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.
Posted by Kent Beyer on Mar 4, 2020 21:02:26 GMT -6
Zeta Mutant
9
3
Apr 6, 2020 13:03:50 GMT -6
Kent chuckled at the prospect of an interoffice talent show (an idea he had stopped himself from pitching back at DHS for YEARS), and allowed himself to relax more earnestly around his superior. Everything that they had covered thus far was both intense and intensive, and it wasn't going to be easy in the least for him to accomplish his goals. And while a challenge of this magnitude was everything that he was looking for in taking this assignment in NY, he felt the weight of everything that needed to be done start to settle into his bones. Knowing that they were starting on a foot of candidness and transparency was uplifting, and hearing the names of some of his soon-to-be-peers was exciting, as well.
"OK, so don't lie to Noel," he ticked off one finger before raising another. "And take Ranger to the range, pun completely intended. That sounds do-able. And the bull-pen is fine, probably better overall for what I'm focused on. I'll set a private server for reporting between you and I once I'm able to get logged in." He jotted a few more bullets in his journal for next steps before turning his attention back to Agent Sang. He snapped his notebook shut and gathered his messenger bag to follow her out of her office and into the hallway from which he had entered. He thought back quickly to her comment on Noel and the need for honestly and felt himself give momentary pause, as he was aware of the effect that his personality sometimes had on people. Kent was practiced, poised, articulate, and periodically accused of being disingenuous. Did it count as lying if you sometimes seemed too good to be true? He didn't have too much time to ruminate before talk turned, surprisingly, to personal interests and downtime.
"Greatest city on the planet, right?" he beamed. "I grew up coming once-or-twice a year, but never really thought I'd have a chance to be in the city full-time. And it's been spectacular so far; definitely better than just a weekend trip to see a show and take in Christmas lights. Biggest challenge is building the social network, of course. I actually chaired the inter-division running club back in DC, do we have anything similar running already? I know our work is a little contingent on us not knowing each other publicly, but if there's a way for me to get to know folks a little better, it couldn't hurt right?"
He paused briefly in the hallway before they reached the bullpen and turned to survey her face for a moment, his tone growing more serious as he remembered something about the files of Ranger and Noel.
"Hold on, I want to ask this before I get the game face on and start making connections. Ranger and Noel are going to be in the field with me. Does the rest of the org know about their powers? And will they be aware of mine?"
Posted by Kent Beyer on Mar 4, 2020 20:35:07 GMT -6
Ranger likes this
Zeta Mutant
9
3
Apr 6, 2020 13:03:50 GMT -6
Michael Hunter's file had made it clear that the man was a walking stick of dynamite, but it was always surprising to see someone in-person who exuded raw strength. Kent had worked with countless veterans during his time with DHS, and his own father was a decorated soldier and well-known name in the Pentagon, but it was always fascinating to see how the ways in which extensive military training conditions the body to move. Kent was a stellar agent; the poster child for textbook execution of SOP, and his natural charisma gave him just enough room to bullshit his way through the unknown without making it too obvious. Kent was a weapon, but Michael Hunter was a lion. And knowing what they had to accomplish together, and what he was about to disclose from the case file in his backpack, he broke into a genuine smile as he resumed his seat.
"Glad to meet you, Michael, and thanks coming out," he grinned, tipping his coffee in a small salute as he briefly nodded. "And yes, great book so far! 'On Tyranny' by Timothy Snyder; might actually buy this one on our way out..."
Kent leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms behind him; suddenly aware that his crisp new duds were decidedly less lived-in than his counterpart, and quelling his mild self-consciousness. "Preppy" had been a common descriptor for Kent throughout his child- and adulthood, and he really couldn't argue the point if it were made in this moment. He glanced back over his shoulder and rapped his knuckles on the table twice before scooting his chair back.
"Tell you what, come with me and I'll show you some of the other non-fiction I've been binge-ing lately," Kent pointed over his shoulder with a thumb as a stood, slinging his backpack on smoothly as he gathered his coffee. "I've really been reading more on World War I lately and there's some impressive new analysis on the impact on the Second Industrial Revolution..."
He continued to ramble (and mentally patted his own back) about one of the more boring topics he could think of as he led Ranger back to the quieter corners of the store. The date, time, and location of their meeting was intentional; just after opening in the middle of the week with limited foot traffic. Close enough for reconnaissance without drawing attention. His partner was about to find out just how close they were to their target, and the start of their first mission together. As they walked and he rambled, Kent withdraw a black folder from his backpack, which he smoothly slid in the pages of an oversized photo book on WWI. The file contained numerous photos and a short dossier on their target, a one Lillith Rogers, designated "Alpha-16". A former "Weapon S" soldier, a dangerous mutant, and someone that needed to be brought back into the fold for her safety and the safety of others. And she just so happened to live two blocks away.
Kent gave his peer a few minutes to survey the contents of the file, idly sifting through the stack of non-fiction and doing his best not to eye the display for fans of "The Witcher" before he spoke.
