The title of Sorcerer Supreme has long signified the chief defender of Earth from mystical threats. Amongst those who have held the title have been the most powerful will-workers and magicians that have ever lived.
The first Sorcerer Supreme was the ancient wizard currently known as Nabu. So powerful was he that extended his lifespan for many centuries, earning him the title of "Ancient One". When his physical body finally expired, he transferred his soul into an artifact, the Helmet of Fate to serve as an advisor to the next generation of Sorcerer Supremes.
Each person who donned the Helmet gained the knowledge and power of Nabu. However, Nabu was not content to simply be an observer and bound himself to the spirit of the wearer. In effect, the Ancient One took partial or full control of the wearer of the Helmet.
The last wielder of the Helmet was Kent Nelson. Unlike other Sorcerer Supremes, Kent took on a public identity as the first Doctor Fate. He joined the Justice Society of America and became a household name. After the death of his wife, Kent retired from the world of heroics and the helmet sat dormant for over half-a-century.
Doctor Stephen Strange was a neurosurgeon who lost the use of his hands in a terrible accident. Unable to practice medicine, he spent his fortune on unsuccessful treatments. In despiration, he turned to the occult to find a way to heal his useless fingers. During one ritual he contacted the spirit of Nabu in the Tower of Fate, who took him on as an apprentice.
Strange proved an extraordinary student, mastering the magical lessons at an accelerated rate. Faster than nearly any student the Ancient One tutored, Stephen proved ready to don the Helmet of Fate and take his place as the latest Doctor Fate, Sorcerer Supreme.
His student surprised Nabu when he rejected the Helmet. Stephen seemingly knew that donning the helmet would effectively bind him to Nabu and he would lose his individuality. In an extraordinary move, he claimed the title without the Helmet of Fate, become Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme.
It's unclear how Nabu will interact with Doctor Strange, now that Giovanni Zatara has donned the Helmet of Nabu and become the new Doctor Fate.
Friday, 31 May 2019
Wednesday, 29 May 2019
A YJA moment - Green Lantern Rings
The Green Lantern Rings were created by the Guardian Krona untold millennia ago. In his attempts to access the Source of All Power, the theorized remnant of the power of the Big Bang, Krona instead discovered the untapped potential of the Emotional Spectrum. Throughout the Universe, he experimented with different emotions as an ideal power source. Having the most success with Willpower, he created the prototypes that would serve as a template for the Oan Power Rings used by the Green Lantern Corp.
His experiments with emotional energy would inspire others. The Zamarons created the Star Sapphire, a device analogous to a power ring to tap the emotion of Love. Sinestro used the Weaponeers of Qward to recreate both Powers Rings and a Central Battery to harness the emotion of Fear. In his crusade against the Guardians of the Universe, Atrocitus corrupted an Oan Power Ring and had it powered by the Anger emanating from the billions of vengeful spirits that were slaughtered in the Lost Sector.
There are no known devices powered by Compassion, Greed, or Hope. There is also rumors of a lost power encompassing an undiscovered invisible part of the emotional spectrum.
The original prototype for the power rings, known only as The First Ring was unique that it wasn't hard-coded to a single emotion as it served as Krona's main instrument to test the various frequencies of the Emotional Spectrum. After the founding of the Corps, it was placed in the Guardians vaults for untold centuries until the destruction of the Empire of Thorns by the Manhunters.
The Manhunters discovered that the Five Inversions, leaders of the Empire had created a magical power source known as the Starheart in order to strike back at the Guardians. Unable to destroy or dispel it, the Guardians made a decision to contain it using the only receptacle cable of holding the Starheart's power - The First Ring.
How the First Ring made it to Earth and became the property of Alan Scott is still a mystery. Within the First Ring, Scott was able to use the Starheart energy to become Earth's first Green Lantern. After the disbanding of the Justice Society, Scott absorbed the Starheart energy into himself, granting him immortality and rendering the First Ring inert.
The First Ring itself was destroyed in Pleasant Hills, Oklahoma, where Scott has it stored away for safe keeping. Sinestro, attempting to use the ring to tap into some undiscovered power was opposed by members of the Young Avengers. They destroyed the First Ring and captured Sinestro, keeping the Ring’s components in secure custody of the Office of National Emergency.
His experiments with emotional energy would inspire others. The Zamarons created the Star Sapphire, a device analogous to a power ring to tap the emotion of Love. Sinestro used the Weaponeers of Qward to recreate both Powers Rings and a Central Battery to harness the emotion of Fear. In his crusade against the Guardians of the Universe, Atrocitus corrupted an Oan Power Ring and had it powered by the Anger emanating from the billions of vengeful spirits that were slaughtered in the Lost Sector.
