|
Post by Jongluer on May 10, 2006 20:54:05 GMT -5
Ever wanted to be a superhero? Fight crime in cities? Battle supervillains in the sky? Well, now you can! With Mutants and Masterminds, a game I recently picked up in PDF you can become superpowered! I was thinking that since every once in a while we might like to try something new or for what we do after NC (not that we're anywhere close, I just think very far ahead), we might like to try M&M to flex those super-powered muscles. Basically, I have a lot of time on my hands and have created two campaign settings that I find interesting. One is a world with a long history of superheroes, having seen them fought in WW2, duke it out in the Cold War, wrestle with supervillains with aims for world domination, and become dark and brooding during the 80s and 90s. It is set in the early 2000s where heroes of all types take to the streets and skies, allying themselves with all sorts of organizations from the Reclamation League to the American Government to do battle with evil. In this setting you'd be part of a much larger history and movement, it would be high powered and filled with cliche villains and heroes dealing with silly things like supervillains, alien invasions, and so on... The other is a place similar to the world is one where superbeings are mutants, or the rare mutate. Here they are new, the oldest known mutants having only been in the light for ten years and rarely in a good way. Mutants fill in all sorts of niches from the high powered villain (at least in comparison to your average human), to allies, leaders, and random people on the streets. Mutants often reel from problems with society at large, there having been attempts at mutant quarantines earlier on, and the recent attempt at passing the Mutant Powers Act resulting in a resurfacing of tensions. Mobs and fanatical organizations fight to end the "mutant problem" meanwhile all sorts of mutant organziations arise fighting for their rights, working to end conflict, or just to get somewhere in power. The game would be far lower in power, with a limited amount of powers but more focused on story, characters, interaction, and role playing...well with plenty of combat and investigations as the catalyst for such interaction.
Which would you guys be interested in, if you're interested at all?
|
|
|
Post by TheBigCheese on May 10, 2006 22:19:09 GMT -5
the second campaign, i love that idea
|
|
|
Post by Avi on May 10, 2006 22:20:22 GMT -5
Alien invasions you say! Very interesting...
|
|
|
Post by Beeb on May 11, 2006 5:42:38 GMT -5
First one, we all know how I roleplay.
|
|
|
Post by Innocentius on May 11, 2006 16:03:12 GMT -5
First one. Second one reminds me waaaay too much of X-Men. And history is always cool.
|
|
mick
Level 1, it's all Kobolds and Copper Pieces
Posts: 20
|
Post by mick on May 11, 2006 17:13:42 GMT -5
If you can mix the two that'd be great
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 14, 2006 22:36:17 GMT -5
Good Point mick, but the thing is it would be very hard to mix the two since new mutants with a world that's already been full of superheroes wouldn't be that amazing... I'll post bits and pieces of the first since 3 out of the 4 seem to be going with it.
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 15, 2006 12:20:28 GMT -5
Superheroes before the 20th Century: For the most part before the 1920s, heroes were people of myth and legend. The Gods and Heroes of Ancient lore are mainly extradimensional beings or extremely well trained humans (sometimes both), whose exploits due to their sheer unbelievability quickly became legend and story rather than historic fact. Once out of the ancient times, the periods of early empires such as the Romans seem widely untouched by any heroes (though there is a growing belief that Jesus was actually a superhero, though this idea is often very quickly put down) and if they existed they were most likely not more than beings within the street fighting simple crimes. After the fall of Rome, heroes tended to rise and fall occassionally throughout history, a lone wizard here or there, knights of astounding strength and grace, samurai with nigh-inhuman ability, religious leaders of great power, or the occassional cunning thief, are all speculated heroes of the time till the Victorian era. The Victorian era itself did bring rise to some of the first beings that one might call heroes, still on a small scale, there are many tales of westerners with great skill or perhaps an astounding ability, these were mainly psychics and mages though some were wielders of magic artifacts, and of course Victorian steam inventions gave rise to some of the original super science inventions. Furthermore, voodoo priests, native american shamans, and their most powerful warriors are also considered to be super beings though the destruction of many of these cultures has left their tales widely untold. Overall though, superheroes don't come into play until the 1920s and even then still a small number in comparison to the late 30s and World War II.
