Post by CMPunkCMPunk on May 10, 2019 23:58:45 GMT -5
The primary setting of Student Bodies is a brand-new take on the well-known Marvel Universe, and the purpose of this post is to familiarize you with all the information a common citizen of the world would know – specifically things that differ strongly from our own world.
Big Crucial Overarching Shit at a Glance:
Well-Known Adventurers (Note: These are not necessarily the full lineups of these teams. Just the members the general public are more familiar with.)
Xavier's School:
Assorted Setting Notes:
To Be Added
Big Crucial Overarching Shit at a Glance:
Superhumans exist, and are well-documented. You would be hard pressed to find anyone in the whole world that is not aware of the fact that superheroes and supervillains walk among the general population and get up to all manner of madness. While the level of knowledge anyone has varies for obvious reasons, most people you meet, both in your backstory and in-game, are not gonna be like 'what the fuck is a superhero' or any dumb shit like that. It is just an accepted part of reality that this is how the world is. Now, how people feel about it? That varies.
Also fairly well-known is the fact that aliens exist. Intelligent, space-faring ones. The most commonly known species is the Chitauri, who the Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-Men defeated an army of in the Battle of New York. While the majority of the damage to the city has since been repaired, a decent amount of Chitauri technology remains active and available to those with the resources to snag it. Thanks to the relative scarcity, though, it commands high prices to those lucky enough to find weapon, armor, vehicle or other C-Tech (slang for Chitauri technology) in their hands. The general public is unaware of most other alien presences, on and off-world. The Supreme Hazard Intervention, Espionage and Logistics Department (SHIELD) as well as many adventurers and some enthusiasts, scholars and randoms know more.
Less well-known is the prevalence of magic users. Ranging from spaceborne Norsefolk that wield incredible gear and are born with the might of gods, to demons taking our their personal shittiness on mere mortals, to disciplined spiritualists on Earth slingin' rings, and everything in between, the ill-defined and often frustrating force of magic has a far greater impact on world and universal affairs than most people are aware of. In fact, not even all adventurers realize just how many spells are cast on a daily basis. Perhaps it is a more subtle source of power, or perhaps those who use it just don't advertise it. Either way, it's a coin flip whether you've heard much about it, or if you know more than the fact that there's a studly dish on the Avengers who has a magic hammer.
All that stuff ^ is more or less legal around the globe. Aside from holdouts like Latveria (ruled by Dr. Doom) and Madripoor (not ruled by Dr. Doom), in most countries it's rare for someone to be prosecuted for using their powers if their only crime is vigilantism. Exceptions exist, but much more often if an adventurer is going a little berserk or generally abusing their powers, other adventurers will handle them. Alternatively, they may be taken care of or spoken to by some agents of SHIELD – a publicly acknowledged but clandestine organization ostensibly created for espionage and world safety. Even if they don't know what they really do, most people have at least heard the name SHIELD, and a weird rumor or two about them. Despite this mostly self-policing system, every once in a while Senator Kelly or some other jerk introduces a new piece of obnoxious legislation to mess with and restrict super-types. To date, such legislation has failed in the country you live in.
Perhaps the most relevant to your characters is the fact that Mutants are responded to differently than Mutates are. Mutates, like the original Captain America or Spider-Woman are somewhat feared for their enhanced abilities, the public respects them. Mutants, like the X-Men, or your characters, are treated with far more suspicion and mistrust. Many baseline humans fear being 'replaced' by these X-Gene holding superhumans, and that leads to a lot of awful bigotry. It's an ongoing issue, not likely to be solved anytime soon.
Also fairly well-known is the fact that aliens exist. Intelligent, space-faring ones. The most commonly known species is the Chitauri, who the Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-Men defeated an army of in the Battle of New York. While the majority of the damage to the city has since been repaired, a decent amount of Chitauri technology remains active and available to those with the resources to snag it. Thanks to the relative scarcity, though, it commands high prices to those lucky enough to find weapon, armor, vehicle or other C-Tech (slang for Chitauri technology) in their hands. The general public is unaware of most other alien presences, on and off-world. The Supreme Hazard Intervention, Espionage and Logistics Department (SHIELD) as well as many adventurers and some enthusiasts, scholars and randoms know more.
