Seeking Guided Freeform Superhero Story (full)

[AribethAmkiir]

Hello,,

I'm hoping to find a group of people who'd be interested in starting a new game that revolved around Marvel or DC type superheroes.  My idea is 4 - 6 plays and a GM, who form a team and then go on to do what superheroes do.  I'm not picky about the setting.  I would like a fairly even mix of genders, though that's not too important and an all female team could be fun.  I would like it to be held on the forums, and most likely NC though that isn't as important either.


Thanks for your interest.

[TheVillain]

When you say "Marvel or DC type" do you mean using their characters or just examples of possible characters?

In fact, I'm going to toss up an idea or two- let's see what happens.

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Magic, the Gods, Monsters, Supernatural Creatures- in short, they exist. Sort of. Not all of them exist, and those that do are rarely as big a deal as advertised, but there are more then a kernel of truth to many of them. Magic, for instance- really does exist. However, it's much harder to tease it's secrets then Science and Science is about finding out how the Universe works while Magic is more about getting the rules of the universe to bend in your favor. So Magic and Sorcery are real, but they aren't as powerful as Science. They still can provide an X factor though.

Which brings us to one kind of magical being in particular, the Gods. What exactly occurred is unknown, but it appears that about 6,000 years ago a small group of human beings, scattered all around the world, were either born with or somehow acquired a mutation that is still a complete mystery. What is known is what it did to these people- psychic potential was dramatically increased, their immune systems were dramatically enhanced, their bodies were made larger and much more durable, their healing increased, and their aging either slowed to the barest crawl or stopped altogether. Technically, they aren't immortal- but killing them in a way that sticks is very difficult, if not impossible with the technology present 6,000 years ago. And when you have a few centuries to practice you can become amazingly good at practically everything. They began to see themselves as Gods, and called themselves such- whether to shepherd humanity to greatness or rule with an iron fist depended on the God or Goddess in question.

Humanity did have one advantage over the Gods however, namely breeding. Gods could only breed more Gods with other Gods. The child of a God and a Human was a Demigod, powerful to be sure but not nearly as long lived or durable as a God. And the child of a Demigod and a Human was barely any different from a Human being at all. 2 Generations and your own family could raise up arms against the Gods and side with Humanity.

The end of the Age of Mythology was marked with the revolts against the Gods. It wasn't a solid process, but it's pretty much agreed that it was all over by the time of the fall of the Roman Empire. The Gods may of been much more powerful one-on-one but the Gods and the Faithful were easily outnumbered. The humans wisely decided that while the Gods were out of power, there was some pluses to keeping the surviving Gods around. Strictly speaking, they aren't prisoners or slaves as Gods have a knack for finding out when one of their kind is being abused and reminding the abusers why their ancestors feared the Gods accordingly. But the Gods are. . . encouraged, shall we say, to keep quiet about their natures and to stay out of human affairs.

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Tyr

Height: 6'7"
Weight: 312 libs
Age: Unknown, but claims to be the son of one of the original Gods and to be about 4,000 years old. Evidence suggests that he is indeed at least 2,200 years old.
Real Name: Tyr, Son of Odin. Norse God of Justice, War, Soldiers, The Maimed, and the Hanged.

Physical Description: Tyr has trained his body for combat over the course of centuries and it shows. He probably couldn't keep any visible body fat on it if he tried at this point. Legend says his hair is so blond as to be white, but he's been keeping it shaved for centuries. Appears to be a caucasian male over 6-and-a-half feet tall and powerfully built, but with speed in mind. Almost like it was done on purpose, his build is about as muscular as one can get without sacrificing speed and agility. Worth noting is that his left hand at some point seems to have been replaced with a magical prosthetic, he claims he lost it in battle with the demon-wolf Fenrir. As for clothing, he prefers function to form by a long shot- but usually can be found with at least a Desert Eagle 44, a few grenades, and a melee weapon of some kind usually a spear and a shield- but all are picked more for the mission at hand then anything.

Origin: If what he claims is true, the Tyr was born 4,000 years ago. His father was Odin, one of the original gods, and his mother was either Odin's wife the Goddess Freya, or one of the giantesses Grid or Saga. Given his stature, probably the Goddess. 6'7" was a giant of a man in those times, but in terms of Gods he was a bit of a runt as Gods go. Especially when it was discovered that while he had Godly psychic potential he hadn't seemed to develop any outlet for this potential. He would train his body in combat and warfare all the harder to compensate.

Of course, the runt suddenly became a prize when they figured out that Tyr just had no outward outlet for his psychic potential- his powers turned inward. Honing his mind, body, and will into one solid weapon, Tyr would soundly upset his brother Thor for the much coveted title of God of War. The two brothers developed a friendly rivalry after that, collecting titles. Thor would eventually be God of Thunder, Lightning, Strength, and the Storms but Tyr would at first stood proud as God of War and Soldiers. His last three titles would come from a group of villages that were sacked by Frost Giants while the menfolk were out waging a war in his name. He would use his skills and power to avenge the brutal atrocity, earning his three other titles as God of Justice, the Maimed, and the Hanged.

Most Gods become disconnected from Humanity, Tyr never did to that level. He was above it, a God among Men sure- but that didn't make their pain any less real then his own. The runt would side with the Humans in most things- a God who forsook the lofty and fancy gilded halls of the God-City of Asgard to protect the human race. When the God-Revolution and the End of the Age of Mythology came for the Asgardians, Tyr stood for whichever side was more Just in any given battle no matter whom was involved- he's fight with the Humans when against Gods like Loki or Hel and with his follow, if less then completely dedicated, protector of humanity Thor when they came for him.

Asgard didn't so much fall as hide itself deep under Norwegian Ice as a result. A place where the Gods would be hidden away, and the world became a world of Men. Tyr would hardly notice, he agreed to at least try to keep his identity a secret for the uninitiated in order to continue his work of standing for the weak and helpless against those who would threaten them. Mostly against supernatural threats, granted- but he's been there. "Quietly" working in the background. A wanderer who went where he thought he was needed, he still wanders to this day- though he has come to the US often. He finds the ideals it was founded on intriguing, though he finds it falls short of these ideals often. Not everyone is a God of a higher standard after all.

