More Human Than Human [Recruiting Players]

[Nykteus]

"Ich lehre euch den Übermenschen. Der Mensch ist Etwas, das überwunden werden soll. Was habt ihr gethan, ihn zu überwinden?" 
- Also Sprach Zarathustra

Character Roster

OOC

Setting Information

GM Tag

New York, U.S.A.

Foundry Headquarters

The Foundry is a facility that most certainly does not, has not, and never will exist. Should one manage, somehow, to stumble through the mountainous wilderness, find the well concealed entry points and descend through layers of shielding to the facility below, they would promptly be induced to forget all that they saw by means of a bullet to the brainpan. The Foundry and its masters will not brook any threat to their great work.

After decades of failure and setbacks, the Foundry and its legions of brilliant, if misguided, minds have created the first iteration of superhumans. Each a prototype for what was to come, Armies composed, not of citizens, but meticulously designed organisms with no rights, liberties, or morals, just biological machinery.


This story follows the prototypes, who, against all the best wishes and hopes of their creators, have hearts and souls and dreams. Upon escaping the only home that they have ever known, they will have to make one of their own. The aim for is an intimate story that focuses as much on the exploration of their attempts to make normal lives for themselves while starkly aware that they will never be normal.

The game will open with the prototypes escaping from the facility where they were made, born and raised, and their ventures into the outside world. Other characters will be welcomed besides the prototypes, and a short list of suggestions and possibilities follows below. The maximum number of Prototypes in play will be 6, though one or two more may be considered. The selection process will be based purely on merit, please don't feel the need to rush to secure a place.

The game is based on the GM's ideas and the story will be guided by the GM. I hold final authority on what goes, but I welcome input from players, advice, suggestions, even the occasional complaint. So long as people are having fun and the plot is progressing, I'm happy. All I ask is to respect the other players and myself, and we'll get on fine.

Part of the aforementioned respect is putting in some effort. This is a group effort to write a fun story. If you find you're having trouble, just talk to the GM or the other players. So long as people are trying to write well, that's all I ask.

If it should happen that English is not your first language or you have dyslexia, please inform the GM. I quite understand the difficulties of a foreign language and will happily provide guidance and help to non-native speakers.

Character Powers:

Keep in mind that as genetic mutations these will likely be physical adaptions and not psychic abilities. These will ultimately be up to GM discretion. For the most part, this will just mean that I reserve the right to clarify what those powers are and tag on a pseudoscientific explanation for them. I will try to make sure that every character's unique power is respected, so that no one finds themselves made redundant by one omnipotent character. But please, be creative and inventive, the worst that will happen is we'll have a discussion and I'll tell you if I think something needs to be toned down or even amped up. If you're having trouble coming up with a clear expression of the idea you've had, please tell me, I'll be happy to help with suggestions. The middle Personal Physical Powers section of SuperPowerWiki is a good place to look for initial inspiration.

Sex and character conflict:

I advise moderation. While I quite enjoy writing both of those things myself, please remember that a group game is very different from a solo game. Neither are unwelcome, but should come in moderation. In a group game it is important to maintain momentum and keep the story moving forwards, at least in the initial stages. I want this game to be fun, and we're all grownup writers. Sex and interpersonal conflict will be quite alright, but story comes first and foremost.

Strain One

This side of the story follows the escape of the Prototypes from the Foundry, their attempts to figure out what to do with their newfound freedoms and the Foundry's attempts to recover them and rebuild in the wake of the disaster.

Possible Characters:
- Foundry operative
- Foundry scientists
- A Foundry scientist kidnapped by or aiding the group during their escape
- Runaways or street kids who might fall in with the group

Strain Two

This side of the story follows a conspiracy involving illegal biotech research and the peculiar murders of a U.S. Senator and the CEO of a large biotech research organisation.

Possible Characters:
- A spouse, mistress or child of one of the murder victims
- A company employee who suspects criminal activities behind the scenes
- An investigator who refuses to buy into the obvious answers
- A spy working as a plant within the company

While it is possible to submit any sort of character, be advised that I am less likely to accept some ideas compared to others. If you have an interesting idea, go for it. I'm not immune to persuasion.

ALL PROSPECTIVE CHARACTER SHEETS MUST BE SENT VIA PM

CHARACTERS

Prototypes

Wicked - Prototype Close Combat Specialist {Nykteus}
Shade - Prototype Infiltration Specialist {Rampant Desires}
Wire - Prototype Communications Specialist {Fenrir}
Maybelline - Prototype Manipulation Specialist {Branwen}
Cassandra - Prototype Information Specialist {RedEve}
Seer - Prototype Reconnaisance Specialist {Adrianna Paige}
Valkyrie - Prototype Sharpshooting Specialist {SubtleTrouble}

Foundry Operatives

Andrei Marcel Kozlov - Oligatory Creepy European Killer {Ninja Weazel}
Tech - Data Analyst {The Hanged Man}
Erin Bannon - Security Operative {bubby}

Civilians

Edward Hughes III - Civilian Pretty Pretty Boy {Rampant Desires}
Aaron Casey - Photo Journalist {Cerigo}
Daniel Zaidoff - Paramedic {Formless}
Dannara "D" Jacobson - Pickpocket/ Runaway Metahuman {Caela}

Feel free to chat away in this thread, but I prefer that all character sheets be sent by PM for final review, otherwise I'll only lose things.

