The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Welldrinker Cult
A shadowy group is gaining power, drawing in people who are curious, vulnerable, or malicious, and turning them into Mystics. They are recruiting people into their ranks to spread the influence of magic in the world, but for what end goal?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
"Yeah," Devon drew a laugh out into a sigh and back into a short, sad laugh. "I know you're not joking. I figured you were trying to be light for my benefit. No need to apologize at all," he shook his head, brow narrowing as he held out a hand in insistence.
"As for me, no, I'm not the most positive person," he shook his head. "Yet, I'm trying to be. I've had and still have some challenges I struggle with through the day to day. But here I am, nearly finishing my degree with a decent place and a fair talent or two. I'm not even working as long through my temp agency since Sanctuary is paying me a little. I have far more than many here, including the ability to hide my mutation making my life day to day far easier than theirs. Different colored skin, claws, gills, an extra set of eyes, over sensitive hearing due to exaggerated and furry ears... Then kids who barely understand their gift or can't handle to be around people."
"Suffice to say I've had my years of wallowing in self pity and focus. I've stepped out of my comfort zone and hopefully into a bigger community I can actually aid. I'm glad you believe in my vision. I really want those here to be able to see something positive in their future. If you want to help, any way you can is appreciated even if it's just volunteering in the kitchens or coming and hanging out with the kids."
"We have nurses helping, some teaching first aid. We've got self defense, neighborhood watch, community outreach like helping paint buildings or clean up litter... We're trying," Devon said wistfully, leaning back in his chair. "As for Tempest, have you ever read the play? I'm a Shakespeare fan."
"I guess Prospero's little tantrum fit my own in my youth - troubled as it became - though the spirit Ariel was something I liked more in a childhood sense. I used to play games... They became real and now I control the weather. I'm atmokinetic: sunshine, ice, winds, fog, you name it. I can see and feel those changes too, like the pressure changes you caused," Tempest added with a short set of nods. "Like I said, a lot of time with myself and my power though I'm always learning, never want to stop but it was time to get out there."
Devon glanced out the window, his blue eyes searching the skies and catching at the glowing of the lampposts he'd cleaned himself. When he looked back there was a serenity that had settled over his features. While he looked tired, there was a strange sadness too.
"I've spent years staring back at myself and I'd really like to be proud of what others see."
Exhausting just to be alive? That was a wary statement but Devon also knew, having been there before, if you overreacted to every statement you were sure to piss off and alienate a depressed person. Some days were that tiring. Dealing with how you felt and trying to react to things around you 'the right way' was fatiguing, if not exhausting.
DevonOfVerona: I do. I've been there. Usually those are the days I try to find not to be interacting with people. Everyone needs private recharge their battery days, right? I think mine are just a bit more obvious than others. DevonOfVerona: Probably because I'm more curt and seem pretty rude. It's gotten better. I can identify them easier now. DevonOfVerona: How do you usually handle them? I know this one kid that that's when he goes to the gym.
"Great well you can maybe teach me a bit about the subway, good holes in the wall to go too, and the right groups to look into here on campus," Devon smiled. "I'm working some temp jobs too so my free time is stretched thin, but I'd like to use it well when I've got it! Haven't signed up for any society at all really." He was quite appreciative of Serena; he'd been right to ask her about this paper.
"I'd most likely be interested in any explorer clubs, psychology since it's my major, and any lit based. I do a lot of reading. Something about hiking through a forested mountain to read for an afternoon is quite appealing to me," he chuckled. Oh to fly up that mountain, soaring over the tree tops...
"But I'm glad you think he'll be into my paper. What's your dissertation on if I may ask?"
Devon stopped, glancing over his shoulder and then pivoting back to let Elliott explain. Devon was explicitly trained and training in behavioral response as well as treatment. Sometimes when someone perceived you as pushing, you had to retreat as they had told you. Most times, it made them feel guilty if they came off too harshly. Devon certainly thought Elliott had been rude, but it didn't matter. He didn't know the green-skinned alien so whatever he needed - even if that meant backing off - then he would.