Powers: Tyr is an 'immortal' God and proud of it. Don't be mistaken, it is possible for Tyr to die. It's just not easy. He does not age, does not get poisoned, does not get sick, he heals quickly, and isn't that easy to wound in the first place. Like all Gods Tyr's strength, speed, agility, and stamina are all clearly in the superhuman range. There are better in all categories, but he's superhuman in all of them. By Godly standards Tyr is very high in all of these categories but not to a point it's impossible for them to reach. His brother Thor is stronger for instance. An analogy that comes up often is that he's to the Gods what Bruce Lee was to Humans. It's worth noting that he may be above Mortals physically, Supermortals is a different standard altogether.

Tyr has thousands of years of experience in combat, against opponents mundane and supernatural, and he's made a point of keeping up to date on developments in Warfare. Between this and his extensive training he's as comfortable using fists and feet as he is using swords and shields as he is using 50-caliber mounted weapons on humvees.

Tyr's left hand is a magical prosthetic, and is noted to be able for form shields and simple weapons made from what seems to be magical energy.

[Robyn Hood]

If a group can get together, I'd be interested. I have a long standing superheroine I've roleplayed, Robyn Hood ^_^

[AribethAmkiir]

Hello, TheVillain and Robyn Hood.

Thank you for your interest.  When I mentioned DC and Marvel, it was more to illustrate the type of characters I was thinking of, and not to actually play canon characters from either organization.  I personally prefer non-canon characters.  In my own opinion, non-canon characters offer more creativity to the players and more freedom to truly shape the character by the writer.

TheVillain, I am enamored with your idea.  I like Tyr.  Is it your idea for everyone to play a God or Goddess or was that simply a lot of setting and back story for your character?  Either way, I'm hooked and think that there are a lot of possibilities with what you've given us.

Robyn, I also enjoy your character concept.  Tentacle monsters was actually in the back of my mind when I suggested the NC forum.  I'd be delighted if you did join us. 

Hopefully we can find a GM and a few other players.

[Aybara]

I'd be interested to play I've come up with a few hero type characters for games before though I'd likely do a new character. If the game was set in the DC Universe I'd be tempted to make a member of the Green Lanterns, not an established one. Possibly an alien from a nearby world.

[TheVillain]

No, I wasn't intending everyone to play Gods- just setting the stage so to speak.

And possibly a power gauge. I'd say Tyr will probably be the heavy hitter but far more because he's just that experienced and less for his raw power. Robyn for instance could theoretically do a stealth kill on Tyr- but he's been fighting archers for so long that knowing where the good ambush spots are and catching the incoming arrow is certainly believable, though he's got enough raw speed that it certainly helps.

I appreciate the vote of confidence. Let's see who else turns up.

[Laughing Hyena]

I wouldn't mind playing a super hero if you wouldn't mind.

[AribethAmkiir]

That would bring us up to 5 players.  I know one other is contemplating it.  We'd still need a GM.  Unless people wanted to attempt to Group-GM and just collaboratively story-tell? 

[Vaulera]

I am very interested in this rp because as a generalization, most superhero roleplays don't attract the attention of a frequent cohort of mine LH. To be blunt, if he's in it, it probably suites my tastes. One thing about the canon character thing, I don't have much objection to the very popular characters being played as they would probably ruin the suspension, but could we use the appearance of a more obscure character for our characters?

[AribethAmkiir]

Ultimately, I think that would be up to the GM, or the group if we decide to attempt the story that way.   I personally don't have a problem with it, depending on the character.  Tyr is all ready using Thor (in his back story, at least).  I'm not certain what the setting will be, though if it's custom (which is what I'd like) we could easily have a cameo appearance by certain heroes or at least very good facsimiles.

I'm sorry that isn't a more definitive answer.

[TheVillain]

Thor as I was picturing he'd be for this game would be very little like comic book Thor. More like comic book Volstagg for those who know their Marvel comics. Well meaning, certainly. Superhumanly strong, definitely. Probably able to telekinetically control Mjolnir as well to keep with the whole 'Gods are more like long lived psychic humans with egos'. But also not very bright, and probably more like a bearded red-head by how I picture the guy.

I'd say let's just all agree to not use established characters- but some similarities will be forgiven.

[AribethAmkiir]

I think I misread the question.

I don't see anything wrong with looking like an established character or using a picture of an established character for your own.

[Darwishi]

I'd be interested in playing a superheroine.  Either new or from the list from my signature. ^_^  Probably only if there's some NC qualities to it thought.

[James Moriarty]

Tossing my hat in as well.  Bio to follow.

[AribethAmkiir]

That's 8 players.  I think we should cap it here.

Of the 8 people interested, would anyone be interested in supporting me if I decided to try running this game?  Every time I've ever run something it has failed miserably. 

[TheVillain]

I don't know how much I can really chip in but I'll definitely help. Think some others probably would too.

[Robyn Hood]

That's 8 players.  I think we should cap it here.

Of the 8 people interested, would anyone be interested in supporting me if I decided to try running this game?  Every time I've ever run something it has failed miserably.

I could try and help but I've not really run a game either. I'll give it my best though. Also we don't have to have tentacles and/or monsters in the game. Although that is one of my favorite themes it is not by any means a necessary one.

[AribethAmkiir]

If we used this as the basis of the setting, would people still be interested in playing?  Psionic potential is the reason for super-human abilities?  It could represent itself as a gene if you wanted, but it kind of boils down the same way, at least the way I'm looking at it.

