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.
The food he had secured had been passable but already Paul was wishing for a nice juicy hamburger back in the 21st century. The roast mutton had been flavorful, though a touch charred but he had been forced to stick with the muddy tasting water instead of wine or ale since he wanted to keep his wits about him. For the moment his Friar clothing was still passing inspection but as the sun began to descend in the sky it was very probable that people would expect him to leave town and head back to the monastery. Somehow he needed to find some way to keep from being forced to leave.
His mind was racing to come up with some sort of solution when he saw yet another small entourage beginning to make its way through the square and toward the castle. It was some sort of Lord, a few soldiers, and two strangers... two strangers from his time!
Paul's eyes narrowed sharply beneath his cowl. He didn't recognize the younger man but the older one was none other than Detective Cervantes. It was difficult to forget a man that tried to connect you to a multiple homicide but when trapped in the distant past a person had to let bygones be bygones.
"My Lord." Paul suddenly spoke out, moving forward with his gaze fixed on the older of the two strangers. Pushing his cowl back with one hand he revealed his face while never moving his eyes. "It's good to see that you have arrived safely. Unfortunately I've been unable to arrange lodging for the night but perhaps you have already managed that?"
The whole time he was speaking he was willing the older man to remember him and not to blow his cover. Surely they would find some way to work together in order to escape this time period and return to their own... if only the detective would set aside their own history for the time begin.
My apologizes to everyone for my inactivity over the past week or so. It's been a roller coaster ride starting with a 4-5 day flu bug and followed by 2-3 days preparation for my now three-year-old's birthday party. Things seem to be settling back down now so I'll do my best to get caught up. Thanks for your patience!
Her green eyes were like twin whirlpools that tried to pull a person in. Her scent was subtle but strong enough to be felt when she leaned in this close. As her lips moved next to his ear, almost close enough to brush against it, Andre couldn't help but turn his head and breathe ever so slightly. She was intoxicating in a way that he had not yet experienced which was a wonder to him. He had lived almost forty years, though he didn't look a day over thirty, and this was the first woman that had challenged him so thoroughly.
"Emilie..." He closed his eyes, allowing the name to roll off of his lips. If spoken in English it would probably be the very normal Emily but in French... in French it was truly a thing of beauty. Mentally, he noted that he would have to fight off the desire to simply call her 'Em'. Somehow he didn't think a commanding lady like this would particularly care for pet names.
As his eyes remained closed, Andre took a moment to focus and center himself. With a little over a year learning Boxe-Française Savate he was becoming quite capable of defending himself but it was in the mental rather than the physical that he excelled. When someone, be it an enemy or a friend, could distract him mentally he was helpless but if he could maintain control then anything was possible. It was only a few moments, though it might have seemed longer for someone watching from the outside, before Andre opened his eyes.
His blue eyes were sharp and clear as his lips slowly curved into a slight smile. "Your beauty is a weapon that you employ as easily, if not more so, than your other abilities. And, while to the outsider it might appear that your in need of protection for your associates, I would wager that you're actually the enforcer." His voice was low so that their driver wouldn't hear but easily loud enough Emilie's ears, and very nice ears they were. Pausing, he fully took in her features as his eyes traced along her cheek bone, jaw line, and back up the other side of her face. "If you don't mind my asking, what roll are you expecting me to play in this little group? I don't normally perform the muscle bound thug role as you already know."
Finally, Kanye was dealt with and left securely tied behind them as the group moved on. Johnny Depp was obviously changing character once again while singing to something invisible in his hands. Paul couldn't remember having seen any film with this particular character so he made a mental note to research it at a later point. The man was a good enough actor that even his lesser known movies deserved a look.
"Ahhh... intellectual nirvana." He murmured in obvious appreciation as he looked at all the wonderful authors that were walking around the room. Current authors like Rowling, King, and Clancy wandered the room along with more classic authors like Tolkien, London, and Doyle.
As he was looking around the room he noticed movement at the corner of his eye and turned to find a very well dressed wax gentleman had, quite literally, swept Lumen off of her feet. He was obviously quite comfortable with the ladies and from the expression on his face, including the waggling eyebrows, Paul was very thankful the man was made of wax.
