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| | :: '''PHASE 1''' - ''the qualifying round'' | | :: '''PHASE 1''' - ''the qualifying round'' |
| | ::* Mastermind begins contacting villains, thugs, crooks and other seedy elements, telling them of the contest and its prize, instructing them to begin assailing superheroes and passing the good word to their villainous allies. To participate they must simply respond with accknowledgement. He doesn't mention that every villain on Earth is a contestant - even villain totally ignorant of the contest will be evaluated so long as word of their deeds reach the mastermind. | | ::* Mastermind begins contacting villains, thugs, crooks and other seedy elements, telling them of the contest and its prize, instructing them to begin assailing superheroes and passing the good word to their villainous allies. To participate they must simply respond with accknowledgement. He doesn't mention that every villain on Earth is a contestant - even villain totally ignorant of the contest will be evaluated so long as word of their deeds reach the mastermind. |
| − | ::* GOAL: Gain points by battling, defeating, and humiliating heroes. The more formidable the hero the more points are awarded for his defeat. Conversely, the more villainsthere are attacking a hero, the fewer points there are to go around. This is to weed out would-be competitors who are unfit to be a supervillain and to evaluate the supervillains abilites and powers. Villains who consistently lose to heroes, or who are too stupid to take advantage of their opportunities, or who are too psychopathic to control themselves under stress, will likely not do well enough to reach the second phase of the competition. The purpose of the contest is to determine the most powerful supervillains (and heroes) on Earth. The object of this initial phase is to weed out would-be competitors who are unfit. Villains who consistently lose to heroes, or who are too stupid to take advantage of their opportunities, or who are too psychopathic to control themselves under struss, will liely not do well enough to reach the second phase of the competition. <br> At this stage of the competition there is no interest in causing any deaths. The goals is learning the relative strengths of the heroes and villains. | + | ::* GOAL: Gain points by battling, defeating, and humiliating heroes. The more formidable the hero the more points are awarded for his defeat. Conversely, the more villainsthere are attacking a hero, the fewer points there are to go around. This is to weed out would-be competitors who are unfit to be a supervillain and to evaluate the supervillains abilites and powers. Villains who consistently lose to heroes, or who are too stupid to take advantage of their opportunities, or who are too psychopathic to control themselves under stress, will likely not do well enough to reach the second phase of the competition. The purpose of the contest is to determine the most powerful supervillains (and heroes) on Earth. |
| − | | |
| − | :: '''PHASE 2''' - ''the round of doom''
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| − | ::* ???
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| − | | |
| − | :: '''PHASE 3''' - ''the round of death''
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| − | ::* ???
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| − | | |
| | | | |
| | ---- | | ---- |
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| | ====Issue #1 OPEN==== | | ====Issue #1 OPEN==== |
| | ====='''PRELUDE'''===== | | ====='''PRELUDE'''===== |
| − | * Aid Mark with character building. | + | * Aid Sean & Mark with character building. |
| | * Hand out handouts! | | * Hand out handouts! |
| | ** Brick City folder | | ** Brick City folder |
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| | * Offer the players for someone to "chronicle" quotes for the game. = +1 HP per session. | | * Offer the players for someone to "chronicle" quotes for the game. = +1 HP per session. |
| | | | |
| − | ====='''reoccuring themes'''===== | + | ====='''GAME ON'''===== |
| | + | reoccuring themes |
| | * Therapy sessions: with PCs talking about their Heroic Motivation | | * Therapy sessions: with PCs talking about their Heroic Motivation |
| | * Wren narrates "and that's how it happened..." (note to players that it might NOT have happened that way according to continuity, but that's what he remembers...) | | * Wren narrates "and that's how it happened..." (note to players that it might NOT have happened that way according to continuity, but that's what he remembers...) |