Magic, the Gods, Monsters, Supernatural Creatures- in short, they exist. Sort of. Not all of them exist, and those that do are rarely as big a deal as advertised, but there are more then a kernel of truth to many of them. Magic, for instance- really does exist. However, it's much harder to tease it's secrets then Science and Science is about finding out how the Universe works while Magic is more about getting the rules of the universe to bend in your favor. So Magic and Sorcery are real, but they aren't as powerful as Science. They still can provide an X factor though.

Which brings us to one kind of magical being in particular, the Gods. What exactly occurred is unknown, but it appears that about 6,000 years ago a small group of human beings, scattered all around the world, were either born with or somehow acquired a mutation that is still a complete mystery. What is known is what it did to these people- psychic potential was dramatically increased, their immune systems were dramatically enhanced, their bodies were made larger and much more durable, their healing increased, and their aging either slowed to the barest crawl or stopped altogether. Technically, they aren't immortal- but killing them in a way that sticks is very difficult, if not impossible with the technology present 6,000 years ago. And when you have a few centuries to practice you can become amazingly good at practically everything. They began to see themselves as Gods, and called themselves such- whether to shepherd humanity to greatness or rule with an iron fist depended on the God or Goddess in question.

Humanity did have one advantage over the Gods however, namely breeding. Gods could only breed more Gods with other Gods. The child of a God and a Human was a Demigod, powerful to be sure but not nearly as long lived or durable as a God. And the child of a Demigod and a Human was barely any different from a Human being at all. 2 Generations and your own family could raise up arms against the Gods and side with Humanity.

The end of the Age of Mythology was marked with the revolts against the Gods. It wasn't a solid process, but it's pretty much agreed that it was all over by the time of the fall of the Roman Empire. The Gods may of been much more powerful one-on-one but the Gods and the Faithful were easily outnumbered. The humans wisely decided that while the Gods were out of power, there was some pluses to keeping the surviving Gods around. Strictly speaking, they aren't prisoners or slaves as Gods have a knack for finding out when one of their kind is being abused and reminding the abusers why their ancestors feared the Gods accordingly. But the Gods are. . . encouraged, shall we say, to keep quiet about their natures and to stay out of human affairs.

[TheVillain]

I think we can be more flexible then that. Psionic Potential is present in everyone, some more then others, but most don't learn to harness it and it isn't the only source of power out there.

[Darwishi]

A lot of my girls are meta or tech related.  Actually the only one based in magic is Silver Lynx, and that's kind of just the roots of the power, it's not fire-ball-throwing magic.

[AribethAmkiir]

Darwishi, which character are you planning on playing?

You're right Vill.  I think people get too caught up in the word magic.  It's not "magic", you could call it fate, nature, etc.  Science has explained some of it, and if we really wanted we could likely come up with some scientific reason.  Of course, it could also just be an answer to a question no one asked.  Like midi-chlorians. 

[Darwishi]

I haven't really decided.  Probably Hydra or Epoch.

[TheVillain]

I was thinking Magic is real, but it's mostly Smoke and Mirrors. Fitting, no?

But yes- don't fixate on Magic. There's more out there.

[Laughing Hyena]

Hmm. Gonna be a touch odd without any magic origin characters. But its okay. Its not going to make me withdraw.

[AribethAmkiir]

As Vill continues to say, there's more out there.  If someone had a concept that revolved around a magical amulet or ring, it'd be quite easy to say that the magical object simply awakened the dormant psionic pontential within the person or go so far as to say that the object allows the bearer to amplify and manipulate their innate psionic pontential.  Without the object, they're powerless.

But we don't need to focus on psionic pontential.  There are magical creatures out there, and things that go "bump" in the night (or bump Robyn in the night). 

Just kind of using this time and place to hash-out ideas and see what interests people.  I hope that's all right with everyone?  Please, feel free to through out your own ideas.

It was never my intention to run the game myself but, being the impatient person I am, it looks like that might be what will happen.  So I'd fully like to hear from everyone and create a game we can all get excited about and enjoy RPing in.

Vaulera, did I answer your question adequately?

[TheVillain]

Indeed, I apologize for not being clear- I'm not saying that we should declare magic characters off limits. Just that we shouldn't make ALL magic characters. :P

[Aybara]

Well as I mentioned before I'm some what interested in making a green lantern style character, not a copy paste of any exact green lantern but their powers aren't based on magic just crazy super science but I'll muddle around with ideas tonight and see if anything strikes me.

[Vaulera]

You answered my question quite adequately. I would be willing to help gm, but in the end it would be up to you to actually make the decisions, it being your game. I would be playing but co-gm might suite me better, giving advice and such. It's up to you. As for the origin of my character, are extra-terrestrials allowed?

[AribethAmkiir]

That'd be great.  I could use people with experience who'd be willing to council me through this attempt.

Aybara - I don't see why a Green Lantern type character wouldn't work.  There are many things out there that could grant such powers.  What is it about the Green Lantern Core that you want to emulate?  Just the powers or the universe-wide police force, thing?   I'm hoping to keep it limited to Earth, at least until I get my feet under me and feel like I'm capable of something larger. 

That being said, I don't see why we couldn't have extra-terrestrial origin based characters in the game.  If we've got characters who are thousands of years old, we could have extra-terrestrials.  They should just keep a low profile and be capable of blending in to normal society.

[AribethAmkiir]

Character Name: Mellissa Gethlam

Alias The Morrígan

Height: normally: 5’8” (varies)

Weight: unknown (varies)

Age: Unknown.  She typically appears to be in her early 20s. (varies)  If she is the “real” Morrígan, the earliest historical account occurs in a Latin gloss from the 9th century.

History : Few know she truly is The Morrígan from legends, or at least the person the legends were based upon.  It is a touchy subject with her, especially the stories which vilify her such as the Arthurian romances.   Despite the legends, she is but a human being born with extraordinary psionic potential which displayed itself in the ability to shape-shift.   She is, in fact, over a thousand years old.

