Post by milo on Sept 18, 2009 15:04:12 GMT -5
The World of Marvel and XF
Everything here goes according to the rules of the Marvel universe. The comics have a specific set of rules and origins that they use as a guideline for creating their heroes, villains and other characters. This will be a basic outline of the world's rules to help you make characters.
Helpful Links:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Universe
What is the Marvel Universe?
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles published by Marvel Comics take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and Captain America.The Marvel Universe is further depicted as existing within a "multiverse" consisting of thousands of separate universes, all of which are the creations of Marvel Comics and all of which are, in a sense, "Marvel universes".
Power Types
• Elementals are Mutants with the ability to channel, project, and control different types of energies through their bodies. Different types of Elementals include Electricals (who can absorb and channel electricity); Thermals (who can absorb and control fire or cold); Sonics (who can control sound waves); Chemicals (who can project chemical substances, such as acids, from their bodies); Botanicals (who can control and manipulate plants); and the extremely rare Geologicals (who control earth).
• Ferals are Mutants with a combination of animal and human DNA, allowing them to use the abilities of the animal DNA within them. Different types of Ferals include Feline (who possess cat, tiger, lion, puma, leopard, or cheetah DNA); Ursines (who possess bear DNA); Canines (who possess dog, wolf, coyote, or fox DNA); Reptuses (who possess lizard, snake, alligator, crocodile, or turtle DNA); Porcines (who possess pig, boar, or hog DNA); Bovines (who possess cattle, buffalo, bison, or yak DNA); Cervines (who possess deer DNA); Amphibians (who possess frog, toad, salamander, or newt DNA); Piscis (who possess fish DNA); Insectums (who possess insect or arachnid DNA); and Aves (who possess bird DNA), although the tenth subclass type is rare.
• Moleculars are Mutants who manipulate their body structure and molecular density in various ways. Some Moleculars possess more than one ability. Moleculars abilities include Intangibility (the ability to pass through solid objects); Impervious (the ability to increase their mass so they're invulnerable to projectile weapons); Invisibility (the ability to project an aura that renders them invisible); Propulsive (the ability to move at high speeds); Gravitative (the ability to manipulate gravity); Chromatics (the ability to change color, light and shades like a chameleon); Stasis Suspension (the ability to slow down time); Replication (the ability to duplicate solid objects); Elasticity (the ability to change their shape or size); Teleportation (the ability to teleport anywhere they desire); and Regeneration (the ability to heal and repair tissues and limbs).
• Psionics are Mutants who have heightened mental abilities. Different types of Psionics include Telepaths (who can read other peoples thoughts); Telekinetics (who can move solid objects with their minds); Telempaths (who can feel and to various degrees, manipulate, the emotions of others); Tele-Cybers (who can mentally connect with machines and control them); Precognitives (who are able to receive visions); Illusionists (who can create and project illusions to other people); Astrals (who can project their consciousness elsewhere); Pain Synthesizers (who can project pain into others); and Multi-Dimensionals (who can create dimensions).
Stereotypes and Expectancies: Powers and Personalities. They relate.
Elementals: Usually, elementals have temperaments that reflect their abilities. Ice users tend to be withdrawn or cold, socially awkward or showy. Fire; hot-headed, temperamental, short-fused, highly active or very withdrawn. Electric; bouncy, nerds or geeks, very hands-on. Their powers also indicate their weaknesses, as one who manipulates fire may have intolerance for the cold. The list goes on and on...
Ferals: Due to their animal DNA and abilities, part of their minds have taken on an animal-likeness. They do not think socially logical as humans do, but instead have an animalistic mentality. Instinct often takes over their natural responses and they have the odd habits of animals such as nesting, growling, scavenging, stalking and often body language rules their manners of communication. They can be highly territorial or have no respect or knowledge of personal space.. or be total contradictions of one another by having both qualities. They are often lacking manners and seen as socially awkward due to the fact many have a history of abandonment due to their feral natures.
Moleculars: Often their body structure indicates their powers. A stretchy person would usually be tall and lanky, a speedy person would have more muscle to the legs and be hyper and active, someone with enhanced strength would have the body to show off for it.
