Heroclix RPSC—Marvel Comics: Prosperity
A word of introduction before the story begins. If you're wondering what this story is about, it's a tie-in to the Role-Playing Strategy Campaign I have going on at Essentially, it's the first step in shaping the world of an RPG set in the Marvel Universe. However, here on , it won't be presented as an RPG, but simply as a story for you to enjoy.
The other thing is that I apologize in advance, because oftentimes I find myself deficient in the knowledge of certain characters and histories. I'm going to essentially be writing the entire Marvel and DC universes, and honestly, I don't know everything about every character there. So, if I get some stuff wrong, remember that I am doing my best, and also that, to some degree, I'm redefining these universes for the sake of the game.
So with that said, on to the story.
Marvel Comics: Prosperity—Chapter 1
A year and a half ago…
"Gentlemen, we live in an enlightened age. An age where knowledge, information, and previously unbelievable technological advances are right at our fingertips. All we have to do is reach out and seize them. That's why, here at Stark Industries, we are staunchly dedicated to pushing the envelope of technological research. And we're moving ahead by leaps and bounds. My micro-transistors revolutionized modern weaponry a few years ago, but that was just the beginning. There is so much for you to see here today, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to push you all off on my Vice President of Research and Development, who will give you the full details on all the projects slated for release very soon. And I'm sure that you, the top shareholders in Stark Industries, are going to like what you see. So, with that, my Vice President of R & D, Jarrett Milford." The stockholders applauded politely as the other man stepped to the podium, and Tony Stark made his way out of the room. As he did, he looked down at his belt and realized his cell phone was ringing. "Looks like I made it out just in time," he said, as he flipped his phone open. "Anthony Stark."
"Tony, this is Hank Pym."
"Henry," Stark said uneasily, suspecting what was coming next.
"I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask for Iron Man's services again, Tony."
"What's the trouble?"
"I have reason to believe that there are a troop of Skrulls are in the area. As you know, it's gonna take more than Giant Man to stop them."
"Will Thor be there?"
"He has a way of appearing at the right time."
"Right. Well, I'll let Iron Man know, and he'll be there ASAP."
"Thanks, Tony."
Tony Stark hung up the phone and then went to the door of his office, locking it. He took off his blazer and shirt, revealing a gold-colored metal chestplate. Quickly removing the rest of his business suit, Tony changed from Anthony Stark, businessman, to Iron Man, golden crusader of justice. "Their ability to shape-shift makes the Skrull Empire a very powerful force. Henry Pym was right that Giant Man couldn't stop them. I probably couldn't even stop them myself; I wonder if even the mighty Thor would be able to take them on alone. No, it'll take all three of us."
The Silver Surfer breathed deeply as he flew through the atmosphere. The air on Earth wasn't as pure or as sweet as it was on Zenn La, but it was still nice to be on a planet again. The Surfer smiled ironically, knowing that in a short time he would be longing for the cool, comforting silence of space once again. He enjoyed spending time in a planet's atmosphere, but not forever.
Forever. The length of his sentence here on Earth. As long as the Silver Surfer should exist; a very, very long time. The Surfer spun and twisted in the air, feeling the air flow around and over his inhuman flesh. He would simply have to get used to his imprisonment. It was practical, after all. He had become Galactus' herald to save his home, and Galactus had left him here on Earth because of his act of rebellion to save this planet. In some ways, it wasn't that much different from Zenn La. But in so many ways, the people here were so barbaric.
Yes, he had joined Galactus to save his planet, but did he not also do it because he was tired of his life there? Did he not thirst for adventure? He had found it as the herald of Galactus, but he held the title no longer. Perhaps, though, perhaps there was some adventure to be found on this gleaming wilderness of Earth. The Surfer had to find it, he realized, or he would be driven mad.
"Erik, why won't you listen to me? Why can't you understand?" Charles Xavier asked as he hung suspended in midair, a bulky helmet placed over his head to keep him from using his mental powers.
"You're the one who fails to understand, Charles," Magneto answered. "War is the only way. How many times have we debated this, Charles? It always ends the same way. You, you who claim pacifism, fight against me in a foolish attempt to prove the truth of your ideology. Look at yourself! Your own followers prove that struggle is the only means of survival. There is no other way, Charles."
"No, Eric! My students, my X-Men, are heroes. Every day they prove to humans that mutants need not be hated or feared. We are winning!"
"One false move is all it will take, Charles. I tried your way, once. All it takes is one false step, and they will never look at you, or your students, the same way again. You're a fool to try to preserve the façade."
Magneto spun around at the sound of an explosion behind him. The door to his room had been blown open, and standing in the empty space were Cyclops, Beast, Iceman, the Angel, and Marvel Girl.
"Professor!" Cyclops said, "Are you okay?"
"Cyclops," the Professor replied. "Thank goodness you've come."
"Take a good look of them, Charles," Magneto said, smiling. "So destructive. Are we really so different?"
"I'll show you how different we are, Magneto," Cyclops retorted. "X-Men, let's get him!"
Marvel Girl gestured, lifting a section of the rubble with her TK powers, and sent it at Magneto.
"Your powers are nothing compared to mine!" Magneto said, lifting up his desk to block the attack. "Did you wonder why everything in this room is made of metal?" The attack avoided, Magneto hurled the desk forward at the X-Men, who scattered. "My Brotherhood, join me!"
At the sound of Magneto's rallying call, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Toad, and Pyro came into the room. Instantly, Beast leapt toward them, knocking down the Scarlet Witch with a kick from his huge foot.
"We can't have you casting any spells on us, now can we?"
"Leave my sister alone!" Quicksilver answered, hitting Beast at superspeed. Cyclops tried to follow Quicksilver with his optic blast, but missed. In his concentration, he failed to see a metal chair flying at him. He flew back into the wall and fell. The Angel dove low to check on him, and was met with a blast of flame from Pyro. Iceman crouched in a corner behind an ice shield while Beast tried to catch Quicksilver, who continued to harass him with his high-speed attacks.
"Your X-Men will soon be defeated, Charles."
"If you think they can be so easily brought down, Erik, you are very much mistaken…"