Mao Mao

Age of Marvels - A Marvel Comics Roleplay [CLOSED]

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XAVIER INSTITUTE

// REVELATION

// WINTER

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Erik made sure that the taxi driver was appropriately tipped for getting him to St. Pauls. Across the street, he watched churchgoers leave the chapel grounds, and some presumably talked about morning service amongst acquaintances. Then, he proceeded to blend in with tourists heading inside to likely see the exhibits and memorial banners. A crowd was already gathered around one of the exhibits near the chairs. But a few people prayed at the altar alongside the pastor. Erik went over to the chair farthest away from the nosy crowd and began his wait for the anonymous contact to appear. However, to his surprise, the pastor seemingly appeared out of thin air to greet him. "How can I help you, my son?"

"I only need some alone time, father." Erik dismissed the pastor, but he got closer instead.

"Are you sure that's what you truly need?" Then, with a faint smile, the pastor started walking towards the back exit. "Come with me to the yard, and we can talk there."

Erik raised an eyebrow. "And why would I do that?"

"Because, my son, you're looking for answers. And I can provide them to you." The pastor smirked and proceeded to the churchyard before Erik could respond. He got up from the chair and started pursuing the pastor into the empty yard. But then, Erik saw the pastor struggling to transform into a younger woman. Or transform back. She was strained, made evident by leaning against the bell's metal supports. Erik carefully approached her.

"Who are you?"

"Often ask that same question in front of the bathroom mirror." The woman chuckled before putting on a white mask and started standing straight. "But my friends call me Slips."

"Friends?" Erik moved closer to her.

"Yeah, the ones that helped me set this meeting up." Slips remained composed with her arms now crossed. "The ones you still think betrayed you in '87."

Erik stopped and took a step back out of surprise that she knew about that year. Everything from the anonymous contact to the little indications of their former association began to make sense. He was talking to an agent of the Thieves Guild, a renowned secret society of thieves united to offer their services to those willing to pay the right price. Erik paid that price once, and it ended in ruin. Now, he was talking to one of its agents. It wasn't a surprise he became upset.

"I see your boss sent lackeys in his place." Erik said with pure disdain toward her indirectly. "Still afraid of meeting with me?"

"You know that this isn't about him, Erik." Slips groaned at his remark, more annoyed than anything else.

"Then, you're just wasting my time, child." Erik started walking from her, clearly unpleased with... well, everything at the moment. Finding out that the anonymous contact was just a pawn of the Thieves Guild was disappointing, to say the least. But instead of chasing after him, Slips pulled a black USB stick out of her pockets and began fidgeting with it playfully, almost as if she was showing it off. "Shame. And here I thought you'd be interested in learning who the Brotherhood's first target is."

"What." Erik froze in place without turning around to face her. He didn't need to look at her to feel that grin behind the mask. It was truly an agonizing experience as if he heard her say with that infuriating amused smile: You heard me, old man. But even the tiniest bit of information she possessed was crucial to expose the new Brotherhood. So he bit his tongue and returned to Slips, more willing to be friendly than earlier. Only to get that info without incident.

Slips pretended to be surprised by his return while still playing with the flash drive. "Good to see you're back from your little tantrum. Now, what do you know about Dr. Steven Lang?"

"Someone who thinks they understand mutantkind better than we do?" Erik answered cheekily.

"Cute." Slips dismissed the attempt at humor and then stopped messing with the stick to show it off again. "But he is certainly a professor at Empire State and recently made the mistake of disregarding the Brotherhood publicly. So naturally, they want to know everything there's to know about him. All because they're petty about what he said about them in some interview days ago."

"And what did the guild learn?" Erik crossed his arms.

"You mean, 'what did my team and I learn.'" Slips corrected him while putting the flash drive back in her pocket. "Quite a lot, actually. It's incredible how easy it is to obtain someone's weekly schedule from their phone. Or how much you can learn about someone from hacking into their socials. Like how our dear professor hides his anti-mutant stance from his workplace and public life."

"What else did your team uncover?" Erik interrupted, slightly irritated that she was starting to go into too much detail about something totally unrelated.

Slips shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing else worthwhile. I doubt you want every piece of detail my team had to gather for the contact."

"And the flash drive?" Erik asked directly, now completely tired of her stalling.