"So what do you think, Ranger? Ready to check-out and get to work?"
Posted by Kent Beyer on Feb 23, 2020 11:19:59 GMT -6
Zeta Mutant
9
3
Apr 6, 2020 13:03:50 GMT -6
When he was a Field Security Specialist, Kent's uniform was easy, largely because it was intentional. Tailored black suit, openly visible credentials, no need to hide the fact that he was concealing a Glock 17 under his left shoulder, and polarized aviators to really just pull the whole thing together. The only "piece of flair" was his silver-and-black tie bar that looked like a turret, It was subtle enough to not violate any clothing protocols, but had just enough sparkle to garner attention when he wanted it to. Plus, it was a direct-nod to his code-name, Rook, the straightforward sentry; and if Kent understood anything, it was the importance of branding.
Now that he was involved in more clandestine operations with his work with SUPER, it meant there was a call for subtlety in all things, and the less he drew attention to himself, the better. His suits were still at the forefront in his wardrobe for the times when he would need to be present in the office or reporting in to Agent Sang (even if they weren't requested explicitly), but his day-to-day activities required him to really blend into his environments. And he quickly realized he lacked the wardrobe for any such thing. This resulted in a Saturday consisting of a long visit on the Upper East Side to see a Nordstrom personal stylist named Crystal, a trendier haircut that could be styled more-or-less professionally depending on the occasion, and a pleasant dinner and remainder of the evening with a Nordstrom personal stylist named Crystal. The end result was a new wardrobe of denim, cotton, leather, sneakers that ranged between form and function, and a new friend and Nordstrom personal stylist named Crystal.
So when it was time for Kent's first meeting with one of his SUPER counterparts and soon-to-be partners, Kent did his due diligence to strategize how best to make an impression. Prepping for his initial meeting with Agent Sang was one thing, he needed to be the shiny penny that his records indicated. But when you're building a rapport with a potential teammate, that's a whole different ballgame. And Kent's extensive review of Michael Hunter's background let him know that he wasn't much the suit-and-tie type. If anything, if Kent hadn't seen personnel photos, he wouldn't have been surprised if a tank rolled into their meeting place with a nametag that said "Ranger" on it. Kent was suitably intimidated to meet this new partner, both because of his extensive track record, his entrepreneurial endeavors, and the little fact that he could likely punch a hole in the sun. But the prevailing emotion was only excitement. Kent knew his personal strengths and what he could do on his own, and he knew that Ranger was a one-man-army. With their powers combined, he doubted anything could stand in their way. And that wasn't even accounting for what the addition of Noel would bring to the table, when the time came.
So for today, his uniform was just as intentional, as it was designed to accomplish his goals of "team-building". Distressed gray t-shirt with an embroidered logo on his chest, covered by his favorite brown leather jacket; fitted Levi's ending in understated high-tops. Aviators hooked in his collar. No indication to any civilian bystander of the shoulder harness holding his credentials and 1911-A1 Custom at his side. And the Herschel backpack slung over one shoulder that held the case file marked "Alpha-16" and his operations uniform was even more unassuming. He was casual, but not too casual. Cool without drawing attention. And really proud of the ensemble overall.
The two had shared a quick text exchange earlier in the week, and Kent had sent a follow-up calendar invite (because everyone appreciates the professional courtesy of a follow-up), to arrange their meet-up location (also selected by Kent). 10:00 AM, Wednesday, Barnes & Noble on 5th Avenue. A bar was inviting trouble, and a meal drew too much direct attention, but a coffee and a stroll around the greatest retail store on the planet made for a perfect playing field for their introduction. As his watch flashed 9:59, he quickly stretched his neck and surveyed the entrance, then brought his attention back to thumbing through the paperback bestsellers, though most of his attention was spent reminding himself not to bounce on his toes.
Posted by Kent Beyer on Feb 23, 2020 9:54:57 GMT -6
Zeta Mutant
9
3
Apr 6, 2020 13:03:50 GMT -6
Kent deftly bulleted notes as Agent Sang outlined the challenges that were incumbent within his new assignment, and kept his face impassive as she detailed the less-than-savory aspects of what might be asked of him. Tracking potential rogue agents and bringing their suspicious behavior to light through an intricate game of subtlety and subterfuge? Building meaningful relationships with additional agents? Assuming a modified identify as a means to more effectively observe and report, and simultaneously make use of his almost-obtained minor in Theater?
Oh yes, it was all coming together. He might not be particularly elated at the thought of portraying a human-supremacist, but growing up inside the Beltway had certainly provided him with a degree of exposure to the intricacies of socially-acceptable benevolent racism.
"Certainly wouldn't be the first time I've had to keep my abilities under wraps, particularly on the job," Kent remarked, making eye contact with Agent Sang. "Element of surprise is never a bad thing to have in one's back pocket, after all. Also, not to brag, but I played George in 'Our Town' and was Curly's understudy in 'Oklahoma', in case you have a need for halfway decent baritone."