Character Sheet Template

Code Select Expand


[b]Name:[/b]

[b]Age:[/b]

[b]Physical Description:[/b]
     [i]Height:[/i]
     [i]Weight:[/i]
     [i]Hair:[/i]
     [i]Eyes:[/i]
   
[b]Occupation:[/b]

[b]Powers:[/b](if applicable)

[b]Specialties:[/b] There's no need to list everything the character can do, but the things they're known to be very good at doing.

[b]Weaknesses/Phobias:[/b]

[b]Personality/Motivations:[/b]

[b]History:[/b] In the case of some characters, this can be short because there's very little for them to know.

[b]RP Thoughts:[/b]

[b]Resources:[/b] This includes things like contacts, funds, facilities, and so on.

[b]Equipment:[/b] This includes personal gear, though it can be changed throughout the story as characters lose and acquire gadgets.

[b]Writing Sample:[/b] This can be brief, just a good sized paragraph or two, written in the style of the character or copied and pasted from another story you've written.

[b]Played By:[/b]


[ZephySempai]

This actually sounds really cool and I'd love to be apart of it. I just have a few questions.

1) Would the prototypes have been born in the lab, or could they have possibly spent some time on the outside world before being snatched up or something.

2) You mentioned the prototypes are all trained in a variety of areas. Would it be possible if I made a Prototype who was skilled in Swordsmanship?

Again, I'm really looking forward to this game and I do hope it is a success :)

[Nykteus]

The answer to the first question is in the introduction, where it states that they were made, born and raised in the facility. They aren't anyone's children, they're genetically engineered organisms.

As for the second question, the sentence doesn't quite parse but I think I get your meaning. It would be possible to have prototype who was skilled in the use of a sword, but it would be highly unlikely that the Foundry would sink vast resources and time into developing an advanced superhuman only to equip them with useless archaic weaponry. I cannot think of any plausible situation where a sword would be more reliable than a firearm of some sort.

[TheHangedOne]

I'm tentatively interested. Thinking of an incredibly intelligent character designed for a support/tactical roll, due to how quickly and accurately they can process information.

[RampantDesires]

I'll go first I guess :)

Name: Shade

Age: 17

Physical Description: Short and compact she is found (when you CAN find her that is) almost exclusively wearing dark colors. Prefers to be barefoot and has never worn a heel in her life.  Smooth light tan complexion, hasn't really seen enough of the sun to know if she'll freckle or not. Missing the pinky finger of her right hand, there is no real scar, just unblemished skin as though it were never there.
     Height: 5’1”
     Weight: 108
     Hair: Dark brown with just a hint of red, the short and often spiky.
     Eyes: Amber, a slitted pupil more cat like than human
   
Occupation: Prototype/Escapee

Powers:
Pheromone Manipulation – Can excrete pheromones which mask her own natural scent making her harder to track.  These can also be used to distract or mislead others (mimicking another she is familiar with to lay a false trail).  She has never actively tried to seduce anyone, but they can make others more receptive/relaxed in her presence helping her slip past unnoticed.  Her own sense of smell is tuned to pick up on these things.
Enhanced Physical Condition – That she can bench press three times her own body weight makes Shade among (if not THE) weakest of her lab mates.  She instead relies on being fast,quiet, and perhaps most importantly careful to get the job done. In terms of stealth few can match her.   Can use short bursts of speed which top at 55mph. When Shade did not regrow her finger after its removal they knew that her regenerative abilities did not equal some of the other test subjects.  Cuts, bumps, bruises, even a bullet wound and some internal damage will eventually repair itself (stitches and splinting are always good to help things align properly), but for major wounds she requires medical attention.
Low Light Vision – Can see fairly well in all but perfect pitch blackness. Does require a brief period to adjust and quick bursts of light can blind her if she's not prepared for them.
Acute Hearing -  Well above 'normal' she has no problem making out the whispered conversation in the room, or even the next one over if she is actively trying to listen.

Specialties:
Infiltration/Extraction - Has been trained rather extensively in finding weak points in security systems, getting past them, and eventually eliminating them to literally open the door for the rest of her team.
Knife Work -  Though she is familiar and proficient with firearms they aren't exactly practical for her, even a silenced gun makes a rather distinctive noise and can be somewhat bulky to carry.  Small blades that are easily concealed and possibly thrown are more her style.

