#athenswrites

Synopsis

Superhumans have existed as long as we have, normal people who suddenly develop seemingly magical powers overnight. That’s why the International Alliance of Superhumans was founded in 1945, to help control these superhumans to better humanity. Now, the Alliance’s ideals and control is falling apart, as the Underground and the Union threaten its weakening rule over the superhuman community.

Civilians

Brigid Roberts (they/them) :: 17 :: child of Nikki Roberts :: distrusting of others :: punch first ask questions later :: don’t quit til you drop dead-type attitude :: tends to stick their nose where it doesn’t belong :: would be in juvie if their grandfather didn’t pay off the administration of Westmoreland :: always wearing their black fingerless gloves

Martin García-Flores (he/him) :: 22 :: older brother of Elías :: born in the Dominican Republic but came to NYC when he was 13 :: workaholic who never stops running :: will take a beating and get back up every single time :: has 4 jobs on top of managing the Underground :: hasn’t cut his hair in 2 years please get him a haircut :: main job is at Hotshot, a cafe in Washington Heights

Elías García-Flores (he/him) :: 15 :: little brother of Martin :: actually very competent and smart (and a little conniving) :: Martin babies him too much :: suffers from multiple sclerosis :: knows his brother's identity but Martin doesn't know that :: massive crush on Madds, won’t tell her :: gamemaster for his d&d group

Melody "Mel" Ghazali (she/her) :: 17 :: childhood best friend of Brigid :: would be the valedictorian of her class if Brigid wasn’t tied GPA-wise :: very sweet :: plays piano and sings in choir :: all of Brigid's self restraint :: wants to help people :: doesn’t know Brigid=Fireball

Maddison "Madds" de Paola (she/her) :: 14 :: the definition of that weird girl in your class :: obsessed with physics and space :: forget not being the sharpest tool in the shed, Madds isn't even in the shed :: could kick everyone's asses academically but has no motivation to do her actual schoolwork

Owen Roberts (he/him) :: 70 :: father of Nikki :: wants the best for his family :: especially after the death of his son :: treats Brigid as another child of his :: smooth talker and good poker face

Andre Vicario (he/him) :: 26 :: RN at local children’s hospital :: resting bitch face :: seems to always know the answer to everything, which freaks everyone else out :: shows up at just the right time :: every single time :: frequent customer at Hotshot

Carolana "Ana" Vicario (she/her) :: 22 :: Andre's little sister :: very very sweet but there is not a single fucking braincell in her head :: works at a local metaphysical shop

Joaquinn "Quinn" Cheres (he/they) :: 22 :: deceased at 21 :: bff turned lover of Martin :: grew up in the Dominican Republic as well before coming to NYC at 13 :: has an uncontrollable attitude problem :: lashes out often at others but otherwise sweet

Nikolas "Nikki" Roberts (she/her) :: 39 :: deceased at 34 :: biological parent of Brigid :: absent parent :: Brigid loved her though :: literally just came out prior to dying, so several people refer to her with he/him pronouns

Valentia "Val" de Paola (they/she) :: 40 :: deceased at 37 :: brilliant Quantum Physicist :: mother of Madds :: obsessed with the concept of multiple dimensions :: never actually got her PhD because everyone though she was batshit crazy

Griffin Douglas (he/him) :: 61 :: close professional friend of Val's :: got her the job researching with Realitypoint

Superheroes

Meremimic (he/him) :: alter-ego to Owen Roberts :: Head Administrator of the International Alliance of Superhumans :: shapeshifter :: wire glasses mantle

Fireball (he/him) :: alter-ego to Brigid Roberts :: the new "Goldenson" of the Alliance :: pyrokinesis :: studying under Meremimic :: partner to Nightpsyche :: mortal enemy to Hueso Blanco :: killer of Àrbol Terror and Quantum Rift :: black eye-mask mantle :: beloved by the public

Nightpsyche (she/her) :: telekinesis :: studying under Meremimic :: partner to Fireball :: plague mask mantle :: goody-two shoes who follows all of IASH's rules :: doesn't play nice with the public

Goldenson (he/him) :: alter-ego to Nikki Roberts :: deceased :: pyrokinesis :: son of Meremimic/Owen :: former partner to Quantum Rift :: murdered by Quantum Rift* :: loved by the city :: everyone mourned his death

RedShield (he/him) :: vitakinesis (healing) :: works in Meremimic's office :: no public presence :: gives Fireball suspiciously relevant advice to his situation

Supervillains

Hueso Blanco (he/him) :: formerly HuesoBlanco :: alter-ego to Martin García-Flores :: radiokinesis (light/radiation manipulation) :: former partner to Àrbol Terror/Àrboltierra :: partner to Morpheus Nox :: mortal enemy to Fireball :: silver skull ring mantle :: current leader of the Underground :: previously member of the Santo Domingo branch of IASH before being relocated to NYC