He allowed himself a quick smirk and resisted a wink ("Too soon, Kent. Too soon.") before sifting through the envelopes for some names he had seen mentioned previously.
"These two agents that you mentioned previously; are they the Noel and...Ranger? Is that a call-sign?" His eyes flicked down through the files on both and mentally ear-marked their impressive (and fascinating) history. "Any recommendations on how to start on the right foot with either-or-both? Also, any recommendations on a desk around here?"
Posted by Kent Beyer on Feb 10, 2020 15:09:33 GMT -6
Zeta Mutant
9
3
Apr 6, 2020 13:03:50 GMT -6
Kent grew up in a military household in the middle of the greater DC Metro area, which gave one a particular perspective when it came to viewing "the brass". In an ideal world, experience and rank were equated with an implicit trust in decision-making and focus on the greater-good, but Kent had grown up overhearing too many hushed whispers of scandals and cover-ups to preserve esteem strictly for rank. He knew who he shouldn't raise his voice to, but he also knew who to escalate to when leadership, especially, was out of line. And based on the candor with which Agent Sang was illustrating the well-documented struggles experienced by SUPER, Kent knew this was somebody who earned the badge, and deserved all the respect he was affording her.
By the way that she was talking, she was placing a great deal of trust in him already, and the weight of that settled into his mind as he jotted notes/follow-up questions in his small notepad. This was shaping up to be substantial, and was going to require significant time, energy, and attention in order to be successful. This was the kind of job that required a white board, a cork board, and a whole lot of push pins and string. And, dare he say, dual monitors.
”You’re smart. I do hate to pull you into office politics out of the gate, but I do have a task if you’re willing to take it on. I’m trying to suss out some of the… less savory old-guard elements from SUPER and I feel you may be equipped to help me with this.”
Kent inclined his head in a quick nod, kept his face composed (intrigued, but not over-eager), and paused with his pen hovering over the page of his notepad.
"I'm your man, Agent Sang," he asserted. "And I'm ready to get started as soon as you feel comfortable. A few clarifying questions, if I may: one, do we have any existing leads and, two, who can I count on to have my back here? I know there's a lot of moving pieces, but do we have any players in the mix that I can lean on to hit this hard and quick?"
He tapped his pen quickly on the table and tried hard not bounce on his toes. Being openly giddy usually wasn't the best look for a secret agent, in most circumstances.
Posted by Kent Beyer on Feb 3, 2020 13:31:46 GMT -6
Zeta Mutant
9
3
Apr 6, 2020 13:03:50 GMT -6
”They weren’t kidding when they called you proactive.”
"I've certainly been called worse," Kent quipped, his laugh lines creasing slightly. This was a familiar rhythm, and all signs were pointing to this being a positive relationship. It was usually pretty easy to read how a new supervisor or CO was going to evaluate his attitude, let alone his abilities (mutant or otherwise). In his best experiences, he was valued for his dependability and can-do attitude, and in his worst he was viewed as an instrument, a weapon. Something to be feared and respected for its utility, vs. it's value as a person. And while that was a position he knew he could occupy successfully, it wasn't one he actively sought.
All signs were green so far.
It was exciting to see that the kid gloves weren't even in the picture, as he took the outstretched envelope and started to thumb through the profile. It wasn't a shock to hear about mutant abductions for a few reasons. Either the mutant community wasn't engaging with traditional law enforcement as a means of handling the situation internally, or there was enough pressure on the media and local government to keep the situation quiet. Both philosophies were counter intuitive and, though he rarely vocalized it publicly, incredibly frustrating. He was living proof of the good that can happen when mutant-human relations are open, productive, and conducted with a reasonable degree of oversight. The details of the situation he was reviewing were unsettling, but he honestly could not have been more excited at the prospect of having an active hand in solving the problem. Seeing Agent Sang's eyes dart over his shoulder as she finished her overview of the case gave him momentary pause, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly as he worked to suss out an action plan.
”I trust you to be objective, but I assume the nature of these abductions might make this task mean a bit more to you than our human agents.”
"I guarantee a daily report with observations and findings, ma'am," he let the smile fall from his face and the enthusiasm slide towards intensity as he spoke. "But I'd be lying if I said this didn't hit close to home. If I might ask, though, this whole operation is designed to engage and address the mutant population more formally, even if our work leans more towards the clandestine. And yet, it's just you, me, a closed door, and an intentionally inconspicuous case file with potentially massive implications? Is it safe to assume that our peers aren't above a little investigating themselves, Agent Sang?"
