GreenGrenade

Create-A-Hero: A Superhero RPG (Closed)

<Snipped quote by GreenGrenade>

The fact that you said arsenal instead of quiver is a missed opportunity.

@FacePunch

Well, damn. I didn't think of that. I apologise.

I have failed this city.

Create-A-Hero: A Superhero RPG (Closed)

So, without mass messaging everyone at once, which I'm betting is getting tiresome at this point, I can see people looking at the notification pop ups and saying, dammit VAT! Stop spamming me! Anyways hopefully these Docs do take off and they can maybe spur actual conversations, and we can get a feel about how the world works and lives with all these strange occurrences going on. I was thinking if everyone was cool with it restricting access to just us RPers here. We can keep it view only to any who just wanna pop in and look around but I'm guessing at some point a jerk is going to come in and say. "Hey look a Doc Link. Ooh and I can mess with it. This'll be fun" And thusly commences to overload the thing with inappropriate content.

There are two ways to do this I think, one is for everyone to save the Link I gave you all earlier so you can edit it, and then I can upload a link that's view only. (Which I'm like 60% sure I can do. I haven't tested that out.) Or two just authorize you all by Email. Which may be a little disconcerting to some of you. I mean I don't mind myself but some just may not want to hand over their email just to edit a Doc file.

Of course we can just keep the editable like private to just us in the RP. And not have such a thing open to newcomers until they express interest in joining. That way the likelihood that someone will decide to delete everything is zero. I dunno what does everyone think?

@VATROU

At this point I'm just a lurker with two sheets in his arsenal, but personally I think sharing an editable link via PM would be the way to go. Making a view-only link is really easy, too -- all you have to do is click on the Share button in the top right of the doc, then select the "anyone with the link can view" option. Just my two cents.

EDIT: Ninja'd by Fallen.

GreenGrenade's Character Compendium

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| CHARACTER: |

Leon Corrigan

| ALIAS: |

Aeon

| SPEECH COLOUR: |

Tan

| CHARACTER ALIGNMENT: |

Walking the Line

| IDENTITY: |

Secret

| CHARACTER PERSONALITY: |

Much like his brother, Leo has a hard time connecting with people. Shy in his youth, he tended to avoid people, behaviour that only intensified when he was diagnosed with depression and social anxiety disorder.

Nowadays his condition is repressed, so such negativity is less obvious, covered up by a certain laid-back, “all is well” attitude, all smirks and jokes, not a bit of seriousness to be seen. Leo now manages to maintain relationships with others for far longer than he was previously able, and appears to have a new lease on life, caught with a smile on his face a lot more frequently than usual.

Old habits die hard, however, and despite his renewed, somewhat positive outlook on things, there lies beneath paranoia and cynicism that he just can’t shake off no matter how hard he tries.

But beneath all that is just a young man’s fragile psyche, trying desperately to get by with all the loneliness he feels, with the crushing feeling that life just isn’t worth a damn. There’s just a little boy, desperate for acceptance by his fellow man, for acceptance in society. There’s just someone who’s lost his way in the world, trying his hardest to find it again.

| UNIFORM/COSTUME: |

At the start of his activities as Aeon, Leo wears only a hoodie and jeans. As he progresses, he’ll eventually upgrade into something like this.

| ORIGIN: |

Leon Corrigan was born in Grant City ten years after his brother, Gareth. Shortly after his birth, his mother succumbed to the allure of drugs, leaving him, Gar and their father in pursuit of her next high. While their father never said it, Leo has always suspected that he blamed him for her desertion – one of the primary factors in the development of his depression.

Throughout all of his school years, Leo suffered from relentless bullying. His tendency to bury himself in books and technology saw him ostracised by his peers, often to the point of physical abuse – and no matter how many self defence lessons he took in an attempt to grow closer to his father, no matter how much Gareth tried to teach him himself – Leo was always the one to come home battered and bruised.

The constant abuse, coupled with perceived neglect by his father, led to Leo developing, and later being diagnosed with, clinical depression and social anxiety disorder. Along with this, he began to build a very cynical, pessimistic worldview, questioning everything others labeled as ‘good’ or ‘a part of life’, unwilling to believe that the world was so clearly divided into black and white.