Morpheus Nox (he/him) :: mysterious new supervillain on the block :: space-time manipulation :: seems to want to continue what Quantum Rift started :: has Quantum Rift's powers and mantle :: partner to Hueso Blanco :: black cloak mantle

Quantum Rift (he/him) :: formerly Quantumshift :: deceased :: space-time manipulation :: former leader of the Underground :: tried to open a black hole by ripping his cloak :: shoved through his own rift by Fireball :: black cloak mantle

Àrbol Terror (he/him) :: formerly Àrboltierra :: deceased :: former partner to Hueso Blanco :: previously part of the Santo Domingo branch before being relocated to NYC :: close ally to Quantum Rift :: brutally murdered by Fireball

Blood Ruby (she/her) :: deceased :: geokinesis :: founder of the Union :: went missing six months ago and presumed dead :: ruby earrings mantle

Squall Line (he/him) :: formerly Squalline:: deceased :: ex-Alliance supervillain :: atmokinesis :: sportscoat mantle (think like an on-air weatherman's jacket)

Worldbuilding

Superhumans

As the introduction says, superhumans have existed as long as humanity has existed. Most major religions have some sort of explanation for why superhumans exist, but in reality, no one knows. The population of superhumans seems to be correlated to the human population, but the true number of superhumans is unknown. It is also unknown how the superhumans are selected, as most develop powers between the ages of 7 and 13. There are several records of powers and mantles being passed down through a family, such as Goldenson and Fireball.

Powers and Mantles

Powers are what make superhumans Superhumans. They vary from superhuman to superhuman, and many common ones are duplicated (like pyrokinesis). The options for powers are essentially endless, with the only primary rule being that the powers don't actually modify the appearance of the superhuman (like wings, horns, skin, gills, or anything like that). Mantles are a little different. Each superhuman, hero or villain, has a wearable mantle, which is tied to their identity as a superhuman. When activated, the mantle provides a costume for the superhuman, which can be changed via simply deactivating and reactivating the mantle with the intention of their costume being changed. Mantles are passed down from superhuman to superhuman; when superhumans die, their mantles (and associated powers) are granted to a new superhuman. For example, Fireball inherited the mantle and powers of Goldenson after his death. Occasionally, new mantles and powers will emerge with the growing human population. The true nature of mantles are not well understood, although in the modern day, microchips and other technology have been added by IASH and the Underground.

Superhuman Names

While superhuman names used to be chosen by the superhumans themselves, nowadays the process is controlled by IASH. Names are given to Alliance-sanctioned superheroes by the Naming Committee, which also changes the superhuman names of supervillains who are expelled from IASH. Modern superhuman names generally are composed of two words; those without a space are IASH superheroes, and those with a space are supervillains.

The International Alliance of Superhumans

After the use of superhumans in combat during World War II, and the human rights violations which occurred via said use, the International Alliance of Superhumans was formed around the same time as the United Nations. While IASH is not part of the UN, they have been granted police-like functions in most states which are members to the UN. IASH, in function, is a superhuman police government which spans international borders, and controls the superhuman populace. All superhumans are subject to register with IASH or be labelled as a supervillain. Supervillains are constantly under surveillance and attack by Alliance-sanctioned superheroes, although sometimes the lesser-supervillains are kept around for PR purposes and to make IASH look better. IASH has branches in most party states in the world, most often in populated cities. Some states, like China, the US, and Russia have multiple branches within their borders, while smaller countries like the Dominican Republic or city-states like Singapore only have one. IASH's current Chief Administrator (in the NYC Headquarters) is the formerly Welsh-based superhero, Meremimic.

The Underground

The Underground, founded in 2020, was the first true alternative movement to IASH. It was founded by ex-Alliance supervillains who felt wronged by their expulsion from IASH. Generally, the Underground is considered to be a more violent movement, although they spread their fair share of propaganda. Quantum Shift was the de facto leader at one point, before the organization was taken over by his student, Hueso Blanco.

The Union

The Union is a new movement, founded only in 2048 by the late-Blood Ruby. Unlike the Underground, the Union was founded by a mix of superheroes and supervillains looking to reform IASH.

Wesmoreland Private Academy

Wesmoreland is a prestigious boarding school, housing 6-12th graders. Mel, Brigid, and Madds attend currently. Val and Nikki are alumni. Owen Roberts is a major donor to the school and the single reason why Brigid has not been expelled for their violent behavior.

Status

Plotting. Previous drafts have been scrapped for good.

