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.
Garrett was moving in a slow fashion, watching the Tai Chi instructor. He had seen the classes commencing several times as he headed home from Tarin's shop, but he had finally gotten the nerve to join. They were very affordable, especially since he didn't have many expenses in the first place. It was all worth it, as he felt his nerves aligning and relaxing, moving in time to the movements. The concept of Chi was not new to him, having studied Taoism for many years. But this was the first time he had actually felt it coursing through his body.
He had begun closing his eyes, but did his best to avoid that pattern, having learned from his exercises with Neena that closing his eyes too often could cause him to miss important factors that the mind might miss. The class was nearing its end, as the instructor was mentioning a few things to remember for the next time. Garrett easily moved through the motions, his nerves quieting. It caused him to feel as if a cool wind were blowing through his body, expelling negativity.
He saw an interesting sight as a young woman rode up on a horse nearby. She seemed to take delight and interest in the class. He had seen the occasional rider in the park, but something about this one caused his attention to stir. Was this another signpost along his personal Tao? He felt there was only one way to find out. When the class dismissed, he would approach her.
Posted by Iris/Rayne on Aug 25, 2008 17:49:29 GMT -6
Mutant God
1,558
0
Nov 20, 2008 23:33:20 GMT -6
"It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there."
That basically summed up Iris's feelings about New York, and any other megacity. She was a country girl, heart and soul, and likely would always remain so. Unfortunately it appeared this concrete jungle was going to be her home for a while. Once that fact became apparent, she set about finding ways and places to at least return home in spirit, if nothing else. The Botanic Gardens was one such place, and by far her favorite. But horseback riding quickly jockeyed into the second place position.
And she didn't have to look far, either. After seeing someone on horseback in a nearby park, a few inquiries led her to an Equestrian Center near Central Park. Past history left her a bit sour on the park itself, but after a couple of tours of the bridle trails, and the comfort of a steady, reliable animal to support her, she decided to give the park another chance.
Currently she was atop a sweet-tempered Paso Fino mare named Nivalis, whose dappled gray hide blended into the trail shadows. The horse knew the trail much better than Iris did, so she let her just trot away on her own. Meanwhile she let her mind chew on a conversation she'd had with one of the teachers at the Mansion.
As they approached a bend in the trail, her eyes registered a small group of people standing in the nearby grass. At first glance, because her mind was elsewhere, she thought they all appeared about ready to fall over. Then she blinked, and took a closer look. This time she guessed it was a martial arts class of some kind, except.... They were moving awfully slow....
Maybe it was a Yoga class? She didn't know much about Yoga, but she had thought they usually remained seated.
Now curious, she pulled Niv to a halt and dismounted, and lead her to the fence separating fence. The mare tossed her head and snorted, a bit put out to have her pace interrupted, but she quickly quieted.
Iris watched the class with unusual interest. All of their movements appeared so deliberate, yet completely unhurried. She could hear the instructor, but the names of the movements made no sense to her. Every now and then she heard the word 'punch', which led her to believe it was some sort of martial arts class. But as far as she could tell, none of the moves held any threat of violence. In fact, just watching seemed to ease a bit of the tension that had become her constant companion lately. She didn't realize that she was smiling contentedly as she watched.
Nivalis nudged her shoulder and nibbled at her hair to get her attention. Iris chuckled and patted the horse's neck. She reached for the saddlebag and pulled out a bag of apple slices to pacify her friend. She didn't notice the class finishing, nor one of the participants coming toward her.
The end of the class approaching, Garrett looked over and saw that the rider had dismounted and was indeed watching the class. Though one of the mundane sort might see it as mere circumstance, Garrett knew better. If you see something float by in the stream with you, it is there for a reason. Take notice of it and take hold of its meaning. The class ended with the students bowing to the instructor. He smiled and nodded to a few of the fellow students, wishing them well and so forth.
Garrett then gathered his satchel and slung it over his shoulder, approaching the horse and rider. She seemed to be a beautiful young woman, maybe a bit older than he was, but it was hard to tell. He thought to himself that it was best to remain as clear as pure water. He noticed the horse and its beautiful gray coat as it ate something from the young lady's hand. She seemed to be gazing still in the direction that he had been in prior. Perhaps she was also learning something.
