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.
Roland graciously accepted the compliment concerning his skills. It was nice to hear it. It had taken years of practice and risk to refine himself. He could see many more years of refinement ahead concerning his lack of nuances with females as she easily dealt with every pass he sent her way. "You don't need to keep trying to reassure me, Roland. If I ever view you as a threat again, you'll know it."He completely believed her and respected her answer and yet was intrigued and delighted to hear that he was no longer one in her mind."I'm sorry if I come across as harsh, Roland," she said as they headed back inside. "I pride myself on my observational skills, but you've made it quite clear that I've grown trusting over the years. I'm not sure whether that's a good or a bad thing. Its a bit frustrating on my part."
Roland split from her and closed the terrace doors securely, keeping the heat inside, where it belonged. He watched as she slid into the love seat next to the fire. "Your observational skills are superb. I have never had to ensure that I was on my toes as often. That in itself is a reason to like you. Trust is something earned, as is respect. Of course I don't completely trust you, nor do I expect you to fully trust me. I admit I am glad to see the possibilities becoming realized, though."
He walked off into the kitchen for a moment, returning with some 1985 California Chablis and some bread with cheese baked into it. On the side were sun dried tomatoes and olive oil. He brought the small platter to the love seat and looked around a moment. He spotted a metallic table with a glass top near the door and had it appear in front of the seat, along with two wine glasses. He sat close to her and poured them both a half glass, while listening to her continue."Yet, at the same time, I can't force myself not to be intrigued. Which is also a bit exasperating. Its a side effect of my mutation, unfortunately. Along with other things."
He sniffed the wine in his glass and savored the sip of it before returning it to the table. " Do tell me about these side effects. I don't mean to tax you with intrigue, though I am simultaneously proud to do so in a way." He slid his shoes off and turned to face her, ready to listen until the sun rose.
"Your observational skills are superb. I have never had to ensure that I was on my toes as often. That in itself is a reason to like you. Trust is something earned, as is respect. Of course I don't completely trust you, nor do I expect you to fully trust me."
Oddly enough, hearing Roland say that made Neena feel better. At least they partially understood each other.
"I admit I am glad to see the possibilities becoming realized, though."
While he disappeared, she leaned back and rested her head on the pillows. She wasn't as tired as she had been; she was beginning to wake up, actually. And the warmth of the fire worked to reduce the pounding in her head. Not moving much always helped as well. Plus this was her time of day. Or night rather. The time when she felt most at ease, and most aware of her surroundings.
She remained still when he returned, though had she been a cat her ear would have flicked at the movement. She did crack one eye open, and saw the food and drink. While she readily reached for the little crudites to help speed the vicadin's pain-numbing effect, she shook her head at the wine, tapping her temple. Alcohol and perscription medications were not a good mix, especially when you'd grown used to relying on your senses to survive. She moved over a bit for him to sit down, wincing as she did.
"Do tell me about these side effects. I don't mean to tax you with intrigue, though I am simultaneously proud to do so in a way."
"Heh. I'm sure you are." She sighed and leaned back again. "And I told you before, I grow bored much too easily. No adrenaline. No thrills, no surprises, very little excitement, etcetera, etcetera. Staring down the barrel of a gun has as much impact as staring down a kitten. Tonight's little jaunt was the closest thing to a rush I've had in a very long time."
She stared at the ceiling, and her voice took on a thoughtful, slightly faraway tone. "It's not that I walk around with a deathwish. Too many interesting things to be uncovered and experienced in the world for that. But.... its hard not to put yourself in harm's way, when you don't fear the harm to come."
A flash of a memory, very faint, of a long-gone smiling face passed over her eyes, followed by a flash of white teeth. She could all but hear the snap! ringing in her ears.....
She closed then opened her eyes once more, wiping away the image.
"Life tends to become dull after a time, with nothing to stimulate it."
Idly she noticed a crack in the vaulted ceiling above. Those pills worked fast; zooming in on the anomaly didn't intensify the pounding in her skull. Her optic nerves must be finally settling. Good to know.