Posted by Kent Beyer on Feb 1, 2020 12:58:01 GMT -6
Zeta Mutant
9
3
Apr 6, 2020 13:03:50 GMT -6
A good handshake was everything when it came to making a good first impression, and Kent had been sure to slip his gloves into his coat pocket before announcing himself at Agent Sang's door. His mutation was public record, and its scope and function were well-documented in his personnel and medical files. Even if she didn't view him as a threat (which would save considerable relationship-building time), this moment was a chance for him to not only demonstrate a perfectly executed, firm-but-not-aggressive handshake, but reaffirm that he was not a liability.
"Thank you, Agent Sang," he smiled, gripping her hand briefly. "Jittering with excitement, more than anything else! And thank you again for making the time to meet with me this morning; I've been chomping-at-the-bit to get rolling, especially to work with you."
He stood more than a half-foot taller than his superior, but her air of authority was undeniable, and he relaxed internally as she met his easy smile. His reactions from peers and colleagues in the Federal government had historically been definition of a mixed bag when it came to his mutant-status; ranging from deferential awe to smoldering resentment and (his least favorite) fear. Having a leader that recognized his utility was great. Having a leader that even acted like having him around was a positive thing was even better.
He pulled a notepad and pen out of his coat pocket and held them aloft, ready to start taking notes.
"Tell me where you need me and I'll make it happen. I got a confirmation that my field kit was delivered last week; I can be suited in 5 if-needed. Did I mention I was excited?" he concluded with a broad grin.
Posted by Kent Beyer on Jan 30, 2020 20:49:28 GMT -6
Noel likes this
Zeta Mutant
9
3
Apr 6, 2020 13:03:50 GMT -6
It had been 10 days since he had arrived in NYC, and 3 days since his worldly possessions had followed him, a full-week later than they were expected. The hardwood floors in his 14th-Street-and-31st-Ave loft had been a selling point when he was charming the brokerage agent into waiving the security deposit (who wouldn't be dazzled by the off-the-cuff way he quipped "more like NATIONAL security deposit for a guy like me, am I right?"). But hardwood floors become decidedly less luxurious when they're your bed AND your pillow for a solid week. And even his favorite W&M hoodie made a poor substitute for his bamboo-charcoal memory foam pillow. So when the movers finally did arrive a week-late, he couldn't help but smile with relief when they finally brought his mattress upstairs. Though never one to dally or avoid an arduous task (like unpacking and organizing his things), Kent had ignored the stack of boxes and containers and immediately flopped onto his mattress for the first comfortable sleep since his arrival in the city, and suddenly felt right at home.
Kent wasn't a stranger to the city before his official move. Growing up in-and-around DC made for a quick trip to Manhattan, for school trips when he was younger, assignments for work, and there might have even been a couple times he went to meet a friend. And sometimes that friend might have been something more. But that wasn't why he was here now. After eight years working for the Department of Homeland Security, both in a field capacity with Federal Protective Services, and more recently as an active Field Recruiter and Campus Liaison, Kent had decided to branch out and try his hand at a full-fledged Agent position. FBI and CIA were on the table, both because of his record and his family connections, but scrolling through the .gov jobs pages for Agent opportunities had helped him find the thread that led to the SUPER office. An official statement of intent, a video conference with Director Fine, and the 6-weeks of official processing time netted him a cost-of-living adjustment, fully-managed relo, and an official promotion to Agent status.
"A SUPER Agent," he smiled, smoothing down his lapel and flicking a piece of lint off his dark gray blazer, covering his crisp white oxford and black shoulder harness. "Super, man."
Hair slick, tie straight, wool overcoat and gloves, briefcase on shoulder, finger-guns in the mirror, and out the door. The walk to the office was brisk in pace and temperature, and he had practiced the route each day since his arrival during his morning run. After almost a decade of work at the DHS, today was exciting, and this was the closest he had come to unknown. His work at the DHS had been important, and meaningful, but this opportunity was going to allow him to really dive deep into the mutant community to lead, to guide, and to support. And he could not be more pumped to meet with his contact, Agent Sang.
Stepping past the dental school, Kent discretely tapped the scanner with his badge and slid into the office with a nonchalant look over his shoulder. Quick pass through metal detector, firearms check, and a gloved handshake and introduction to security ("thanks for the hard work, fellas!") and he was down the hall to his destination. Half-second pause to straighten his turret tie-bar and suddenly he's standing in an open office doorway. He raps his knuckle quickly on the door jamb and can't suppress the corner of his mouth turning up into grin.
"Agent Sang? Good morning! Agent Beyer, reporting."
Ethnicity/ Cultural Heritage: Caucasian (German, Scottish, English)
Appearance
Hair color and style: Dark brown, and kept neat for his job. His hair is naturally wavy, but is usually kept slick when on the job, and more tousled and relaxed during his down time/on weekends.
Skin Tone: Kent has a fair complexion, and is prone to sunburn. He used artificial tanner once in high school, to awkward results.
Eye Color: Light brown.
Height: 6’2”
Build: Kent is tall and has an athletic build, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. His physique is toned (but not overly muscled) from routine training, primarily running and swimming.