Mystery Men, Freelancers against the Darkness of the 20s: The disillusionment left by WW1, and the resulting need for something to believe left a gap in the soul that little could fill. Coupled with the rise in organized crime from Prohibition, America became the first hero filled nation. The 20s saw few with obvious superpowers, but it is considered by contemporary historians the first time “the mask” was donned. As was later discovered, most of the original heroes such as The Lantern Bearer and Crack Shot, were merely playboys with nothing better to do. Tired of seeing those around them fall to corruption, and having that inside step thanks to their family ties, many saw their chance to act and took it. Not wishing their identities revealed they wore masks and covering apparel (like capes or trench coats) to make their real appearances hard to discern, they then used the knowledge from years of study at prestigious institutions and countless lessons in dancing, boxing, fencing, and so on to fight crime. This is not to say that all heroes in this era had nothing else to do, some such as The Fighting Mick (a rascist name placed upon a local street hero in New York who fought against crime bosses to keep his neighborhood and surrounding areas clean, he referred to himself as The Emerald Saint) were men who having lost purpose due to fighting in the Great War and saw their “protection of democracy” turned upside down when they returned home to a land where capitalists ruled the weak like they were slaves, and cops didn't even stand up to the simplest of crimes, decided to stand up for what was right. The success of these vigilantes was often allowed due to the lack of care by the system, and during this time little was done about whether or not they could or couldn't, such legislation wouldn't be around for several decades.
The Depression, and the Rise of Supers: The depression fell to a similar if not worse air than the Roaring 20s. During this time not only were people in dire need to believe there was something more out there, but they needed help and badly. The governments of the world doing the best they could to help economically, it was up to heroes to fight what no government could do anything about. Most of the heroes in the 20s continued on taking on a more humanitarian air, helping to get supplies to people, making sure the government's plans went along smoothly, sometimes even stepping in when the government went too far (such as the use of troops against the Bonus Marchers early on). Still as countries got back on their feet, other problems began to arise. First, organized crime not only was ever present but when people began to rise up again, they struck back with a vengeance. In response to this as well as the Depression itself some of the very first true superheroes arrived on the scene, The Patriot Bird in Washington D.C., Mighty Man in Chicago, Rainmaker in the Southwest, The American in the Midwest, and Dr. Arcanic in New York City, all of them fought hard to protect the people as well as offer aid as often as they could. The American, Rainmaker, and Dr. Arcanic were some of the most well known heroes of the new “super” breed in this age, mostly in thanks to their abilities to help those facing destitution. By the time of FDR's presidency with Supers making their arrival on the scene the government was sitting with open arms, passing as part of the 100 days the Superhero Alliance Commission, a small committee who helped organize supers to better help the people.
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 15, 2006 12:25:39 GMT -5
Road to War: The late 1930s were a scary time in Europe, already things were falling into position for war, it was merely a matter of time. Nazi Germany made the first strike by invading Poland in 1939 with just military force alone. Soon enough the entire continent looked like it was going to fall, and shortly did. The push was held off for a short time in part thanks to some of the first British and French heroes, allied as The Torch of Freedom, this group of five or so heroes helped greatly in holding off the Nazis till much of the British and French troops were moving across the Channel. The war began to get dangerous very quickly, The Torch like the Brits themselves seemed like it was against the world, making continual raids as best as it could, and trying to help Russia when it had the time. Russia was doing a poor job defending itself as well, and it's one super, the Red Rocket was the focus of all gunfire when he appeared on the battlefield. It was by 1940 that things worsened, the Nazis demonstrated the first of the Ubermich experiments, as well as the abilities of their super science, most of these Doomtroopers were merely well armed men, though there were a few such as Reich Draken and Thule who were wielders of superpowers. It was also during this time that American heroes began to respond, with the creation of the Selective Service and Training Act, some American Heroes took it as a go ahead to get involved. The Patriot Bird, a defender of right first America second, quickly organized as many as he could to make the trip across the pond. The Flight of Protection as they called themselves consisted of The Patriot Bird, Dr. Arcanic, the young Atlas, and the American super scientist Dr. Jefferson (nothing but a super scientist, while over in England he produced what is known as the first Battlesuit and was dubbed Steel Star). They helped The Torch guard bombers, and make runs of their own. Fights between the ever growing Nazi Ubermichs and the democratic Heroes were legendary, often sparking stories told to young children in all countries. The face of war would quickly change in 1941...