Weaknesses/Phobias:
Agoraphobic - Moderate.  She does not like wide open spaces, a vicious cycle where when she is exposed and vulnerable she tends to freeze further complicating the problem.
Monophobia - While she might not always LIKE the others she was raised with she does rely upon them rather heavily.  While she has no problem with going in first and scouting it is with the knowledge that the others are nearby.  She has never actually been truly alone and would likely not do well when confronted with such a situation. Isolation was by far the worse punishment for her while in the Foundry.
Under socialized - The workings of the world and social interaction can be utterly baffling.

Personality/Motivations:
Shade would much rather watch than actively participate in most things, learning by watching others before attempting herself.  Upon first meeting it is entirely possible that people would assume the girl was mute; once she actually opens her mouth they're sure she's just a flat out bitch. Where she was on board with escaping the laboratory she's not entirely sure they will ever find a real place to belong in the wider world and she knows that the Foundry's efforts to get them back/punish them for their mutiny will be swift; may in fact be rather paranoid about that fact and has trouble sleeping waking to even faint sounds and over reacting to small threats. Wary and rather slow to trust she argues rather heatedly against what she sees as threats to the group's security (most often taking in new people).

Verbal reassurance or praise does nothing for her, she needs the literal pat on the back or hug.  She can sometime miss the big picture while being utterly focused on the task at hand.

History: Engineered and raised by The Foundry.

Played By: RamptantDesires

[Blobbe]

I'm provisionally interested, just dependent on what section the game would be put in.

[Nykteus]

That's something I'm not entirely sure of. I don't expect the sexual aspects to be extraordinarily depraved, since this is primarily about the story, not the smut, but in terms of ultraviolent action, it may merit Extreme. I'll have to check it out.

[Branwen]

Oh my gosh, yes!  I love this idea.  Please allow me a few hours to develop a character in light of already expressed ones and submit it for audition, please.

[Blobbe]

That's something I'm not entirely sure of. I don't expect the sexual aspects to be extraordinarily depraved, since this is primarily about the story, not the smut, but in terms of ultraviolent action, it may merit Extreme. I'll have to check it out.

Fair enough. I'll admit now I'm looking to avoid any NC sexual content at all, hence my query. Otherwise, I love the concept and I'm allready running ideas. However, it's your game and your call.

[Nykteus]

I most certainly don't expect and non-consensual scenes, for the most part. I don't know about most chaps, but I surely wouldn't attempt to force my attentions on a genengineered metahuman commando who could benchpress me.

[MasterOfMyFate]

Any chance I could make a character build that is a total marksman? So to say he was experimented on to create a man that has little to no chance at missing a target no matter what he uses. I.e. bows, handguns, throwing knives. He can see where his bullet is going and can see when a bullet is coming at him and has a high possibility of dodging it in the same manner of an agent from the Matrix.

[Nykteus]

I will entertain virtually any character concept, so long as you can sell it with your writing. As for the marksman role, that is certainly a niche that hasn't been filled yet. The powers are only one aspect of the character.

[bubby]

Tentatively interested, must ponder skill set carefully. I hope to be able to PM you my char concept by this evening.

[TheHangedOne]

Hi bubby.  :-)

[bubby]

Hello sweetheart! *Hugs up*

[TheHangedOne]

*Hugs back.* How's it goin'?

[bubby]

Not bad. Pondering a walk to the library since it's such a nice day, and since E is deeaaaad. Might wake up my brain more to be able to figure out a character for this game too.

[TheHangedOne]

That sounds like fun.  :-)

[MasterOfMyFate]

testing

[Nykteus]

Please bear with me while I fiddle about making minor changes and such, nothing drastic. Oh, and THM, bubby, terribly nice of you to keep the game floating near the surface. Keep up the good work and I'll have to actually have to say thanks or something.

By the way, folks, I should mention that I do want the game to get bigger than just the escapees in the long run. I had the idea of the escapees finding a place in the city to settle in, an old subway station lost since the earliest days of the Cold War, where orphans and waifs off the street could join their little army. I'd love to flesh out the Foundry as well. Always room for mad scientists and tough as nails agents.

[Branwen]

[Posted after being approved via PM submission]

Name: Maybelline

Age: 16

Physical Description: (baseline)  Maybelline is a lithe specimen of young woman in superb physical shape.  Deep blue eyes set against golden, freckled skin draw the observer in and hold their attention.  Like many of the Prototypes, her enhanced strength is not visible in her build and more the function of her physiology rather than musculature.  When unconscious (but not sleeping) Maybelline reverts to her baseline appearance.  She dresses in the boring clothing provided by the Foundry, but on assignment she will wear whatever assigned and often acquires other clothing during it.  Unfortunately her fashion sense is next to non-existent as she was never exposed to media in any form or peer groups of other girls other than Prototypes.  Her hair is very long and thick and she must wear it up or it will dangle below the bottom of her butt.  It moves separately from her motion and often indicates her mood when she does not think to control it.
     Height: 5'7"
     Weight: 125#
     Hair: Blonde w/dark streaks
     Eyes: Blue
   
Occupation: Prototype/Human Interface Specialist

Powers:
Adoptive Muscle Memory - Can copy any human movement after seeing it performed.
Prehensile Hair - Can manipulate hair by moving it as if it was one or more appendages (i.e. arms and hands), can grab subjects and objects with locks and strands. More advanced users can weave their hair into different shapes, forming it into various objects to suit their purposes.
Body Manipulation / Body Mimetics -  Can alter her physical appearance, including voice, retinal and fingerprints, to match those of the subject.  Must have a genetic sample to absorb and cannot alter her height / weight more than 20% of baseline.  Cannot alter her mass at all.  Requires several minutes for a superficial change like retinal pattern, fingerprints and voice, days for complete verisimilitude.  Cannot alter her sex or inner physiology.

