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 Pharoah Dynasty
An ancient sorceress is on a quest to bring her long-lost warrior-king to the modern era in a bid for global domination. Can the heroes of the modern world stop her before all is lost?
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.
Javier felt his pulse pick up and his stomach drop. How did he end up in a situation like this? His first reaction, as always, was to look around for the people in charge.
"They do have security here, right?..."
The commotion was circling out, down the hallway, as some people moved forward to watch the 'awesome' show, while others were busy trying to get out of the way. Some vendors tried to save their merchandise, while others protested loudly and called for security. Some people had their phones out and they were either taking videos, or making calls. Javier instinctively stepped closer to Booker.
"I'm the hero you deserve!"
There was green smoke now, and weapons being thrown. Javier watched in stunned silence as Above Average Man's eyes lit up.
>>”GET DOWN!!!”
Booker grabbed him, and yanked him out of the way. The laser beams bore into the floor. Flying Fox dodged, kicking the table over; the next moment, the table was cut clear in half by the beams, and caught on fire.
"We need to get out of here" Javier gasped as they watched. People were beginning to run now, although several were still watching and even cheering. Security appeared, running towards the scene, although there was definitely hesitation in their movements.
"Stop that right now! Stand down!"
"Stay out of this!" Flying Fox yelled back at them. There was a mechanical sound from his armor as he gave a kick at the half-table behind him, knocking it across the hallway at the security people. And some bystanders.
Javier shifted without thinking about it. That was the way it always worked. The only way it worked, actually, since overthinking was bad... as the piece of furniture flew at them, he stepped forward, bracing for impact. It was just a table. Half a table. He could easily handle th...
The table hit, and Javier went flying back, knocked into Booker behind him.
Jack changed her pants back, but she walked out of the cubicle with the shirt still on her arm. She was many things, but she was not bashful - not around Javier, anyway. Javier took some secret pride in that. In her unique, different way, she really was quite the sight to behold, shape, colors, and all.
>>"I'd has to turn into a nudist, iss I didn't has you,"
"I'm sure some would appreciate that" Javier smirked, looking at the shirt. It was his not-so-subtle way of paying a compliment; a butt naked mantis shrimp mutant was bound to raise some eyebrows, and possibly trouble, in any public setting. And yet, Javier was sure that he was not the only one that thought Jack was... something else. "You know, at some point, you'll just have to settle for having these done from scratch..."
Even with the awkward tension between them, deep down Javier was kind of living the dream. He already had many questions about how the costume was supposed to function, and what she needed exactly. It was a challenge, and he only got one shot at getting it right.
>> "If fire gets close enough to catch my clothes, I'm dead. There's no point in making special allowances for that."
Javier blinked. Was she... afraid of fire? Was it a mutation thing, or just...? He did not venture to ask. She got ready for measuring, and he got out his note pad and pencil.
>>"Maybe... something that my son won't be embarrassed to see me in?"
"Got it." Javier chuckled. Skimpy, comic book action heroine costumes were out of the question. Not that he thought she would have gone for that anyway.
>>"I thought you might have to take measurements for the pants anyway..."
"Yeah." Javier nodded, getting to work. Measuring was easy, and he had done it a million times; he could do it with minimal contact, and even though it meant being close to a stranger, it also put him more at ease. "So... you are on active duty, then?" he ventured "I mean, how often... do you have to suit up? Or do you just carry it around, in case?"
Maybe it was easier to come out to a random stranger. Especially in a mutant/gay friendly place. Javier was nut surprised at the sentiment; even though he was the type to care about what anyone and everyone thought of him, he tended to fuss more about the opinions of people important to him. Therefore, coming out to a stranger made a certain sense to him. Kind of.
The girl giggled a little at his expression.
>>”I’m a telepath, by the way. In case you might have been curious.”
Javier's eyes widened, and then darted to the side. He had never met a telepath before. Holy hell, he did not even want to imagine what kind of a mess his mind looked like from the outside... but it was too late now. To keep himself from overthinking, Javier drank deeply from his drink. "Oh."
What was he supposed to say? Whatever first thought someone could have, she had probably heard it all. As well as she could probably follow his own internal freakout play by play right now. Javier tried to calm his own thoughts unsuccessfully, and then gave up with a sigh. "I'm sorry, I haven't... met one of you before."
This was probably a thing people had to learn.
"Um... super strength" he offered finally, thinking it was only fair to offer his own mutation in exchange "... occasionally."
Javier was not adept at going to cons enough to know if these scenes played out often, or what the spectators were supposed to do as they stood by. He tried to be a polite audience, following Booker's more experienced lead.