Still, Devon was glad instead they could continued talking. As it turned out, he'd heard of the criminal activity. More and more it was becoming clear to Devon that the Ghost stories were true. He's glad she had told him finally, but it was straining some interactions. Devon nodded slowly as Elliott spoke.
With a slow inhale, Devon began. "I've recently became aware of some of those stories of Sanctuary actually," he explained, "Though it seemed more you were paranoid and upset that I was offering assistance than really what Sanctuary might be, and is no longer. It's a difficult job ensuring people you want to help, let alone getting an organization that should be dedicated to helping those in need to live down the exploitation of a malign few. I can promise you we are not associated with those people. You are sure to meet many fine individuals here and while I can't promise they're all for the greater good of all mankind, I can say they all need help and are looking for it."
Devon smiled, "Some just need it to be a bit slower and less insistent help than others, eh?" He chuckled good-naturedly but grinned warmly. "I apologize for putting you on edge, Elliott. Not my intention at all. Yes, the street outside was apparently fixed some time before me, but I and other volunteers are working hard to clean things up, set up rec events, talk groups, ensure meals, teach first aid, even help with training people in self defense while running a neighborhood watch. There's a lot we want to do and it will indeed take a lot to repair with the community."
He paused and gave Ms. Wilson a small nod, who had initially stood to help Elliott but resumed her seat now. "Thank you," Devon said to her briefly before returning to Elliott. "None thus far have been open or forthcoming about the META bot attack though I've heard things. I figured you might be more willing to discuss with me what you'd seen and heard, but choose to do so when you wish. My questions to you, if you recall, were mostly about what you wanted and needed and thus are still my priority."
One moment Devon was offering Sanctuary's usual assistance and asking about the META bots involvement that Elliott had mentioned, and then in the next Elliott was pissed off. His quick snapping comment to back off drew a surprised, wide-eyed retreat of Devon's head, hands, and even his feet as he stepped back.
Inhumanly helpful and creepy? Well he'd never heard that before. Had he become the Doctor that always annoyed him, prodding and preening to study the sickness only to throw more drugs at? he didn't think so but apparently Elliott had an issue.
The ranting continued and it would have been amusing if it didn't cause Devon to feel suddenly a mixture of apologetic and annoyed. Perhaps this was why Drew and the others were so guarded, almost antagonistic with the query about the girl Wanda.
"If you're finished..." Devon started slowly though there was clear indignation in his voice. "I'm sorry to have put you on guard as you clearly have a problem with me. I'm rather new to Sanctuary, volunteering-" he stopped and started again, "Well I was, but I'm here enough they're giving me a stipend at this point. It's not my doorstep, it's theirs."
Devon gestured back to the rec room. "And so I'm trying to figure out what did happen to them. When you mentioned it, it's only the second time someone's openly talked about it in front of me so I figured that was a good opportunity to ask. So my apologies for being pushy, Elliott," he paused and exhaled slowly, "Feel free to talk with Ms. Wilson. "
"Mr. Hadden-" the secretary began in a querying tone.
"I'm sure she can help you," Devon interrupted. "Please let her know what you need whether leaving a note, food, or a room for the night. Sanctuary is open to anyone who needs it. Should you ever wish to talk again, Ms. Wilson can provide you with my contact details here and I'll be sure to make time."
Devon smiled broadly, gave a slow nod, and then turned to leave.
Devon nodded to Juliette, "Yeah you're right. There's no reason or logic behind it. There's no right words. Some people are sick and easily consumed by the hate others are only too willing to spat out. Infuriating and sad, but we need to help the kids."
He closed the notebook and stood up, "Thank you both for coming up and making a plan with me. Feel free to start with your ideas as we talked about, but for now we'll go hang with everyone down there. Use the office or a room up here if you need to talk to someone privately."
The breeze had died, but not his emotions. They'd stir and slowly boil within for now. Devon knew he'd have to take some time.
"Let's head down stairs."
