M&M 3rd Edition: "And Justice for All." OOC

Sakutian

For more than a decade the heroine known simply as Justice has kept the scum and villainy of Titan hidden in the shadowed alleys of her city. Until one month ago. That was when Justice simply stopped appearing and the city started its rapid transformation from a thriving metropolis into a war zone. Now three rival crime lords and their small armies are battling in the streets for supremacy and trying to determine which is willing to pay the most blood in order to rule Titan. It's been left to the other heroes of the city to keep the citizenry caught in the middle alive. As one of those heroes can you save lives? Will you be able to discover what fate has befallen Justice? Or will you too fall victim to the many threats of Titan?

What is this?

The earliest game I ran here on Critical Failures was a Mutants and Masterminds 2nd Edition game called “The Rising Cost of Justice”. That game ended before it had reached a satisfying conclusion, but I’ve always wanted to come back to it. Since I’ve run a couple of Mutants and Masterminds games since then, along with other systems, I feel like I can finally do the idea justice so here we are.

This will be a Mutants and Masterminds 3rd Edition game for 2-4 players set in an original universe where people who can lift cars, fly, and read your mind have been a fact of life since before World War I.

Can I play?

Possibly. I already have two great players and I am more than happy to run this as a two man game, but if you have a concept for a hero you want to put forward feel free. I wouldn’t mind taking on one or two more people just to keep things interesting.

What are the guidelines for character creation?

*I'd like to have this game running within a week, so please submit your character by February 9th.
*Power level 10
*150 power points
*Please provide a background for your character. What is their origin? Why did they become a hero? Do they have an archenemy?
*Please answer the following questions:
1) How long has your character been in Titan?
2) Why is your character in Titan?
3) What if any relationship does your character have with Justice?

How often do I need to post?

In an ideal world I’d like people to post once a day, but I realize with life that isn’t always possible.

Rolls?

Rolls can be made on invisible castle or orokos.

Sakutian

Here is information on Titan, the city where your first story will be set and where events will begin unfolding in the game. I'll have information for a few more of the major cities up shortly as well.

Titan



City Information

Titan is a very large coastal city that started as a small village more than a hundred years ago and managed to grow with the times into a force to be reckoned with anywhere in the world. A shipload of families coming to the news world from Greece were blown of course by a storm, their ship crashed in a secluded bay far from any of the existing colonies in America in the year 1707. These were the first citizens of Titan who used the hull of their ship to shield them from the elements while building the first structures of their new home. Over time numerous industries developed, among them a large quarry which provided stone for the city as well as trade with developing cities. As stone buildings began rising ad the city grew the Greek influence on the architecture was obvious.

In the 1950's Titan built its first nuclear reactor which served to meet the cities growing energy needs as the population swelled. It was also in this period that the first superhumans began appearing within the city limits. Until the end of the millennium the various heroes and villains who fought their private wars on the rooftops of Titan were viewed as a threat to public safety and a general nuisance.

When the Mayor Wintergreen took office in 2001 her establishment of the RSRU was questioned but when the organization started getting results the new mayor found massive support. It was also around this time that the crime fighter known as Justice began appearing in Titan. For the first time the villains of Titan had serious opposition in their endeavors leading to an era of peace.

Places

Atlantis
A popular nightclub/restaurant owned and operated by Maximus Pluto. Citizens flock there in droves hoping to gain entry if only for the unique atmosphere as the club is built on the ocean floor beneath the waters surrounding Titan. Heavily reinforced glass grants patrons a stunning view of the ocean depths during their visit and the food is prepared by world class gourmet chefs. For those who can afford the price of admission Atlantis is a must see.

Chimera Laboratories
Contained in a trio of mammoth skyscrapers which a small army of scientists live and work in Chimera Labs is at the forefront of discovery in nearly every branch of science known to man with a staff claiming many of the brightest minds of the generation. Fortunately in a city under siege by living experiments gone awry, mad scientists, and devastating devices they are well equipped for dealing with such problems.

Gaea Park
The oldest and by far largest park located in Titan it is a popular location for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a place for outdoor activities. Unfortunately its size and the abundance of secluded hideaways have made it a popular spot for some criminal activities over the years.

Glass Island Maximum Security Prison
A prison located on a sandbar that was plagued with storms long before there was a city in the region. At one point the island was fitted with lightning rods and used to create glass for the cities construction or trade. Now it serves a different purpose. Heavily fortified and entirely self-sufficient the prison built here in 1905 is home to the captured supervillains and mundane criminals of Titan.

Museum of Unnatural History
A collection of strange, mysterious, or ancient artifacts plucked from the tombs of ancient kings long dead and ruins scattered the across the globe. The museum is home to hundreds of priceless objects most of which claim some sort of arcane power or history making it a popular attraction for many of those visiting Titan. Of course the promise of magical powers fueled by such artifacts has on occasion tempted some of Titan's less honest citizens as well...