| | | | |
| − | ====='''GAME ON - confusing opening'''===== | + | ====='''GAME ON'''===== |
| | * '''''NOW @ ...''''' ''a SIDEKICK speaks...'' A confessional style talk from '''Howard "Howie" Gilbert''' [formerly "Wren" of Firefox & Wren] wants into the PC super team. He's met them at the free counseling therapy meetings offered by C.H.O.R.E. (the Commission for Heroic Operations Reward Endevor) system. | | * '''''NOW @ ...''''' ''a SIDEKICK speaks...'' A confessional style talk from '''Howard "Howie" Gilbert''' [formerly "Wren" of Firefox & Wren] wants into the PC super team. He's met them at the free counseling therapy meetings offered by C.H.O.R.E. (the Commission for Heroic Operations Reward Endevor) system. |
| − | * '''''MEANWHILE @ ...''''' '''[http://wiki.rpg.net/index.php/Brick_City_SPOILERS#EARS EARS Group Therapy]''' office: '''Dr. Bloom, M. Ed., LMHC''' | + | * '''''MEANWHILE @ ...''''' '''[http://wiki.rpg.net/index.php/Brick_City_SPOILERS#EARS EARS Group Therapy]''' office: '''Dr. Richard R. Nash, M. Ed., LMHC''' |
| | * '''''PREVIOUSLY #1 @ ...''''' Individual buttkicking ('''Roll Initiative!''': Allow Players to choose their location based on initiative roll. Roll 50/50 to start scene to see if PC is doing good/bad to open) | | * '''''PREVIOUSLY #1 @ ...''''' Individual buttkicking ('''Roll Initiative!''': Allow Players to choose their location based on initiative roll. Roll 50/50 to start scene to see if PC is doing good/bad to open) |
| − | ::* GUS THE DIMENSIONAL: a pawn shop owner, whose pawn shop seems to be a place where interesting gadgets and artifacts find themselves. He has 4-5 of these at any given time. | + | ::* CORN STAR: ??? |
| − | ::* CORN-STAR: with the power to talk to corn, no one thought he could be a hero - especially in Jersey... He's since learned to animate corn and use corn as weapons. | + | ::* GUS, the DIMENSIONAL: ??? |
| − | ::* THE BEFUDDLER: criminals and friends alike fear getting unwanted tunes looped in their head, causing Confusion and sometimes Nausia or even Draining Will... | + | ::* the BEFUDDLER: ??? |
| − | ::* RED SHIRT: cursed by a gypsy when fighting over the last action figure at a "Space Trek" convention - he now dies and comes back moments later, each time with a random power/ability. | + | ::* STRETCH: ??? |
| − | | + | ::* RED SHIRT: ??? |
| | * '''''PREVIOUSLY #2 @ ...''''' At the C.H.O.R.E. offices (city hall) an angry ex-Hero shows up peeved at C.H.O.R.E. The PCs can choose to fight or talk him down. The man is - "TINY SAMPSON" [PL14 hulk/tom thumb-like hero] one time member of the Exemplars in the mid/late eighties, he is upset that they're not rolling over his 401k plan now that he's fully retired from heroing. | | * '''''PREVIOUSLY #2 @ ...''''' At the C.H.O.R.E. offices (city hall) an angry ex-Hero shows up peeved at C.H.O.R.E. The PCs can choose to fight or talk him down. The man is - "TINY SAMPSON" [PL14 hulk/tom thumb-like hero] one time member of the Exemplars in the mid/late eighties, he is upset that they're not rolling over his 401k plan now that he's fully retired from heroing. |
| | * '''''MEANWHILE @ ...''''' '''EARS Group Therapy''' office: '''Dr. Richard R. Nash, M. Ed., LMHC''' | | * '''''MEANWHILE @ ...''''' '''EARS Group Therapy''' office: '''Dr. Richard R. Nash, M. Ed., LMHC''' |
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| − | ====='''the Mob Plot'''=====
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| − | : Brick City's local Don's, '''Don Carmine Cesario''', darling daughter '''"Cindy"''' is having her sweet sixteen and her senior prom this weekend.
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| − | ::* NOTE - 16 year olds are typically sophomores in high-school, not Seniors. Cindy is on her first date with the star quarterback, who is a senior.
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| − | ::* NOTE - this is Cindy's chance to elevate her social standing rather than hang out with her peers, her pop's gotta understand that...
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| − | : Unfortunately, the Don's rival, '''Don Julio Vespucci''', has made some unwise comments about how it would be unfortunate if ''"something were to happen"'' to his pride and joy there... <br> So Don Carmine has "generously" offered to send a few "chaperones" to the prom. About a dozen of them, actually.
