See /Characters. This is a Fill in the details story. Feel free to flesh out the details wherever you feel.
The GNUheroes story forked off from our own universe around the year 2006. It functions in a manner similar to the DC or Marvel universes. The fork means that all history, prior to 2006, is identical to our own, which means that its history, prior to 2006, is shared with our own. A side-effect of the forking has been that a finite number of individuals have emerged with super-powers.
In this story, as a product of the forking, there is a tallisman / weapon / device that will greatly enhance the superpowers of its holder, or provide them with additional powers. How their powers will be strengthened, or alternatively which new powers it will create, depends on the individual holding it and their pre-existing superpowers. Alternatively, if the person holding it does not have any superpowers, they will gain some by virtue of holding the tallisman; again, the temperament of the individual will determine what powers they will gain.
In this universe, rather than 'good' superheroes battling 'evil' supervillains, the superheroes generally battle each other, and are often flawed characters.
1[]
The Story (so far)[]
This is the creation story of the GNUheroes multiverse.
The GNUheroes shared universe (or GSU) is a multiverse (that is, a universe which is itself made up of universes) which forked off from our own universe around the year 2006. It functions in a manner similar to the DC or Marvel universes. The fork means that all history, prior to 2006, is identical to our own, which means that its history, prior to 2006, is shared with our own. A side-effect of the forking has been that a finite number of individuals and objects, which were at one of fourteen key points at the time of the split, have been charged with super-powers.
One such individual is a businessman and former (and often corrupt) mayor named Stan Rochdale.
In a former life, Rochdale was the chairman of a weapons contractor, and the phenomena reminded Rochdale of something that he had read about in the work of a theoretical physicist some years before.
Rochdale's aim was to track down whatever objects or people were near one of these fourteen points at the time of the split. If Stan has obtained superpowers by being at one of the fourteen points, surely there are other people and objects which have similarly been charged.
Stan reasons that, were even some of these supercharged individuals to unite without him, his own powers would hold significantly less potential to control others than if they were to be atomised and engaged in using their powers against one another.
Rochdale, pouring through an old copy of the physicist's report, which included a method to calculate the GPS locations of these points, and was thus able to calculate the GPS positions of the fourteen points.
Comparing the GPS positions for the points with records for title deeds, Stan noted that a number of the spots happened to fall on the properties of a number of private individuals. He quickly identified these individuals as Scott Mustaine, Crystal Jung, Andrea Quesada, Mike Kagawa, James Borden, Anna Tankian, Carmen Owen, and Melinda Cole. He was shocked to find that another hot-spot fell right in the middle of a property owned by a former advisary, named Rob McFarlane. One fell in a clothing store outside their trading hours, and another in a jewelry store. A few others fell in public places - parks or sidewalks. There is no telling if anyone was at these points at the time.
Visiting the clothing store and the jewelry store, he noted both a glove and a pair of rings that were glowing blue.
Back in his office, he got an assistant to first the glove, and then the ring.
He worked out that wearing the glove enhanced his power.
Wearing one or both of the rings did not do much, however when two different people wore a ring (which he dubbed 'The United Rings'), it could summon a superhero with superpowers which drew on an amalgam of the two wearer's personality.
Stan devised a cunning plan. In order to create tensions between the superheroes, he would hold a tournament for the glove between all the known superheros bar McFarlane. Once accrimony had been created, he would take back the glove. He would also hold onto the rings until he found a suitable sidekick - which he hoped to identify by observing the powers of the contestants of the tournament - who would wear the second ring. Then he - The Goat - would then emerge as the surpreme superhero. Or, at least, so he hoped.
Sequels:[]
The story continues in The Superhero Showdown (Ram-skull, Virgin, Torro, The Waterbearer, Duo, Crabby, GNU Scorpion, The Goat as the Observer, and The Archer), and The United Rings (The Goat as the Observer, Scales, The Lion, and The Fish).
2[]
Background (Timeline)[]
Following on from GNUheroes are Born, eight of the twelve GNUheroes superheroes are assembled in an abandoned warehouse. At this point, the other GNU Heroes do not realise that The Goat (a.k.a. Stan Rochdale) is the Observer. This story runs in parallel to The United Rings, and is a prequel to the Volume 1 Stories.
The Lion, The Goat, Scales, and The Fish appear in The United Rings; The Lion, Scales, and The Fish do not appear in this story.