>>”I mean...yeah. They are supposed to be symbolic of two sides of the same coin. So they tend to clash a lot. These cosplayers, though... Sometimes they really know how to capture their characters.”
Apparently the movie had been bad. Javier vaguely wondered if these two had been among those who wanted to rewrite it, or the minority that actually though it was awesome, and therefore wanted to make a show of their favorite thing (like so many others at any convention). The two of them came together in the middle of the hallway, and the first punch was thrown... some people even clapped for the choreography. But then... then Above Average Man made the whole hallway rattle. Javier's eyes widened as he saw people stumble and gasp, even though the shockwave did not seem to reach him and Booker.
>>”Whoa! Holy ****...”
"Okay, that's not..." Javier suddenly felt way out of his element "That was... not a special effect. Was it?"
Maybe it was. He hoped it was.
Flying Fox danced back, throwing back his cape to reveal some more of his reinforced armor. At the next hit, he vaulted over a vendor's table, and kicked it towards his opponent, merchandise flying everywhere.
"Hey, man! What the f***!" the vendor yelled, scampering out of the way.
The man dressed as Flying Fox turned to look at the other man yelling after him. More people in the area looked up from whatever they were doing with mixed surprise and anticipation. The random yell would not have been anything out of the ordinary, given how many times fans yelled after their favorites... but the way those two looked at each other across the hallway, it demanded some more attention. And not in a friendly way.
>>”Acquaintences, really. Ole’ Above Aveg, tends to think the best of people while Flying Fox is always suspicious. That’s why a lot of people were upset with that movie that came out last year, that ‘Flying Fox v Above Average Man’? Fans did not like that characterization.”
"Yeah, I heard it wasn't good." Javier nodded. He wasn't very much invested in the modern B.C. universe (or any universes, really, including the one that just recently opened up in New York), but even he stumbled across reviews and opinions on the Internet, and most of those concerning FFvAAM were... not good.
>>”Oh! I wonder if they’re going to act out a skit? That happens at cons a lot.”
Booker was distracted from the booth, and so was Javier. The two cosplayers moved towards each other in a standoff, glaring on both sides.
"You brought ruin to this city!" yelled Flying Fox in a raspy voice "Somebody has to stop you!"
"Um... do they usually... fight?" Javier ventured, looking between the two.
Honestly, B.C. had the strangest superheroes. Sure, superheroes (and -villains) were pretty out there to begin with, concerning style and general iconography, but that company somehow managed to take the most ridiculous ideas an extra mile every single time. Javier commented on it as they joined the line for sleep masks and other goodies.
>>”Yeah but in the 1930’s, a bat was a bat. You’d be surprised how many were classified as vampire bats when there are tons of different varieties. The artists saw how big flying foxes are, biggest in the Chiroptera family, and decided they would model their vigilante after it. Ironic because, as you say, total fruit lover.”
Of course Booker would know that. He was a librarian. Javier was amused by the way Booker would drop random information like that, about bats, and superheroes, and whatever else came up in a conversation. He ha a very well rounded education - or rather, he read a lot on a lot of subjects - and a very good memory. Once again, Javier had to admit that he liked spending time with someone who always had something interesting to say (and was comfortable talking for the two of them).
>>”That’s actually why they retconned that fruit stand worker into the villain known as the Producer for Flying Fox to square off against in the 40’s. It’s all connected, I guess.”
"B.C. and its villains, huh" Javier chuckled, watching the cosplayer go by. Another well one costume, and a lot of dedication. Honestly, it was fascinating how stories featuring these objectively ridiculous characters could connect with so many people.
"FLYING FOX!"
Javier jumped a little at the loud shout, turning to see the source. He felt stupid right the next moment; they were at a con, of course people were going to shout heroes' names! Huffing, Javier spotted the figure of another classic, Above Average Man in the crowd. His eyebrows ran up. "Aren't they supposed to be friends?..."
Javier could feel his cheeks heat up, which was extra embarrassing since they were both wearing superhero costumes (sort of), and they were surrounded by a whole lot of people, many of whom were already fangirling over Booker USA. But still, it was nice to hear that. With some luck, this was going to be a fun, low stress day at the convention.
Soon, Booker located his first prey.
>>”Come on! Sleep masks! Let’s get in line and see what else we can get!”
Javier chuckled and followed Booker to stand in line. Flying Fox was a classic; he was not surprised they had so much swag for his brand.
"And there goes the man himself" Javier chuckled, nudging Booker as a man in a Flying Fox costume appeared in the crowd. It was a pretty well done costume too, with the signature ears and the snout. Javier would not have been surprised if the guy turned out to be a professional. "Never quite understood the flying fox thing though. Don't they eat fruit?..."
