Doctor_Helios

Will nudged D, as he watched the Spoiler's antics

"So, did they hire this guy, or is this all really happening? He's either a fan or a very bad actor."

He watched him pose and monologue, seemingly oblivious to the increasing panic as the bomb threat was revealed

"There's no way a guy like that would really blow up his captive audience"

Will cursed to himself silently as he fought the press of he crowd. His broad physique, normally a blessing when frightening off would-be muggers and the other less savoury dangers of the city, was effectively pinning him in place as he tried to twist through oncoming people.

For just a moment there, he could have sworn he had seen Statesman going into a photobooth, but had been whisked away before he had a chance for a closer look. So far he hadn't spotted any of the really big names, the con seemed to be focused on celebrating locally famous heroes than international sensations.

Which made a sort of sense, but he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

He began thinking idly to himself as he was pushed to one stall then another


"I wonder if I'll see any of those guys here...my sister didn't mention anything about the Foundry attending, but then, she probably wouldn't notice if they did."

He reflexively dodged to avoid running headfirst into a dashing kid, and was jostled back and forth within the crowd for his troubles


"She's too serious all the time...I should have just dragged her down here. She just doesn't get that this is part of being a hero too.

He smiled to himself

"She'd never admit it, but I bet theres a few autographs she wouldn't mind having either..."


Then, through the body of the crowd, he saw them - Starjet and Irradiant, chatting animatedly beside a booth. Mustering up his enthusiasm, he put his shoulder to the crowd, and began slowly making a path fror himself

He was a little surprised at his readiness to approach the celebrated heroes, especially after his hesitation contacting metaConnect just the week before...

He had come -this- close to not making that call, too. So no more hesitations...

With this in mind, he ducked confidently under the papier-mache wings blocking his view...and ran face-first into a crowd of Phalanx cosplayers being chased by some guys waving badly faked laser swords.

"So, this is capecon, huh?"

He couldn't help but laugh

The young man moved dextrously through the crowd, looking oddly out of place in what was very obviously a store uniform with a jacket thrown over.

"I knew there would be a lot of people in costume, but I'd really hoped I wouldn't be the only one..."

Will sighed to himself. Getting the afternoon off had been hard enough, he'd lost enough time without going home to change into something more appropriate.
Though looking at some of the crimes against fashion, it may not have been a good thing...

He checked his programme again. He still had some time before the power demonstrations.
Wielding a camera in one hand, and an autograph book in the other, the young metafan made a beeline for the nearest set of booths.

((Apologies to all who have been following the story. With Britanic having left the game, and myself dealing with a heavy RL workload, it is unlikely that this story will continue in the near future. Thanks to all who followed it ingame and on the boards, and particularly those who contributed their own stories.
Maybe this will return in the future...until then, read on...))

February 18th, Humanity First Headquarters
The man in the golden mask sat back in his chair, watching the news intently

...it has now been almost a month since the lightning raids by the Paragon Police Department rounded up and contained the mutant terrorist group, Ebon Sun. Acting on an anonymous tip containing surprising detail, the process was over quickly, and resulted in no loss of life.
Over the past few weeks, arrests have been made and properties seized, and most of the leadership is now believed to be behind bars. The mutant community has expressed their pleasure at this news, as the stigma that overshadowed their good names has now been at least partially lifted, although for some there will be much more time needed to heal.
The mastermind behind the shopping mall attacks last christmas, the mutant known as Illucid, is to face trial next month..."

Snarling, Partisan turned off the television.

"Close. So close. Just a little longer, and the world would have seen them for the beasts they are. So much wasted time..."

Still...the ringleader, Oblivion, was still at large. He would be back someday, with a new army of mutant malcontents. The seeds of the war had already been sown. He could wait a while to reap the benefits.

The day of man's supremacy would come.

((there is currently a standing bounty of 2 million on Antipode, set by Arachnos. Anyone who wishes to try and capture her, check out the Supremacy thread ))

I think you've got something there, though maybe not all of it. It is indeed true that the social requirements of our would-be villains will usually quickly overpower the characters own personal evil.
This is, in fact, less a failing of the villain character as it is ourselves. As roleplayers, our entire motivation for creating these character is to interact with those of other players, and to create a character who will be quickly shunned is anathema to this.

Personally, I enjoy playing evil masterminds, megalomaniacs, and psychopaths. It is a challenging task admittedly, but therin lies the fun. But in every circumstance, this will either be in the guise of an NPC, controlling force, or forum villain.
Not because their actions begin to wear on me, but because I want my main characters to be at least partially accepted, so that social interactions can continue.

