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.
Posted by Lana on Nov 17, 2013 17:36:50 GMT -6
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Epsilon Mutant
57
6
May 3, 2014 19:00:29 GMT -6
My character Lana just moved to New York to start a new job and has some ads out for roomies! She's looking to live with an adapted human because they will cancel out her power, (which would give her some peace when living at home and sleeping etc), or a psychic mutant who might be able to put up mental barriers or some other things to help her block her ability when she's home. You can see Lana's first post here and it explains a lot about her abilities and the roomie situation.
Basically, she's put out ads so if someone wanted to do a thread we could pick it up with Lana meeting your character for lunch or tea to interview them about being a roomie. It's okay if she interviews people who wont actually turn into a roomie, because it's good RPing and makes for good discussion. So we can still do a thread and simply have them decide in the end that they can't be roomates.
I've been trying to read all of this plot as it unfolds. My character is a criminal psychologist who specializes in mutants and criminal profiling. I'm wondering if there's a way that after a few incidents that the General gets on the local police radar so Lana can be brought in to try and profile him/his mutants to try and predict behaviour and stop it before it happens? Lana wouldn't be fighting etc, but it would make for some interesting segues into her perhaps meeting other mutants that are searching him and the zodiac out. I think it's got some possibilities. Let me know what you think
Aiden it sounds like you'd be interesting to meet but I'm not sure it'll make much sense for Lana yet. She will eventually make her way to the mansion which would be good.
It might be cool for Evelyn to notice that Lana is obviously seeing things that aren't there. If she's super observant she might notice how frequently Lana is watching her surroundings, ask her if she's alright, and that could be a good intro to get the two of them talking Just an idea.
Posted by Lana on Nov 17, 2013 13:44:40 GMT -6
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Epsilon Mutant
57
6
May 3, 2014 19:00:29 GMT -6
Hullo! *waves*
I am looking for some interested players to come into my open and thread and meet Lana! She is currently eating lunch in Central Park and watching for mutants and or adapteds.
I also have her waiting on 3 people to reply to an ad she posted about wanting roommates (explained in the intro post).
So, someone could enter by simply bumping into her at the park, or if someone wanted to they could be one of the three people interested in her ad about roomates and wanting to set up a chance to meet!
Posted by Lana on Nov 17, 2013 13:40:03 GMT -6
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Epsilon Mutant
57
6
May 3, 2014 19:00:29 GMT -6
The office was stuffy and cramped, nothing like the one she’d held back in L.A. The wall paper was yellowed and peeling, the window frosted, and the waste paper basked overflowing. Lana had managed to smuggle in a small potted plant, but with the lack of sunlight she realized she might have to settle for fake greenery this time around. The air tasted like mildew. She couldn’t help but wonder if the entire thing had been orchestrated to assert the facility pecking order. The head doctor- Doctor Smith- had been quite interested through the whole phone interviewing process. A little less so, when he’d seen Lana in person.
“You’re the Lana who wrote the dissertation on the role of the x-gene in the criminally insane?” he’d asked, quite gobsmacked. Smith was in his early 60 with salt and pepper hair. He’d been head of this facility for 15 years. “It’s really you- I mean?”
Lana sighed and held up her ID badge for Smith to scrutinize. It was not a question out of reverence or being impressed. Dr. Smith was falling into the pile that so many others always did- pegging Lana based on her looks. With her porcelain skin, and smattering of freckles, her angular jaw, and her doe eyes- this happened a lot.
“Yes that was me. “ she had bobbed her head, trying not to seem annoyed. “I know I look a bit young-“ she had decided to just jump right in and get that out the way. It backfired.
“You look like you could be going to school with my daughter.” Frowned Smith. It was too late for him to re-think this. The contract had been signed. He handed back the ID card, flustered, and began to jump into the institutions protocol and history.
The rest of the introduction had been more or less of the same. Lana always faced this sort of reaction when starting somewhere new. Employers always worried her looks were indicative of her skills. In reality, she used her young appearance as a way to disarm people and make them feel comfortable, or cocky. Whichever produced a result.