As soon as Lumen was free, Paul slipped an arm around her waist and held her just tight enough to make it very clear to the gentleman that this particular blond was already taken... at least for the evening. Whether their relationship had a real future was yet to be seen but for tonight at least she was all his. "Lumen, I do believe we've just met the great Ian Fleming. Ladies man and author of the James Bond franchise as well as his lesser known children's book, 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'." The words sprang forth almost unbidden as the realization struck Paul. He had seen this man's pictures on the dust jackets of his books and though it had been years since he last read a James Bond novel, he could still place the face.
"Yes, I wrote that book for my son Caspar but really there's no need to talk about it." Fleming responded with a very self-assured smile, apparently missing or ignoring Paul's somewhat possessive grip on Lumen's waist, "I'd much rather speak with Lumen. You would be a great addition to the Bond girls. Extremely blond white hair, obvious sexuality with a touch of masculinity, and the never ending hunt for your lost sibling. How about dinner some time? Maybe drinks?"
"How do you do it Lumen?" Paul asked with a touch of annoyance, but more amusement than anything in his voice, "Somehow you can even get a rise out of wax figures."
Doing some quick math in his head, Luke realized that the children were having a 5 hour school day. That sounded a little short but obviously things worked differently here in the islands than they did back in the states. This was probably how things worked in a community that was obviously centered more on farming and probably fishing as well. Education was important but making sure that there were crops to feed and provide for the family was even more so. "I'll make sure to come back early so we can visit before school... if you want. My bag is still at the hotel." The idea of actually staying with Raina, either in this house or in her room, hadn't really come to the forefront of his thoughts. Right now he was just grateful she wasn't kicking him out.
"A walk sounds nice." The smile on his lips was just as evident in his voice as he slipped down from the stool but suddenly a though occurred to him and his face took on a look of concern. "Will you be OK down on the beach with the water so close?" He didn't know about Raina's new found control having been away for so long. As far as he knew, a small amount of moisture could turn her fishy.
"Remember the first time I took you to dinner?" A slight trace of wistfulness appeared as Luke thought back to the memory. "We got caught by the rain and when a puddle splashed you started to change. I had to rush you to my apartment so you could use the tub." It was one of the many happy memories he had of his time with Raina and remembering just made him even more sorry he had waited so long. "You left me something the next morning." He added before suddenly digging out his wallet and removing a piece of paper from within its confines. It was cut out from a take out menu and there were small holes punched in it forming the shape of a heart. "I think it was a part of your heart."
(OOC: The note in question can be found at the end of the thread, Luke's Apartment.)
Things were going smoothly. While sipping at a glass of wine Paul had cooked his pasta to a perfect al dente. Immediately he had drained it and then dumped it into a pan along with the tomato sauce. After mixing them and allowing a a few minutes for them to cook together he had served himself and moved over to the table.
The sound of the sea birds and the gentle lapping of the waves was the only sound but it made for a very relaxing sound track. Less than half an hour later Paul had finished eating the small portion of pasta and sauce, cleaned the kitchen, and changed into sneakers, jogging shorts, and a gray sweat shirt. It was his normal jogging attire and made sense for the beach. Even though it go hot during the day, the evening breeze could have a bit of a chill.
Once out on the sand, Paul took a few moments to stretch and also flirt with a very attractive woman in a purple bikini. If she was still here when he got back from his jog then he might have to see if anything else would develop but if not then it was OK. He had long ago learned to keep his hormones in check... it was a necessity for such a long life.
***
The damp sand churned under his shoes as his long stride ate up the distance. His pace was a comfortable one that he could maintain for quite a length of time but it was far from his top speed. This evening it wasn't about exhausting himself but simply relaxing. With the house no far away it was time for a cool down. Slowing his pace down to a walk, Paul glanced around the beach for any signs of the iridescent purple wearing beauty that had caught his eye earlier. With the almost empty beach it would have been impossible to miss and he didn't see anything.
Feeling just a touch of regret, Paul turned and walked back toward his house when suddenly he began to smile. There was a piece of paper tucked in his door and when he walked over to it he found a phone number, the name of a popular night club, and a three hour range of time.
