[OOC] M&M 3E: New Beginning

Desy

Soooo. who likes Superheroes?

A good friend gave me an idea for a superhero campaign that wouldn't leave my brain alone.

The idea is to start playing before the PC heroes have gained their powers. To then play through the separate (or shared) origins of the characters with the group as a whole.
As such, anybody that proposes a character is more then welcome to, but it should focus on a possible or probable origin scenario as well as who the person is before gaining whatever abilities they will use in their superhero identity at least as much as the hero's powers and abilities.

This isn't going to be run within the DC or Marvel universes. Set in modern times, superheroes have been a small minority throughout history. In ancient times, they were described as gods, demigods, or truly exceptional mortals. During WWI and WWII, superheroes emerged on both sides of the conflicts and played pivotal roles in the outcome of both world wars. With the ending of the world wars heroes faded from the public view; though there has been a marked resurgence in superheroes and supervillains in the last 25 years.

current details: Looking for a group of 3 players. Starting at PL 10. Using Mutants and Masterminds 3rd edition. More details of the world background to follow.

Super Namicchi

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxPGzj2L3n0

Sakutian

I would like to take part in this please. I'll hold my ideas until I have some more information about the setting though.

dresdenphile

I echo Sakutian's sentiments. I've been hankering for a super hero RPG, but my normal group is less than interested.

Sakutian

I'd like to submit a possible character ideas for you consideration.

The Red Cross
During World War I David Duel was only a surgeon working with the Red Cross was caught in the blast of one of the first chemical weapons to be used in the great war while tending to his patients. While everyone around him succumbed to the deadly gas the weapon released the surgeon underwent a strange transformation. Instead of killing him his exposure to the chemicals somehow granted him superhuman strength, invulnerability, and the ability to dissolve metal, stone, and wood with a mere touch. He also discovered that anyone he touched became progressively weaker. After years of witnessing the atrocities being carried out on the battlefield firsthand the surgeon decided to use his newfound powers to try and bring an end to the war. Donning a crimson uniform he dubbed himself the Red Cross and began aiding troops on the front lines. Like so many of the costumed heroes who took part in the conflict he played a vital role in defeating the mundane and superhuman forces of the enemy. His battles with a German scientist known as the Alchemist became the stuff of legend.

I'd like to play a character who picks up the legacy of Red Cross. Still toying with the idea for what inspires him to do so but I just wanted to put the basic idea I've got out there.

Super Namicchi

coolio

Super Namicchi

we may or may not be on irc right now talking about this very thing

Super Namicchi

here is my idea:

Unit-γ aka Seraph
Addicted to drugs and hopelessly lazy Sara Wilson found herself on the street after dropping out of college halfway through her freshman year. Desperate for money she volunteered for a year-long medical experiment that promised "A whole new lease on life" and "no more financial and health problems". The day she showed up at the facility for the preliminary tests was the last day anyone would hear from Sara.

What's the origin? Well, the specific scenario is going to be played through, but I have some preliminary ideas. Essentially Sara unknowingly volunteered for the third in a series of military experiments designed to create the next American supersoldier through nanotechnology. The next year would be essentially spent preparing and training Sara for her eventual merging with the Gamma Nanoswarm. Integration is seamless (much to the relief of the research team) and personality overrides are engaged, essentially erasing Sara's memories (or so they believe). Things go smoothly for awhile but as time goes on the buried personality of the host begins to affect Gamma and vice-versa. I imagine the origin scenario will basically be a field mission of some kind with the AI and Sara finally actualizing themselves as a singular entity or something and breaking free of military control and going rogue.

I also have some cool concepts for the other AIs as well as the nemesis (hint: Unit-α, aka LEGION)

As far as personality goes, Sara pre-experiment is lazy and a drug addict. Post-experiment she is more or less driven around by her AI to fulfill whatever orders her superiors lay down for her. As her personality manifests itself she develops a resentment for authority and struggles for independence. After breaking away from the military she will probably be withdrawn but that will soon be replaced by a desire to rediscover her humanity. The call to action as a hero will likely be motivated by Gamma's personality and disposition as well as seeing the horrors wrought by the failed experiment Alpha.