Lana didn’t think she actually looked that young, but then again she had a ghost sister frozen in a teenage shape to compare herself with every day. Lana had noticed the beginnings of crow’s feet near her eyes. It was hard to tell if they were from the normal process of aging, or simply lack of sleep. She didn’t sleep well, and she hoped the burly inmate currently across from her wasn’t picking up on it. After leaving Dr. Smith, she’d been assigned her first inmate instantly. Possibly a test, possibly an initiation. Or maybe she was overt thinking things again. That’s what she was doing now, interviewing her first inmate and reflecting on her earlier experience with the doctor.
Edward was doing life in the institution for murdering his wife. He was a hefty man at 48 years old, balding, and had a bit of a static energy mutation. Lana had been briefed not to have any loose metallic objects out on her desk. A pen would float up and stick to him. Edward had tried at first to convince the jury that a knife on the kitchen counter became charged and then airborne and stuck to him. Of course, the knife went through his wife to get to him- thanks to the charge. The coroner’s office proved within a shadow of a doubt, that the stab wounds were caused by a left-handed heavy person, and his DNA had been all over it. Edward and his defence attorney convinced the jury he’d been driven mad by the annoyance of his mutation. And here Edward was.
“It’s like, frustrating. I just always feel so charged. And I get shocks whenever I touch anything.” Edward explained, reaching a cuffed hand up to scratch at his face. His cuffs were heavy duty plastic. Lana watched him, drinking in all the details of the man. It was if he was trying to show her personality ticks, trying to appear nervous and paranoid, forced. She’d picked up on it instantly. Had Dr. Smith known she would? Or once again was she noticing things others were simply too lazy or unwilling to see?
“… and that is stressful to you?” asked Lana, making a note in her book. “I understand the staff have been quite accommodating in making sure there is nothing metallic around you that might become charged and stick to you.” She observed, reading his file. “Acrylic windowed cell, plastic zip ties, cotton blankets, pencils, and paper…”
“They don’t want me to get my hands on anything I can use to hurt anyone with.” Said Edward in a gruff voice. He wriggled his nose, and snorted. The kind of gross sound a man made right before spitting.
“Well, that’s standard for everyone. Not just you.” Remarked Lana. “Can’t have mental patients running around with scissors.”
“It’s not about that- it’s the buzzing, the feel, like electricity is always running across me skin. The anticipation that I’m going to get a shock. You know- that feeling you get when you’re going to touch the door after walking across the carpet in your socks.” Added Edward, miming with his hands for added effect.
“I’m familiar with electric based mutations, Edward. Now, let’s talk about your wife.” Said Lana trying to redirect, and watching for his reactions. He’d have planned reactions, but people gave things away they didn’t intend to. They always did.
“Rough business, that.” Answered Edward after a beat of silence. He lifted his cuffed hands- that were attached to a small, thick rubber rope, shackled to the chair- and rubbed the back of his neck. His left eye twitched, and his lip pulled down slightly. “I really loved Anna.” He said it in such a detached way, like Anna was an object he had to give up in order to get something he wanted.
“…but you killed her. That’s not love.” Said Lana without missing a moment.
“I wasn’t in a right state of mind. The charge- it drove me insane. That’s why I’m here. To get help.” It was a speech Edward has rehearsed and given 100 times.
“…and we will give you help.” Replied Lana. “but you are here for life.”
“Not unless you cure me.” Said Edward, quick as a whip. Ah, the end game presents its ugly head.
“Is that your goal here Edward? Tell the doctors what they want to hear, behave well, and you can claim to be ‘cured’ in a few years? Get out with an outgoing treatment plan?” Lana narrowed her eyes but otherwise kept all emotion out of her face. Edward shrugged.
“They say you’re one of the best, for people like me. Maybe you can cure me doc. Uh, help me learn to control my mutation, and ya know, come to terms with everything I did.” He gave her a half crooked smile.
Lana pressed a button on her desk that would page the orderlies, to let them know she was finished and they could come and retrieve Edward. “There’s no cure for what you are, Edward. You’re not a man who was driven mad by is condition, with the hope of changing. You’re a psychopath using an excuse. Plain and simple.” Lana was cold and assertive in her assessment. Matter-o-fact.
Edward’s eyes widened in shock. He was rendered speechless for a moment. “Why you Fuc-“ he began just as the orderlies arrived and restrained him.