Less well-known is the prevalence of magic users. Ranging from spaceborne Norsefolk that wield incredible gear and are born with the might of gods, to demons taking our their personal shittiness on mere mortals, to disciplined spiritualists on Earth slingin' rings, and everything in between, the ill-defined and often frustrating force of magic has a far greater impact on world and universal affairs than most people are aware of. In fact, not even all adventurers realize just how many spells are cast on a daily basis. Perhaps it is a more subtle source of power, or perhaps those who use it just don't advertise it. Either way, it's a coin flip whether you've heard much about it, or if you know more than the fact that there's a studly dish on the Avengers who has a magic hammer.
All that stuff ^ is more or less legal around the globe. Aside from holdouts like Latveria (ruled by Dr. Doom) and Madripoor (not ruled by Dr. Doom), in most countries it's rare for someone to be prosecuted for using their powers if their only crime is vigilantism. Exceptions exist, but much more often if an adventurer is going a little berserk or generally abusing their powers, other adventurers will handle them. Alternatively, they may be taken care of or spoken to by some agents of SHIELD – a publicly acknowledged but clandestine organization ostensibly created for espionage and world safety. Even if they don't know what they really do, most people have at least heard the name SHIELD, and a weird rumor or two about them. Despite this mostly self-policing system, every once in a while Senator Kelly or some other jerk introduces a new piece of obnoxious legislation to mess with and restrict super-types. To date, such legislation has failed in the country you live in.
Perhaps the most relevant to your characters is the fact that Mutants are responded to differently than Mutates are. Mutates, like the original Captain America or Spider-Woman are somewhat feared for their enhanced abilities, the public respects them. Mutants, like the X-Men, or your characters, are treated with far more suspicion and mistrust. Many baseline humans fear being 'replaced' by these X-Gene holding superhumans, and that leads to a lot of awful bigotry. It's an ongoing issue, not likely to be solved anytime soon.
Well-Known Adventurers (Note: These are not necessarily the full lineups of these teams. Just the members the general public are more familiar with.)
1. The Avengers, Earth's Mightiest Heroes: They're easily the most famous of all the superhero teams that operate on Earth. Known as stalwart defenders of the planet from large-scale threats, they've operated for many years with many different rosters. To an extent this has muddied their identity, but they're always well-respected and accepted by the public.
Major Current Members:
Captain America – The latest in a legacy of heroes, all of whom have upheld the positive values of the USA. It wasn't announced that the previous one was replaced, but since Captain America currently wears new armor and is notably not Caucasian like the previous one was, it's a bit obvious. Same iconic shield, though!
Iron Heart – Who could ask for more than a power armored dynamo that travels the country mastering both her advanced super-engineering and her curbside manner? Nobody, and since you asked, it's going well enough for her that she's become a common sight on Avengers missions. Her pink and yellow look is accompanied by more tricks than a David Copperfield show!
Mighty Thor – 6 foot 11 of Asgardian meat pie. Known to the public as much for being sexy and swapping back and forth between male and female as they are for their remarkable magic and martial skill. Their ego is also legendary, as is their status as the God of Thunder.
The Totally Awesome Hulk – If you see a huge green dude with a slick haircut and giant muscles running around using big words, you'll know that the Hulk has hit the scene. Unlike The Incredible Hulk, who scared the shit out of everyone, this one (also known as Mastermind Excello) is trusted to walk down the streets of most cities without being accosted. Well, maybe he'd get bothered for a selfie.
Will Smith – The rapper-turned actor formerly known as the Fresh Prince became a mainstay of the Avengers shortly after his appearance in Men in Black. Since then he has become one of their most respected and heartloved members.
2. Future Foundation: A cross-generational superhero team-slash-science enclave. Big brains solving big problems to make a better future.
Major Current Members:
Mr. Fantastic – One of the oldest superheroes to have never taken a break from active service, having been empowered when he was a young man in the 60s. Dr. Reed Richards is known the world over as one of the most brilliant scientists ever, though he is very eager to see one of the young Future Foundation members surpass him.
Spider-Woman – A presumably college aged asskicker, and one of Future Foundation's most 'fun' media faces. Her origins are unfamiliar to the general public, who nonetheless embrace her for her cool costume and ambitious crimefighting.