"Afraid that isn't for sale. You really thought I'd break the guild's rules for your cause?" Slips giggled and made her way toward him. "Come on now. I have not, or will never, betray my clients. It's bad for business, after all."

Erik wasn't bothered by her boasting and asked in a rather harsher tone than expected. "So why bother telling me everything if you were never going to help in the first place?"

"Using your fist to deal with a bigot, especially the outspoken ones, is one thing. But turning them into martyrs will hurt mutants more than the bigots in the long run." Slips began explaining her reason when Erik noticed her mood had shifted. It wasn't as nonchalant or boastful as moments ago. There was more to her reason, but that damned mask hid her emotions well. In a sudden move, she started making her way out of the churchyard. But she turned to face him one last time with a brief sadness underneath that mask. "And I suspect we both know the professor's death will be used as an excuse for the government to eagerly slaughter us all in a heartbeat."

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DC Comics: Fall of Justice

I've changed my mind and decided to double down on my bid with Batman (featuring a certain cat lover).

Mao Mao's Rambling Concepts

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C R O C
C R O C

_{"I have never eaten people, asshole."}

C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y _________________________________________________________ | Waylon Morgan Jones | _________________________________________________________ | Former Villain | Nomad | _________________________________________________________ | Southern States | United States of America | C H A R A C T E R N O T E S C H A R A C T E R N O T E S _________________________________________________________ [+] - S U P P O R T I N G C H A R A C T E R S ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ► Roy Harper (Arsenal) Lonnie Machin (Anarky) Basil Karlo (Clayface) Bane - P O S T C A T A L O G P O S T C A T A L O G _________________________________________________________ [+] - P O S T C A T A L O G ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ◼ -

C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T ________________________________________________________________________________________ There wasn't much in his own childhood that brought happiness to Waylon Jones. His mother died in childbirth, his father rejected him, and his aunt resented him. All while being subjected to ridicule by everyone that knew him. Waylon attempted to embrace what he had become by being a professional carnival wrestler in his early twenties. But that made him even more bitter toward everyone; he was finally tired of being treated like a freak his entire life. So when the circus arrived in Gotham, he took off and hid in the sewers beneath the city so no one would ever find him. Waylon's seclusion only lasted a few days before trouble found him. Mobsters began using the sewers to operate discreetly from the vigilante known as Batman, who had just started working with the authorities. He intended to avoid them at all costs—even when his newfound home became a body dumping site. That was until he stumbled upon the mobsters brutally abusing a child and his parents. Waylon made sure the captors, soaked and gasping for air, never harmed them or any other family again. But before he had time to leave, Batman and the GCPD arrived unexpectedly. And without a chance to explain, the police opened fire with the intent to kill him. Waylon, bleeding from gunshot wounds, tried to swim as far as possible. But the vigilante chased after him into a corner. So in a final act of defiance, Waylon Jones became the monster that everyone was expecting and fought until he faded from this world that despised him so much. Yet, the Bat saved his life and cruelly took him away from death's sweet embrace. He cursed out his savior, wanting nothing more than to be left for dead. But he woke up and gradually came to the realization that he was actually grateful. Even if it meant that his life was about to get harder. There wasn't a fair trial awaiting a "monster" like him despite testimony from the family he saved. "Killer Croc," a cruel nickname bestowed upon him because of his reptilian appearance alone, was found guilty and sentenced to life in Arkham Asylum. In addition, Waylon was condemned to long-term solitary confinement out of fears of him escaping and "eating the guards and inmates." He would've lost himself if it wasn't for being set free during a mass prison escape. However, instead of following the other inmates, Waylon chose to retreat into the sewers to avoid being arrested. Despite his best attempts to stay hidden, trouble always found him. Waylon spent several years on the run from Batman, his so-called family, the GCPD, and others that wanted to use him. But then there was Bane, an aspiring foreign crime lord that wanted to conquer the "Killer Croc" to gain notoriety within organized crime. He made his presence known when he interrupted a fight between "Killer Croc" and [vigilante TBD] to demonstrate his raw power from Gotham to witness. Waylon had his right arm broken and would've been pummeled to death if it wasn't for [vigilante]'s intervention. Waylon tried to distract Bane in a futile endeavor of playing hero. He was awarded with a fierce beating that broke his other arm and shattered him mentally. So he ran away from Gotham and headed west to recover physically. And he found his new home in the sewers of Star City. Then, as per usual, trouble found him again in the form of Roy Harper. Waylon, sensing that the kid was using him to die, confronted and then comforted him. Soon after that encounter, he became a sponsor for the kid and followed him. Those seven months with Roy were honestly the best he had ever lived. And Waylon would've loved to remain by his side if it wasn't for his former life coming back to haunt him. P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S ) P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S ) ________________________________________________________________________________________ Waylon Jones never seems to be granted a chance at redemption. So I have taken it upon myself to give it to him. It won't be an easy fight nor a fair one, but he isn't going to give up at this point in his life. Even if he himself thinks this quest is a foolish endeavor that will only end in one way: disappointment. The world, and undoubtedly its heroes, still consider him a menace to society, but he won't let them get in the way. Croc will do whatever it requires to stop Bane and prevent his rise in Gotham's criminal world. No matter what happens to him in the end.