It could be interesting, of course, to form a society of true 'evil' villains, and force them to interact. But i feel that such an experience would quickly become a chore.

The simple reason is - every evil mastermind wants to rule/destroy the world, with everyone as his subordinates, not discuss the day's villainy over a mug of beer with his peers.
That is where, I believe, the real barrier will always lie when introducing evil characters to roleplay.

Thoughts?

The obvious hangout for villains only would be the monkey fight club in sharkhead. Unfortunately, not only do few know of its existence, but it is not the easiest place for low-level players to access.

On the flip side, D's is easy to access and known to all, but all too often filled with 'undesirable elements'

Barring someone setting up a villain equivalent to 4th wall, I can't really see a villain RP spot developing.

{15/12/07.Central shopping mall, Founders Falls. 2pm}

It was a scene common at this time of year. Busy shoppers ran to and fro, gathering gifts for loved ones, preparing for that one day so beloved by the world, while a brass band competed with the crowd to be heard. Twilight looked on with barely restrained boredom. The Christmas season couldn’t mean less to him. But it served a purpose.
He glanced over at his companions, Psychosis and Daymare, and nodded imperceptibly, receiving a small gesture in return. That meant the others were now in position. He turned away and headed for a corner strangely untouched by the rushing throng, and leaned casually against the wall.
“Illucid. Did you find any capes?”
A voice drifted back, barely audible above the roar of the crowd
“Just the one. I am in place to intercept”
Nodding to himself, Twilight strode toward the raised dais the band was using, forcing his way through the crowd. Angry complaints followed his progress – he cared not. They would soon have more to worry about. He leaped up onto the dais, and threw aside the music stands. The brass band ground to a halt, some flinching back at his appearance. With black, desiccated skin, he could be nothing but one of the mutants they had learned to hate and fear.
Using a voice amplifier, he addressed the crowd
“If I may have your attention, please?”
And he watched, as one by one they stopped, and turned toward him, eagerly expectant. He savoured the moment. Then he reached into his pocket and activated the detonator.
Screams erupted as huge sections of the ceiling came crashing down, covering the exits. A number of people had already been crushed underneath, others were alive, but trapped. And now as Taurus and Aegis moved out into the crowd to contain them, Psychosis and Daymare began their part.
He didn’t understand how they did it, but he did see the effects. Psychosis would strip away the minds defenses, their sanity. Then Daymare would be free to inflict his terrifying visions upon them, bringing them to their knees.
Twilight smiled. That just left….
“Monster!” An obviously superpowered individual leapt up above the crowd, heading straight for the dais. Twilight grinned. Right on schedule. How predictable of the capes. And as if to answer his cry, he merely laughed as Illucid gathered his form behind him, and struck him down with a single blow.
“Mutant?” He asked Illucid casually.
“No. Magic wielder.”
“Then kill him.”

He turned back to the now mindless crowd. He didn’t expect it to serve a purpose, yet he felt compelled to speak.
“The city has received our demands. If they are met, you will be released, unharmed” Physically. “If not, or if they send heroes after us, you will all be executed summarily. Pray your city values your lives.”

He sat back and hummed to himself. It had begun.

-------------------------------------------------

Her task over, Psychosis was about to drop her mental guard and relax, when she spotted something. A mind…a truly powerful mind, trying to hide itself from her power. Maybe even a hero, trying to stay covert. She smiled viciously. Let the boys have their fun with the civilians. She was going hunting…

((I'll probably get involved somehow with Antipode, but barring the return of Doc (which won't be happening for the forseeable future) I can't see myself starting a new RP char to join the group with. Still, i imagine the group will make *very* interesting conversation in D's

Oh, and theres always the possibility of Edric summoning stuff to kill Game...so watch your backs ))

If any of you villainous types have been following the Supremacy storyline, you may know Antipode currently has a sizeable bounty on her head. If anyone would like to make an attempt to bring her in, let me know

{01/12/2007} The Corporation Base

Antipode sat in the bar, rereading the paper with a fierce glare, as if it were the one that had betrayed her. She had no idea how Mr Sebastain would react to this news. Admittedly, he had promised that he 'took care of his own', but she had barely been accepted as a member, and now this...
She cursed Tony under her breath from blowing up the old base. Demonic invasion or no, he was far too trigger happy when it came to that old temple, and she suspected it hadn't taken much provocation to collapse it.
It and the rest of the base, with all the group funds, their database, even most of their personal items.

She sighed to herself. It wasn't exactly the first time this had happened, of course. And she had far more pressing concerns right now. Her eyes drifted back to the page.

"Martial law declared!"
That meant nothing - the Isles were in a permenant state of near-martial law anyhow. More worrying however was -

"Newly raised Arbiter Bishop vows to put an end to the mutant menace!"