((OOC: Thanks for the thread guys! I think we're good to call it done.))
DevonOfVerona: That's okay. Most react the same. I did. It's also why I chose psychology and not psychiatry. While I certainly take medication to help, I don't like how psychiatrists seem to be just about studying what's wrong and throwing medicine at it. Yeah it helps but I like how psychology is more about helping you navigate how you feel and what you need based on what your feeling.
Granted studying some earth science and meteorology on the side didn't help with getting a formal degree in another field, he certainly wouldn't have had time for a medical degree anyway. There was truth to what he said though. He truly felt psychology was about helping the person and behaviors.
DevonOfVerona: But yeah bad day. Lots of stuff, mostly the world seemingly running late against me and making my life difficult but some other stuff too. I figured chatting online would help me feel better. You?
Devon was admittedly hesitant when bringing up his degree to strangers or new acquaintances. They always asked why, assuming you had issues. It was true for many, the desire to better understand themselves or certain behaviors drew many to the practice. He was no different.
"Psychology, almost done," Devon nodded slowly and sighed. "A couple classes and a few general eds and I'm done. And don't worry about it; I can be rather introverted and private so social people come off more intensely I guess."
"And good about the place. I think housing situations like that are common here. The job is cool; bar work is nice especially if you can get good tips right? Not that I've never snuck into a bar, but I don't actually turn 21 until the 23rd. Can I get a free drink if I come in?" he laughed quietly.
"My days free are pretty rare, but I figure get out of downtown when I can. You must have most day time free then?" Devon asked, somewhat rhetorically as he looked out over the water. "That's pretty nice."
"Fairly recent arrival to the city," Devon clarified with a grin. Well that was embarrassing. She thought he was a total newbie! Ah well, sometimes playfulness and him didn't mesh. He didn't communicate it well enough. He was probably stressed. She didn't say anything bad after all; he needed to relax.
"Well I'm glad to hear he values the topic and a passion for it," Devon said, maintaining that grin. He wanted to come off as positive and friendly as possible when he was trying. "I've lived a hidden, private life for a while focusing a lot on me, my growth, my development but not in the community way. I'm trying to do that now and reaching out..." he glanced upward, bobbing his head from side to side, "Is part of that. Take care of yourself and then help take care of others."
"I recognized I needed to step out of my comfort zone and really embrace all I am. This paper is a part of that, hopefully translating in scientific terms what I think is important to a species and important for all of us to recognize. Let alone, think of the future implications of study."
DevonOfVerona: Well, I'm studying to be a psychologist but not one yet. But I am bipolar, yeah. Diagnosed a while ago now with my good days, mostly good now, but those bad ones are still there. Talking on here has always been easier than talking to my doctor. Is it even raining where you are? LOL It's been a day.
Devon sighed. It was a common question. Heck, he'd initially hated talking to a doctor and still didn't overly enjoy it. He didn't like feeling studied and picked apart.
Posted by Tempest on Jul 12, 2016 8:12:18 GMT -6
Historian likes this
Haven
Founder of Haven
TEMPEST
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Good Question
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Feb 3, 2024 10:42:17 GMT -6
Tempest
Hey there! I'm recent myself! They'll give you the OK and then you post it up in the Character Profiles section. Then use that link to link your new signature (a requirement) whether a link or image. Also send that link to the MODs so they can note you in the taken powers list.
There were quite a few interesting comments. He'd escaped any legal holding or internment camp. That was back when he'd first emerged and he escaped that tragedy. Did she know the X-Men then? And what about the medical lab she mentioned? How much was that hostility a joke? Probably not far off the way she turned a phrase.
Devon nodded as she spoke of the school and the Sanctuary's loose ethics, but soon she went back to her. He smiled at her business venture but frowned at mention of the riot. She'd seen a fair amount here in the city and likely knew quite a few mutants. She could likely really help here; Devon was quickly hoping to have her support.
"Right, right," he said in response to her rhetorical question about a neutral territory. At least he thought it was rhetorical. He nodded eagerly in response.
