himself into the ring. Scud takes down Pendragon's opponent with the wild maneuver!
*A match between Scud and Pendragon's opponent is signed for your next card.
10-12 Lance At-Las appears at the end of the match. The veteran fighter asks Pendragon for his assistance in an upcoming match against a duo of villainous opponents.
*It's up to you if Pendragon accepts the offer. If so, a match is signed featuring Pendragon and Lance At-Las against a villainous tag team of your choice.
aCe: Dark Tides coming soon
Hustler sat by himself amongst a rowdy crowd of gamblers and suspected gangsters in a seedy club somewhere in downtown Centrapolis.
A bell rang, signaling the start of the main event pit fighting match.
Pit fighting in Centra was the biggest, and most brutal of the underground sports. Two men, punches only, at the bottom of a pit. The match doesn’t end until one man is knocked out…or dead. Sometimes a pit fighter’s fists were wrapped in chains, sometimes dipped in diamond shards, sometimes set ablaze.
In the match at hand, The Cash Money Club’s champion Mack Calibur, ferociously attacked his challenger, nearly taking the man’s jaw off its hinges with sickeningly strong haymakers.
Out of the blue, two men sat down, one on either side of Hustler.
“Evening, boys,” said Hustler.
Esperanto looked straight ahead, watching the pit fight as he talked. “Save it, Hustler,” he said before spitting right on the carpeted floor of the club. "You should be in court testifyin’ right now. Master’s close to a plea bargain. He’ll be free soon. Do you realize that?”
“His old ass ain’t no threat no more, man. I’m done worryin’ about that trio of straight-up freaks,” Hustler said and then shifted in his seat. “Oh, damn! You see that punch? My boy Calibur is gonna do it again!”
Scorch, who sat on the other side of Hustler, puffed on his cigar. He leaned in close to his partner’s ear. “Ya probably got a nice wad a’ cash ridin’ on this match, huh, pal?” Scorch asked softly. “Maybe even told the chump…I mean champ, ta take a dive?” Scorch wasn’t watching the fight. He was staring directly at Hustler.
Hustler snickered. “Man come on, Scorch,” said Hustler as he turned his head and looked his partner right in the face. They were nearly nose to nose and neither man flinched. “You know I don’t participate in no illegal activities.”
“Why, you no-good lyin’ sack a’ sh…,” but before Scorch could finish his curse, a pistol was shoved into his gut.
Hustler was as quick on the draw as anyone in Centrapolis. “Don’t cross me, Scorch. I like you, and I wouldn’t kill you, but I’m warnin’ you right now, don’t ever challenge me. Especially on my own turf.”
“Just calm it down, Hustler,” said Esperanto, who had risen from his seat. By this point, everyone in the small venue had turned their attention to the scuffle. Even Mack Calibur stopped pummeling his bloody opponent and looked up from the pit.
“Back up off me, Espo. I said I ain’t gonna kill nobody…especially you two. I got nuthin’ but love and respect for the Regulators.”
Hustler drew another pistol, quick as lightening. He pointed this one at Esperanto. The other gun pointed at his partner. Scorch and Ol’ Espo backed away, towards the door, hands raised.
“But I got more love and more respect for Blue Steel. And that’s just the way it is,” said Hustler as he lowered his pistols and turned his back on his old teammates.
Scorch and Esperanto charged forward, angered and ready to attack Hustler. But neither got more than a few steps away from the leader of the Blue Steel gang. They were frozen in their tracks by the thirty or so weapons that were raised in their direction by virtually every single patron in the club.
His back still turned to the Regulators, Hustler spoke up again. “Get outta here, boys. These ain’t your streets no more…they’re mine.”
A Meeting in Secret
The Amazing Mann’s lavish penthouse apartment overlooked the beaches of the Centrapolis northern coast. He turned from the wall of windows with the beautiful view to face his guests.
“You're not suggesting we...” Nemean began.
“'Predetermine the outcome of our matches?” the Amazing one asked. “Never! Unless of course the two of you'd agree to lose every time to me."
“Ha! Get real, Mann!' said Nemean as he plopped down on the living room’s plush, oversized couch. “Hey why are you looking to form a new team, anyways? You’re the prized possession of the Syndicate.”
