from little plot seeds, mighty games do grow: Share your ideas!

[Hermit]

As I sort through the 5th Edition character write ups, I have to admit one thing I do enjoy is the plot seeds. Next to most characters are 3 plot seeds related to a villain that one can expand on fairly easily.

So, post 'em if you got em'. I'm starting with...

Black Harlequin
1) Tragic 8-Balls: Someone has been sending magic 8-balls, those gaggy prophecy toys that you shake for 'all the answers' only, these give rather ugly responses and dire predictions that always come true. The Black Harlequin must be behind it, mustn't he?

2)Hair made of plastic, She's fantastic!- Some of the most beautiful women of the city, models, actresses, and more have been kidnapped. Through hard work and diligence, the PCs might discover that B.H. is trying to turn his victims into 'Living dolls' for his collection; but will they realise that one of the ladies on their own team (Or DNPCs if there are no attractive ladies on the team) is also a target?

3) Chips' ahoy- Ah, Millenium City where the cars are the 'safest' in the world. What arrogance! Black Harlequin decides to replace 'their special secret chips with ones of his own devising, let's see if they notice!' Now those cars are affected by remote controls, but so many cars to control, even his thuggish minions can't handle them all. Drivers are wanted, and found... thanks to some arcade games. That's right, young tots and teens alike will be in the driver's seat for new video games with titles like 'Red Highway' 'Crash and Burn' and 'Run Pedestrian run!'

[Hermit]

Istvatha V'Han
1) 5th Dimensional Column: The Empress has underestimated the 'superhumans' of Earth twice now. Time, perhaps, to reconsider. Earth's own history has provided a possible solution. While allies are beneath her, she arranges for her scientists to bestow 'super powers' on some of the more sociopathic and dangerous of humankind. Let the Earth Governments and heroes expend their energies dealing with this apparently internal situation that sprang from no where. In the mean time, it allows her to study her foes in even more detail. Should one of those 'chosen' for villainhood suddenly prove difficult ,well, the kill switch wthin each should remedy that.

2) Someone call the INS- Sometimes dimensions fall fast, sometimes they fall slow, but eventually all fall to V'han. Despite her benevolent nature (once she gets her way) however, some choose to flee rather than submit to her rule. One such people have done so, and what's more have the technological know how to escape their home plane entirely. They have come to Earth; dozens, perhaps hundreds (or more?) of them. What's more, no small part of them see no reason why they shouldn't take what they want from the inferior human beings. They maybe a beaten army on thier home plane, but here, the tables seem to be turned. Can the heroes handle them all? Or will they have to inform V'Han they know 'just' where some of her renegades have gone, and could she please pick them up?

3) An Imperial request: V'han finally bites off more than she can chew, and then some. Invading a dimension that seemed primative, she has instead discovered a universe that is full of hostile and extremely powerful alien beings. Her standard troops have not only been thrown back, these beings are pursuing and taking some of 'her' domain. She insists that Earth's champions assist in throwing these beings back. If they do not, why, she will use her own power to create a tunnel FOR these beings that leads straight to Earth and force the heroes' collective hand. Thus far, these strange beings can not be reasoned with.

[Hermit]

Foxbat
1) Special Collector's issue: Foxbat is a tad... 'reality impaired', and some part of him no doubt thinks, as go the comics, so goes my plan. Thus, he breaks into a comic book company, and by stealth, or threat of ping pong ball reprisal, switches the planned issues with ones staring HIM, Foxbat. Triumphant and looking kewl! If your PCs have comics being made of them, imagine their surprise to see themselves getting their butts kicked by the Foxy one. For that matter, how will they feel if they are portrayed as sidekicks and/or love interests? Complications could ensue; Will Foxbat have to be saved from a horde of irate comic fanboys? Will he actually become a cult hit? What if a villain reads the comics and doesn't like the battle scene in one where Foxbat trounces him or her?


