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.
Despite being recently released back into the real world on his probation, in truth, Nate had been living a life free of criminal activity for years. He made the conscious decision to stop his criminal activities when he was with Quinn, and never had a reason to continue after she left. It had been a long time since he could consider himself a “criminal mind.”
That did not mean his mind was completely devoid of the tendencies developed during his long and prolific tenure as a conman. As with many of his former colleagues, Nate had an innate distrust for psychologists, psychiatrists, and anyone else looking to crack into his head. Being a conman was so heavily predicated on Nate’s ability to read people and understand their inner workings, so naturally, anyone looking to turn that magnifying glass around on him would be avoided at all costs.
Nate had to keep an open mind, because his trip to visit Devon Hadden was not optional. He agreed to counseling as part of his extensive probation agreement, and while Hadden was still finishing his schooling, (as Nate found out during his pre-meeting research,) he was a counselor at the Sanctuary, and Nate always saw the place as a safe haven for mutants. It was a better option, at least, than talking with some human doctor who might view his mutation as part of his “problem.”
Dressed in a button-down shirt and grey pants, Nate wanted to hover somewhere in the range of business casual for his meeting. He entered into the Sanctuary, realizing it was his first time entering the place, despite his years spent in New York. Approaching the woman behind the desk in the reception area, Nate greeted her with a smile and she followed suit. ”Hello, I’m here to meet with Mr. Hadden. Could you possibly direct me to where I might find him?”
Lisa Wilson looked up with a single eyebrow raised and a grin upon her face. She adjusted her glasses as she stood, “Yes, of course Mr. Holloway. He is expecting you.” A slender hand gestured as her not-so-high heels tapped upon the Sanctuary marble floor. She took him not far across and down the lobby to a door just before the large staircase to the higher levels. As she knocked upon it, it opened.
“Good afternoon,” Devon Hadden said with a gentle smile. His tone was softer, juxtaposed by the fine cut of his jaw. His pants were black and his button-down gray with an open collar and unbuttoned sleeves, a billowy shadow arrayed around him. His black locks were styled carefully to the sides and back though a few were astray on his brow. “Thank you, Lisa.”
“You’re welcome, Mr. Hadden,” she said curtly before turning a knowing glance upon Nate. “Mr. Holloway.” With that she left the gentlemen to their devices.
“Hi, I’m Devon,” he offered a hand to Nate. “Come on in,” he gestured into the office. An old desk with a new looking monitor and slender desktop sat upon it. The office chair behind it looked worn, however. A few chairs and two small plush sofas sat around a small coffee table. A pitcher of water, a couple bottles of such, and a few sodas joined a tray with crackers and buttery cookies. It wasn’t much for decoration but it looked comfortable enough.
“Thanks for meeting with me here,” Devon smiled. “I could meet with you at the mansion, but I have quite a bit to do today. I figured you might enjoy getting out as well.”
The receptionist gave him a grin, but led him politely to Mr. Hadden’s office, with the man himself greeting them at the door. He was a handsome, kind looking man, with one of the strongest jawlines Nate could remember seeing. He had a natural appeal that was good for someone who ran a place like Sanctuary; people trusted a kind, attractive face.
Of course, people like Nate had been taking advantage of that with kind looks and attractive faces for years. It would take more than looks to win the skeptic ex-con over.
The receptionist quickly dismissed both men before leaving them to their meeting. Nate stepped into the office and took the hand offered to him, shaking it firmly. Nothing overt, like a brutish power play. Nate only wanted to present himself as confident, comfortable with where he was, and pleased to meet the younger man.
”Nate,” he replied warmly to Devon’s name. Obviously Devon knew who he was, but he offered his name anyway so they could both just stick to first names. He glanced around the room, interested in the division. There was Devon, the businessman and philanthropist in charge of the Sanctuary, and Devon the counselor, with a welcoming area of coffee tables and couches. It was interesting that he still took appointments like this given his position.
Honestly, Nate was glad their meeting was taking place at the Sanctuary. He was getting out of the Mansion regularly enough, but if he was going to be analyzed, he wanted it to take place out of the building he was now calling home. ”It’s no trouble at all. I’ve been meaning to see the Sanctuary. You hear stories, but it’s nice to get a feel for a place yourself, you know?” The stories were quite different depending on when they originated. People would talk now of a kinder, gentler Sanctuary, but some said different things about the Sanctuary of days past…
Devon would get a feel and an understanding for Nate, and Nate would get a feel and an understanding for what the Sanctuary was about; win-win.