Sakutian

I'm thinking that when the Alchemist returns to take revenge on the original Red Cross he has to make due with wiping out his old enemies descendants. That is how Daniel Dane comes into conflict with his first supervillain. As part of his origin I have also considered that the Dane's have been passing down a secret about their family for generations. One that Daniel has yet to become aware of.

If Destroyah is willing to play along I'd like to build Daniel pre-powers and let his origin develop organically from there.

Desy

Sure. Just to ask the question, what do you see Daniel doing for a living? I has some ideas of my own, just given what you've said so far.

And Arc also gives me ideas regarding his character. I'm really likIng how the heroes origin actually looks to happen after she already has her powers.

Sakutian

Well I was thinking of making him a student at the moment, maybe going into medicine but I'm not married to that idea.

Desy

Sakutian wrote: »

As part of his origin I have also considered that the Dane's have been passing down a secret about their family for generations. One that Daniel has yet to become aware of.

Like the secret location of the Cross Cave? Complete with Cross Car, Cross Chopper, and Cross Computer?

Sakutian

destroyah87 wrote: »

Sakutian wrote: »

As part of his origin I have also considered that the Dane's have been passing down a secret about their family for generations. One that Daniel has yet to become aware of.

Like the secret location of the Cross Cave? Complete with Cross Car, Cross Chopper, and Cross Computer?

You forget the secret of throwing a decent right cross.

Plus the original Red Cross wouldn't have hung out in a gave. Claustrophobia was sort of a problem for him.

Sakutian

I have been thinking that he might have hidden an entrance to his stash of superhero goodies somewhere inside the office where his old practice was though.

Desy

Sakutian wrote: »

destroyah87 wrote: »

Sakutian wrote: »

As part of his origin I have also considered that the Dane's have been passing down a secret about their family for generations. One that Daniel has yet to become aware of.

Like the secret location of the Cross Cave? Complete with Cross Car, Cross Chopper, and Cross Computer?

You forget the secret of throwing a decent right cross.

Plus the original Red Cross wouldn't have hung out in a gave. Claustrophobia was sort of a problem for him.

So the Cross Canyon then? Maybe he had a Cross Canoe too?

I'll stop now, I promise.

Sakutian

I'm not sure if the original Red Cross ever employed a vehicle as part of his regular arsenal. Daniel might choose to do so depending on how he develops if he is chosen as one of the players in this little drama of yours Destroyah. I doubt it will be a canoe though.

Super Namicchi

let's not forget his shortlived sidekick kid cross

Sakutian

We cold go old school and bring out a homage to Ace. The Red Hound! Exposed to the same chemicals as the Red Cross this wonder dog fought by the side of his master throughout the war.

Super Namicchi

nah the dog would be called st. Bernard

Super Namicchi

bernie for short

Sakutian

Very nice. We should just go all out and give him a chinese martial artist buddy as well.

Super Namicchi

Karate cross

Sakutian

I think Seraph and Red Cross could make a great duo though. Two normal people who gain super powers, albeit under very different circumstances. I think there could be some very interesting stories for these two.

Solar

I am definitely up for it, yo!

Sakutian

We are seriously lacking in the magic and alien departments.

Solar

I am seriously considering playing a Namor-style alien prince

handsome, powerful and honourable in the extreme! A bit arrogant though, (of course)

Sakutian

Namor is pretty awesome in some of his incarnations. That also satisfies our requirement for a royal and and alien on the team.

Solar

See now I have to decide where he is from

I am thinking an ancient, super-advanced alien culture

This guy is the crown prince, leader of their armies, beloved son etc

But these guys kind of just hang around at home most of the time, enjoying their lovely little slice of paradise

This dude thinks that they should be more active in the defence of JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS etc, so he has decided to head to Earth, in order to protect this young species from threats both without and within. Of course, such an action can only be seen favourably by those on his homeworld, the action of a truly noble prince, but since he's doing it, they can sit back and enjoy the show. After all, nobody wants to steal his glory, that would be massively impolite.