2) Did you ever know that you're my hero? : After getting his butt kicked by one of your PCs, rather than being angry; Foxbat becomes incredibly impressed. So impressed in fact, that he adopts that hero's methods and trademark way of fighting crime for DOING his crime. Should, for example, Nighthawk defeat him. Foxbat will change his colors to a silver and black for a time, with an exagerated foxy cowl. He'll ditch the ping pong gun, trade it in for a ping pong paddle ,and overdramatize the hero's whole stichk. Not only is this embarrassing for the hero, some moron out there who is robbed may accuse the hero of doing it instead. Foxbat has to be brought in, and uhm.. well, hopefully your PC won't rough him up tooo badly.


3) I need a rival/hunted/etc: Foxbat is feeling down. He has no rival to compete against. No criminal with similar motiff to compare himself to. Where's the struggle? Where's the race to see who can be the best? Clearly... he must do something. That's when he hears about the High tech armor/experimental power drug/mystical device/whatever being held in the science lab/corporation's office/mueseum/whereever. He takes this, then goes around asking likely folks if they'd like to be a super villain. If they say yes, he hands it over. Naturally, the one who says yes is not likely to share Foxbat's psychosis, and might be a SERIOUS threat to the city. Foxbat may find this new guy plays too rough, and have to run to the heroes telling them "He's not playing by the rules and he won't give it back! Make him!"

[death tribble]

These are very good and in the spirit of the books.
My heartiest congratulations.
And I will steal some of these ideas and am not afraid to admit it.

[Hermit]

Originally posted by death tribble
These are very good and in the spirit of the books.
My heartiest congratulations.
And I will steal some of these ideas and am not afraid to admit it.

Aw shucks, thanks. I am hoping others will join in with their own suggestions. In the mean time, I'm flattered folks would use (or improve) anything I've suggested.

Heck, just to complete my ego boost, which ones did you like if you don't mind?

[TheTemplar]

Originally posted by Hermit
Aw shucks, thanks. I am hoping others will join in with their own suggestions. In the mean time, I'm flattered folks would use (or improve) anything I've suggested.

Heck, just to complete my ego boost, which ones did you like if you don't mind?

Personally, my favorite was Foxbat Scenario #2 - Where he tries to emulate on of the PC's. Hilarious RP opportunities..as there ALWAYS are when FB is involved. I also liked the Tragic 8 Ball scenario..just because it would be fun to think up diabolic 8 ball responses.

"Will I marry Jonny?" (Shake 8 ball and turn over)

"No.....but you WILL be blown into insignificant bits when this explodes!"

"Huh?"

tick....tick....tick....


-T

[Hermit]

Teleios
1)Damsel in distress : A beautiful, and scantily clad woman is found almost freezing near the PC's headquarters. She is mute (indeed, she lacks vocal cords), but seems to grasp English. Her looks are so exquisite, she puts most models to shame. Along her elegant neck is a marking not unlike a barcode. If the heroes somehow communicate with her (Telepathy would be most telling) they will discover this woman is one of Teleios' creations (his harem hardly needs to 'talk' now does it?). Somehow she's found the freewill his clones are supposed to lack. A mistake? Or is there some deeper secret in this clone than that?

2)You want a piece of me? Various mercenaries who normally go for the kill, start attacking our heroes. Rather than seeking to assassinate, they strive to wound, and take some of the spilled blood or seperated flesh with them. Then they run like hell. What's a few points of body when you just survived a fight with Mechassassin? Well, that depends on if they find out Teleios is rumored to be paying well for the tissue samples of any super heroes. This can't be good.

3) Anger Mismanagement: Curious about the nature of human agression, Teleios has his minions 'taint' a city's water supply with a compound that ups the violent tendencies of anyone who drinks it by attaching certain microscope material to their hypothalmus and other aspects of the 'primitive' brain. Victims become increasingly belligerent. Psychological limitations involving dislikes, hatreds, or combat are more pronounced (Moderate becomes Strong, Strong becomes Total), and Enrageds are more easily triggered. If the super heroes don't stop this (either before the poisoning or after), the whole city could riot.