Dr. Science! - A popular Youtube personality who livestreams her 'strange and unacceptable' projects directly from her home – the X-Mansion. She has a habit of getting her fellow students involved, especially since she also happens to be the leader of the school's branch of Future Foundation.
The Human Torch – Joannie Storm, a lady who goes around lit on fire most of the time. Apparently ages at a drastically reduced rate since she looks like a young woman despite being as old as Mr. Fantastic. Well-known clown. Does no actual science, just got grandmothered in since she was a member of the Fantastic Four. And because she's the actual grandmother of at least one member!
Black Panther – The King of the nation of Wakanda (and its staunchest defender) happens to also be an important member of Future Foundation. Bringing along both his adventuring skills and Wakanda's wealth of technical expertise, he seeks to make the future better globally.
3. X-Men: A diverse and loving family of Mutants, brought together by Professor Charles Xavier many years ago. Their goal is the satisfaction of his Dream – a future in which mutants and baseline humankind no longer suffer from prejudice and conflict, and can live together happily. It has taken many years, and some progress has been made, but the challenge is far from over. Due to the fact that they have so many members, they are split into three teams: X-Men Blue and X-Men Yellow.
Major Current X-Men Blue:
Jean Grey – Co-leader of the team alongside her husband, Cyclops. Horrifying telepathic and telekinetic redhead scary lady, as far as the world knows.
Cyclops – Co-leader of the team alongside his wife, Jean Grey. Aging lazerdad in the public's eyes.
Major Current Members:
Captain America – The latest in a legacy of heroes, all of whom have upheld the positive values of the USA. It wasn't announced that the previous one was replaced, but since Captain America currently wears new armor and is notably not Caucasian like the previous one was, it's a bit obvious. Same iconic shield, though!
Iron Heart – Who could ask for more than a power armored dynamo that travels the country mastering both her advanced super-engineering and her curbside manner? Nobody, and since you asked, it's going well enough for her that she's become a common sight on Avengers missions. Her pink and yellow look is accompanied by more tricks than a David Copperfield show!
Mighty Thor – 6 foot 11 of Asgardian meat pie. Known to the public as much for being sexy and swapping back and forth between male and female as they are for their remarkable magic and martial skill. Their ego is also legendary, as is their status as the God of Thunder.
The Totally Awesome Hulk – If you see a huge green dude with a slick haircut and giant muscles running around using big words, you'll know that the Hulk has hit the scene. Unlike The Incredible Hulk, who scared the shit out of everyone, this one (also known as Mastermind Excello) is trusted to walk down the streets of most cities without being accosted. Well, maybe he'd get bothered for a selfie.
Will Smith – The rapper-turned actor formerly known as the Fresh Prince became a mainstay of the Avengers shortly after his appearance in Men in Black. Since then he has become one of their most respected and heartloved members.
2. Future Foundation: A cross-generational superhero team-slash-science enclave. Big brains solving big problems to make a better future.
Major Current Members:
Mr. Fantastic – One of the oldest superheroes to have never taken a break from active service, having been empowered when he was a young man in the 60s. Dr. Reed Richards is known the world over as one of the most brilliant scientists ever, though he is very eager to see one of the young Future Foundation members surpass him.
Spider-Woman – A presumably college aged asskicker, and one of Future Foundation's most 'fun' media faces. Her origins are unfamiliar to the general public, who nonetheless embrace her for her cool costume and ambitious crimefighting.
Dr. Science! - A popular Youtube personality who livestreams her 'strange and unacceptable' projects directly from her home – the X-Mansion. She has a habit of getting her fellow students involved, especially since she also happens to be the leader of the school's branch of Future Foundation.
The Human Torch – Joannie Storm, a lady who goes around lit on fire most of the time. Apparently ages at a drastically reduced rate since she looks like a young woman despite being as old as Mr. Fantastic. Well-known clown. Does no actual science, just got grandmothered in since she was a member of the Fantastic Four. And because she's the actual grandmother of at least one member!
Black Panther – The King of the nation of Wakanda (and its staunchest defender) happens to also be an important member of Future Foundation. Bringing along both his adventuring skills and Wakanda's wealth of technical expertise, he seeks to make the future better globally.
