Transmission

Test, one two. Test, one two.

If you’re hearing this transmission, Earth needs your help.

You don’t know me, and no, you’re not hearing things. This is real.

I am Agent Nova--not my real name, but I have to be careful. I don’t know if the Legion will be able to intercept these transmissions, and I have people to protect. I’m manipulating these thought-patterns to try to avoid the Legion’s detection, but we still don’t know how powerful they really are. For all I know, they may be listening in to everything I transmit.

If you can hear this, it’s because something is happening to your DNA at the cellular level. You’re changing from the inside out. You may not know it yet, may not have felt anything at all. If so, you’re probably wondering who spiked your eggnog with hallucinogens. I wish it were that simple, nothing more than a strange dream from which we’re all going to awaken. But it’s much, much worse.

Or perhaps you’ve already begun to feel the first stirrings of the transformation. You may have more energy, an extra spring in your step. Sudden surges of strength and vigor, as if you were suddenly young again. Perhaps you’re experiencing strange bouts of incredible intuition, episodes of impossible deja vu, and the feeling that you can practically read people’s minds.

Some of you, some few, already know that these changes go much further, much deeper. You’ve already discovered your newfound abilities, and seen some of what you can do. I’ve been watching the news, listening to the police scanners, seeking you out. That man who stopped that derailed train in London before its passengers were killed. That woman in Rio De Janeiro who miraculously quenched a blazing favela before it killed hundreds.

I know you’re out there. I know you can hear me.

The changes you’ve felt will only continue. The Morphon, a particle introduced to our atmosphere by the Legion is interacting with our DNA in ways they couldn’t predict and we can’t explain. But the result is in us, forever altering who we are and what we’re capable of doing. And as it continues to bond with our cellular structures, these changes will continue. These powers will only grow.

And that is why I’m contacting you. This Legion has provided us with the very weapons that will allow us to defeat them. And we, you and I, all of us, we are those weapons. We must be the heroes to save humankind from our would-be destroyers. We must rise up and defeat them at their own game.

But their game has rules. They will only face us in one-on-one combat, and if we should lose, the Earth will be vaporized.

So I call upon all of you. Develop your talents and your powers. Train hard, and prepare well. For we must test ourselves in battle and ensure that only the mightiest of heroes will face the Legion in combat. This tournament of heroes will reveal the saviors who will protect all of humanity from destruction.

So rise, heroes. It is a new day.

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HRNI News Report - Live in Las Vegas wth the Flying Fury

HRNI: This is Candace Farraway with Heroes Rising News International, reporting live from Central Park, Las Vegas. The war reports we’re receiving are so fresh that the blood on them is still warm! And in this case I’m speaking especially of the Trinity of Grace’s blood—they are a young, heroic band of extraordinary men and women who are finding themselves in a heated confrontation with the Legion. As you can see from the horrifying events behind me, the battle is far from over. I have just received word that Trinity of Grace’s own Flying Fury will take a moment off the battlefield to give us an interview. Mr. Fury, can you tell us what’s going on?

Flying Fury: Well, the Legion hash caught ush on the wrong foot. Eshpecially one of their membersh, Aphrodite, who ish really damn quick. I mean: 248 Champion's Charges ish REALLY quick. But I'm here to tell you that the Trinity of Grace will not give up. We'll go down fighting those Legion jerksh.

HRNI: Might I ask, Mr. Fury, why are you talking so strangely?

Flying Fury: Jusht a tooth that wash knocked out. Nothing that my regeneration shuperpower can’t deal with. Right now, I'd like to thank my allies for the wonderful shupport they have given me. And I'd alsho like to underline that I aknowledge the danger that the Legion poshes for all humankind, shuperhero and normal people alike. But now, I have to get back to battle, shee you shoon! *fwoosh*

HRNI: And there he goes back to the field of battle, a true hero! Ouch! Oh,  think he lost another tooth. Up next, we'll be reporting live from Washington DC, where Senator Edward

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Writing Contest - Free Alpha Code

Do you want to help build this new world? Looking for a way to help but short on cash?

Bring your superhero into this world today!

• Post your hero stories in the Forum on this site.
  
• Post at least two (or more) stories before Thanksgiving
  
• Game Craftsmen staff will pick their favorite stories, and the winner gets a free alpha code (for yourself or whoever you want)
  
• Contest expires Wednesday Nov 25 at 11:59 PM EST

Who is your hero?