“Stories?” Devon queried with a slight grimace. “Oh boy,” he laughed as he shut the door and headed over to one of the sofas. He started to pour a glass of water, shooting a questioning glance to Nate for any, as he continued speaking, “We’re all trying to live down Sanctuary’s stories. The old reputation has faded but the stories remain. A lot of history here.”
He chuckled, glancing at the painting on the wall, “At least you wanted to see how things were for yourself. We’ve been encouraging that. The Block Party we ran in September helped set the tone, I think. Every day, a few more come to check on things. It’s really more community center than shelter now, though of course we have plenty who stay here as necessary.”
Devon sat down on one sofa, sighing with a smile. “Good, hard work. The people here really have dedicated themselves to the neighborhood, though we certainly still feel the impact of the old stories and the occasional aggressor. We’ve got a neighborhood watch for that, some custodial but base protective drones, and the skills of some of the residents. I’m rather proud of ‘em.”
His eyebrows jumped, “Oh feel free to sit wherever’s comfortable, save for behind the desk of course.” Devon laughed good-naturedly. “I had someone try that once. I’m like ‘Do you really think a good discussion’s going to happen with a desk between us?’ Of course not,” he shook his head with another grin.
Devon was aware of Sanctuary’s past; he had to be, if he was going to take the place over and reinvent it as a true place of safety and refuge for mutantkind. In a way, the old Sanctuary shared that intent, but it was Nate’s opinion that their methods put more of a target on mutants than anything else.
Nate had some respect for how Devon was evidently handling the legacy he inherited. Transparency was a useful tool beyond the evidence he could show of improvements he made. Being so open about being transparent let the world know that his intent was pure. Even if there was something hidden in the background, leaving so many curtains open generated inherent trust with many people. ”I heard about the Block Party. I would have loved to attend, but you know, prison,” he joked with a smirk. There was no need to be coy about his past with a man who already knew why he was there. Transparency went two ways.
Despite the purpose of his trip to Sanctuary, Nate was pleased to see Devon was treating him professionally as a man rather than a patient. He invited Nate to sit, but cautioned him against sitting behind the desk. Putting a desk between them would not help their discussion, but it would give Nate the chance to peek into the inner workings of Sanctuary.
Not that he would.
That was an old Nate kind of thought.
Instead, he walked himself over to one of the couches next to a coffee table. ”Glad to see you’re looking for a discussion. Probably the best way to figure out if I’m still a criminal mind, right?” Nate understood why this was a requirement; his deal was actually very generous, so it was very important for the courts to know Nate was not a risk for recidivism.
>> ”I heard about the Block Party. I would have loved to attend, but you know, prison,” he joked with a smirk.
Devon chuckled, “Yeah, well… next time! It was good except for the Utopia thing. I honestly think it hurt them more than helped them, but we were fair and gave them a place to speak to the people.” He shrugged, “I was never for it but some really craved that safety, a place all their own. Problem is you can’t cut yourself off from humanity.”
He waved a hand and chuckled again, “Sorry, topic for another time.”
Thankfully Nate took the desk seat joke well – a good sign – and joined him at the coffee table. He wasn’t one of those sit in a chair staring at a notebook types. It didn’t help people usually. He hated feeling studied or broken down like that. Real conversations helped people. If it came to needing medication, Devon could refer whoever to a psychiatrist.
>> ”Glad to see you’re looking for a discussion. Probably the best way to figure out if I’m still a criminal mind, right?”
“It’s not that,” Devon shook his head before sipping from his water. “At least not like that. Sure it’s routine and all, required by law, though you’ll find most hand waive through the interviews. I’m not about to do that. The important part is seeing how you’re doing. Things change in four years. Anything changed for you that’s been surprising, interesting, problematic?”
Devon grinned as warm as his tone, “Or in more friendly terms… Wow, four years. How’s it going now that you’re out?”
Devon seemed to reminisce on the happenings of his Block Party, and the now defunct Utopia. It was a divisive subject amongst mutantkind to be sure, with some feeling it to be a way to avoid society rather than solve problems, while others finding it to be a safe space for mutants to not feel out of place. Nate could understand that feeling; to a much smaller extent, it was the thought behind the Mansion.
But Devon had thoughts on the topic and the position of mutants in society, and Nate was curious to hear them in due time. For now, he would fall in line and they would take care of what he was there for in the first place.