Prometheus Power Plant
The only nuclear power plant in Titan it is situated in the harbor as a safety precaution and to ensure it remains secluded from the fist fights of super strong individuals. This facility provides the city with most of its electricity and has done so since it first opened.

Organizations

Daughters of the Atom
A group of prominent female scientists who live and work in Titan, they meet once a week to discuss various areas of study ranging from nuclear physics to biology. Founded in 1958 the group met in the home of nuclear physicist Susan Kret who oversaw the cities first nuclear facility.

RSRU(Rapid Superhuman Response Unit)
A branch of the police started under the term of Mayor Hardwick they are specially trained and equipped for dealing with the heroes and villains of the world. Many questioned the wisdom of pitting normal men and women against super powered criminals but they've proven themselves quite capable.

The Harpies
A gang with only female members that has operated out of Titan for many years, their members are altered magically as part of their initiation. Each of them became winged and taloned creatures that fancy themselves the rulers of Titan's skies. In truth they are little more than a nuisance and their plans routinely fail due to treachery from within the organization.

The Titan Ten
While other more business minded criminals busy themselves with trying to take over the world others choose to pursue less lofty goals, making them no less feared and in some cases even more so. Chief among them are the Titan Ten a loosely affiliated group of ten super villains who regularly operate out of Titan. Their methods and goals vary as widely as their appearance but they all have one thing in common. Everyone in Titan is afraid of them.

Prominent People

Mayor Elizabeth Hardwick
At age 59 Mayor Hardwick is in her fifth term as Mayor of Titan and she has earned a great deal of popularity for her creative approach to the superhuman issue. She worked her way up the political ranks starting as a secretary for one of the former mayors after college.

Justice
Blindfolded, silent, and wielding a sword the mysterious hero known as Justice has crossed the streets of Titan for a decade keeping the crime of the city under control. She is skilled, driven, and tales of her exploits describe her as having any number of unconfirmed super powers.

Brian Moone
Lawyer to the high profile super criminals of the world Moone's formidable reputation is well earned, he's charming and skilled at using the justice system to his advantage. In his youth he aspired to putting criminals behind bars and even had a prominent relationship with the hero Justice. Ultimately he was swayed from this course by a desire for wealth and power. His private law firm is directly responsible for freeing countless villains every year earning him the scorn of many but his prominent charity work casts a great deal of public favor towards him. On occasion attempts have been made to connect him to the criminal underworld of Titan but they have met with utter failure.

Flytrap
A madman driven by his goal of creating powerful plant/human hybrids in order to ensure the survival of both species he uses crime as a method to fund his research. His powers allow him to control plants and he commands any number of horrific scientific dead ends. Much of his past is lost in the recesses of his shattered mind including how he was granted his abilities as well as what brought him to Titan. He operates from a base hidden beneath the streets of the city, where his deformed children are often spotted wandering the sewers.

Masquerade
A female shapeshifter who never wears the same face twice and commands a small army through numerous lieutenants. Her criminal exploits include industrial espionage, blackmail, murder, and kidnapping.

Cobalt
An accident at the Prometheus Power Plant transformed Daniel Fahs from a gangly nobody into a metal skinned radioactive powerhouse. At first Cobalt thought to use his newfound powers for his own good by robbing banks but when a customer was injured during one of his robberies he turned himself into the police. His trial and prison term were treated with a great deal of media attention until his release. At a press conference following his release when asked what he planned to do with his freedom his response was "Help." Ever since then he has served as a hammer breaking down the walls of criminal empires all over Titan.

Lark
Over the last year there have been dozens of sightings of a young woman in costume darting across the rooftops of Titan. The newest heroine of the city has managed to avoid the public eye to a great degree but the criminals she leaves trussed up in front of police stations across town are turning her into a legend with each day.

The Copper Crab
During WWII numerous attempts were made by German forces to gain access to Titan through their harbor in the hopes of gaining a strong foothold on American soil. Each and every attempt was thwarted by the hero known as the Copper Crab. The first vigilante to claim this title fought toe to toe with the Axis of Evil throughout the war until he met his demise destroying a fleet of U-boats attempting a last ditch effort at invasion. Decades passed and a second hero took up the legacy of the Copper Crab this time a man who wielded fantastic technology rather than relying on muscle. Since his appearance he has helped keep the harbors of Titan free of illegal activity.

The Eroder
A small time criminal with a talent for engineering and chemistry the Eroder designed a pair of gloves capable of firing a blast of acid with deadly accuracy. Ever since his first appearance in Titan he has made every effort to make a name for himself and move up the food chain without much success. Lacking true super powers many young heroes have underestimated him during their encounters and now carry scars to remind them of the lesson learned that day. He's popular hired muscle for those who are on a budget because he always puts the job before all else.

Dr. Curtis Myers
The top scientist of Chimera Laboratories with an expertise for chemistry, robotics, biology, physics, and any number of other scientific fields he is considered by most people to be the smartest man in Titan today. He's a surprisingly charismatic person who is happy to lead tours through his labs and explain what goes on there.

