Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

[Shiva13]

The multiverse concept has been a staple of the big two comic companies for decades. What I am getting at here is the idea of a fan project cataloging and further defining the differeht worlds that have appeared and associated with Champions since the very beginning. So that said worlds can be used for those famous multiversal crossover adventures that still remain so popular.

 

So let's go down the list of five Earths I have managed to compile so far. This is just the beginning.

 

Champions Earth: (Champions Universe, 6th edition)

 

This is it. The central game world that the game line revolves around. And which is spotlighted in the MMO. This is the main world, the core setting. A nice big full color hardback details all you need to know about it. It's good stuff. And I have no intention of criticizing it. It is the first Earth on our list.

 

New Millenium Earth (Champions: New Millenium)

 

Only three books were created for this setting. Champions: New Millenium, Alliances, and Bay City. Which gives at least a beginning of knowing how this setting ticks.

 

My suggestion and intent would be to take this setting and develop it further in the style presented. Good things could come of it. But it definitely is its own Earth.

 

Strike Force Earth (Aaron Allston's Strike Force)

 

This classic supplement provides the framework for really a world that stands on its own. It uses classic Champions characters and organizations. But did it in a distinct enough way, in my mind, to justify it being its own Earth.

 

Algernon Earth (Blackwyrm Games, The Algernon Files and Fires Of War)

 

Blackwyrm's two Algernon Files books presents a full setting in two different distinct time periods. It truly is a work unto itself, deserving recognition in this project as its own Earth.

 

San Angelo Earth (San Angelo: City Of Heroes, and assorted companion supplements)

 

San Angelo is a hallmark setting in the history of Champions. The book does not just provide a city, but details on the very world and universe that spawned it. And it was very close to becoming the official Champions setting at one point in time. Definitely worth a spot as its own Earth.

[Shiva13]

Why no 5th Edition Champions Earth?

 

The answer to that question is quite simple. Champions Universe 5th edition had very few differences in it crossing over to the 6th edition. 6th Edition is simply further development and advancing the timeline of 5th. It is the same setting. Hence why I didn't separate 5th edition off as its own Earth.

[Shiva13]

Re: Why no 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Edition Champions Earths?

 

It was not until the 4th edition era that an attempt was made to unify all of the previous published material in the game line, into one universe. It ended up with one severely overpopulated world, when it came to organizations, supervillains, and heroes. The attempt didn't work. It was just too overloaded.

 

However, after much thought and consideration. And comparing the material that was left on the cutting room floor after the creation of the 5th/6th edition Champions Universe, I realized that there simply was a vast amount of material left one could salvage and use for their own ends. To use as the foundation for other earths.

 

Can a world be made that incorporates the 4th Edition Champions superteam? Absolutely! Mention is made in the MMO that the Champions containing Solitaire, Quantum and Obsidian actually appears in comic books. To me? That means alternate Earth. But one that will take considerable effort to rebuild and refine. Something that will eventually happen as part of this project.

[kahuna's bro]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

can someone rep shiva13 for me thanks

[assault]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

The problem is that the rights to all the characters involved are owned by various folks. There's a limit to what can be done with them.

[BobGreenwade]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

Don't forget Scott Bennie's Gestalt Universe!

[Lord Liaden]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

There are a few alternate worlds within the current Champions Universe official continuity that are fully owned by Cryptic Studios. They include:

 

"Left-Handed Earth," where the majority of people are left-handed and moral and ethical orientations are reversed (described in the background to the character Janus in Teen Champions). This functions as the classic "evil twin" mirror universe, where reversed versions of the main Champions Earth's characters can be found;

 

The home world of Kinematik and Lancer, where psionic mutants are actively pursued and persecuted by an oppressive world government;

 

The home world of the Cahokian of the villain team Merc-Force 1, where a unified United States never formed. Instead several warring nations, among them the "Empire of Cahokia," vie for dominance;

 

"Multifarian Earth," from whence Shadow Destroyer comes, where time is fluid and past, present, and future people, places, and events can coexist.

[Lord Liaden]

Re: Why no 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Edition Champions Earths?