"Maybe a night at home is over rated..." Paul chuckled softly as he opened the door and headed into the house. Already he was wondering just what the woman might be wearing to go clubbing. Perhaps some other little purple ensemble?
"My son?" Paul queried as he turned back around to face the approaching soldier. The man didn't have his sword drawn or spear pointed at him just yet though his grip on the weapons did seem to have tightened slightly.
"What happened to your shoes Friar?" The soldier asked as he nodded down toward Paul's feet, "I can't believe the Abbot would send you out unshod."
Shoes? He was being stopped because of shoes? Were things really that strict and regimented in this time period?
"My sandals have trodden much ground and been with me for many years." Paul replied slowly, doing his best to think back to the sort of language he had read over the years. Whether it was actually correct for this period was debatable but if it was at least close then maybe he had a chance. "We had no more that fit my feet at the Abbey so I was sent to the market to acquire what was needed."
The suspicion in the man's eyes seemed to be lessening though he was obviously still curious about the situation. "Have you been at the Abbey very long Friar? I don't recall seeing you in the market place before?"
"I have just gone through a cleansing period... a year of silence and solitude. A time of reflection is necessary to draw closer to our Lord." It had been quite some time since Paul had needed to lie quite this much. If there really were a god somewhere, he was probably getting ready to fry Paul with a lightning bolt from the sky but that was something to be worried about at a later time.
The soldier nodded and began to turn back toward the other soldiers near the well. "Bless you in your duties." Paul offered before he also turned and went back along his way. It was all he could do to keep from uttering an audible sigh of relief.
***
Less than an hour later, Paul had on a new pair of sandals to complete his disguise. Hopefully with that one added accessory he could keep from arousing any more suspicion while he tried to come up with some sort of idea for getting to Lumen and helping her escape. What he needed to do was find a secluded place to hide and think and maybe pick up some food and drink to snack on while he tried to come up with a plan.
Religion was apparently a big part of people's lives during this time period and soon Paul found himself forced to purchase a leather pouched the his belt could thread through. While he quickly realized that none of the coins by themselves were extremely valuable, they did add up to a decent amount. As long as no one realized that he wasn't what they thought he was then everything would keep flowing smooth.
Thus far, other than gathering a few coins, he hadn't heard anything of interest. There was talk about how dry the weather had been over the last few weeks, a cow had given birth to twins, and one of the villagers had just recovered from some sort of sickness because of the Abbot's prayers, or so they said. There hadn't been a single mention of strangers coming to town. Paul was beginning to feel like this might be a fruitless search when he happened to walk over to the town well just as a couple of soldiers began talking. While he was drinking a ladle of water the other men were talking under their breath about the mysterious woman that had mysteriously appeared in their castle... a woman that shone like a signal fire.
"Lumen!" The thought sprang unbidden to Paul's mind as he did his best not to splutter into the water he was enjoying... well perhaps enjoying was to harsh a word. The water had a slightly muddy flavor to it but it was better than nothing. "What I wouldn't give for a glass of ice water or better yet, iced tea or soda."
Turning away from the well, Paul wandered through the town with his mind racing. How was he going to get into the castle? How was he going to help Lumen? He was almost to distracted to hear a voice suddenly call after him. Almost.
"Friar! Wait!" The suspicion in the soldier's voice was obvious and Paul's mind immediately began racing. What sort of medieval decorum had he missed?
Ah the nesting phase... a fun time. I remember my wife cleaning the same table 3 or 4 times in a single day just because she didn't think it was clean enough.
May all go well as you prepare for the arrival of the new little one!
Reports of people with strange and wonderful abilities were becoming almost a daily occurrence and Paul couldn't help but feel connected to all of these individuals, even though they were complete strangers. For years he had felt alone, with only the very rare companionship of someone else with an ability. Time spent in Paris had occurred so many years ago that it was almost not worth remembering... almost.
Carrying a paper grocery bag in his left arm, Paul glanced over the headlines of the newspaper in his right hand as he walked down the side walk. The picture of young woman spouting flames from her hands was impressive though the article itself was trash. Why did every article seem to have such an anti-mutant agenda? He was half tempted to just toss the paper in the next trash can he walked by but ultimately decided against it. After all, he hadn't had a chance to read the comics or do the cross word puzzle yet.