There are no known devices powered by Compassion, Greed, or Hope. There is also rumors of a lost power encompassing an undiscovered invisible part of the emotional spectrum.
The original prototype for the power rings, known only as The First Ring was unique that it wasn't hard-coded to a single emotion as it served as Krona's main instrument to test the various frequencies of the Emotional Spectrum. After the founding of the Corps, it was placed in the Guardians vaults for untold centuries until the destruction of the Empire of Thorns by the Manhunters.
The Manhunters discovered that the Five Inversions, leaders of the Empire had created a magical power source known as the Starheart in order to strike back at the Guardians. Unable to destroy or dispel it, the Guardians made a decision to contain it using the only receptacle cable of holding the Starheart's power - The First Ring.
How the First Ring made it to Earth and became the property of Alan Scott is still a mystery. Within the First Ring, Scott was able to use the Starheart energy to become Earth's first Green Lantern. After the disbanding of the Justice Society, Scott absorbed the Starheart energy into himself, granting him immortality and rendering the First Ring inert.
The First Ring itself was destroyed in Pleasant Hills, Oklahoma, where Scott has it stored away for safe keeping. Sinestro, attempting to use the ring to tap into some undiscovered power was opposed by members of the Young Avengers. They destroyed the First Ring and captured Sinestro, keeping the Ring’s components in secure custody of the Office of National Emergency.
Monday, 27 May 2019
A YJA moment - HYDRA
Many centuries ago an unidentified White Martian was cast to the Earth, exiled by the Malecandra Collective for attempting genocide against the Green majority. On Earth, her great abilities allowed it to carve a small empire for herself amongst the ancient peoples of that era. She became known by many names; chief among this a term whose closest translation was "The Hydra"
She gathered around herself, a bloody cult, its adherents worshiping her as a god. Those with the enhanced abilities of a metahuman rose within the mortal ranks to become her trusted Acolytes. The worshipers came to believe that the most worthy needed to become like the Hydra and thus Metahumans were seen as her chosen. Those who were weak were slain; sacrificed in her name.
The Hyrda Cult fell to the ancient Atlanteans, who had found cultists amongst their ranks. While the Hyrda was thought to have been slain, she was in fact trapped in a sarcophagus deep within her ruined temple.
A few survivors took her message to the rest of the world. The varied cults that have risen and fallen throughout history have been known by many names, they are best known in the modern era as the terrorist group HYDRA.
While beliefs and actions of the Germany government during World War Two remain those of the Nazis alone, HYDRA found within their ranks a perfect location to hide. Johan Schmitt, aka the Red Skull, convinced everyone HYDRA was a deep-science branch of the Wehrmacht, no one realizing they were using German resources to conduct research to create a metahuman army.
The Allies and the Strategic Science Reserve managed to defeat HYRDA and the Red Skull was lost in the same incident that claimed the life of Captain America and his partner Bucky. It was believed that HYRDA had fallen with the Nazis but as always, the cult managed to survive.
Over the years, HYDRA has emerged as a terrorist group. First led by former-Baron Wolfgang von Strucker and later by his progeny the Fenris Twins, HYRDA waged a shadow war against the free world. Their goal was to sweep away the old governments and install a new regime where only the genetically superior, the metahumans, would be allowed to live.
With the return of their original leader, the Red Skull, HYDRA was poised to launch a new offensive. They attacked their rivals, the Brotherhood of Mutants, taking their more radical members to form the Mutant Liberation Front. When the Justice League had its operations suspended by the U.N, they attacked Paris in a daring raid in order to locate the island of their progenitor.
Team Gamma repelled the French invasion and destroyed the ruins of the ancient temple. With "The Hyrda" now safely secured in the Raft Metahuman Prison and their main military force defeated, it seems that for now, HYDRA has been contained for now.
Yet the Red Skull...and HYDRA sill survives...
She gathered around herself, a bloody cult, its adherents worshiping her as a god. Those with the enhanced abilities of a metahuman rose within the mortal ranks to become her trusted Acolytes. The worshipers came to believe that the most worthy needed to become like the Hydra and thus Metahumans were seen as her chosen. Those who were weak were slain; sacrificed in her name.
The Hyrda Cult fell to the ancient Atlanteans, who had found cultists amongst their ranks. While the Hyrda was thought to have been slain, she was in fact trapped in a sarcophagus deep within her ruined temple.
A few survivors took her message to the rest of the world. The varied cults that have risen and fallen throughout history have been known by many names, they are best known in the modern era as the terrorist group HYDRA.