Following the murder of Coles, it seemed that his replacement wanted to secure his position, by wiping out the 'subversive element' that had led to his predecessors demise. Even as she read the article, she knew it must be happeneing again, as it had years ago. All mutants rounded up off the streets, the ones with 'useful' mutations sent to the twisted geneticists, the others either imprisoned or executed.

"All meta-class mutants to swear an oath of allegiance, or be considered enemies of the state."

Well, would you look at that. That had been an unexpected turn. She supposed that since aquiring Mako, Recluse had seen the wisdom of keeping a few loyal mutants on staff. She knew though, that the majority of mutants would never bow to Recluse.

And the final twisting stab to the gut.
"A substantial reward for information leading to the recapture of any member of the group Ebon Sun. As well as this, a bounty of two million has been placed on the head of the head of this group, known as Antipode."

And that was it. There was a fairly bad photo, but a good description too. Next time she showed her face outside, she would be mobbed by both bounty hunters eager for an easy score, and fellow mutants who would blame her for their predicament.

It was then she made her decision. If Ovblivion wanted to back her into a corner, so be it. This had gone on long enough. It was time for action.


-------------------

{elsewhere...}

"This had gone on long enough."
Oblivion spoke to an elite group of his most loyal followers, as the entire Ebon Sun turned out to hear his words.

"We have allowed the humans too much. Humanity First were useful for a time, as they spread dissent, doing our job for us, but no more. We must strike back at the humans at last, show them we are not to be treated as we are!"

He looked out over the sea of heads, smiling. He caught a glimpse of the new kid, Flashfyre, looking a little hesitant. He would have to have Psychosis have a little word with him.

"The day of our supremacy is drawing ever closer! Soon, the whole world will acced to the might of the Ebon Sun!"

As the crowd cheered him and his chosen few, he was jubilant inside. After so long, it was time for action.

((glad to see your back!
A bunch of chars from EVIL have ended up in the Corp, not sure how many you would have met though, we'd still be glad to see you sometime though.))

((Big thanks to Brit on helping to write this bit…it’s massive. You’ve been warned ))

{28/11/2007, 11.14pm, Atlas Park}

It had been an exhausting time for the Bickleys so they had decided on having themselves an early night, however the eldest son Sean just couldn’t sleep. He had been home for a week now, and things were still strained. His family had been overjoyed to see him safely home of course, and thankfully Amy had been right about the severity of his sisters injuries. Even so, far too much had changed to go back to the way things were.

Sean could see the change in attitude, even if his family tried to hide it. They were careful, oh so careful, whenever he was around. Careful not to ‘upset’ him. In the end, it boiled down to one thing. They were afraid of him now, afraid of what he could do to them.

Sean wasn’t due to start back at school for a little while yet. He supposed it would be the same there. Could he really stand it, living every day knowing that those who were once his friends now feared him? Or worse still……knowing that his lack of control might bring reality to their fears. Such were the thoughts that ran through his head night by night. He wrestled with his conscience –– to stay, and risk all those who cared about him, or to leave once more, and bring them grief through worry.

This night, however, he was not sharing these thoughts alone. He had quietly gone downstairs, being careful to wake no one, and was just pouring himself a drink when he heard the voice.

“Flashfyre.”

The voice, though oddly soothing, still managed to scare the [censored] out of him. He turned around with a start “Who’s there?”

“Softly, please. You wouldn’t want to go waking your family now, would you?” Said the man as he stepped out of the shadows. His deep purple eyes glinting disturbingly in the reflected light from the outside. “I am here, to help you, Flashfyre. If you will but listen. That is all I ask of you.”

“N..N..Not so fast... How’d you get in here?”

Sighing, the man gestured. Sean’s glass was softly pulled from his hand. Sean watched transfixed, as it floated across the room to rest on a table by an empty chair.

“You are not the only one with……shall we say, ‘extraordinary’ talents. Not by a long way.”

Sean’s eyes flicked upward momentarily, worry evident on his face.

“No need to worry about them……it is you, and you alone I have come to see. Now take a seat, we have much to discuss.”

“So..just who are you?” Sean asked as he carefully seated himself, not taking his eyes off the stranger.

“A fair question. My name is Oblivion, and I am the leader of a group of mutants whose job it is to seek out talented individuals like yourself, in order to both teach them, and protect them from those who do not understand their awakening power. In most cases, we would catch a gifted mutant at a young age, well before his or her powers were to manifest. Back at our home, we have many such children, who all grow up never unintentionally losing control of their power, or being judged for having it in the first place.”