Dr. Eliza Barron
Curator of the Museum of Unnatural History Dr. Barron holds several degrees in history and arcane theory, her fascination with mystical artifacts and their history enables her to stay at a job many of her predecessors weren't up to due to the alarming number of attempted robberies.

Jaguar/ Danielle Monroe
A former superhero possessing the strength, agility, and senses of the jungle cat's name she chose. She acquired her powers after undergoing an experiment at Chimera Laboratories that had been intended to enhance members of the Titan police force. The experiment worked too well and was set aside as most people would refuse to be transformed into a 7 foot tall cat human hybrid. After years of duty she retired from active crime fighting when she was offered a position on Mayor Hardwick's staff as her head of security.

Sharon Ross
Owner and editor of The Torch, the best-selling and oldest newspaper in Titan, Ross has earned a reputation for knowing everything that happens in "her" city before anyone else. Rather than running things from behind the scenes Ross leads the charge and is found more often than not chasing down the lead on a story or furiously putting the finishing touches on her last piece. The disappearance of Justice has come as a blow to Ross as her inability to solve the mystery surrounding it has driven her into bouts of deep depression.
[/spoiler[

Solar

I'm in, of course

Sakutian

Of course you are. You still going with your under earth prince concept?

Solar

Yeah, I think so

Been messing around with the rules a little and I think I am getting close to what I want to do with him

with 150pts you have to run pretty lean on a lot of things to get the characterful stuff, but it's all good

Sakutian

Argent

City Information

When a group of Spanish explorers led by Ponce De Leon set out in search of the fountain of youth one of their earliest discovers was an enormous vein of silver. Several members of the party chose to abandon their search for the fountain and remained to collect the silver. Returning home with a fortune in silver and tales of their discovery settlers were dispatched to establish a permanent mine.

The wealthy mining colony was a tempting target, and it was eventually seized by the British. Most of the Spanish inhabitants were killed in the battle or forced to relocate, however some surrendered to the British forces and were allowed to remain in Argent.

During the American Revolution one of the residents of Argent disguised himself and began fighting the British troops stationed in the city. The Silversmith sabotaged weapon stores, spied on their movements, and smuggled supplies to revolutionary soldiers.

After the war Argent became a much needed source of income for the new nation, and the city grew steadily over several generations. A closely knit community they have chosen to maintain their historical landmarks and way of life rather than taking on a more modern lifestyle.

Places

Argent Mine
The original mine has been expanded many times over the years and it remains active to this day. Several miles outside of town the mine rests at the heart of a heavily wooded area. Many of Argent’s citizens work in the mine even today.

Serol Refinery
Easily the least attractive building in the area the refinery is located outside of Argent within a few minutes driving distance of the mine. Built more than fifty years ago it has served as the exclusive refinery for silver mined in the region since then, but it has also been under close scrutiny.

Silversmith Museum
The home and workshop of the original Silversmith, Daniel Mallory, is one of the few tourist attractions in Argent. The structure was declared a historic landmark years ago and it has been maintained by the local historical society ever since.

Organizations

Argent Historical Society
Founded in 1910 by the city to maintain the Silversmith Museum the society has grown into a much more important structure since then. With over one hundred members the historical society often serves as a powerful voice in the community. Devoted to the preservation of their landmarks and their way of life the historical society helped to keep national chains, condos, and mini-malls out of their town.

Prominent People

Mayor Peter Lave
A former history professor Peter was elected thanks in large part to the support of the historical society when his predecessor announced his plans to tear down a portion of downtown Argent. Intelligent but a bit introverted Peter prefers to work from behind the scenes rather than making grandiose speeches.

Celeste Jacobs
The current head of the Argent Historical Society Celeste has been a resident of Argent her entire life. An elderly woman who has become a bit reedy and frail her fierce determination often startles those who find themselves on her bad side.

Solar

That said I did pick up Warren Ellis' Newuniversal today for the low, low price of five quid

and I have to say, guys like Starbrand are always cool to me

yeah, I'm a regular dude. Except I can withstand direct missile strikes and destroy city blocks. Fuck you!

Still, I reckon this concept has more mileage. Got a few backstory ideas you might like.

Sakutian

Well if all goes well you guys will advance in level as the game progresses. I look forward to seeing what you have come up with when you're satisfied though.

Starbrand is still just too good of a superhero name to go to waste.

Solar

yeah, it really is very cool

Fortunately, Hickman is going to be using the newuniversal stuff in his avengers! Which is cool

anyway I think the Price is going to be cool

Since I had that idea, I improved on it a bit, crossed it over somewhat with an Aquaman pitch I wrote

Imagine a cross between Namor, Thor and Prince William, is the best way I can imagine it

The most glamorous foreign dignitary you can imagine, a diplomatic representative of his people who is also a hero beloved by the people for being, like, so handsome and cool. The ultimate eligible bachelor, and a dedicated champion of justice!