3. X-Men: A diverse and loving family of Mutants, brought together by Professor Charles Xavier many years ago. Their goal is the satisfaction of his Dream – a future in which mutants and baseline humankind no longer suffer from prejudice and conflict, and can live together happily. It has taken many years, and some progress has been made, but the challenge is far from over. Due to the fact that they have so many members, they are split into three teams: X-Men Blue and X-Men Yellow.
Major Current X-Men Blue:
Jean Grey – Co-leader of the team alongside her husband, Cyclops. Horrifying telepathic and telekinetic redhead scary lady, as far as the world knows.
Cyclops – Co-leader of the team alongside his wife, Jean Grey. Aging lazerdad in the public's eyes.
M – Knock knock. Who's there? Physical godliness~! Arguably the 'strongest' X-Man pound for pound, M (her real name is annoying, don't ask for it) is also the youngest member of X-Men Blue – only a few years older than your characters, actually! She's still proving herself but the other X-Men already rely on her for a lot.
Forge – Imagine if you could come up with the most brilliant technology possible – stuff lightyears ahead of anything else others are working on. Then imagine that once you've built it, you can't do it again on command. That'd suck, right? Forge mostly deals with it by specializing in trying to reverse engineer his own machines, and remains an impressive contributor to the X-Men's resource pool.
Major Current X-Men Yellow:
Gambit – Co-leader of the team alongside his husband, Rogue. When adventuring, he always carries 4 things with him – a great trenchcoat, his bo staff, and two different decks of cards. One's a standard (if fancy) playing card deck, but the other is a little different. Also, this boi is Cajun as hell.
Rogue – Co-leader of the team alongside his husband, Gambit. You might want to give this southern stud a kiss, but it isn't recommended since he'd absorb your powers temporarily. And if you don't have any, he'd uh, absorb your life. I wouldn't recommend that but I don't kinkshame so w/e.
Jubilee – Do you ever feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind (wanting to start again)? Jubilee once did, back when she was a rambunctiouus yellow raincoat wearing teenager. Now she's a true firework, using her explosive light-based powers to leave em blowin' uh-uh-up!
Bishop – One of the best-known energy absorber-blasters in the world and an X-Treme dude at that. A throwback to the 90s in all the best ways.
Kitty Pryde – Once a timid and dreary kid, the X-Men's phase shifter has evolved into one of the best hand to hand combatants in the X-Continuum. She may not be the most powerful superhero, but without her the X-Men Yellow would be shit out of luck. As would her 'numbskull' buddy, Colossus, who relies on her for countless things.
4. Famous Unaffiliated Superheroes: These heroes have built up notoriety despite not working in a team.
Dr. Strange – Known to magic enthusiasts as the Sorcerer Supreme, they live in New York and defend everything. Yes, everything.
Blue Marvel – What happens when a brilliant scientist is enhanced by the power of anti-matter? One of the greatest and strongest heroes alive is born. Finally, he's getting the attention he deserves.
Ms. Marvel – Shape-shifting, size-changing, self-healing goodness wrapped up in a young, idealistic package. She's made quite a splash and is an inspiration to tons of young heroes!
Superior Spider-Man – Spider-Man has been around for years, but recently he's started doing some new tricks, wearing a bold but classic suit, and referring to himself as “The Superior Spider-Man” instead of “The Spectacular Spider-Man”. He continues to have a contentious relationship with the media, who frame him in a moderately negative light, but remains popular.
Black Bart – The third-slipperiest lifeform in existence is known throughout Texas as its fastest pistol and toughest to tie hog. Thankfully, he rarely ventures up north, preferring his home in the Lone Star State.
Daredevil – The Man Without Fear is perhaps the most well-reputed of the not-so-super vigilante style of superhero. New York is well defended with this bruiser ninja around.
Squirrel Girl – She beat Thanos, you know.
Captain Marvel – Awesome Gen X spacefarer. Basically just an incredible badass, but she's rarely on Earth.
5. Famous Supervillains: While many 'villains' are incarcerated, reformed, or sent into hiding, some stick around and become notorious to the general public. Mostly through repeat offense or being generally memorable!
Dr. Doom: The Man Himself. Next to Doom, almost all villains are small potatoes – he truly has it all. Brains, magic, technology, his own country... What can you do against someone like that? Stay away, I guess? That doesn't guarantee safety at all, actually. Let me get back to you on that one?