While beliefs and actions of the Germany government during World War Two remain those of the Nazis alone, HYDRA found within their ranks a perfect location to hide. Johan Schmitt, aka the Red Skull, convinced everyone HYDRA was a deep-science branch of the Wehrmacht, no one realizing they were using German resources to conduct research to create a metahuman army.
The Allies and the Strategic Science Reserve managed to defeat HYRDA and the Red Skull was lost in the same incident that claimed the life of Captain America and his partner Bucky. It was believed that HYRDA had fallen with the Nazis but as always, the cult managed to survive.
Over the years, HYDRA has emerged as a terrorist group. First led by former-Baron Wolfgang von Strucker and later by his progeny the Fenris Twins, HYRDA waged a shadow war against the free world. Their goal was to sweep away the old governments and install a new regime where only the genetically superior, the metahumans, would be allowed to live.
With the return of their original leader, the Red Skull, HYDRA was poised to launch a new offensive. They attacked their rivals, the Brotherhood of Mutants, taking their more radical members to form the Mutant Liberation Front. When the Justice League had its operations suspended by the U.N, they attacked Paris in a daring raid in order to locate the island of their progenitor.
Team Gamma repelled the French invasion and destroyed the ruins of the ancient temple. With "The Hyrda" now safely secured in the Raft Metahuman Prison and their main military force defeated, it seems that for now, HYDRA has been contained for now.
Yet the Red Skull...and HYDRA sill survives...
Friday, 24 May 2019
A YJA moment - The Martians (Part One)
The Malacandran Collective, known terrestrially as "The Martians", is an advanced alien race that has lived on the planet Mars for thousands of years. While they are not native to the planet, their exact origins are not known. The aliens known Skrulls share many features with the Martians, leading to believe a shared ancestor, maybe even being the results of an early incarnation of the “Super-Skrull” program.
Indeed, there may be truth to this hypothesis, as it appeared at some point rampant mutation in the species caused a genetic divergence in the Martian genome, creating what would be known as the "Green" and "White" subspecies.
The White Martians were an albino minority that possessed all the abilities of their Green cousins - Shapeshifting, Density Control, and Psychic Abilities. The White, however, was a much more aggressive species than the Green, and the Malacandran Collective spent millennia struggling to integrate them into their peaceful society.
After many violent uprisings, the Collective opted to exile them from the planet, rather than risk the lives of innocents any further. This had the unfortunate effect of spreading them throughout the local cluster, leading many to believe that the Malacandrans are a violent species.
The current government Malacandran Collective has been working hard to counter this stereotype, sending representatives to many in the cluster to help and educate. On Earth, this has been J'onn J'onzz, a respected peace officer who goes by the code-name "Martian Manhunter".
Indeed, there may be truth to this hypothesis, as it appeared at some point rampant mutation in the species caused a genetic divergence in the Martian genome, creating what would be known as the "Green" and "White" subspecies.
The White Martians were an albino minority that possessed all the abilities of their Green cousins - Shapeshifting, Density Control, and Psychic Abilities. The White, however, was a much more aggressive species than the Green, and the Malacandran Collective spent millennia struggling to integrate them into their peaceful society.
After many violent uprisings, the Collective opted to exile them from the planet, rather than risk the lives of innocents any further. This had the unfortunate effect of spreading them throughout the local cluster, leading many to believe that the Malacandrans are a violent species.
The current government Malacandran Collective has been working hard to counter this stereotype, sending representatives to many in the cluster to help and educate. On Earth, this has been J'onn J'onzz, a respected peace officer who goes by the code-name "Martian Manhunter".
Wednesday, 22 May 2019
A YJA moment - Justice Society of America
The Justice Society of America was founded by the United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1940, a direct response to Nazi Germany, their deep-science division HYDRA and the Ubersoldaten. Initially, it was formed by, the Atom, Black Canary, Dr. Fate, Flash, Green Lantern, Dr. Midnight, Sandman, the Spectre, Mr. Terrific, Wonder Woman and Wildcat. They were later joined by Captain America and Bucky, the original Human Torch, and Namor the Sub-Mariner.
With Adolf Hitler in possession of the Spear of Destiny, The Society's public activities were limited to the Continental U.S. However, Captain America, his partner Bucky, the Human Torch, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and Wonder Woman routinely operated behind enemy lines in covert missions under the code-name of The Invaders.
Steve Roger's sacrifice at the end of the War affected the team greatly. His close friend Wonder Woman had her armor painted in his patriotic colors in his honor. The others took Captain America's most basic example to heart - when faced with the tyranny of the House Un-American Activities Committee they decided to exercise their rights and disbanded the Society rather than give in to their demands.
The Justice Society of America remains a symbol of teamwork in the hero community, an example their spiritual successors the Justice League seek to continue today.
