Jaime Reyes, 16 (b. 1952) Based in New York City, New York Active since approximately December 1967
Character Concept
Jaime Reyes wasn't an especially unique kid. Firstborn son a pair of hard working immigrant parents, trying their best to live out the American Dream and give their family a better life. A good egg, who kept his nose in the books and feet off the streets so he could pay back all that hard work by making something of himself. The type of kid whose greatest act of rebellion was staying up a little later than usual on Thursday nights to catch the latest episode of 'Trek. Jaime Reyes wasn't all that much different from any goodie-two shoes teenager across the good, god-fearing US of A.
Until he got his hands on that damn scarab, that is. Or rather, the scarab got it's hands on him. Or mandibles. Whatever.
Times were tough for the Reyes, just like they were for most of the inhabitants of East Harlem. They didn't have much, but what little they did have cost a hell of a lot more than it was worth. Both his parents worked themselves ragged trying to keep a roof over the heads of their children, Jaime among them. Good son that he was, Jaime decided he would help out. He had taken up a summer job waiting at a hotel in the better bits of Manhattan, where the skin tones got lighter and the pocket books, heavier. He had to fight for it, assure them it wouldn't interfere with his studies when classes resumed, that he could crack a book during his breaks and get home in time for lights out no problem. It took him a couple weeks, but eventually they relented, and like most all of his bargains, Jaime made good on his end.
Of course, Manhattan was a big place, and getting from the haves-nots to the haves took one through a number of bad areas. Jaime—for all his squeaky cleanliness—had grown up in Spanish Harlem his whole life. He knew how to keep his head down, to not go looking for trouble. But sooner or later, regardless of whether or not you go looking for it, in those kinds of places, it finds you. Jaime Reyes found himself on the mean end of a .38 on his way to a shift one dreary October evening. It was a typical shake-down, money or your life, and as much as he needed the money, Jaime needed his neck more. The muggers ended up getting a hell of a lot more than they bargained for when a passerby blew them halfway to Hell's Kitchen—with a BB gun of all things.
Turned out, damsels in distress weren't the only types of people who had a caped hero come to their rescue. Although, at the time, the Blue Beetle hadn't been in a cape. Nor did he own a cape, really. But there he was, in the right place at the right time to save the kid's hide. The youth was thankful to say the least, and spent the rest of the walk to the hotel blabbering ol' Blue's ear off. Turned out, Ted Kord was staying at the very hotel Jaime spent his afternoons and evenings toiling at.
In hindsight, being shot that night might have been the better of the two options.
For whatever reason, Ted must have taken a shine to him. Whenever he finished a shift and the old man was in, Jaime would head up to his room and they'd chat. About anything, the news, old war stories, sci-fi—realistically who else was Jaime gonna talk about Fantastic Voyage with?—and even the occasional new gizmo Kord was working on. It was good, having someone outside the family to look up to. But all good things came to an end. Without so much as a goodbye, Ted Kord checked out of the hotel one night and never came back. Jaime hadn't found out until the day after, as he was finishing up his shift. It was a sad thing, to lose a friend just as soon as you'd made one, but the old man had at least left him a parting gift; a box, full of little gadgets and souvenirs. A box which also held the very scarab that spawned the Blue Beetle mantle.
A scarab that ended burrowing its way into poor Jaime's spine.
Inner conflict is one of the most important vectors for which character development occurs. Some of the most iconic of comic book heroes have long histories of wrestling with their inner demons. Jaime wrestles with an actual demon. Or something close enough to one. The struggle between good-hearted Jaime and the destructive urges of the Scarab, and their eventual synchronization and collaboration is a central draw for me when it comes to writing the character. I want to explore how the two of them come to terms with—and befriend—one another through their initially rocky partnership.
It's no secret that collaboration is a theme I'm gunning for in this roleplay in general, and once Jaime has gotten his body's favorite hitchhiker under control, I'd like to have him rub elbows with some like-minded individuals. Young folk with some Justice on their minds, and the power to change Society.
Key Notes
Characters of Note
Ted Kord An eccentric hero and the closest thing to a mentor Jaime has had. The two shared a brief kinship during his two month stay at the hotel Jaime works at in late '67, bonding over a shared love for science fiction and gadgetry. He disappeared as quickly as he appeared, but left Jaime with a few parting trinkets, among them the Scarab that would change the youth's life forever.