Born of Celtic ancestry, she was one of the last “Goddesses” born before the human revolt that heralded the end of Mythology.  For those who remember, she sided with the humans.  For her part, she was happy to allow her name to be all-but-forgotten.  Since the time of the European Renaissance, she has worked hand-in-hand with others like her to cover up their existence.   While their efforts were largely successful, evidence did survive.  Now, in the current age, certain government agencies are aware of the existence of what they now call Super-humans.  How much these agencies truly know concerning the God's ancient secrets is something even Morrígan isn’t fully aware of.

With her abilities, she has changed identities and remade herself too many times to count.  She has accumulated and wasted more wealth than the average human could dream of.  In the early 1920s, she decided to toss everything away and begin again.  Ninety years later, she has again accrued a substantial bit of wealth and means though nothing to rival her previous holdings. 

It is only in recent years that those who know the true history of the world have heard her name whispered once more.  She has begun to recruit a team of super-humans for an unknown purpose.  It is possible that she has uncovered something in her long life that she is now preparing for, or it is possible she’s simply started a new hobby.

Powers:  Morrígan is a shape-shifter (the stories got that much right).  She is capable of taking on the form of another human, real or imagined, permanently or temporarily.  She is also capable of changing into any animal (including those mythological beasts which are now extinct.)  She has such finite control of her abilities that she is capable of complete cell regeneration effectively stopping the aging process.  Due to her heritage, her body’s natural reflexes, speed, and strength are all at the peak of human perfection.  She has mastered most martial art forms in her long life and is well trained in both modern and ancient weapons.

[Robyn Hood]

But we don't need to focus on psionic pontential.  There are magical creatures out there, and things that go "bump" in the night (or bump Robyn in the night). 

>_< I'm okay with any character background, as I have done superhero RPs before and they basically have always run the gambit including magic. Someone wants to be an angel, demon, ancient wizard, alien, radiation mutant... whatever gets you excited ^_^

[Vaulera]

I believe you meant to say emulate, immolate is to light something on fire.

A good thing to remember for a roleplay if you're gming, is to always make a character template before anyone including yourself does. In that same category, giving people the choice of picture or description for their appearance is widely accepted to be standard. I am going to make a template based on what you have there and make a couple changes. On top of all that, bio is usually at the bottom because it is supposed to be the largest article by far.

Name:

Alias:

Appearance: (picture or description is fine, but if it is over 500 in either dimension please put in spoiler bracket.)

Height:

Weight:

Age:

Powers:

Bio:

[AribethAmkiir]

I have no idea what you're referring too.  (Just playing.)  Thank you for that catch.  That's what I get for doing multiple things at a time.

Thank you for the template as well.  You've all ready got my back.  If everyone wouldn't mind using Vaulera's template from now on that'd be greatly appreciated.  For those of us who've tossed out a character, please convert it to the proper template.  Thank you.

[AribethAmkiir]

Anyone have any suggestions for a title for the game?  Or even a name for the team?

[TheVillain]

Melissa is supposed to be their owner, right? Something corporate, something PR approved sounds like a good team name. Hero, Inc?

[AribethAmkiir]

Well, Melissa doesn't "own" them.  She owns the team.   (I know that's what you meant)

Does Getham International, Inc.  Too tongue tying?  I am totally not creative when it comes to names.

[TheVillain]

That definitely will be a popular in-game organization name but it doesn't sound like a superhero name. It needs that certain something more.

[Darwishi]

Shouldn't there also be a weaknesses category under the powers?  From things that will hurt, to knock out the character, to straight out kill them?  I've always found it easier for referencing my own characters, plus it makes the character seem less invincible to other players and very rarely abused...at least in my experience.

[TheVillain]

An excellent idea, actually Dar and Vaul. Plus I thought of a few tweeks I wanted to make anyway. Try to have as many weaknesses as you have powers, unless you have no powers then try to have half as many weaknesses as you have power-like superskills and equipment.

Name: Tyr

Alias: "Tyr- Son of Odin- God of War, Justice, Soldiers, the Maimed, and the Hanged" AKA "Viggo Tyrhold"

Appearance: Tyr has trained his body for combat over the course of centuries and it shows. He probably couldn't keep any visible body fat on it if he tried at this point. Legend says his hair is so blond as to be white, but he's been keeping it shaved for centuries. Appears to be a caucasian male over 6-and-a-half feet tall and powerfully built, but with speed in mind. Almost like it was done on purpose, his build is about as muscular as one can get without sacrificing speed and agility. Worth noting is that his left hand at some point seems to have been replaced with a magical prosthetic, he claims he lost it in battle with the demon-wolf Fenrir. As for clothing, he prefers function to form by a long shot- but usually can be found with at least a Desert Eagle 44, a few grenades, and a melee weapon of some kind usually a spear and a shield- but all are picked more for the mission at hand then anything.
[And if you come up with a good picture of this I'm definitely listening.]

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 312 lbs

Age: Physically- 26. Chronologically- about 4,000.

Powers: Tyr is an 'immortal' God and proud of it. Don't be mistaken, it is possible for Tyr to die. It's just not easy. He does not age, does not get poisoned, does not get sick, he heals quickly, and isn't that easy to wound in the first place. Like all Gods Tyr's strength, speed, agility, and stamina are all clearly in the superhuman range. There are better in all categories, but he's superhuman in all of them. By Godly standards Tyr is very high in all of these categories but not to a point it's impossible for them to reach. His brother Thor is stronger for instance. An analogy that comes up often is that he's to the Gods what Bruce Lee was to Humans. It's worth noting that he may be above Mortals physically, Supermortals is a different standard altogether.

Tyr has thousands of years of experience in combat, against opponents mundane and supernatural, and he's made a point of keeping up to date on developments in Warfare. Between this and his extensive training he's as comfortable using fists and feet as he is using swords and shields as he is using 50-caliber mounted weapons on humvees.

Tyr's left hand is a magical prosthetic, and is noted to be able for form shields and simple weapons made from what seems to be magical energy. Seems to have some basic magical sensors and tools like door keys as well, all of them very basic and can't be more complex then simple shapes but that seems to suit him just fine.