Roland had a sip of his wine and felt ridiculous for offering her some right after giving her pain medication. He exchanged the wine glass for the water glass she had before and placed it in front of her, pouring her amount of wine into his own glass. He listened to her speak of her lack of thrills due to her mutations. It had to be terribly boring. She would never admit to it, more than likely, but running around wiping noses and bottoms of whiny pubescent teens surely would become a droll activity, even considering their various mutations.
He watched her drift off into thought and stare up at the ceiling, exposing the line of her neck, even more appealing in the firelight."It's not that I walk around with a deathwish. Too many interesting things to be uncovered and experienced in the world for that. But.... its hard not to put yourself in harm's way, when you don't fear the harm to come. Life tends to become dull after a time, with nothing to stimulate it." A more suitable reason could not have presented itself." Perhaps you simply need more stimulation, then." He leaned in and placed war, wet kisses against the line of her neck, slowly ascending until he reached the lobe of her ear, his tongue barely tapping it before he withdrew.
He slid back into his spot, while leaving his hand on her shoulder, the flesh of his fingers against her skin. Not much to do now but wait to see if she truly wished to uncover things and seek further stimulation.
"Hmm," was the noncommittal reply. Neena continued to stare at the ceiling. Part of her mind considered the undertone implied by Roland's statement and voice, the recent talk of intentions still quite fresh in mind. Maybe she was simply reading too much into things....
He moved, leaning toward her, and she felt a soft, warm touch on her throat.
Well, no arguing with the intentions of those actions. Not unless he was a vampire. No sharp pains or lightheadedness ensued as the motions continued upwards, so highly doubtful in that area. Nothing but warmth, really.....
She didn't move as the caresses continued, finally halt at her ear. His breathing had heightened, she noted, and his touch warmed her shoulder.
"I don't know if I'm capable of that kind of stimulation any more," she murmured quietly, still staring ceiling-ward.
Anything was possible, she supposed. But did she want to be?
While Nehanda didn't move toward him in response to his touch, Roland also noticed she didn't move away. Also he could see her chest rising in a slightly more rapid succession. He would know as it seemed to come into his view more often than not."I don't know if I'm capable of that kind of stimulation any more." Roland scooted in closer, careful not to bump into her wounded leg. He cupped her chin in his hand and turned her face gently toward his.
" How will you know unless you give it a proper try?" He smiled and leaned into her, his lips caressing her own as his mouth opened with hers and further exploration ensued. While Nehanda was lacking in adrenaline, that wasn't the chemical that Roland relied on at this time. There were many other biological chemicals and processes that were occurring quite naturally and smoothly, whether she wanted to admit to it or not. He broke the kiss, the taste of her lips still warm on his lips.
"Considering your wounds, I don't believe that this love seat is going to work for us any longer. Perhaps the king bed in my master suite would do better?" He gently slid his hands beneath her and lifted her, carrying her across the room and up the stairs. " Besides, I think we'll be plenty warm enough without the fire." He kissed her once more as they ascended the staircase.
Neena blinked as Roland pulled her eyes away from the vaulted roof.
"How will you know unless you give it a proper try?"
She didn't pull away as the gap between them closed, that logical part of her mind still analyzing the progressing proceedings. No jitters passed through her body, no 'sparks' of emotion or anything of that nature.
She could taste the sweet wine on his lips, though. And there was a delightful warmth beginning to carve its way through her nether regions, one that could hardly be attributed to the fire raging nearby.
She winced slightly as he pulled away, the bandaging on her arm tugging uncomfortably.
"Considering your wounds, I don't believe that this love seat is going to work for us any longer. Perhaps the king bed in my master suite would do better?"
The logical part of her seriously considered resisting as his arms slid beneath and lifted her. Logic reminded her that, hours earlier, she'd been fighting with this man, and heard him execute someone to remained anonymous. Her Team likely would not approve, nor would the rest of her Mansion family. Logic reminded her that he was a thief and a murderer, arrogant and willful, and much too brash to be risking herself with. They'd reached an agreement, and Logic stated that she should gather her things, limp her way home, and let the DocProf fuss at her while he healed her wounds.