Specialties:
Replacment Infiltration - covert infiltration suffices for many of the tasks assigned the Prototypes, but it is occasionally necessary or desirable to use a mimetic infiltrator to gain entry into a location or to use them as a replacement for the target.  This is greatly limited by the fact that she looks, talks and acts like the subject but does not have the subject's memories or body of knowledge.  Given time she can be briefed on background material, assuming it exists.

Weaknesses/Phobias:
Prehensile Hair - Unless very consciously controlled, Maybelline's hair is a direct reflection of her mood, its style and motion telegraphing her emotions.  If cut or otherwise damaged, she feels physical pain and distress.  Maybelline must be sedated or otherwise rendered unconscious to trim it.
Fascination - Things she hasn't seen before occasionally fascinate her to the point of distraction.  It could be a magazine, a billboard, a dress or coffee cup or a song or smell.  Anything not contained within the confines of the Foundry is exotic and a potential source of fixation.  Once it was the different color and texture of lotion that a researched lent her without thinking about it.  Maybelline scored incredibly low on baseline monitoring exams that day and it took a week to discover the cause.  Behavioral therapy and subliminal condition have implanted code phrases that her controllers know and use when needed.
Latex Exam Gloves - During one of the many operations she has undergone, Maybelline was improperly sedated.  She was immobilized but fully conscious and aware of the entire operation, including the pain of the surgery.  Her fixation manifested on the feel and texture and smell of latex exam gloves and she will violently react to and possibly attack anyone wearing them and attempting to come near her.  Protocol has been changed so that latex is no longer used and only colored (purple or blue) nitrile gloves are permitted in the Foundry.

Personality/Motivations:  Maybelline is insanely curious about the outside world and it is believe to be a manifestation of her fixation personality.  Behavior modification therapy has been unable to remove the curiosity but certain code words and phrases know to the mission controllers and certain lab personnel allow them to temporarily subvert her curiosity.  This also allows them to easily control Maybelline by providing her snippets of magazines, video clips or photographs, once even a jar of sand, that are used as rewards for her mastering certain tasks or not becoming fixated by something during training or an operation.  Conversely they may be withdrawn or destroyed in front of her as punishment for misbehavior.  Maybelline has developed substantial animosity towards this pattern but is helpless to control it.  She's easily the most outgoing and talkative of the Prototypes and is very charismatic.  Maybelline's primary motivation to leave is not flight from the Foundry and what it represents but the desire to immerse herself in the fascinating differentness of the world outside the Foundry.

History:  Maybelline is something of a failed experiment.  The Foundry wanted a true mimic, one who could instantly match the target based on nothing more than mere visual input.  Whether the retrovirus used to effect the gene splice was inefficient or if the altered DNA sequence was faulty, Maybelline has always fallen far short of design expectations.  She is useful and it was decided to retain rather than terminate her strand, but the disappointing performance and her mental issue with fixation render Maybelline very much a beta and not a finished product.  Maybelline 2.1 is currently being incubated.  Maybelline 1.0 is unaware she has a genetic sister in the artificial wombs of the Foundry.  In operations, Maybelline complements Shade and doesn't eclipse or replace her.

She is named for the cosmetics line and its slogan.  "Maybe she's born with it.  Maybe it's Maybelline"; a reference to her mimetic abilities.

The Foundry exercises extensive positive control over her location and identity inside as she could easily pass for one of the researchers and escape.  Currrently Maybelline has two RFID devices implanted in her, at locations she does not know, and is compelled to wear a locking bracelet and anklet at all times that perform the function of a GPS transponder for tracking.

RP Thoughts:  Maybelline will provide ample interaction with the outside world.  Where other characters will want to hide or stay away from populated areas, Maybelline will want to seek them out.  She will fixate at times, making it necessary for others to move her along or, perhaps, learn of and discover the code phrases embedded in her behavioral patterns.  As well Maybelline 2.1 could become something, someone, she desires to rescue - a sister or child.  Maybelline can also be used by the group to find out things they need to without being discovered or gain access to without resorting to the risk of Shade's skill set.  She complements Shade but doesn't eclipse her.

Played By:  Branwen

[bubby]

Wow. That's a good character. I don't know if I can come up with such awesomeness.

