angrydurf

I think the invitation only/search and rescue/US based team is explicitly the NPC team the idea being that we don't want our PCs facing those kinds of limitations Vahn. The rest of the league and Aux would be more like the JLA/Avengers/Current League a potent superteam (though with a more robust roster and maybe multiple "teams") I think the concept has a lot of merit Gizmo. It finally has the NPC portions of the league off screen for reason other than being NPCs without removing their usefulness as voices of authority in the hero community. Teams that form a bit more naturally from like minded heroes will also stand the test of time a bit better than trying to put everyone in the mold of the traditional Freedom League/Aux or even a JLA Unlimited scenario. It also allows for somewhat specialized teams to form up short or long term to deal with certain kinds of issues. So the question is how to get from here to there. The FLAux already largely serves the purpose described largely being potent heroes with specialized knowledge and off world interests of one sort or another, Invitations to Phantom, maybe Sandman, Dragonfly, any unaffiliated space type heroes not part of one of the space teams and loosely based on earth (Cavalier?), Glamazon (For adventures under the sea!), Not sure if there's some I'm missing tried to skip those that were already in teams elsewhere. General theme being working with interstellar/dimensional type stuff as a specialty with room for other strange environs (Underwater, sub terra type stuff too would make sense). Though as I type this I realize it is also the theme for the Atom Family though despite the goodman building seeing extensive use in these types of threads the Atoms themselves very rarely make an appearance even when the building is over run by extradimensional not!zombies. Not sure if that matters though. The Freedom League itself has plenty of room in it or upcoming for changes so lets run through the roster as it stands. Bowman, still young enough to stay on and with potential for leadership. Thunder is around but of retirement age. Daedalus as has been mentioned can go on a spacefaring sojourn again or step into tech advisor role. Doc Metropolis fits really well as a centerpiece of the NPC team Gizmo suggested and is mostly a narrative device to excuse super battles level of destruction. Johnny Rocket was 17 "a few years ago" at publication/opening of the setting so say 20 in 2005 so 31 now of an age with Bowman so no good reason to eliminate him. Lady Liberty already left the league. Psuedo fits both into the Aux role as an alien and logically might need to take an active hand with the free grue situation so there is good reason to shift him around. Raven is slated to retire soon and is already mostly focused on claremont. Siren ... Have we done anything to fix her background? Cus it is problematic as heck. regardless Vale was getting a doctorate in '62 so must be what early eighties now? Even with a loa riding her I think that's ripe for retirement, pre invasion she already had. Sri Montoya makes more sense as a space NPC at this point than an earth based one particularly since we have a PC star Knight available to fill that role. Seven got moved up already I think? I think given history there is room to have Seven take over for Callie as headmistress of claremont actually better keep an eye on the old magics at play there and all that. And Nevermore isn't going to take that on. So of the current lineup those that there is no good reason to remove are Bowman and Johnny Rocket. Daedalus and Pseudo theoretically can stick around if we want as could Seven if she's there now. Metropolis will be around but on or off the league he's still more useful narrative device than character honestly Likely NPCs moving up would be Next Gen maybe alterniteens (though they've been used as instructors at claremont and make more sense there and as interdimensional wanderers). Bolt obviously could try to follow his father's footsteps and step into leadership though he's youngish for it and Bowman is more natural given their past dynamics. Megastar could be muscle but is also powered by preserver tech so maybe making people nervous in the wake of the whole gorgon thing? Nereid really should be going back to atlantis as her primary area of operations still a valid NPC but not really league stuff. Sonic could go league but seems more likely to go independant post graduation. So NPCwise without bringing in solos or making new NPCs we have a team of Bowman, Bolt, Johnny Rocket, Megastar, and Seven. With Daedulus and Pseudo going perhaps into more advisorial roles or tied up in broader things that take up most of their time, and sonic as a maybe. I still feel like we need a precipitating event to shake this up though. Just thunder retiring and bringing in Bolt and Megastar with bowman (or Bolt) assuming the mantel of leadership just keeps the status quo. What brings that group into the more authoritarian stance Gizmo suggested for the NPC team and opens up the league for the formation of PC teams under its banner? Alternatively what spurs the creation of a new team in that authoritarian stance and gets Johnny and Bowman off the league (since there are easy reasons to remove the rest or not have them join.)

