Secret Invasion/Secret War

OU RP with loosely defined history. Organizations and dates, no character names.
Plot inspired by Secret Invasion, YJ Invasion and JL Pilot.

Hidden factions include the Skrulls and the Martians, possibly the Reach. People being replaced by aliens, all while the above factions fight to control Earth.
Rising crime, international turmoil and other struggles a direct causality of the 'Secret War'

-WWI
-The Defenders?
-WWII
-Justice Society founded in the wake of World War II
-The SSR offers the JSA an ultimatum of join, and become government superheroes or forcible retire, resistance meant unmasking and/or jail time.

Long ago, the planet Krypton orbited the yellow star known as Rao. The beings which habited the planet possessed cells which absorbed the light of the yellow sun and in turn metabolized its energies which granted their bodies abilities mlthat would be considered extraordinary.

Faster than a speeding bullet
Stronger than a locomotive
Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound

In the late twenty-first century, Earth's resources began to reach dangerous levels of depletion. Almost every nation's efforts were channelled into finding an alternative to sustain our overpopulated planet. While some looked to create artificial or replicated resources, most efforts were focused on the unknown beyond our solar system. Numerous citizens from all walks of life volunteered for Biblical ark-like projects and were jettisoned into the cold void of space following predetermined routes that should have led to new worlds.

Most of the arks were never made contact again, but one triumphant day in 2101, Earth received a transmission. One of the Ark's had found a stable planet, a new Earth. Not only had they found one stable planet but several neighbouring solar systems that continued one if not more stable planets. The resource-rich galaxy was previously unheard of. The ark's navigation data proved that it had passed through a wormhole that had sent the vessel far further than its limited light speed engine ever could have propelled it.

<Society redevelops, terraforming frustrations and failures, class divide>

<Leading to our story...>

Maintenance and technical support ship finds itself drawn into preventing a war between two factions.

Responds to a distress call finding a science vessel with no one on board left alive. Salvages what they can, taking the ship's black box. Investigation reveals that the ship was testing a new form of bioweapon. The crew finds themselves pursued by both factions who want the weapon back all while realizing that they have been exposed and only have a matter of time left before they begin to suffer the same fate.

Cold War

Alliance/Federation/Empire

Rebels/Independents/Resistance

Captain/Foreman

Pilot

Medic

Guard/Merc (x2?)

Engineer

General Workers (x2/3?)

Total Crew: 8

Clear skies illuminated the rolling hills of the western plains as the wranglers broke across the horizon, driving the herd of horses towards the farm barely visible across the green. The growl of atmospheric engines filled the air as the distinct smell of the starship's exhaust filled the air, the odour covering the aroma of the long grass.

A hull covered in chipped and peeling paint was visible from the ground as the ship descended toward the port beyond the farm.

Space Western
Aliens
Synthetic Lifeforms
Limited Light Speed
Humans are outgunned in most space battles.
Earth is mostly destroyed, existing as a slum world for those who weren't able to get off. Most of civilization is flooded, floating cities exist but as power depletes they fall from the sky. Some live among the flooded ruins of the former great cities.

Mars is considered a successfully terraformed planet but was abandoned for literally greener pastures in other systems. An untamed planet, Mars has two cities, surrounded by rolling plains and small, frontier towns.

Corruption bled into the terraforming efforts. Those released from stasis first used the opportunity to hijack the system and release others in batches to make them easier to control, and more subservient. Many worlds fell into caste or feudal systems. Entire systems run by oligarchies, self-imposed monarchies and even fascist regimes.

Reptilian Race
-Reproduces by placing eggs in those deemed strong. Hatchlings eat their way out, thus 'absorbing' the strength.
-Growing old is considered a dishonour, the highest honour is being chosen to bear the young. This is also reserved for captured enemies they consider worthy.

Privateers: Collection of spacers and smugglers with a license to freely pirate for a portion of plunder from XYZ Government. Absolute scourge of the black and bane of the ABC.

The Colony Wars:

The Settled Systems:

The Black: A general term meaning space itself, although it can be also used specifically to refer to unchartered space or an unknown void.