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DC Comics: Fall of Justice

<Snipped quote by King Kindred>

Until there are sheets, it's anyone's game.

@Lord Wraith

And it's quite fun to read something else's concept on the character you want to write about.

DC Comics: Fall of Justice

I have been thinking of doing Terry Mcginnis as Batman. Either that or Superboy dealing with his dad, Superman, finally retiring in Smallville. (But if anything, and if it'd be alright, I really want to write the TMNT someday).

DC Comics: Fall of Justice

I am interested too!

(Could I pretty please play the teenage mutant ninja turtles?)

Mass Effect: Harpocrates

Antelmo doesn't hate batarians too.

Mass Effect: Harpocrates

@Mao Mao Really wish you would've kept the sub-text in gray for uniformity (and my own limited sanity). Anyway, looks pretty good as far as things go, but I'll have to take a closer look at it to see if I can spot any blemishes.

@TGM

Don't worry anymore. I fixed it to keep you sane.

Mass Effect: Harpocrates

Speaking of characters, guess who finished theirs? It's me.

Antelmo Águila-Paiva

_______________________________________________ Personal Data D A T A Full Name - Antelmo Águila-Paiva Designation - Búho Arpía Species - Human Age - 26 (b. 2157) Origin - Earth, Sol Classification - Infiltrator Unique Specialization - Human Operative - Psyche Analysis P S Y C H E Graffiti Artist From a young age, Antelmo always had a love for the arts. As he got older and then experienced the rebellion, graffiti became the way of expressing himself in the universe. It also brought him some comfort while away from home. Lighthearted Fun Antelmo would've taken the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the tiniest bit of positivity in a bad situation. Even if it became annoyedly overwhelming to others at certain attempts at lightening the mood. Emotionally Open Antelmo had always been open about his emotions, even when he was a baby. So whatever he was feeling, the whole world knew about it regardless of whether it brought him trouble. Plus, Antelmo highly valued intimacy in his relationships—friend or associate. Equipment E Q U I P M E N T Volkov Sniper Designed by Rosenkov Materials, the Volkov line of sniper rifles produced a semi-automatic that challenged the Equalizer line from Haliat Armory. However, this particular rifle was modified to fire exclusively single-shot to deliver devastating damage from afar at the cost of accuracy. In addition, the weapon itself received much-needed color. M-12 Locust A compact submachine gun developed for the Alliance recently found itself popular within the underworld. Featuring a complex recoil-reducing mechanism and high-grade autotargeting software, the Locust delivers longer-range, more accurate fire than others in its class. And as in the classic tradition, it also received much-needed color. Armor-Piercing Ammo Hardened steel ammo was shaped and hardened to pierce targets, inflicting extra damage to armor and specific objects. Record R E C O R D Revolutionary Abolitionist Antelmo was one of the first young adults to join the Anhur militias at the start of the Anhur Rebellions. With help from the Eclipse for two years, the Na'hesit were powerless against guerrilla tactics and ultimately lost to the abolitionists. But despite the victory, Antelmo was unable to adjust to civilian life and found himself in the company of mercs. A Partial Eclipse Like many former guerrillas on Anhur, Antelmo joined the Eclipse to find a use for his newfound experience. But unlike the others, Antelmo remained a member for a solid year before leaving the Amun System to venture into independent contracting. Phantom of Bekenstein A series of assassinations orchestrated against politicians and executives cooperating on passing legislation that would've brought indentured servitude to Bekenstein. Hired as the hitman, Antelmo spent seven months going after four separate targets with a sniper rifle and sheer determination. That contract earned him notoriety and a ton of credits. Connections C O N N E C T I O N S Jacó and Antia Águila-Paiva Antelmo's father and mother. Both of them spent time in the unprotected labor camps on Sobek, leading to significant bone loss. Still caring for his parents, Antelmo used credits earned from Bekenstein to fund advanced physical therapy. Ufoth Saf'radah Antelmo's close friend. The batarian routinely checked on Jacó and Antia from his friend while keeping an eye on them whenever possible. Kol'Vemis nar Rirark A quarian that Antelmo strangely met while on Bekenstein. He was still on his pilgrimage, looking for credits to purchase a medical-grade air purifier for his people onboard the Rirark. Relating to his struggle, Antelmo began tracking one down.