The Giant Roused: December 7th, 1941 changed the war dramatically, with the introduction of America into the war. While on a large scale, this entrance would not come to true fruition till 1944, on the superhero side of things it finally gave the added push needed to quiet things in Europe down a bit. With America finally declaring war, many superheroes made the leap to join the heroes already over there. The American, Mighty Man, Rainmaker, the second Crack Shot, as well as the newly rising heroes Captain Tornado, Galex the Wizard, Pegasus, The Mesmerist, and a few others. It seemed that many were willing to answer the call for soldiers, both mundane and super. The early follies of the American superheroes were obvious, most memorable is The American's leap into Hitler's chambers, only to be matched by the man's supersoldiers and personal magical might, it was overconfidence like this that cost some their lives but luckily the overall affect was a learning experience. The years before D-Day were fraught with tense air battles as well as the occassional land battle in France, though the Ubermichs were limited in number, it seemed that there was nothing that Nazi Super Science wouldn't allow their soldiers to achieve. Complicating things further were the Japanese super soldiers and use of Nazi Super Science, thus resulting in the need for some heroes to move to the Pacific, it also brough up the first of Soldier Superheroes, Major Magma, a young pilot stationed in Hawaii was accidently caught in a magical disturbance involving a volcano while exploring the islands on a shore leave, the result being his change into a being of fire, he still considered himself a member of the armed forces and was treated as such, though his actual rank by the end of the war was a Captain and not a Major he was still called such in the papers, he lead many of the assualts on Japanese fleets and their heroes. With D-Day, came the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, every hero was on the case of pushing them down and cutting a swath through Europe, as had been occurring by island hopping in the Pacific. Throughout the final few months of battle, things became even more fierce, and the desperation of the Nazis was obvious. As the Red Rocket lead the charge into Berlin, and Western Superheroes flew over the skies, the world saw the insanity of Nazi Germany. Nazi Super Scientists, coupled with sorcerers and mages began in the final hours of their lives to try and accelerate the summoning of some sort of demonic figure, they nearly succeeded as well if not for the actions of Dr. Arcanic, Galex the Wizard, the British hero Sir Magnificent, and The American, and their invasion of the base outside of Berlin where this was occurring. The final battle with Hitler and his remaining supersoldiers occurred deep underground in his personal bunker, even in his death though he seemed assured of his victory over democracy, and it was as they rifled through his papers that the heroes discovered why, he had just issued an order for a bomb to be dropped in America. The Patriot Bird was the first to respond, and was off in a flash, literally crashing right through the layers of steel and concrete into the air above. His race to catch up with a secret undetectable plane, was an amazing one, since no one knew exactly where he was. He eventually caught up with the plane high above the Atlantic, and battled the at the time last Nazi supersoldier, before he destroyed the plane and it's cargo. Though the bomb would not be revealed to be atomic till the 1980s, this is what it was, and with such an explosion, The Patriot Bird was dead. The fighting in the Pacific continued for several more months, until the Atomic Age officially began with the actual dropping of atomic bombs on Japan. The War was over, and many heroes who responded to the call returned home, and most hung up their suits having seen far too much, some stayed on in their cities and homes, while others signed up with their governments, fighting the secret battles between the Western World and the Communist Governments.
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 15, 2006 12:33:22 GMT -5
The '50s and 60s, Supervillains and Secret Battles: The '50s made for an interesting time, in earlier years most of the street level heroes were pushed down as communists and dangerous outlaws working outside of normal society, but as the Cold War progressed and the splitting of the atom brought heroes to many areas of the world, secret battles became fought with supers. Further during this age many supervillains made their first appearances shocking the world with their insanity, and ability to use power for evil and not good. The first landmark of the 50s was the disbanding of the Superhero Alliance Commission, thus ending the partnership between heroes and government of the past 18 years. Also reflecting governments feelings towards heroes, was the decision in the Geneva Convention to outlaw them in the use of war, and espionage, cutting off what most of them had done for most of their careers. Heroes began to turn into recluces, many just training and trying to maintain normal lives while being heroes on the side when they were needed to fight crimes. Of course, heroes just couldn't be left alone, by the mid-50s things started to happen fast, the Korean War quickly turned into a Super Conflict when China became involved and “independant” Russian heroes joined the fray, Red Rocket made an infamous return this time on the other side of the lines, now joined by other Russians such as The Soviet Atom, and the Siberian Wolf, as well as the Chinese Super: People's Dragon. The American government scrambled fast to assemble heroes still willing to work with them after their abandonment after the war, and being accused of being Communists or menances, many of the old hats didn't come as expected, though a few did, as well as many young new heroes, Glory Hawk, Thunderclap, Ice Queen (the first female superhero to gain national acclaim), and many others arose in the Korean conflict. The Korean War would also set up the legislation to work with heroes on their later secret battles during the Cold War, for which a few more heroes made the return such as The American, Dr. Arcanic, and the Steel Star. Still though, while battles raged in the shadows of two giants, it was what occurred on the homefront that most scary. In 1959, the first Supervillain stepped forth, calling himself Dr. Destruction, a super scientist with many mental maladies and a penchant for robots, he tried to take over California but was pushed back by a quick alliances of several heroes, he escaped and would come back many times throughout the sixties till his death in the early 70s. Copy cats of the good doctor were quick to follow as were some of other bents, Iron Fist a militant man who rose to power in South America (believed to be a former Nazi) tried to launch a world domination scheme, Dream Walker a wielder of great telepathic power attempted to possess several world leaders and succeeded for a short while till a short-lived alliance between British hero Gamma Blade and Red Rocket brought him down, and Dakor an ancient Vampire who chose to set his undead minons upon multiple cities across the world many times over was eventually apprehended towards the end of this era, just to name a few.