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Now is the time

Thinking about backing? Pledge today and multiply your impact.  Offer expires Sunday 11:59PM EST

For every NEW backer this weekend, John Burke and The Options Oracle will each increase their pledge by $10. (Up to ten new backers)

So, your pledge of just $25, can add $45 to our total (25 + 10 + 10 = $45)

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to pledge, NOW IS THE TIME! Please pledge today so we can take full advantage of this limited offer.

And, in other news, check out this work-in-progress of The Options Oracle’s personalized power card. Design your own super power; still available in the Kickstarter.

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Skelanimal the Seeker - A Character Biography

The following story was written and submitted by a fan of Heroes Rising. This story does not necessarily use official game canon or superpowers. The official game lore, including superpowers, is still being created (with the input of players like you).

IDENTITY: Skelanimal
LEGAL STATUS: None
OTHER KNOWN ALIASES: Seeker
PLACE OF BIRTH: Underworld
MARITAL STATUS: N/A
KNOWN RELATIVES: N/A
GROUP AFFILIATION: Dark Angels, Foundation, a51 & WMD
BASE OF OPERATIONS: Underworld

VITAL STATISTICS:
BODY TYPE: Skeleton
HEIGHT: 7 feet
EYES: None
HAIR: None
AGE: Cycles between 1 and 7 days

SUPER POWERS:

• Flight
• Beastial Instincts
• Unmatched strength while in total darkness 
• Invisibility while in moonlight 
• Undead, rising again every 7 days 

BIO: 

Skelanimal is a simple creature: a pet for his creator, Master Diabolos. He was born from the bone and ashes of all sorts of animals that were animated in a foul ritual. Skelanimal stands by Diabolos’ throne, ready to do his bidding with undying loyalty. Like a simple dog that retrieves a bone, Skelanimal’s sole purpose is to mindlessly please.

As an undead, he has the powers supplied to him by his Master: he flies using bony wings, and has the knowledge, skills, and senses of all the beasts whose bones were used in creating him. His unmatched strength in darkness is balanced by his invisibility in moonlight. He simply vanishes during daylight hours.

These attributes make him unpredictable and powerful. He may be damaged or even reduced to dust, but he will not die, for he is already dead. His physical state is restored every seven days. He is at his weakest on day seven, only to rise again anew. He is a towering beast carrying the weight of three men, although he wears no flesh on his bones.

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Subject: Rebirth - An Origin Story

The following story was written and submitted by a fan of Heroes Rising. This story does not necessarily use official game canon. The official game lore is still being created (with the input of players like you). 

Lafayette looked down at his leg and all he saw was blood. So much blood. The metal trap had cut through to the bone and he was miles from help. He knew he was going to die—he was certain of it. He looked out over the savanna and thought to himself, “This is not so bad.”

He grew lightheaded, and in a moment of desperation, or perhaps revelation, he did something he had not done in years: he began to pray. He spoke the words out loud, not to the God of the Missionaries, but to his ancestors. He had always felt, deep in his heart of hearts, that he had betrayed them.

Surprisingly, his thoughts were not for himself, for he had led a good life, but for the farmers and herdsmen who would have no one to turn to for help, and no one to be their voice. He thought of the animals in the park, large and small, who owed their lives to his efforts. He thought of the baby rhino he was raising because poachers had killed its mother for her horn. Of all the cruel waste and foolish greed!

“Tembé,” came a soft voice, calling to him. “Tembé, wake up.”

No one had called him that in many years. It was a special name, a secret name he had been given by the Elder as a young boy. It was a name he cherished.

“Death has come at last,” he thought, “I’m hallucinating.”

“No, Tembé, you are not dead.” The voice was deep, melodic, and commanding. “Your life has just begun. Open your eyes.”

Lafayette complied. Before him stood a figure wearing a robe of earthen tones and carrying a long wooden spear. His face was simultaneously young and strong, and old and wise. Beyond him shone a brilliant yellow-white light.

“Who are you?” asked Lafayette.

“Do you not recognize me? Has it been so long, Tembé?”

“Why do you keeping calling me that? My name is Lafay—”

“Your true name is Tembé,” the voice interrupted. “Do you know what it means?”

“No, I do not,” he replied.

“It means ‘Shadow Warrior’ in the ancient tongue. As Tembé—as Shadow Warrior—you will leave behind your mortal life, but you will continue your work. See? You have been healed.”

Tembé, yes, that was his name. Looking down, he was amazed to find himself free of the trap. His leg was healed, and he was whole and healthy.