Paco Testas Jaime's best friend since kindergarten, and the brawn to his brains. He also counts himself among the few people can even call a friend to begin with, to say nothing of the young Beetle's social skills.
Brenda Del Vecchio Like Paco, but shorter, and angrier, and more ginger. Also female. The second of the short list that is Jaime's social circle, and definitely the one that vexes him most.
Danielle Garrett The granddaughter of the late Dan Garrett, the first Blue Beetle. Not exactly on Jaime's radar as of now, but as his nascent career begins to pick up traction, it's only a matter of time before she comes sniffing around for her inheritance. Archaeologists aren't exactly known for their willingness to share finds, after all.
The Reach An intergalactic empire of conquerors hellbent on making the universe their own. It was their technology that created the Scarab and sent it to Earth some millennia ago, intent for it to subsume an organic host and bring the planet to its knees ahead of a proper invasion force. A little ancient Egyptian meddling thwarted their initial plans, but now that the Scarab has awoken and secured a host in Jaime Reyes, it's only a matter of time before they come looking to settle a long forgotten score.
La Dama An occultist-turned-gangster, La Dama doesn't have the reputation of a Capone or a Luciano, but she makes up for it by being twice as vicious and a heck of a lot more dangerous, on account of all the magic. Currently expanding her influence through the street-gangs of the Bronx and Spanish Harlem, her expansionism will inevitably pit her burgeoning criminal enterprise against an equally fresh Blue Beetle.
The Posse A group of insular metahuman street-punks trying to make it in a rapidly changing world. They might not be the monologue supervillain type, but Harlem is a dog-eat-dog neighborhood, and they've become increasingly known for flexing their abilities to keep the mutts at bay. How well that tactic will work against a crime-stopping Beetle is to be seen.
Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran, Age 16 (b. 1952) Has Crash Landed in Newark Bay Active as of Right Now
Character Concept
At this point in her life, Koriand'r has seen more of other planets than her own.
While she was born second into royalty on her home planet of Tamaran, Koriand'r was set to inherit the throne after her older sister, Komand'r, fell ill to a disease in her childhood that made her ineligible to become queen. Before the opportunity ever came, however, an interplanetary empire known as the Citadel came and invaded Tamaran. With a bitter Komand'r's assitance, they overwhelmed the Tamaranean citizens, and Koriand'r was given to the Citadel in their terms of surrender.
After years of torture, she was handed over to the Psions for experimentation. It wasn't until she developed the ability to conjure destructive blasts of solar energy despite the shackles that bound her that she was finally able to make her escape. After procuring a ship and eliminating any opposition, Koriand'r was able to drive a ship towards Tamaran. Unfortunately, a combination of bad luck and multiple hits meant her ship was going down sooner than later, and she was ultimately shot down, her ship crashing through Earth's atmosphere and landing in a body of water.
And so Koriand'r steps out of the bay, soaked to the bone, and looking around for a place to get her cuffs off. tl;dr alien princess from outer space crash lands on earth. shenanigans ensue.
I think getting to write the development of a literal alien coming to Earth and learning things is not only hilarious, but also something I have yet to actually write. Writing canon characters will also be something new for me, but I'm excited for the challenge.
My hope is to write Starfire's experiences in a healthy mix of both comic and show counterpart. I know it's been done (with varying levels of success), I just wanna take a crack at it. I'll admit my long term plans are more a of a slow burn, with her arc of confronting her sister being way down the line (and possibly The Citadel at one point) and the priority being getting to know Earth and the many heroes hanging around. On the other hand, I think the introduction is a pretty good way to kick things off and will get a little zing going. tl;dr goal = be the baddest bitch in boots
Key Notes
Komand'r - The first princess born in a hundred years. Formerly heir to the throne, Komand'r was deemed unfit to rule and was cast aside after suffering from an illness that robbed her of the Tamaranean ability to harness ultraviolet light. Consumed by her rage and envy, she betrayed her people by helping the Citadel take over her home planet. The Citadel - A fascist interplanetary empire that has dominated twenty-one of twenty-two worlds in the Vega star system. At the time of the Tamaranean invasion, Lord Damyn ruled over the empire, having murdered his predecessor with the aim to take over the entirely of the universe. Psions - An alien race from the Vega system. Known for their genetic experimentation, they are sadistic in their ways and have little care for their subjects. They exploits the lifeforms found in the Vega star system with their most recent experiment focusing on how much energy a Tamaranean body could hold, with Princess Koriand'r of Tamaran being their primary guinea pig. Unknown to Koriand'r, Komand'r was experimented on as well, although troops loyal to her had liberated her using Koriand'r's escape as a cover.