He walked close enough to be noticed while giving the horse ample room. Either of them might not take kindly to a man walking right up on them. " Hello there. I saw you watching the class. Were you interested in Tai Chi?"
Posted by Iris/Rayne on Aug 25, 2008 19:47:09 GMT -6
Mutant God
1,558
0
Nov 20, 2008 23:33:20 GMT -6
"Hello there. I saw you watching the class. Were you interested in Tai Chi?"
Facing the horse, Iris startled sideways a few steps and twisted in surprise at the new voice. The apple in her had fell to the ground. Nivalis snorted and shook her mane out, then moved to retrieve her treat, bumping Iris further in the process. Already off-balance, the blond woman lost her footing and fell onto her rear.
"Ow!" She grimaced, then flushed in embarrassment. She let out a nervous "Heh." Niv looked at her with one big black eye, as if trying to figure out why she was sitting on the ground.
Iris sighed and got to her feet, and dusted herself off. She looked at the young man sheepishly. "Erm, yeah. It was interesting to watch, but.... well, I'm probably better off sticking with riding." She handed the horse another treat, careful to avoid the swinging head this time. Then she paused, a confused expression in her grey eyes.
Garret couldn't help but smile a bit after the girl fell over. He walked up to the fence once she was righted and offered his hand in greeting. " You okay there? By the way, I'm Garrett Wills. Nice to meet you." He smiled and went on." Yes, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art. It is a way of posture and breathing to relax and allow one's Chi energy to flow freely, thereby promoting health and happiness. "
Posted by Iris/Rayne on Aug 25, 2008 23:17:16 GMT -6
Mutant God
1,558
0
Nov 20, 2008 23:33:20 GMT -6
"Iris. Um, Iris Belamount." She shook Garrett's hand quickly, trying not to let her nervousness show through. "Nice to meet you." He looked vaguely familiar, but lately she'd had that feeling about a number of people she'd met. She passed it off as 'Big City Blues', where everyone looked alike.
"Yes, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art. It is a way of posture and breathing to relax and allow one's Chi energy to flow freely, thereby promoting health and happiness."
She made a silent 'ooh' motion with her lips and nodded. "That explains the slow movements. I thought it was some sort of martial arts class." She paused thoughtfully. "Chi energy?"
The only thing she knew about chi had to do with some silly ninja cartoon her neighbor's daughter watched. Iris seriously doubted that was the kind of chi Garrett meant.
" Iris Belamount. What a lovely name. Sounds regal." She seemed to be nervous, which made sense considering a total stranger just walked up to her. She was taking it well. Garrett was still waiting to see what the lesson was here. That was the thing about the stream. It usually took going down it a bit before one could have the proper perspective as to where they had just come from.
" Hmm, How to explain it. Well, Chi energy is the energy that flows through one's body. It could be attributed to the blood of the spirit, if that makes any sense. Everyone has the same amount at first, but it takes either years of training or, say, a special gift, to be able to manipulate it. Doing so allows one better access to the whole of themselves. I could probably go on and on about it. It has shaped my life since I became a Taoist."
He seemed to pause and think on it. Chuckling, he added, "You probably don't know what a Taoist is either, huh? Sorry."
Posted by Iris/Rayne on Aug 26, 2008 0:04:53 GMT -6
Mutant God
1,558
0
Nov 20, 2008 23:33:20 GMT -6
"Iris Belamount. What a lovely name. Sounds regal."
"Heh. Um, thank you." Regal? Maybe. She certainly felt like the Queen of the Klutzes at the moment.
"Hmm, How to explain it. Well, Chi energy is the energy that flows through one's body. It could be attributed to the blood of the spirit, if that makes any sense. Everyone has the same amount at first, but it takes either years of training or, say, a special gift, to be able to manipulate it."
When he mentioned a 'special gift', Iris winced. Going strictly by his explanation, she had way more chi than she wanted or needed. And she couldn't see how that was healthful or happy, either.
"Doing so allows one better access to the whole of themselves. I could probably go on and on about it. It has shaped my life since I became a Taoist." Garret paused. "You probably don't know what a Taoist is either, huh? Sorry."