Rogers’ own legacy reverberates through the League. A young alien boy in Kansas grew up reading about the exploits of Captain America. This, along with the values instilled by his parents, was pivotal in Clark Kent becoming the Superman the world knows today.
With Adolf Hitler in possession of the Spear of Destiny, The Society's public activities were limited to the Continental U.S. However, Captain America, his partner Bucky, the Human Torch, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and Wonder Woman routinely operated behind enemy lines in covert missions under the code-name of The Invaders.
Steve Roger's sacrifice at the end of the War affected the team greatly. His close friend Wonder Woman had her armor painted in his patriotic colors in his honor. The others took Captain America's most basic example to heart - when faced with the tyranny of the House Un-American Activities Committee they decided to exercise their rights and disbanded the Society rather than give in to their demands.
The Justice Society of America remains a symbol of teamwork in the hero community, an example their spiritual successors the Justice League seek to continue today.
Rogers’ own legacy reverberates through the League. A young alien boy in Kansas grew up reading about the exploits of Captain America. This, along with the values instilled by his parents, was pivotal in Clark Kent becoming the Superman the world knows today.
Monday, 20 May 2019
A YJA moment - Sokovian Troubles
The current Sokovian Troubles has its roots in the Transian Civil War almost two decades ago.
At the dawn of the 20th Century, the region was composed of many small kingdoms, among them Sokovia, Markovia, Latveria, Vlatavia, and Symkaria. At the end of World War 2, all these countries had been occupied by Russian forces who combined them into the Transian Soviet Socialist Republic.
At the end of the Cold War, Transia became a free nation, but many in the country felt the new democratically-elected parliament was dominated by former Sokovians. Soon separatist movements started to break the country into its original pre-War kingdoms. When former-Soviet General Russov took control of the nation in a coup, the political struggle became a military one and the Civil War raged across the region.
Peace was only established when former-industrialist and current super-villain Dr. Victor von Doom invaded Transia and forcibly established the Kingdom of Latveria. Doom offered military aid to both the Markovian and Symkarian rebels, allowing them to reclaim much of their pre-Soviet territory.
Effectively Transia ceased to exist, becoming five separate countries. Without an official treaty, however, many of the regional borders remain contested. The new Republic of Sokovia in particular claims large swaths of territory, most of which is currently part of the Kingdom of Markovia.
At the dawn of the 20th Century, the region was composed of many small kingdoms, among them Sokovia, Markovia, Latveria, Vlatavia, and Symkaria. At the end of World War 2, all these countries had been occupied by Russian forces who combined them into the Transian Soviet Socialist Republic.
At the end of the Cold War, Transia became a free nation, but many in the country felt the new democratically-elected parliament was dominated by former Sokovians. Soon separatist movements started to break the country into its original pre-War kingdoms. When former-Soviet General Russov took control of the nation in a coup, the political struggle became a military one and the Civil War raged across the region.
Peace was only established when former-industrialist and current super-villain Dr. Victor von Doom invaded Transia and forcibly established the Kingdom of Latveria. Doom offered military aid to both the Markovian and Symkarian rebels, allowing them to reclaim much of their pre-Soviet territory.
Effectively Transia ceased to exist, becoming five separate countries. Without an official treaty, however, many of the regional borders remain contested. The new Republic of Sokovia in particular claims large swaths of territory, most of which is currently part of the Kingdom of Markovia.
YJA Campaign Phase One - A Synopsis
In the beginning, the players were part of Hammond High, a metahuman training program developed by the Office of National Emergency to research and train enhanced individuals. The team was composed of :
Mary Marvel, sister of famed hero Captain Marvel. Andraste, daughter of the Martian Manhunter, and Staci the She-Hulk a young girl originally created to be a weapon with the DNA from Dr. Bruce Banner.
They were soon joined by Adrasteia the Kentauride, a centaur who spent most of her life in the household of Queen Hippolyta of Therymscira.
Along with gamemaster characters White Tiger (Prince Shuri of Wakana), Power Man (Carl Cage, son of Luke and Jessica Cage), Scarlet Spider (Miles Morales), Polaris (Lorna Dane, daughter of Magneto) and X-Man (Nate Grey, the mysterious psychic from the future), the students had some interesting adventures.
Their school careers were cut short by the machinations of Vice-Principal Henry Gyrich, who was discovered to be part of a rival agency known as Checkmate. For the protection of the students, Mary Marvel, Andraste, She-Hulk, and Kentauride were transferred to the Office of National Emergency's headquarters, the Triskelion on Governors Island, where they became Shield Team Gamma.
In the aftermath, Andraste left the team to join her father in the League Watchtower. The team then added Melinoe (the Greek goddess of nightmares), and Mercury (the younger non-evil version of Eobard Thawne) to its roster.