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| − | ::'''the Cesario Thugs'''
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| − | ::* 8 "Thugs", 2 "Gang Leaders": The Don's men lack super-powers (he doesn't think that's 'fair,'), but be well-armed and experienced.
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| − | : So the senior prom, already a festive event, is 'policed' by a dozen of the Cesario's made men, hardened criminals packing concealed weapons all, doing their level best to "look inconspicuous", since darling Cindy has put her foot down and insisted that "daddy" doesn't "make a scene". <br> It turns out that the rival, Don Julio, wasn't just blowing smoke and he's hired from '''NinjaCo''' (a fledgeling franchise of assassins) to show up to "make a scene", not "tipping his hat" to show for sure it's from the Vespucci family yet...
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| − | ::* The heroes are stuck in the middle of a senior prom turned gang war, with a petulant mafia princess freaking out that "daddy" has ruined her senior prom by dragging his "work" into her very special day.
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| − | ::* "Daddy's" men will, initially, try to keep things quiet, but once guns, or superpowers, start appearing, they will cut loose with the hardware while students:
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| − | :::a) flee screaming into the line of fire
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| − | :::b) "chivalrously" try to shield their dates and get themselves into even worse trouble
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| − | :::c) sit back and make smart arse comments.
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| − | ::* NOTE - Cindy may brain a bad-guy, screaming about how he's ruined her evening (or gotten punch on her dress, or mussed her hair, or scared off her date...).
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| − | ::'''the Vespucci Thugs'''
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| − | ::* 13 "Ninja", 1 "super": The rival's men consist of thugs from NinjaCo and a super-powered thug, attempting to use their powers to muscle in on the Don Carmine's criminal empire through fear and blackmail.
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| − | ::** Super???
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | '''WHY THE HEROES ARE THERE?'''
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| − | :* '''GUS''': as one or more prom attendees raid his shop for accessories (how weird that Gus has the *perfect* prom dress in stock, and one of the made men stopping in to pawn something he kiped sees it and mentions it to princess Cindy, which puts Gus in position to hear about the upcoming dance and potential gang war stuff...).
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| − | :* '''CORN-STAR''': was tagged to run a popcorn stand (thus giving him plenty of kernels as potential weaponry)
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| − | :* '''THE BEFUDDLER''': could be the Prom's DJ
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| − | :* '''RED-SHIRT''': could live up to his name and simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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| − | '''The FAMILIES (The Mob)''' <br> Mob operations are run from the top down by the city's three ruling families: the Cesarios, Maggios and Vespuccis.
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| − |
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| − | '''The Cesario Family''' <br> Carmine Cesario has been don of the Cesario organized crime family since the passing of his father "Big Nicky" Cesario some 15 years ago. Under Carmine's leadership, the Cesarios are currently the top-ranking of the city's three families. Carmine has no known powers, unless a vast network of henchmen, bribed city officials, and near-impenetrable resistance to prosecution count as powers. (They do.) Legally, Carmine is CEO of the Cesario Import/Export Concern, which operates down by the docks. His younger brother Salvatore, known for his impeccable gray suits and silvered sunglasses, serves as his primary enforcer.
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| − | * '''Cesario Import/Export Concern''': with Carmine as CEO this "front" business operates down by the docks.
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| − | * '''<strike>Don "Big Nicky" Cesario (deceased)</strike>''': The old Big Boss...
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| − | * '''Don Carmine Cesario''': The big boss...
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| − | ** '''Cinderella "Cindy" Cesario''': Don Carmine's darling daughter is sweet sixteen this year...
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| − | * '''Salvatore Cesario''': lead enforcer
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| − |
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| − | '''The Vespucci Family''' <br> Julio Vespucci is the don of the Vespucci family, third member of the Mob's ruling council. The Vespuccis run numbers rackets, casinos, and just about anything else designed with an eye toward separating the obsessive-compulsive from their paychecks. Julio Vespucci's headquarters is the Vespucci Cardhouse, a large bar and gambling establishment (all entirely legal, of course) on the west side of town.