[Hermit]

Captain Chronos
1)Glory Days are here again: The Captain appears in various nursing homes, Senior dwellings and other areas were now venerable and fragile former golden age (and some silver) heroes are. He then youthens them back to their prime. Suddenly the city is full of potientially active super heroes. Some of which haven't kept up with the changing times in the costumed world. How do the PCs deal with this? Are they the ones who are obsolete now, and how long can this age change last?
2) I oppssed: The Super heroes are in a shielded danger room, or lab, when they step out... they may notice some changes. It would seem the Earth they knew is gone, replaced by something similar but different enough to be alarming. The space program has lead to the alien invasion and domination of their planet for decades. If they search their history, they'll discover that some important historical event went differently this time. The Captain appears, quite humilated, and explains he oppsed, everything is changed but the heroes thanks to that 'inadvertent chronol shielding' and he needs their help to fix it. What will the super heroes do when they find out the 'Second gunman on the grassy gnoll was one of them all along?
3)You broke it, you ninny!: If one of the PCs gets a bit enthusiastic, and uses a killing attack on the poor captain, instead of just laying him out, the attack tears his equipment. The result is spectacular, throwing the heroes, the Captain (and possibly a few innocents at the fight scene) into the past. Captain Chronos says he can repair it, and get everyone back where they should be, but he'll need certain 'things' to do so. Exactly how DO you find a flux capacitor in Ancient Rome, the Wild West, or Victorian England? Naturally, the temporial rule of non interference MUST be enforced.

[TheEmerged]

/* cracks knuckles gets to work

VICTORY Champions Universe
1> Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot? Victory arranges for a covert meeting with the PC's to ask their help. The military needs her to "go rogue" so she can infiltrate a foreign supervillain/government group with a higher degree of credibility, and she needs their help to set it up. However, when the PC's arrive at the scene of her crime, she attacks them from surprise with the aid of a number of other superheroes claiming that THE PC'S have gone rogue -- she has clearly set them up. If the attack succeeds in taking the PC's out (should, but one can never be certain), she covertly lets them know the plan is working! What's going on?
2> That's... Amore! An ongoing rumor has been hitting the hero-gossip vine: Victory and (male PC, preferably one with a very liberal outlook) have been dating on the sly. Wishful thinking? Character assasination? Foxbat in a fit of schoolyard jealousy?
3> It only sounds fun... The PC's suddenly get an alert -- Victory & (insert another superheroine/villainess of sufficient power) are having a very destructive fight downtown. It's clear that the battle is personal, and it's already passed the line on endangering the locals. What started this fight and, more problematically, how are the PC's going to stop it?

FOXBAT & CAPTAIN CHRONOS
I didn't do it! What'd I do? Works best if the PC's know CC's motivation. The PC's are there when CC meets/sees Foxbat for the first time -- and are witness to his reaction. "By the Uncreated -- the Master Plan! It makes sense now! I'm too late! The horror! The horror!" At this point he slumps into a fetal position, babbling.

FOXBAT & GRAVITAR
That's... Amore?. Somehow, these two meet in the right place at the right time and... she's smitten beyond redemption. The problem is, the feeling isn't 100% mutual. However, insane or otherwise Freddy now has 1000 points of raw power hanging on his every word and deed -- and is immature enough to take advantage of the situation like Aladdin with a lamp. Works best if Foxbat is on at least non-violent but less than strictly friendly terms with the PC's.

BLACK HARLEQUIN
doWHA? During an otherwise indescript heist, one of BH's robotic toys slips and calls him "Sado" -- to which BH reacts by immediately destroying the toy and trying to act like nothing happened. Either the PC's witness this, or become aware of it through another channel. What evil lurks behind this Fruedian Slip?

[Hermit]

Oooo.. Emerged, I like Victory option#1

The sample with Foxbat and Captain Chronos is , for some reason, too scary for words.


Yeah, someone else joined in...

"I just want to spread my diesase."

[TheEmerged]

I'm a Pepper, wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too

Jokes aside, one of my criticisms of Champions Universe was that all 3 of Victory's plot seeds portrayed her as a victim -- this for a 605-point character? Then again, I've got her in romantic trouble and a catfight

As for the Foxbat/Captain Chronos seed -- that's the sort of thing I'm imfamous for when foreshadowing Just twisted enough to make the PC's wonder how sane I am...