Sakutian

Very cool, I always liked the idea of royals from other countries or planets who take on heroism. There are some very interesting characters in that realm.

Solar

Indeed! And with that in mind, I present to you Prince Orion of Ultima, where lost wonders are found once more!

ABILITIES
Str 12, Stam 10, Ag 2, Dex 0, Fighting 6, Int 2, Awa 2, Pres 4 - 72pts

SKILLS
Expertise (Royalty) 6 (+8), Expertise (The Arts) 6 (+8), Perception 4 (+6), Persuasion 6 (+10), Intimidation 6 (+10), Insight 4 (+6), Close Combat (Unarmed) 2 (+8) - 17pts

ADVANTAGES
Power Attack, All-Out Attack, Accurate Attack, Attractive 2, Leadership, Benefit (Ultiman Ambassador), Languages 1 (English, Base: Ultiman), Interpose, Extra-Ordinary Effort, Ultimate Effort (Toughness) - 11pts

DEFENSES
Dodge 6, Fortitude 10, Toughness 14, Parry 6, Will 10 - 13pts

POWERS - 38pts
Blood of Kings: Protection 4; Immunity 6 (Environment, Drowning) - 10pts
Enhanced Senses: Sense 4 (Extended Vision, Extended Hearing, Ultra-Hearing, Low-Light Vision) - 4pts
Super-Movement: - 18pt Array
Aerial: Flight 8 - 16pts
Aquatic: Swimming 8; Movement 1 (Adaptation: Aquatic) - 1pt
Subterreanian: Burrowing 8; Movement 1 (Adaptation: Underground) - 1pt
Feats of Strength: - 2pt Array off super strength
Thunderclap: Affliction 10 (Area Burst, Dazed/Stunned/Incapacitated) - 1pt
Groundstrike: Affliction 10 (Area Burst, Two Degrees, Additional Effect, Hindered and Vulnerable, Helpless and Immobile) - 1pt

Sakutian

I'm trying so hard not to giggle at the burrowing power...really I am. I like the looks of the sheet but I do have two terrible GM questions for you. By the arts do you mean literature, painting, music, sculpture, and that sort of thing? Also would you mind answering the questions I listed in the character creation guidelines? Just so I have a better idea on what a prince is doing in Titan.

Solar

By the arts I do indeed mean those things, as a Prince Orion has been raised to have a proper schooling in music, poetry, literature and so on. Such things are the mark of a civilized society, and Prince Orion was in part selected as Ambassador for his ability to not just represent Ultiman strength and governance, but also it's art and culture. Also, of course he can compose beautiful music and recite poetry! He's the ultimate romantic symbol, adored by millions of women (and man men) around the world!

I'll do some more background stuff this evening, just gotta write it up. The burrowing thing does make sense though! It'll all be explained in the power origins and so on.

Desy

As one of the two players, I will of course be playing in this game.

I'll be playing: Robert Lewis, aka Technical, the reformed villain. Still working out the stats and stuff, though I plan to have that done this weekend.

Technical first came to Titan over ten years ago. Though he came as a villain bent on subjugating its citizens to his will. He took the name Tech Master and fought with Titan's law enforcement and Justice himself for many years.

I've got ideas for how he was taken down and decided to turn to the side of good, I will relate them soon.

Power-wise, he's more or less a normal guy with a big ol brain thingy. Powers tend to lead to robotic minions, nanite toys, and personal-enhancing technology (less then full-body battlesuit). 150 points really are contstraining what I want to do, so I'll probably have to go easier on the use of the Minion power then I'd really like. (down the line though...)

Sakutian

Oh I'm sure the burrowing makes sense, it just gives me a funny mental image, especially since I can hardly imagine a member of the royal family burrowing through the dirt.

Sakutian

I'm really liking Technical as well Destoryah, I can't wait to see his whole bio later on.

Desy

Not gonna lie, this was where my mind went when I read burrowing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_H8q73JrjzY

Mikey CTS

I might be interested and have a concept I've been sitting on for a while. I'm already in Talonrazor's Pearl City campaign. I'll waits day or so before submitting to give others a chance to play M&M.

Desy

I give you Stats!

Robert Lewis aka Technical
Formarly: Tech-Master

Motivation: Acceptance/Responsibility
Complications: Reputation

Abilities (54 points):
Strength 0, Stamina 1, Agility 3, Dexterity 2, Fighting 2, Intellect 12, Awareness 5, Presence 2

Defenses (25 points):
Dodge 14, Fortitude 6, Parry 8, Toughness 6, Will 8

Skills (14 points):
Close Combat [Tendrils] 4(+6), Expertise [Science] 1(+13),Expertise [Medicine] 1(+13), Intimidation 1(+3), Investigation 1(+13), Ranged Combat [Blaster] 8(+10), Technology 8(+20), Treatment 2(+14), Vehicles 2(+4)

Advantages (14 points):
Benefit (Ambidexterity), Defense Roll 5, Eidetic Memory, Improvised Tools, Inventor, Minion 3, Skill Mastery (Technology), Ultimate Effort (Technology),

Powers (43 points):
Nanite Tendrils: Array
Damage 8
Extra Limbs (Sustained) 8
Bio Tech Enhancements: Array
Blast 10
Flight 10
Quickness (Mental Only) 4
Feature (AI: Madame Curie)
Summon 3 (Type: Robots, Mental Link)

Background and possibly one short story to follow.