Some highlighted adventures:
Realizing that the actions of Lex Luthor and the United Nations were precursors to disbanding the Justice League, Nick Fury's plan was put in place to ensure the globe had an independent super-team.
At the Watchtower a conference was established. This included both heroes and members of the security committees. In attendance were Avengers teams Alpha and Omega, the Justice League, the Fantastic Four, the Heroes of Paris, the Winter Guard, and the Great Ten as well as the directors of the O.N.E, MI13, Le Bureau Descret, K Directorate, the Ministry of Self-Reliance, and the super agent division of Mossad.
The goal was a new treaty using the existing defense pacts, creating an alliance of super teams that would effectively have international scope for their operations.
In the absence of those in attendance, Team Gamma was tasked with stepping up and protecting the United States and other treaty nations.
On March 24th, 2018 at 8:30pm, a massive antimatter explosion occurred, instantly vaporizing the Watchtower, and everyone within.
Thor's hammer somehow survived the blast and fell to Earth, where due to the actions of Mary Marvel was redirected to a safe location.
In the aftermath, Team Gamma finds itself the only organized super-hero team in the globe.
Mary Marvel, sister of famed hero Captain Marvel. Andraste, daughter of the Martian Manhunter, and Staci the She-Hulk a young girl originally created to be a weapon with the DNA from Dr. Bruce Banner.
They were soon joined by Adrasteia the Kentauride, a centaur who spent most of her life in the household of Queen Hippolyta of Therymscira.
Along with gamemaster characters White Tiger (Prince Shuri of Wakana), Power Man (Carl Cage, son of Luke and Jessica Cage), Scarlet Spider (Miles Morales), Polaris (Lorna Dane, daughter of Magneto) and X-Man (Nate Grey, the mysterious psychic from the future), the students had some interesting adventures.
Their school careers were cut short by the machinations of Vice-Principal Henry Gyrich, who was discovered to be part of a rival agency known as Checkmate. For the protection of the students, Mary Marvel, Andraste, She-Hulk, and Kentauride were transferred to the Office of National Emergency's headquarters, the Triskelion on Governors Island, where they became Shield Team Gamma.
In the aftermath, Andraste left the team to join her father in the League Watchtower. The team then added Melinoe (the Greek goddess of nightmares), and Mercury (the younger non-evil version of Eobard Thawne) to its roster.
Some highlighted adventures:
- Cable, an alternate version of Nate Grey from the future, along with mercenaries Domino and Deadpool attacked Hammond High in order to kill X-Man. They failed, but they discovered that Nate was the key to some plan in the future that would result in the destruction of metahuman-kind.
- During a get-together with the Justice League in Pleasent Hills, Sinestro attacks the retirement community looking for Alan Scott and his Power Ring. Using this "First Ring", Sinestro attempts to tap some unknown power, inadvertently causing X-Man to tap into the same source, nearly dominating everyone in the community.
- The Reverse-Flash, in an attempt to turn his younger self to evil also tapped this unknown force. In the process, he became suffused with some sort of "Negative Speed Force" which separated him from Mercury's personal history but threatens to fracture the time-space continuum.
- After a staged crisis in Novigrad, Sokovia that saw Batman and Robin become international fugitives, Secretary-General Lex Luthor suspended all Justice League operations across the globe pending an inquiry.
- HYDRA made its presence known again - first by using its Mutant Liberation Front to kidnap Moira MacTaggert from Muir Island and then launching an attack on Paris to locate documents that would allow them to access "The Hyrda" the mythical founder of their order.
Realizing that the actions of Lex Luthor and the United Nations were precursors to disbanding the Justice League, Nick Fury's plan was put in place to ensure the globe had an independent super-team.
At the Watchtower a conference was established. This included both heroes and members of the security committees. In attendance were Avengers teams Alpha and Omega, the Justice League, the Fantastic Four, the Heroes of Paris, the Winter Guard, and the Great Ten as well as the directors of the O.N.E, MI13, Le Bureau Descret, K Directorate, the Ministry of Self-Reliance, and the super agent division of Mossad.
The goal was a new treaty using the existing defense pacts, creating an alliance of super teams that would effectively have international scope for their operations.
In the absence of those in attendance, Team Gamma was tasked with stepping up and protecting the United States and other treaty nations.
On March 24th, 2018 at 8:30pm, a massive antimatter explosion occurred, instantly vaporizing the Watchtower, and everyone within.
Thor's hammer somehow survived the blast and fell to Earth, where due to the actions of Mary Marvel was redirected to a safe location.