References / Sample Post
"Come now, we all knew this day would come."
"The Citadel is relentless, but their timing could not have been worse."
"Ah, yes, the princess is also..."
The conversation stopped as the door opened, the two women waiting to see who would come in. As Koriand'r poked her head in, green eyes scanned the room, excitement taking over as she spotted her mother. Luand'r beckoned her over, arms wide as her daughter flew into them. Letting out a giggle, Koriand'r's expression fell as she noticed the serious look on her mother's face.
"Mother? What's wrong?" She asked.
The other woman bowed her head to them both, choosing this chance to take her leave. Once the two were alone, Luand'r thought to herself on how to respond. "Wrong...no, today is a day to celebrate. For we have a new future queen," She spoke slowly, choosing her words carefully.
Furrowing her brow, Koriand'r shook her head in disagreement. "But...Sister will be queen," She reminded her. "And she will rule. Father said so."
"He did, but things have changed," Luand'r said, sitting her daughter down next to her.
"Why?"
"It has been decided," Luand'r replied firmly, making it clear that she wasn't leaving any room for further questioning. "Tomorrow, we will make a formal announcement to all and we will celebrate. Someday, you will be Queen--"
"AHHHHHH!" Her own scream was so loud that it took her a second to register it was her own, the whiplash in her mind going from past to present disorienting her. It wasn't until the pain finally stopped that she remembered where she was. The cold handcuffs held her arms above her head, her body dangling in the air as the mechanism around her neck released her. Slowly, she was lowered to the ground, the air feeling like daggers against her skin. She could hardly feel the shackles around her legs, but then again, they were only there so when she did have the energy she couldn't reach any of the walls to smash.
There were faint voices that sounded far away, but Koriand'r paid no mind to them. They always said the same thing: 'she hasn't exploded yet'. The only thing that was any different this time around was that her hands were stinging, her fingers flexing repeatedly. It was weird, it felt like the sun was too hot on them, but there wasn't a single ounce of sunlight around her--only the light of the many machines. It didn't really hurt, but it was weird enough to notice.
The voices were gone, and at that point, her body was winding down. Except for her hands. What was going on with that? The sensation--yes, that word felt more fitting--wasn't going away, but aside from the handcuffs, they didn't look any different. Focusing on her palms, she squinted as she slowly closed her hands, a flash of green emitted from her fists. Letting out a gasp, she tried again and failed, but after a few tries, she got it again.
"What is this...?" Koriand'r couldn't help but mutter, letting out another gasp as she managed to get the light to stay. It almost felt like she was holding energy in her hands! How was this possible? Was this the explosion the Psions were looking for? No, they sounded disappointed, they would have noticed a change like this.
Or would they?
Gaining a second wind, she shifted herself to her knees and looked around. If this was energy she was harnessing, then she should be able to do something. And that something was best used against the glass where the scientists usually watched. Of course, if her idea worked and she was able to get out, they'd be all over her. They'd probably do more things and figure out why it happened. Honestly, the risks outweighed the slim chance of success, but if it meant even a glimmer of freedom, she had to go for it. But she wasn't going with an ability she just learned--instead, she was going to free herself then brawl her way out if she had to.
Lifting up her arms, she pointed her fists at the bolt holding the chains to her shackles as she concentrated. One flash, another, and after some time she was able to keep it consistent. Now, she should be able to do something with this. As she clenched her fists, she nearly yelled as the light shot out from her hands and obliterated the chain. Well, that worked much better than expected! Unfortunately, the blast didn't free her from her handcuffs, but she would just have to manage.