Nate’s comment was not taken with offense, but not taken lightly either. It was Nate’s way to use humor to lighten the mood, but Devon did want it clear that, all legal requirement aside, he just wanted to get a feel for Nate and help him adjust to life outside of prison.
So Devon was curious what it was like for Nate coming back after four years away? ”Well, let’s see… my students either left or have gotten older. I don’t have ‘family,’ as my file probably indicates, so I never had that experience of seeing a nephew and commenting on how much he has grown. Instead I got students who were kids and are now teenagers who are dating.” The last word was almost spoken with disgust. He finally knew what it was like to be the father telling his daughter she should not be dating until she was twenty-five.
”I mean, I turned myself in because it was the right thing and I wanted to start fresh. But this is fresher than I expected.” Four years came and went, and Nate found himself in a world without many of the people he knew before he left.
Devon laughed briefly at the mention of teenagers dating. He nodded along and then quieted as Nate continued. A lot could happen in four years, especially where kids were concerned. From grade school to high school. All of high school. College typically was four years… Devon had changed a lot in four years, even more in the last year. Time was a powerful thing. >> ”I mean, I turned myself in because it was the right thing and I wanted to start fresh. But this is fresher than I expected.”
“Yeah, I wonder sometimes if some discussion on the expected changes before a person gets out would help make it easier,” Devon said pensively. “I’m not sure it would. Everyone’s experience is different. Sorry if it’s making things more difficult. Good for you to consider it carefully.”
He laughed again, “And it shows something you’re put off by your students now dating. That’s a paternal instinct I’ll note in my report. It’s a positive thing, so that’ll look good.” Devon nodded again and smiled. “It’s a new role for you but it is for most that find themselves in that situation, whether as a parent or a teacher with visiting students. Your situation is a bit special considering the mansion’s sister school.
“Not many are willing to turn themselves in, but I agree all deserve a fresh start. Some have trouble even getting to that point, so I’m glad to see it working even if it’s proven difficult for you. What do you think will help make it easier? I know this will sound shrink-like, but have you tried writing about it or talking with a peer you knew before going in?”
Nate had to pause at the idea Devon introduced: had he been warned of how different his life would be, would it have affected his decision? He decided it would not; he had an idea of what he was giving up and how jarring the impact of his choice would be. Adjusting to it was never going to be easy, but that did not change why it was the right decision.
It was good to hear that Nate’s “parental instincts” were going to make him look better in the eyes of the court. It was a position he never pictured himself in when he was stealing trust funds and hooking up with sorority girls over half a decade earlier. He never expected to break the habit of looking out for himself above all else.
The ex-con laughed at the idea of writing his thoughts down in a journal; maybe it was a relic of his old thinking, but he was not a fan of leaving explicit documentation for the inner workings of his mind lying around. ”You’re right. That does sound shrink-like.” He saw the merit of it, but a journal was not up Nate’s alley.
”There aren’t many people around to go to from before I went in. There’s one, but… she’s helping me reacclimate in a different way.” He was not about to drop his trials and struggles on Sarah; they were getting to know each other again, and he valued how normal things felt around her right now, regardless of what they were. ”Honestly, I think what I’ve been doing is helping. I’m painting again. That always gave me clarity. Still does. And teaching.”
Not many people would consider their jobs therapeutic, but Nate found new purpose in what he was doing at the Mansion since his return. ”I think teaching has just been a good reminder of why I turned myself in. You can’t make things better for anyone when you’re a selfish prick, right?”
Devon was glad Nate was in good humor. Between his case file, reputation, work at the mansion, and interaction here thus far he was hoping for a positive outlook for the guy. He knew it was odd to see someone for treatment that was younger like having an older boss or a younger doctor. Of course, Devon wasn’t either of those. He wasn’t trained well enough to be a doctor and he wasn’t in charge of Nate. In this case, it seemed like it would be easy to be a friend, simply wanting to help, and Devon could easily see wanting to be Nate’s friend in all this.
In short, this was going smoothly and easily, the best kind of session.
>> ”There aren’t many people around to go to from before I went in. There’s one, but… she’s helping me reacclimate in a different way.”
That was a commonality for almost all who went into incarceration. Commonly that was due to lives moving along, severe changes in a neighborhood due to the length of time, or even some having passed away. In this case Devon assumed it had to deal with the shifting presence of X-Men or teachers he saw at the mansion, let alone the transient nature of many who lived in the NYC area.