Their path angled upward, toward the second floor. She watched the door to the room she'd awakened in come into view. And pass out of view.
"Besides, I think we'll be plenty warm enough without the fire."
Hmm. Logic be damned.
"The warmer, the better." The suite doors closed on the muffled, and uncharacteristically throaty, reply.
The morning sun shone through the open window, the fresh air caressing Roland's body in bed. As nice as these things were, it was the shadow over his eyes that woke him. It was Nehanda, wearing the robe he had carried her up in the night before. She was perched on the edge of the window of the bedroom, looking out into the grounds. He could still smell her on him. She had proven her talents to be far more than sneaking and observing. He truly felt the intimacy. It wasn't just a fling with a girl. It was something much more substantial.
He rose from the bed and walked up to her, already knowing she would be aware of his presence. He stood behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. " Good morning, dear." He leaned in and placed a kiss against her neck, lingering for a moment to inhale her scent. He stood again and joined her in the gazing. As good as the night was, they both knew that there would be a morning after. He knew that she might not return. He hoped that wasn't the case.
" So, I suppose I should ask you something that you asked me last night. What now? The ball is still in your court, but now it is our game to play."
A number of thoughts floated about in Neena's head, like fluffy dandelion seeds on a breezy day. Perched in the open window sill, she lazily watched them pass, with little effort to catch any of them. A couple of them did drift close enough for brief examination.
She still felt warm, despite the slightly cool morning breeze wafting through the window. Warm, and serene. It was good to realize that she could still respond to someone's touch, and that there was someone she wanted to be intimate with. A satisfying, and revitalizing, revelation to be sure.
Guilt still weighed heavily on her, though there was little to be done about it now. She would have to find out what had happened after leaving the manor; that would determine a future course of action. It was what she had expected from one of her students in a similar situation, and she wouldn't allow herself to do anything less.
She sensed, more than heard, Roland stir and approach from behind.
" Good morning, dear."
She was pleased to feel the fire inside stir again when his lips touched her neck. Maybe living without adrenaline needn't be so dull, after all.
"Morning," she replied softly, leaning into the caress. The pair of them stared out into the sunrise quietly for a moment.
" So, I suppose I should ask you something that you asked me last night. What now? The ball is still in your court, but now it is our game to play."
Neena chuckled, and shot him a sideways glance.
"That promises to be a dangerous game."
She pulled herself out of the window, flinching as she moved. The nights exertions had reopened the wounds on her arm and thigh. She made her way to the bathroom, limping a bit, to find replacement bandaging.
"Though, in the future, I'd rather take a rain check on the matches that include firefights."
Roland was more than pleased as she leaned into his caress and kiss. He let all worries or suspicions go right out the window as they looked out together. Speaking of their game, she labeled it dangerous. Which it was, for many reasons. But the prize of her affection and genuine smile and caress was well worth it to Roland. Pulling herself from the window, she winced in pain yet again, as the wounds had been reopened with all of the vigorous activity of the night before.
"Though, in the future, I'd rather take a rain check on the matches that include firefights." Roland went into a closet and pulled a military quality first aid kit from the closet, large and well equipped enough to fit inside a large hinged tackle box used for fishing. Seeing her standing at the mirror, he made the box appear next to her on the counter." There's the kit I used last night while you slept. You need any help with those wounds?"
He walked into the master bath behind her and turned the large garden tub on, sitting on the edge and filling it. " Perhaps you could allow yourself to be pampered. Just a little tiny bit. I won't tell anyone. Besides, you should clean these wounds properly and you shouldn't return to the Mansion with the "I got it on last night" hair, right?" He had his hand under the tap, getting the temperature soothing and hot.
Neena looked down in time to see the large first aid kit to appear out of thin air. Lifting the lid, she found many more supplies than the average person would need.
" There's the kit I used last night while you slept."
"I see you're used to doing this," she remarked, and began rummagaing through the items.
"You need any help with those wounds?"