Physical Details ◢ Standing at a height of five feet and seven inches, Antelmo Águila-Paiva is what humans consider "very bland looking." No facial hair, no tattoos or body modifiers, and hair that seemingly only grows shoulder-length. Still, he makes it up with his sense of fashion. Vintage band t-shirts, leather jackets, dark navy blue jeans, and an olive green hairband (an obvious family heirloom). And as for his partisan armor (stolen from a Na'hesit warehouse), it had been through a rebellion with a few dents to show off. It also received an artistic makeover to distance itself from the dark blue used by the manufacturer. Personal History ◢ Antia Águila-Paiva gave birth to a healthy child while the world was preparing for its first interplanetary war with an alien species. But it was fortunate that peace prevailed in the end, sparing her husband from a devastating conflict. Together, they spent several years in the slums raising their child and finding work with various mining and oil-drilling companies. But it wasn't until the colonial push into the Skyllian Verge that an opportunity presented itself. An opportunity that the Águila-Paivas took without hesitation, even if it meant leaving family and friends behind on Earth. So at eight years old, Antelmo left with his family from a garden world within the Amun system. Anhur was a somewhat successful attempt at cooperation with the batarians despite hostilities over colonization efforts in the Skyllian Verge. But that soon led to fierce economic competition amongst the corporations. And with the planetary administration on their side, the rivalry only intensified until the minimum wage was abolished in its entirety. Then, it escalated into a full-fledged civil war within days. A nineteen-year-old Antelmo joined the rebellion in support of the abolitionists by infiltrating key locations with ties to the slavers. But he soon took up arms after learning of his parents' abduction at the hands of their employer. Antelmo spent two years fighting as a relentless guerrilla with a reputation for being one of the best snipers in the resistance. He kept on fighting against the slavers until the Eclipse liberated Sobek and uncovered the labor camps. Antelmo left for the gas giant and tracked down his parents alive at one of the camps. But working without mass effect fields left both Jacó and Antia with massive bone loss. Antelmo spent the remainder of the civil war as his parents' caretakers. However, the credits dried up, forcing Antelmo to seek employment with the Eclipse. He sought out an old friend, Ufoth Saf'rada, to care for his parents while off-world. But that venture lasted only a year before deciding to become an independent contractor. Whatever credits Antelmo earned from odd jobs here and there were sent over to his parents. Then, Antelmo was sent over a contact involving a series of targets on Bekenstein via an anonymous contact. All of them were collaborating on legislation that would've introduced indentured servitude to the planet to compete with rivals on Illium. Antelmo's order was quite simple: kill them discreetly within eight months, and you'll be rewarded generously. Antelmo took the offer without hesitation and left for the industrial planet. It was the most challenging eight months of his life, but the targets were eliminated. Antelmo was paid with enough credits that his parents were able to receive advanced physical therapy. But even with the generous amount, the cost per session slowly consumed the credits. Antelmo was ready to leave home once more when the ExoGeni Corporation contacted him with an offer. He left for Eden Prime shortly after bidding farewell to his parents and friend. Combat Analysis ◢ Antelmo learned early on that his preference was causing havoc from afar with a good sniper rifle. His knowledge of guerrilla tactics has proved useful for contracts that seemed difficult without a whole team by your side. By taking advantage of secrecy, mobility, and the element of surprise, one individual can deliver a devastating blow against a large group of their enemies. Reason for Vacating Previous Situation ◢ With the credits from the Bekenstein contact almost gone, Antelmo was already in need of work when ExoGeni reached out to him. He took it without a second thought out of desperation more than anything. His parents are responding well to the latest batch of treatments for the first time in years. And ExoGeni has enough credits to spare in making sure his parents are strong enough to return home.