Overwhelmed by his disappointment in society, Leo sought refuge in technology. He taught himself relentlessly, learning all there is to know about coding, robotics and computer sciences, writing his own viruses by the time he started tenth grade. By the time he left high school he was a full-fledged gray-hat hacker, shutting down websites he deemed deserving with DDoS attacks and distributing credit card info belonging to the likes of sex offenders and other scumbags.

After high school, Leo was accepted into MIT, from which he graduated with flying colours, going on to find a job in one of Grant City’s top research and technology centres, Altman Laboratories. To those on the outside, it looked like things were finally looking bright for Leo, and for the most part, they were; he had all but overcome his depression, and his S.A.D. was at its lowest point… but despite appearances, he was anything but content. He was never very good with people, but he always had a knack for reading situations – and something just isn’t sitting right with him.

| HERO TYPE: |

Normal/Tech

| POWER LEVEL: |

Street Level

| POWERS: |

Leo has no powers, but rather relies on his intellect, his abilities as a hacker, and eventually, his suit. To highlight his abilities, he is an extraordinarily talented hacker, and generally just a really smart guy. Bring him a disassembled computer and he’ll be able to put it back together, with improvements, in less than an hour. Give him the parts to an exosuit and a time limit, and he’ll build it with hours to spare. There’s no firewall he can’t get past, no virus he can’t plant – when with technology, Leo is in his element.
_{Not yet invented:}

The Aeon suit is a piece of tech of Leo’s own design, best described as a walking supercomputer. Outfitted with a neural processing unit, the suit both transfers and translates code into and from his mind, enabling him to execute commands, among other things, through his thoughts. It also contains executable files that are downloaded onto his mind when the suit is in use, boosting his knowledge on whatever topics he chooses; be it complex scientific equations to a comprehensive catalogue of martial arts skills.

Ever the paranoid, Leo bolsters the suit with bulletproof materials, protecting every nook and cranny from potentially lethal danger. Its interface is protected by state of the art software designed by Leo, making it very near impossible to hack and take control of. However, those who are skilled enough might still be able to break through.

| ATTRIBUTES: |

Strength Level | Normal Human
Speed/Reaction Timing Level | Normal Human
Endurance at MAXIMUM Effort | Normal Human
Agility | Normal Human
Intelligence | Genius
Fighting Skill | Untrained

| RESOURCES: |

Large

| WEAKNESSES: |

Leo’s only human. Anything that might kill a man can kill him, too. During his first days as Aeon, all the equipment he has is his laptop and phone. Needless to say, it’s easy to see how this might be an issue. Even though the Aeon suit provides Leo with knowledge on combat, his body can often be a hindrance – spending most of his time in front of a screen has taken its toll, and his fitness is not as good as it could be.

| SUPPORTING CHARACTERS: |
_{More to be added soon.}

ALLIES, ACQUAINTANCES AND FAMILY:

Gareth Corrigan | Leo’s big brother, Gareth is a former detective of the Grant City Police Department. A metahuman, he’s decided to take on vigilantism following the untimely death of his wife. While not diagnosed with depression or S.A.D. like Leo, Gareth has a hard time connecting with people – just like his brother. Regardless, they’re both very close… or as close as two can be with their mentalities.

Scott Altman | Leo’s boss, Scott is the owner and CEO of Altman Laboratories, one of Grant City’s leading research and technology facilities. A good man, he sees only the best in people, much to the glee of those who seek to take advantage of him. And according to Leo’s suspicions, there are more than a few.

Bethany Becks | The co-worker who lives one floor up from Leo, Beth has, for some infuriatingly confusing reason, taken a liking to Leo, frequently trying to get him to socialise. Despite her best intentions, her efforts have failed thus far – but for some reason, Leo just can’t help but take a liking to her.

GreenGrenade's Character Compendium

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| CHARACTER: |

Gareth Corrigan

| ALIAS: |

Mindjack

| SPEECH COLOUR: |

LightSteelBlue

| CHARACTER ALIGNMENT: |

Hero

| IDENTITY: |

Secret

| CHARACTER PERSONALITY: |

From childhood it was clear that Gareth isn’t one to be called “sensitive”. His demeanour is such that his calm, quiet nature is often mistaken as cold and detached, alienating much of his peers throughout his earlier years. His tendency to keep to himself earned him the reputation of being a “brooding hunk of hotness”, as coined by his late wife, Leah, in the years before their marriage. His feelings and state of mind aren’t often a topic of conversation, the only people with whom he is comfortable discussing such things being his brother and his wife, the latter of which’s passing saw Gar close himself off even more than usual.