In the aftermath, Team Gamma finds itself the only organized super-hero team in the globe.
Supporting Campaign Document from 2018
From: Unknown Sender
To: Mary Marvel (mmarvel(at)hammondschool.edu)
Thought you would be interested in what is going on behind the scenes. Looks like things are ramping up on your end.
If you need to talk, I’ll try and make time. Batman is having us do more operations as the League is under more scrutiny from Luthor – something about the United Nations Treaty and oversight.
You might want to tell your IT department, their system is ridiculously easy to break into.
Stay Safe,
- R -
From: Fury, Nicholas J (generalfury(at)one.gov)
To: Rogers, Steven (capmerica(at)one.gov)
CC: Buchanan, Barnes (wsoldier(at)one.gov); Barton, Clint (hawkeye(at)one.gov); Romanov, Natasha (bwidow(at)one.gov)
Rogers,
I won’t ask why you have access to an off-the-books safe house or access to advanced scientific and meta-trained technicians. I won’t even ask why you would transfer three criminals and a highly-volatile metahuman to said facility without my prior authorization. We’ve been down far too many roads for me to not trust your judgment.
However, there is a price to pay for my indulgence. Effective immediately, in addition, to be in overall command of The Shield, and field command of Shield Team Alpha, you are now in charge of Shield Team Gamma. Yes, the girls. By copy to Barnes, you are going to help him. No, you don’t have a choice.
Also Effective immediately, Barton will return to heading up Shield Team Omega with Romanov. Normally, I’d have “The Sword” investigate the Metahuman issue, but frankly, Team Gamma has made more progress in a few weeks than O.N.E. has in a year. This also includes mending fences with the Justice League and building bridges with the Xavier Institute.
Rogers and Barnes, you need to help team Gamma undertake the investigation. Be clear, you are to let them do their thing, as that is what’s been getting the job done. Provide support and advice and leave the leg work and direction to Mary Marvel and her team.
In their investigations, they have identified three factions that seem to be interested in Metahumans on a large scale. The interplay between these factions as well as their ultimate goals is your main objectives.
Group One: The Light
The Light is apparently a group of enhanced individuals representing some of the most powerful criminal organizations in the globe. They had several enhanced operatives, including Deathstroke and the group known as the “Injustice League”.
The Reach Papers revealed that the aliens had a very keen interest in metahumans and that they had made an alliance with the Light, who acted as a facilitator on Earth. Testimony gained from former-operative Black Adam indicates that Light still is involved in researching the metagene and may have cultivated new alliances.
The full membership of the Light is unknown. The only known active member is Vandal Savage. The Brain and Black Manta were captured by the authorities and are currently in custody in the Slab. Ra's Al Ghul was gravely injured in a confrontation with the Reach but his status is unknown. The Injustice League was also defeated and imprisoned, though Count Vertigo was later released because of diplomatic immunity, and both Black Adam and the Joker escaped custody.
Their interest in Metahumans is currently not known.
Group Two: Checkmate
After World War Two, the government created a secret organization called Weapons Plus to research various advanced sciences discovered by the Allies, the metahuman gene sequence among them. In the paranoia of the Cold War, this organization was highly secretive to prevent infiltration.
Decades later, when the Soviet Union fell, the government was shocked to learn that the organization, currently known as Checkmate proved impossible to shut-down. In the intervening years, Checkmate had procured its own independent funding and cultivated a web of influence over key government officials.
Team Gamma has rooted out several elements of Checkmate during its short tenure. Henry Peter Gyrich and the corporation known as Oscorp are known assets, as are a number of unidentified enhanced individuals. Though the evidence is circumstantial, there is some connection with Secretary-General Lex Luthor as well.
The interest in Metahumans is to understand, create, and weaponize the metagene.
Group Three: HYDRA
What we know as HYRDA, was a deep-science branch of the Nazi government involved in the development of radical weapons and technology. Evidence does indicate that the Red Skull, HYRDA’s founder, may have found inspiration from a series of cults and secret societies throughout history. It was believed that HYDRA was destroyed by the Allies at the end of the War, but recent events have caused to revise that conclusion.
HYDRA has reemerged as an organization bent on genetic supremacy, specifically the rise of metahumans and other enhanced individuals to rule over the “normals”. To that end, the returned Red Skull has recruited a group of confederates including Amora the Enchantress and Baron Zemo. They have also gathered a number of metahuman operatives, primarily through the Mutant Liberation Front, a radical breakaway from the Brotherhood of Mutants.
The interest in Metahumans is to recruit them for the overthrow of society.
To: Mary Marvel (mmarvel(at)hammondschool.edu)
Thought you would be interested in what is going on behind the scenes. Looks like things are ramping up on your end.