“Your work is not done,” said the man who was both young and old. “The world has need of your skills, Tembé. You were bold and brave before, but you were but only a man. Now you are so much more. The spirits of those who have gone before have seen to it. Our gifts we give to you freely. We know you will use them wisely.”

“What gifts?” he asked.

“You will see. You have been reborn and you have much to learn.”

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Shadows Above The Arena

The stadium was filled to maximum capacity, the fans eager to see feats of strength beyond comprehension as the strongest heroes faced off against each other. Once these stadiums had filled to watch ordinary humans compete in games of sport. But now the crowds demanded a greater spectacle.

 Ingrid ran her fingers through her long, blond hair, trying to empty her mind of the watching masses. Today would be the day she would show them all—her classmates, who had mocked her bulky frame, her parents, who had told her to get a normal job, her ex, who said that she looked fat in her armor. Today in the Heroes Tournament, she would prove her worth to herself and everyone who was watching. She thrust her spear into the ground, eager to see who would be her opponent. 

 Suddenly, a shroud covered the field in darkness.

 Ingrid looked up and saw not a cloud, but a giant floating above the stadium. He gave a great big grin with teeth as big as cars. “All of you down there,” he said in a booming voice, “look like a delicious snack!”

“No!” Ingrid shouted. “You’re not going to ruin today. I’ll defeat you.” She gathered up the power of the storm, transferred into her spear, which sizzled with electricity. Then she planted her feet firmly on the ground and flung her weapon with all her might. 

 The spear struck the giant in the eye and exploded in a burst of electricity. The giant was knocked back into the air and fell to the ground in the parking lot, landing with a titanic boom as hundreds of cars were crushed. 

Her opponent from the tournament, a slim young man surrounded by a fiery aura, flew over. "Nice going," he said. "But did you ever consider that if he just fell onto the stadium, we all would have been crushed?"

 "Never crossed my mind," Ingrid said. "Damn, now I have to go get my spear back."

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NYPD Searches for Mysterious Hero After Three Alarm Fire

New York Emergency Services responded to a Three Alarm Fire that quickly spread through Lower Manhattan last night after a Legion operative had a hostile encounter with an unknown assailant. Firefighters made a daring rescue of over two dozen people who were trapped in their homes by the ensuing blaze. Fortunately, there were no casualties.

 Eyewitnesses were able to identify two combatants. One was a shadowy figure believed to be a member of the Legion, capable of launching balls of fire from his hands at will in a dazzling display of pyrotechnics. His motivation for being in New York is unknown, but evidently he was opposed by an unidentified older man who is also believed to possess superpowers. Witnesses described the second combatant as a Caucasian male in his late 50s with white hair, a beard, and a patch over his left eye. He wore a black cape over light body armor and was armed with an emerald-topped cane. 

 “It was amazing,” one eyewitness said. “The Legion guy launched a fireball right at the old man, but his skin turned to steel or something, and then he flew over and smacked the shadowy dude on the head with his cane. He went flying! Way to kick some Legion butt!”

 Both combatants subsequently escaped, and their whereabouts are unknown. Although he is not a suspect in any crime, police would like to bring the mysterious hero in for questioning about the night's events. Please contact the authorities if you see anyone matching his description. A police sketch artist provided the following image:

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HRNI News Report - In Las Vegas with Flying Fury

HRNI: This is Candace Farraway with Heroes Rising News International, reporting live from McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, where the stream of heroes arriving hasn’t stopped all day. Over the past few hours, we’ve received several reports of heroes going toe-to-toe with vile invaders from the Legion. We are happy to report that some true heroes are assembling here in order to defend their home—heroes such as Flying Fury, who has just arrived. Mr. Fury, how was your flight?

Flying Fury: *grins* As you can see, I had plenty of leg room. With my superpowers, I fly first class every time!

HRNI: If only the airlines knew your secret! Now, could you tell us what you’re going to do here in Las Vegas?

Flying Fury: Every now and then, my fellow heroes and I decide to take a weekend off from fighting the Legion and just let loose. And what would be a better place to do that than here in Las Vegas? We’re looking forward to hitting the slots, unnecessarily using our X-ray vision, and lots and lots of bourbon shots!

HRNI: Mr. Fury, you do know that the city is currently facing a major crisis and is on the verge of being exterminated?