Round Three 28 Woodsman (Unharmed, 1 HP)23 Sekhmet (Unharmed)22 Nighthawk (Unharmed, 1 HP)19 Set (Unharmed, 4 HP)17 Waverider (Unharmed, 1 HP)14 Choshech (Unharmed)7 Ouroboros (Unharmed, 0 HP) Waverider is up then!

Ace slammed on the brakes the Danger!mobile planning to a stop before hitting the ruined SUV with a biting curse. "That is not good." he agreed as the hail began to tear up the surrounding vehicles. "Where's lightning lad when you need him eh?" The immortal asked with irreverence for the DeFacto head of the Freedom League that was a stretch for even Ace perhaps showing how rattled the intensity of the storm was getting him. He scanned the streets looking for any stranded citizens as he began to punch a code into a console that slid into view at the press of a button. "I hear the new models have voice recognition, which is great until your escorting a dignitary that sets off your caltrops in rush hour traffic because his home town sounds like your passphrase." "I think we'll have to take an alternate route unless," he paused to check his watch, "No, it won't be overhead for at least and hour." he mused under his breath, "Probably best. Yuri is cranky about getting woken up." With an unsettling lurch the car left the pavement and began to hover off the ground before the wheelwell turbojets kicked in fully and it shot skyward Ace swinging wide around circle for a final check for bystanders before swinging toward maryland dodging the hail if only by a hair's breadth sometimes.

Phalanx had hovered far above 'hidden' behind a passing cloud that would have made excellent cover had her senses not been the equal to his own. Dropping to the sidewalk beside the car he offered Triakosia a small nod of greeting and glanced to Monsoon who had very, different, opinions on people's trustworthiness. "I told you such subterfuge was pointless." he seemed to continue a former disagreement but did not dwell. "Thank you for your understanding Ma'am." he said appreciatively, "Know that we do not level such accusations lightly." he assured her and glanced to Edge expectantly as he was uncertain where she was to be taken for further questioning.

Toughness Save: 13 Orokos man. Re-roll: 28 That's better.

Xavier slowly and methodically circled the van picking out details as he tried to piece together where it fit in the puzzle. Old delivery van, anonymous, unremarkable, hard to trace. he noted as he examined the locks, he might be able to gain entry but it would take time and risk noise, Not the kind of transport rock would need for local work, must leave Wolverton then, no highway ware and too unreliable for distance smuggling, no mud or dust from rural driving, no need to dump bodies in hidden locations anyway. he darkly considered and shook his head. Spotting the tag on the dash he nodded grimly, Liberty Shoppes, Have to cross Hardwick without the Mara noticing and intercepting. he considered, it could of course be drugs but this wasn't a good front for those too public, something else to transport then. People. He hated to consider ti but it made all to much sense. Regardless it was clear where his next stop was as he took the long way to a more distant buss stop and the trip downtown. Liberty Shoppes would be dangerous of course, but also not under Rocks control, that meant someone might be willing to talk.

"You want to play for keeps then." Ouroboros growled as the speedy thief summoned his weapon, "We'll play for keeps then." Magic sparked in his palm as he called forth the elements to strike his foe, "Zuri Burka Ghorummaz." calling for an arcing bolt of lightning to strike forth from his open palm striking the thief full in the chest and arcing over his body. Ouroboros was certain the bolt would fell the enemy and revealed a look of shock when the crossbow wielder shook off the worst of the blast to stand defiant in the face of their attacks. "Tougher than you look." the dhampir grudgingly admitted and stepped back gathering power for another blast.