“Back in your seat, Eddy.”
…
Lana had just finished writing her report and recommendations on Edward when Laura appeared. “You made the right call on that one.” She said.
“I know.” Replied Lana.
“Do you?” asked Laura. “While you were working I took the liberty of looking up his old address over your shoulder. I went to see his wife. Her spirit is still anchored to the house- poor thing.”
Lana raised an eyebrow. “My files are confidential.” Laura was the only spirit Lana knew that could come and go freely. All spirits seemed to be anchored to a place or a location. They might drift in and out, but they were still stuck there.
Lana shrugged and Laura continued. “The poor thing can’t move on until Eddy there pays for his crimes. Apparently the spirit world does not consider him being in a mental hospital payment enough. She’s anchored there til he pays or he dies.” Laura explained. Laura- Lana’s dead sister, had been adapted in her living time on Earth. Her cancellation of powers kept Lana from knowing she was a mutant. It wasn’t until Laura died that Lana began to see dead people, like the kid in that movie. The irony wasn’t lost on her. Of course, it wasn’t until a few years later that Lana learned she wasn’t insane, but a mutant. Some days she wasn’t sure.
“ I can’t kill him.” Said Lana in annoyed tone. “And the time has passed; he won’t get a new trial. There’s no chance of him getting the death penalty. But I don’t think he’s mentally ill in the slightest. I think he’s cunning. And manipulative. I think Dr. Smith knows that too and wanted to see how quickly I’d pick up on it. ”
“Oh, there’s a shocker.” Said Laura, dripping with sarcasm. “Eddy’s wife said he was abusive all along. What if I could get you proof? Do you think it would be enough to re-open the case?” Despite the fact Laura couldn’t physically touch or move anything, Lana knew citing her ghost sister as a witness wouldn’t help any case. Unless it was one to get herself institutionalized again.
Lana sighed and massaged her temples. “Laura, I am spending half of my time here, a quarter with the NYPD, and a quarter with the FBI. I don’t have time to go gallivanting off like a super hero. My report is going to strongly suggest that he be dealt with much more cautiously and have his freedoms revoked. He needs higher protocol, and believe me, this will be punishment. His files already show the previous doctor had reservations about his potential mental state. This should be enough now- and maybe after one more session- to change everything. But that’s all I can do.” She rummaged around her desk. “I still have to find a roommate, I’m not even unpacked, we’re only a few hours into my first day here!”
Lana sighed again, leaning back in her chair, while Laura floated and pouted. “He’s not crazy. He’s just a psychopath. Just like you said.” Lana nodded. “He should pay.”
“That’s not up to us to decide.” Lana put her head in her hands and when she looked up- Laura was gone. That happened frequently.
Lana put the notebook containing her observations on Eddy, in his file, and took out her own well-worn black ringed note book. She’d had the notebook for 12 years, and every time Laura made an appearance she recorded when and how long. Laura had commented on it once before, and Lana wouldn’t speak or acknowledge her for a week. So Laura didn’t bring it up again. Lana kept a careful eye on how often she saw spirits, especially her sister. Sometimes she’d pull out the folded health report from the back of the note book- the one that said she was a mutant- and read it. She needed the validation some days.
After scribbling the date and time in the book, she snapped it shut and dropped it into her combination briefcase. All psychologists have their own mentors, doctors the doctors could speak to- and Lana was no different. Her mentor happened to be the man who first discovered she was in fact a mutant. He’d inspired her to become the clinician she was today. He even came to her graduation. But he wouldn’t be happy to know she was still keeping notes on the spirits. He genuinely believed Lana was a mutant, and her spirit seeing was a manifestation of that. Lana wasn’t sure she even believed in spirits or the other side. She couldn’t argue that her genetics showed she had the x-gene, but she did wonder if her mutation was some sort of psychic projection. Perhaps she was just reading minds and projecting what she wanted to see? Or maybe… she really was some sort of wacky mutant medium speaking to ghosts. Either way, keeping the book helped her keep feeling sane.
Lana turned to the computer now to check the online add she’d posted looking for a roommate. There were 3 replies, and she swiftly pranced her fingers across the keyboard to request meetings with all three. The interviewing stage was always the worst- but it made for good profiling practice.