Further Commentary

IASH is another one of my older WIPs, and was tied closely to an old (toxic) friend of mine. It has taken me a while to rework it to something I enjoy, but this is approaching that final product. Unlike NYTF, IASH focuses on bringing down the "government", rather than trying to fix it. (They do fix it in the end). I will be adding more to the characters soon! I just wanted to get this out for Archie to see :)

Tag List (let me know if you want to be +/-)

QUICK FACTS…

Full Name: Adele Paris Hall (Arthur Georgi Hall)

Pronouns: she/her

Title: None (formerly, in reverse order: Queen of the State of Georgia, King of the State of Georgia, Prince of the State of Georgia, Heir Apparent)

Gender: Transfemale

Sexuality: Demisexual

Birthday (Age at start): October 8th, 2157 (53)

Parents: Georgi Hall (deceased), Alsona (Monroe) Hall (deceased)

Siblings: Albert Ezra (missing)

Spouse: Clara Rayas-Hall (deceased)

Children: Wesley Alejandro (missing), Lake Norman (deceased), Jillian "Piers" (adoptive)

Notable physical features: freckles, almost always wearing red lipstick/nails, frail but holds herself high

Personality: cold, distrusting, brilliant, stubborn, proper, demanding, fearless

Extended Intro...

Queen Adele Hall is the adoptive mother of Piers Hall, and the former Queen of the State of Georgia. Adele grew up in the palace, training and preparing to become the next monarch of her family's line. When Adele was 13, she would meet her future wife, Clara "Claire" Carmen Rayas, the youngest daughter of two wealthy businessmen from Florida. The two would marry three months after Adele's 18th birthday (Clara was five months older). Only four years later, the beloved Georgi Hall would die relatively young from a heart attack, and a 22 year-old Adele (then still Arthur) ascended to the throne. She was coming off an era of high prosperity and growth for everyone in the state, and knew she'd have to live up to the standards set by her father. Unfortunately, Adele's life would be full of tragedies of both her own making and unavoidable causes. Her and Clara's son, Wesley was born sickly, and she reached out to an up-and-coming geneticist and his assistant. Adele would spend the next 10 or so years under his thumb, before barely escaping back to the Palace with her life. Clara did not survive, but Adele managed to rescue her now two sons, Lake and Wesley, along with Dr. Panya. About a year later, she adopted Piers, her last child. After the loss of her wife combined with her paranoia, the now-Queen grew cold and cruel, often lashing out on both her friends, children, and the citizens she served. For the next 19 years, Adele would develop the reputation as the Bloody Queen, with a record amount of executions occurring, along with several state-sponsored attacks she blamed on terrorist groups. When Piers turned 18, there were immediate calls for her abdication, and reluctantly (and due to her health beginning to fail) she did so in November of 2210.

WIP PAGE

After crashing their car late in the night, Quincy Fortner finds themself in the mysterious town of Eden, nestled in the depths of Appalachia. The small town, albeit odd, is a comfortable place for a weary soul to rest and settle. However as the days progress, the reality of the town itself begins to unravel, and Quincy must escape before they're drawn in.

Characters:

Quincy Fortner :: 26 :: they/them :: the most normal person you will ever meet :: used to be an accountant :: living out of their car/in motels for the past few weeks after leaving their old life :: lover of old novels and cats

Atticus Jack :: he/him(?) :: local librarian and town mayor :: appears to be in his late 40s :: picks up Quincy after the crash :: mysterious but he has a massive collection of books and Quincy can't say no

Elizabeth Briggs :: she/her :: older (60+) woman :: friends with Atticus :: she takes care of Quincy after the crash and they live with her :: crazy cat animal lady

Setting

Post-Great Recession, in the Appalachian mountains

Status

Worldbuilding, some plotting

Author's Notes:

This is a WIP I have ongoing with a friend of mine! We hope to turn it into a visual novel eventually. Most of the stuff posted will be my side of the work (the writing), as we want to save the art for later >:)

When we left off last time, Daley Miller’s tyranny had been brought to an end during the September Revolution of 2097, led by three notable figures:

James Hall, former General of the Georgia Defense Guard, who led the actual military resistance against Miller and his French Squadron.

Kylar Killian, a revolutionary writer, who wrote several notable pamphlets and pieces speaking out against both the Board of Trustees and Daley Miller.

Jacey Olson, French Squadron Leader, who defected, joining James Hall and helping turn a majority of the FS against Daley Miller.

However, before we actually talk about the contents September Constitution and the current government, it’s important that we backtrack to talk about the exact roles these three played in the September Massacre, Revolution, and Constitution.

The “Founding Fathers”

James Dylan Hall, born in 2060, is the patriarch and founder of the Royal Family. His father was a high ranking government official during the Board of Trustees era of government. At 18, James joined the Georgia Defense Guard, loving the adventure and the feeling that he was doing something. He quickly climbed through the (short) ranks of the Georgia Defense Guard, thanks to his quick wits and the high turnover of military officers. By the age of 34 (2094), James was the General of the GDG.