Due to both of them being earlier than intended, they managed to arrive early enough - as far as Javier could tell, way before the large crowds came in. Sure, there were enough people in the hallways to give the con its magical, costume-filled atmosphere, but it wasn't overwhelming yet, and the booths and tables were easy to get near. Javier looked around curiously as they walked, his attention divided between cosplays and vendors.
>> ”Swag is just the promotional things that vendors give out to get you to watch their shows, read their books, etc. So bookmarks, pens, collectibles, that kind of stuff. Last con I went to I got this amazing soundtrack for a movie that was coming out later in the year. It was a great sneak peek. Still listen to it on my MyPod from time to time.”
Javier had a general idea of what Booker meant by swag, but he was not sure what kinds of things one might encounter at a convention. They seemed to be things that fans would be excited about, and hold valuable, so that they would return, and share their experiences with others. Javier's eyes scanned all the colorful things on tables, and the signs put up everywhere. This place was really a treasure trove for people who were passionate about geek things. He wondered which ones Booker was interested in.
>>”Oh I’m on the look-out for a lot of things. Mainly I just come to have a good time and see all the costumes, and, of course, make others smile... The panels are pretty good too. Sometimes you get some behind-the-scenes video, or a glimpse of some movie coming up later in the year. They’re pretty good about ensuring that people who make the trek to come to these things are the only ones who get to see it first.”
Javier nodded. He liked movies. They were a fun thing to do with other people without being in a crowd, and a topic that was fun to discuss in awkward social situations. Javier definitely had his favorites, and even though he did not think of himself as a geek, he spotted some of their merchandise in the vicinity.
>>”You? What made you finally say yes? My sparkling personality?”
Javier blinked, caught in a headlight with the sudden question.
"Yes." okay, that sounded embarrassing. He blinked again "I mean, yes... the way you talked about this, it sounded fun." okay, that sounded pathetic. Javier sighed "I like to experience things with people who are really passionate about that thing. That... makes it fun, if I'm with someone who likes what they are doing, and I learn a lot from listening. So I thought, if I am going to a con... I'd like to go with you." he looked away, suddenly feeling shy "Also... I kinda wanted to see the costumes."
For a split second Javier had that sinking feeling kids tended to have when their parent left them in the grocery store line to run and grab something. What if Booker got lost in the crowd? How would he even find him?... But then there he was, and Javier quickly explained what had kept him at the door. There was no harm done, but as his very first experience walking into the con, he wanted to share it anyway.
>>”Oh yeah. I figured you would be okay. I mean, even if you went nuts, there’s only so many people you can prick before security tackles you to the ground. Besides, they probably only used it as an excuse to check you out... I mean the costume...of course.”
Javier blinked. Going nuts and pricking people... not that he ever planned on going on a rampage, but if he did, it would not make use of the needles, really. Then again, he still owed Booker a confession about his powers - something that he had been putting off all this time. Not that he thought Booker would mind. He was a pretty open-minded guy. It was just... Javier really did not use his powers, and he had learned a long time ago that they were not very reliable anyway. He just... did not want to go into all that, just to sound more disappointing than his anxiety already made him.
As for the other comment... he quickly pulled the map out as a distraction.
>>”Actually that’s more useful than me! They change these things around all the time, vendors vie for certain spots every year and the panels change up all the time. But this will definitely give us a good idea of where to start!... Well it’s early enough that not a lot of the big things are happening. So you wanna just wander? Get you into the feel of it? Maybe pick up some sweet, sweet swag?”
"That... sounds good to me" Javier ventured. The vendors' hallway sounded promising, and a lot to look at. Besides, as they strolled, most of his attention was drawn by the various costumes anyway. "You'll have to tell me what counts as good swag, though. I'm a little behind on the references." he chuckled. They were finally moving, and he could see some people's faces light up as they saw Booker in his costume. Checking out or not, he definitely drew more attention. "So... what are you looking for?" Javier ventured after a while "I mean, everyone seems to have characters, and costumes, and... things they are excited about..."
To tell the truth, Javier was a little nervous. Not that he worried about the crowd, or the costumes, or feeling out of place; but rather, he worried what would happen if it turned out that the con really wasn't his thing. Not that he was a couple with Booker or anything... he was not required to like the things the librarian liked. But with that said, Booker's sheer enthusiasm made Javier wish that he could really like them too.
>>”Hah! I hope I didn’t overhype it too much. If anything, you’ll certainly have a story or two to tell.”
Javier smiled and nodded, following his friend to the gates. Booker got through first, and then Javier's badge was checked. The man working the gate asked him to step aside, which gave Javier the familiar adrenaline jump, thinking something was wrong. He hated that feeling. Luckily, a few minutes later he was through the gates, and looking around to find Booker.