Visible mutation: When his power levels are at their highest capacity, his muscles will be more visible and vascular, with his skin paling and veins partially visible in a dark blue.
Scars/ Tattoos/ Piercings: One tattoo on his left shoulder of a hydrogen atom, but with a five-pointed star at the nucleus. He has a scar over his right knee from an ACL surgery.
Other features: None
Everyday clothing style: When at work, Kent typically wears tailored suits (black, navy, or dark gray) with solid-colored ties. He has a favorite tie-bar that looks like a black and silver turret. During his off-time, he dresses primarily in Levi 513s in various colors, and solid colored tees and sweaters. He prefers not to wear collared shirts in his spare time. He has a brown leather jacket that he wears when he’s really feeling himself.
Uniform: In day-to-day tasks for his work with SUPER, Kent’s uniform is the tailored suits mentioned above, or a black dri-fit polo with the faction logo and khaki pants. His active mission/engagement gear features a black and dark-blue/gray bodysuit with flexible armor components to accommodate his muscular changes when fully-powered. He has an identifying patch on each shoulder, one with the SUPER logo and the other the same logo as his tattoo. He has a full-coverage helmet/mask with an open mouthpiece, and fingerless gloves. ((OOC: the uniform is basically the midpoint between the Captain America stealth suit and the Night Monkey costume))
Sleepwear: Kent wears cotton sleep shorts and a tank top for sleep.
Miscellaneous clothing: Kent does not like to wear hats, as he doesn’t like what they do to his hair.
Character
Personality: Kent is charming, friendly, and has a magnetic personality. He always seems to know just what to say, largely because he has rehearsed just what he should say for most situations. Like Prince Charming in “Into the Woods”, he was raised to be charming, not sincere. That said, there’s no sinister undertone or ulterior motive (most of the time) to him getting you to like him, that’s just what he likes best. He is genuine in his love for his job as a Recruiter, liaison, and field agent at SUPER, as he fully believes in their mission (as he views it) to support and guide the mutant population. It was once joked that Kent’s secondary mutation was “earnestness”, because he speaks with authentic passion and belief in the good that SUPER is doing for mutants and, more importantly, America.
He’s quick to shake your hand, pat you on the back, or give you a high five, not only because he’s gaining a little extra “boost” each time it happens, but because it relaxes you and puts you a little more at-ease. He likely won’t be the one to turn heads when he walks into a crowded room, but by the end of the night he’ll be the one with the largest crowd and the biggest smiles.
Kent is very good at being engaged and attentive in conversation, and is a consummate diplomat. This makes him very effective in his job, an excellent LinkedIn connection, and a spectacular first- and second-date. While “shallow” might be too harsh of a descriptor, “predictable” might suit nicely. Many of his activities and behaviors are driven by duty/responsibility vs. personal interest, and the only time that he has ever really been at a loss for words was when a girlfriend once tried to get a firm understanding of what he was really interested in (outside of work). His sense of identity is almost completely tied to his relationships (as an agent, and as the son of Major General and Mrs. Adam Gerhard Beyer).
Hobbies/ Interests: Work is a major focus in Kent’s life, not only because the job is demanding but because he loves the opportunity that it affords him to “make a difference”. In his off hours, he has a rotating exercise schedule that involves long distance swimming, running, and various martial arts training. He has a secret love of high-fantasy (books, movies, and renaissance faires), but does not share this publicly. He has always wanted to ride a horse and own a broadsword, but would never say that out loud.
Job or part time job and description: Prior to joining SUPER, Kent worked as part of Federal Protective Services under the Department of Homeland Security, joining after he finished his undergraduate studies. He worked as a full-time field specialist for three years before being tapped for Recruitment duties, which pulled him into “intermittent-field” status while he traveled to recruit talent for future DHS opportunities.
Fears/ phobias/ concerns: Kent’s concerns are largely tied to failure and disappointing people that he thinks are counting on him (fellow agents, his superiors, his parents, etc.). He is troubled by the state of mutant-human relations, and doesn’t understand why there isn’t universal buy-in to government oversight of “mutant-rights-issues”, as groups like the X-Men and (even moreso) the Syndicate are actively contributing to an unnecessary “us vs. them” culture between mutants and humans.
He is also incredibly afraid of snakes, as they are unpredictable and move too fast for something that doesn’t have legs.
Special talents: Kent knows all the words to Ludacris’ 2001 album “Word of Mouf”. His mother smashed the CD with a hammer when she found it in his room, he was grounded for two weeks, and it was never mentioned again.
Morality
Good/ bad/ neutral/ other: Lawful good, through a pro-government lens. Kent believes that the rules are there for a reason, and that reason is so that everyone is taken care of. He believes in a uniform application of the law, and that leaders should be held to an even higher standard. He is optimistic and often gives people in authority the benefit of the doubt, and is thought to lack the political savvy and cunning to grow to a senior leadership role within any government function.