Things then turned quite personal. Was Sebastian the one that had been loosely mentioned? Devon wanted to stay on top of this, but he felt concerned for her as the story became a tragedy. A false idol, a cult of personality seemed likely for a megalomaniac mutant. He frowned, brow creasing over his azure eyes in silent apology.
"Not since yesterday," Devon said with a laugh and a playful wink. "Stabbings are way down... But seriously?" He laughed again and shook his head. "I'm both baffled and scared. It's so awkward I can't help but laugh every time you make a joke that I'm quite sure isn't really a joke..."
"But look, thanks for telling me more about you. I know we all have our story, but I feel for those challenges. I'm not sure I'd have the same spring in my step as you do," the younger man confided to the older woman. This was no girl.
"Maya, I'm a kid from a Boston. I've been working very hard lately to take control of my life after hiding for years, focusing too much on simple mastering my power and my self. Now I'm trying to be more than that and I figure I can help others too," Devon explained. "That's why I'm here. That's why I hope Sanctuary can be more for others too. It sure sounds like it needs to be."
It was raining today and Devon had been in a foul mood for most of it. Like almost all days it rained, he wasn't sure if it was the mood he was in or the weather outside that was the cause of the other. The weather influenced him and he influenced it. Was that really such a surprise when it did the same to even humans? Rainy days made people want to stay inside, read, or sleep let alone made them dour. Sunny days were quite the opposite.
The subway had been late. He'd gotten soaked running to class, which he was also late for. At Sanctuary he'd broken up a fight between two kids who'd broken a chair in their wrestling and of course, one was a human and the other was an obvious mutant. Now he was finally home but instead of working on homework he was staring outside. He needed a topic for this paper and he was drawing a blank.
In equal parts wanting to hear some words of encouragements and hoping for a bit of academic inspiration, Devon jumped onto one of the few decent sites he knew and logged in. His certifications and ongoing education at NYU for his nearly completed psychology degree were noted in his profile. Sometimes he gave a few points of advice, but mostly it was talking about experience or really hanging to chat. It helped to know you weren't alone and that's why such support chats existed.
It started pouring again outside as he pushed his notebook aside and pulled his laptop closer.
DevonOfVerona: Hey Casper. How are ya? Feeling this rain as much as I am?
Devon both did and didn't like what Maya had to say. He didn't like hearing there was some secret underground situation with Sanctuary. That was likely partly the reason people glared at him sometimes. First META bot attacks and now this. Devon did at least appreciate Maya had the right intentions; he indeed should be deciding that.
He also picked up the discomfort. "Maya, Ghost. I like it. I'll stick with Maya for now," he nodded the confirmation. "And you can use Devon or Tempest, whichever you prefer."
Lisa opened her mouth to speak but Devon shot her a look and shook his head, "I know, Ms. Wilson but first name it will be. Would you mind getting us some dinner? Normally I'd grab it but this time I'd appreciate the help. Thank you."
The woman frowned slightly but nodded, her attention slowly returning to her computer and her work. Soon she was writing on a sticky note and heading for the kitchen.
Devon gestured ahead to his office on the far side of the hall, the door past most rooms and even past the stairs. "After you," he grinned, "Maya." He went off first, moving through the hall-like foyer to the door and opening it immediately. It wasn't locked; it didn't need to be. Was that going to have to change?
It wasn't a majestic office with mahogany furniture. It did have a couple comfortable chairs, a television, a couple small tables, a desk from a couple decades ago, a computer from last year, and a black leather reclining office chair. After Ghost had entered, he closed the door and went for one of the two stuffed chairs. He adjusted the blinds so a faint amount of the light from the courtyard out back could filter in.
"Okay," he drew out the word as he waited for her to settle down into a chair before following suit. He inhaled deeply and slowly, considering the right approach both for her and for him. "Would you mind telling me a bit more about you before you reveal the Sanctuary's secret truths? I'd love to hear how Ghost relates to air pressure changes but we can... Well, start wherever you think best."