Folding up the paper, Paul placed it on the top of his shopping bag and returned to enjoying his day. The bright California sun shone down over the area, warming both the side walk and the beach that was only 40 or 50 yards away. Men, women, and children covered the sand, relaxing and playing as most everyone was apt to do. There was just something about the beach that let people drop their guard at least for a few moments. That was probably the reason Paul had decided to rent this beach front cottage. Even though it had been almost 30 years since Ashley's death and 3 years since his own passing, he still felt like he had been carrying a burden for a long time. This years he was trying to take a step in the right direction and the cottage was part of it. Reaching the steps, Paul quickly moved up them and through the door that he had left unlocked. He had only been going down the block after all and he didn't exactly keep any expensive possessions. In fact, the cottage had a very minimalistic feel to it. Other than the necessary furnishings there was nothing. The only decoration was the open windows that looked out on the beach.
Setting the grocery bag on the kitchen counter, Paul went about unloading his dinner for the evening. A nice bottle of Chianti Classico followed by some jarred tomato sauce and a box of dry pasta. Spaghetti wasn't exactly a high class meal but it was filling and was much improved by the glass of expensive wine that would go along with it. As he put a pot of water on the stove to begin heating, Paul was already lining out his evening. After a nice relaxing dinner he would head out for an evening jog and then maybe he would sit on the porch with another glass or two of wine while he looked at the stars. Relaxing was the order of the evening with absolutely no interruptions allowed.
The sun was shining down brightly at the 'Monk' walked pasted the outlying building of the village. This of course meant that underneath the layers of clothing he was wearing, Paul was sweating profusely. Already he could feel the fabric of his tunic beginning to cling to his chest and the small of his back. Already he was remembering just how much he enjoyed living in a world where air conditioners were common place. He didn't mind working up a good sweat while out running but to be literally dripping while moving at a steady walk was just miserable. "First thing I'm doing when I get back is turn down the temp in the apartment by a few more degrees. Then I'm gonna drink a gallon of ice cold lemonade or tea or something." He was griping to himself under his breath simply so he could hear a familiar voice. In the distance he could hear voices intermingled with laughter but none of them were familiar. "I should have spent more time reading about history. I'll have to correct that mistake when we get home."
Other than the occasional child or stray dog running in the distance, Paul had yet to see any of the villagers but from what he was hearing it was obvious he was getting closer to where they were gathered. Perhaps it was the town square or maybe even a small market place. Whatever it might be, it was his best bet for getting information about any strange visitors that had recently arrived and he was willing to bet that a white/blond glowing woman would fit in that 'odd' category.
Pausing in the shadows of a building, Paul took a few moments to scope the environment out. There were small stalls at seemingly random location through this area with various merchants trying to make a sale. There were also two... no three wagons with what he assumed must be traveling peddlers also calling out their wares. Various townspeople, mainly female, were wandering around the area looking at the wares and haggling with the merchants. Several military looking men either stood off to the side or prowled down the streets, apparently doing their best to keep everything orderly. They were armed with spears and held them with the easy grip of men that knew what they were doing. There were only three or four of these guards they looked capable enough to handle most anything that might arise.
"Friar." A rough voice gave its greeting as a guard that Paul had not seen came from behind and walked past him into the market. "I was wondering what I would be called..." He mused before slowly walked out into the market. More and more he was wishing that he had paid more attention to his history. There was no way he could remember what the difference between a Friar and a regular Monk might be so he would have to wing it as best he could.
"Friar." A woman's voice was soft as she approached him and reach out to take his hand, pressing two coins into it, "It issna much but it will help the Church. Remember my daughter in yah prayers."
Bowing his head, Paul murmured a brief, "Bless you Daughter," and then turned to move on his way. Paul didn't have a pouch of any sort so he was forced to hold the coins in one hand, concealed in the sleeve of his tunic. Apparently, Friars were responsible for receiving funds. "This could be useful..."