Despite his apparent coldness, there’s a warmth in him that pulls him towards helping others, and a thirst for justice that, coupled with his wife’s death, drove him to adopting the alias of Mindjack. The former trait sees an urge to help develop within him whenever seeing someone in need – be it a hitchhiker needing a lift, or a family stuck in a burning building – he will help them. Unlike most heroes, this isn’t because he feels a responsibility to help people – not entirely, anyway. Despite his knack for avoiding people he doesn’t know, Gareth can’t help but like his fellow human being. Even after witnessing the corruption in the Grant City Police Department, after taking the blame for Leah’s death, and after all the things he’s seen during his time as Mindjack, he still believes that people are inherently good – the sole exception being William Zerilli, boss of the Zerilli Syndicate.

| UNIFORM/COSTUME: |

His Mindjack attire consists of black army pants, combat boots, a black Kevlar undershirt and jacket, and a ski mask to conceal his face.

| ORIGIN: |

Gareth Corrigan was born a child of Grant City. Growing up in the upper-middle class, he was fortunate enough to be removed from the rampant crime that plagued the city, his father never wanting him or his brother, Leon, to go near the kind of people that turned their mother into a junkie.

From an early age Gareth’s father enrolled both him and Leo in self defence classes. Gar learned boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga and Taekwondo all alongside his brother, albeit more intensively than Leo, who only did it to earn the approval of their dad. Gareth, enjoying the challenges they provided, continued to practice them all through his school years, carrying his skills over into adulthood.

At school, he didn’t have many friends. Many students saw his calm, quiet, almost reserved demeanour as disquieting, and many avoided him. When he moved into high school, he was no longer the “quiet weirdo”, but the “hot brooding guy”, a term he never quite understood why it was applied to him. As such he avoided, and on some occasions outright denied the advances of some girls, believing them to be attracted to who they wanted him to be, and not who he really was.

His power began to manifest at around that time. After a fearful incident involving another student, Gar began training himself to control his newfound ability, testing its limits on unsuspecting passers-by. He didn’t do this without remorse, however, often leaving his blacked-out test subjects with a five dollar tip and a note saying “Sorry”. Thus began the urban legend of the Mindjacker, going on to reach Bogeyman status among the people of Grant City.

After high school, Gareth quickly began his college education, intent on applying for work at the Grant City Police Department. It was there that he met the first person to truly understand him – the love of his life, Leah Lovell. It didn’t take long for them to move in together, and by the time Gareth was officially inducted into the GCPD, they were living happily as newlyweds.

Four years into his career as a police officer, Gar became eligible for detective work. At age twenty-five, he was officially made a part of the GCPD’s detective squad. Over the next three years, it became abundantly clear that he was one of the department’s best, earning the enmity of his fellow detectives.

He had many horrifying cases during his career, but none ever came close to those he encountered involving the Zerilli Crime Family. One of the four pieces of Grant City’s ruling criminal organisation, the Syndicate, the Zerilli Crime Family was ruthless. The bodies of those who dared disrespect them were found every other week, be it a business owner who failed to pay protection money on time, or a cop that refused to be on their payroll. Despite Gar’s burning desire to go after them, his superiors adamantly refused to let him; he would not build a case against the Syndicate, and better yet, he’d let them put him on their payroll, in order to protect both himself and his family. Gar’s frustration at the Zerillis saw him considering going outside the law to fight them with his powers, but after discussing it with Leo and Leah, he decided against it. It was sorrow and loss that drove him to vigilantism.

Leah died in a car crash at the age of twenty-eight. Driving on the freeway, she noticed too late that a truck on the opposing lane had veered into her own, crashing into her car at ninety miles per hour. She died on impact.

Gareth wasn’t a grieving kind of guy. Yes, the loss knocked air out of his lungs, and yes, he felt like a piece of himself was now gone, but Leah’s death never crippled him – no matter how much he wanted it to. He attended the funeral out of love and respect for his wife, enduring her mother’s accusations, as she had never liked Gar to begin with, and when she was put in the ground he paid his respects and left the graveyard and Leah’s family, left his job and sold his home, seeking any change that might distract him.