[Branwen]

That's amazingly sweet and wrong at the same time.  :)

It's amazingly sweet because I take it as a huge compliment!  Thank you so much!  *hugs*

It's wrong because it's not something to try and match, or exceed, just something you want to play and enjoy.  Shade gave me part of the inspiration, the character I mean.  Do you need to talk concepts or brainstorm?

[bubby]

I am having difficulty coming up with a Power base, but mainly because I'm not sure if these Powers are supposed to be technology based, or if they can be more elemental in nature.

Since they are DNA manipulations, I'm not sure if my inclination towards the darker aspect of Powers would even fit into the game.

[Branwen]

Well what are you thinking?  Ask for some feedback.  :)

[CurvyKitten]

I keep coming back to look at this rp and my muse is sort of tinkering away at a possible idea.

I know I am having the same problem as I try thinking up powers, but this game is very interesting none the less. Though there seems to be quite a few females already showing interest as well.

[Nykteus]

If any of you want, a rough outline of a character with even a vague idea of powers is enough to start with, and I'll try to help from there. You'd be amazed what can come of a bit of brainstorming, but here's a few ideas left over from an older example:

Piper - Produces ultrasonic emissions that function as sonar, cause pain, disorientation, or, my favourite, convince victims that they're experiencing a haunting. A very real life phenomenon, it makes for interesting reading, given how a sound you can't even hear can cause you intense fear and unease.

Kali - Can produce an organic resin that hardens into a shiny black chitin, ideal for making weapons, armour, tools, walls, and other constructs. Very similar to a spider using webbing.

Cruelty - Produces a potent neurotoxin that can be delivered through bodily fluids: sweat, saliva, blood, etc. Initially euphoric as it heightens pleasurable sensations, can be addictive in small doses. Actually a horrifying weapon in larger doses, as the sheer sensory overload makes pain and pleasure irrelevant as anything besides sheer torture.

It's all about creativity, really. Look at Branwen's character, for instance. Sure, she can be used just to impersonate people, but she could also use her power to frame someone by manufacturing fingerprints and DNA evidence. What court is going to believe that a teenage changeling did it?

[RampantDesires]

Yay! Another completed character sheet! So very excited to see your creation Branwen, she looks awesome :)

[bubby]

I was actually pondering a 'Cruelty' type. That or someone who controls electricity. Tomorrow I'll decide.

[Nykteus]

If there was any guideline I could give people, think less along the lines of the X-Men and more along the lines of Metal Gear Solid. At that, though, there already is a character in the works who possesses the electrocytes of an electric eel, so that might not do so well.

If possible, I would much rather avoid full on psychokinesis in the game. That sort of thing shows up in a lot of games, I know I love it myself, but I'm aiming for something a bit different with us. At that, though, we'll figure out something. You'd be surprised how creative you are once you've got a GM to prod your brain in interesting places.

[Branwen]

Thank you so much, RampantDesires. Your character actually gave me the genesis ofgthe idea and I hope you don't think I am stepping on it. They should complement each other. 

If anyone is still looking at ideas, consider River Tam from Firefly as a kernel to pop.

[RedEve]

Fun idea.

River is a good archetype, though the amount of skills she has might make her a bit too powerful for one player to wield them all?

[Branwen]

*hugs the RedEve*

Oh, no doubt that's right.  River is a bit over the top, but it might help someone snowball a concept.  And her awkwardness with human interaction seems so in line with what the game suggests.

So, RedEve, about your character...  :)

[RedEve]

I'd really love to join but not sure if I should...  :P

Also, it seems like you guys already have the key archetype slots filled. :)

[Branwen]

Players drop, new slots come open, you're superamazinglygood...

[Blobbe]

I've fired off my own app. I'm super excited for this; its a concept I've wanted to try for ages

[RedEve]

Branwen: is the blue latex glove thingie in your CS another Firefly reference? If so, nicely played!  ;D

[Nykteus]

I was aiming for a team of about 6 prototypes, but the Foundry is a huge organisation. It's worth remembering that every one of the prototypes is just that, the first specimens of what will eventually be mass produced organisms. There's room there for some of them yet.

More Foundry agents are always welcome, too, or if someone wants to try their hand at an operative from a rival agency or even a rogue freedom fighter or journo going after the big conspiracy, I'd be delighted.

[Branwen]

I've fired off my own app. I'm super excited for this; its a concept I've wanted to try for ages

Good job on getting it done!  I bet that felt great.

Branwen: is the blue latex glove thingie in your CS another Firefly reference? If so, nicely played!  ;D

Totes!  But I reversed it so it wasn't too blatant a fangirl squeal.  Good job catching it.

[Blobbe]

Good job on getting it done!  I bet that felt great.

Rejected. Ah well, thanks though. GL all.

[Nykteus]

I still remember when I first saw Firefly. Wild West and Outer Space, my two favourite things, and a gorgeous Nathan Fillion headlining it. I ever meet the guy who cancelled it, I'm going to beat him like he ran over my child and my puppy in the one go.