Backstory:

Robert Lewis didn’t set out to be a supervillain, he didn’t kick puppies or pull the wings off insects as a child. He wasn’t particularly bright, strong, or charismatic growing up. After graduating high school, Rob struggled to find his path in life. Ending up in a dead end job as a janitor in a local university, he was resigned to his lot in life. Until exposure to an experiment gone awry changed his fate forever. The accident increased his intelligence a thousandfold, suddenly everything made perfect sense to him. What was impossible before was now child’s play. For a time, Robert was content to simply play with the wealth of knowledge available to him. In that time he created two AI’s, an artificial intelligence in his PC he named after Marie Curie and a robot that took the name Edison. Soon, however working with dregs and scraps he scavenged from the college's labs weren’t enough for him.
Rob wanted to unlock the secrets of the universe. His goal was to understand and define reality itself. If he could divine the basic equations of reality, then he could control all of existence. To do that, he needed money, resources, a laboratory, allies and most importantly … minions. Thus began his years of working as Tech-Master, where he developed many robotic minions to do his bidding and assist with his experiments. The Tech-Master did his best to avoid hurting anyone, but well … sometimes scientific progress requires sacrifice. That naivety held firm through two and half years, until the wake of a clash with Titan Law Enforcement and Justice left twenty people dead and fifty more in critical condition. The self-titled Tech Master was horrified at what he’d done but he felt committed to his goal. It took the intervention of his oldest friends, the AI Marie Curie and the android Edison to bring him to his senses. The two went behind his back and contacted the police with the location of his hideout.

Once he turned himself in, the Tech-Master was sentenced to Life in the Glass Island Penitentiary. Since that time, he has worked to create useful inventions that would help people as well as earn a few college degrees in his spare time. When Justice disappeared, Robert watched the city of Titan descend into chaos as fear gripped the city. Finally pushed to action, Robert worked with Edison and Marie to leave an android double in his place and bust him out. The city of Titan needed all the heroes it could get and Robert was determined to fight on the side or Right this time. Once free, he took up a new hero identity as Technical and began working to make the city safe again. Now he just had to avoid anyone discovering escape and his true identity.

Responsibility:

“The FOOLS! The short sighted fools!” The Tech-Master enters his hideout shouting angrily. The android Edison looked up from a mass of wires and circuit boards, “What is the problem Master? Did you not get the materials you needed?”
Robert Lewis snarled, “No! The fool Titan and her lackey the Copper Crab stopped me from liberating the isotopes I needed from that Russian freighter! I was lucky to avoid being followed all the way back here.” “Speaking of that, Sir. There’s something you need to see.” The AI Madam Curie spoke up, her voice coming from speakers set all around the large room. “I’m putting up news coverage of your fight with the two heroes on the main screen.”
The Tech-Master scowled and stomped over to the large tv set in one corner of the warehouse room. His anger quickly dissipated as he watched the news reporter continue, “... we have confirmation from the Titan Police Department. The villain Tech-Master fired on a thankfully empty building. However, the energy blast passed through the structure and hit a full school bus passing by on the other side. At this time, we do not have the full story but Channel 12 will continue to update you as we learn more details of this senseless rampage of destruction perpetrated by the deranged mastermind.” Just before the news feed cut back to the studio, Robert could see a building collapse in the background. Just how many blasts had he fired to distract his pursuers? His enhanced mind ‘helpfully’ provided the answer he didn’t want to think about. 27, twenty-seven. If One had done that kind of damage, what about the other twenty-six?
Part of him wanted to roar and rage about the small-minded authorities that had driven him to this, but a large part of him wanted to hold his head in his hands and weep. He compromised by falling hard into a nearby chair and sitting, frozen. Marie broke into his thoughts, “So far, the news says that over thirty bodies have been found, Sir. Though the news was quick to point out that there are still out of control fires raging and the full extent of the damage isn't known yet.” Sarcasm practically dripped from the ‘Sir,’ it was an emotion he was not used to hearing from the AI. Robert looked up at Marie’s nearest visual pickup, “What would you have me do, Marie? I've spent almost three years reaching for the universe. And I’m so close, I can feel it.” The AI had a response ready, “But is it worth it? I’ve watched you nearly kill yourself time and again in dangerous experiments with insufficient safety equipment or protocols. We've both watched you crawl home nearly dead after betrayals from your ‘allies’ or fights with the heroes of Titan.” She paused for a moment, “And by my calculations, you've been directly or indirectly responsible for over three billion dollars in property damage and over sixty fatalities. I’ll spare you the counts of non-fatal injuries. Of course, your escapades today will require me to recalculate those totals.” Her tone held more anger than he’d ever heard before, more than that, there was disappointment behind the anger. Robert dropped his head and closed his eyes. Did she think he didn't know what he’d done? What consequences his choices carried? Who was she to talk to him that way!
Evidently, she was going to tell him, whether he wanted to hear it or not. “You programmed me, gave me sentience, ... life. You are my creator and I your creation. But more than that, in every way that matters, you are my father. And I your daughter. Please just stop this. Turn yourself in and let this mad crusade end.”
Again, that mad dichotomy, he wanted to smash everything in this small office and he wanted to curl into a ball in the corner. He heard Edison come up behind him, “Please, Marie and I've talked about this time and time again. At first, you just did only what you had to to continue your work and we followed you willingly. But as time passed, you got more and more desperate. Caused more destruction to get what you needed.” His artificial voice grew very quiet, “We can’t follow the path you’re walking anymore. You programmed us with a conscience and it’s had enough. My god, you even worked with that madman Flytrap!”
“I had no choice,” Rob protested. The words sounded hollow even to himself. “I know I've done terrible, awful things, but I can change. Really, we’ll move and setup again far away from Titan. Maybe in the Far East, where I can work the Black Market to continue my research. We can disappear.” He was grasping at straws and knew it. Edison shook his head, “That won’t work, not as wrapped up as you get in your work. You’d need some rare compound and have no way to get it and work with the wrong people.”
The Tech-Master, Robert Lewis, hung his head, “Yeah, you’re right. When did you two get so smart?” Marie’s voice answered him, “We had a good teacher and role-model.” Robert smiled, “And who was your role model.” He held up a hand to forestall a response, “I know, I know. It was a small joke. I guess I better call the police.”
“ We've already called them, Sir. They should be arriving any minute,” Marie told him. Over the small sounds of his lab, Rob could hear sirens coming closer. Again, a faint smile, “You two know me too well. Ok, disable the security systems and all intruder deterrents. As long as nobody is trying to dissect either of you, just cooperate with the police. We’ll talk as soon as we can. .. It’s time to face the music.”