Mutations
Mutation description:
Energy absorption that only works on living things and requires physical contact to initiate. Absorbs life-force/energy, vitality and health into their own body while removing it from the source. Drain causes decreased energy/vitality, endurance, stamina, health, and regeneration proportionate to extent of drain. Draining powered individuals could result in them being unable to use their powers due to depleted energy. Extended drain may result in extended or permanent effects, or even death
Absorbed life force augments his physical capabilities, enhancing his energy, endurance, health, regeneration, durability, and stamina.
The “drain” can only be initiated via physical touch (skin-to-skin contact), and can only be maintained within a 10-ft radius when contact is removed. The strength/speed of the drain is driven by physical proximity (physical contact providing the purest connection, with farther reach resulting in less-and-less efficiency until the connection breaks at 10 ft). If the afflicted steps outside of the 10 ft radius the connection is broken. Stepping back into the radius does not bring the connection back; it can only be re-initiated through physical touch.
At this point, Kent can consciously control when he initiates a drain, but it requires light-to-moderate concentration. His body's natural tendency is to absorb-on-contact, so the more he is distracted/engaged elsewhere, the more his body will automatically continue to absorb energy.
Strengths:
Absorption:
Physical touch:
-15 seconds to render unconscious
-30 seconds to render comatose
-60 seconds to kill
5-foot radius:
-120 seconds to render unconscious
-300 seconds to render comatose
-600 seconds to kill
9.9-foot radius:
-300 seconds to render unconscious
-600 seconds to render comatose
-1200 seconds to kill
Utilization:
Fully-charged*:
-Sedentary: Up to 12 hours of peak energy
-Moderately active: Up to 3 hours of peak energy
-Strenuous activity: Up to 1 hour of peak energy
*All time stipulations augmented by ability to drain during activity. If fighting someone and able to make skin contact during the fight, he can maintain/recharge continuously.
When fully-charged, he can:
-Lift up to a half-ton
-Run at speeds up to 35 miles per hour
-Heightened durability against blades/projectiles
Weaknesses and Limitations:
Kent can only drain from up to 4 base non-powered humans/beings before being fully-charged. He can continue to drain from more sources beyond that, but it results in irritability, discomfort, insomnia, and mania until he expends enough energy. He has to be disciplined in stopping absorption and burning energy to “normalize”, or he can end up harming himself.
Kent has to be even more mindful of draining powered individuals, as the type/extent of their powers can impact how their life force is ingested (e.g. energy-projectors would overload him before they were ever weakened by his absorption powers as they are already generating a surplus). He will learn over time how to modulate the drain to optimize his strength against differently-powered individuals.
Kent can only drain from a maximum of 5 people simultaneously, and the efficacy of each drain is diminished as each additional person is added. He can always drain one person more quickly and efficiently than two, and so on. If he does not drain energy from other living beings, he will exhibit the same symptoms that his “victims” display, but over a longer period of time. He can supplement energy through traditional means (food, rest, etc.), but will only get back to normalcy/peak condition by draining from humans/mutants.
Conversely, if he continues to draw in energy beyond his limit and does not “burn” off the excess, he grows incredibly physically uncomfortable (fidgety, agitated) and cannot “shut off”. He’ll have insomnia, he’ll be ill-tempered/manic, prone to poor decision-making and brash behavior. He can also over-exert himself and be susceptible to self-induced injury (muscle tears, stress-fractures, organ failure, etc.)
Powers are weak against armored individuals (human, mutant, otherwise); anyone that he can’t make some kind of skin-to-flesh contact with. Also weaker against speedsters, teleporters, anyone that can easily bounce out of his sphere of influence.
Physical Abilities
General Physical Capabilities: At baseline, Kent is an athletic, active individual, with strength and endurance reflective of a trained law enforcement professional. His powers allow him a proportionate amount of increased strength and stamina as he depletes it from his foes, but usually doesn’t reflect a substantial increase to his own abilities unless he is explicitly draining others without simultaneously exerting himself.
Fighting Style: Having been trained in law enforcement since the age of 18, Kent is experienced with striking and grappling in several adaptive disciplines, combining elements of BJJ, krav maga, boxing, and aikido. He is proficient with light firearms.
Fighting Style Pros/Cons: Kent very rarely loses a one-on-one fight. Or any kind of one-on-one physical contest. When his mutation manifested, his coaches described him as “wearing down” his opponents, as he would typically overpower his opponents over time through their growing weary vs. substantial overpowering with strength or skill. Because of the nature of his powers, Kent is most vulnerable at the start of a fight more than any other time, so a strong attack could incapacitate him almost immediately. The likelihood of defeating Kent goes down proportionately with time, but he is never invulnerable.