>>“LIEUTENANT U.S.A.!!!”
Javier smiled as he saw Booker posing for pictures. He was really in his element, and judging from people's reactions, he was really appreciated for his dedication to the costume. Javier waited, making sure he did not photobomb any pictures, before he joined him.
>>”How you doing, buddy? All good?”
"All good" Javier nodded, adjusting his belt "They wanted to see if I had anything dangerous... I told them I only have dull scissors, and they decided needles are not a threat. Apparently many people pin their costumes... I think they just liked the idea." he chuckled. Once the people at the door realized what his intention was with the costume, they seemed very amused.
"So... there is a map" Javier noted, holding up the leaflet they gave him "But I guess you already know your way around all these... halls, and levels, and hallways... Where to?"
Booker was very appreciative of the costume. With every smile and compliment, Javier relaxed a little more, smiling proudly at the end as Booker broke through the line between "politely complimenting" and "sounding convincingly genuine, even to someone with anxiety." The tailor smiled, looking down at his costume. He was glad that he had not made some unforseen geek faux pas. Now he just had to hope the rest of the thousands of geeks inside the convention center were similarly okay with the idea.
>>”Yup! Just put this on and we’re away! Make sure the barcode is showing, okay? They’ll scan us in and be prepared. You’ll see a lot for your first time.”
Javier slipped the lanyard over his head, making sure the pass was showing properly. He could see other people wearing the same kind of tags on visible places. He felt like one of the crowd, even though he did not know much of the crowd yet.
>>”But, if you need a break or to find someplace less crowded, let me know. I know the ins and outs of these things. There are pockets were you can gather yourself. I promise.”
It was very considerate of Booker to remember that Javier was not a fan of crowds. He had not really explained in detail what his GAD entailed, but the librarian possessed enough empathy to pick up on cues in their conversations, and Javier knew he could trust him to help if things got out of hand. He took a deep breath, and nodded. With Lieutenant USA at his side, he would be just fine.
"Alright, let's go. Show me what all the hype is about."
>>"Don't need a wing-nan is I'n not on duh lookout like dat. Nay'e we'll see sun-one sore you, doh."
"Alright, touché!" Javier chuckled, holding up his hands. He never really went out with the aim of picking someone up at a club; that was usually just a recipe for disaster. But Jack made a good point; no one should be pressured into hitting on people.
>>"Shirt now?"
"Yeah, let's look at the shirt" Javier agreed, getting to work on the usual alterations. "Well, you are going to look dashing anyway."
Javier was wondering if he would need to factor the woman's powers into his fabric choices. He couldn't even begin to imagine what kind of fabric would work with an elemental, but it was an important question to ask before he did any work on an outfit.
>>"No problems, I can transform the clothes with me between states. It's how I've lasted this long in heels."
"I've always wondered about the heels" Javier admitted with a small smile "Seemed... like more of a comic book choice."
>>"I understand if you need some time. I did kind of spring this on you. Do you need measurements or...?"
"Yes. Measurements." Javier nodded, jolting out of his musings about fabric. "If you have the time. This way." he motioned her towards the back room of the shop where he did most of his actual work. He still scarcely believed that an actual vigilante would walk in there, out of all places. She seemed nice so far. Not boastful at all. He picked up measuring tape and his notepad, and waited for Maya to get ready for measurements. People didn't really need to undress for any of it, but taking off jackets and scarves and the like usually helped.
"So, apart from range of motion... anything else you'd like from the outfit? Fire resistance, extra protection at joints, things like that...?"
Javier smiled as he walked up to Booker. His costume looked very well constructed, and (even more importantly, from a fan point of view) looked very good on him. And who didn't like Lieutenant USA?
>>”You’re not in the least bit late. But, even if you were, you’d be worth the wait.”
Javier blinked, a sudden rush of warmth flooding his chest, and tried very hard not to ruin his superhero image with a blush. He sunk his hands into his pockets and looked down, waiting for Booker to correct himself.
>>”I mean, that costume is so frickin’ brilliant! Superhero Tailor definitely suits you!”
Javier looked up, moving past the momentary awkwardness and smiling in relief as Booker commented on his costume choice with his usual enthusiasm. At least he did not immediately think the costume was a mistake. He looked down again, fiddling with some of the equipment he was carrying.
"Thanks! I mean... all of this is functional. I figured, is anyone needs a costume fixed on the go... I'm good at that." he admitted with a shy smile "The idea wasn't really mine, but I kinda re-created it as a costume..." he shrugged, not really sure what else to say about his costume. Hopefully people would recognize it for what it was, and think that it was useful. "So... shall we go in?..."