70s, a Time of Peace and Legislation: The 70s though a time of turbulent social change, were on the super end relatively quiet. Villains rose but were quickly being put into newly built super prisons, there was still crime but there were plenty of heroes who could step up to deal with that, even the secret battles seemed to be cooling down. In this era, the championing that heroes did were often of a more political or civil bent, helping people such as Martin Luther King, Jr to make a stand for equality. This is all viewed as a retirement era because some heroes finally said they were stopping after 40 years in the uniform, Dr. Arcanic, Captain Tornado, Major Magma, and the Rainmaker all retired, as well did many others. Many street level heroes still remained to make sure the cops were able to keep things just extra safe. During this time, the only true importance that occurred in relation to heroes, was the passing of legislation within many countries finally outlining their rights under the law. Superheroes once known to exist were to register with local police who would then sign off on that person's ability to make arrests and the like, supers were to provide assistance to police officers and during investigations could only participate if asked. They effectively became integrated into the legal system, though little actual control was placed upon them, it was perhaps the lack of control that many blamed for the Dark Ages of the 80s and 90s.
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 15, 2006 12:37:39 GMT -5
80s and 90s, The Dark Age: For some reason, the 80s saw an increase in the sheer amount of people donning costumes and dashing into the night. Though evidence wouldn't exist till 1991, this was due largely in part to the growing increase of mutation within the populace, which many hailed as “the next step in evolution”. Of course, these people did not necessarily become heroes to serve a cause, or find purpose like heroes of the past, many in this age of materialism would do it for the money and publicity, or a sick urge to be violent. Some of the first heroes to trademark themselves were either newcomers or rusted links in a long line, the fourth Crack Shot trademarked not only himself but his predecessors, and the new magic hero Magnifimage was also one of the first to make his own lines of products. It seemed that overnight “Super-ing” became a multi-million dollar business, that though mainly was used to fund itself sometimes was just left to sit around and used for indulgence. Still worse, was that on the mundane side of life, people started to become fed up with big corporations and they turned to vigilante-ism to do it. Many of these sinister “heroes” took a darker side of justice that was mere revenge in the end, heroes like Darksider, Guardian, and the near insane Equalizer wore these dark mantles well, and would spur many similar people to fight in their manner. During this age, many supervillains also arose, and with such terrible heroes, it is hard to imagine the villains of this era, world domination, enslavement, and pure destruction were all part of their plans, and many heroes responded in kind. It seemed like no one was going to stand up and fight for right, then a miracle occurred, The Patriot Bird returned, though obviously not the same one who died in 1945, he followed the same code of honor, and fought for the same reasons. He was often alone in his attempts to clean up the streets with arrests and not blood, still though it gave people hope that things would be good. Still though the scars of this era remain today, many heroes still find blood easier than anything else, the public finds heroes slightly frightening and definitely uncontrollable, and there is still plenty of money to be had as a mercenary super.
The Modern Age: Now we come to the 21rst century, a new and modern age. Many heroes have come and gone, and many still rise. It is now obvious that super powers are here to stay, and the fine line between Mutant and Mutate is cause for protesting, many people already distrustful of supers thanks to the Dark Age are even more fearful of mutants, often supers who can barely control their powers. The government wants to try to reign in the superheroes who have seemingly gone mad, but is unsure of how to do so without things getting very bad very fast. Of course, not all is lost on this front, in recent years thanks to the example of the now retired Patriot Bird, a relatively small group of heroes lead by The White Eagle have agreed to follow a proper code of conduct like those of old, they call themselves the Reclamation League and they intend to do just that, and backed by the return of The American it is very possible they might do it. Terrorism brings a new source of danger to Supers, many try to stem such violence from occurring within their borders and those of other nations, though very few have actually signed up with governments to go after them there are a few. Politics have seem to become a taboo subject within Superheroes again, as seen by their lack of assistance in the middle east, only one non-homegrown superhero rests over there and this is the American soldier hero Johnny Marine, who is quickly wearing out his welcome among the Middle Eastern heroes like Sand King. It seems like super villains might once again make strikes against the world though hopefully not to the extent of earlier ages. Finally, humanity looks towards the stars wondering if threats rest beyond where they can see as they so often elude them at home.