Consequences:

Rob emptied his coat pockets of tech and laid it all on a table as he walked out of the warehouse. Standing outside, he felt the sun's warmth as the police raced closer. He spared a moment to look up at the rundown warehouse. How long had he been hiding here? Two and a half months. And before that? And before that? The last five years had been nothing but scurrying from hole to hole ahead of the authorities. That, at least, was over.
Five police cars and a SWAT van rounded the corner and bore down on the Tech-Master. The vehicles screeched to a stop as police and SWAT officers began disgorging from every vehicle. Robert simply raised his arms, his hands on his head, waiting. "Put your hands on your head ..." Came a loud bellow from a bullhorn that trailed off in slight confusion.
Robert spoke "I surrender. This is no trick. There are no traps in the building behind you. I give up." A police lieutenant rushed up to him and put him in handcuffs. "What's your game dirtbag!" "No game. No tricks. Put me under arrest. I only have one request. There are two AI's in my lab, they were the ones that convinced me that I'd done enough damage for three lifetimes. Please, please don't let them be destroyed." Robert looked over his shoulder and met the cop's gaze, "Please. … If they remain unhurt, I'll be completely cooperative. I swear. If not..." The cop stopped, perhaps evaluating the sincerity in Rob’s eyes and words or perhaps it was the unsaid promise of what would happen if they were hurt. “I’ll try.” was all the man said.
Robert closed his eyes, relief washing over him, “Thank you, that’s more than I have a right to ask. Thank you officer.” The cop read him his rights and escorted him firmly to one of the squad cars. “Alright. Get in the car.” The squad car took him downtown. Once he was in the police department's headquarters, his prints were taken and he was quickly deposited in an interrogation room, one built to handle strong supervillians he noticed. A man wearing a tailored suit entered, closing the door behind him. "Good afternoon Mr. Lewis, or do you prefer Tech-Master?" "Please call me Mr. Lewis of you must. I would prefer to put Tech-Master behind me." The man smiled, "I'm sure you would but I'm afraid that is unlikely. I'm Chris Johnson and I have many questions for you. But before we begin, would you like something to drink? Or perhaps a light snack?"
Robert smiled slightly, sarcasm he could deal with; it wasn't like he didn't deserve that and more, after all. "Ah no. That isn't necessary. Though if you could get me an assurance that my two AI assistants are unharmed and will remain so, I would like a full confession for me to sign." Chris's left eyebrow rose upwards, "Really, just like that?" Rob nodded, "Just like that." There was a Lt. Briggs that took me into custody, last I saw he seemed to be the officer in charge." Chris stood up, "I'll see if I can contact him. Don't go anywhere." Rob spread his hands as if to say, and where would I go anyway? and waited for Mr. Johnson to return. It wasn't long before he returned with a phone in one hand. He tossed the device on the table, "The Lt's on the phone. You have five minutes." Rob picked up the phone and put it on speaker mode, "Lieutenant Briggs?" "Yes, Mr. Lewis. You're on speaker, your construct and AI are here with me." Rob wet his lips and spoke, "Edison? Marie? Are you two ok?"
Edison's voice issued from the speaker, "Indeed we are. The authorities have brought in several scientists to examine your files and experiments." The robot sounded smug as he continued, "Most of them have been saying some variation of 'Oh my God' or similar exclamations. Marie was particularly tickled at the outburst, ‘well flip my grits and call me Shirly!’ " Marie broke into the connection at that point, “I most certainly was not! And none of the researchers actually said that!” Robert let out a genuine chuckle, “Edison, stop trying to stroke my ego. It doesn’t need any help thank you very much! And stop teasing Marie, you know she rises to the bait nearly every time. Marie, you’ve got to stop reacting to his jokes, that just encourages him.” A chastised “Yes Sir” came from both artificial lifeforms at the same time. Rob smiled again, “I’m glad to hear you’re both alright. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to talk to you again, I should wrap this up as the nice detective here is giving me ‘hurry-it-up’ looks.” The three exchanged goodbyes and Robert killed the connection, handing the phone back to Detective Johnson. “How did you know I was a detective?” “Oh, there were signs. Your clothes, your body language, … and, most importantly, I overheard someone call you detective when you came back in last time. I believe I also said something about signing a full confession?”
“In a moment Mr. Lewis. Judging from the conversation, it’s obvious you care about those AI’s, why?” Robert met the detective's gaze, “Because I created them. I built them both from nothing. In every way that matters, they are family. How could I not care about them?” Johnson didn’t respond for a moment, but he wrote something in a notepad and put it back in his pocket, “Hmm, that’s interesting. Ok Mr. Lewis, I’ll be back with that confession.”
_______________