Weaknesses: Tyr's fighting ability and physical attributes are at least partially dependent how in sync his mind, body, and soul are which in turn is dependent on his confidence and how Just he believes the cause he is fighting for to be. When at his peak in confidence and when he deeply believes that his cause is Just he's been called 'The Bruce Lee of the Gods' by various mystical beings. If his confidence is broken and he believes he's been forced to fight for an unjust cause his physical attributes and combat ability are only barely above peak human. So, depending on his emotional state, Tyr can lift above his head usually between 1 and 10 tons.

Having thousands of years of combat experience also means he's acquired thousands of years worth of enemies, both mundane and supernatural. For example, he believes that in 1897 he killed the last Werewolf with arrows tipped with the teeth of the last Vampire. He is wrong on both counts.

According to Mythology, Tyr is honest almost to a fault. This is one of the few things that comes up in myths that's pretty much completely true. He is honest to the point of often being accused of having absolutely no tact and being blunt in speech, and he absolutely hates playing politics. That's not to say he's stupid- watch him on a battlefield barking out tactics and accuse him of being an idiot- just that this intelligence never seems to reach his mouth when he's trying to talk about anything but combat. He only is able to maintain the Viggo identity because he's sworn an oath to not reveal to the world at large that the Gods really existed, and he finds this to be incredibly difficult when sober- let alone when drunk.

His left hand is indeed a magical prosthetic, and as such it can be interfered with or even shut off altogether in areas where magic doesn't work. Or even fall off if it goes without magic too long.

Bio: According to Getham International, Inc the superhero with the callsign of 'Tyr' is very well named. Named for the Viking God of War and Justice, 'Tyr' may be one of the finest soldiers ever born whose only been further enhanced with Magic.

The press release claims that 'Tyr' was an orphan named Viggo Tyrhold born in Norway with no real direction in life until it came time for his country's standard year of service for adult males. Finding the first thing in his life that he really excelled at, Viggo would serve his country all in one go and in the end only quit because he wanted to serve something greater then just one nation's army. He'd serve in UN Security Forces, then finally with Médecins Sans Frontières as a guard- travelling the world protecting the weak and helpless as a soldier. Along his travels he'd make it a point to learn what he could from local cultures, especially things that would help him fight for good causes. Somewhere between what he learned from Indian Fakirs, African Tribal Shamans, and all sorts of other wise men around the world Viggo would learn to tap his psychic potential to improve his body.

Not too long ago he was unfortunately wounded in a battle with a Janjaweed Militia in Sudan. He survived, but not without losing his left hand. Returning to Norway, not even he is sure how he knew about the cave in the mountains- but inside was his magical prosthetic left hand. According to legend it was the same prosthetic left hand used by Tyr after the demon-wolf Fenrir bit off his original- but that's just a legend really.

Of course, this is a just a lie sold to the press. Tyr was born 4,000 years ago. His father was Odin, one of the original gods, and his mother was either Odin's wife the Goddess Freya, or one of the giantesses Grid or Saga. Given his stature, probably the Goddess. 6'7" was a giant of a man in those times, but in terms of Gods he was a bit of a runt as Gods go. Especially when it was discovered that while he had Godly psychic potential he hadn't seemed to develop any outlet for this potential. He would train his body in combat and warfare all the harder to compensate.

Of course, the runt suddenly became a prize when they figured out that Tyr just had no outward outlet for his psychic potential- his powers turned inward. Honing his mind, body, and will into one solid weapon, Tyr would soundly upset his brother Thor for the much coveted title of God of War. The two brothers developed a friendly rivalry after that, collecting titles. Thor would eventually be God of Thunder, Lightning, Strength, and the Storms but Tyr would at first stood proud as God of War and Soldiers. His last three titles would come from a group of villages that were sacked by Frost Giants while the menfolk were out waging a war in his name. He would use his skills and power to avenge the brutal atrocity, earning his three other titles as God of Justice, the Maimed, and the Hanged.

Most Gods become disconnected from Humanity, Tyr never did to that level. He was above it, a God among Men sure- but that didn't make their pain any less real then his own. The runt would side with the Humans in most things- a God who forsook the lofty and fancy gilded halls of the God-City of Asgard to protect the human race. When the God-Revolution and the End of the Age of Mythology came for the Asgardians, Tyr stood for whichever side was more Just in any given battle no matter whom was involved- he's fight with the Humans when against Gods like Loki or Hel and with his follow, if less then completely dedicated, protector of humanity Thor when they came for him.

Asgard didn't so much fall as hide itself deep under Norwegian Ice as a result. A place where the Gods would be hidden away, and the world became a world of Men. Tyr would hardly notice, he agreed to at least try to keep his identity a secret for the uninitiated in order to continue his work of standing for the weak and helpless against those who would threaten them. Mostly against supernatural threats, granted- but he's been there. "Quietly" working in the background. A wanderer who went where he thought he was needed, he still wanders to this day- though he has come to the US often. He finds the ideals it was founded on intriguing, though he finds it falls short of these ideals often. Not everyone is a God of a higher standard after all. With the help, and a fair bit of insistence, of Morrigan Tyr is taking a role less in the shadows. How he does is anyone's guess.

[Darwishi]

Are we assuming everyone putting up a bio is playing a hero/heroine or should there be an allegiance category as well saying Villain(ess) or Hero(ine)?

[AribethAmkiir]

My plan is for all the PCs to be allied on the same side and working for Getham, Inc.  That's not to say people couldn't also play villains if they wanted, but let's do the main characters now and worry about filling in the villains and NPCs later. 

If we don't get a GM to step up by tomorrow I'll start some threads in the NC:Exotic small freeform group and move everything there.  I'm still hoping someone will take on the task.

[Vaulera]

I can GM as well as play, it is pretty standard actually. As far as the weakness thing goes, as a rule, unless they have some sort of immunity to stabbing or shooting like superman, a weakness wouldn't necessarily be needed at all. I would say that most superheroes are not invulnerable to harm like superman. A general weakness might be "weakness to high calibre bullets" or "vulnerability to a double sided knife longer than four inches".   