If you need to talk, I’ll try and make time. Batman is having us do more operations as the League is under more scrutiny from Luthor – something about the United Nations Treaty and oversight.
You might want to tell your IT department, their system is ridiculously easy to break into.
Stay Safe,
- R -
From: Fury, Nicholas J (generalfury(at)one.gov)
To: Rogers, Steven (capmerica(at)one.gov)
CC: Buchanan, Barnes (wsoldier(at)one.gov); Barton, Clint (hawkeye(at)one.gov); Romanov, Natasha (bwidow(at)one.gov)
Rogers,
I won’t ask why you have access to an off-the-books safe house or access to advanced scientific and meta-trained technicians. I won’t even ask why you would transfer three criminals and a highly-volatile metahuman to said facility without my prior authorization. We’ve been down far too many roads for me to not trust your judgment.
However, there is a price to pay for my indulgence. Effective immediately, in addition, to be in overall command of The Shield, and field command of Shield Team Alpha, you are now in charge of Shield Team Gamma. Yes, the girls. By copy to Barnes, you are going to help him. No, you don’t have a choice.
Also Effective immediately, Barton will return to heading up Shield Team Omega with Romanov. Normally, I’d have “The Sword” investigate the Metahuman issue, but frankly, Team Gamma has made more progress in a few weeks than O.N.E. has in a year. This also includes mending fences with the Justice League and building bridges with the Xavier Institute.
Rogers and Barnes, you need to help team Gamma undertake the investigation. Be clear, you are to let them do their thing, as that is what’s been getting the job done. Provide support and advice and leave the leg work and direction to Mary Marvel and her team.
In their investigations, they have identified three factions that seem to be interested in Metahumans on a large scale. The interplay between these factions as well as their ultimate goals is your main objectives.
Group One: The Light
The Light is apparently a group of enhanced individuals representing some of the most powerful criminal organizations in the globe. They had several enhanced operatives, including Deathstroke and the group known as the “Injustice League”.
The Reach Papers revealed that the aliens had a very keen interest in metahumans and that they had made an alliance with the Light, who acted as a facilitator on Earth. Testimony gained from former-operative Black Adam indicates that Light still is involved in researching the metagene and may have cultivated new alliances.
The full membership of the Light is unknown. The only known active member is Vandal Savage. The Brain and Black Manta were captured by the authorities and are currently in custody in the Slab. Ra's Al Ghul was gravely injured in a confrontation with the Reach but his status is unknown. The Injustice League was also defeated and imprisoned, though Count Vertigo was later released because of diplomatic immunity, and both Black Adam and the Joker escaped custody.
Their interest in Metahumans is currently not known.
Group Two: Checkmate
After World War Two, the government created a secret organization called Weapons Plus to research various advanced sciences discovered by the Allies, the metahuman gene sequence among them. In the paranoia of the Cold War, this organization was highly secretive to prevent infiltration.
Decades later, when the Soviet Union fell, the government was shocked to learn that the organization, currently known as Checkmate proved impossible to shut-down. In the intervening years, Checkmate had procured its own independent funding and cultivated a web of influence over key government officials.
Team Gamma has rooted out several elements of Checkmate during its short tenure. Henry Peter Gyrich and the corporation known as Oscorp are known assets, as are a number of unidentified enhanced individuals. Though the evidence is circumstantial, there is some connection with Secretary-General Lex Luthor as well.
The interest in Metahumans is to understand, create, and weaponize the metagene.
Group Three: HYDRA
What we know as HYRDA, was a deep-science branch of the Nazi government involved in the development of radical weapons and technology. Evidence does indicate that the Red Skull, HYRDA’s founder, may have found inspiration from a series of cults and secret societies throughout history. It was believed that HYDRA was destroyed by the Allies at the end of the War, but recent events have caused to revise that conclusion.
HYDRA has reemerged as an organization bent on genetic supremacy, specifically the rise of metahumans and other enhanced individuals to rule over the “normals”. To that end, the returned Red Skull has recruited a group of confederates including Amora the Enchantress and Baron Zemo. They have also gathered a number of metahuman operatives, primarily through the Mutant Liberation Front, a radical breakaway from the Brotherhood of Mutants.
The interest in Metahumans is to recruit them for the overthrow of society.
Sunday, 19 May 2019
Young Justice - Avengers: A Masks RPG Campaign
This is information about my current campaign, a game What if, due to a fictional Warner-Disney merger, we got a Marvel-themed Young Justice spinoff?
Young Avengers won’t necessarily be in continuity with Young Justice: Outsiders. They will deal with similar themes (the rise of meta-humans), and the series will be in its own corner of the setting (namely New York state), but it’s impossible to completely keep the two series histories compatible.