She sheepishly shook her head. "Sorry, I don't know much about martial arts. I don't approve of violence." She frowned, then abruptly apologized. "Not that any of that sounded violent or anything." She blushed, hoping she hadn't offended him.
An off-handed thought popped into her head and she stroked Niv's neck.
"Um.... about this 'chi' energy. There wouldn't happen to be a way to, well.... get rid of it. Would there?" The instant the question left her lips she felt silly. She obviously had no clue what Garrett was talking about, and had only served to embarrass herself again with her naivety. She shook her head. "Never mind. That's a stupid question."
Garrett noticed while speaking to Iris that when he had said the words 'special gift', she had made a face. Perhaps she was yet another mutant. It wouldn't surprise him, really. It seemed that Tao guided them together, as if they were a fish who didn't know that they belonged to the same school but found themselves in each other's company anyway. He continued to listen to her and smile.
He wanted to clarify her ideas about Taoism. " Actually, Taoism is an ancient Chinese belief system. I myself have no knowledge of any martial arts, though I have considered the possibility. At least we both dislike violence. " He continued to smile, noticing her nervousness. It was similar to looking into the mirror.
"Um.... about this 'chi' energy. There wouldn't happen to be a way to, well.... get rid of it. Would there?"
She seemed to doubt herself the moment it had left her lips. He felt sympathy for her and genuinely wanted to help. " Please, Iris. Don't worry so much. Your ignorance of the subject is natural. It would be the same as if I were to ask about he ins and outs of riding a horse. I've never done it. As far as expelling Chi completely, only Death can do that. If you feel you have nervous energy or excess energy, I'm sure we can work it out."
Posted by Iris/Rayne on Aug 26, 2008 20:46:37 GMT -6
Mutant God
1,558
0
Nov 20, 2008 23:33:20 GMT -6
"Actually, Taoism is an ancient Chinese belief system. I myself have no knowledge of any martial arts, though I have considered the possibility. At least we both dislike violence."
Iris relaxed slightly. Lately she'd come to regard any strangers as either a potential threat or a potential casualty, if her mutation activated that is. Unfortunately, New York was full of strangers, thus the reason she was so jumpy. But so far Garrett hadn't done anything contrary to his claim. He didn't even seem pushy, but rather eager to explain his art.
Of course, they'd only been speaking for a minute or so.
" Please, Iris. Don't worry so much. Your ignorance of the subject is natural. It would be the same as if I were to ask about he ins and outs of riding a horse. I've never done it. As far as expelling Chi completely, only Death can do that."
Iris winced at that. As much as she hated her 'gift', she wasn't prepared to kill herself to get rid of it. Not even close.
"If you feel you have nervous energy or excess energy, I'm sure we can work it out."
And incredulous 'Hmm' left her throat, and one corner of her mouth turned down skeptically. "I doubt it. It would take more than a few breathing exercises to get rid of what I have. Um.... n-no offense," she added ruefully. "Thank you for the thought though."
She thought for a moment, then attempted a small bow. That was supposed to be a sign of respect, right?
It seemed to Garrett that the girl was deliberately holding something in. As if she knew there was something unsaid that she was deftly avoiding. He decided to clear the air. "Well, there's more to it than breathing exercises." He paused for a moment, chewing on his lower lip as he decided how to say it." This may sound crazy and if it isn't true, I apologize in advance. But..you wouldn't happen to be a mutant, would you? We tend to have that lost look like you seem to be wearing. Also, my Tao has been leading me to others like myself so it seemed natural that this meeting was another lesson for me to learn."
He waited for her response. Would it be relief as he had been right? Would it be outrage from a human who hated his kind? He would have to wait and see. He tried to remain calm and keep a pleasant look on his face. That way, should it be the latter outcome, he might get away unscathed.
Posted by Iris/Rayne on Aug 27, 2008 19:55:59 GMT -6
Mutant God
1,558
0
Nov 20, 2008 23:33:20 GMT -6
"Well, there's more to it than breathing exercises. This may sound crazy and if it isn't true, I apologize in advance. But..you wouldn't happen to be a mutant, would you?"