The Story (so far)[]
Eight superheroes had gathered in an abandoned warehouse. A mysterious figure - who introduced himself as the Observer - explains the purpose of their assembly: that there is a single left handed glove that will greatly enhance the superpowers of whoever is wearing it, or provide them with additional powers. If the wearer already has superpowers, how their powers will be strengthened, or alternatively which new powers it will create, depends on the individual holding it and their pre-existing superpowers. Alternatively, if the person holding it does not have any superpowers, they will gain some by virtue of wearing the glove; again, the temperament of the individual will determine what powers they will gain.
The eight superheroes will face off against each other in a round robin tournament. The contestants will square off against each other in one-on-one 'showdown' fights. The rules of the showdown are simple: the fight continues either until one participant surrenders, or alternatively is rendered either dead or unconscious. The winner of each 'showdown' progresses to the next round. The losers are eliminated.
The 8 fighters are (from the list on GNUheroes):
- Ram-skull (a.k.a. Scott Mustaine). His superpower is:
- Virgin (a.k.a. Crystal Jung). Her superpower is:
- Torro (a.k.a. Andrea Quesada). Her superpower is:
- The Waterbearer (a.k.a. Mike Kagawa). His superpower is:
- Duo (a.k.a. James Borden). His superpower is being able to split into any number of people, each retaining this power.
- Crabby (a.k.a. Anna Tankian). Her superpower is that her hands can secrete a crushing glue she controls.
- GNU Scorpion (a.k.a. Carmen Owen). Her superpower is being able to stop time or freeze space.
- The Archer (a.k.a. Melinda Cole). Her superpower is never missing when shooting arrows.
Round one. Four fights. Four winners progress to the next round. The four losers are eliminated from the tournament.
Fight 1: Ram-skull Vs Virgin.
Winner: Ram-skull
Fight 2: Torro Vs The Waterbearer.
Winner: Torro
Fight 3: Duo Vs Crabby.
Winner: Duo
Fight 4: GNU Scorpion Vs The Archer.
Winner: GNU Scorpion
Round two. Two fights. Winners progress to the final showdown. The two losers are eliminated from the tournament.
Fight 5: The Winner of Fight 1 (Ram-skull) Vs The Winner of Fight 2 (Torro):
Winner: Ram-skull
Fight 6: The Winner of Fight 3 (Duo) Vs The Winner of Fight 4 (GNU Scorpion):
Winner: GNU Scorpion
The final showdown. The winner is awarded the tallisman. The contestants are The Winner of Fight 5 (Ram-skull) against The Winner of Fight 6 (GNU Scorpion).
Winner: GNU Scorpion
The winner, the GNU Scorpion, is awarded the glove. But she is warned that wearing the glove, while providing benefits to the winner, also comes at a cost, and new responcibility. They will have to constantly guard the glove from theft by the members of the general public desiring superpowers, as well as the fellow fighters in this tournament who have fought hard to obtain the glove to no avail. Further, while the holder of the glove may agree to a showdown against any opponent, if they do not hand over the glove upon losing, it will lose its power until such time as it is worn by someone other than the loser of the showdown. A similar fate awaits them if they fail to provide a challenge to anyone willing to show their worthiness for a challenge of the glove, or if they turn down a showdown against an opponent who has proven themselves worthy by meeting a challenge of the holder's naming. Thus while the victor has gained possession by winning, they are not its rightful eternal owner; rather, the rightful owner is whoever holds it at any given time. In other words, they may have won the glove, but the challenges have just begun.
3[]
Background (Timeline)[]
Following on from GNUheroes are Born, four of the twelve GNUheroes superheroes are drowning their sorrows in a bar. At this point, the other GNU Heroes do not realise that The Goat is the Observer. This story runs in parallel to The Superhero Showdown, and is a prequel to the following Volume 1 Stories.
The Goat, The Lion, Scales, and The Fish appear in The United Rings; The Lion, Scales, and The Fish do not appear in Superhero showdown.
The Story (so far)[]
It had been an unusual week, too unusual. Four people who, barely a week ago, had been living ordinary every day lives, have had their lives irrevocably changed by a split between universes, out of which they had each emerged with super-powers. Each decides to go to the local bar, not realising that three of their fellow publicans have also recently gained superpowers.
The Observer has been following Rob McFarlane - who apparently has the nickname 'the Lion' - to a local bar. The Observer (aka Goat, aka Stan Rochdale) knows that twelve people have superpowers. Aside from himself, he has identified a further nine, but does not know who the other two are - or that they will be in the same bar as both he and Rob on this very night. He is stalking Rob because he percieves this man to be a threat. Rob is also planting the seeds of vitirol and disunity between the twelve. He will be better able to rule these others if their powers are united against each other, rather than potentially against him.