“That’s...well...quite a speech. But I gotta say, I’ve never heard of anything like that. If this is true, how come you never found me, before I……I……”

“I am sorry to cause you grief. You are correct though. Where once we were able to help thousands, we now ourselves number barely in the hundreds. Those we would protect you from have hunted us nearly to extinction. Humans fear our power, and would see us gone... All humans.”

“Wait……I don’t believe you……there’s no way my family would ever turn on me like that. Or my friends.”

“It is a hard truth to face. But it is truth nonetheless. You remember what happened last week, how those men turned on you, just for being a mutant? How about the gang you joined……all of them to a man, mutants who have been forced to live on the streets, mutants given the name ‘Outcasts’. They may have taken the name and made it their own, but the meaning is still there. You are safe now, yes, with a family who care for you. But they cannot protect you from the world, the world that will come to hate you just for being different. Only you can face that……and we can help you.”

There was a moment of silence, punctuated by the far-off sound of a crowd roaring in appreciation from somewhere distant from the house.

“I……I guess your right. About some things, at least. But I’ve only just got back, and all. I can’t go running off to some mutant training camp just yet.”

Oblivion nodded sagely “You need not make a decision just yet……but when you are ready, we will be there to help you.”

“Right. Someday, soon, perhaps?” It was evident Sean was in turmoil as he battled himself trying to make a decision.……”I dunno though...I can’t risk hanging around here knowing I could go up in flames any second either”

The noise outside that had been but a background annoyance had now reached raucous levels.

”What’s going on out there?” Sean asked as he pulled the curtains open. Both Sean, and Oblivion looked out the window, and saw a crowd of thirty or so men, and women marching towards the house.

”It seems you might not have the luxury of time to think things over after all.” Oblivion said as he stepped towards the window to take a better look.

”You mean they’re here for me?...They ain’t ever going to leave me alone...ain’t they?”“

Oblivion had no time to answer the question as a brick smashed through the window. Sean started to tremble, and clench his fists forcing himself under some measure of control. ”I gotta stay calm...can’t let them do this to me.”

Oblivion started to smile to himself, this would be easy now, the norms would force Sean’s hand. He knew Ebon Sun now had it’s new recruit. With the sound of someone running down the stairs he dropped his smile and looked over to them. A middle age man dressed in just his pyjamas, obviously Sean’s father, appeared at the bottom of the stairs.

”What in blazes is going on Sean?” He then noticed Oblivion. ”Who the hell are you, what are you doing in my home?”

Oblivion turned to the man, and then noticed Sean’s mother clutching his little sister at the top of the stairs, he then gave a disarming smile. ”I’m a friend, here to help Sean.”

Another stone came through the window, and the crowd started chanting “Flashfyre, Flashfyre, Flashfyre...” Sean clutched his head, and let out a scream, before running to the front door, and throwing it open.

”Go away! Leave me alone!” the crowd replied with a chorus of boos.

A short distance away in the next street...

Teen archer heroine Pin Pointer was just about to sneak back in through her bedroom window just as she heard the roar of boos.

Huh, what the heck was that? This neighbourhood is usually deader than a nerd’s birthday party. I better go check it out.

Back at the Bickley home..

Outside the Bickley house stood Sean with his father, and Oblivion just behind, and either side of him. Sean’s father had called the PPD, but a Rikti raid in neighbouring Galaxy City had drawn away most of Atlas Park’s officers to help out there. The PPD were coming, problem was they wasn’t exactly sure when.

The leader of the mob, Charles Porter, had discovered the whereabouts of the Bickley family home from a concerned mother who lived in the neighbourhood. She had been terrified that if the boy Flashfyre didn’t go on a rampage himself, that perhaps some of his Outcast friends might start appearing. She had been with the group but now they had reached the Bickley she seemed to have disappeared. No doubt fearing any reprisals from the Bickley family. It boiled Porter’s blood to think people should be made to feel intimidated in their own neighbourhoods. People like Flashfyre needed driving out.

Charles Porter stepped forward from the crowd to address Flashfyre. ”The good normal people don’t want you around here. You’re a dangerous unrepentant criminal who should be rotting in a cell, not lounging around at home until your next outburst. The law may consider you a minor, but that doesn’t mean you should have no accountability. The good people here want you out, away from their children, and their homes.”

Sweat started to stream down Sean’s reddening face, he was desperately trying to maintain control. ”Look I don’t want to hurt anyone. I just want to be left alone. It wasn’t my fault...I..I didn’t mean it!”

”Tell that to all those who needed skin grafts thanks to you’re so called little accidents!”

