Earlier we discussed Backgrounds. We are diving deeper into the topic beginning with Origins. The Origin explains how the character gained their powers or the tools they use as a hero. Players are encouraged to give a short defining statement about their Origin. To return to Crossfire his Origin is defined as “Solider Turned Survivalist”. He is a hero without any powers but that doesn’t mean he can’t keep up with the big boys. Crossfire’s teammate Guardian’s Origin is Granddaughter of American Steel. Descended from one of the first modern superheroes her powers appeared when she was a young child.
Players select an advantage based on their Origin. These advantages are inspired classic archetypes. The Metahumans Rising core book defines six of these archetypes encompassing a wide variety of classic comic book heroes and villains.
There are two advantages that fit Crossfire:
- Dedication: The Character is defined by their dedication to their craft and elevated by their continued struggle for perfection. Characters with a dedicated Origin are driven, focused, there is no challenge they will not take on if it stands in their way.
- Characters may use this Origin to Support any Roll they could normally use the Never Back Down Talent.
- Adaptations:
- Non-Human: The character is not human, and possesses powers based on their alien nature. The character has spent time developing these natural abilities.
- Empowered: Empowered Characters rely on various tools, either technological or magical. This may be a collection of gadgets and devices, a suit of high tech armor, or even a mystical relic that imbues the Character with supernatural ability. These Characters often possess a large fortune to draw on to supply their gear, or a deep understanding of how the equipment works, or both.
- Characters selects one of the following options:
- Collector use this Origin to Support Bargain Finder Rolls.
- Craftsman use this Origin to any Repair Rolls relating to their gear or similar devices.
- Characters selects one of the following options:
The Dedicated advantage represents a strength of spirit or indomitable will. When they are beaten down they are most capable of turning the tables thanks to a bonus to Never Back Down. The Dedicated advantage can also be used to represent non-human characters as they too have a tenancy to shock everyone. The Empowered advantage is focused on providing extra tools or gadgets or the ability to create, maintain and repair gear.
Both of these Origin advantages fit Crossfire. However, because he designed his own bow and multiple trick arrows his player selects the Empowered, Craftsman advantage. This way if Willow, Crossfire’s custom bow is ever damaged in battle he is capable of making quick repairs.
As the Granddaughter of American Steel Guardian’s Origin Advantage is a lot clearer:
- Generational (AKA Mutant): A naturally born Metahuman these Characters had their powers forced upon them by genetic heritage. This may be a blessing or a curse. Generational Characters are forced to build a thick skin and shrug off painful comments. Like the original Metahumans exposed to Kaiser Box Generationals tend to be exceptionally long lived, adding to the distrust some people have for Metahumans.
- Characters may use this Origin to Support any Mental Defense Rolls.
Born with her powers this fits Guardian perfectly,. The advantage ties especially well with the mental fortitude she was forced to develop growing up with her very demanding father.
Other Origin advantages include Experiment or Exposure, Supernatural and KB Exposure. This last advantage is specific to the world of Metahumans Rising. KB, or Kaiser Box, a chemical weapon that triggered the first Metahuman changes at the end of World War I. Like Generational heroes characters exposed to KB are often very tough and extremely long lived. This advantage can also be used to represent Immortal characters with a wealth of knowledge that spans greater than a single lifetime.
