Strap in for the next Super Installment!
Barely 6 months have passed since the Council of Champions averted global catastrophe by preventing the lighter-than-air weapons platform November 6 being taken over by revenge-obsessed supervillianess Vex.
In that time, All-American-Hero Captain Hope and English Super Genius Professor Eternity have tied the knot and, in an effort to make up for the flagging domestic sales of Hope's new album 'older and wiser', reluctantly agreed to feature in a new reality show 'Super-Newlyweds'.
But, when a time capsule is discovered in New York's Battery Park with a cryptic warning for the Champions, things start to get very strange!
Can the Champions unlock the portents of past peril?
What despicable new danger dares to disrupt our determined do-gooders?
Find out on August 4th, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
Champion - Zia the Magnificent
Real Identity: Unknown
Nationality: American
Background
Zia emerged from the Quin Liu’s Cabinet of Wonders one night, during a stage show in Las Vegas. She appeared disorientated and confused about her location and the date. It soon became clear that Zia had travelled from some time in the recent past through the use of her exceptional magical powers.
An instant celebrity it did not take her long to team up with the newly formed Council of Champions and in 1994, it was her wide repertoire of magical abilities that allowed her to escape the clutches of the villainous Johnny Reb and rescue her comrades from certain death.
In recent years
Zia’s private life has become the subject of much speculation. She has a large following and acted and produced in several television specials during the late nineties. It is widely reported that she know owns major interests in several Las Vegas Casinos where she still performs from time to time. In 2002 it was rumoured that she had exchanged secret nuptials with former team member Captain Hope, a report denied by Zia and Hope alike. In early 2003 Zia was admitted to the Betty Ford clinic for a period of rehabilitation after temporarily paralysing a heckler during one of her performances.
In The High Price of Spandex...
Zia discovered that her accountant had been defrauding her and had fled the country, leaving her broke and with a $6 million IRS bill.
In November Falling...
Zia had been working to pay off her tax bill by appearing on a number of reality television show, such as Celebrity Survivor Sahara with the proceeds going to the federal government.
SUPERPOWERS: Sorcery
Nationality: American
Background
Zia emerged from the Quin Liu’s Cabinet of Wonders one night, during a stage show in Las Vegas. She appeared disorientated and confused about her location and the date. It soon became clear that Zia had travelled from some time in the recent past through the use of her exceptional magical powers.
An instant celebrity it did not take her long to team up with the newly formed Council of Champions and in 1994, it was her wide repertoire of magical abilities that allowed her to escape the clutches of the villainous Johnny Reb and rescue her comrades from certain death.
In recent years
Zia’s private life has become the subject of much speculation. She has a large following and acted and produced in several television specials during the late nineties. It is widely reported that she know owns major interests in several Las Vegas Casinos where she still performs from time to time. In 2002 it was rumoured that she had exchanged secret nuptials with former team member Captain Hope, a report denied by Zia and Hope alike. In early 2003 Zia was admitted to the Betty Ford clinic for a period of rehabilitation after temporarily paralysing a heckler during one of her performances.
In The High Price of Spandex...
Zia discovered that her accountant had been defrauding her and had fled the country, leaving her broke and with a $6 million IRS bill.
In November Falling...
Zia had been working to pay off her tax bill by appearing on a number of reality television show, such as Celebrity Survivor Sahara with the proceeds going to the federal government.
SUPERPOWERS: Sorcery
Champion - Salvo
Real Identity: Unknown
Nationality: Spanish
Background
Salvo came to public attention in the early nineties when he single handedly foiled an attempted hijacking of an American Airlines flight in Barcelona in a spectacular shootout captured by a local news crew. His dark, rugged good looks and predilection for leather jackets and motorcycles soon earned him a wide following and several large fan clubs. Movie director John Woo, who became a close personal friend, would later base many of his film’s characters on the reclusive superhero.
Salvo joined the Council of Champions in 1993 following a joint request from the Spanish Prime Minister and the UN Secretary General . His phenomenal reflexes and impressive skill with firearms helped the Champions to defeat crazed super-archaeologist Dr. Dungeon later that year. His relationship with the Champions, particularly leader Captain Hope, was often reported to be strained and he was the first to quit the group following the now infamous Stockholm incident.
In recent years
Little is known about Salvo’s recent activities. In 1998 he was acquitted of wounding a tabloid reporter who trespassed on his sprawling Nevada Ranch. Following the Madrid train bombings of 2004 he returned to Spain to assist with the investigation.
In the High Price of Spandex...