History Of Your Character
Kenneth Adam Beyer (“Kent” from birth), was born in Alexandria, VA; the first and only son of Janet Beyer (née Montgomery) and (at the time) Captain Adam Gerhard (“Howitzer”) Beyer. Kent would describe his childhood as “strict, but loving”, as he grew up in/around Washington, with his father steadily rising through the ranks at the Pentagon intermixed with sporadic tours in the Middle East. Kent’s parents were both from established families in DC, and deftly navigated their professional and social lives with grace and ease, and an unspoken understanding that deviation was not on the table. As such, Kent grew up in an environment that was organized, well-appointed, and well-documented in family photos on mantles. He played basketball like his dad (but a solid player, not a star), he was an Eagle Scout like his dad (but with fewer badges), and he wrestled like his dad (more on that soon). Most people would describe “Howie’s boy” as sweet, handsome, and very respectful, and his friends (largely generated from his parents’ existing social circle) would call him funny and a little naive. In the Beyer household, there was always somewhere to be (a practice, a dinner, a game, an event), which left little time for discussion and relationship-building. The Beyer's were proud of their boy, because he was what he needed to be: someone to carry the legacy without surpassing it. And they were all comfortable with that.
In November 2006, the unexpected happened, and the unexpected was usually unacceptable in the Beyer household. Kent, midway through his junior year of high school and first season as a varsity middleweight wrestler, was in over his head. Though effective in JV, his height and weight placed him with opponents that were stronger and more skilled on a routine basis, and it was the first time in his athletic history when he was obviously out of his depth. During his first varsity match, Kent spent the first two periods easily overpowered and dominated on the mat. Without even looking, Kent could feel the heat of his father’s eyes on his neck as he prepared to shake hands with his opponent for the final period, and he could feel his sweat run cold, knowing it had very little to do with what he was exerting during the match. As he tapped palms with his opponent, he felt the knot in his stomach loosen, and felt the onset of a second wind. And when he was grabbed and pushed into a submission hold, he felt himself easily pivot and pin his opponent to the mat. And then he did it again. And within the next 60 seconds, his opponent was unconscious, the match was forfeited, and Kent felt like he could conquer the world. And his father smiled from the bleachers through narrowed eyes.
Kent went from being a varsity wannabe to the engine pushing the Jefferson High wrestling team to the State Championship. (Then) Colonel and Mrs. Beyer would politely accept the praise that was awarded to them and their son, while his father watched this sudden blossoming with suspicion and concern. He knew the kind of athlete that his boy was, and something about this sudden shift just didn’t seem...natural. And while having a star-athlete in the family was never a bad thing, the scandal associated with steroid use certainly was. Running a confidential blood test through some back-channels at work was easy enough (not uncommon for a drug/paternity test to be run with the results off-the-books and no-questions-asked), but the results paled the stoic face of the hardened soldier. His son was a mutant, and THAT was going to require a decisive strategy to effectively maneuver.
The following weeks were a whirlwind of consultation, action, fallout, and mitigation. Old friends now in Congress saw an opportunity for legitimacy, and his parents saw a chance to spin a private shame into a public stance. Kent publicly confessed his mutation, renounced his winning record out of professed “sportsmanship”, and became the public face for a Washington-based youth initiative for mutant-human relations, “The Patriot Nucleus” or “TPN”. Kent’s all-American image, charm, and family connections in positions of power afforded him a position of privilege largely shielded from overt discrimination (even if people talked behind their hands and certain families quietly stopped associating). His self-starred/-narrated PSA on the importance of voluntary registration in the Fall of 2007 kickstarted his notoriety as “one of the good ones” in the eyes of the human population, and guaranteed his admission to William & Mary the following year (even if his registration did guarantee he could not follow in his father’s military footsteps). Throughout his final year of high school, Kent trained extensively with mutant “experts” in DC, and quickly gained a meaningful understanding and control of his powers, preventing any consideration of being placed in the camps.
Though TPN officially dissolved with the overturning of the registration act in 2008, Kent’s Pentagon-based co-op experience during his undergraduate career involved basic law-enforcement training alongside other pro-government mutants, in the hopes of assimilating mutant operatives into various parts of the FBI, CIA, DHS, and other law enforcement agencies. These trainings were similar to being in the National Guard (one weekend a month, two weeks a year), and otherwise didn’t impact his typical college experience. He and his counterparts grew very close during this time, including his instructors and contacts within the DHS (in particular), and his small band of mutant peers got matching shoulder tattoos of the TPN logo (a hydrogen atom with a five-pointed star at the nucleus) following one of their last training weekends. There’s an annual meet-up to this day.
Kent graduated with a job in-hand with the DHS, and was well-known for his likability, professionalism, and (likely more than anything else) his pedigree in Washington. Though very successful during his tenure in physical security, his talents as an engaging and charming orator, as well as his ability to “wear down” potential talent/leaders for the community made him an obvious choice for a recruiting position. Though barely remembered as a public figure, he still makes no attempt to hide his mutation, using his position as a point of pride in the ability for mutants to assimilate peacefully. In his eyes, his story illustrates clearly the potential for harmony and mutual advancement between mutants and humans, and a “safe” alternative for mutants that want to live openly and safely. While his earnestness often doesn’t earn him many enemies (largely because his recruiting efforts are above-board and legitimate), he’s more than once been called “Uncle Tom” by uninterested mutants.