It was time for lunch and she decided that her first lunch on the job would be spent in the famous park. Lana had already packed a brown bag and picked it up off the desk along with Edward’s file. She headed out her office door and down the hallway.
The inmates were kept in cells sealed off from the office area. Each area could be quarantined in the case of an emergency or security breach. Lana hoped she wouldn’t be around for anything like that to happen. She was conscious of two spirits as she walked, but neither seemed to pay her any attention. One, a woman in a hospital styled gown, continually rammed herself into the wall soundlessly. Another stood in the corner by the door with his arms crossed, eyes shifting, and back against the wall. They were either not very aware spirits and stuck in their own loop, or they simply hadn’t put together yet that Lana could see them. As long as she didn’t give them any reason to believe she could, they’d likely leave her alone.
Lana rounded the corner and rapped on Dr. Smith’s door. She plastered a smile to her face so he would see it when he opened it. He looked out at her from behind thick glasses; he pushed them up on his head.
“Ah, well then, Dr. Than, how was the patient?”
“As sane as you or I, and very capable of doing the same thing again if he had the chance.” Replied Lana passing him the file. “But you knew that all ready.”
“Your recommendation?” asked Smith.
“All in the report in the file. Restrict his access, his items, be prepared for some sort of fall out now that he knows he has no chance of leaving.” Explained Lana in her best grown up voice.
Dr. Smith made some sort of incoherent noise and took the file.
“With all due respect sir, that wasn’t much of a test.” Remarked Lana shifting her weight. Smith simply stared at her, curiously.
“We have a pecking order here-“ he began
“As do most facilities. I intend to climb that pecking order, so I expect to be presented with…” Lana searched for the word “…opportunities.” They stared each other down for a moment.
“Very well then, enjoy your lunch break.” Replied Smith. Lana shifted the bag in her arms awkwardly, suddenly feeling very embarrassed by it. She was considering what to say when the door closed in her face.
“Alright then.” She marched off, swiping her security clearance pass at the doors.
…
Once outside the brisk air caught Lana off guard. She knew November would be cold. She’d spent winters in Canada after all, but it had been a while since she’d had to face biting winds. She wondered if she should retreat back to the office, but realized that might mean another run-In with Smith, so she settled on the original plan for the park and pulled her coat a little tighter.
It only took a few minutes to walk there which surprised her- New York was a lot like L.A., people everywhere. But the green space (even if it was a bit brown now) was a welcome site for sore eyes and a nose filled with unfamiliar food truck smells. Lana carefully chose a vacant bench next to a silent fountain that had been turned off for the season, but decorated with little white lights. She picked at the brown paper and looked around. She saw the usual things, couples holding hands, joggers out even in this obscene weather, kids on playdates, guys in suits on phones, and of course- the odd ghost. She applied the same rules she had in the facility and simply did her best to not give herself away.
Lana glanced down at her phone to see if any of her potential roommates had replied, and un-wrapped a sandwich. She looked out through the park as she took a bite, and wondered how many of the people passing by might be a mutant like her....
Posted by Lana on Nov 17, 2013 13:30:24 GMT -6
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Epsilon Mutant
57
6
May 3, 2014 19:00:29 GMT -6
Hello lovely MROers, I'm an oldie returning, but I seriously suck in the signature department. Wondering if anyone would be open to trying for me? The actress I am using to model my character is Jessica Chastain.
Nationality: Dual citizenship (American Father, Canadian Mother)
Ethnicity/ Cultural Heritage: Caucasian with Irish (Mother) and Greek (Father) Background
Appearance
Hair color and style: Medium length red
Skin Tone: Very pale with freckles
Eye Color: Deep brownish red, very large
Height:5’9”
Build:Lean and wirery
Visible mutation: When her mutation is actively engaged, her eyes cloud over slightly.
Scars/ Tattoos/ Piercings: Her sister’s name “Laura” in script on her inside left bicep
Other features: Can look younger than she is because of the freckles and dainty appearance.
Everyday clothing style: Still slightly professional, Lana doesn’t do casual well. She prefers form fitting clothing that is tailored, with layers, and many accessories. She wears a lot of green.