He found that change in Mindjack.

| HERO TYPE: |

Psychic

| POWER LEVEL: |

Street Level

| POWERS: |

A form of mind control, you shouldn't be fooled – this is not mind control in the traditional sense. Gareth isn’t a mind controller so much as a mind invader, meaning that he can transfer his consciousness into another person’s mind, effectively pushing theirs to the background – mindjacking. While in somebody else’s mind, Gar can see everything – their thoughts, their memories, their secrets – and control them as the dominant consciousness. He sees everything through their eyes, and every movement is translated through their body, as Gar’s remains immobile, mindless. After exiting a host, they black out as their mind “resets”.

However, this isn’t without its limitations. Gar can only enter the minds of those that are within a 33ft radius (10 metres). Anyone who’s beyond that point is too far away, “inaccessible” to Gareth’s mind. When inside a host, Gar can only remain there for a limited amount of time, the longest he’s ever done being three minutes. Any longer runs the risk of “fading him out”, as the host body’s consciousness fights to regain control. Staying in a host for prolonged periods of time also takes a toll on Gar’s body; for reasons he cannot determine, the longer he’s in a host, the more strain is put on it, the side effects upon returning ranging from headaches, nosebleeds and blacking out entirely. In addition, controlling other superhumans is significantly harder than controlling regular humans, and drains Gar much more than usual. It’s probably needless to say that when in a host, Gareth’s physical ability is limited to that of the host’s; as such it would be much harder for him to run as a 250lbs couch potato as opposed to a fit Olympic athlete.

Furthermore, other psychics seem to negate Gar’s ability entirely; he couldn’t take control of them no matter how hard he tried. Also, a correctly-powered individual (e.g. a telepath) could, depending on skill level, “intercept” Gareth’s consciousness as he makes the jump from his body to another, or vice versa, effectively killing him as his mind and body deteriorate in a limbo. One cannot survive without the other.

| SKILLS: |

Martial Arts | Gareth is rather proficient fighter, a necessary skill for his line of work. Knowledgeable in Taekwondo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga and boxing, Gar is quite capable of holding his own in a fight.

Firearms | A former cop, Gareth has come to be skilled with firearms, primarily handguns, which he’s come to favour, but also widened his range to carbines, shotguns and even sniper rifles when taking on, and controlling, Bill Zerilli’s men.

Deduction | Previously a detective in the Grant City Police Department, detective work comes easy for Gar. Where others see a mess of unrelated objects, he sees evidence; a useful skill when taking on the Zerilli Crime Family.

Interrogation | A skilled interrogator, Gareth knows just how to extract information from suspects – without torture. Using skills learned during his time as a police detective, his interrogative techniques have come in more than handy during his nighttime hobby.

| ATTRIBUTES: |

Strength Level | Normal Human
Speed/Reaction Timing Level | Normal Human
Endurance at MAXIMUM Effort | Normal Human
Agility | Normal Human
Intelligence | Above Average (but not a genius)
Fighting Skill | Trained

| RESOURCES: |

Average

| WEAKNESSES: |

Despite his power, Gareth is still only human. As a result, it wouldn’t take much to severely injure or kill him; he faces death every time he takes on a mobster, let alone another superpowered individual.

| SUPPORTING CHARACTERS: |
_{More to be added soon.}

ALLIES, FRIENDS AND FAMILY:

Leon Corrigan | Gareth’s little brother, Leo is only a few years out of high school. A genius in his own right, he’s managed to land a job at Altman Laboratories, working in the tech department under the watch of the workplace’s titular owner, Scott Altman. Diagnosed with both clinical depression and social anxiety disorder, Leo has a hard time connecting with people – just like his brother. Regardless, they’re both very close… or as close as two can be with their mentalities.

Rick Maynard | Gareth’s former partner in the GCPD, and perhaps the only clean cop left there. Gar’s closest (and only) friend, Rick remains intent on standing on the right side of the law, unwilling to accept the Syndicate’s blood money – and frowning upon vigilantism.

Leah Lovell-Corrigan | Gareth’s deceased wife, forever and always in his heart.