Getting drunk, things begin to get interesting.
Rob leaves his barstool to go to the toilet.
While he's gone, two rings and a note fall out of Stan's pocket. The note reads:
"These are the United Rings. These two rings will, with the determination of the wearers, allow the wearers to conjure up a superhero for a period of no more than one hour in any given 24 hour period. If the wearers already have superpowers, the powers of the conjured superhero will be based ona combination of the pre-existing superpowers of the wearers. Alternatively, if the person holding it does not have any superpowers, the superpwoers of the conjured superhero will be drawn based upon the temperament of the individuals wearing the ring."
"Wearing the ring, while providing benefits to the wearers in times of need, also comes at a cost, and new responsibility. They will have to constantly guard the rings from theft by the members of the general public desiring to conjure a superhero, as well as the fellow fighters in this tournament who have fought hard to obtain the glove to no avail. Further, while the holders of the rings may agree to a showdown against any opponent, if they do not hand over the rings upon losing, it will lose its power until such time as it is worn by someone other than the loser of the showdown. A similar fate awaits them if they fail to provide a challenge to any two individuals willing to show their worthiness for a challenge of the ring, or if they turn down a showdown against a pair of opponents who has proven themselves worthy by meeting a challenge of the holder's naming. Thus while the victor has gained possession by winning, they are not its rightful eternal owner; rather, the rightful owner is whoever holds them at any given time. In other words, they may hold the rings, but their challenges have just begun."
On the way to the can, an individual who introduces himself as "The Fish" - real name Charles Lee - picks a drunken bar room brawl with Rob.
Rob and Charles fight, each conjuring up their superpowers. Charles gains the upper hand, and Rob is knocked to the ground. While on the ground, Rob picks up the ring, while Charles walks away.
An onlooker - Steph Hetfield (aka Scales) is intrigued by this display of superpower. She feels that Charles has not fought Rob fairly, however, Rob is already in the can by the time she can cross the crowded bar. She glares at Charles as he walks away.
Later in the night, she bumps into Rob. The two talk, and share their experience with superpowers. Rob gives Steph the ring, and they read the note together. They each take one and try to track down Charles. They bump into him as he's buying drinks.
Charles attacks Rob.
Steph joins in to attack Rob.
Stan sees the fight and decides to take a cheap shot against Rob, but Steph blocks the punch.
It's two on two. Rob and Steph - i.e. Lion and Scales - against Charles and Stan - i.e. the Goat and the Fish.
Stan reaches into his pocket. He has the ring; or at elast he thinks he does. But - oh no - it's gone!
Rob and Steph each put on their rings. They conjure up a composite superhero; the union of their powers.
Rob, Steph, and the conjured Lion-Scales fight back against Charles and Stan.
Charles and Stan are beaten down. Rob Steph and Lion-Scales clear house.
Charles surrenders, while Stan backs away, vowing revenge.
Lion-Scales dissapears in a puff of smoke. Charles and Steph stand victorious. For now.
Characters[]
Ram-skull[]
Real name: Scott Mustaine
Associated with action, passion, and energy. "I am," assertive, individualistic, enthusiasm, pioneering, leader, competitive, action-oriented, defensive, aggressive, intemperate, violent, fiery, powerful, extreme, arrogant, uncontrolled and unrestrained, quick, passionate, determined, fresh
Notable physical feature: head/skull
Feels that superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will smother it, superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will drown it, but superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will fan and enliven it.
initiation and creativity
Their actions are undertaken: assertively, impulsively, defensively, energetic, head down, excessively.
Superpower:
Torro[]
Real name: Andrea Quesada Associated with sensation, stability and practicality. "I have," sensual, affectionate, possessive, cautious, acquisitive, musical, artistic, stubborn, solid, earthly, strong, patient, sturdy, slow, kind, just
Notable physical feature: throat/neck
Feels that superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will dry it, superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will parch it, but superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will refresh and nourish it.
focus, individuality and determination
Their actions are undertaken: resourcefully, thoroughly, devotedly, patiently, indulgently.
Superpower:
Duo[]
Real name: James Borden
Associated with thought, perspective and communication. "I think," "I know," curious, multi-tasking, talkative, sociable, duality, mercurial, whimsical, intelligent, restless, quick, informed
Notable physical feature: hands/lungs
Feels that superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will obscure it, superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will suffocate it, but superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will inspire and uplift it.
resourcefulness, holism and adaptability
Their actions are undertaken: logically, inquisitively, fast.