 

It was not until the 4th edition era that an attempt was made to unify all of the previous published material in the game line, into one universe. It ended up with one severely overpopulated world, when it came to organizations, supervillains, and heroes. The attempt didn't work. It was just too overloaded.

 

However, after much thought and consideration. And comparing the material that was left on the cutting room floor after the creation of the 5th/6th edition Champions Universe, I realized that there simply was a vast amount of material left one could salvage and use for their own ends. To use as the foundation for other earths.

 

Can a world be made that incorporates the 4th Edition Champions superteam? Absolutely! Mention is made in the MMO that the Champions containing Solitaire, Quantum and Obsidian actually appears in comic books. To me? That means alternate Earth. But one that will take considerable effort to rebuild and refine. Something that will eventually happen as part of this project.

 

Whether "the attempt didn't work" is debatable; but certainly the 4E Champions Universe is a distinct entity from that of 5E/6E. Even major established groups like VIPER and DEMON are significantly different from one incarnation to the next.

[Dr. MID-Nite]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

There are a few alternate worlds within the current Champions Universe official continuity that are fully owned by Cryptic Studios. They include:

 

"Left-Handed Earth," where the majority of people are left-handed and moral and ethical orientations are reversed (described in the background to the character Janus in Teen Champions). This functions as the classic "evil twin" mirror universe, where reversed versions of the main Champions Earth's characters can be found;

 

The home world of Kinematik and Lancer, where psionic mutants are actively pursued and persecuted by an oppressive world government;

 

The home world of the Cahokian of the villain team Merc-Force 1, where a unified United States never formed. Instead several warring nations, among them the "Empire of Cahokia," vie for dominance;

 

"Multifarian Earth," from whence Shadow Destroyer comes, where time is fluid and past, present, and future people, places, and events can coexist.

 

Was it just psionic mutants that were persecuted on Lancer's homeworld? I thought it was mutants in general...regardless of powers.

[Peregrine]

Re: Why no 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Edition Champions Earths?

 

Whether "the attempt didn't work" is debatable; but certainly the 4E Champions Universe is a distinct entity from that of 5E/6E. Even major established groups like VIPER and DEMON are significantly different from one incarnation to the next.

 

I would even split it into "Champions 4e Earth" and "Dark Champions 4e Earth" on the simple basis of the fate/status of the organization RAVEN. I might even argue for a third division, "Mutant Files Earth", given the substantial boost in power levels relative to the rest of the Champions Universe 4e.

[Shiva13]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

The problem is that the rights to all the characters involved are owned by various folks. There's a limit to what can be done with them.

 

That's why this is a fan project, and not an official Hero Games project.

[Shiva13]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

Don't forget Scott Bennie's Gestalt Universe!

 

Yes, I did. And it was not intentional.

 

Gestalt Earth (Gestalt: The Hero Within)

 

An absolutely distinct setting, with emphasis on sub-dimensions. Unquestionably worthy of inclusion.

 

Empire Earth (Silver Age Sentinels)

 

Noteful because of the Reality Storm company crossover adventure. The setting was quite good. And even though the company that produced that world is gone, their main heroes are still available in the Reality Storm adventure still sold by Hero Games.

[Shiva13]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

There are a few alternate worlds within the current Champions Universe official continuity that are fully owned by Cryptic Studios. They include:

 

"Left-Handed Earth," where the majority of people are left-handed and moral and ethical orientations are reversed (described in the background to the character Janus in Teen Champions). This functions as the classic "evil twin" mirror universe, where reversed versions of the main Champions Earth's characters can be found;

 

The home world of Kinematik and Lancer, where psionic mutants are actively pursued and persecuted by an oppressive world government;

 

The home world of the Cahokian of the villain team Merc-Force 1, where a unified United States never formed. Instead several warring nations, among them the "Empire of Cahokia," vie for dominance;

 

"Multifarian Earth," from whence Shadow Destroyer comes, where time is fluid and past, present, and future people, places, and events can coexist.

 

Because they are Cryptic's properties, it is really up to them and Hero Games to flesh them out. Which they eventually will.