Salvo was trying to come to terms with his recent alcohol addiction following a whirlwind romance, Vegas wedding and messy divorce, which had left him broke.
In November Falling...
Salvo was back on his feet (barely) and encouraging Daniel to misbehave whenever possible.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Dexterity, Regeneration, Weapons
Nationality: Spanish
Background
Salvo came to public attention in the early nineties when he single handedly foiled an attempted hijacking of an American Airlines flight in Barcelona in a spectacular shootout captured by a local news crew. His dark, rugged good looks and predilection for leather jackets and motorcycles soon earned him a wide following and several large fan clubs. Movie director John Woo, who became a close personal friend, would later base many of his film’s characters on the reclusive superhero.
Salvo joined the Council of Champions in 1993 following a joint request from the Spanish Prime Minister and the UN Secretary General . His phenomenal reflexes and impressive skill with firearms helped the Champions to defeat crazed super-archaeologist Dr. Dungeon later that year. His relationship with the Champions, particularly leader Captain Hope, was often reported to be strained and he was the first to quit the group following the now infamous Stockholm incident.
In recent years
Little is known about Salvo’s recent activities. In 1998 he was acquitted of wounding a tabloid reporter who trespassed on his sprawling Nevada Ranch. Following the Madrid train bombings of 2004 he returned to Spain to assist with the investigation.
In the High Price of Spandex...
Salvo was trying to come to terms with his recent alcohol addiction following a whirlwind romance, Vegas wedding and messy divorce, which had left him broke.
In November Falling...
Salvo was back on his feet (barely) and encouraging Daniel to misbehave whenever possible.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Dexterity, Regeneration, Weapons
Champion - Daniel Hope
Real Identity: Daniel Tiberius Hope
Nationality: English/American
Background
Daniel is the six year old son of Captain Hope and Professor Eternity. He has been raised and schooled by Eternity in the relative isolation of her country manor in England. Until last year Daniel had never met his father or the other champions.
In November Falling...
Daniel got to hang out with his parents on one of their adventures! He enjoyed himself, but was stressed by the personal conflict between his father and the other champions.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Strength, Super Charisma, Regeneration, Flight, Stun
Nationality: English/American
Background
Daniel is the six year old son of Captain Hope and Professor Eternity. He has been raised and schooled by Eternity in the relative isolation of her country manor in England. Until last year Daniel had never met his father or the other champions.
In November Falling...
Daniel got to hang out with his parents on one of their adventures! He enjoyed himself, but was stressed by the personal conflict between his father and the other champions.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Strength, Super Charisma, Regeneration, Flight, Stun
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Champion - Ground Zero
Real Identity: Unknown
Nationality: American
Background
Ground Zero is a former wrestler and was a founding member of the Council of Champions in 1991, and was critical to the group’s early efforts to put an end to Iron Cross’ four-year reign of terror in former East Germany and Poland. He gained a high profile for his fiery temper, which notoriously led to involuntary instances of explosive combustion. After devastating several luxury penthouse suites during the mid 1990’s the Champions were barred from most leading hotel chains when travelling abroad.
Despite his volatile temper Ground Zero is a key member of the Champions. His phenomenal strength and combat prowess have been the downfall of many villains and his explosive ability is often the groups ace-in-the-hole.
In recent years
Ground Zero has worked tirelessly with many charities, brining aid to war ravaged parts of the world. He was appointed a UN special Ambassador in 1999 and worked extensively to combat poverty in Africa and Eastern Europe. Following the attacks in New York on September 11 2001, Ground Zero returned to America and worked tirelessly to extract survivors from the site of the fallen towers. Earlier this year Ground Zero was appointed a commissioner of the Terror Alert task force, designed to inform the American public of terror threats and the current alert status.
In The High Price of Spandex...
Ground Zero hoped to heal the rift between Captain Hope and Salvo. He also wanted to tell the Champions about Stacey Claybourne, a fantastic girl he had met at the gym.
In November Falling...
Ground Zero realised that reporter Stacey Claybourne was a Supervillain known as Other Woman. He was deeply embarrassed by this revelation.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Strength, Alter Form: Explosive
Nationality: American
Background
Ground Zero is a former wrestler and was a founding member of the Council of Champions in 1991, and was critical to the group’s early efforts to put an end to Iron Cross’ four-year reign of terror in former East Germany and Poland. He gained a high profile for his fiery temper, which notoriously led to involuntary instances of explosive combustion. After devastating several luxury penthouse suites during the mid 1990’s the Champions were barred from most leading hotel chains when travelling abroad.