ENEMIES:

William “Bloody Bill” Zerilli | The son of Antonio Zerilli, founder of the Zerilli Crime Family, Bill took over as head of the organisation following his father’s death. A ruthless, violent man, he is feared by all throughout the four ruling families of Grant City – perhaps the only man not intimidated by him being Francis Lothry, head of the Irish mob, and the most powerful man in the Syndicate.

| SAMPLE POST: |

Taken from a former game, Vigilance: Sanctuary

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Cajun Quarter, Pointe Bordeaux

March 18, 2016

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Gareth ate his breakfast at a small restaurant, Serenade, in the Cajun Quarter, a family-owned eatery serving “the best pancakes in town”, as proclaimed by the sign resting just outside its doors. He’d come across it during his first week in Pointe Bordeaux, reading the large, chalky letters with a level of scepticism that prompted him to see if they told the truth, if not because he was curious then because he was starting to feel hungry. He’d entered the restaurant, dressed in jeans and a grey shirt, and was soon attended to by a plain young woman, no older than twenty, who placed him at a table near the restrooms, meekly apologising as she explained that the rest of the free tables were reserved.

Gareth smiled at her. “That’s okay,” he said, before pretending to browse the menu. “Is it okay if I order now?”

“Of course,” the waitress said, a little less meek now, a pinkish red colouring her cheeks. Gareth’s smile widened a fraction in thanks, and her cheeks deepened to crimson. He ordered their signature buttermilk and ricotta pancakes, along with poached eggs and avocado on toast in case he was still hungry afterwards. The waitress, whose nametag read Delphine, departed with the menu to deliver his order.

He waited for his food, sipping on a cup of cold water she’d poured for him as he pretended to mull over his options, and ten minutes later she returned with two steaming plates of cuisine that looked like they belonged in a fine dining restaurant in the Carib Gardens, not here, in what was supposed to be a simple eatery run by a local Italian family.

Gareth thanked Delphine, then dug in. He was pleasantly surprised to find out that not only were the pancakes the best he’d ever eaten, but that the poached eggs and avocado on toast were to die for. He concluded that the food they served here was magic on a plate, and he made sure to let Delphine know as he paid the check in cash. Her cheeks went red again as she giggled, and she shyly told him that she hoped to see him here again.

And so here he was, three weeks into his stay at Pointe Bordeaux, eating his now regular meal of pancakes, poached eggs and avocado on toast as he watched slivers of rain drizzle on the street outside. Delphine came to his table to check that everything was okay, and they engaged in their routine small talk. Over time Gareth had gotten to know her, and as she revealed small things about herself he came to the conclusion that he liked her. A hyperhuman sympathiser living amongst a family of racist, conservative Italians, Delphine longed for the day that she could cut ties from them and their restaurant, trying her luck as a journalist in the big city. But for now, she explained, she was stuck here, in a generally unbearable job; unbearable, that is, until Gareth came along. She told him that the highlight of her day was when he came to eat his breakfast, when she could talk to a polite customer with an open mind, and, for the brief hour he was there, escape from the chaos that was her family.

But a few days earlier she’d expressed just how appreciative she was of him as she served his food. Swallowing past a lump in her throat, she asked him if he was free that night, and if he maybe wanted to go out for dinner with her, if, you know, he wanted.

For seconds he just stared at her, unsure if she was being serious, before looking down at his plate and saying, “I’m married.”

In that moment Delphine went redder than she ever had in his presence, apologised, and scurried away behind the counter, busily attending to the coffee machine although she’d already cleaned it but a few minutes earlier.

But that was Tuesday, and when Wednesday came Gareth made sure that she knew that there was no harm done.

It was now Friday. Gareth chewed slowly on his slice of pancake, savouring its maple syrup-covered sweetness for as long as possible. As she refilled his water, Delphine talked of the weather, and of the rally that was taking place at city hall.

“Are you going to go?” she asked, resting the jug of water back on his table.

It took a moment for him to answer. His mind was preoccupied. Ever since he entered Serenade this morning, he couldn’t help but feel that his doing so was the last time. He didn’t know what it was, but the more he thought about it, the more certain he became… but why? Why would today be the last day he spends eating here? Why would it be the last time he gets to speak with Delphine? He kept at asking himself these questions, shouting into the void, not expecting an answer – but eventually, he gave himself one.

He’d come to Pointe Bordeaux for one reason: to join a hyperhuman convoy in the hope of evading law enforcement for long enough to find a safe haven where he didn’t have to run from his past as Mindjack… or go back to it. He knew from the start that the longer he stayed, the more he risked getting caught. And now he was being given the chance to leave, the chance to search for a new home, where he wouldn’t getting prosecuted for being what he is, for trying to use his power to help people.

A convoy was in the city. He was sure of it. All he had to do was find it.