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 15, 2006 12:42:38 GMT -5
Lantern Bearer: Considered the first mask-wearing hero, Lantern Bearer arose in the early 20s fighting corrupt businessmen and mobsters in Chicago. In reality, he was a dilletante playboy, who having gone to the great schools of New England was bored with his life, and his father's lack of death meaning that he couldn't actually control the family business left this boy with nothing to do. He responded by just spiting his father who despite his failing age refused to give up his business, the Lantern Bearer donned a suit to hide his image and went off in the night to collect information that incriminated the illegal business partners his father dealt with. After this first success, and the initial thrill, he decided to make this something he'd regularly indulge in, turning it into a hobby. For the Lantern Bearer everything was in good fun, and it gave him some purpose on top of that. He retired when his father finally died, and he took over the business. The Lantern Bearer possessed no particular powers, he was just a strong, agile, sneaky, and intelligent young man with plenty of time and training.
Crack Shot: Another early superhero, and one who has been lived on by his family, Crack Shot like his contemporary Lantern Bearer, started as a bored dilletante. Of course, his reasoning to start was not spite, but actual desire to do something meaningful. He knew well the problems that gripped New York City, so he decided if no one was going to do anything about, why not he? Arming himself with two Colt M1911 pistols, and plenty of ammunition, he entered into the night dressed in a decorated trenchcoat and mask. Crack Shot quickly rose to fame, known mainly by the abilities which gave him his name. Of course, what made Crack Shot so well known, is that he still persists today. When the original Crack Shot retired before WW2, he passed his training on to his youngest son a ramboncious youth in need of guidance. The boy went on to become a famous WW2 hero, possessing no special abilities he was considered a hero to many troops because he was doing exactly what they did. Of course, as the War progressed, Crack Shot began to study science and was helped by Dr. Jefferson in producing a large number of special bullets. During the 60s, Crack Shot's name was once more passed on to a son, this one inherited a much larger legacy than the previous, one of breathtaking tales, and amazing gadgetry. The new Crack Shot took his father's work a step further and produced personalized pistols, as well as expanding the arsenal to include other types of fire arms as well. Finally, in the 80s the fourth Crack Shot took all of this and expanded the family's now dwindling fortune by marketing himself. He still is quite the hero, but he does things mainly for publicity, and he always has an angle up his sleeve.
The Fighting Mick/The Emerald Saint: Not noted for any particular power, The Emerald Saint as he called himself, was a very strong Irish immigrant, trained boxer, and former member of the Army, who was tired of seeing his children put in jeopardy by the mobsters of New York City. He decided to do something about it, and took to the streets in a few green dyed clothes, he later stitched a rendering of Ireland onto the front. He was moderately successful, and retired shortly after his area was safe.
The Patriot Bird: One of the first, if not the original, superhero. The Patriot Bird's origins are fairly mysterious considering he never divulged them, rurmors between government experimentation, natural mutation, alien handiwork, awakening of latent magical or psionic ability, some even state that it was good old fashioned American elbow grease. Either way, he hit the streets of Washington D.C. Hard and fast. His scope of powers, including flight, super strength, high tolerance for pain if not sheer immunity or the ability to absorb pain, as well as supposed super speed, and astounding senses similar to predatory animals like wolves and hawks, all made him a fine candidate to clean up streets as well as businesses and sometimes the government. Patriot Bird was also well known to assist in humanitarian missions where his flying and super strength could be put to simple and fulfilling labor. At his core, The Patriot Bird was in love with America and its ideals, he constantly spoke of democracy, equality, and toleration. It was his wish that every country could be as filled with good feeling as his, that lead him overseas to fight opression in World War II despite his beloved country's isolationist stance. His work in WW2 set a precedent for many others to follow, he was nearly always at the fore front and constantly coordinating assaults with superheroes from all Allied nations. For a short time he forwent his Flag-based cape, since he believed he could not wave it until he had his nation's approval, and once December 1941 came around, he displayed his colors proudly and seemed to blossom with newfound resolve pushing his fellows on through the next four years as best as he could. The Patriot Bird died defending America at the literal end of World War II, and would not be seen for many years. Despite his death, The Patriot Bird made a triumphant return in the 80s, in response to the sheer disgusting nature of the Dark Age heroes, the grandson of the original (who in actuallity was Lt. Col. Robert Smith, a member of the U.S. Armed Forces who was unusally close with higher ups, and often an asssumed member of the OSI), Robert Smith the Third learned of his grandfather's legacy when he stumbled upon an extra suit (dating back from the pre-war era) when cleaning the attic for his grandmother. Telling no one of the secret, he took the suit and other perephanial away, and began to fix it up. Sadly, Robert did not possess his grandfather's superpowers but he did possess a knowledge of science, mainly genetics and chemistry, and delving further into these fields he was able to create a serum on his own time that granted him abilities similar to his Grandfather's. The formula to the serum was burned shortly after it's creation, lost forever. The serum was introduced through a pair of guantlets, it granted him flight, speed, and strength, and redesinging the suit he made himself impervious to most conventional forms of assualt. Of course, the reason for the second Patriot Bird's retirement reflected the dangers of such a serum, the serum caused him to rapidly age, and by the time he was 45 he looked as if he were 70 if not 80. Dying an early death alone, he kept his secret hidden from as many as he could, and many still wonder why he has fallen silent in recent years.