Despite his volatile temper Ground Zero is a key member of the Champions. His phenomenal strength and combat prowess have been the downfall of many villains and his explosive ability is often the groups ace-in-the-hole.
In recent years
Ground Zero has worked tirelessly with many charities, brining aid to war ravaged parts of the world. He was appointed a UN special Ambassador in 1999 and worked extensively to combat poverty in Africa and Eastern Europe. Following the attacks in New York on September 11 2001, Ground Zero returned to America and worked tirelessly to extract survivors from the site of the fallen towers. Earlier this year Ground Zero was appointed a commissioner of the Terror Alert task force, designed to inform the American public of terror threats and the current alert status.
In The High Price of Spandex...
Ground Zero hoped to heal the rift between Captain Hope and Salvo. He also wanted to tell the Champions about Stacey Claybourne, a fantastic girl he had met at the gym.
In November Falling...
Ground Zero realised that reporter Stacey Claybourne was a Supervillain known as Other Woman. He was deeply embarrassed by this revelation.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Strength, Alter Form: Explosive
Champion - Spook
Real Identity: Unknown
Nationality: Unknown
Background
Spook remains an enigma to the general public. He (or she) joined the Council of Champions in 1992 and was publicly thanked on several subsequent occasions by Captain Hope for providing invaluable assistance. It is known that Spook can assume the likeness and abilities of any person or object.
In recent years
There have been no confirmed sightings of Spook as his (or her) normal appearance is not known to the media. it is rumoured that Spook enjoys art and has purchased an extensive collection including works by past, and contemporary masters.
In The High Price of Spandex...
Spook discovered that he had been the victim of a Supervillain named Legion who had used his unique powers as part of his evil plan to open a gate to Hell. Following Legion's defeat Spook left the Council once more to try and discover her true identity.
SUPERPOWERS: Shapeshift
Nationality: Unknown
Background
Spook remains an enigma to the general public. He (or she) joined the Council of Champions in 1992 and was publicly thanked on several subsequent occasions by Captain Hope for providing invaluable assistance. It is known that Spook can assume the likeness and abilities of any person or object.
In recent years
There have been no confirmed sightings of Spook as his (or her) normal appearance is not known to the media. it is rumoured that Spook enjoys art and has purchased an extensive collection including works by past, and contemporary masters.
In The High Price of Spandex...
Spook discovered that he had been the victim of a Supervillain named Legion who had used his unique powers as part of his evil plan to open a gate to Hell. Following Legion's defeat Spook left the Council once more to try and discover her true identity.
SUPERPOWERS: Shapeshift
Champion - Professor Eternity
Real Identity: Elizabeth Cartwright
Nationality: English
Background
Professor Eternity began her career sometime around 1860 after the death of her father, who bequeathed his London house and workshop to her. She soon proved herself an inventor of extraordinary talent, but was shunned by the great minds of her time because it was considered unseemly for a woman to pursue such activities.
Ignoring the society which would not appreciate her talent Professor Eternity immersed herself in her work. Around 1870 she created arguably her most brilliant invention, the Bodice of Multitudinous Function, which rendered her immune to aging, disease, poison and many other hazards.
Reclusive and often frustrated with both society and national governments the Eternal Professor remained a national treasure, who emerged from her workshop from time to time during the passing decades. She joined the Council of Champions in 1992 employing a range of fantastic devices to fight Redhawk, a villain from the future following a request by Queen Elizabeth II.
In recent years
There have been few sightings of Professor Eternity, although it is rumoured that in 1997 she produced a device, on commission, that led to the development of the modern cellular phone.
In The High Price of Spandex...
Professor Eternity revealed to Captain Hope that he had a son, Daniel. Eternity's unexpected pregnancy was the reason that she left the Council, and she has been secretly raising Daniel in England for the past 6 years.
In November Falling...
While preparing for marriage to Captain Hope, Professor Eternity struggled to reconcile Daniel's involvement in dangerous missions with his natural curiosity and fathers wish for his son to learn how to become a 'hero'.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Intelligence, Armour, Datalink, Gadgets.
Nationality: English
Background
Professor Eternity began her career sometime around 1860 after the death of her father, who bequeathed his London house and workshop to her. She soon proved herself an inventor of extraordinary talent, but was shunned by the great minds of her time because it was considered unseemly for a woman to pursue such activities.
Ignoring the society which would not appreciate her talent Professor Eternity immersed herself in her work. Around 1870 she created arguably her most brilliant invention, the Bodice of Multitudinous Function, which rendered her immune to aging, disease, poison and many other hazards.