[Lockepick]

I'm thinking of submitting a 'Survival Expert.' Healing factor, high endurance, super senses... that kind of stuff. I'll probably get a full sheet sent later tonight!

That is, unless all the prototype spots are taken by then!

[RedEve]

Sent in a CS, I hope it is alright and doesn't overlap too much with any of the existing characters.

[Branwen]

I love the hook of the drug addiction, TheHangedMan.  That's going to give an easy pivot for several story elements.  Well done!

Yay, RedEve!

[Nykteus]

I just realised how funny it'd be if Edgar's drugs were to be sold on the streets. You'd have a more erudite class of junkie, even if they did end up mugging you with homemade plasma pulse cannons instead of rusty switchblades.

[TheHangedOne]

"This is a stick'up! Give me all the cash!" "Wh...what kind of gun is that?" "A miniature particle accelerator. Man, listen, I don't have the time to explain this stuff! The money or your life!"

Ehh, not my best material, but... 8-)

Thanks Branwen, the idea was actually Nykteus' though. I just wrote my interpretation of the idea.

By the by, I'm pretty excited about this. Looks like we're gonna have a solid team of players.

[Nykteus]

I'll be getting Game Information and OOC threads up later today. We seem to be gathering quite a few players. Soon I shall have enough to be able to barter your souls to Amon Nghrul and usher in Ten Thousand Years of Darkness with myself as Lord High Tyranner of the Unholy Legions.

[TheHangedOne]

Awww, man! Why can't you believe in Nyarlathotep? C'mon, man, I'll put in a good word for you with Nyarly'.

[RedEve]

Posting with GM approval:

Name: Cassandra

Age: 19

Physical Description:
     Height: 5’10
     Weight: 144 lbs
     Hair: blonde   
     Eyes: Green
   
Occupation: Prototype

Powers:
Omnilingualism: The power to instantly speak and understand any language fluently. This is not a magical power, it is done through being exposed to written and/or spoken language. She learns languages by hearing them, being exposed to them and by contextualizing the data her mind gathers.

Intuitive Intelligence: Cassandra possesses the ability to instantly analyse any sensory input and compare it to her existing knowledge. Her mind works at extremely high speeds, comparable with advanced Artificial Intelligences. She can access any information in her memory instantaneously and flawlessly, and has an intuitive ability to best employ her available knowledge to understand new situations. When hearing an unfamiliar language, for example, she will automatically examine the context of each word and sentence, study phonemic patterns, compare words to her existing vocabularies for cognates in related languages, and then compile the most probable translation, all without conscious effort. Because she has perfect recall, her understanding of a given skill increases exponentially with the more analysis she performs. Her only limitation is that she still requires practice to allow her body to catch up with a given skill, no amount of understanding of calligraphy or martial arts will allow her to forego the necessary muscle memory and conditioning required to master those skills.

Eidetic Memory: Cassandra's memory is utterly perfect. Any information she has acquired can be recalled instantaneously and flawlessly. She cannot forget anything she has learned, even if she should wish to, although consciously sifting through the sheer scope of her memory can require greater effort than simply relying on her intuition. When she wishes, she can prepare herself by "loading" chunks of data into her conscious thoughts, allowing her more controlled access to that knowledge.

Enhanced Perception: Cassandra's senses function at the same high level as other Prototypes, although her brain is better geared to processing data input. Her eyes function at a much higher resolution than those of most other individuals, allowing her to gather more visual data. She does not even have to speed read, but can understand and process every word on a page with a glance, much as one would process a photograph. She does not miss details in any of her sensory input, able to analyse every detail in her field of vision, or process multiple audio streams at once. While most of her senses are no better than those of her siblings, she is much more aware of what she is taking in without having to consciously focus.

Specialties: Cassandra’s main power is her mind’s extreme adaptability, as her powers allow her to take in and process new information and sensory input at a superhuman rate. Unlike her peers, she is designed to adapt quickly to life outside of the protective shell of their facility.

Weaknesses/Phobias: Her super powered brain is a huge energy drain that requires regular down-time, or she starts developing the symptoms of extreme sleep deprivation. To wind down her mind, she had been trained in meditation techniques, which need to be performed in a space with minimal sensory stimuli. She needs to spend a couple of hours a day meditating in such an environment, any failure to do so puts an immediate strain on her mind.

Personality/Motivations: Cassandra has a thirst for knowledge and knowledge gathering that is linked to her upgraded mental capacities. She is always processing information, no matter what else she might be doing. She will overhear casual conversation in her vicinity for any nugget of new information, she will read any shred of paper she finds, she will take in and remember every face and voice she sees and hears, … Unfortunately for her, her overzealous mind does not have an off switch, which can sometimes be to her detriment.

History: Cassandra was designed as a one-woman think tank. In essence, her contributions were meant to be largely in the pre-operational phase of planning and strategy. The Foundry has designs for a Cassandra mark II that has her mental aptitude as well as significant physical improvements that make her more suitable for field deployment.