It went without saying that the unicorn had been unaware of who his two guests actually were. Unless he was a mind reader of some sort or had actually witness Paul's resurrection there was no evidence that he was anything other than a normal man. He didn't have a flashy horn sticking out of his head or, "What the..." Shock ran through Paul's mind when Emily pulled away her scarf to reveal the ragged wound on her neck. She wasn't an immortal, she was an undead! How in the world was that even possible? How could a mutation continue to function after someone had died? But then again, his mutation only seemed to activate after he died, so why shouldn't hers do the same?
"I haven't experimented with my powers that much. I die and some time later I resurrect. If I have the ability to do something else then I haven't discovered it yet." It seemed that the other two wanted to be open and honest so Paul figured that he could share... mostly. There really wasn't any reason to mention the exact amount of time or the fact that flames were involved. He didn't know either of them yet and Sebastian had been indicated in his own wife's disappearance. While Paul didn't know Maya well at all, it was still something that indicated just how trustworthy Sebastian might be.
A thought suddenly sprang unbidden into Paul's mind and he looked at the unicorn with even more interest than before. He was able to heal both himself and others and he was also able to shift his own age... "A question if you don't mind. Is it possible for you to shift another person's age or only your own?"
If it was possible then Paul might have to see about visiting Sebastian again in the future. It might be nice to have slightly younger looks than what he currently enjoyed. Sure, the gray hair was distinguished in the eyes of many people but he had liked it when he had all black hair. It would definitely be worth considering if it were possible.
IC: He wasn't sure if he had been rendered unconscious and was slowly come to or if this 'phasing' sensation was just part of time travel. The last he knew he had been sitting at a restaurant, then tumbling through the air, and now he was lieing on... straw?
Slowly lifting his head, Paul took in his surrounding. He was in a rough looking wooden structure that probably was used as some sort of barn. The ground was covered with straw though thankfully the stall or pen than he had landed in was empty. "Lumen?" He called softly as he clambered up to his feet and exited out into the main section of the building. There didn't seem to be any animals currently in the building but the straw was fresh enough to show that the building was currently in use. "I didn't know you grew up near farms Lumen... you in here?" His voice increased its volume ever so slightly but still there was no response. He was beginning to get confused so he walked over to a nearby door and opened it just enough to look out.
"This... isn't right." The words were spoken softly even as his eyes widened in disbelief. Unless they had arrived in the midst of a Medieval Fair, they had been transported much to far into the past. The mode of dress appeared to even predate the Renaissance era which meant that they were actually before his time. The people moving along the nearby path appeared to be busy for the moment but it didn't take a genius to know that Paul would stick out like a sore thumb in his modern clothing. "Sebastian might know how to act but this is a little before my time... what do I do now?"
***
Over the course of the next hour or so Paul managed to move through the shadows and collect some clothing from washing lines. It reminded him of how he was always forced to procure clothing after his rebirths but this was strange. This time it had been necessary to be slightly more choosy. Since he had wanted to blend in but at the same time maintain a degree of separation from the people he had been forced to look for a particular type of clothing. The basic white tunic he had picked up almost immediately with a woven cloth belt tied around the waist. He had then walked through the country side around this town until he found a small monastery. Thankfully Paul wasn't the slightest bit religious so he didn't feel at all guilty about swiping the cloak type garment worn by monks of the time period. With the scapula over his tunic and the cowl pulled up to shield his face the transformation was complete. A stolen kitchen knife was tucked into the cloth belt at his back so that it was hidden by his outer garment but still easily accessible in a pinch.
Mounting the path and moving back toward the town, Paul's disguise was soon put to the test. In front of a small flock of sheep walked the farmer or herder that was obviously leading them somewhere. Upon seeing Paul he moved to the far side of the path, bowing his head ever so slightly though he never ceased his walking. It was just was Paul had been hoping for. The people respected monks enough to give them their space but didn't feel the need to show the sort of obeisance they might give a knight or some sort of royalty.
Once he was away from people once again, Paul fastened his eyes on the town and the modest castle that was built right next to it. For some reason something down on the inside was telling him that this was where he needed to be. He didn't know where he would find Lumen or Jack but he knew that the town and possibly even the castle held the key to this little trip. Now if they could all just survive the trip they might even end up with a story to tell.