[Darwishi]

But we are in a super hero game so how are we to know that unless it's mentioned?  Also for a character that has lived centuries on end, there is clearly an immortality thing going on so for those I think there should be some weaknesses.  Anyway, I have found in running a chat based superhero setting that listing weaknesses is a good thing.  Ultimately up to the GM's, and whether or not it's required I'll probably be listing a weaknesses and limitations bit in mine.  That's just how I write characters.  It's as much for my reference as it is for the other players. ^_^

[Vaulera]

It is absolutely fine to list your weaknesses, but if the character does not have a resistance or immunity to conventional weaponry, it need not be listed. The flash, hawkeye, daredevil and other such superheroes have no resistance at all to mortal weaponry and as such don't really have any vulnerabilities of any real note.

[Darwishi]

I'd disagree on the Flash.  He can run so fast that a bullet can't hit him, react fast enough that he can't get sliced and diced with a knife.  He'd actually need some kind of weakness (his constant need for food being one) that levels out such an incredible power.  Plus he has to have some level of invulnerability when he runs, otherwise particles in the air would slice through him and kill him while running at full speeds, or even tripping would be fatal.  I think comics refer to a Speed Force that keeps him safe, but comes with weaknesses of their own. 

However, Hawkeye and Daredevil could probably get away without listing weaknesses.  One is human the other has essentially super senses (mostly hearing).  Although...I will say that Daredevil is cool because his ability is also his weakness.  His echo location means he's got super hearing, and super hearing can be defeated by loud noises or noises from many directions at once.

So, basically, Normal Human Weaknesses could be a simple way of putting it for someone that's pretty much perfectly human, but Flash has some special weaknesses of his own as does Daredevil, and it could be good to point those kinds of things out.

Or at least to think through them.  I find having to list them makes the player have to think through the possibility of cool and interesting weaknesses.  Sometimes they may be "obvious" to them, but not so obvious to someone else.  I've known players to have super sense characters and then not have weaknesses pertaining to such.  It's just a good place for a GM to kind of point that kind of thing out without stepping on toes...


Annnnnd this response was longer than I had intended it to be.  Like I said, I've found it to be helpful for the GM and the players to list weaknesses.  I'm also aware that some other people could run into problems with it. Anyway! Purely up to you guys if you want to say it's mandatory or not.  I just put it in my profiles because I like to be pretty thorough when creating a character.

[Laughing Hyena]

Name: Psi

Alias: Lawrence Thompson

Appearance: (picture or description is fine, but if it is over 500 in either dimension please put in spoiler bracket.)

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 146

Age: 22

Powers

Psionic Blade - A manifestation of psionic energy in the form of katana blades, these are Psi's signature weapons. Acting as physical weapons, the difference being that Psi can determine whether they are capable of killing or simply incapacitating an opponent.

Telekinesis - Psi's telekinesis is one of his most impressive powers. Dexterity wise he is able to maintain a hold on a number of objects, often using the four katana's carried upon them with telekinesis to give him a superior advantage in melee combat. His precision with this power is akin to his hand dexterity allowing him to use the weapons with the same kind of expertise he actually has. Whilst his actual strength with this power has not been throughly tested, several records have reported Psi having once lifted an M1 Abram tank and crudely flung it at another in order to make his escape according to what was left behind the HSM. Hence the estimated weight limit is seventy tons which is 140,000 pounds of force.

Biokinesis - Another signature power of Psi is the ability to retool a biological life form at a genetic level. This seems to be a power meant to improve the subject's physical traits. For example, it is highly probable that Psi can improve muscle performance, removing inhibitors within the muscles to exert superior strength then a normal human being. One of the most common applications of this power is the ability to speed up reaction time and the muscles reflexes to superhuman abilities. On record it has been discovered that Psi is capable of dodging automatic fire from multiple directions as exhibited within the Southern Valley Mall incident. Thankfully Psi does not seem to be capable of manipulating genetics in another person which would make him a highly dangerous opponent for the simple reason that he could cause deformities such as strokes and heart attacks in his victims and so forth.

Precognition - Another signature power of Psi and probably one of his more powerful abilities. Within deep meditation or deep sleep he can see possible futures within them. This power works with a kind of query or interaction within his mind, by means of a question which is answered with a series of vivid dreams or visions. Psi can undertake this power as often as he wishes upon a subject but it must be within this kind of state and it must involve his actions be they direct or indirect. In short this allows Psi to prepare for a mission with incredible detail giving him the ability to choose the best course of action.

Clairaudience/Clairvoyance - Psi possesses the ability to see or hear through the eyes and ears of a nearby individual. Whilst this power is harmless in of itself, it is how it is used that make Psi dangerous to any organization as he as able to gather intelligence against those that might oppose him and then use it against them.

Mind Reading - Psi has the ability to read the thought of a person by means of focusing upon the person in question. He can only scan one person at a time however the power in of itself combined with the aforementioned powers means that Psi can gather even more intelligence then usual. Not to mention this allows him to effectively interrogate a person for their knowledge by the sheer fact that this power can help possibly determine when someone is lying to him.

Bio: Lawrence originally was like any other young boy growing up in the suburbs except for the fact that he had a very outspoken father about metahumans and hated them. This blinded his father to his sons plight of being constantly bullied and harassed with his older sister having to carry the burden of comforting him on days when it became worse. At the age of eight Lawrence began to have a minor manifestation of his precognitive powers in the form of dreams of his own future. He never really commented upon it as he knew what his father was like and might hate him for it. One day it became too much and lead to a rather harsh beatdown of the child at age nine. His sister was there to try and break it up but instead the bullies focused their attention on her. The stress of the situation and the sight of his sister being hurt made him snap awakening his powers. Particularly of biokinesis and telekinesis, even Lawrence is not completely aware of what had happened sufficed to say that the bullies were no longer a threat by the amount of blood upon him and his hands.