”I said it wasn’t my...nnnnng...aggggh!!!” Sean buckled himself over clutching at his head, but it was too late his body burst into flames. His father leapt back startled, Oblivion calmly stepped aside, the flames not fazing him in the slightest. The crowd meanwhile started to panic. ”Oh my God he’s going to burn us...the freak is gonna kill us....get him before he gets us”


A few of the braver members of the mob cautiously moved forward on Sean brandishing various improvised weapons of sticks, and the like. Oblivion took a step forward and spoke up “Begone, fools, before you force me to hurt you!” Not that he didn’t want to let loose, of course, but he was on show here, after all. To emphasise the point, he raised his arm and clenched his fist, where the crowd could see him clearly. Moments later, the crowds makeshift weapons shattered to slivers, and a number of closer rioters doubled up vomiting.

Just as the mob starts to back off the sky is lit with an almost blinding white light, and a thunderous clap. Everybody stopped, and while shading their eyes looked up into the night sky where the light started to fade. From behind everybody a girl shouted. ”OK EVERYBODY THAT’S ENOUGH!!!”

Everybody turned to face the shouting girl. Standing behind them dressed in a deep almost maroon red costume, was a masked blond teenager sporting a black star like tattoo over the eye, and holding a compound bow with an unusual looking arrow at the ready.

”I think it’s time everybody went home, and chilled out.”

A few of the mob stepped away from Sean, and gathered up near their leader Charles Porter. Sean meanwhile, obviously feeling less threatened now Pin Pointer was here, relaxed enough that he could once again control his abilities, and managed to extinguish his flames.

Oblivion placed a hand on Sean’s shoulder. “You see what awaits you if you stay?”

Sean’s father was about to protest, but Sean beat him too it. ”Bu..but Am...I mean Pin Pointer just stopped them.”

Oblivion glanced towards Pin Pointer, and almost scowled. ”For now maybe, but what about the future. You know she won’t always be around. However, people like them will.” he said as he gestured towards the mob. Sean lowered his head, and then nodded, before Oblivion started to lead him away through the centre of the crowd.

”Whoah there bucko! You ain’t taking Sean any where!”

Oblivion looked over towards Pin Pointer who’d moved into his path. Her arrow aimed directly at him.

”Don’t interfere child. Sean needs my help, and the fellowship of his own kind. Those who won’t judge him, who will respect his wondrous gifts, and help protect him from harm.”

”Sean is with his own kind...his family! You ain’t got no right to take him away from that, and im not going to let you!”

Oblivion glared at Pin Pointer, furious at her petulance. His tone became disapproving. ”You cannot stop me.”

Pin Pointer had no idea who this man was but she was convinced he was no good, taking a deep breath she replied with her usual cocky teenage manner. ”Bring it!!!”

Oblivion merely smiled, and pushed Sean behind him, just as Pin Pointer let her arrow fly...

A short time later...

Pin Pointer sat on the ground crying in Mr Bickley’s arms. His wife was hastily applying bandages from a first aid kit she had got from the house to her wounds. Her bow was shattered into several pieces and littering the immediate area. Mob of the mob scattered as soon as the fight between Pin Pointer, and Oblivion broke out, however Charles Porter was still there watching the aftermath of the short battle.

”I..I..Im sorry Mr. Bickley....I tried..I really did. He was too strong...I couldn’t stop him taking Sean.”

”It’s ok Amy” He said as he wiped a tear away from her eye with the starlike tattoo that had immediately given her identity away to her neighbour. ”I think Sean, would of went no matter what.” Sean’s father looked over to Charles Porter. ”People like him has seen to that!”

Charles Porter looked uncomfortable for a moment., but a look from a couple of his followers who still remained seemed to boost his courage. ”Your Son is a monster, no doubt much like the one who did this to the girl. You’re better off without him.”

Sean’s mother started to cry, and Mr Bickley went to stand up, with a look of fury on his face. Pin Pointer grabbed him by the shoulder pulling him back, wincing as she did, thanks to the soreness of her own shoulder.

”Don’t Mr. Bickley, he ain’t worth it. Don’t get yourself in trouble because of a jerk like him.”

The sound of a Police siren heading towards them could be heard in the distance. Charles Porter, and his remaining followers started to disperse. Mr. Bickley watched them run.

”Yeah, you’re right Amy, they are not worth it...none of them.”

Moments later less than a block away...

An attractive woman with long brown hair dressed casually in jean’s and a t-shirt was talking into a communicator.

”...not exactly the result you planned Partisan, but still a successful operation I’d say. The unidentified mutant who humiliated the cape, and took Flashfyre could very well be an agent of Ebon Sun. I had Sea Four pursue. He might get lucky, and maybe get us a location of their hideout. Im just abo...”