The jury filled back into the room after a few hours deliberation. Robert stood and waited to hear his fate, he could guess what it likely would be. The judge addressed the jury, “Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, have you reached a verdict?” The head juror stood up, “We have, Your Honor. We find the Defendant guilty of all charges.” And there it was. All charges, more than half of them carried the death penalty. The judge nodded, “Very well then, Mr. Robert Lewis, this court finds you guilty of all crimes of which you stand accused. You will be sentenced to ...” The judge was interrupted by the head juror, “I apologize for the interruption, Your Honor. But we the jury have a suggestion as to the sentencing of the guilty party. Instead of putting him to death, though the crimes of which he stands convicted certainly merit such a final punishment, we would suggest that he be put to work to better the society which he has wronged. Let him use his intellect to work to the betterment of the common man.” The judge nodded and paused in thought, “Indeed. That is an excellent idea. Robert Lewis, this court sentences you to life in prison at Glass Island Penitentiary. There you will work under the strictest supervision on projects that benefit your fellow man. Any and all proceeds from your work will be placed in a fund to pay as well as the property damage you have been responsible for. Your upkeep will also be taken from this fund.” The judge’s gavel banged, sealing Robert’s fate. But what a fate! He would not be executed, but instead allowed to make amends for his crimes. Robert slumped backwards into his chair, mind reeling. His public defender looked down at him, “Well, that was unexpected.”
Robert nodded, “I expected the sentence to be lethal injection. Part of me wanted it.” “I could tell. Possibly why the jury pushed the sentence they did. Anybody can see how repentant you are, once they’ve spent five minutes with you.” The man held out his hand, “In any case, I was happy to act as your console. I wish you the best of luck.” Robert shook his hand as the bailiff arrived to escort him out of the court so he could get settled in his new home, Glass Island Penitentiary.

Sakutian

I loved the idea of a reformed tech hero destroyah, but Technical is fantastic! Very cool blend of powers and abilities.

Desy

Thanks!

I really wanted to have a blend of powers that could suggest either hero or villain depending on the interpretation. I can say that during his villain days, there'd be more focus on the Summon power and robotic minions and less on his personal capabilities. I think it really interesting, if because of switching sides and the personal growth implied by that, that his point allocations might have become changed around.

I'm really interested to play him out. Like I said, getting the backstory down now. I want to make a broad overview of his career(s) as well as drill down and look at the time between super-villain and hero. I've got the ideas, just have to put them down on 'paper.'

Super Namicchi

as someone known as a "superhero enthusiast" I endorse this message

zekebeau

I'd be interested, but how is the setting on a scale of goofy silver age to gritty 90s? I'm playing in another M&M game here with Talonrazor, who's got a pretty gritty one going. Wanted to play more a goofy character. Idea is Professor Professor, a brilliant scientist with a silly German accent and obsession with ray guns. Slow down a criminal? Ray gun. Heal an ally? Ray gun. Bake a pie? Ray gun.

Would this be able to fit your theme @Sakutian?

Sakutian

Well I wouldn't put it on the gritty level of something like Marvel Noir, but I wouldn't put want a character as goofy as something belonging to Next Wave floating around in this game.