Reclusive and often frustrated with both society and national governments the Eternal Professor remained a national treasure, who emerged from her workshop from time to time during the passing decades. She joined the Council of Champions in 1992 employing a range of fantastic devices to fight Redhawk, a villain from the future following a request by Queen Elizabeth II.
In recent years
There have been few sightings of Professor Eternity, although it is rumoured that in 1997 she produced a device, on commission, that led to the development of the modern cellular phone.
In The High Price of Spandex...
Professor Eternity revealed to Captain Hope that he had a son, Daniel. Eternity's unexpected pregnancy was the reason that she left the Council, and she has been secretly raising Daniel in England for the past 6 years.
In November Falling...
While preparing for marriage to Captain Hope, Professor Eternity struggled to reconcile Daniel's involvement in dangerous missions with his natural curiosity and fathers wish for his son to learn how to become a 'hero'.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Intelligence, Armour, Datalink, Gadgets.
Champion - Captain Hope
Real Identity: John Hope Jnr
Nationality: United States of America
Background
John Hope is an all American hero. A former quarterback for the New England Patriots football team, Hope left the game he loved, to serve with the elite Delta Force in the late 1980’s. During his military service he obtained the rank of Captain and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour for bravery under fire in Grenada and Panama. Suffering crippling injuries in the line of duty Hope volunteered for an experimental program which resulted in him not only making a full recovery, but also developing several extraordinary superpowers including the ability to fly and produce blasts of pure energy from his fists.
Captain Hope co-founded the Council of Champions with Ground Zero in 1991 establishing an international organisation of hero’s to fight threats to the security of the planet.
In recent years
Hope has had a busy career. He released a debut album in 2000, which despite disappointing domestic sales was remarkably popular in Europe and Asia. He has cameoed in many movies and television shows and regularly attends large fan conventions. In 2003 he was named ‘Hero of the Next Generation’ by Pepsi International.
In the High Price of Spandex...
Captain Hope tried to reconcile his relationship with Professor Eternity, then discovered he had a son, Daniel, that Eternity had kept secret from him for 6 years.
In November Falling...
Captain Hope prepares for marriage to Professor Eternity while fearing that Daniel has been too coddled by Eternity.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Strength, Super Charisma, Flight, Deflection, Telepathy, Energy Blast.
Nationality: United States of America
Background
John Hope is an all American hero. A former quarterback for the New England Patriots football team, Hope left the game he loved, to serve with the elite Delta Force in the late 1980’s. During his military service he obtained the rank of Captain and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour for bravery under fire in Grenada and Panama. Suffering crippling injuries in the line of duty Hope volunteered for an experimental program which resulted in him not only making a full recovery, but also developing several extraordinary superpowers including the ability to fly and produce blasts of pure energy from his fists.
Captain Hope co-founded the Council of Champions with Ground Zero in 1991 establishing an international organisation of hero’s to fight threats to the security of the planet.
In recent years
Hope has had a busy career. He released a debut album in 2000, which despite disappointing domestic sales was remarkably popular in Europe and Asia. He has cameoed in many movies and television shows and regularly attends large fan conventions. In 2003 he was named ‘Hero of the Next Generation’ by Pepsi International.
In the High Price of Spandex...
Captain Hope tried to reconcile his relationship with Professor Eternity, then discovered he had a son, Daniel, that Eternity had kept secret from him for 6 years.
In November Falling...
Captain Hope prepares for marriage to Professor Eternity while fearing that Daniel has been too coddled by Eternity.
SUPERPOWERS: Super Strength, Super Charisma, Flight, Deflection, Telepathy, Energy Blast.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
November Falling - Teaser
The only thing better than a Superhero Scenario, is a Super Sequel!
It’s hard to believe that only a year has passed since the Council of Champions thwarted the evil plans of the villainous Legion and his evil accomplices Iron Cross ™ and Doctor Dungeon™ from opening a gate to Hell in a New York hospital, but the re-formed Council of Champions has had a lot on it’s plate…
Dashing all-American hero, Captain Hope and English super-genius, Professor Eternity are about to tie the knot in what will undoubtedly be the wedding of the century, yet the bookmakers have the odds of the ceremony not being disrupted by super-villanry at less then 10 to 1.
After last summers sensations showdown what calamity can now confront the Council of Champions?
What new nightmare will disrupt the noble nuptials?