Psionics: Those who are mentally adept often have physical weaknesses and are not physically strong or quick. They rely on their minds to do the work and most often, have extreme power compared to most due to their power class and its ability to effect others with little they can do about it. These powers are often restricted due to their extreme power, examples being Xavier and Jean Grey.
Superpowers Explained
Marvel tries to explain most superpowers and their sources "scientifically", usually through the use of fictional science-like concepts, such as:
• The battery effect; the cells in the body have the same function as batteries, being charged with energy that comes from an outer source. This is most often seen in gamma exposed individuals such as the Hulk, who get their powers from this stored energy. The powers will remain as long as the energy is present, and can even be increased by filling the "batteries" even more. If the energy is emptied, the powers will fade away. The X-Man Cyclops has been described as absorbing sunlight to power his optic blasts.
• The Power Primordial is a leftover force from Big Bang and is controlled by the Elders of the Universe.
• Psionic energy, which is assumed to be an invisible, unknown form of energy generated by all living brains that has the ability to manipulate other forms of matter and energy.
• Universal psionic field is a force present everywhere in the universe, but only those with abilities to connect to it can make use of its energy.
• Enigma Force is suspected to be connected to the Microverse, and is also the source to the Uni-Power, which transforms an individual into Captain Universe.
• Extradimensional space: dimensions that can be tapped in order to pull mass from them (to add to objects on Earth) or taken away from those objects and be stored in those "pocket dimensions" to be retrieved later. This is how characters like the Hulk can grow and shrink with no visible absorption of mass. A type of subatomic particles called Pym Particles can be used for these effects. (Note that many giant-sized characters have a limited ability to manipulate gravity to handle their increased weight.) The change in mass can be in the form of a density change instead, allowing a character to become harder or incorporeal. Some characters can seem to "transform" themselves (or others) into unliving substances, or even pure energy, by storing their bodies in extradimensional space and replacing them with bodies made from matter or energy from that dimension, while their souls remain on Earth, controlling their new body. Travel into other dimensions can also be used as a way to "teleport" by re-entering the Earth dimension at a different point from the exiting one.
• The Darkforce is an unknown, dark substance from another dimension (known simply as the Darkforce Dimension) that can be summoned and manipulated in many ways: to create impenetrable darkness, to solidify it in various forms, and (most notably) to absorb the "life energy" from living beings (not all users can use all these effects). The Darkforce can also be used to travel to and from its home dimension, but this is dangerous to all except those with Darkforce powers. Some believe that the Darkforce is sentient and sometimes has an evil influence on those who use it. Various heroes and villains have versions of Darkforce powers, including Darkstar, the first Blackout, the Shroud, Cloak, Doorman and Quagmire (of the Squadron Supreme Universe). Cloak seems to be the prime 'portal' to the Darkforce, however.
• The Living Light is the opposite of the Darkforce: a form of energy that resembles light and also comes from its own dimension, but has healing effects on living beings (except ones made of darkness or Darkforce.) It is unknown if it might be sentient. Cloak's partner, Dagger seems to be the Living Light's main avatar.
• The Power Cosmic is a force that can alter reality, allowing the user to do whatever he or she wants (including bending the laws of physics), only being limited by how much cosmic energy the character can tap at a time. It seems to be part of the universe itself and it can be linked directly to Galactus as its primary wielder or even source. The Heralds of Galactus, including Silver Surfer and Nova are imbued with a fraction of the Power Cosmic.
• Magic also appears to be like a form of energy, except that it can defy the laws of physics naturally, and usually overrules ordinary science. However, it does have rules of its own to follow, which vary with the method of invocation, usually in the form of spoken spells. It appears to be present in everything, even living beings. All humans in the Marvel Universe have the ability to use magic, but only if properly trained. Most people are unaware that magic actually works. In addition, powerful magical beings from other dimensions have created specific, extremely powerful magical spells that they allow to be used (often indiscriminately) by those sorcerers who invoke their names; one example is the trinity of beings called The Vishanti, who serve as patrons to heroic sorcerers. At any given time, there is a sorcerer on Earth whose task is to protect the universe against extradimensional mystical invaders; this sorcerer is known as the Sorcerer Supreme, an office most recently held by Doctor Strange. Stars in the Marvel Universe are actually sentient beings, and the source of all mystic energy.