Free to fly, Koriand'r knew she didn't need her new ability to get out of there. With a savage battle cry, she smashed her fists against the glass repeatedly until it shattered, an alarm blaring shortly after. She wasn't going to wait for anyone to show up, but she quickly realized she had no idea where to go. Would it be easier to bash her way through a wall and fly to the nearest planet? No, a ship would be easiest, wouldn't it?
The sound of several voices snapped her out of her thoughts, and without a second to lose, Koriand'r flew as fast as she could. At the first sight of a Psion, she tackled it, taking a hold of its arm and dragging it with her.
"Where are the ships?" She asked.
"F-Fiend! Release me at--ACK!" Once she didn't get what she wanted, she made sure to slam him into a corner as she turned. "Brute! Unhand me!"
"I'll ask you one more time," She gripped his arms tightly, the green energy appearing. "Where are the ships?"
"T-To the left--AHHHH!"
She didn't bother keeping him around, flying over a group and tossing him back towards them. With freedom in sight, she flew through the gate, the hallway changing as she entered the small ship. She doubted it would get her back home, but she could get it to take her as far away from the Psions as possible.
Bartholomew "Bart" Henry Allen II, Age 17 (b. 2012) Based in The United States; mobile Active since approximately 2026 / 1968
Character Concept
The 21st century that Bart Allen comes from is one of despair, near-perpetual war, and inevitable destruction. A series of unrelated yet unrelenting planet-wide crises that spanned the last three decades had left the world without most of its mightiest heroes. From the moment he was born, just a year after one terrible crisis had ended, his life was filled with constant struggle and tragedy.
The grandson of the mid-late 20th century Flash, Bart had inherited the former's incredible gifts from birth - a fact that quickly put the boy's life at risk as his heightened metabolism nearly consumed his own body. If not for the intervention of S.T.A.R. Labs and friend of his father's, Max Mercury, he would have died before his first birthday.
In 2018, yet another crisis struck Earth as a new invading force swept across the planet. With the governments of various nations still rebuilding from the events half a decade ago and many of the world's costumed defenders lost in years past, the planet's population was soon decimated before any resistance could be mounted. Bart's parents were killed in the initial wave of attacks while protecting him, and he was soon after taken in by Max Mercury. Following the aftermath of this destruction, which the Earth only barely survived due to outside intervention, Max began training the young Bart in the use of his abilities, teaching him the history of his heritage, and preparing for the next calamity that was sure to come.
In 2024, while the world had largely turned into a series of wartorn remnant nations battling for resources, Bart decided to live up to his storied ancestry and adopt a costumed identity in order to restore some semblance of order to the chaos that had gripped his world. As Impulse, and together with other like-minded youths boasting incredible gifts, skills, and identities that harkened back to the past age of heroes, he genuinely made a difference across the Eastern United States for the next several years. For the first time in decades, it seemed as if the world might be heading back on track.
Then, in 2030, Max's prediction proved true as what would become the Earth's final crisis came to bear.
There was no defense against this new threat. No resistance to be mounted. No invasion to fight off. There was only inevitable destruction. The planet Earth, like so many before it across the cosmos, now faced an inconceivable foe that cared for nothing but its singular goal: consumption.
But Max Mercury had been planning for this inevitability for nearly two decades. He hadn't known in what form absolute destruction would come in, but the man had recognized the patterns long ago and come to the realization that one day the Earth would face a crisis it would not be able to stave off. So he had prepared in secret, stealing parts from various decommissioned and abandoned S.T.A.R. Labs facilities, and toiling away on his project until the day would come where its use was unavoidable.
A time machine. A device of purely theoretical science, constructed from mostly second-hand parts, and that had never once been tested.
Max had hoped to devise a machine one day capable of shepherding as much of Earth's population as possible, but even after eighteen years of hard work and dedication, his efforts had only resulted in a small craft capable of housing a single passenger.
Bart, despite numerous and lengthy pleas to stay with Max, was selected to use the time machine. He was informed it would be a one-way trip with no way to return 'home' to the present, and was given a crash course on the history of the era Max had selected for him to travel to.