”Mrs. Rothman. I wondered where you disappeared to?”

The woman stopped talking, and hid the communicator behind her back, and placed a hand on her chest, although was genuinely surprised.

”Oh...Mr. Porter, you startled me. I...I coudn’t go to the Bickley house. Im sorry, but I have to think of my children.”

Mr Porter smiled. ”That’s ok Mrs. Rothman, I understand. Flashfyre has fled the neighbourhood with a mutant cohort. I don’t think you need worry about him living around here anymore.”

”Oh thank you Mr. Porter, you’re a real hero.” The woman pulled the communicator from behind her back, and pretending it was a mobile phone started to speak into it. Did you hear that Danielle? Mr Porter has got rid of Flashfyre from the neighbourhood.”

”My sister, who’s looking after the kids.” she whispered to Porter. He smiled. ”I will leave you to it then, stay safe Mrs. Rothman.” he whispered as he walked off.

Her eyes still following Porter as he walked off into the distance, she continued to speak into the communicator. ”...no he doesn’t suspect a thing. Little weasel practically took the credit for himself too. Still he might prove useful again soon, and im sure James Ward can write an article about tonight’s events too. I will go fill him in on the details now. Quick Fix out...”

This looks to be just what the RP community needs, especially since D's now seems dominated by morons. Sign me up, I'll join in when I can

Character: Antipode
Server: Union
Global: @shadow phoenix
Current plot: Supremacy

{13/11/2007, Early afternoon, Kings Row}

The crowd roared it's appreciation as he took the stand. Though until recently unknown, Charles Porter had become something of a local celebrity following his scathing attacks on unpopular government policies. And today would be no exception...

He flashed his customary smile, and motioned for the crowd to be silent.

"My fellow citizens! A dark time is apon us! All of us here are proud, honest workers, loyal Americans, and a credit to our race. We toil daily, in our own way, to better ourselves and to better mankind. But for every achievement, every battle fought, there are always those waiting in the shadows to pull us down. The government heaps abomnible taxes upon us, to 'protect us from the alien threat', they say, even though the threat has long since passed! They fight daily to deny us the luxury of life they have come to know, instead keeping us impoverished in the dirt. But, my friends, even this pales before the true mostrosity of their actions."

He brandishes a newspaper, now nearly a week old, but displaying an iconic image now burned into the minds of the people.

"Once again, the authorities have allowed a known criminal to run free! Not only free, i say, but accepted into a great position of responsibility, as one of our city's heroes! This monster, this 'Laugh Riot' is responsible for untold gruesome deaths, and now we are to be placed in his care? Our children to be placed in his care?"

Charles paused for effect, the crowd murmering slightly in disapproval

"Why has this come to pass? I can tell you. Paragon is gripped in the fist of an evil elite, an elite who plan to rule us as lesser beings, to surpass us in evrey way, and relegate us to a slave race. I see a future, where the mutants of Paragon shed their flimsy facades, and show their true colours as oppressive supremacists!
Who among you cannot remember a time when a mutant has been allowed extraordinary leeway, when those such as you or I would have been afforded none? When they have taken jobs away from the deserving due to their enhanced abilities? When they have injured a friend by 'accident'? Even when they commit astounding atrocities as Heros, they are lauded by their peers. I say no more!"

The crowd was entirely caught up in the tirade by now, small pockets erupting into cheers. He spotted a few people breaking off and going on their way...filthy mutant-lovers, he supposed.

"In America, it is every mans right to bear arms! Guns are available for any who want them, to defend themself against any attack. But the powers these mutants posess are beyond that of us humans. How can a mere handgun compare to a creature who can level buildings if displeased? Such power should be available to all, or none at all!"

He brandished a second newspaper

"Look at this! Another case of mutant carnage! We see it every week, and yet no attempt had been made to contain this 'Flashfyre'. How many more dangerous mutants are running around loose? How many more tradgedies are in the offing? It is time for the concerned citizens of Paragon to ACT!
We must gather our support, and march on City Hall. We will give them our demands - mutants must no longer be allowed to run free, to satisfy their own agenda! The Heroes will be decomissioned, and the criminals hunted down and brought to justice! Only then can we live out our lives in peace, with our fancied overlords stripped of all power to rule us!

The age of mutants has come to an end. Now we must usher in the new age, of humankind!"

He threw us his hands dramatically, but there was no need, he had the crowd now. Chants of 'Porter! Porter!' and 'no more mutants!" began to erupt. He truly hadn't expected such a strong reaction, but he knew that he had to run with it once it had surfaced. If the people of Paragon truly felt this way...it would only be a matter of time before City Hall had to act...and then they would be free, once and for all.