Young Avengers, much like YJ, will draw from the entirety of Marvel history, including movies and alternate universes (i.e. MCU). Sometimes we’ll just do our own thing, much the same way that Zatara was still alive and became Dr. Fate.
Though the Avengers are the focus, there will be guest stars by other Marvel teams such as the Fantastic Four and X-Men, just not necessarily in traditional fashion.
Young Justice is the core truth of the setting – so if there already is a group or element in the YJ setting, the Marvel stuff has to mesh with it. There still will be tons of stuff Marvel specific, but they will have to slot into YJ history.
“The Shield exists for the American people; to do what needs to be done. If we need them to defend, these are your Defenders. If you need them to avenge, these are your Avengers”
- Nick Fury.
In response to an alien invasion, and general distrust of the Justice League (and the United Nations who sanction it), the United States government forms its own Super-team.
The Shield (known in the press as “The Avengers” after the famous introduction speech by Nick Fury, Is the country’s only sanctioned team of super-heroes.
Much like “The Team”, there is a Youth Training branch, again known as the “Young Avengers” in the press, operating out of the Hammond Metahuman Training Center. The HMTC is known by its students as Camp Hammond. Despite its name, it’s not just for metahumans – any individual wishing to learn to safely use their abilities, join the Shield or be a sanctioned hero can apply.
After the infamous “Reach Papers” breach that revealed true numbers of Meta-Actives to the world, there is growing hysteria about super-heroes. The publisher of the breach, the tabloid Daily Bugle has used its new fame to stir the flames of fear. They have already had success – through the government and heroes continue to call those with the Meta-gene, Metahumans, more and more people are using the offensive term “Mutant”.
The government set up “Camp Hammond” to train Metahumans and allay public fears over their numbers. O.N.E. has always known the general number of Metahumans in existence and knows the terrible cost hysteria would bring.
What has caused O.N.E. some concern is that many young Metahumans are disappearing off the grid. Camp Hammond was built for 200 students – there are about 20 because potential students have disappeared.
O.N.E. has tracked one source of the disappearance to a private school in Westchester County, New York. The other is still unknown, but rumors of a “mutant cult” known as the Brotherhood have spread through the metahuman community.
Young Avengers won’t necessarily be in continuity with Young Justice: Outsiders. They will deal with similar themes (the rise of meta-humans), and the series will be in its own corner of the setting (namely New York state), but it’s impossible to completely keep the two series histories compatible.
Young Avengers, much like YJ, will draw from the entirety of Marvel history, including movies and alternate universes (i.e. MCU). Sometimes we’ll just do our own thing, much the same way that Zatara was still alive and became Dr. Fate.
Though the Avengers are the focus, there will be guest stars by other Marvel teams such as the Fantastic Four and X-Men, just not necessarily in traditional fashion.
Young Justice is the core truth of the setting – so if there already is a group or element in the YJ setting, the Marvel stuff has to mesh with it. There still will be tons of stuff Marvel specific, but they will have to slot into YJ history.
Premise
“The Shield exists for the American people; to do what needs to be done. If we need them to defend, these are your Defenders. If you need them to avenge, these are your Avengers”
- Nick Fury.
In response to an alien invasion, and general distrust of the Justice League (and the United Nations who sanction it), the United States government forms its own Super-team.
The Shield (known in the press as “The Avengers” after the famous introduction speech by Nick Fury, Is the country’s only sanctioned team of super-heroes.
Much like “The Team”, there is a Youth Training branch, again known as the “Young Avengers” in the press, operating out of the Hammond Metahuman Training Center. The HMTC is known by its students as Camp Hammond. Despite its name, it’s not just for metahumans – any individual wishing to learn to safely use their abilities, join the Shield or be a sanctioned hero can apply.
After the infamous “Reach Papers” breach that revealed true numbers of Meta-Actives to the world, there is growing hysteria about super-heroes. The publisher of the breach, the tabloid Daily Bugle has used its new fame to stir the flames of fear. They have already had success – through the government and heroes continue to call those with the Meta-gene, Metahumans, more and more people are using the offensive term “Mutant”.
The government set up “Camp Hammond” to train Metahumans and allay public fears over their numbers. O.N.E. has always known the general number of Metahumans in existence and knows the terrible cost hysteria would bring.
What has caused O.N.E. some concern is that many young Metahumans are disappearing off the grid. Camp Hammond was built for 200 students – there are about 20 because potential students have disappeared.
O.N.E. has tracked one source of the disappearance to a private school in Westchester County, New York. The other is still unknown, but rumors of a “mutant cult” known as the Brotherhood have spread through the metahuman community.
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