Desy

I'm gonna be a stick in the mud and say that silly doesn't really appeal to me. Power Rangers is about as silly as I prefer to get, and that's treated as seriously in-universe, as silly as it sometimes appears to an outside observer.

goofy silver age with super-hypnosis and bat-baby is all well and good, but I don't particularly enjoy playing in it. The X-treeemmm!!!/grimdarkgrit 90's aren't all that interesting either.

So yes, a game that had a superhero named the Tickler with tickling based powers or The Terrific Tenderizer "I'm here to soften you up!" is not a game and universe that I am interested in playing in.

I'm not trying to beat up on anyone, but I have a strong aversion to goofy just for the sake of being goofy. My preferred superhero world is a more-or-less normal earth with superheroes.

Not: "Oh No Absorbantman! The Pasteurizer is about to turn the oceans into cottage cheese! We have to stop him!"

"I know, Drip. Quick! To the DampCopter!"

This is not to say that I can't do silly, I can do it very well, but I just don't prefer an overabundance of it with superhero stories.

Sakutian

Pretty much I'm right there with you destroyah. Justice League International is about as goofy as I'm willing to get.

Talonrazor

Man. I love M&M. Since I am running Pearl City, I would love to play in one. Might bust out a submission of "Silent Scream", which is a psychiatric with powerful emotional control and mental abilities. Or tough British thug type... Hmmm...

zekebeau

Understand, then I guess the professor wouldn't be a great idea for this world.

But damn, now I want to play as the Terrific Tenderizer!

Talonrazor

zeke, I am planning a "goofy" episode of Pearl City. We had a pulpy superhero part in Pearl City last time where they went on a "field trip" adventure. I might have to steal the professor for that.... :P

zekebeau

ha, cool. Oh, a few small things about the Professor. His German accent is over the top. He names his guns the "___ Ray", usually something like the "Boomy Doomy Ray" und sie "Fix 'em Up Goot Ray." And finally, he has no idea that he has an accent, and was actually born in Cleveland.

Desy

Oh yeah, that would make me wince right quick. Though that sounds like a good funny concept zeke.

While I do not and cannot speak for Sak, that hero in the type of games I see him run would be like ... dropping Elmer Fudd into a Danial Craig James Bond movies.
Both types of entertainment are valid on their own but mixing the two ends up either being hilarious or awful (usually the latter) with no middle ground.*

*statements above reflect the opinion of this poster only and may or may not concur with the views of the management. Opinions are not meant to reflect upon anyone but the person from which they originate.

jdarksun

This thread constantly makes me think of the Metallica album.

Sakutian

I do not run Daniel Craig James Bond thank you very much. I don't have that sort of budget.

But yeah I think the Professor would be out of place in this setting.

Desy

Oh sorry, is Ghost Rider more your speed and budget? :P

Or how about James Bond Jr.

I'm kidding, please don't hurt me.

Sakutian

...Technical is going to suffer so badly for those words.

Mikey CTS

So I'm thinking about busting out Astro Girl, who is my sort of Superman rip-off with a twist. She is a flying, super-strong alien, but not sent to Earth by some benevolent race on the brink of destruction. Astro Girl is a vanguard from a race of inter-dimensional conquers, whose ship was damaged in flight and crash landed on Earth, well off course from the intended target. She sustained massive trauma during the accident and suffers from total amnesia due to her injuries. With no way home and with no memory of where she came from, she assumes she is some sort of superhero come to help the human race.

Solar

Just letting you guys know: I will be sorting my character background, but I have been busy this weekend. Tomorrow night, for sure.

That is a cool character concept though Mikey!

Desy

Indeed it is. Rife with story hooks. I love the combination of the usual Superman and Blue Beetle origins. Very cool.

Technical's basic backstory is almost done. Just giving it a reread to make sure it all hangs together and for proofreading.

Then comes the in-character story that I've wanted to write all weekend.

Backstory edited into Technical's stats post above.

Talonrazor

Ok, so I was thinking about making a British thug tough guy based on this picture. But sounds too close to Solar's guy.

Now I am torn between a plague doctor based on either this guy or this archer or a Calvin and Hobbes character. I kinda like the Calvin and Hobbes idea, with a Calvin teenager in high school who has a pet magical tiger that speaks telepathically only to him.

What do you guys think?

Sakutian

Liking the idea of Astrogirl Mikey.

As for your concepts Talonrazer I have a weakness for those birdish plague masks but the idea of a teenager with a magical tiger appeals to me as well. It makes me think of the Flashpoint version of Captain Marvel though which is very cool. Both would be worth developing if you ask me.

Mikey CTS

Thanks for the completes about the concept. I always try to leave some bait for GM's play with in my character concepts.

@Talonrazor I'm actually really fond of the Calvin and Hobbes character concept. I immediately started to have ideas of my idea own about his origins, the source of his power, etc. I won't share them cause I want to see what you come up with, but I love this idea.

Edit: See. Even Geth agrees.