Bird: A bird is a slang term for an agile ship or fighter.

Boat: A boat is a slang term used for large vessels or freighters.

Federation of Central Unified Systems


Coalition of Allied Planets


The Highland Monarchy of the Hymenoxys Cluster


Sovereign Planets:


-Personal laser/Energy beam weapons are expensive, prone to over heating and otherwise rare weapons.

-Ballistic Weapons are common but heavily discouraged during combat onboard ships due to numerous factors.

-Melee weapons are the most common form of a personal side arm, ranging from telescopic swords and staves to basic fixed-blade knives or axes.

-Technology is highly variable. Ship and personal survival suit technology was rapidly advanced due to its necessity, especially following the Colony Wars.

Hierarchy of Sentient and Virtual Life Forms:


Trail Blazers - Elite pilots tasked with the creation and upkeep of FTL routes and lanes.

P R E M I S E:
Aliens live among us. For the past ninety years, metahumans, mutants and the battles between superheroes and supervillains have dominated the lives of everyone on the planet Earth. Heroes such as the Superman from Krypton and the Manhunter from Mars have made life from other planets an accepted part of daily life. But unbeknownst to even the watchful eye of S.H.I.E.L.D., key figures on Earth have begun to disappear, only to be replaced by hostile alien imposters positioning for a Secret War between alien races. An arms race between the Skrulls and the White Martians has been brewing beneath the surface for several years now and threatens to come to a head.

All across the globe, crime has risen exponentially and many of the world's superpowers are in international turmoil as a direct causality between the warring factions. Even unaware of the foes at home, Earth is now forced to face a threat on a third front as the Reach has begun carving an aggressive path toward Earth.

More than ever, Earth needs her heroes. Who will answer the call?

Secret Invasion/Secret War

OU RP with loosely defined history. Organizations and dates, no character names.
Plot inspired by Secret Invasion, YJ Invasion and JL Pilot.

Hidden factions include the Skrulls and the Martians, possibly the Reach. People being replaced by aliens, all while the above factions fight to control Earth.

Skrulls
White Martians
The Reach
Kroloteans

Rising crime, international turmoil and other struggles a direct causality of the 'Secret War'

-WWI
-The Defenders?
-WWII
-Justice Society founded in the wake of World War II
-The SSR offers the JSA an ultimatum of join, and become government superheroes or forcible retire, resistance meant unmasking and/or jail time.

What's different about this RP versus past One Universe Games?

The biggest difference this time around is that players will have the option to indicate if they want their character to have been, or to be replaced by a member of the warring alien factions. If this offer is accepted, they will receive a private message from the GM, informing them that their offer has been accepted and any further required details can be determined at that time. This allows players to take ownership over parts of the main plot, and contribute to driving the antagonistic side of the RP. In some instances, it may even be a member of a character's rogue gallery that has been replaced rather than the primary POV themselves so that players are able to unravel the mystery of the Secret War and prevent the Invasion.

■ Fixed - Events determined by the GM that are essential to the RP.
◆ Malleable - Events that are proposed by the GM but can be modified prior to the RP starting pending Players and Characters.
▶ Player - Events determined by Player submitted sheets.

The service had been lovely.

At least, as far as funerals went.

The sixteen-year-old boy could only muse as he walked down the neon-lit streets of New Lilith. Still dressed in a suit beneath his father's loose-fitting jacket, it was pulled tightly around his body to ward off the chilling winds coming in over the bay. A perpetual fog hovered close to the sidewalks and buildings in the older districts, a side effect of the exhaust from the ancient steam systems used to heat the city's infrastructure. The collected water droplets swirled a variety of colours from the advertisements and sleazy signs above, greens, blues and reds all vibrant against the dark sky of the evening.

The teenager had been so preoccupied by his thoughts that he didn't realize he had taken a wrong turn, leaving behind the Wharf and accidentally stumbling into the Lower East Side instead of the Milk District that housed his dorm. While no street in New Lilith could particularly be considered safe, the Lower East Side was the worst of the worst. Pulling the jacket tighter around himself and wishing for the days when his father was still here to keep him safe, the boy turned on his heel to head back to presumed safety.