Uniform: When working, Lana opts for the female blazer and skirt, pant suit, or professional looking dress. Typically in solid black, gray, or pale green.
Sleepwear: vintage rock band t-shirts. Sleeping is the only time in which Lana allows herself to appear unkept.
Miscellaneous clothing: Lana enjoys working out at the indoor and outdoor gyms. She usually wears designer athletic gear.
Character
Personality: Lana is very bright and often makes observations out loud without giving the context to her thoughts. This can make her come off a bit odd during a first impression. Some might see her as scatter brained woman, but depending on the topic she may also seem a bit rude. Because Lana is constantly fighting for access to her own thoughts and blocking out her mutation- she’s very sensitive to the fact she comes off abrupt or even a bit crazy. She doesn’t like that she’s bad at first impressions but hasn’t quite figured out a way around it yet. Once she moves beyond the first impression, Lana is the type of person who will be loyal and kind, but still mark out clear boundaries and address shortcomings.
Lana can empathise with people on an emotional level, even if her communications skills don’t always show it. She has a great drive for justice and is able to put her mind in difficult situations without adopting bad characteristics into her personality. This has made her strong in her career.
People often misjudge Lana because of her sometimes incoherent social skills, clinical attitude, and young appearance. She’s able to use this to disarm people she might need to interview or get information from.
Hobbies/ Interests:
Job or part time job and description: Lana in a criminal psychologist who specializes in profiling.
Fears/ phobias/ concerns: Lana has Thanatophobia- a fear of death. Most people have a healthy fear of death and it does not disrupt their normal lives. Lana however is awoken by night terrors, can have random panic attacks without warning, terrible insomnia, and finds it hard not to think about death several times a day. She works hard to control it, but her biggest fear is that there is no after life, the loss of control a person feels when dying, and the potential for pain.
Deep down, Lana is also scared that she really isn’t a mutant, and is really just crazy.
Special talents: Lana is very bright and intuitive, she has a strong memory, and is good at analyzing behaviour.
Morality
Good/ bad/ neutral/ other: Lana is good in the sense that she thrives on justice. It’s very important to her to see justice. She sees justice as a balance, that usually lines up with the law but not always. She sticks very close to the law but will break small ones if she feels they are in the way of justice. She is good at separating justice from vengeance.
Mutations
Mutation description:
To put it frankly, Lana sees dead people. It happened when her sister Laura, died. Laura was adapted and did not know it, so for the duration of her life being close to her sister kept Lana from experiencing her mutation. Lana did have a few minor experiences throughout Laura’s lifetime but did not know enough to know what they were. The odd traumatizing experience was written off as a bad dream or overactive imagination by her parents.
When Laura died (more on that in the history section) the full force of Lana’s power hit her, and it caused her to have a mental break down. She spent time in an institution for youth with schizophrenia until a doctor decided to do genetic testing and realized she was a mutant. Whether Lana is actually seeing real dead people (spirits) or some sort of her own internal projection remained to be seen, by through therapy, medication (for sleep and anxiety) Lana learned to tune out what she saw.
All except Laura. Since Laura’s death, her ‘spirit’ has been following Lana around, offering advice, pointing things out, and generally annoying Lana who has now spent years with a ghostly Laura, that never ages, and no one else can see, by her side.
Laura seems to be the only 'spirit' that can actively follow Lana around and appear wherever Lana is. Lana does not know why this is yet- but assumes it's because they have a personal connection. She has not experienced it yet but figures other spirits may be able to follow her around if she had personal connections with them when they were living too. Otherwise, most spirits are tied to their location.
The location typically has some sort of significance. A place the spirit visited when they were alive, the place where they died, or a place of a traumatic event. Lana can see spirits literally everywhere, but she has no control over it, and when and where she sees them is typically determined by how strong the spirit or their impression on a place is. She can't conjure up spirits like a medium. She doesn't use any specific tools. Sometimes she may see a spirit and because they aren't doing anything abnormal- she may not even know they are dead.
The only way Lana can block out the spirits is by being in the general vicinity of an adapted, or by having a psychic mutant use their powers on her. In the past she's had roommates that would put physic barriers in her mind so she could sleep, but Lana's power is strong and the barriers wouldn't last more than one night. Occasionally she has found human trinkets that help dispel the spirits. She does not believe in superstition, but also can't explain why putting Iron through a 'ghost' makes it 'go away'. She frequently tried charms out, but doesn't often hold any hope of them working.