[Shiva13]

Re: Why no 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Edition Champions Earths?

 

I would even split it into "Champions 4e Earth" and "Dark Champions 4e Earth" on the simple basis of the fate/status of the organization RAVEN. I might even argue for a third division' date=' "Mutant Files Earth", given the substantial boost in power levels relative to the rest of the Champions Universe 4e.[/quote']

 

Hudson City actually exists in the current 6th Edition Champions Universe. There was a supplement for 5th edition called Hudson City: The Urban Abyss. Specifically designed for vigilantes like the infamous Harbinger Of Justice. This is why, for purposes of this project, the original Dark Champions I didn't advise to be its own setting.

 

Champions 4th Edition, as I said before, was completely overloaded. It would take a lot to rebuild it. To create a framework from which to begin building upon. Separating out what fit and what didn't would take a phenominal amount of work. I do picture it happening in the coarse of this project. But it would not be the "everything in one setting" form that the original 4th edition Champions Universe book did.

 

Ugh, someone brought up The Mutant File. For purposes of this project on my end, that material will not be touched. It will remain on the cutting room floor. If someone else wants to detail that as a distinct world, they can be my guest. I won't be doing it.

[Cygnia]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

I know there's a 4th Ed book specifically on alternate universes. How, if any, would that factor here?

[Shiva13]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

I know there's a 4th Ed book specifically on alternate universes. How' date=' if any, would that factor here?[/quote']

 

Champions In 3d. There are a lot of decent things in it. I figure it will be used and referenced at some point.

[The Main Man]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

What about... "Omlevex" I believe it was called?

[Shiva13]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

What about... "Omlevex" I believe it was called?

 

Definitely a good one for inclusion.

 

Omlevex Earth (Omlevex)

 

Omlevex is an interesting piece of work. It is designed in its basic form as a period piece. Specifically set in the Silver Age of superhero comics, it touches upon most of the tropes of that age. There are two options for its use. Keeping it firmly in the Silver Age, or using the notes it presents for use in modern age campaigns. But I believe its distinct flavor for this project would be best served by keeping its Silver Age presentation.

[Lord Liaden]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

That's why this is a fan project' date=' and not an official Hero Games project.[/quote']

 

Shiva, in what ways did you wish to "further define" these worlds beyond what was already published? Since other people own this material, there's a limit to what's appropriate to post on an open forum without the creators' permission.

[Shiva13]

Re: Idea: The Champions Multiverse Project.

 

Shiva' date=' in what ways did you wish to "further define" these worlds beyond what was already published? Since other people own this material, there's a limit to what's appropriate to post on an open forum without the creators' permission.[/quote']

 

That would take a case by case basis on the individual setting. But I will give a few snipets of what I thought of offhand on a few.

 

Champions New Millenium is an example of pretty much a dead world, as far as official development goes. What I would do is create a "flavor guide" for people who wanted to make the setting their own. Design tips to further flesh the setting out, that define the overall setting and act as a framework in designing or adapting existing characters for said setting. Much the same would be done with other of the settings that development no longer is happening on.

 

Gestalt is an example of a setting still being developed. A new book for it is coming soon. So it doesn't need such a guide.

[Shiva13]

3rd/4th edition settings

 

This part of the process is going to be laborious. But I believe I have found a way to sort the early edition material into its own set of settings. I'll give a few examples here. A full list will come later.

 

Main original Champions character properties: Champions 1st/2nd/3rd editions, Enemies, Enemies II. Early issues of Adventurer's Club and Space Gamer.

 

These books provide the foundation of a basic guide for re-creating the setting of the original superhero team, the Guardians. A setting that by its very nature is very Silver Age in its presentation. With a major dose of tongue in cheek humor.

 

The Mallonee-verse: Enemies III, Primus & Demon, The Great Supervillain Contest, The Coriolis Effect, Challenges For Champions. League Of Champions comic books.

 

Developed by and large by the Cal Tech game group. This combined setting features a more "adult oriented" style and flavor.It definitely has a style all of its own.