Scared out of his mind he ran home to try and get some help from his father but found him less then willing to help. He didn't see his son as a person anymore and promptly called the authorities upon him and severed all ties. Unfortunately the people that were contacted by his father were a bunch of his more recent contacts from a human supremacy movement. They tested upon the boy, used him as a guinea pig to gauge the amount of potential within him and more importantly see if it could be controlled and weaponized. For eight years he was trained, conditioned and kept under sedatives and restraints in an effort to turn him into a perfect killer. A tool for them to use as they saw fit.

However the boys strength of will no matter how hard pressed would not completely break as he matured into a young adult. How this was possible was due to a combination of effects. The ability to use precognition was never discovered and during these many grueling days, Lawrence kept using his deep sleep to search for a way to escape within his own mind. He listened to what they thought, listened through their ears and saw through their eyes. He knew this place better then they did and he could use that as a chance to break free. However he had to endure and be patient lest he find that chance gone forever. That one beacon of hope he held onto all this time and the knowledge that his sister was waiting for him. He could not leave her behind with his father.

He used the training and strength they forced onto him to escape, using his gifts to dispatch the sentries that blocked his passage, the focus they gave him allowed not a bullet to touch him. His ability to read minds, see through their eyes and hear through their ears gave him the intel to know the quickest means to escape and the keys to the locks. His precognition allowed him to plan his escape months in advance and leave nothing to chance. Every piece was made to make sure he could escape and escape he did. Vanishing into the night from that horrible place he searched for his father and his sister but found neither for they had long since moved from the place he once called home. Then and only then did he realize that he himself was without a home.

He had to resort to using his powers in order to steal to make ends met, using telekinesis to create distractions and eventually he managed to secure a place for rent with some effort. During this time he began putting a normal life back together, making ends meet within a mall during his late teens never using his powers. It was then that his life took another turn when said mall was attacked by a mass of robbers whom, when things went south took hostages with the mall employees and the patrons. The youth took the fight to them and dispatched them with no casualties. The press gave him the moniker of Psi which stuck with him ever since. Not his first choice for a superhero name but it was a name. He is a superhero who lives in the public eye because the same Human Supremacy Movement is probably still hunting for their lost property.

[TheVillain]

Ah, it came up in a PM conversation so I thought I'd mention something.

When I say Tyr has Super-Human Strength, Speed, Agility, and Stamina- I don't mean Superman-level. I just mean above what a normal human is capable of. So let's say that if your character can lift more then double their body weight they have Super-Human strength.

As for Tyr, I hadn't decided exactly where he'd fall but I was thinking Spider-Man level strength at the very maximum.

[Darwishi]

I find it easier to put numbers with those types of things, or at the very least examples of the heaviest thing they can lift and throw.

Super Human levels could either start at what average humans could do, or perhaps at what peak human can do (just take the Gold Medal winners from the Olympics to grab those stats).  I think max bench press is somewhere in the vicinity of 800 to 1000 pounds. 

Or simply say what he can and can't do and put a number to it.  I think Spider Man's limit is around the 10 ton mark (20,000 pounds).  Or...I think a fully loaded dump truck is about that.  Probably should also specify if that he can barely bench it, if he can lift it above his head, or if he can throw it as a limit.  If you want to be including limits and stuff like that.

[TheVillain]

I hesitate to do that because Tyr's strength level is dependent on his emotional state and fluctuates often, but I like some of that.

Alright, so if your character can lift over 800 pounds above their head they have superhuman strength. That's a good working definition.

And Tyr, like I said, has a fluctuating strength level dependent on his emotional state. But to give some numbers let's say that usually it's between 1 ton to 10 tons that he can pick up over his head and throw it at least far enough that it doesn't land back on top of him.

[Darwishi]

Another thing you could do is say what kind of emotions provoke the lower and higher scales of strength and if there's any bad side effects of the higher stuff.

Like, I assume as he gets angry he can lift more, so if he's so angry that he can lift ten tons, does he go into a berserker rage where he loses sight of who is his friend and foe and attacks everyone?

[TheVillain]

Actually I do mention that, the emotions in particular are his confidence and faith in how Just the cause he's fighting for is. I like the 'Berserker Rage' idea though, might toss in Anger. Just saying that right now he's more Gladiator then Hulk in that regard.

[Darwishi]

Ah, I only skimmed so I didn't get to that part.  I don't mean to make him like Hulk where he really is only triggered by anger.  More that if someone pisses him off enough (righteous fury?) that part of his abilities may include it. 

Of course, I'm always a fan of when the abilities wind up being the weakness as well.  It's not always possible, but it's kind of neat...kind of like I do with Vendetta...

[TheVillain]

Fan of that myself, just sometimes it take a bit of working. When at it's peak he's prone to overconfidence, blind zeal, and in some cases berserker rages? That's not a bad idea.

[Darwishi]

I gotta figure out who I'm gonna play. XDD It might not be one of my listed girls.  I think I might see who all everyone else is playing.

[Aybara]

Still working on the bio but this is the picture I'll be using. Normal human without the power ring who's an engineer so if you're familiar with green lanterns you can imagine how that'll work out very mechanical minded constructs a bit like John Stewart. Sticking with the yellow weakness and possible the very old vulnerability to wood but he's made a frame with metal plates to offer some extra protection but it's not a true suit of power armour he's wearing as he has to use the power ring to get it working properly.

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

[AribethAmkiir]

The IC and OOC threads have been created here:

OOC: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=128781.msg5693261#msg5693261

IC: https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=128780.0

[Aybara]

Sadly life in my immediate future looks set to get a lot more hectic so I'll have to withdraw from this game and focus on the ones I'm already in that have started. If things clear up though I'll be seeing if ye have room and maybe ye wouldn't mind me keeping an eye on our band of Heroes from time to time?