{4/11/2007, late afternoon, Port Recluse}

Antipode looked down at the scene from on high, waiting. Everything was in place, at last. Looking toward the docks, she could see the boat Mr Sebastian had promised, all prepared to sail.
Further out, in the docks themselves, were the Arachnos customs and security officers. With any luck, they wouldn't realise what had happened until it was all over.
Next, carefully concealed both in shadowy corners and in plain sight, were the handful of Corporation agents who would be causing the distraction.
She glanced towards the warehouses in the area. She couldn't check up on them now, but if all had gone to plan, the refugees would be waiting, in Sebastians chosen disguise.

And heading toward the docks with his entourage, the ubiquitous Ghost of Sharkhead, the one known as Scrapyard
The key to the whole operation

"You guys should get in place. It won't be long now."
Antonio 'Big Game' Fedele merely grinned easily, but her other companion, Echo Thompson, nodded grimly. All three of them knew just how easily this operation could become a bloodbath.

Leaving them to get into position, Antipode dropped off the low roof and headed toward the main warehouse. She felt a momentary twinge of guilt - letting her friends do her dirty work - but that was the whole point. Neither of them were mutants, and both were at least tolerated by Recluse.

Making sure she was not spotted by any spider patrols, she slipped inside the main warehouse, coming face to face with the refugees and their chosen leader - a mutant who, until recently, had been holding down a living in a factory, and attempting to hide the strangeness to his eyes that was the mark of his mutant heritage. Still, even without metahuman powers, he had proved a valuable asset in this matter.

"Jacob. It is time. Are they all ready?"

"As we'll ever be. Missin' a few...dunno where they got to. Trouble, perhaps, or cold feet."

She nodded "That will have to do...if necessary, getting a handful out should be no trouble compared to this lot."

And a lot is was, truly. over 1500 mutants, packed into the warehouse, many of them just children, scant few of whom had any combat ability. All wearing the checked shirts common to the workers of Sharkhead

She took a glance out of the door.
"He's just coming by now...I have no idea how they arranged this, but looks like we're on!"

Outside came the sounds of weapons fire, as the operatives outside opened fire on the Ghost, and the reply as high explosives were detonated mere meters from an Arachnos security outpost. She eased the door open further, waiting...

"Go, now!"
The main doors heaved open, and suddenly a mass of scrapyarders poured onto the docks, and made for the docked ship, Antipode taking to the sky above them.

She surveyed the battle - it seemed as if chaos itself had struck Port Recluse, with Corp agents, Scrapyarders and Arachnos security engaged in a 3-way mass brawl. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Echo moving through the group, strategically evening the balance of power when needed, keeping the brawl going as long as she could.

With the clamor being caused, there remained only a few customs agents to bar the mutant exodus - they were easily swept aside, and the refugees swarmed onto the boat.

Aside from picking off the occasional opportunist, she had had to do nothing at all. It was almost too easy.

All too soon, the last mutant had boarded, and the ship began to move off. The instigators of the brawl had melted away, leaving a few battered Arachnos officials to make sense of the days events.

Antipode landed outside an unmarked building, far from the port.
"I take it back. It was a good plan"

Mr Sebastian merely smiled
"But of course, Miss Antipode. Now, regarding the matter of payment...?

"I can give you 3 right away, the rest soon. Unless you want to explore that...other...method of payment?"

The enigmatic smile never left his lips "We shall see. I will be in contact."

"Huh. Yeah, best stay low for a bit first I guess. Well, you know where to find me."

The exchange was made without further issue, and she was soon on her way back to her flat. After the past few weeks, everything seemed to be going her way at last. She only hoped Amico was having such an easy time with his task.

{16/10/07, early morning. A secluded alley in Steel Canyon}

A meeting between shadowy figures in the dead of night. Cliché, perhaps, but hardly uncommon in the City of Heroes.

The first figure watched as the second approached, then spoke in a melodic, yet quiet voice
“What colour is the dawn?”

The second figure threw back the hood of her cloak, revealing a pale blue face and hair, and a hostile expression.
“Screw that Amico…you kicked me out, remember? I don’t know what you want to tell me, but I’m not gonna jump through hoops to hear it”

Sighing, the first figure dropped his hood too, the wild orange fur covering his face a strange contrast to his voice.
“Antipode…we have a problem. The Ebon Sun is failing…and something terrible is rising in its place. Oblivion is determined to force our cause on the people of the world, using any means necessary.”

“Why should I care? You’ve already shown me how much you value my opinion. I’m content to keep out of your business.”

“You can’t fool me, Antipode. Oblivion knows what you’ve been doing. The only reason he hasn’t moved against you yet is because he believes you to be no threat to his plans.”