Kylar Killian was born in 2075 as Kyla Killian, to a school teacher and a clothing store owner. Kylar’s father died from an IR infection when Kylar was only 3, and his mother’s income was rarely enough to support him, her, and his twin younger brothers. Kylar took on odd jobs starting in his early teenage years, in order to help support his family. In his little free time, he found himself writing, criticizing the Board of Trustees’ government everything from their spending to their lack of care in contact tracing and containing IR victims. When he was 18 (2093), Kylar began spending what scant money he had (in an extremely volatile economy) to publish his works. By the time he was 20 (2095), Kylar had grown more popular than he had been expecting and garnered the attention of the Board of Trustees. He was put under house arrest in late 2095, and forbidden from publishing.

Still, he continued under a new pseudonym. The Board of Trustees, after realizing this, sent General James Hall of the GDG to interrogate Kylar Killian. At 10:30am on the morning September 2nd, 2096, James Hall arrived at the residence of Kylar Killian.

Ten minutes later, the September Massacre of 2096 would begin. Daley Miller and his militia, inspired partially by Kylar’s writing, stormed the Board of Trustees building, quickly overtaking the Board of Trustees' government and establishing his own. James would take shelter at Kylar’s residence, much to the amusement of Kylar.

As Miller's government began, Kylar was invited to help organize it. Miller found him quite annoying within days. However, he knew that killing Kylar would look bad on his own government, so he put Kylar under house arrest, for a second time. Kylar, in response, started publishing under a pseudonym once again, criticizing Miller’s dictatorship, but unlike with the Board of Trustees, Miller was never able to identify him.

The entire time while MIller was in charge, James continued to take shelter at Kylar’s residence. Shaky understanding of one another soon turned into a friendship, which soon turned into something more. Despite his initial dislike for Kylar, James found himself admiring Kylar’s willingness to stay true to his values and his intelligence. Kylar, with a normally abrasive nature, softened, as he realized James was just a normal person who had been led astray by his ambition and achievements.

As the anniversary of Miller’s takeover got closer and closer, James and Kylar both realized that something had to be done, and someone had to stand up against the grant. Using James’ military experience and Kylar’s writing ability, they were able to rally a force, and at 7am on September 18th, stormed Miller’s government building.

Jacey Olson, born 2064, was the leader of the French Squadron throughout Miller’s reign. He had grown disillusioned with Miller’s government, but feared retribution if he left or spoke out. As James led his forces into Miller’s building, Jacey denounced Miller’s government in front of a large portion of the French Squadron. Roughly half, including Jacey, defected, joining James’ forces and overtaking the remaining Squadron members and killing Miller.

Establishment of the September Constitution and the Hall Royal Family

During his second house arrest, Kylar had privately begun drafting a new constitution, one he imagined could be put into place if Miller’s government was overthrown. Soon after James and Jacey’s success, Kylar presented his constitution concept to them in private, which earned approval from both. Kylar then publicly shared his constitution with the people of Atlanta and called for their approval to create a stable government which could help the people. It was overall accepted, and was called into temporary effect on September 19th, 2097.

Kylar then reached out to the governments of Savannah and Macon, who had been observing the chaos from a distance, and asked them to join the State of Georgia, as the government was called then. Although they were initially skeptical, they both joined officially on September 20th, 2097.

Atlanta, Savannah, and Macon would officially be the founders of the State of Georgia.

In the first year, James and Kylar would serve as co-leaders, putting Jacey Olson in charge of their armed forces, then called the “Georgia Guard”. (After the establishment of James and Kylar as kings, this would be changed to the “Royal Guard”, as they felt the name Georgia Guard was too similar to the GDG’s name.) Kylar would do most of the technical work, creating guidelines for departments, and organizing what they had. James would do most of the networking part of creating a new government, hiring people, and becoming the lovable face of the new government. Over time, the constitution was fleshed out, and the citizens of Georgia were updated every step of the way, until a finalized draft was completed on June 1st, 2098.

On May 2nd, 2098, James and Kylar would get married in a relatively small ceremony, and their only child, Ciara Kyla Hall, would be born on August 25th, 2098, only weeks before the vote on the Constitution. Days later, Jacey Olson would propose an amendment, naming James and Kylar as kings and changing what was supposed to be a Council and President into a Council and Monarch. His petition earned thousands of signatures, and garnered enough attention to put the amendment on the ballot.

The day of the vote, September 18th, 2098, eventually arrived. James, Kylar, and Jacey did their best to make voting as accessible and secure as possible, throughout all three zones at the time. By the end of the day, the September Constitution was passed with 76% of the vote. The Monarchy Amendment of 2098 would only pass with 58% of the vote, but still over the required 51% margin.

James and Kylar Hall were made monarchs until their abdication or death, and the Hall Royal Family was established.

NYTF WIP PAGE