Strengths:
You wouldn’t think that seeing dead people would have any advantages, but in her role as a profiler Lana is often asked to examine crime scenes. Sometimes she can see tableaus play out of the dead spirits, or even the occasional spirit will talk to her. Obviously, she can’t tell this to the police but it can often assist her in profiling the criminal.
Weaknesses and Limitations:
It drives her crazy and is likely one of the direct causes of her death fear. Lana still isn’t sure if what she is experiencing really is a mutation, or if she is hallucinating. She has come to accept that it will never go away, but there is the constant question in the back of her mind as to whether these “spirits” are real and there is an afterlife, or her mutation simply consists of messing around with her brain.
In addition, Lana can’t typically choose when it works or how. Sometimes she will get flashes, often a ‘spirit’ is fixed in a location, sometimes they won’t leave her alone, and they *always* have their own agenda. It’s not like the movies where a ghost shows up and has unfinished business. The ‘spirits’ Lana encounters are every bit as capable of lying and misleading her.
Though it has never happened, Lana is afraid that if the ‘spirits’ are real, they may possess her as well.
Physical Abilities
General Physical Capabilities: Lana is an average, fit woman, with the capabilities you’d expect of someone who frequently exercises but does it for health and not the ability to fight.
Fighting Style: NA
Fighting Style Pros/Cons: NA
History Of Your Character
Lana lived a normal life with her parents and sister in Toronto until her sister died. Laura was 16 when she died, being hit by a drunk driver. Lana was 12 when she started seeing dead people. One of them was Lara.
After 6 months of Lana talking to people they couldn’t see, telling them all about Laura, and frequent night terrors, Lana’s parents sought professional help for their daughter. By the time she turned 13 Lana was institutionalized for schizophrenia. In reality, Lana’s mutation likely came on a few years before puberty, but her sister was adapted (something her dead sister explained years later when the term started to become used) and kept Lana’s abilities suppressed.
By the time she had been in the youth hospital off and on for nearly 2 years, Lana had a mutant doctor. Not only was the doctor a mutant but he also specialized in gene history. He’d come to work at the facility to do research for a paper when he met Lana, and quickly realized she didn’t fit the normal diagnostics for schizophrenia. He began running his own tests. For one of the tests he held up cards with their back to Lana, and asked her to ask Laura what the cards were. Lana didn’t make a single mistake. Whether or not Lana was actually speaking to her dead sister, or was using some other psychic mutation that her coping system had projected- the doctor wasn’t sure. But after gene mapping her, it was clear Lana was a mutant.
Lana’s doctor spent the next 6 months rehabilitating her to assimilate back into the real world. During that time Lana asked him many questions about being a doctor. The help he had given her really inspired her to work hard, and eventually to become a psychologist herself. The drive to criminal psychology came from the long left injustice of her sister’s death- one which had no driver known to be able to prosecute.
Lana returned home on her 16th birthday with new coping skills for her abilities. Her doctor advocated to her parents on her behalf, and explained that she was not crazy. Her parents weren’t sure what to do. Losing their first daughter had ruined them, but having Lana institutionalized has crushed their spirit. They were planning all this time how to handle a mentally ill child- they weren’t prepared for a mutant. Mutants had been on the tv. There had been a war on mutants years ago. Mutants brought trouble. They weren’t ready for that.
At 18 Lana moved out and decided to make use of her dual citizenship with the USA and moved to L.A. to begin her education. She graduated top of her class, and worked for a few years in clinical psychology before making the leap to criminal. No matter where she lived, part of Lana’s coping plan was to always live with either a mutant who could help her control her power, or an adapted. Because Lana met so many people through her work, she was often able to find long term roommates. Her roommates often became long time friends.
Lana never had any serious relationships, but often dated for a distraction. If anything, first dates were great practice for her profiling skills. But sooner or later she’d move on when some dead relative would come calling and ask to relay a message. Lana never liked playing messenger, and even worse she hated explaining her ability on the first date.