Find out on January 21 2006
It’s hard to believe that only a year has passed since the Council of Champions thwarted the evil plans of the villainous Legion and his evil accomplices Iron Cross ™ and Doctor Dungeon™ from opening a gate to Hell in a New York hospital, but the re-formed Council of Champions has had a lot on it’s plate…
Dashing all-American hero, Captain Hope and English super-genius, Professor Eternity are about to tie the knot in what will undoubtedly be the wedding of the century, yet the bookmakers have the odds of the ceremony not being disrupted by super-villanry at less then 10 to 1.
After last summers sensations showdown what calamity can now confront the Council of Champions?
What new nightmare will disrupt the noble nuptials?
Find out on January 21 2006
The High Price of Spandex - Teaser
In 24 hours everyone will die.
That’s it.
No ransom demands, no calls to the President, no cackling villains taunting captive hero’s. Just a single, chilling sentence beamed to every television set across the globe.
Who will save us? You? But you traded in the Super Hero game a few years ago for the quiet life. After all, the really bad villains were locked up and the medical bills were getting too high, besides your therapist told you it was just too much stress…
Can the defunct Council of Champions convene to cancel catastrophe?
Will the world be saved by our weary, wayward warriors?
Only you hold the answers.
The High Price of Spandex is a three hour Mutants and Masterminds scenario that will be run at Victoria University games club mini-convention Confusion, on August 14th 2004 and in the first round of Kapcon XIV in January 2005.
That’s it.
No ransom demands, no calls to the President, no cackling villains taunting captive hero’s. Just a single, chilling sentence beamed to every television set across the globe.
Who will save us? You? But you traded in the Super Hero game a few years ago for the quiet life. After all, the really bad villains were locked up and the medical bills were getting too high, besides your therapist told you it was just too much stress…
Can the defunct Council of Champions convene to cancel catastrophe?
Will the world be saved by our weary, wayward warriors?
Only you hold the answers.
The High Price of Spandex is a three hour Mutants and Masterminds scenario that will be run at Victoria University games club mini-convention Confusion, on August 14th 2004 and in the first round of Kapcon XIV in January 2005.
What's it all about?
I have always loved superhero games, an attachment that I attribute to a long running Villains and Vigilantes saga in my formative years. So, when I saw Mutants and Masterminds (1st Ed.) on the shelves of the local gaming store, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity to broaden my current gaming horizons.
Doubtless, my motivation was also helped by the folks in Hollywood who chose that time to produce a number of popular superhero movies, such as X-Men, Spiderman, The Incredibles etc.
So, for my first foray into Mutants and Masterminds I determined a few basic criteria:
1. The games would be run at conventions
2. The games would feature pre-generated characters
3. The characters would be an established and popular ‘super group’ who enjoyed fame and success in the game world.
4. The characters would have established and complex relationships with one another, culminating in at least one or more roleplaying ‘goal’ for each player in each game, entirely separate to the main plot.
5. The games would be fairly ‘open’ allowing the players to formulate any plan or strategy that they could come up with.
6. The game world would closely mirror the real world, with the obvious addition of a recent history of super heroes/villains
Following the first game, The High Price of Spandex, which I ran at Confusion 2 and Kapcon XIV, I introduced a couple more elements for subsequent games:
7. In each subsequent game an existing character would be replaced by a new character.
8. Each subsequent game would continue the story, and take place after a determined period of elapsed time for the characters.
Anyway, that's the background. I set this blog up primarily so that would-be players of future episodes can read about past episodes, characters and villains, and to promote future games.
Doubtless, my motivation was also helped by the folks in Hollywood who chose that time to produce a number of popular superhero movies, such as X-Men, Spiderman, The Incredibles etc.
So, for my first foray into Mutants and Masterminds I determined a few basic criteria:
1. The games would be run at conventions
2. The games would feature pre-generated characters
3. The characters would be an established and popular ‘super group’ who enjoyed fame and success in the game world.
4. The characters would have established and complex relationships with one another, culminating in at least one or more roleplaying ‘goal’ for each player in each game, entirely separate to the main plot.
5. The games would be fairly ‘open’ allowing the players to formulate any plan or strategy that they could come up with.
6. The game world would closely mirror the real world, with the obvious addition of a recent history of super heroes/villains
Following the first game, The High Price of Spandex, which I ran at Confusion 2 and Kapcon XIV, I introduced a couple more elements for subsequent games:
7. In each subsequent game an existing character would be replaced by a new character.
8. Each subsequent game would continue the story, and take place after a determined period of elapsed time for the characters.
Anyway, that's the background. I set this blog up primarily so that would-be players of future episodes can read about past episodes, characters and villains, and to promote future games.
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