"That would be lovely." She twisted to check her arm. Both bullets had gone through one side and out the other, leaving two small holes behind in each injury. The one on her arm especially was in an awkward position, so she started with her leg, propping her foot up to start unwinding the bandage.
Roland entered behind her, his entrance followed closely by the sound of running water. She glanced up to see him sitting on the edge of the tub.
" Perhaps you could allow yourself to be pampered. Just a little tiny bit. I won't tell anyone."
She shot him an amused glance. She wouldn't argue with a simple bath. That didn't count as pampering in her mind. Even if the basin was much larger than necessary.
"Besides, you should clean these wounds properly and you shouldn't return to the Mansion with the "I got it on last night" hair, right?"
She straightened up, then leaned backwards to actually look in the mirror. Her black hair was sticking up in all directions, as if she'd stuck her finger in an electrical socket, except for a flattened spot above her ear.. She grimaced.
"I guess that does need some attention, doesn't it?"
With both bandages off, she set the robe aside and padded quietly over to the tub. Since they'd explored each other quite thoroughly already, she saw no reason to be concerned about further exposure. She sat next to him, and slipped her feet and legs in. She hissed sharply as the hot water stung.
"I'll never get used to that...." she grumbled. Then she sighed.
"The only one at the Mansion who would notice anything amiss would be the DocProf. And I think I'll avoid him for a week or so."
Indeed, of the few at the Mansion that actually knew what she did on her 'Nights Out', the healer was the only one that really worried. And that was because, unlike the others, he could see how each of the injuries happened as he healed them, almost as if he'd experience them himself. Neena decided she'd rather keep the nights activities to herself this time.
"I see you're used to doing this." At first, Roland wondered if she meant sleeping with women that he had met through strange and dangerous circumstances. Fortunately, she began rummaging through the medical kit, saving him from putting his dirty foot in his mouth. " Have to be prepared for everything, I suppose. Or do my best. Of course, I can't say I was prepared to fall for you, but am glad it seems to be working out."
He watched her intently as the robe slid off. As familiar as he had become with her body in the last 24 hours, he still couldn't take his eyes off of such a work of art. At least with their new bond, he wouldn't be judged for devouring her yet again, only this time with his eyes. She sat next to him, facing the opposite direction, her legs sliding into the water. She hissed and commented over the water's heat, but Roland knew it would be best for her wounds.
"The only one at the Mansion who would notice anything amiss would be the DocProf. And I think I'll avoid him for a week or so." Roland stood and righted his direction so he sat next to her. The water was a little hot, but it was fine. He put his arm around her back."Who or what is the DocProf? Sounds more like a medical robot than a man. Mind if I join you?" He already knew the answer, so he stood in the tub, supporting her so she didn't slip and hurt herself, lowering her into one side of the tub and then sliding in himself, his legs on the outside of hers against the walls of the basin.
" Have to be prepared for everything, I suppose. Or do my best. Of course, I can't say I was prepared to fall for you, but am glad it seems to be working out."
Neena paused, and glanced over at Roland, holding his eyes for a brief moment before looking away again.
"That makes two of us." Her rational mind still fought with her less rational body over the wisdom of letting this relationship unfold. What would have caused unease and concern in the normal person, manifested in her as confusion and curiosity.
"Who or what is the DocProf? Sounds more like a medical robot than a man."
A short laugh left Neena's throat, bringing her out of her thoughts. "I suppose he could be. He hardly ever sleeps, that I know of." Kind of like her, actually. "He's our medic. His mutation allows very fast healing of injuries. Kind of a necessity for us. He, eh, can see the cause of the injury as he's healing it." She figured that would suffices as an explanation of why she'd rather keep out of his way for awhile.
"Mind if I join you?"
A completely out-of-character, mischievous smirk flashed onto her face before she could hide it.
"Do you have any idea how smug you just sounded?" she accused as he slid into the water her. She leaned her head on her uninjured arm and stared at him. "I still don't know how I'm going to explain you to Tricity and the others. I think I may have mentioned Jordon Hornbuckle once already....."