Flying Fury: Damn, why does that always seem to happen when I take a weekend off? What is it this time? Has the Suit had a few too many mojitos or something? Please tell me it’s not ninjas again...

HRNI: Were you seriously not aware that the Legion is launching a major offensive in Las Vegas as we speak?

Flying Fury: You’re kidding, right? I guess I’d better get back to the hotel and get some gambling in while it’s still standing.*fwoosh*

HRNI: Did he seriously just fly off toward the strip? *sigh* This has been a special report from Heroes Rising News International. We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments in Las Vegas and around the globe. After the commercial break, we will a story on the disturbing new trend of children intentionally exposing themselves to radiation in hopes of developing latent abilities. Our expert, Dr. Fulkerth, will explain to you why it’s neither cool nor a superpower to glow in the dark. Stay tuned!

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Never Party The Night Before A Tournament...

After a seemingly endless week battling Legion henchmen, the Universal Defenders returned to their headquarters on Friday night completely exhausted. Their leader, Fusion, knew that his comrades needed some well-deserved relaxation, so he broke out the champagne, cranked up the music, and told the Universal Defenders to let loose. The weary heroes suddenly seemed to transform into college kids at a kegger. The dancing, jokes, war stories, and games of beer pong lasted well into the night. At last, sunlight began to peek in through the windows, and those still awake knew it was time to hit the sack. Briefly, headquarters was silent.

Suddenly, the ground trembled, and energy blasts crackled in the air. The sounds of battle woke Fusion from where he lay passed out on the ground. He stumbled out to find his right-hand man, Solarius, in lone combat against a team of heroes. “I didn’t issue a challenge,” Fusion muttered, rubbing his head. “What the hell’s going on?”

Solarius laughed as he smashed his fists into the ground, knocking several attacks to the ground. “Mornin’ boss. Glad you could join me.” Talking was never his strong suit. As he threw another attacker into the wall, Solarius said, “Is anyone else going to join us?”

Realization hit Fusion like a ton of bricks, cutting through his hangover—how had he forgotten about the tournament today? “You hold them here. I’ll wake the rest of the team.” He ran through headquarters, shaking his exhausted, drunken team members awake as he found them. Once he’d found all the others, he hustled back to the entry hall, where he found Solarius leading the fight. The other Universal Defenders had joined the fray, though many of them looked like it was taking all of their superpowers just to stand up straight. “Take that!” Solarius said, tossing the last of their opponents out onto the street. 

Suddenly, tremors shook the house. It was a Legion attack, Fusion knew. “Grab some aspirin and energy drinks, boys and girls,” he shouted to his team. “Fasten your seatbelts—it’s going to be a bumpy ride!”

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Heroes Rising

In the history of Earth, only a few events stand out as truly globally significant. The beginnings of life on the planet, when single-celled organisms sprang into life, churning in the oceans. The rise and fall of the dinosaurs. The advent of humankind, which came to spread and dominate air, sea, and land.

And now, the emergence of The Legion.

 Nobody knows where The Legion came from originally, only that they travel from solar system to solar system, in hopes of finding a species that can compete with their incredible might. They do not lead armies--only a handful of the most powerful warriors to ever exist, anywhere. For thousands of years they have traveled the galaxy, searching for anyone who might challenge them. The Legion calls forth the mightiest warriors of that planet to face them in combat. If a planet fails to meet their challenge, that planet is vaporized.

And so they came to Earth, seeking a match for their raw power. Able to bend space and time, wield the elements as weapons, and possessing impossible speed and strength, The Legion saw no competition in this measly mortal human. However, something happened upon their arrival that nobody was expecting.

The Legion had traveled to hundreds of planets over the millennia, each with its own unique atmospheric conditions. In order to adapt to these different planets, The Legion introduces subatomic particles called Morphons into the atmosphere, and these Morphons allow The Legion to breathe and function normally.

In the case of Earth, however, the Morphons interacted with the human physiology in ways never seen before. Some percentage of the human population seemed to have a genetic predisposition to bond with the Morphon, resulting in a transmutation. And so shortly after The Legion arrived, these people found themselves changing in astonishing ways. Some found they had newfound abilities: flight, super strength, supersonic speed. Some discovered they could manipulate energy and the elements.

These humans found themselves in a position to give The Legion the fight they had been seeking all this time. They prepared themselves for battle, trained and honed their skills, and faced one another to prove their might. Only the best of them would be worthy of facing The Legion. These few, these heroes, would rise to the challenge and defend all of humankind.

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