Everything here goes according to the rules of the Marvel universe. The comics have a specific set of rules and origins that they use as a guideline for creating their heroes, villains and other characters. This will be a basic outline of the world's rules to help you make characters.
Helpful Links:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvel_Universe
What is the Marvel Universe?
The Marvel Universe is the shared fictional universe where most comic book titles published by Marvel Comics take place, including those featuring Marvel's most familiar characters, such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and Captain America.The Marvel Universe is further depicted as existing within a "multiverse" consisting of thousands of separate universes, all of which are the creations of Marvel Comics and all of which are, in a sense, "Marvel universes".
Power Types
• Elementals are Mutants with the ability to channel, project, and control different types of energies through their bodies. Different types of Elementals include Electricals (who can absorb and channel electricity); Thermals (who can absorb and control fire or cold); Sonics (who can control sound waves); Chemicals (who can project chemical substances, such as acids, from their bodies); Botanicals (who can control and manipulate plants); and the extremely rare Geologicals (who control earth).
• Ferals are Mutants with a combination of animal and human DNA, allowing them to use the abilities of the animal DNA within them. Different types of Ferals include Feline (who possess cat, tiger, lion, puma, leopard, or cheetah DNA); Ursines (who possess bear DNA); Canines (who possess dog, wolf, coyote, or fox DNA); Reptuses (who possess lizard, snake, alligator, crocodile, or turtle DNA); Porcines (who possess pig, boar, or hog DNA); Bovines (who possess cattle, buffalo, bison, or yak DNA); Cervines (who possess deer DNA); Amphibians (who possess frog, toad, salamander, or newt DNA); Piscis (who possess fish DNA); Insectums (who possess insect or arachnid DNA); and Aves (who possess bird DNA), although the tenth subclass type is rare.
• Moleculars are Mutants who manipulate their body structure and molecular density in various ways. Some Moleculars possess more than one ability. Moleculars abilities include Intangibility (the ability to pass through solid objects); Impervious (the ability to increase their mass so they're invulnerable to projectile weapons); Invisibility (the ability to project an aura that renders them invisible); Propulsive (the ability to move at high speeds); Gravitative (the ability to manipulate gravity); Chromatics (the ability to change color, light and shades like a chameleon); Stasis Suspension (the ability to slow down time); Replication (the ability to duplicate solid objects); Elasticity (the ability to change their shape or size); Teleportation (the ability to teleport anywhere they desire); and Regeneration (the ability to heal and repair tissues and limbs).
• Psionics are Mutants who have heightened mental abilities. Different types of Psionics include Telepaths (who can read other peoples thoughts); Telekinetics (who can move solid objects with their minds); Telempaths (who can feel and to various degrees, manipulate, the emotions of others); Tele-Cybers (who can mentally connect with machines and control them); Precognitives (who are able to receive visions); Illusionists (who can create and project illusions to other people); Astrals (who can project their consciousness elsewhere); Pain Synthesizers (who can project pain into others); and Multi-Dimensionals (who can create dimensions).
Stereotypes and Expectancies: Powers and Personalities. They relate.
Elementals: Usually, elementals have temperaments that reflect their abilities. Ice users tend to be withdrawn or cold, socially awkward or showy. Fire; hot-headed, temperamental, short-fused, highly active or very withdrawn. Electric; bouncy, nerds or geeks, very hands-on. Their powers also indicate their weaknesses, as one who manipulates fire may have intolerance for the cold. The list goes on and on...
Ferals: Due to their animal DNA and abilities, part of their minds have taken on an animal-likeness. They do not think socially logical as humans do, but instead have an animalistic mentality. Instinct often takes over their natural responses and they have the odd habits of animals such as nesting, growling, scavenging, stalking and often body language rules their manners of communication. They can be highly territorial or have no respect or knowledge of personal space.. or be total contradictions of one another by having both qualities. They are often lacking manners and seen as socially awkward due to the fact many have a history of abandonment due to their feral natures.
Moleculars: Often their body structure indicates their powers. A stretchy person would usually be tall and lanky, a speedy person would have more muscle to the legs and be hyper and active, someone with enhanced strength would have the body to show off for it.