As Nate went on to explain what he had been doing Devon nodded, offering an encouraging smile as well. Getting back into a normal schedule, finding a comfort and stability level were all important. It seemed Nate recognized that in himself.
>> ”I think teaching has just been a good reminder of why I turned myself in. You can’t make things better for anyone when you’re a selfish prick, right?”
“Extremely true,” Devon laughed. “It’s actually the first lesson of leadership you have to take care of yourself first so you can take care of others. It’s also good to remind yourself whom you are outside of what you do for others,” he said with a warm tone and a gesture toward the lobby of Sanctuary. “I was just thinking about how finding that normal schedule, that comfort level with your life is really important to provide stability and a sense of belonging again. People often have to do it after a bad break up or divorce or even losing a job. You’re doing the right thing. Do you even need to talk to me?”
Devon laughed again, “Honestly, you’re making writing my report very easy for your file.” He grinned and lifted up his water for a long sip. “I’m wondering too if you’d have any interest volunteering here? If you’re enjoying teaching, then you’d find some great value here. Some of these kids and younger adults – maybe even older who come in – would respond well to your experiences. And honestly, I could use the help as well considering some of what I have going on.”
Devon was turning out to be surprisingly better company than Nate anticipated when he first signed on for mandatory therapy. The mood of the meeting was relatively casual, and while he was clearly doing his part to assess the recently released prisoner, Devon made the experience conversational. While he was unclear on the ethical boundaries of a not-quite-patient and not-technically-a-doctor, Nate could not help but think Devon might be a good man to grab a drink with sometime. A thought to keep in his back pocket perhaps.
The joke was tossed out regarding whether Nate needed to be there meeting with Devon at all. Chuckling, he replied with a shrug, ”According to the New York Legal System, apparently I do.” It was naïve to think every session would go this well, but the first meeting certainly made Nate hopeful.
It did help that Nate did honestly feel like he was at a point of stability. His job, his social life, and maybe more generally, a sense of purpose. ”Still, it’s not bad to have a place to go if things ever start going to hell,” he admitted with a smile. He had only been a free man for a few months, after all.
What Nate was not expecting was an offer—not necessarily a “job” offer, but a volunteer opportunity. From a practical standpoint, volunteering was going to make him look shiny to those who would assess his chances of recidivism. As for his genuine desire to help, there was no denying that mutants in need who did not end up at the Mansion often turned to Sanctuary. ”I would actually be incredibly interested in that. When we have the chance, I’d be happy to go over what exactly I could do to help the newer, friendlier Sanctuary.” Cynically, volunteering would help him see if Sanctuary was too good to be true, or just… good.
It was the last thing Devon said that intrigued Nate the most. ”Oh? Do you have something in the works? You are starting to seem like the man with the plan, Devon.”
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It was a surprisingly good conversation, though Devon wasn’t too surprised considering Nate’s case file. The responses Nate shared were all very positive and promising, let alone the guy was friendly. Devon could not help but think Nate might be a good friend to have, someone to grab a drink with sometime.
>> ”According to the New York Legal System, apparently I do.”
Devon nodded, laughing as he did so. That was true, but exactly how it went was only broadly defined in legal terms. What mattered was that they happened.
>> ”I would actually be incredibly interested in that. When we have the chance, I’d be happy to go over what exactly I could do to help the newer, friendlier Sanctuary.”
“Happy to do so. There’s plenty that needs help doing here and like I said, your perspective would be appreciated by many,” he nodded again. He finished the water he’d poured for himself and relaxed back in his chair.
>> ”Oh? Do you have something in the works? You are starting to seem like the man with the plan, Devon.”
“Yes, actually quite a bit, probably more than I should?” Devon laughed at his own rhetorical question. “It’s really exciting for me, and I think really promising for people, especially those who stay here and even more so for mutants. I think it’s a good step for New York. I’m starting a business for treatment centers but also self-help with sort of a spa twist. And some of those partners and a few interested parties, including politicians, want to start an organization for outreach and education. So I’m rolling with it.”
He shrugged his shoulders back and opened his hands wide, “Again, your perspective could really bring value to the organization. This isn’t about what you did, it’s about whom you are. But I don’t want to seem like I’m selling you something during our first conversation. This is about you, not me, but thanks for asking.”
“On that topic, what do you really want to be doing? Where do your interests lay?” Devon asked curiously. “Teaching long term?”