Superpower: Being able to split into many people who all have the same power as the first one.
Crabby[]
Real name: Anna Tankian
Associated with growth processes, identification and emotion. "I feel," sensitive, tenacious, family and home oriented, helpful, nurturing, moody, watery, protective, emotional, crabby, moody, loving
Notable physical feature: stomach/breasts
Feels that superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will make it boil, superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will evaporate it, but superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will shape and channel it.
initiation and creativity
Their actions are undertaken: protectively, sensitively, clingingly.
Superpower: Hands create an extremely heavy, sticky meterial she controls. This can be used to crush people or as glue.
The Lion[]
Real name: Rob McFarlane
Associated with action, passion, and energy. "I rule," passionate, bossy, loves attention, dramatic, independent, noble, creative, leader, egotistic, sunny, bright, kingly, powerful Notable physical feature: heart/back
Feels that superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will smother it, superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will drown it, but superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will fan and enliven it.
focus, individuality and determination
Their actions are undertaken: generously, proudly, theatrically.
Superpower:
Virgin[]
Real name: Crystal Jung
Associated with sensation, stability and practicality. "I analyze," practical, work and service oriented, critical, common sense, modest, intelligent, health conscious, fussy, helpful, loving, flexible
Notable physical feature: intestines/digestion
Feels that superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will dry it, superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will parch it, but superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will refresh and nourish it.
resourcefulness, holism and adaptability
Their actions are undertaken: practically, efficiently, critically.
Superpower:
Scales[]
Real name: Steph Hetfield
Associated with thought, perspective and communication. "We are," partnerships, balance, grace, charm, debative, open-minded, cooperative, social, ideas, lazy
Notable physical feature: kidneys/lumbar
Feels that superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will obscure it, superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will suffocate it, but superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will inspire and uplift it.
initiation and creativity
Their actions are undertaken: co-operatively, fairy, lazily.
Superpower: Able to read people's minds
GNU Scorpion[]
Real name: Carmen Owen
Associated with growth processes, identification and emotion. "I desire," intense, controlling, sexual, confrontative, deep, skeptical, mysterious, obsessive, death, transformation
Notable physical feature: genitals/reproductive organs
Feels that superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will make it boil, superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will evaporate it, but superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will shape and channel it.
focus, individuality and determination
Their actions are undertaken: passionately, sensitively, anxiously.
Superpower: Freezing time and space.
The Archer[]
Real name: Melinda Cole
Associated with action, passion, and energy. "I seek," philosophic, fun-loving, arrogant, adventurous, expansive, optimistic, blundering, believer, scattered
Notable physical feature: hips/thighs
Feels that superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will smother it, superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will drown it, but superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will fan and enliven it.
resourcefulness, holism and adaptability
Their actions are undertaken: freely, straightforwardly, carelessly.
Superpower: Has the remarkable power to be able to shoot an arrow and never miss.
The Goat[]
Real name: Stan Rochdale
Associated with sensation, stability and practicality. "I use," ambitious, cautious, rigid, authoritative, cunning, competent, saturnine, inclined to politics/business
Notable physical feature: knees/skeleton
Feels that superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will dry it, superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will parch it, but superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will refresh and nourish it.
initiation and creativity
Their actions are undertaken: prudently, cautiously, suspiciously.
Superpower:
The Waterbearer[]
Real name: Mike Kagawa
Associated with thought, perspective and communication. "I know," friendships, humanitarian, cause-oriented, the group, society, progressive, eccentric, elitist, sophisticated, objective
Notable physical feature: nervous system/ankles
Feels that superheroes Crabby, GNU Scorpion, and The Fish will obscure it, superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will suffocate it, but superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will inspire and uplift it.
focus, individuality and determination
Their actions are undertaken: democratically, unconventionally, detachedly.
Superpower:
The Fish[]
Real name: Charles Lee
Associated with growth processes, identification and emotion. "I believe," feeling, duality, idealistic, spirituality, acceptance, undiscriminating, soul growth, martyrdom, artistic, neglectful, surrender, compassionate
Notable physical feature: feet/immune system
Feels that superheroes Ram-skull, The Lion, and The Archer will make it boil, superheroes Duo, Scales, and The Waterbearer will evaporate it, but superheroes Torro, Virgin, and The Goat will shape and channel it.
resourcefulness, holism and adaptability
Their actions are undertaken: imaginatively, sensitively, distractedly.
Superpower: Is able to surive underwater