Magneto: This Omega-Level Mutant and friend of Charles Xavier is the face of the Mutant Extremist movement. While one could talk at length of his power over electromagnetism, more significant is his ideology – that all mutants are superior to all non-mutants, and that the former should rise up and take their place as the dominant species of the planet. His leadership and ideas intrigue many powerful mutants, who seek to take what they think is theirs. Because of this Magneto is rarely without an incarnation of his signature X-Men alternative: the Brotherhood of Mutants.
The Pride: A popular conspiracy theory suggests that most of SoCal is secretly ruled by a few powerful families. But that can't be true, can it?
The Void: Every once in a while a terrifying spectre of black and violet assaults cities around the world with stunning atrocities. It's been some time since this horror has been around, thankfully.
Ant Man and The Wasp: The World's Greatest Thieves. Size-changing, bug-wrangling nuisances.
Venom: Serial predator. WARNING: If you see this black and white human-symbiont mix on the streets of New York, do not approach her.
Forge – Imagine if you could come up with the most brilliant technology possible – stuff lightyears ahead of anything else others are working on. Then imagine that once you've built it, you can't do it again on command. That'd suck, right? Forge mostly deals with it by specializing in trying to reverse engineer his own machines, and remains an impressive contributor to the X-Men's resource pool.
Major Current X-Men Yellow:
Gambit – Co-leader of the team alongside his husband, Rogue. When adventuring, he always carries 4 things with him – a great trenchcoat, his bo staff, and two different decks of cards. One's a standard (if fancy) playing card deck, but the other is a little different. Also, this boi is Cajun as hell.
Rogue – Co-leader of the team alongside his husband, Gambit. You might want to give this southern stud a kiss, but it isn't recommended since he'd absorb your powers temporarily. And if you don't have any, he'd uh, absorb your life. I wouldn't recommend that but I don't kinkshame so w/e.
Jubilee – Do you ever feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind (wanting to start again)? Jubilee once did, back when she was a rambunctiouus yellow raincoat wearing teenager. Now she's a true firework, using her explosive light-based powers to leave em blowin' uh-uh-up!
Bishop – One of the best-known energy absorber-blasters in the world and an X-Treme dude at that. A throwback to the 90s in all the best ways.
Kitty Pryde – Once a timid and dreary kid, the X-Men's phase shifter has evolved into one of the best hand to hand combatants in the X-Continuum. She may not be the most powerful superhero, but without her the X-Men Yellow would be shit out of luck. As would her 'numbskull' buddy, Colossus, who relies on her for countless things.
4. Famous Unaffiliated Superheroes: These heroes have built up notoriety despite not working in a team.
Dr. Strange – Known to magic enthusiasts as the Sorcerer Supreme, they live in New York and defend everything. Yes, everything.
Blue Marvel – What happens when a brilliant scientist is enhanced by the power of anti-matter? One of the greatest and strongest heroes alive is born. Finally, he's getting the attention he deserves.
Ms. Marvel – Shape-shifting, size-changing, self-healing goodness wrapped up in a young, idealistic package. She's made quite a splash and is an inspiration to tons of young heroes!
Superior Spider-Man – Spider-Man has been around for years, but recently he's started doing some new tricks, wearing a bold but classic suit, and referring to himself as “The Superior Spider-Man” instead of “The Spectacular Spider-Man”. He continues to have a contentious relationship with the media, who frame him in a moderately negative light, but remains popular.
Black Bart – The third-slipperiest lifeform in existence is known throughout Texas as its fastest pistol and toughest to tie hog. Thankfully, he rarely ventures up north, preferring his home in the Lone Star State.
Daredevil – The Man Without Fear is perhaps the most well-reputed of the not-so-super vigilante style of superhero. New York is well defended with this bruiser ninja around.
Squirrel Girl – She beat Thanos, you know.
Captain Marvel – Awesome Gen X spacefarer. Basically just an incredible badass, but she's rarely on Earth.
5. Famous Supervillains: While many 'villains' are incarcerated, reformed, or sent into hiding, some stick around and become notorious to the general public. Mostly through repeat offense or being generally memorable!