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 15, 2006 12:47:43 GMT -5
Dr. Arcanic: A studious mage, Dr. Arcanic was born Blake Arthem to a couple of convience. The mother, having had sex out of wedlock with a random man, she was forced to marry her father's pick for her, a young and upcoming businessman named James Arthem. The man was well aware that his wife did not love him, nor did he care since he as a closet homosexual used the relationship to make him seem normal. This home devoid of love and many promiscuous acts, left Blake a fairly odd boy, further made the odd man out by his interest in the occult, Blake had eventually accepted a life of oddity. Then when on one of his many trips around the world, Blake encountered a strange old man, who murmured odd sayings and seemed to be surrounded by a mysterious air. Blake pressed this man for information on what he was talking about, and from him would learn the powers of the arcane. His true power rested of course not in his words but from his own natural ability in magic which he received from his father, also a powerful travelling wizard, the man got drunk one night and did something he would never have done, have sex with an unknown woman. So slowly but surely his unknown son would claim the mantle bequethed him by his father. Dressing himself in cloak and a tight fitting jumpsuit, Blake became Dr. Arcanic, originally he was going to call himself Arcanic, but decided to throw in the word Doctor at the urging of his mentor who believed if you have one might as well use it, many argue what the Doctorate actually is in and are often surprised to learn that it is in Physics. Dr. Arcanic spent most of his early years serving as a private investigator and servant to the poor. Though his skills of investigation were amazing, Dr. Arcanic found his skills better suited towards helping, and of course the act was much more rewarding then condemning someone to a life of prison. When the war arrived, the good doctor was more than ready to teleport to Europe, but used his good senses to wait till he could ally himself with the more muscular of superheroes. During the war he proved himself not only an intelligence asset but his skills in working with civilians, as a linguist, a competent master of battle spells and tactics, and healer, placed him as one of the most important heroes during the war. Plus, as the war took a darker turn, his knowledge of magic was invaluable to defeating the Nazis. After the war, he took up the title of private investigator again, helping mainly those in need for free. When the U.S. Needed him once again he returned for a small government grant to ensure his library would survive on for those capable of entering, mainly in an intelligence capacity though he did occassionally perform fieldwork alongside friends. In the 1970s he retired from the world of heroes to a quiet life of contemplation in the Pacific Northwest, many hope that he is still out there resting on some mountain peak, though in all likelihood he is dead.
Dr. Jefferson/Steel Star: Often hailed as the first American Super Scientist, Dr. Jefferson was one of the original people to study the fields of robotics and computers. In his day of course these were mainly pipe dreams, and calculators filled whole rooms, still he worked hard on his theories and even tried to produce a working robotic soldier, and though unable to get it to work he still had an amazing combinations of metal alloy and motors. He was completely disregarded by his fellows as “a radical dreamer who creates more explosions than inventions” and so feeling their dislike as he put it, he fled to take his ideas to Britain with several superheroes in the hopes that maybe they would help him get his ideas off the ground. While British scientists considered him just as insane, it was the super community who encouraged him to work, and though his prototype robot was useless as a robot it still would make an amazing machine. It was this idea that spurred him into creating his Personal Armament Deployment Device Incorporating Neutron Galvinics or PADDING, the suit is the first battlesuit in history and through a number of systems gave the good doctor immunity to most conventional weapons, the strength of many men, a wide selection of heavy weapons, and even flight. Dr. Jefferson when in the suit became the Steel Star, a massive metal man who was more than capable of beating down German forces. He would later return in a new and improved form (though in actuallity he was an older, ailing Dr. Jefferson) for the Cold War. Dr. Jefferson turned the suit into a fine museum piece when he helped build the Museum of Superheroes in the 1970s.
