So you really, really hate this other hero team...

[Jhamin]

This reminds me of all the mileage I got out of The Flashmen from the old 4th edition Allies book.

 

They were basically a bunch of superpowered conmen that decided it was easier to play hero and pocket some of the loot they "saved" than it was to keep fighting superheroes all the time.  They had a team vehicle with smuggling compartments, a foundation they administered for charity (and a reasonable handling fee), were paid guests of honor at all kinds of events (fees for charity, honest!) Two of them even disguised what their powers actually were (they were actually a telekinetic and a gadgeteer who combined their efforts to look like they were a living video game character and a Ninja)

The PCs *Hated* these guys, and could never prove anything, but if they pushed too hard the leader of the Flashmen (This foppish cyrano de bergerac type who used drugs to fight at a superhuman level) would shame them publicly for having such delicate egos they couldn't handle another superteam in town when it was clear that they needed the help with all the crime going on.

[DoctorImpossible]

On 6/24/2021 at 5:04 AM, Jhamin said:

They were basically a bunch of superpowered conmen that decided it was easier to play hero and pocket some of the loot they "saved" than it was to keep fighting superheroes all the time.

...

would shame them publicly for having such delicate egos they couldn't handle another superteam in town when it was clear that they needed the help with all the crime going on.

 

To be fair, if they were actually stopping crimes, even if only minor crimes and even if they would then loot the criminals, at least they were contributing to the efforts. You might resent them for taking more of the credit that they're really earning, but they do cut down on some of the work for you and the police.

 

With regards to the nature of the other team in the OP's question, I think it should depend entirely on each individual PC or NPC to choose for themselves. What do you, individually, all want from this specific group of NPCs? A major rival team to show you up when they swoop in to save the day better than you could? An enemy team who are trying to accomplish the same goals as you, before you can achieve them? Or even just a bunch of other people that you hate but you have to tolerate them? 

[Lord Liaden]

On 7/6/2021 at 5:38 AM, DoctorImpossible said:

 

To be fair, if they were actually stopping crimes, even if only minor crimes and even if they would then loot the criminals, at least they were contributing to the efforts. You might resent them for taking more of the credit that they're really earning, but they do cut down on some of the work for you and the police.

 

 

It's true, the Flashmen did occasionally do some legitimate good, when it was convenient and at no risk to them, particularly if there were cameras or a reward involved. OTOH they were not above paying people to commit minor crimes so they could stop them on camera and get publicity.

[drunkonduty]

Personally, I like the idea of them being rivals. It allows for different types of stories to just straight enemies. An enemy group is just another bunch of bad guys to be engaged in the usual way - a punch to the face then call the cops. Rivals means you can't just punch them in the face and solve the issue.

 

I mean, sure you can punch them, but that isn't going to solve the problem. Look at the Avengers/Justice League crossovers. They punched one another but that was just for our amusement, it didn't solve whatever plot problems they were having.

 

So anyway, yeah, rivals. Gets you different types scenes.  People hog limelight; pour sugar into quinjet<sic> fuel tanks; show off so as to attract the cute girl/guy; make a bet to kill the most orcs at the battle of Helm's Deep. This allows for different kinds of action  and variety is the spice of life and all that.