“No,” he answered, coming out of his trance, “No, I have somewhere else to be.”

When he finished his food, he paid the check and tipped Delphine. He was headed for his hotel, where he’d pack all his things and check out before starting his search.

As he handed his money to Delphine, he told her goodbye, and that she should take care of herself, knowing that she was unaware of the finality of his words.

With that he exited the restaurant, the lingering taste of maple and avocado the only relic of his time there, knowing that it, too, would soon be gone.

| CAN YOU POST PICTURES ON RPG BOARDS?: |

Yup.

Create-A-Hero: A Superhero RPG (Closed)

<Snipped quote by GreenGrenade>

I can make a suggesting? Could use the end of this season to create connections and links so you can have people to interact with in Season two? It might also give you a chance to see how well you mesh with players, their writing style, toy around with arcs not officially yours, etc.

@Fallenreaper

I'll definitely take that into consideration. But first, to decide on a character...

But yeah, thanks for being so accomodating! I appreciate it.

Create-A-Hero: A Superhero RPG (Closed)

@GreenGrenade: Hi, I see you lurking! Come on in, we don't bite! Much...

@Fallenreaper

Lol hi. @Gowi's sort of managed to convince me to check this out. I'm toying with a few character concepts, but I'm unsure on whether or not to wait until Season 2 comes along.

It's okay if you bite.

_{You guys seem nice, anyway.}

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

<Snipped quote by GreenGrenade>

I didn't think anyone else cared that much about ol' Teddy.

@BlackSam3091

Well, I just really liked it that one time you played him in that one game.

_{Also, Ted lives in New York, and Miles needs a boxing instructor.}

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

My second character (If I ever make one) will probably be a DC street level character. Need some diversification.

@BlackSam3091

_{Did someone say Wildcat?}

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

So, with that post, you guys can probably tell that I've abandoned my originally planned arc involving Miles' uncle and a gang war.

Also, I feel like I should let you all know that despite the description I provided, while editing the post I couldn't help but imagine Phillip Roxxon as House of Cards S4 Kevin Spacey.

Hider

That is all.

The New Frontier: A Marvel/DC One Universe RP

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The Roxxon Corporation was a monolith, a spire of corruption and secrets rising above the streets of Manhattan. Led by Phillip Roxxon, it was a looming titan of corporate power that no one dared to question or oppose, to fight or stand against.

No one but Miles Morales.

He watched the building from a few blocks away, the sound of car horns and shouting below him just a background to his thoughts. He didn’t know if what he was about to do was a good idea. He didn’t know if it would fix the problem. He did know that breaking into a multi-gazillion dollar corporation wasn’t your typical superheroic deed – but he needed to know. He needed to know why Roxxon put a bounty on his head.

Kate’s words that afternoon had stuck with him. She found the problem, and she fixed it. It was simple, almost glaringly obvious advice, advice that he found himself valuing more and more with each passing hour. The moment she gave it to him, he’d begun to formulate a plan. It wasn’t much of one – probably only twelve percent of a plan, really – but it was the best he could come up with. If anyone knew what the problem was, it was Roxxon. And what do you do when someone has answers? You ask for them.

Taking a short run-up, he jumped off the side of the building, hearing both awed and disgusted gasps in equal measure as he landed on the opposite rooftop. With the proportionate speed of a spider he leapt and ran towards the Roxxon building, unable to help the smile that formed beneath his mask – he loved it. The adrenalin that ran through his veins as he coursed through the air, the thrill, was all-encompassing. He once again found himself thinking of Spider-Man, and of how he must feel swinging on his webs.

Before he knew it, he was running up the side of Roxxon, his feet his only anchors as he glided along the glass exterior. He didn’t know where Philip Roxxon’s office was, but he was pretty sure that his best bet was up. Reaching the highest window, ten or so feet below the gigantic Roxxon logo, he reared back with his right arm, building up as much power as he could before letting loose with a punch. The glass shattered around his fist, flying into the room it bordered in a plethora of shards. Climbing into the room, Miles took in his new surroundings –

– to be greeted by Philip Roxxon’s smiling face, an amused glint in his eye.

He looked to be in his mid-forties. His brown hair was receding, brushed backwards in a respectable hairstyle; wrinkles were beginning to line his square face. His buff frame was covered by an expensive suit, no doubt made of only the finest material – and he clapped, long, loud claps, a low rumble escaping his throat, bearing semblance to a chuckle.