Currently Lana has accepted a job with the F.B.I and will be based in New York with some outside consulting work with the local mental hospital for the criminally insane, and the NYPD. She jumped at the chance to take the job even though it meant finding a roommate all over again, because she’d heard so much about the mutant school. Lana had good and happy experiences with the mutants she’d lived with, worked with, and known. They helped her feel normal and stay grounded, and with a school with the reputation of this one- she was sure she’d be able to create a support network to help her cope.
Roleplay
Where did you learn about this site?: I am an old long term member who left, came back, left, came back and made a new character, and then left. Life got super busy, super-fast. But life has changed! So I’m trying again
Do you have any other characters on MRO, if so who: I am not currently playing any of my old characters, but for those who might remember I had Raina, Naveed, and Lumen
Sample RP:
“So, you’re really going to do this then?” came Laura’s voice, out of nowhere.
Lana sighed and literally walked through the grayscale apparition of her sister- still frozen as a teen- to reach her dresser. “For the last time, yes. It’s a good opportunity for advancement.” She explained, emptying the contents of the dresser onto the bed. “…and for the millionth time, can you please at least say ‘hello’..?”
“Sorry sis.” Grinned Laura who appeared to now be ‘sitting’ on the edge of the bed. “I might be stuck as a teenager, but I’m still your big sister. I’m worried.”
“Well then, maybe you should move on to whatever is next- the pearly gates and what not.” Quipped Lana. This was how it always went. Laura gave unsolicited advice and Lana complained about having a ghostly sister who could show up whenever she wanted. The truth was, Lana didn’t ever want Laura to move on- as annoying as she could be. Lana wasn't sure there was anything else to move onto. Laura made her feel crazy, and was a constant reminder of her powers. But who wouldn’t choose to have a person in their life who was stolen away- if given the chance?
“What’s the coping plan?” Laura asked. “How’s the roommate front?”
“I’ve already got ads on craigslist.” Answered Lana, placing the belongings on the bed into a brown suit case. “Just the usual subtle hints at adapted. I think it would be easier to live with another power cancel out-er.” Lana grinned. “I feel bad asking mutants to use their powers around me. At least an adapted just.. well.. is. Plus, Tina worked out well.”
“She was nice.” Agreed Laura- referencing Lana’s most recent roommate. “So you’re going to help catch some bad guys, and talk to the crazy ones in jail.” Remarked Laura.
“They might not all be crazy,” replied Lana sitting on the edge of the bed looking up at her now floating sister. “I keep thinking about what was done to me. Maybe I can do that for someone else. Sometimes you get people who aren’t sick. It really is a mutation. But it’s driven them crazy. I remember the guy who cut off his own arm because it was burning. He was in the mental ward screaming about it, and then his arm that they’d brought in burst into flames. He wasn’t so crazy after all. Had some sort of pyromacy ability just looking to rear its ugly mutated head.”
“Do you really think you’ll find people like that?” teased Laura.
Lana shrugged. “It keeps things interesting.” She turned to her bookshelf and plucked the few true crime novels, the odd chick-lit, and single biography to pack. “Besides, I have you to look out for me.”
“You mean I do all the work.” Replied Laura, rolling her eyes. “At least half of your cases have my input, and nearly all involving murders you use your… ‘gift’…”
“I’m trying to make a difference in the world. I want to bring the bad guys to justice, and I want to help the sick ones.” Admitted Lana.
“A regular superhero. We should find you some spandex.” And just like that, Laura was gone. She frequently came and went without warning.
Lana reached into her bed side table and pulled out a worn note book. She flipped it open to the first unused page and scribbled the date, time, and duration of her chat with Laura. She always did this- religiously, and she’d often go back and compare the notes. She was stressed this week, and Laura was ‘visiting’ her more than usual. She’d also seen an elderly woman, a cancer patient, an abandoned child, and witnessed a suicide- all ghostly- in this week alone. “Stress.” She murmured, wondering if this really was a “gift” or her body simply sending out the red flags. Lana twisted her mouth into a grimace. In the back of the note book was a folded and well-worn piece of paper. She pulled it out and smoothed it in her lap. It was 12 years old- an old medical form- that said she had the mutant gene. Some days she just needed to look at it.