Unconsciously Iris moved closer to Niv's side, hiding slightly in her mane. She wasn't sure what to make of the suddenness of his question. She made a quick internal check to be sure her mutation hadn't activated without her realizing it.
No, she was normal, as much as possible anyway.
"We tend to have that lost look like you seem to be wearing. Also, my Tao has been leading me to others like myself so it seemed natural that this meeting was another lesson for me to learn."
'We'? His subtle claim to also be a mutant didn't encourage her much; she hadn't had too many pleasant experiences with her fellow kind.
There’s a newer resident here, named Garrett. His mutation causes pain to others, yet he seems to be dealing rather well.
Garrett....
Iris tilted her head, taking a closer look. He did look familiar. Maybe she'd seen him at the Mansion during one of her visits. And that teacher had mentioned someone by that name. Or it could just be a coincidence.
Either way, she wasn't doing either of them any good by just staring blankly at him. Slowly, she nodded in answer to his question.
Garrett was relieved that it had been the former case. He had the smallest moment of clarity in the stream of Tao before being rushed off again. While she did show assent, she seemed to draw back a bit, hiding behind the horse's mane. It was understandable. Unfortunately , in these turbulent times, many like them had to reveal their genetic status under whispers. Echoes of registration still reverberated, camps or not. He decided that since the cat was out of the bag, he would try to see if he couldn't clear things up a bit more.
" No, dear, it wasn't obvious in the sense of your appearance. It was obvious to me because my life has been gravitating me towards others like myself. When I saw you from the class, I just felt I should approach you. Anyway, as far as the tension inside of you, my particular mutation involves manipulation of nervous systems. Perhaps I could calm your nerves. Literally."
Posted by Iris/Rayne on Aug 28, 2008 0:11:15 GMT -6
Mutant God
1,558
0
Nov 20, 2008 23:33:20 GMT -6
"No, dear, it wasn't obvious in the sense of your appearance."
Well, that was a relief. She relaxed again.
"It was obvious to me because my life has been gravitating me towards others like myself. When I saw you from the class, I just felt I should approach you. Anyway, as far as the tension inside of you, my particular mutation involves manipulation of nervous systems. Perhaps I could calm your nerves. Literally."
That description fit with what the teacher had told her, if this was the same Garrett. Pain had to do with nerves. But Neena hadn't mentioned anything about dulling pain. Or nerves.
"Ah.... well...." She began scratching at her shoulder, a nervous habit developed long before coming to New York. "I don't know if there's much you could do, really." She sighed.
You’ve got to relieve that pressure, before you explode. No pressure, no explosion, no problem.
Iris bit the side of her lip.
Before coming to New York, Iris had prided herself on being independent, even self-sufficient. She ran her own business, after all, and quite successfully. But from the moment she'd entered Xavier's gates, she'd had to confront personal demons one after the other. As of that moment, it was a losing battle.
Maybe Neena was right. Maybe she couldn't handle the pressure on her own. All right, she could admit that. Working solo was always harder than working with someone else.
But that's where the real problem lay. She no longer trusted anyone.
No, scratch that. She no longer trusted herself. Trusting others and accepting help meant being vulnerable. Not just being vulnerable. Allowing herself to be vulnerable. She'd been 'bitten' so many times, she flinched when a smile showed teeth.
Nivilas huffed and twisted her head, looking for more apples. Iris stroked her neck.
"I don't know what you can do," she repeated quietly, then took a deep breath. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt to try. At this point, I don't think things could get worse...."
Inwardly, she cringed. That was a statement you never wanted to say aloud.
Iris seemed to be a real enigma. She at once seemed to want to purge the anxiety and nervous energy from herself while simultaneously doing all she could to fight off the process. Stubborn. It would be a challenge, for sure. He wondered how he could manage to help her." Well, you have to want to be free of it, first. Perhaps your worries and anxiety have been a kind of security for you, keeping you in check. To release it may be liberating yet also frightening as it would require a new perspective."
Whatever was going to occur between them, the horse had to go. Animals could easily take neural manipulation as a threat and neither of them needed a hoof flying in their direction. " First things, first, though. You should probably return your horse there. We might need some time to meditate and the horse would be a distraction. I can wait for you here in the meantime."