But it was already too late.

Out of the corner of his eye, the teenager saw a motorcycle swing about at the end of the street, coming around for another pass. In the near distance, the sound of several exhausts echoed through the tightly lined buildings. The whole neighbourhood knew what was about to happen as dim lights in nearby windows were completely extinguished whilst shutters were drawn close. Like vultures circling a corpse, the roar of the engine drew closer and closer. Ducking into a nearby alley, the boy tried to throw his pursuer off his trail only to be confronted by four other men, approaching from the far end of the dark passageway.

"Are you lost? You look lost." One of the men at the far end of the alley asked, his face turned upwards into a cruel sneer.

"Dressed too nice to be from around here." Said the second while reaching for a weapon tucked into his waistband. The third man at the far end of the alley only chuckled wickedly along with the comments of his two companions The fourth man had nothing to say, adding only the sound of his knuckles and neck cracking as the four drew closer.

Behind the teenager, the sound of a motorcycle engine suddenly filled the alleyway before the engine was cut short as the final member of the ambush arrived. Climbing off of the bike, his heavy boots stomped against the cobblestone below, as the distinct sound of a spring-loaded knife opening could be heard reverberating off the surrounding brick.

"Your phone, your wallet, your shoes and your jacket." The biker ordered as the other four howled like a pack of hyenas.

"Easy there Terminator." Came a gruff reply from above the alley. Looking up the teenager saw a hooded figure leap towards the ground, landing between the five men and the teenager.

"Who are you supposed to be?" The same biker called towards the figure in the hood and long coat. "There are no heroes left in New Lilith."

"That's where you're wrong." Came the response as the shrouded figure twisted his wrist. Beneath the biker, a chord suddenly went taunt, entangling his legs and carrying him into the night sky. The clang of his head against the steel of the fire escape was an unmistakable sound.

"Cute trick, hero." The loudmouth with the gun yelled from the opposite end of the alley. "It's still four on one."

"You're right," The hooded figure replied, "Those odds aren't fair." He retorted, producing an orb from his belt.

"For you."

As the orb was released from his hand, the alley was covered in a dense layer of smoke. Against the smoke was a projected image of the hero, his decoys distracting the four remaining assailants, their weapons harmlessly passing through the projected mirages.

The teenager watched in amazement as the vigilante moved through the smoke, single-handedly downing each of the remaining assailants one by one. His movements were perfectly efficient, no flourishes only what was necessary. No energy expended that wasn't needed. When the smoke cleared, the teenager was surrounded by the five unconscious bodies. Out of the corner of his eye, something else caught his attention.

A nearby wall bore a new image. An 'I' and an 'A' stylized in blue and red against the dirty brick.

IllAdvised was on the move.

-Mistrial, evidence went missing in the DA's office
-Connection to Locke, slice of the power vacuum pie
-Low-tech/homemade gear
-Three Section Staff (Keep the tazer aspect, magnetic joints, but otherwise lose the grapple, spring-loaded parts), Under Wrist Dart Launcher, Collapsible shield on the forearm.
-City Cameras, Little Brother Watching
-A bit of a flashier New Lilith than previous renditions, Neo-Gothic mixed with Cyberpunk
-Locke has been dealt with, Maki and Thomas have left, Sam has left. Just Chuck and Glitch.
-Non-descript car, nothing flashy. Older, but not so old as to draw attention, Honda Accord/Chevrolet Impala/Ford Taurus/Dodge Charge family. Electric/ICE Combination, dual motor. Colour Changing, Multiple License Plates, ability to completely retract plate. Built for speed, not assault.
-Ball Cap, kevlar with a plate insert, retractable mask to allow for further disguise but also blending in with crowds. Hood, trench coat, face mask/scarf. Lots of pockets and triple staff. Modified smartwatch, blue tooth earpieces, remote connection to car and Glitch. Projector on the watch, both for display and infrared keyboard on arm.