Alright just blast him then. Attack Roll: 23 DC 27 toughness if that hits.

That's fine KD I has strong feels about that issue so I may have come off more intense. Narrative role I just mean what do we seen the League as being in stories, how should they tie in both as an organization and whatever individuals (PC or NPC) that end up on it. Like if one is telling a story using the league what role in the story would the league take. Like a place to go for backup, a place to catch trouble and pass it off, a place to find the people that'll put a stop to the apocalyptic event du-jour or what not. My personal image of the league from my reading of the sourcebook and my idea of what a JLA style group is, is the Earth mightiest heroes sort of big damn hero group. Not that that is the only way or even best way to do it here but when I think of the league that's what comes to mind for instance. Now others would rather see a more Justice League Unlimited style thing with more of a big tent policy towards heroes I'm just trying to feel out what the goal here is as that informs what and how we deal with keeping changing replacing or removing any given set of NPCs.

Ellis was thoughtful for a long moment as he examined the pictures each in turn. Setting them aside he nodded slowly, "If it is Him he's showing unusual restraint." was his eventual reply, "He usually prefers to show off a bit more than these pictures indicate." "Certainly fits the profile for my areas of interest though." he acknowledged solemnly and looked to the stern faced Carson, "At the least no further harm." he agreed with a hint of frustration in his voice. It was far to easy for things to slip past the veil and to difficult to detect when they did until symptoms began. "We need to investigate what exactly is troubling the children." he explained succinctly, "Then we can find how best to counteract it." he nodded firmly there were yet too many uncertainties.

AA - that too is a valid answer sure. Though personally some of those roles are arguably contradictory or prone to uh, let's call it inflamatory interactions, but that would be what we have to work around. I am VERY against changing up the policy to push positive hero behavior into an IC requirement imposed on theoretically unwilling or reluctant 'heroes'. That not only opens up civil war style registration nonsense and heroes policing other heroes it strongly changes the tone of the site to a less hopeful far more cynical one as no longer are heroes heroes due to innate moral conscience but because bigger heroes might not let them play their reindeer games. As for status of the NPCs they are currently non-entities in general, there but rarely coming in contact with stories. I don't really care much for what is done with them but it should be done with purpose whatever is done. Which is why I'm trying to figure out what narrative role the League is supposed to take on. There are plenty of ways to preserve them or not but that's really the discussion to have after we figure out what the league even should be IMHO.

Reflex: 18 Toughness 1: 28 Injured Toughness 2: 26 Injured and Dazed So we'll reroll: 21 + 10 for Reroll is a 31 so another injured

Choshech toughness Save: 1d20+12=24 makes the save. Set is up once Alder gets her IC up.

So with supertech and such we play pretty fast and loose with how computer security works. None the less these kinds of sites would be major targets for supervillains (if they are not fronts for very clever supervillains) to use to pierce superhero secret IDs. That can of course be good stories in and of themselves but some thought into how they avoid being an open book to a computer savvy supervillain like what kind of organization or individuals back them to keep them secret or at least trusted would probably be a good next step.