“I won’t be typecast as yet another ‘arrogant heel accompanied by lackeys.’ The aCe has too many of those already. I only signed with that company’s faction for the bonus they were offering. The Syndicate paid big bucks to bring me here…but now that I’m here, I hardly need them.”
“Slippery as a Coma Town crawler, you are,” said Nemean. “I’d like to interview you next card.”
“Talk to my agent, I’m sure we could arrange something. Now listen closely, gentlemen,” Amazing Mann said as he continued his pitch, “I'm simply suggesting we make a show of it like never before. Let's give them exactly what they want to see in the ring...especially when we fight against one another. The show comes first.”
“You're not telling me anything I don't know, dude. The Show always comes first,” said Nemean before he slipped the sunglasses which rested on his head back over his eyes.
"Why should the show come first?” the third man present, the one with the tinny alien voice, asked. “Competition is what’s always driven me.”
“Bull, Totalis...it's the prize that drives you,” said Mann. “And what a greater prize than fame? It unlocks the doors to all your greatest dreams. Trust me, friend, I know of unlocking...and I know of fame.”
"Fine!” Totalis snapped back. “I'll go along with your plan for now, but I'd better see a rise in popularity in the aCe via this little scheme and I'd better see it fast."
Nemean hopped up from the couch and with a mid-air twirl landed on his knees. He tipped his sunglasses and looked at the Tournament Master. “Just stick by me, Tots. I'll make ya famous.”'
“We'll all be sticking by each other,” said Mann. “We’ll fight against one another and put on the best performances the aCe has ever seen. And every chance you get, promote not only yourself, but the other two as well. Obviously we're never to let anyone know of this secret guild. Is that agreed?”
“It's in the books, baby,” said Nemean.
“Agreed,” said Totalis.
“Well then to the top of the ratings we go, fellow showmen.”
Nemean Amazing Mann Totalis
The Secret Guild of Showmen
aCe: Dark Tides coming soon
With the portals open and news of the happenings of Centra leaking back into Dimension K, we're in touch with the everyday lives of Centra Prime like never before.
Here are some of the biggest headlines from the Centra Dimension:
~The aCe Governing Branch turns Syndicate Technologies into a government sponsored company. According to government representatives, Syndicate Tech holds the key to many potential technological breakthroughs in the fields of science and medicine and will press on with their research and development with added government funding. Fans wonder if a similar alliance will occur within the aCe ring.
~The House of Pain attends parole hearings in hopes of lessening the prison sentences they continue to serve any time they're not in the aCe ring. Members of The Regulators have been called in to testify. Hustler has missed at least two hearings.
~Incident (#1): “CAUGHT LIVE ON HOLOVISION!”
You can choose to play out the following "incident" in your aCe fed.
While appearing as a guest on the Nemean Show, Nes Kincade called in his allies after insulting the host. The Brothers Oaken stomped onto the set and...
Determine which card the above incident occurs on in your fed. Roll on this modified Nemean Show chart:
2-6 Nemean gets destroyed by Donk and Rorus Oaken. They obliterate the host, the set, and nearly take off the head of Nes Kincade before Mr. MTFO! talks them down.
*Roll Nemean injury 1d6.
**If The Bros. Oaken aren't aCe Essence tag champions in your fed, they get the next title shot.
7-10 Nemean gets destroyed by Nes and the Oakens. Eventually, Avarice is escorted onto the set by a pair of rarely seen yet exotically beautiful Ravager females. He bows to them as they leave. The son of the Family Rose lays a black rose on the chest of Nemean and then delivers a vicious shot to the Host with the Most's face while the New School go on to destroy the set.
*Roll Nemean injury 2d6.
**If Avarice isn't the aCe Essence champion in your fed, he gets the next title shot.
11-12 Nemean fends of the attack of the New School! He hits HUNGER STRIKES on Rorus, Donk, and finally Nes Kincade as crowd pops into an explosion of cheers! Nemean grabs the mic, ends the Show, and hurries off the stage!
*Nemean gets a title shot at Nes Kincade or The Brothers Oaken if any of those characters hold any belts in your fed.
The first aCe insert edition is on the way! Remember, if you own aCe:all-Centra entertainment you'll be receiving aCe:Dark Tides in your COTGonline account the day it's released! To get your copy of aCe:Dark Tides, purchase aCe:all-Centra entertainment and recieve the insert edition for free!
aCe: Dark Tides coming soon