"That makes two of us." Sweeter sounds could not have come from a chorus of angels. Validation in his feelings as well as his mind was something Roland always craved. he had just kept himself so busy with work and pursuits of perfection that he rarely gave much thought to emotional things. Emotions made you miss when you fired on a target, made you slip on a 6 inch ledge. he had always believed emotions only made for weaknesses. Whatever they were, he had them too and would not allow his profession to muddle the chance at happiness with her.
Listening to her explanation of this 'DocProf', Roland saw yet another reason why the mutants at the school could prove a formidable enemy. Shooting them would not only result in a quick fix, but a flash of the face that shot them. The idea of warming up to them all seemed clear to him. While he needed to keep a clear division in business and pleasure, he also needed to become well acquainted with the students and faculty. Especially with their proximity to his present location. It was quite the conundrum.
The look on her face was classic as he entered the water."Do you have any idea how smug you just sounded?" Roland smirked back in an equal manner. " Hard not to be confident when I have you, Nehanda. I have been accused of worse things." He rubbed her legs with his own, careful to steer clear of her thigh wound.
"I still don't know how I'm going to explain you to Tricity and the others. I think I may have mentioned Jordon Hornbuckle once already....." Roland mulled over his answer to the heart of the matter. He decided thinking out loud would be best. No more secrets. If things really got too hot for him, he could disappear again. Or could he? Those milky orbs of ivory made even the thought seem less than attractive.
" Looking at you, I'll tell you that it is important to me that we keep things as simple as possible. There's a fine chance that in dealing with people, more of your students might end up meeting me under false pretenses. Therefore, we should think of a way to explain the aliases, so we don't have to stack lies upon lies. Perhaps calling me an agent of some sort would be best. Say I am a foreign spy or something similar. What do you think?"
Roland looked down at the water, seeing the reflection of the face that was no longer his. His eyes were still the same, though. They told him he did have a conscience and if he was going to keep Nehanda close, he'd have to show her he meant it when he talked of trust. He looked up at her, the weight of the words about to escape his lips evident. " Also, I believe it's apparent that I am not going to kill you nor are you going to turn me in. There are secrets and then there are secrets. I can't aim to build something here between us without a sign of good faith." He moved in closer, taking her hands in his under the surface of the soothing waters, his eyes locked on hers. " It's Pruitt. Roland Pruitt."
" Hard not to be confident when I have you, Nehanda. I have been accused of worse things."
She shook her head at him. Smug and arrogant. And annoyingly addicting.....
" Looking at you, I'll tell you that it is important to me that we keep things as simple as possible. There's a fine chance that in dealing with people, more of your students might end up meeting me under false pretenses. Therefore, we should think of a way to explain the aliases, so we don't have to stack lies upon lies. Perhaps calling me an agent of some sort would be best. Say I am a foreign spy or something similar. What do you think?"
Neena quirked at eyebrow a him. "Erm.... okay. We could try that." There was no way the kids were going to buy such an excuse, let alone her coworkers. Though, come to think of it, given her track record of 'entertainment', they just might. "I can tell you for sure though, no matter what we tell them, rumors will blow it way of proportion. Expect to be accused of being a serial killer, or something of the like. Just warning you."
His mood seemed to suddenly change as he looked down. She cocked her head curiously. When he look back up, she held his gaze steadily.
" Also, I believe it's apparent that I am not going to kill you nor are you going to turn me in."
No. She wasn't. She wasn't quite sure when she'd come to that decision. But it was made, nonetheless.
"There are secrets and then there are secrets. I can't aim to build something here between us without a sign of good faith."
His hands felt smooth under the hot water, his grip as determined as his eyes.
" It's Pruitt. Roland Pruitt."
Well.... so much for simple things. Things from here on out were probably just going to get more and more complicated, and complex. At times like these, the truly simple thing was to go with the flow.
The water sloshed and gurgled around as she used his grip to pull herself closer to him.
"It's a pleasure to know you, Roland Pruitt." An easy smile played on her lips. "You know, you're one of the few people I let call me Nehanda." She let go of one of his hands, and pointed a dripping finger at him in mock warning. "But don't let it give you any ideas, Mr. Pruitt."