Dr. Doom: The Man Himself. Next to Doom, almost all villains are small potatoes – he truly has it all. Brains, magic, technology, his own country... What can you do against someone like that? Stay away, I guess? That doesn't guarantee safety at all, actually. Let me get back to you on that one?
Magneto: This Omega-Level Mutant and friend of Charles Xavier is the face of the Mutant Extremist movement. While one could talk at length of his power over electromagnetism, more significant is his ideology – that all mutants are superior to all non-mutants, and that the former should rise up and take their place as the dominant species of the planet. His leadership and ideas intrigue many powerful mutants, who seek to take what they think is theirs. Because of this Magneto is rarely without an incarnation of his signature X-Men alternative: the Brotherhood of Mutants.
The Pride: A popular conspiracy theory suggests that most of SoCal is secretly ruled by a few powerful families. But that can't be true, can it?
The Void: Every once in a while a terrifying spectre of black and violet assaults cities around the world with stunning atrocities. It's been some time since this horror has been around, thankfully.
Ant Man and The Wasp: The World's Greatest Thieves. Size-changing, bug-wrangling nuisances.
Venom: Serial predator. WARNING: If you see this black and white human-symbiont mix on the streets of New York, do not approach her.
Xavier's School:
1. Mission Statement: To provide a competitive education and a safe home for young Mutants. (Simple enough, eh?)
2. Facilities: Charles Xavier's home, the X-Mansion, consists of a decent-sized primary building as well as some outlying structures. In addition to providing dormitory housing and classroom space, there are also plenty of leisure activity areas built into the mix, like their common rooms, swimming pool, and more.
3. Curriculum: All the typical stuff taught at other private institutes – a solid and challenging core slew of classes typical to any private school, as well as a wide variety of electives to suit the tastes of its diverse student body. Expect a fairly standard array of classes supplemented by additional ones that interest you!
4. Extracurricular Activities are available year-round, and are a great opportunity to enjoy the community while you attend Xavier's! In addition to the famous Ultimate X-Men, the school also has a Gender-Sexuality Alliance, the Chess Club, Anime Avengers, Seasonal Sports and Cheerleading Team, Culture Club, Future Foundation, Chitauri Language Study, Westchester Cosplay Society, Jazz Band, and Dueling Club. More to be announced throughout the year!
5. Lodgings: Students have the option to choose between single-student and double-student dormitory rooms. Double-student rooms are larger, but students who strongly prefer to or must live alone are accomodated as well.
6. Location – Xavier's School for Gifted Youth and Mutant Outreach is located in beautiful Westchester, New York. Just off-campus you'll find plenty of additional amenities, and a community fairly used to Mutants being around thanks to their long term proximity to Xavier's. It may not be as fancy as the school, but students will find plenty to explore in their free time!
2. Facilities: Charles Xavier's home, the X-Mansion, consists of a decent-sized primary building as well as some outlying structures. In addition to providing dormitory housing and classroom space, there are also plenty of leisure activity areas built into the mix, like their common rooms, swimming pool, and more.
3. Curriculum: All the typical stuff taught at other private institutes – a solid and challenging core slew of classes typical to any private school, as well as a wide variety of electives to suit the tastes of its diverse student body. Expect a fairly standard array of classes supplemented by additional ones that interest you!
4. Extracurricular Activities are available year-round, and are a great opportunity to enjoy the community while you attend Xavier's! In addition to the famous Ultimate X-Men, the school also has a Gender-Sexuality Alliance, the Chess Club, Anime Avengers, Seasonal Sports and Cheerleading Team, Culture Club, Future Foundation, Chitauri Language Study, Westchester Cosplay Society, Jazz Band, and Dueling Club. More to be announced throughout the year!
5. Lodgings: Students have the option to choose between single-student and double-student dormitory rooms. Double-student rooms are larger, but students who strongly prefer to or must live alone are accomodated as well.
6. Location – Xavier's School for Gifted Youth and Mutant Outreach is located in beautiful Westchester, New York. Just off-campus you'll find plenty of additional amenities, and a community fairly used to Mutants being around thanks to their long term proximity to Xavier's. It may not be as fancy as the school, but students will find plenty to explore in their free time!
Assorted Setting Notes:
To Be Added