Because of her mental make-up, the Cassandra model was allowed access to a lot more data, literature and general information than her peers, precisely because her mind needed this input like a blade needs a whetstone. One side-effect of this – likely unwanted – is her greater familiarity with the outside world, though most of this is second-hand knowledge she gathered through the data she was allowed to process.

RP Thoughts:

Resources: None other than the other prototypes she escaped with.

Equipment: The clothes on her back.

Played By: RedEve

[Branwen]

19?

I'm so going to call her "Mom".  :)

[TheHangedOne]

Cool char, Eve. Super-minds are the best.  8-)

[RedEve]

 ;D

It could be fun if all of the Prototypes treated her like an overbearing mom.  :P

[Branwen]

I'm teasing.  :)  Very nice character and I like the name.  Is she going to be like the Cassandra of myth and tell us things that come true but we don't believe? 

[RedEve]

Her name is indeed a reference to the mythical character but she won't have the gift of foresight.
Or rather, if she does make predictions that end up coming true, they will be based on knowledge, context and probability assessments. 

[Nykteus]

Am I the only one who always thought Greek mythology would have been greatly improved by someone kicking Apollo's ass?

[NinjaWeazel]

This sounds potentially awesome.  Will mull over concepts while I am at work tonight.

[Nykteus]

There's now an OOC thread up. I'll also be forwarding some of you the link to the super secret OOC, where we will bitch about the other players and make up nasty rumours.

[CurvyKitten]

I have been looking at Alpha's the tv show to get some idea's. I am looking at Hypercognitive, and possible having be able to super information intact. So before a mission she can pull a matrix. "Do you know how to fly a helicopter....now I do" lol Not a direct like just a way they tweaked her mind to be able to learn things incredibly fast. So she can be mission ready for just about anything in no time. Hopefully that is making sense LOL. They seem like a good pair and that would make her more muscle and the force instead of mental or stealth. She would do stuff like, the hard and fast infiltrations or extractions (when they don't have time to do it subtly) , front line fighting, assassinations and so forth.

[bubby]

Currently plotting with Hanged.

[Nykteus]

RedEve just submitted a character with those powers.

[CurvyKitten]

I didn't realize someone couldn't be similar, specially if their functions are totally different. At least she doesn't have the Hypercognitive so I could still possibly do that.

[Nykteus]

As I've said, people are welcome to submit anything for appraisal. I won't, and really can't, judge a character or concept until I've actually read it.

[Branwen]

I didn't realize someone couldn't be similar, specially if their functions are totally different. At least she doesn't have the Hypercognitive so I could still possibly do that.

Is it possible that the Foundry keeps several similar strains active, in case one is damaged or lost or they need two teams?  Or they are concurrent experiments with similar but not identical abilities and researchers are trying to sort out which one works best.

[TheBlackThrone]

Never mind. Disregard.

[CurvyKitten]

Is it possible that the Foundry keeps several similar strains active, in case one is damaged or lost or they need two teams?  Or they are concurrent experiments with similar but not identical abilities and researchers are trying to sort out which one works best.

Nods~the way I pictured it was that it was in some way actually downloaded to her brain. Not learned as it was presented. If that makes sense. lol

Shrugs~ I'll brainstorm more and see what I can come up with. All else fails I'm sure you all will have fun. :)

[Nykteus]

They do keep copies of the Prototype's genomes, but each one of the Prototypes is the product of decades of work and trillions of dollars. For every one of them on the team, there are thousands of aborted experiments. Designing an organism isn't easy, even Dolly the sheep died of defects because of problems with the cloning process.

Part of the drive in this game will be the fact that every one of the Zhayedan squad is priceless. Even if the entire process that designed each one was repeated all over again, there are variables sufficient that success is no guarantee.

[Nykteus]

TheBlackThrone, yes, it is still possible to submit one, but spaces are limited. I can't guarantee that any prototype submissions will be accepted, though I will do my best to accomodate characters in alternate roles. I'm always happy to get good writers, and the game won't be all about the prototypes.

[Branwen]

Zhayedan squad

Can you explain that, please?  I saw it just now, and in Wicked's sheet, but can't find an explanation of it anywhere?

[Nykteus]

Whoops, I thought I put that in the main post. They were a unit of heavy shock troops in the armies of the Persian Sassanid dynasty, better known as the Immortals.

[Branwen]

*smacks forehead*

I should have googled.  So that's the designation for the Prototypes? 

I keep wanting to call them Foundlings.  :)

[bubby]

*Flails*

[Nykteus]

It's the name of the squad the current batch are assigned to. Presumably the next batch would be part of a different squad.

[bubby]

Tentative char sheet PM'd.

[Nykteus]

All seems to be going well. I'm going to wait a while to see if we can't get a few more characters before the game is opened up and we get into the swing of things. There's still room for at least one more Prototype, plenty of agents and civilians.

[RampantDesires]

Though the game has gone live (slowly things are still getting situated and most have yet to intro) we are still very much interested in new characters.  The prototype slots are all taken, but there is still plenty of room for others, scientists, agents, conspiracy theorists, college kids... the door is pretty wide open really, creativity is encouraged here.