>flashback, Thomas stopping Chuck from killing Locke,the result is Locke's bullet ricocheting off of Angel and killing Locke himself.

>flashback of Chuck and Thomas arguing about Chuck's single-minded focus on taking Locke down when there were other ways to protect the city.

"You're going to get all of us killed," Thomas yelled. "You're so focused on taking down Locke that you're neglecting all the good we can do." He produced a folder from his backpack, slamming it down on the table between Chuck, Makarios and himself.

"Lauren Stills mugged and assaulted while we were staking out Locke's casino," Thomas explained pointing to the first case file. "Eduardo Cruz was shot during gang-related violence while we were tracking Locke's limo. Kyle Hitchens, his house was broken into and he was killed during a home invasion while we were watching the Mayor and Locke play golf. This obsession only leads to death."

Thomas reached into his bag and produced one more folder.

"Nathan Brock-"

The name had barely left Thomas' mouth before Chuck sucker-punched him across the face. Thomas didn't react, he took the hit while Chuck cradled his hand. The Enochian's living armour retracted from where it had appeared to defend from Chuck's attack.

"That was ill-advised," Thomas stated dryly.

"You don't get to use Gecko against me."

"His name was Nathan," Thomas snapped back, "Nathan Brock! And he shouldn't have had to pay for your mistakes with his life. Whose life will you use as penance next, are we nothing but meat shields to you and your narrow-minded crusade?" Thomas roared.

"We followed you because you had a plan, you had it all figured out. You brought the Mavericks together. But you're just as lost, just as hopeless as either of us were when we started out. But Maki and I matured while you're still a little boy dressing up in his dad's leather jacket. It's time for us all to move on and end this." Thomas dropped the backpack to the table and turned to leave.

"I quit."

>flashback to Gecko's death as a direct result of Chuck kicking the hornet's nest.

Struggling against the restraints, IllAdvised tried to break the zip ties around his wrists, watching as Tony, better known as the Behemoth towered over Gecko. Cursing himself under his breath, IllAdvised couldn't believe he had fallen for Locke's trap.

"Don't you touch him!" IllAdvised growled, "Come try me for size."

Mirthless laughter matched only by a slow dramatic clap came from the corner. Leaning on his cane as he stood, the wiry figure adjusted his top hat before stepping forward.

"Now, now, IllAdvised, we're all wise to your little trick. Tony takes a swing at you, you suddenly find yourself empowered with his strength and you save the day." A smug grin crossed the slender man's face.

"That won't be happening. No today, you will learn about consequences."

>Present

...And in breaking news this evening, City Councillor Antonio Rodriguez has been acquitted of all charges after crucial evidence was lost leading to a mistrial. Rodriguez had been brought up on three counts of assault, intention to traffic and-

The screwdriver slammed onto the hardwood table situated in front of the television. Outside the penthouse apartment's patio windows, rain streamed down the perfectly kept glass, the city beyond covered in a neon glow, further emphasized by the haze of fog from the passing storm.

Admiring his handiwork, the man flexed the device on his right arm, expanding the collapsible ballistics shield. Snapping it shut, he stood from the couch and approached a bookcase across the open living space of the apartment. Pressing his thumb against the spine of a leather-bound copy of 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep', an audible click could be heard over the television before the bookshelf swung loose from the wall. Behind the heavy shelving set was a dimly lit room, illuminated solely by a wall of nine monitors, arranged in a tight grid formation.

"Glitch," The man called out as he entered the room. "I need you to access the city's mainframe and hijack any connected street or traffic cameras. Can you run a recognization scan throughout the city for Antonio Rodriguez, please alert me to any facial matches with an accuracy of ninety percent match or greater. I want his location." The man mused, "I think it's time that Mr. Rodriquez make amends for his ill-advised decisions."

"Tonight? Are you sure, boss? Might I remind you that Charles Michaels has a date?" The voice of the female artificial intelligence radiated from within the room.

"I'll need you to cancel it and send my best regards. Send a nice bouquet and make sure we pay for dinner and her car home. Just charge it to the business account." Charles 'Chuck' Michaels replied.