Recently, Kent’s become increasingly aware that his opportunities for growth and the reach of his influence are limited within this function, and has escalated to his superiors that he’d be open to trying something new. Ideally, he’s hoping to advance into a full-fledged Agent capacity within one of the bigger name organizations, while forging new pathways for mutants to gain legitimacy in federal law enforcement. Word has gotten around that he’s on the market, and some of his father’s network connections are interested in discussing his future within their organization, including a potential Agent opportunity in the NY office of SUPER...
Roleplay
What’s your OOC alias?: TheFunisher
Where did you learn about this site?: Actually, my wife (and fellow RPer I.AM.OMEGA) found the site. We had both been active on the Uncanny X-Men RPG years ago, and have been wanting to get back into RPing.
Do you have any other characters on MRO, if so who: None.
Sample RP:
Breakfast isn’t in the cards on a day like this. Lunch probably wouldn’t be either, even though the organizers always made sure that there was time carved out either before things got started, or midway through. No, trying to eat anything before or during, for Kent at least, was not only unnecessary, it was an occupational hazard. After all, what kind of impression does it make if you’re blowing burps into someone’s face every other sentence?
That’s a bad call. Super unprofessional. Doesn’t matter how good your pitch is, if you blow half-digested cafeteria chicken parm (and why is it always chicken parm?) into a prospective candidates’ face, they’re going to notice. Skip breakfast, gum or mint 5 minutes before showtime, and you let the relationships you build sustain you. Or you occasionally let a handshake linger a second or two longer on an overwhelmed intern candidate and watch them relax while you get a little boost. Everyone wins, no one gets garlic-bombed.
Kent straightened his tie, smoothed down his part, and did a final sweep of his hotel room before shouldering his messenger bag and heading to the lobby, roller-bag in tow. He smiled and wished a good morning to the cleaning crew he passed in the hallway, and gave a quick wave and a wink to the front desk clerk as he walked out of the lobby and into the parking lot. The rhythm of the day was a familiar one, and trips like these were most of his year for the past 5 years; attending career fairs, conventions, networking events. Identifying leads, making connections, and facilitating introductions of some of the best and brightest people (human and mutant alike) to their next role as a defender of the US Government. Long hours, lots of travel, and all interspersed with periodic active duty operations in the field.
Kind of a dream gig.
The path of this day was even more familiar, not just because it was the final stop before he made it back to Alexandria after two solid weeks of mixed career events and field office visits through Virginia and the Carolinas, but because he was back at his own alma mater of William & Mary. He’d attended career week as a co-op representative, as a prospective job seeker, and this would be the fifth time he attended as a recruiter (and distinguished guest). As always, it promised to be a meaningful experience, a chance to connect with fellow alumni, and an opportunity to potentially identify young mutants with tremendous potential to serve. If he could make it in an environment like this, surely they could. Even without his powers, the prospect was enough to get him fired up.
The drive from the hotel to the campus in Williamsburg was quick and uneventful, and he kept his music loud enough to cover the rumbling in his stomach. A quick check in: no, he brought his own name tag (magnetic, no safety pins); yes, a water bottle would be great; thanks, he can find his own table. Good table placement in the middle of the main drag, far enough from big tech and retail and his set-up already pre-built.
The next 45 minutes pass by quickly and excitedly as other companies and reps trickle in, and each handshake accompanies the same litany:
“Hey, good to see you! Kent Beyer, DHS. Yeah, thanks! You? Oh, right, yeah, that’s awesome. Chicken parm, right? No, no, I’m good. So glad to meet you, and good luck today!”
Or sometimes:
“Hey, there s/he is! Been too long! You hitting the gym? Almost didn’t recognize you. Looking fit! What? Oh, chicken parm? No, no, not if I’m going to keep up with you! Ha ha! Yeah, right, right, well, good luck today! But not too much, am I right? Ha HA!”
And one time:
“Hey, Laura, so great to see you! Yeah, too long, totally. Yeah, you know, swimming, running, the usual. Tonight? I’d love to, but I’m heading back to DC. Yeah, definitely text me anytime. Oh yeah? Chicken parm? Well hey, thanks, and talk to you soon!”
Connecting with his peers was one thing, but hearing the click of the auditorium doors opening and the rolling murmur of candidates entering the venue was always a thrill. This was the main event, the chance to represent true opportunity for people to impact change, and the chance to do what he did best. Each conversation the most important, each candidate the most interesting, and each interaction the most meaningful. He believed it, he lived it, and so did most anyone he talked to.
He didn’t need breakfast, he didn’t need lunch; the job and these moments sustained him. And all he blew in people’s faces was his passion and joy. What could smell sweeter?