“Bravo, bravo,” he cheered. “Wow. I’ll be honest with you, I was wondering when you’d show up.”

Miles eyed him with caution, standing ready for any trouble that might show up. While Roxxon was yet to get up from his desk, he could never be sure – security could be on their way right this very second.

As if reading his mind, Roxxon said, “Oh, loosen up. We’re all friends here. Don’t you worry, security won’t be coming to bother us. We’re free to talk, as all civilized men should.”

Miles didn’t budge. “Why are you sending people after me?”

That low rumble again. “It’s always the same with you superheroes, isn’t it? Straight to the point, formalities be damned.” He chuckled. “Okay. Let me explain, Spider-Man.” His smile grew into a wide grin, his eyes staring knowingly. “Or should I say… Miles.”

Icy shock spread through Miles like a disease, enveloping his body until all he felt was a cold, dreadful chill. How did Roxxon know his name? How did Roxxon know his name?

“Come on, now, don’t be like that,” Roxxon said, “How hard did you think discovering your identity would be? Especially considering the fact that I created you.”

The chill only went deeper. “What are you – ”

“You haven’t let me explain, Miles,” he interrupted, “You haven’t let me explain. It started with the first Spider-Man, as you can imagine. This building was a site for one of his battles, did you know that? He came here, and he fought like you wouldn’t believe. And it was then, watching him pull off these amazing feats, that I knew: I wanted to make more of him. Imagine the profit.

“So we got to work. Me and my brain trust, we worked hard, hour after hour, day after night, week after week, month after month – and finally, we had something. The Oz Formula. It was a… a concoction, if you will, designed to enhance the user’s physical capabilities a hundred fold. The theory was that if we were to inject it into a spider, which would then bite a human subject… We would create the next Spider-Man. But for whatever reason, no matter how hard we tried, it wouldn’t work. And then your uncle came along.

“Aaron Davis, am I right? The Prowler. He broke into our facility, if you can believe it, with the best possible security money can buy – and he stole one of our spiders. We still don’t know why, but he did. Spider number forty-two. And it bit you.

“Oh, the universe has such a mean, ironic sense of humour, wouldn’t you say? Our one successful specimen is stolen by a thief, going on to bite his nephew, who then becomes the second Spider-Man – the very inspiration for this whole experiment. Now, I’m sure you don’t need me to explain it much further. I created the very thing that gave you your powers. I created you. So, going by that logic, it’s easy to see, isn’t it? I own you.”

Any humour he may have held in his eyes was gone, replaced by something else – anger. Rage. Malice. “And like any sane person… I want my property back.”

Miles took an involuntary step backwards. Gone was the good-natured mask Roxxon had worn just moments ago. He was seething now, shaking, his face red and the veins on his neck popping out. Despite that his spider-sense wasn’t warning him of any danger, Miles remained on-edge – for the first time since he donned his costume, he didn’t trust his instincts.

“Now, come here,” continued Roxxon, “I want to show you something.”

Against his better judgement, Miles obeyed. Taking cautious steps, he stopped in front of Roxxon’s desk. The CEO – the madman – turned his computer’s screen towards him, pressing space to start playback.

It was CCTV footage. Spider-Man – the original – flipped and leapt across the screen, dodging and weaving between his enemy’s attacks. He was doing a good job of it, too, until a hand grabbed at his mask, passing through his defences as it yanked it off, revealing the face of a brown-haired young man with handsome features, barely out of highschool, shocked and frantic. With speed that could only come from alarm he hit his opponent, stunning him enough to grab back his mask, pulling it on before resuming the fight.

Roxxon paused the video and stared at Miles, his eyes boring into Miles’ very soul. “This is footage from the night he was here. Do you know why I showed it to you?”

Miles remained silent.

“I showed it to you so that you knew: I've seen his face. I know what your hero looks like. All it would take is a simple inquiry, and I would know who he is. Where he lives. Who his family is, and who his friends are. What he eats, what he drinks, when he sleeps and what he does. I would know everything about him. Just like I do you.

“So run along now, Miles. Leave. But know that you are powerless to fight me. I own you. And I will have my property back. Just pray it’s before your loved ones get hurt.”

Roxxon’s gaze went to his computer, and just like that, the conversation was over.

So Miles ran. He ran, and he didn’t dare to look back.

And beneath his mask, he cried.

Because he didn’t know what to do.