[Vaulera]

Name: Camille Summers

Alias: Spark

Appearance: 

Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide

Height: 5,1

Weight: 110 lbs

Age: 19

Powers:

Disintegrate: Spark uses her powers to remove of add electrons from the atoms in people's bodies, changing the bonding between their atoms and causing the target to fall away into nothing. This is her most evil of powers and is used only against an evil foe, with much concentration, trying to break  down billions of atoms at a time.

Electrocute: Spark's trademark skill, she uses her powers to create a massive amount of static electricity in the air above her desired target and then uses them like a lightning rod, being struck by static lightning.

Spontaneous combustion: Spark makes the particles in an opponents body move faster, generating heat and eventually lighting the victim up like a torch.




Bio: Camille was a foster child from birth, anonymous parents who were deemed unfit to take care of her. Instead, she was raised by a wealthy family with heavy connections to the military, giving her a happy and proper upbringing with an outstanding education. Camille excelled at the sciences, particularly in regards to physics. She completed her education in oxford with a masters in molecular biology among others and enrolled in the military as a researcher of biological weaponry. In secret, her father approached her with a new research project, to create a breed of supersoldier with powers beyond the mortal fold, a superhero. Camille had heard of superheroes out there, they were famous, but was unsure about how to go about making a serum. Over the course of two years, she had created the first prototype serum using the dna of a dead superhero, a man with the power of electricity. With no willing volunteers for human testing, she decided to use herself. The serum was a complete success, she was able to manipulate static electricity and atomic structure, the real source of the electricity. When she returned to her family estate, her foster parents were dead and the house destroyed. With her newfound superpowers, she donned the alias spark and vowed revenge.

[AribethAmkiir]

We'll leave a spot open for you for a little while in case things change, Aybara.  Hope all goes well.

Looking good, Vaulera.  :)

[Vaulera]

Do I start just anywhere, or should I be somewhere specific?

[Aybara]

Name: Martin Cole
Allias: Green Lantern
Appearance:
[/URL]
For his costumed appearance see previous post til I edit it in here.
Height: 6'1''
Weight: 187lb
Age: 27
Powers:
-Green Lantern Ring: This ring allows Martin to generate solid objects made from a green light while he maintains them which is dependent on his will power to create them and his imagination to shape them. It can also act as a translator, allow him to survive in space and other hostile environments as well as fly (at faster than light speeds outside of a planet's gravity well) and generate force fields.
-Armour: Martin upon noting the ring's vulnerabilities created a suit to help protect him during fights with some villains. The suit itself is a theoretical design but the technology to create many of the parts correctly is currently not in place but aside from the basic shell and frame Martin fills in the blanks of the suit with the power ring. The suit is there for protection against certain attacks and allows him to stay nimble by supporting it's own weight.
Vulnerabilities:
-Yellow: Yellow objects and entities are hard for the ring to effect which came as a startling realization of how much of a draw back this was when he got hit by a large yellow golem punched straight through the force field he had created and broke three ribs. This event led to the creation of his armoured suit.
-Wood: Objects made of would are better at destroying his constructs than other seemingly superior materials, he is in more danger from a man with a wooden stick than one with a katana if he is aware of the attack.
-Green Lantern Ring: Martin's ring must be worn and periodically recharged to allow him to benefit from it's abilities. Without it he is a normal man albeit more knowledgeable about unusual things even his suit will not work without the ring and although it offers some protection will be ungainly and cumbersome.

Bio:
Martin Cole was born into a middle class family, his intuitive grasp of physics and the physical forces that shape the world led him to be granted a scholarship and he went on to study in University and become an Engineer. Martin enjoyed college immensely and strove to excel which allowed him to catch the eye of some representatives from NASA.
Although it was clear he'd never be an astronaut the chance to help create space ships and take mankind into the stars was appealing to Martin. Jumping at the opportunity he worked hard, it was there he met Wendy Rayner and fell in love. After a whirlwind romance with the more outgoing and adventurous red headed woman they got engaged. Tragedy struck when an accident during testing resulted in Wendy being killed in an explosion.

Martin channeled his anger into figuring out what had gone wrong to discover it was sabotage using unknown technology. Eventually this led him to confront the saboteur only to find out it was an alien who was fighting with another apparently glowing green entity. During the fight this green lantern was mortally wounded but stopped the alien who apparently had designs to set back humanities space exploration. He was shocked to discover the glowing man was another human and a man he knew, an astronaut. Knowing that he was about to die shortly he passed the torch and sponsored Martin's entry into the Green Lantern Corp as his replacement. It's been over two years since that day and now  Martin is the designated Green Lantern for this sector which does bring him outside into the galaxy where he is well known to some worlds and unknown to others but still he does his best to safeguard the Earth now more than ever of the dangers that lurk in the shadows between stars as well as the ones that lurk in alley ways, both need his attention and he will do his best to do his duty.

[rhev]

It's hard to tell... did you guys find a dedicated GM for this?  Are you still looking?
<~~ GM Extraordinaire.

[TheVillain]

Mostly we convinced Aribeth to give it a go, but I do think if you talked to her some magic would happen. How are you, rhev?

[AribethAmkiir]

Personally, and honestly, after the few scenes I've run I think I'm ready to pass it over to more capable hands.

Have you read any of the IC scenes yet?

https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=129107.0
https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=129268.0
https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=128780.0
https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=129111.0

and the OOC:
https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=128781.0

[Laughing Hyena]

Do not sell yourself short Ari. You are doing a rather good job despite your inexperience. Still this is what you hoped for it.

[rhev]

I think I'm going to have to pass.

8 players is a bit more than im comfortable with and you look like you've already got a lot going on.    4 threads plus ooc is a bit more than I'm willing to take on.   Also I was kind of hoping for a little bit of a lighter tone.  I wish you the best of luck however and will probably keep an eye on the threads.  I do love me some superheros.  :)

Thanks though and have fun!

[TheVillain]

Good Luck rhev.

And you're doing good Aribeth.