Psionics: Those who are mentally adept often have physical weaknesses and are not physically strong or quick. They rely on their minds to do the work and most often, have extreme power compared to most due to their power class and its ability to effect others with little they can do about it. These powers are often restricted due to their extreme power, examples being Xavier and Jean Grey.
Superpowers Explained
Marvel tries to explain most superpowers and their sources "scientifically", usually through the use of fictional science-like concepts, such as:
• The battery effect; the cells in the body have the same function as batteries, being charged with energy that comes from an outer source. This is most often seen in gamma exposed individuals such as the Hulk, who get their powers from this stored energy. The powers will remain as long as the energy is present, and can even be increased by filling the "batteries" even more. If the energy is emptied, the powers will fade away. The X-Man Cyclops has been described as absorbing sunlight to power his optic blasts.
• The Power Primordial is a leftover force from Big Bang and is controlled by the Elders of the Universe.
• Psionic energy, which is assumed to be an invisible, unknown form of energy generated by all living brains that has the ability to manipulate other forms of matter and energy.
• Universal psionic field is a force present everywhere in the universe, but only those with abilities to connect to it can make use of its energy.
• Enigma Force is suspected to be connected to the Microverse, and is also the source to the Uni-Power, which transforms an individual into Captain Universe.
• Extradimensional space: dimensions that can be tapped in order to pull mass from them (to add to objects on Earth) or taken away from those objects and be stored in those "pocket dimensions" to be retrieved later. This is how characters like the Hulk can grow and shrink with no visible absorption of mass. A type of subatomic particles called Pym Particles can be used for these effects. (Note that many giant-sized characters have a limited ability to manipulate gravity to handle their increased weight.) The change in mass can be in the form of a density change instead, allowing a character to become harder or incorporeal. Some characters can seem to "transform" themselves (or others) into unliving substances, or even pure energy, by storing their bodies in extradimensional space and replacing them with bodies made from matter or energy from that dimension, while their souls remain on Earth, controlling their new body. Travel into other dimensions can also be used as a way to "teleport" by re-entering the Earth dimension at a different point from the exiting one.
• The Darkforce is an unknown, dark substance from another dimension (known simply as the Darkforce Dimension) that can be summoned and manipulated in many ways: to create impenetrable darkness, to solidify it in various forms, and (most notably) to absorb the "life energy" from living beings (not all users can use all these effects). The Darkforce can also be used to travel to and from its home dimension, but this is dangerous to all except those with Darkforce powers. Some believe that the Darkforce is sentient and sometimes has an evil influence on those who use it. Various heroes and villains have versions of Darkforce powers, including Darkstar, the first Blackout, the Shroud, Cloak, Doorman and Quagmire (of the Squadron Supreme Universe). Cloak seems to be the prime 'portal' to the Darkforce, however.
• The Living Light is the opposite of the Darkforce: a form of energy that resembles light and also comes from its own dimension, but has healing effects on living beings (except ones made of darkness or Darkforce.) It is unknown if it might be sentient. Cloak's partner, Dagger seems to be the Living Light's main avatar.
• The Power Cosmic is a force that can alter reality, allowing the user to do whatever he or she wants (including bending the laws of physics), only being limited by how much cosmic energy the character can tap at a time. It seems to be part of the universe itself and it can be linked directly to Galactus as its primary wielder or even source. The Heralds of Galactus, including Silver Surfer and Nova are imbued with a fraction of the Power Cosmic.
• Magic also appears to be like a form of energy, except that it can defy the laws of physics naturally, and usually overrules ordinary science. However, it does have rules of its own to follow, which vary with the method of invocation, usually in the form of spoken spells. It appears to be present in everything, even living beings. All humans in the Marvel Universe have the ability to use magic, but only if properly trained. Most people are unaware that magic actually works. In addition, powerful magical beings from other dimensions have created specific, extremely powerful magical spells that they allow to be used (often indiscriminately) by those sorcerers who invoke their names; one example is the trinity of beings called The Vishanti, who serve as patrons to heroic sorcerers. At any given time, there is a sorcerer on Earth whose task is to protect the universe against extradimensional mystical invaders; this sorcerer is known as the Sorcerer Supreme, an office most recently held by Doctor Strange. Stars in the Marvel Universe are actually sentient beings, and the source of all mystic energy.