[Enforcer84]

GROND:
The PC's are called into stop a Grond Rampage, they arrive to see the green machine directing a very contolled rampage throught the town striking specific targets, ignoring obvious attacks, he is wearing a pollished gray collar and a pained expression. Who is controlling Grond and What do they want? To complicate matters, another villain shows up to "stomp" Grond, how are the heroes going to keep Foxbat from getting killed?

Not much detail, just stop Grond and Giganto from tearing the city down as they battle eachother over the right to be the most powerful being on the planet.

BULLDOZER:
Bulldozer attempts to finance a metahuman Professional wrestling organization with money from his crimes. Failing that he finds investors and thus begins the MWF (MetaWrestlingFederation). Several superstrong villains join for kicks, and maybe some heroes? Then a huge influx of Mid Level Bricks appear to flood the ranks of the MWF; where did they come from? Who is the mysterious investor? How can they claim to be true wrestling if Bulldozer is Champion?

[Haerandir]

Tachyon and Thunderbolt II

The city is plagued by a series of odd burglaries, in rapid succession. Literally, the burglaries are spaced mere minutes apart. Broken doors and safes show that whoever is committing them is apparently very strong as well as incredibly fast. Only after the PC's have begun to investigate should it come out that there are 2 culprits... Tachyon and Thunderbolt II. They appear to be engaged in some sort of bizarre scavenger hunt. Neither is willing to waste time fighting the PC's, being totally focused on outdoing his long-time rival. The PC's will have to find some way of preventing two super-strong speedsters from stealing everything that isn't nailed down. Will they split up, or attempt to tackle the hunters one at a time?

If that isn't challenging enough, Thunderbolt I hears about the burglaries on the radio and shows up to discuss naming rights with Thunderbolt II. Of course, the whole scenario provides Thunderbird with a veritable shooting gallery of miscreants. And what if the scavenger hunt wasn't the idea of the two participants, but bait or a distraction in a cunning scheme by some other villain? (Utility springs to mind. Naturally, so does Foxbat.)

Once you have 5 or 6 villains rampaging around town, all trying to do one another in, and the poor PCs in hot pursuit of all concerned, hilarity should ensue.

[Hermit]

Some good stuff guys.
Enforcer, the WWF connection makes me nostalgic for the Unlimted Federation that Marvel got into for a bit with the Thing.

And Haerendir, I may borrow that scenerio just to drive my players nuts (in a good way) for a bit

I have some more Mechanon ideas. Because you just can't have enough organic hating killer robot mastermind plot seeds.

[Hermit]

Mechanon
1)If you can't beat them, make them join : Mechanon's frustration at the organic infestation's refusal to die threatens to overwhelm its logic circuits. However, if purging continues to be difficult, perhaps transformation would be better. Mechanon schemes to release nanobots that will devour, and at the same time rebuild people into new robotic forms. Sadly, one thing is required that Mechanon is lacking, advanced knowledge of organic life. It's up to the heroes of the city to figure out why large robots are suddenly kidnapping the best doctors in their fields.

2) Countdown to Meltdown: A brand new fully automated nuclear facility becomes operational. While the security there is formidible, it is fully robotic. Mechanon lands, and takes it over easily, sealing it behind him. He makes no secret that he plans to set the plant to expel a radiation cloud, an act that will kill organics for several miles, and render the terrain unhabitable for decades. Experts tell the heroes that the build up Mechanon is seeking will take time. The PCs have to break into the plant, bypass the security now turned against them, and face Mechanon long enough to ruin his scheme.

3)Redundant operation disallowed: As Mechanon 'dies', and seperates his head... it it is blown up by a super hero's energy surge. Normally, a signal is sent out to the robot's nearest base location, and construction on a new body begins. This time, the energy boost accidentally amplifies and disrupts the signal. Two seperate bases recieve it, and both begin working on bodies simultaneously. What will the heroes do when a report of two Mechanons fighting in the streets arise, each arrogantly claiming to be the true 'master unit'? The possibility of them reconciling somehow and 'two' Mechanons working together is too frightning to contemplate.