The Prince thinks this is somewhat missing the point, but feels it rather gauche to say so. He'd rather inspire them to greatness than berate them for idleness. Of course, the Earthlings do need the protection of such a mighty and skilled being as himself, even if they might not know it. For too long has he led his army into battle en masse (the odd pirate armada decided to have a go at plundering his homeworld, you see. Fools), he is looking forward to engaging with foes on a more personal level, while engaging in a truly noble quest. And if he does have a dalliance or two with some of these lovely Earthling women, well, there's nothing wrong with that, now is there?

What do you guys think?

Solar

Also I am crap at names

help me with a name here!

Titan seems like a good superheroic moniker

but maybe, like Namor and Thor and so on, he's better off with just his own name? He doesn't need a secret identity, after all

Sakutian

Honestly I love the idea of a noble from the star coming to enforce justice on a so-called primitive world. There are so many great possible names for someone like that. Monarch perhaps?

Does he have any powers? At the moment I'm just thinking the usual. Super strength, bullets bounce off of him like rubber bands, and that sort of thing.

Solar

The power of cosmic gods flows in my veins, Earthling! My abilities are only yet in their infancy, but they eclipse all mortal understanding!, Ancient forces are reborn within my soul!

The usual so far. I'm thinking about maybe him having more unusual powers as well though. Light based abilities come to mind, make him a real "shining prince" Though making him ludicrously strong and tough is appealing, I must say.

Sakutian

Apologies your majesty. The humble people of earth are not accustomed to addressing nobles of your high standing.

I like the light based powers angle. Gives him something unique that all of those royal type needs to really set them apart.

Solar

This guy is exceptionally strong though, even for his people. Nobody really knows why, either. It's always been said that the royals of this ancient empire are descended from cosmic beings, but nobody knows for sure, and pretty much everyone but a small number of priests and scholars think it's nothing more than poetic legend. Then this guy came along, and started to get people wondering, what if it's true? What if this guy is one of the ancients reborn? And if so, why here? Why now?!?

EDIT: or maybe it's just a royalty thing, that might work as well. Explains why they are still in charge!

Desy

If you go with the light powers, which I like, I think Beacon would be a perfectly fitting name.

Solar

Beacon sounds a little too much like Bacon for my taste

entirely a personal flaw, I'll admit. It's a fine name.

I am actually considering naming him Prince (something) Titan though

Titan is a good name for a badass space prince

the first name needs to be suitably royal and space-y

Desy

I caught the same association of Beacon=Bacon too.

But I thought it was amusing, instead of slightly annoying.
(I freely admit this is because I would derive much amusement from having characters make the same mistake once or twice.)

Shining ______ is also a form I like, just because it evokes shades of arrogance. I'm not sure it couldn't work without sounding goofy, but there you go.

Shining Prince Illunaar? (first thing to come to mind, quality not guaranteed)

Sakutian

I dig the name Destroyah, superheroes need to be a bit silly.

Solar

150pts is so few pointsssssss...

Making this dude is fun, but hard!

How many levels in benefit do you think being the prince of alien land should be?

I am going with five, because mostly they are just out there, as opposed to actually be a resource he can call upon

Sakutian

An army. An armada of starships. Diplomatic immunity. A space fortune. These are just a few of the benefits that leap to mind.

Solar

Yeah but he won't be using any of these things while just on earth fighting villains

as that would slightly defeat the point of going off and being a hero

Plus with power comes responsibility, there will be downsides. Perhaps the King will drag him back to get married, or there will be a threat to the throne, or something like that

though they do confer some advantages, as you say

especially the armada and the space fortune...

five points seems about right to me but Destroyah is of course the final arbiter

Super Namicchi

I think you're overcosting it

I would probably do it up as a complication and leave it at that