Yea that does not hit. He's weakened but still squirrely

Banking the coals and shuffling the food around the grill so it would stay warm without overcooking Kimo determined he'd done his manly duty in preparing food for the party and could afford a set or two on the waves. Jogging out he pulled his longboard up under his arm with deceptive ease as he headed into the surf. He smiled and laughed with a shake of his head at Leilani's, 'Short Short version' of surf instruction. "You gotta feel da wave." he offered as daphne coasted into shore. "Don try stand righ off." he explained further as he watched the waves rolling in and as Leilani finished her run they slowed ever so slightly, "Count da breaks," he suggested and pointed out counting up as the waves broke and rolled, "these commin in sets of seven." he explained as a longer valley followed the last of the set. "Then you look for a channel," he pointed to where the waves drained back to see a deep calm stretch with minimal waves, "Wait for the break in da set and push out." he instructed and launched into a smooth glide down the channel motioning for Daphne to follow. Strong sure strokes carried him out into the waves beyond the break and into the line where they could ride out the swells and wait for the right wave. Shaking the water from his curled locks as he waited for Daphne to catch up he sat up on the board and let the roll of the sea build the rhythm of his speech. "Now you gotta pick a wave an you start ta paddle to stay on top it till da break." he explained, "Then don worry about standing first time just get a feel for how the board moves on the wave get used to the push and the turn yea?" the big Hawaiian had clearly done these instructions before, 'When you ready you get up on da knee den if you wan try stand yea?" he offered smoothly and picked his wave, "I show you now." he called out and pulled himself forward on the board as strong arms propelled him to the top of the swell and he smoothly rose to his feet as the power of the wave carried him shoreward and he stepped back and forth in almost dance like motions on the length of the board as he pivoted and rode up and down the wave before dropping down the back of the wave and back to sit and paddle back to the channel and back toward the line.

For a long moment Ellis was silent eyes hollow as he looked into the distance with a thousand yard stare. When he finally found words again his voice was carefully measured and controlled, forced into an even cadence by pure force of will, "A Boogeyman or THE Boogeyman." he inquired with cold emphasis before turning to look Ray letting a slow breath out, "Rumors of course so no telling really, could be any number of unrelated phenomenon." he answered for the angel his mind jogged finally from the dark tunnel the suggestion brought to mind. Returning to his calm gentility once more like a safety blanket he nodded subtly to Carson, "If there is any veracity to the rumor, it is virtually certain." he looked questioningly to Ray, "Though if it had been irreparably I likely would have found out through other sources." Injured or traumatized children through the hospitals was all too often the first sign of creatures of nightmare active in the city and Ellis had the contacts to keep a careful eye on those. That this came to Ray first meant it was most likely a rumor in the supernatural community where Ellis was still a relative stranger.

I've personally been shot down for the league twice with Phalanx OOC, first because they didn't want a centurion legacy later after Thev was on her break and HK left because them leaving made the admins nervous about FL PCs, Darkstar also wasn't allowed to join back when he was around nor was Fulcrum, I imagine there has been others that discarded the idea without asking because it was open policy that PCs were not allowed on the league for a long stretch. The current administration has obviously been less walled off in that regard but as I was saying the historic blocks on full league membership and the FL Aux being a group with a bit less four color flair has meant that people that might have gravitated to league positions have now found other places to play the characters making bringing PCs on piecemeal a trickier narrative. We at this point have almost ten years of site history showing that as NPCs the league don't really do much of anything which personally is a tough sell for the supposed preeminent super team of the setting. Having PC "backup" or "Auxiliary" teams doesn't help that. PC teams actually get to do the thing and save the day and that makes them the defacto "Top Dogs" anyway. Trying to prop up NPCs in that position seems an exercise in futility and doomed to just make the FL more of a joke in the end as groups like the Interceptors, DuTemps, and Liberty League step in to actually be the on screen heroes. All in all I think the main question is what we want the league to be in our setting and work towards that and worry less about the NPC vs. PC worries about cliques and power dynamics etc. Cliques and Power dynamics are going to happen or be perceived regardless and really are the responsibility of the Staff to manage in a way that keeps things productive and fun for everyone. So What should the league be? Should it be the Best and Brightest team of high PL superstars? Should it be a collectivist clearinghouse of heroes without other ties forming short term team ups for individual threads? Should it be a gatekeeper organization handing out priority assignments? What is the vision of the role of the league in the setting?

Did you want me to do another IC post? Don't wanna post jump if you have something planned out.

Well Phantom has very liberal policies with the undead ... I'm up for it. Either with Ellis as fish out of water or maybe a beleaguered Huang at his moms party. Though it feels more true ot form for Huang to go sulk elsewhere. Dammit I'm playing another caricature of sulky suburban angst for my claremont character what is wrong with me.