Opening a nearby locker, the man pulled out its contents, beginning to undress before pulling on the outfit inside. A pair of Kevlar motorcycle pants were first before bending over to lace up the pair of composite-toed boots. A weather-resistant hooded shirt was followed by a tactical vest, both of which were layered beneath a long, full-length coat. Fastening the asymmetrical flap of the jacket across his chest, the man placed a reinforced ball cap atop his head before pulling it down to shield his face. Holstering a three-section staff to his thigh, he turned back towards the screens, tightening the straps of his armoured gloves.

"I'm sure Penelope will be disappointed. I don't have any results on Rodriguez, are you sure you want to cancel?"

"The only date I'm attending tonight is the one I have with justice."

"This is why IllAdvised should stay the strong and silent type."

"Criticism noted," Chuck replied as he poured over the monitors, watching the cameras rotating through the numerous city streets.

The purposefully non-descript sedan sat across the street, rain pelting the windshield, obscuring the figure inside. Beneath a ballcap, the man brought a small pair of binoculars up to his eyes, studying the former councillor.

"Hey Sam, Tiff, this is Thomas," Chuck stated, motioning towards the blonde haired sophomore beside him. The pair had been working together for several weeks in their 'extracurricular' activities but that wasn't exactly the explanation for their unlikely friendship they could give the two girls.

"He just moved here from Texas for school, so our RA had asked if I could show him around campus." It wasn't exactly a lie, Thomas had enrolled in Grimm University's pre-law program, paying his way through school holding down a job at a small autoshop.

An autoshop that also saw it's fair share of back alley deals.

Thomas had been tracking the Behemoth's getaway driver the night at the bank. It was sort of how the pair of them agreed to begin working together. Now they just had to get their mysterious third member to agree to join their softball league.

-

Chuck had never felt as honored as the day he stood beside Thomas as his 'wingman's' best man. Makarios had officiated the ceremony, and done so beautifully. Tiffany was absolutely radiant, though, and not to the surprise of either of the other Mavericks, it was Sam that Chuck wasn't able to keep his eyes off.

-

"What is that?" Makarios asked prodding another finger against Chuck's chest as he paused from tying the bowtie around the other man's neck.

"A precaution," Chuck replied dismissively raising his chin as he waited for Maki to finish the task at hand.

"Why are you wearing your field deployment armour under your tux?" Maki asked, his tone wavering between amused and irritated. "This is Thomas' wedding day."

"Exactly," replied Chuck, "It's Thomas' wedding day. Superhero weddings always get attacked." He cracked a wry smirk.

"Ten bucks says we don't make it to the cake cutting without me needing this."

Makarios rolled his eyes, gently massaging his temples.

"If you want me to take a piece of that action, at least don't be cheap about it." The taller man responded, placing the bowtie in Chuck's hands.

"One hundred, and you can tie your own damn bowtie. You can memorize an entire building layout in an hour, I've taught you how to do this on at least four separate occasions." Maki snapped as he exited the room.

"And fix your hair!"

"And that's the difference between knowledge," Thomas chuckled briefly looking towards the technical manuals and blueprints spread across Chuck's tool bench before placing the mallet down beside the exasperated man.

"And experience." He added, looking over the vehicle that Chuck had been slowly piecing together. "Why didn't you tell me you were building a car? I used to rebuild engines with my dad long before I took that job with Tiff's uncle through school."

Makarios was up top, moving silently like a jaguar taking out the snipers quietly, quickly and efficiently. Chuck on the other hand was entering the looking cathedral through the front doors as IllAdvised blatantly strode into the heart of Locke's operations.

-

"I have an Angel watching my back." IllAdvised snapped back as the stained glass window exploding, Thomas making his grand entrance and completing the Maverick trinity. A smirk turned up in the corner of IllAdvised's mouth as he drew his tonfas. Slamming them together four times, the church's sound system crackled to life as Glitch took over the system.

Twisted Sister's 'I Wanna Rock' spilled over the rows of empty pews as the pair of Mavericks moved into action.