Red Rocket: The first Soviet Superhero, the Red Rocket was a man blessed with super speed. He was faster than a rocket, and capable of delivering enough punches within a second to demolish entire buildings. Most of his powers seemed to revolve around applications of his super speed, it was fairly simple in the end. His first appearance was in the Second World War, working hard to keep the Germans from destroying his fellow Russians. During the Cold War, he worked independantly as well as with the Russian Government to ensure that Communism was always protected and continually brought to unenlightened souls. In the end, Red Rocket disappeared after the fall of communism, though many believe he resides in other nations or has since retired entirely from being a superbeing.
Ice Queen: An American women who discovered her ability to influence cold and subsequently ice at an early age, she went on to become the first female superhero, at least of national acclaim. Her powers revolved mainly upon the creation of cold weather and ice, as she progressed through the ages so did her powers, soon enough she was able to conjure blizzards and become ice herself. After the Cold War she returned to simple patrols of the world, and has joined the Reclamation League. No one is quite sure of her age at this point, though she is believed to be in her late sixties not that anyone can tell, it seems her use of cold has made her immune to aging.
Major Magma: The first American supersoldier, Major Magma was allied with the Navy in the Pacific. While on leave in Hawaii, the then Lieutenant and later Captain, had been exploring the natural vistas around a small chain of mountains that seemed to house a dormant volcano. His presence somehow activated a small pocket of blessed lave close to the surface, it burst forth engulfing him in a warmth unlike any other. When it was over he was a being of the volcano, a magma man of sorts. When he returned the base it caused widespread panic until he finally was able to identify himself. From then on he served proudly with the Navy leading fights with flights of wildcats behind him. After the war he joined with other heroes in assisting the American Government fight menaces to Truth, Justice, and the American Way.
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 15, 2006 12:55:22 GMT -5
Magnifimage: Another famous wielder of magic, Magnifimage arose in the early 80s. He had previously been a used car salesman, but a strange dream made him awaken dormant magical powers on accident. Now blessed with arcane powers, Magnifimage focused on being the most marketable being on the planet. He created a flashy costume, and clever one liners, as well as a name to display his greatness Magnifimage! Shortly after his rise to stardom in LA he began to plaster himself on t-shirts, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, basically whatever he could find. Being very successful with this venture, he sparked many to follow in his footsteps, but his place in history is certainly as one of the first to do so.
Equalizer: The deranged Dark Age hero was by far one of the scariest products of the age. A man driven by grief having lost everything to corrupt businesses, drugs, and the shattering of his dreams, he eventually snapped going completely insane. No one is quite sure where he learned his dangerous martial arts, how to dissappear into the shadows, or where the hell he could've become so damn strong, though many believed it stemmed from his insanity awakening mutant abilties, or secret corporation testing. Still though, wherever his powers came from, he used them to achieve his twisted goals. The placing of people on equal levels. He would more often than not, maim businessmen leaving them to fend without legs, tongues, arms, and so forth, though sometimes his wholesale destruction of them was more gruesome. The Equalizer is the darkest chapter in Superhero History, being a madman akin to most villains, and using methods not even the most lethal superheroes would consider, he was effective mainly through fear. In the end, his fall was as quick as his rise to the thanks of many people.
The White Eagle: Much like the second Patriot Bird, The White Eagle, became disgusted with the way current superheroes were carrying themselves. He desired for a time when things were simpler when heroes were heroic, and there was no gray area. The White Eagle, being a mutant decided to put his powers to a good use. His major ability is flight, though he has some power over winds, and impeccable fighting skills, as well as a small array of self-created gadgets. He arose in early 2000, and quickly rose to fame in New York City, and slowly began to spread out and encourage heroes to band together and be honorable once more. These ideals lead to the formation of the Reclamation League, a worldwide organization formed to fight for the right reasons in a good wholesome way, they are in comparison to most heroes of the day: relatively small and highly polished. The White Eagle mans the helm with the assistance of The American (now out of retirement), Ice Queen, and Gamma Blade to name a few.