Things were progressing well, and Devon’s interest in Nate seemed to be more than that of a concerned, helpful councilor toward his patient. Nate was finding himself presented with opportunities; the opportunity to provide some positive outreach, and the opportunity to shine a light on himself as a positive force for New York and mutantkind.
It was true, he had a unique perspective: someone who was convinced for so long that he had nothing to lose and no place in society, only to finally see there was still the chance for some good in the world if he wanted to work and sacrifice and put in the effort.
Devon’s trust in Nate was enough that he was being given a peek into the plans he had going forward with an organization focused on treatment, self-help, outreach and education. An organization looking to use good favor and connections with politicians and other high-level benefactors. And once again, there was space for Nate, and in the way it was presented, he could see it. ”Well, I am getting a handle on the education and outreach bit. I have to admit, I could see myself being of use here if you let me. After all, it sounds like this is the kind of thing you are going to want plenty of high level support with.”
A plan so ambitious needed benefactors and resources, which in turn meant influence. ”Not to claim all skills are universal, but part of my old… talents required a great deal of persuasion on my part. Just something to consider,” he added, not wanting to overstep himself. Devon was coming across as a great guy, but if Nate seemed too ambitious or too willing to rely on old behaviors, he could be the one to send him back to prison.
Asked about his long term plans, Nate shrugged. ”I’m still adjusting to long term. I’ve never even been in one spot this long since I was a kid. But I do love teaching. And I still love art, though with my past, breaking into that world might prove challenging.” Word of infamous art thieves was the kind of gossip that passed around the art community quickly. ”I think I’m just ready to finally start building a life. All this seems like a great way to get started.”
>> “…After all, it sounds like this is the kind of thing you are going to want plenty of high level support with.”
Devon nodded slowly. He’d thought about the same. He was glad to see Nate relax with him too. It was good – and rare – to find someone with this sort of experience, knowledge, and rational, well-intentioned approach to life. Yes, maybe he was a felon but he’d been a voluntary one. A person need only look at television or movies to remember how the redeemed criminal was a favored archetype.
>> “..talents required a great deal of persuasion on my part. Just something to consider,”
A few quick laughs left Devon’s throat. He gave a nod, leaning forward and grabbing more water. He downed it like a buddy might at the bar while listening to a long story, possibly an embellished one. Devon knew there were lines that it was likely best Nate avoided but it was true he could be invaluable in certain circles. Devon’s grin broadened to encourage the older, stubble-faced man.
Nate had plans though; that was good. A few more long sips and Devon was nodding again. The passion for teaching was clear, though Devon wanted to see it in action. “I have to agree,” Devon smiled, “That it is a good way to build a life. Let’s remember you got it started on your own four years ago.” He nodded again.
“I’d love to get you volunteering here, maybe teach a little, get some of the kids comfortable with a few of their struggling lessons. I might try to encourage a few to the school and the mansion depending how things go,” Devon nodded. “I’d like to see you in action,” he smiled, “And then we can talk more, maybe in a better setting with more to drink,” he laughed.
“We can count it toward your probation and I can sign off on the time,” Devon smiled. “Sanctuary benefits, you benefit, the kids benefit… it’s a great situation I think.”
It would have been easy or even expected for Devon to laugh away the idea of taking an ex-conman’s help in a charity enterprise, but while the therapist gave a quick laugh, he was not dismissive of Nate’s proposition. He was a logical man who could weigh the pros and cons, and Nate brought plenty of pros to the table.
In the end, Devon put the onus of Nate’s regrowth and recovery on him, because he was the one who put himself on the right path. Truthfully, there were other people Nate would give credit to for righting his ship, but it was nice regardless to have someone understand the decisions he made and recognize him for it.
Devon was already setting up the plan for what he could do with Nate if he volunteered at the Sanctuary, and it sounded right in his wheelhouse. It was also clear that, if things went well with the plan, Nate could earn the trust required to find his way into more of Devon’s ventures. It was fair; this was their first meeting, and while it was going swimmingly, they needed experience and evaluation of one another to get to the point of true partnership.
”Sign me up. I’ll get my work schedule at the Mansion out to you, and if you let me know when you want me around, I’ll make it work.” Nate only had so many time commitments these days, and volunteer work would be easy to explain to Sarah. ”And as for trying to encourage kids toward the Mansion, I think that might be a good plan as well. It’s a new day, right? There’s no reason the Mansion and Sanctuary cannot work hand in hand.” That was the dream, right?
Looking at his glass of water, Nate smirked and raised it as a toast. ”To a brighter future and a promising partnership?”