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.  :)