|
|
|
Post by Jongluer on May 15, 2006 12:59:01 GMT -5
Magic: For hundreds of years if not more people have tapped arcane powers. By as early as the 18th century magic was quickly becoming a forgotten art held by outcasts of society or “primitive” peoples. In the modern age, most mages find that their chosen profession or hobby lends itself well to being a superhero since arcane might is equally as good as any other form. Still magic is a hard art to control, even those with the most power are still reliant upon rituals and the like, and the years of discovery it takes to even begin to control often is too daunting for most. There are several ways that mages come about, most of the modern world are traditional wizards, drawing power from words and gestures that unlock mystical energy of the cosmos though severely limiting it is still powerful. Some magicians have made pacts with magical beings whether benevolent or not, these people have gained strong powers without much training and even with good intent often lose control either of their powers or themselves. Even rarer are those who possess their own magical power naturally, it flows from their blood and genes, a mystery to science, these people have been blessed by some other inexplicable force, and eventually like mutants if they don't control their powers they will most likely be destroyed by them. Overall, mages can be everything from simple people with slight powers, to those with the abilities to destroy suns and open gates to other worlds. Examples: Dr. Arcanic, Magnifimage, Galex the Wizard
Psionic: Psionic or Psychic ability is a relatively new discovery, often due to the prevalence of magic in previous years, and the relative lack of time people had to just sit and think. Those who delve into meditative states deep enough begin to unlock the powers that rest within all beings, the ability to will their mind over matter. It is a different journey for all and sometimes does not even require true force, only a trigger. Psionic ability can take many forms from the sheer boosting of current abilities, to the more traditional telekinesis or telepathy. Many psychics have very limited powers, since most of them have attempted to grow their powers as oppossed to letting them flow forth, they make it even harder since nature itself blocks against forced evolution. The rare psychics who find just the right knack to let everything flow forth eventually begin to control it, though only after many occurrences where they lose complete control. Psionic ability is the ultimate balancing act between training and natural flow. Example: Mesmerist
Science: Science is man's attempt to recreate or sometimes defy nature, and for as long as any could remember it has been an edge over everything. It is this edge that in recent years has been applied to creating super powers. The most original forms of superscience were in the applications of steam power, metallurgy, and chemistry that were used to create contraptions that seemed to defy all explanation and capable of powers that only the ever increasingly rare magic could contend with. After these devices were surpassed by other forms of science, or pushed forward into newer realms, they seemed to cease existing but were soon replaced by the now more common superscience inventions: battlesuits, anti-gravity belts, death rays, and so on. Most applications of science in relation to super powers are just in the creation of radical inventions only capable in large part to personal funding and back breaking labor. Still occassionally science results in the formation of mutates, changing people in ways that will never be explained and can rarely ever be duplicated on purpose. Examples: Steel Star, Soviet Atom, The Patriot Bird (Second)
Mutant: Many people believe that most superheroes have been mutants in some form or another, who learned to control their powers through dedicated training, but in recent years it seems hard to believe such, since the mutants of today are not the supposed mutants of yesteryear. A mutant is just what one would expect, a person born to completely ordinary families that have some sort of power or sometimes deficiency, though in relation to superpowers we are discussing the beneficial mutation the supposed next leap. Mutant powers are generally either mixes of certain hormones within people's blood streams, or brains, sometimes it is a certain interaction of nerves and muscles, or just a change in genetics that produces something entirely different. In recent years these people have been born with more frequency and no one can quite explain why, though the evolutionary principle seems to be solidified by this fact. Either way, mutations provide definate powers either varied or one focused ability beyond belief. Examples: Ice Queen, The White Eagle, Red Rocket
Mutate: Where mutants are natural, mutates are accidental or the occassional purposeful. A mutate is when someone's genetic structure is changed at some point after birth caused by some sort of external stimulus. Many heroes throughout the years have been mutates changed by atomic radiation, chemical leaks, science gone wrong, or human experimentation (whether consented or not), some even not by science but magical or psionic properties, the overflow of arcane power in a certain area can easily change a person far drastically than science. Furthermore, the interaction of Gods with humanity can greatly alter a person, though rarely called a mutate such people still fall under such a category. Overall, a mutate's power is often somehow linked towards what caused it, perhaps they now have control over certain elements (based around the chemicals that changed them), maybe they now have great magic power (caused by the overflow of spiritual beings), or perhaps they are now paragons of the long departed Zeus. Example: Major Magma
Training: Perhaps the most interesting of superheroes, these are people who have through deep non psionic or magical training have come to possess some sort of power. Not necessarily very super, perhaps they are just very strong or fast, but still they dwarf the average person's ability with ease. A superhero who has trained is just a great person with a mask, using their skills for what they believe in. Examples: Crack Shot, Lantern Bearer
|
|