Not really as if they are top tier NPCs it needs to be refs running them which is why the current/last batch of FL NPCs never get face time. There are alot of reasons of consistency and such that we maintain that rule. We don't need a new version of Daedalus or johnny Rocket every time someone wants him to make a cameo. NPCs are static because they are NPCs not played actively and engaged in broad storylines. If they are getting that much play they are basically PCs (We already skirt that line alot with sidekicks anyway) But Perhaps the most telling thing here is what role we want the Freedom League to have in the sites canon. It has been from its inception int he books the JLA/Avengers style Earths mightiest heroes. That is defacto no longer the case with the advancement of PCs into more power and narrative weight. So if that is supposed to be maintained then PCs are the logical choice for those roles. If we want it as some kind of clearing house handing out assignments like some kind of MMO questgiver, or to represent some kind of social club NPCs work fine sure. But frankly we have almost a decade now of NPC Freedom league and they year by year get less and less relevant. I don't see that changing with all new NPCs.

No worries DA. thats part of why I restarted things like this after the long stall so there is plenty of IC explanation for anyone needing to Bow out.

Frankly the whole NPC league is disposable minus MAYBE Callie Summers Raven. Due to the reasonable desire to have PC's be front and center in the big events on the site it has been years since the NPC league did anything as a team on screen. Even when the individuals have shown up it hasn't been to save the day it's been to pass word on to the PC's who do the actual heroing. Callie still runs Claremont and there are ongoing relationships between her and a few PCs that would be harmed if she was removed entirely though as mentioned she's also pretty ripe for retirement at this point. Which brings me back around to Alders point. We have alot of NPCs sitting on the books that are supposed to be the experts and masters of this that or the other but it's been years since they have been used as such and we certainly have the PC base to not have to at this point. The big fear about putting PCs on the Freedom league historically has been that if the Player leaves the setting would suffer. IMHO all it really did was devalue the league as an entity. The big names on the league at this point are the aux and even they are often overshadowed by non-league individuals and teams in part because the Aux is inherently undervalued by being B team to a bunch of NPCs that never see play. Honestly at this point so many stories for the high PL active chars have been built around explaining why they are not on the league I don't even know if there is a good way to bring them in. Edge's storyline has contorted itself from the natural progression to league membership into being basically the whole of the UN Superteam (kinda with monsoon?) No paragon has been let near the league because that would be tacit acknowledgement of them taking on the Centurion Legacy which (Admittedly to my own frustrated bias) is perhaps unreasonably sacrosanct so most of the potential muscle for the league has been sidelined into either a holding pattern or more rarely other teams. Ms. Americana easily could fill both the leadership/muscle and daedalus roles but has tied in to Archetech instead so it wouldn't now make sense. Honestly even filling in the Freedom League with PC's would take some doing given the narrative contortions used in the past to keep reasonable candidates off. The most reasonable recruitment would be from the Auxiliary but it's a little bit of a tough sell. Half of them live primarily in Sanctuary now, the most prominent and trusted member is really primarily involved with that "project". Comrade Frost is intentionally distasteful and technically on loan from the mostly defunct Russian national team. Like overall the site has kinda passed the main Freedom League by while it sat in NPC land. I think there would need to be some kind of meaningful shake up to change that. More than just a wave of retirements. As has been mentioned there are still LOTS of NPCs that can fill those roles too and because of the nature of setting NPCs have a more natural relationship with the existing league. Welp this has gotten longer and more rambling than intended. I'll put in further thoughts later but the TL:DR is I think PC's > NPCs for the League but we probably need a bigger reason to shake up the roster than a wave of retirements to make that work.

Alrighty then. So Giz can post IC for sekhmet and Nighthawk will be up (pre-god boost as I understand it.)

I'm good with that if AA and Alder are.