Age of Marvels - A Marvel Comics Roleplay [CLOSED]

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XAVIER INSTITUTE

// THE NEW YEAR

// WINTER

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"It's truly a delight to be here with all of you today. These last couple of days might have been tumultuous for many of you. Adjusting to your new home is... difficult, to say the least. But each one of us is here to begin anew. And as you embark on this incredible journey, know that you have the support of faculty and your fellow classmates. You belong as part of this community. You don't need to hide your true self any longer. You don't need to be constantly afraid of not fitting in anymore. And most importantly, you can feel safe here.

This place is a safe haven for each one of you.

Everyone at this stage will do their utmost to protect you from harm. That includes challenging the harmful rhetoric against mutantkind. And ensuring that this little sanctuary is secured with help from the X-Men, who are making sure that my dream is achieved. What might that dream be, you ask? It's quite simple for everyone to understand: harmony. A world where humans and mutants love each other and co-exist in peace. A world that doesn't restrict mutants out of fear and ignorance. That world is possible, my students.

Some of you might think of me as naive for having this silly little fantasy. And some know for a fact that the world I talk about is inconceivable. I understand your doubts and disillusions, for I used to believe the same for a long time. But I was reminded that being taken down a peg only makes you stronger. I have no doubt in my mind that all of you will be carrying the dream by the time you graduate. That's my promise to all of you. That's the promise your teachers and protectors will uphold. The promise of this school."

The auditorium erupted in applause shortly after Charles Xavier concluded his speech to commemorate both the new year and the first day of school. Erik Lehnesheer couldn't conceal his smile, even if it was only momentary. It was fortunate that he wasn't standing with the faculty on that stage, or his old friend would've never stopped teasing him about it. To think, Erik was standing at the revitalized Xavier Institute as an ally, not its adversary. Still, it was better to keep his involvement distant despite Charles' obvious disapproval. He decided to join in the applause long before his friend began wheeling his way toward him. That was when he felt his phone vibrate.

Not now. Erik cursed himself, knowing precisely who was reaching him. It was also unfortunate that he didn't have enough time to hide his annoyance or silence the vibing. Charles' smile nearly became a frown upon the realization before he took his friend's hand to comfort. "We should talk in the war room." That still surprised Erik, even if such actions were constant occurrences from his friend.

Erik nodded and started following behind his friend as he took out his phone from his dress pants pocket. He knew for a fact that his anonymous 'associate' was reaching out for him, meaning that he was finally willing to talk—in person. And if his theory was correct, which was incredibly possible, then he would have exclusive knowledge of the new Brotherhood of Mutants. Not only that, but he might learn about its nameless leader, which would make dismantling the organization more manageable. At the war room, reserved for the X-Men and its leaders, Erik placed the phone on the wireless data transfer device. Then, the text messages appeared on the big screen behind him instantly.

you wanna talk so badly?
fine. meet me at st. paul's right after morning prayer.
don't cause a scene or you'll regret it, magnus.

Charles tried to make sense of the meeting location, wondering if it was a genuine attempt at contact or an ideal trap. Then, seemingly unconsciously, he caught a glimpse of Erik and saw his apparent discomfort with the entire thing. More particularly the alias than anything else. There were still things neither side knew about the other that were left unexplored—for now, at least. Charles didn't like the idea, but he understood why his friend was reluctant to talk about his past. And given the recent return of the Brotherhood had clearly reopened old emotional wounds, it made sense to give him some space. Erik sensed that his friend was staring at him and began to speak. "I can leave in the early hours and be in the city right as service ends."

"You sure that'd be wise? You could have the X-Men come with-" Charles bit his tongue, realizing too late it was a stupid suggestion to give.

"No, bringing them along will certainly spook our contact." Erik dismissed the idea more harshly than intended, which was why he grabbed his friend's hand reassuringly. "I have to do this alone, Charles."

"I understand." Charles nodded before making his way out of the room. He stopped at the exit for a moment and then turned to his friend so he could bid him a temporary farewell with a warning. "Just be cautious, Erik."

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