Still, although Max told Bart he couldn't bring everyone with him to the past, there was still some hope. A chance, no matter how slim, that the world could still be saved - just not in the present. Max drilled into Bart's head a list of events, both minor and major, that took place in the mid to late 1900's that if prevented or even just slightly adjusted could potentially alter the course of history in such a way as to avoid the crises that had brought about the end of the world. Stop just a few critical moments in history and the timeline could be saved.
So, in 2030, with his goal firmly set in mind, and just hours before the Earth and its inhabits were torn asunder and devoured, Bart said goodbye to his mentor, friend, and father.
And in 1968, Bart said hello to his new beginning.
Really, my goal is just to write some fun stories with people. I haven't done any genuine collaborative roleplaying on the Guild in literally a decade. So I chose a character and designed a narrative that allows me to interact with anyone and everyone. The nature of Bart intending to intervene in various events, whether small or large, means that I have a justified reason to be anywhere and do anything. I can rationalize crossing over with characters of all kinds, be it throwback fanfares to kung-fu stories, or pulp mystery tales, space cop shenanigans, or mystical adventures, and everything in between.
I can and will write solo content when required. I'm not by any means going to be dependent on others for me to tell a story. However, the ultimate goal is to make this RP world feel truly lived in by touching bases with just about everyone at one point or another.
Key Notes
2007-2011
The Dominator Invasion and Occupation begins, and a resistance effort by the world's heroes is mounted. Most of the metahuman population are abducted and never seen again. Other costumed vigilantes and caped heroes are executed and made an example of. Five years of terror as Earth is completely dominated. Max Mercury is among the resistance fighters and metahumans who survive throughout the entire ordeal.
2012
Bartholomew Henry Allen II is born.
2018
The Apokalypse War begins as Earth is invaded yet again. Bart's parents are killed in the initial skirmish and he is subsequently taken in by Max Mercury. Despite lasting only three days, the Earth's population is decimated. The Apokalypse forces are only driven back by the intervention of the combined might of the Green Lantern and Nova Corps, who are also left extraordinarily weakened as a result. A majority of the remaining adult heroes are massacred in the early hours as they attempt to mount a failed defense against the surprise attack.
2020
Atlantis declares all of the seas as sovereign territory and announces that any intrusion will be seen as an act of war, with trespassers killed on sight. This exacerbates the already difficult rebuilding efforts as resources dwindle on the surface, and navies across the world are assaulted. Most of California is sunk during a particularly brutal confrontation.
2020-2024
Many Earth governments completely fall to ruin with various warlords rising to power.
2024-2030
Bart adopts the Impulse identity and works towards ending warlord rule across the Eastern United States. Together with Terry McGinnis and Miguel O'Hara, he founds the Young Justice League and slowly but surely begins to reinstate some semblance of order. Pockets of survivors come together to form communities in the less-damaged cities with Happy Harbor, Rhode Island eventually becoming a major safe haven. Considerable progress is made in the latter two years to restart a unified North American government.
2030
The World Devourer sends its heralds to Earth. For two weeks they clash with the YJL, Max Mercury, and any other remaining metas willing and able to mount a defense. Attempts prove to be futile, however, and as Galactus arrives the Earth is slowly consumed.
2030
Bart Allen is sent sixty-two years back in time by Max Mercury with the mission to prevent all of the crises of the last three decades by changing several key events of the past.
1940
Jason "Jay" Peter Garrick is selected as a candidate for the supersoldier project and undergoes a treatment that grants him superhuman speed. Debuts as the Flash and operates during the war as a member of America's All-Star Squadron - a unit of supersoldiers whose combat missions were heavily focused on in the media.
1947-1955
Garrick and fellow former All-Star Squadron member Libby Lawrence, AKA Liberty Belle, are partnered up and sent on covert military assignments. They briefly operate during the Korean War, directly aiding South Korean forces in at least one battle, but primarily served as an intelligence unit for the Western Bloc. After this period, Garrick goes missing in action and Lawrence subsequently returns to the States.
1965
Ten years after the disappearance of the original Flash, a new costumed hero takes up the mantle. Bartholomew Henry "Barry" Allen, at the age of 21, gains similar speed abilities to his predecessor and, inspired by the former's role in the Second World War, begins acting as a vigilante throughout Central and Keystone Cities.
1968
Just three hours after the onset of the new year, Bart Allen arrives in the past.