Antipode stood silent for a moment
“It’s all I can do. Would you have me stop?”

Amico sighed
“you can’t help them any more. Oblivion is cutting off all our ‘soft’ projects. All the safehouses, all the children with no ‘useful’ mutations…everything. They will have to survive by themselves, or trust in the goodwill of the humans.”

Antipode couldn’t stop the pained expression from flashing across her face
“You fool Amico. Do you know how close I was to securing their amnesty? And now this.”

She passed over a copy of the Rogue Isles Informer

“Theres no word yet, but my contacts tell me the name ‘Ebon Sun’ is circulating around the spiders. And that attack on that TV show guy? What the hell were you thinking! All that work, gone in an instant. I had to fight my way out of my contact meeting today, they wanted to bring me in for questioning! Any chance we had of resolving this peacefully has gone, along with any future in Paragon or the Isles”

Amico scanned the paper briefly, before throwing it aside
“I…had no idea this was going down. I swear it. Oblivion doesn’t keep us in the loop anymore; he’s filled the council with lackeys and yes-men. I…I should have sided with you before, when we still had a chance of fighting him. I realize that now. But we have a serious problem, beyond all this.

“More serious? How can it get more serious?”

“It’s Caduceus…he’s joined Oblivion. He goes by Sanguine now. And he’s agreed to let all Oblivions followers undergo the treatment. He says we should forget any romantic notions of the bloodline, and use it as a weapon to ensure our supremacy in the battle to come.”

Looks of both despair and rage contended for place on Antipodes visage.
“He…damn him!! And damn you! How could you let this happen?! I….I…..damnit.”

Amico approached her gingerly
“I feel your pain, sister. All those who knew him are appalled…but there are so few of us now. And I know that whatever we feel, you must feel a hundredfold. But you had to know…we have only the smallest chance of salvaging this as it is. But the path he has chosen can only lead to ruin, either for us or for the humans.”

“You…your right, Amico. The time for internal politics is over. I’m calling the PPD in on the main base. We can do what we must afterwards”

Amico shook his head
“You cannot. There are still children down there, and Oblivion has a failsafe system to collapse the base in case of intrusion. Exodus and I will get them out if we can. You have a far more urgent task. All our safehouses in the Rogue Isles have been cut off. That’s hundreds of mutants, all hiding from the spiders, that need your help…particularly if Oblivion insists on stirring up that hornets nest.”

Antipode nodded reluctantly
“You are right, of course. But when the time comes, I will do what I must to stop Oblivion and his twisted bloodline. I…I’m sorry I ever doubted you, brother. When this is all over, I will have to come and see you properly. It has been far too long.

He nodded, smiling
“That is has sister. I look forward to it.”

Drawing their hoods back up, they parted ways, with noone knowing of their meeting



…except…


“…look forward to it.”

The handsome man with the disturbing purple eyes leaned forward, drawing closer to the delicate girl seated before his desk.
“Is that all, Psychosis?”

“Yes, my lord Oblivion.” Her voice rang eerily in the small room

“I see. Very well, I would like you to pay a ‘visit’ to Amico when he returns. See that he sees things our way.”

Psychosis nodded and grinned viciously “And the other?”

Oblivion considered this for a moment.
“Leave her. I have a far more satisfying way of disposing of her. And then the bloodline shall belong to me alone”

I never worked out where Doc's stuff ended up after the MMB event, but feel free to use his reticle and gauntlets...some form of graverobbing may be required

MY only other established char is Antipode, and she doesn't really carry any signature equipment...possibly her cape?

Oh...and can I go out on a limb and guess this started out as a discussion involving Games tiger pants?

Hear Hear.

I would like to make it clear to all prospective members of either group that the OOC grudge begins and ends with Echo and Lunk. Future problems will hopefully be minimal, and apologies to anyone who has been inadvertently caught up in the crossfire.

are we going for saturday evening then? or will this be put off or another week?

The doctor nodded in Colie's direction.
"Indeed. I believe the mothership to be the key...but not in the way you imagine. I have reviewed Vanguard combat logs, and I have seen how the Rikti rush to it's defense when the shields are breached. If we were to seriously damage the ship, they would repair it in time. However...while they are defending the ship, other, more vital targets may be left vulnerable..."

Doctor Helios shared a look of acknowledgement with Big Lunk, and fingered the lock on his briefcase. He sat back to hear what the council made of this new information.

The Doctor looked nonplussed
"Whoever mentioned attacking the homeworld? I will be merely content to remove the greater part of their military strength from our own planet, cut off reinforcements, and send their leaders home with their tails between their legs"