Our game currently enjoys a six female to two male ratio so a few more guys in the pool would be a good thing.  That's not to say you are not absolutely welcome as well ladies.

[Formless]

Hello Everyone.

I am here to join this interesting game.

Credit goes to Rampant. ::)

[RampantDesires]

Six (potentially seven) to three (almost four thanks to Formless who gets so many hugs for being a good sport and putting up with my ramblings!).  Excellent!  It looks like we're starting to expand the world out from the lab area and this pleases me greatly.  New characters are still very much welcome, I would love to see the role of Foundry scientist to be filled by one or two people providing not only immediate avenues to interaction at the facility but also options later down the road.

[Formless]

What you called rambling sounded like music.

I'm just thrilled to join myself ;)

[Nykteus]

Please look at the original post to note the tweaks that essentially divides the story into two strains, focusing on the same plot from different perspectives. Also, anyone interested in playing a member of a shadowy spy agency/new world order cult should send me a PM for more details.

[RampantDesires]

Hello again! So after some initial hiccups we are once more on track for awesomeness :) We currently have two active IC threads and many a plan for moving some plot forward.

Setting Information
OOC
Foundry Headquarters
New York

The "second strain" mentioned in the first post requires some more key players.  Most notably one or more of the following:
- A spouse, mistress or child of one of the murder victims
- A company employee who suspects criminal activities behind the scenes
There would be opportunity for immediate interaction with established characters and a rather central (and fun) role to play in that story line. 

Nyk's before mentioned spy/cult leader positions are still open and sound pretty cool as well. Don't be shy, we are gentle nibblers, it should be a good time! 

[RampantDesires]

So Traci Bradley started out as a quick throw away NPC to entertain the ever amazing Formless while we got things sorted out.  I never expected her to go over a handful of posts and she would fade quickly into the background once things got rolling.  Then my brain started kicking into over drive.

What if Traci has a more central role to play in all of this? Thus far she has received medical treatment and is a bit banged up and confused the character has not been well developed at all other than some mild flirting with her cute paramedic.  It would be great if someone could come in flesh her out and take her off my hands. 

Random Ponderings:
Sure she works evenings at a popular NYC bar now, but what if that's a recent thing? What if Traci grew up rather privileged and spoiled  beloved daughter of the CEO mentioned up in the second strain story proposal but was for some reason either disinherited or ended up distancing herself from her family.  That there should be a random hit and run involving her so close to her father (or mother)'s murder is more than suspicious.

This provides immediate interaction with Formless's character Daniel who it seems will be nice enough to escort her home after her unfortunate accident.  Also ties into Cerigo playing Aaron Casey who will be reminded of the days when he used to report REAL news and be drawn into investigating.  Hell it even ties nicely into my own character Eddy since as wealthy kids growing up in the same city they might know each other.

I know sometimes taking up an already existing character isn't appealing, but in her case little more than the name has to remain the same (though even that can be changed, perhaps Traci is a cover name to keep people from tying her back to her family).  Emilie de Ravin who was randomly selected as the character model rarely has dark hair (perhaps she dyed it during the break away) and looks great as a blonde, though you can totally pick your own character model as well.
Traci has currently been fleshed out into a full on NPC.  Other characters for the story line are very much needed

If anything you've read here sounds appealing please don't hesitate to PM me and we can discuss things further.  I would love to see someone run with this!

[Adrianna Paige]

Submitted my CS via PM so we shall see. ;)

[RampantDesires]

Still accepting new characters, both male and female.  Will give so many hugs and other assorted things to be negotiated later to anyone willing to entertain the following roles:

1) A Foundry scientist.  I would love to have another male character for this.  As it stands there are six female prototypes to one male, though I use the 'he' pronoun it is not necessary.  For all their skills the prototypes are largely unaware of the experiments which have been done on them.  They all have different quirks/addictions/problems which need to be addressed.  Perhaps he's just in the right place at the wrong time when they escape and he's dragged along.  Maybe he's grown attached to one or more of them and helps aid in the escape? There are tons of possibilities.

2)Someone to fill out the Strain Two Story

This side of the story follows a conspiracy involving illegal biotech research and the peculiar murders of a U.S. Senator and the CEO of a large biotech research organization.

Possible Characters:
- A spouse, mistress or child of one of the murder victims
- A company employee who suspects criminal activities behind the scenes
- An investigator who refuses to buy into the obvious answers
- A spy working as a plant within the company

The investigator angle is partially covered but there is totally room for another, and one of my NPCs is the daughter of CEO.  I REALLY don't want to take on more NPCs personally and would love to see more of these slots filled.

But I don't want to play a normal human! Okay, fair enough.  Personally I find the most delicious drama comes from 'normal' characters, but that's not for everyone.  There is still room for any number of characters. "I want to be an international augmented assassin type" A bit more difficult to work into the story but totally doable, lets chat about it.