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| − | * '''the Vespucci Cardhouse''': a large bar and gambling establishment (all entirely legal, of course) on the west side of town.
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| − | * '''Don Julio Vespucci''':
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| | ===Ordinances and Laws=== | | ===Ordinances and Laws=== |
| | + | ===Case Number PC-45-92 (the Mighty Puffin vs. the Fouls of Justice League)=== |
| | + | : It was ruled in case #PC-45-92, '''<u>the Mighty Puffin vs. the Fouls of Justice League</u>''', that under '''[[the Super-Disabilities Act of 1992]]''', superorganizations may not discriminate on the basis of physical handicaps that have caused the individual to develop other uncanny abilities in compensation. Additionally, discrimination is forbidden on the basis of race, ethnicity, alien origin, religion (your own or that of those who worship the ancient pantheon of which you are a part), sexual orientation, or milquetoastness of secret identity. |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | ===Social Aids=== | | ===Social Aids=== |
| | ===='''C.H.O.R.E.'''==== | | ===='''C.H.O.R.E.'''==== |
| | + | ''the Commission for Heroic Operations Reward Endevor system'': In order to increase the safety and welfare of its citizens the city government is instituting this super-rewards program. <br> ''"Do the chores get the rewards Brick City heroes!"'' |
| | :: standing in line to cash in the coupons for dumb gifts | | :: standing in line to cash in the coupons for dumb gifts |
| | :: save the coupons up to get the good stuff like with the fairground tickets. | | :: save the coupons up to get the good stuff like with the fairground tickets. |
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| | :: a free home make over for their hideouts (On the popular '''"Secret HQ for You"''' TV show for d-listers, like trading spaces or spouces but for team HQ's and/ or team leaders)! | | :: a free home make over for their hideouts (On the popular '''"Secret HQ for You"''' TV show for d-listers, like trading spaces or spouces but for team HQ's and/ or team leaders)! |
| | ::* "Super Welfare": snide super (one with hefty endorsements) refer to the checks that the B-list heroes wait in line for as "welfare" checks... | | ::* "Super Welfare": snide super (one with hefty endorsements) refer to the checks that the B-list heroes wait in line for as "welfare" checks... |
| − | ::* Hero reward points will be revoked, causing their prizes to get repo-ed on the convicted's premature escape from justice. Heroes can retain these points with their successful recapture of the villain. Recieving rewards from the conviction of super-criminals, including additional rewards for time served.
| |
| | :::The heroes get into a really tough knock-down drag-out fight with a known super-villain and eventually are victorious. They are giddy and high-fiving each other all the way to the CHORE offices where they fill out the paperwork for their claim. | | :::The heroes get into a really tough knock-down drag-out fight with a known super-villain and eventually are victorious. They are giddy and high-fiving each other all the way to the CHORE offices where they fill out the paperwork for their claim. |
| | :::* '''Reviewer''': "Hmm it says here that you battled against Eviscerator at 5th and Main near Central Bank." | | :::* '''Reviewer''': "Hmm it says here that you battled against Eviscerator at 5th and Main near Central Bank." |
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| | ::::* '''Hero 1''': "Bus stop?" | | ::::* '''Hero 1''': "Bus stop?" |
| | ::::* '''Hero 3''': "Sorry boss. That was me... it was where I was standing when my GUTS EXPLODED!!!" | | ::::* '''Hero 3''': "Sorry boss. That was me... it was where I was standing when my GUTS EXPLODED!!!" |
| | + | |
| | | | |
| | ====C.H.O.R.E. "phase-out"==== | | ====C.H.O.R.E. "phase-out"==== |
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| | ==VILLAIN IDEAS== | | ==VILLAIN IDEAS== |
| | ===Single Villains=== | | ===Single Villains=== |
| − | * '''SMART & his Neo-Anderthals''': as in "ME SMART!!!!" Albert Einstone, Dr. Prof. Albert Einstone, theoretical caveman from Earth's distant past flung into the modern world!! In his world/time "Alb" was the most brilliant "scientific" mind and a "kingpin" style of henchmen and mafia-like rule over his realm. He used things such as advanced wheel tech and fire to suppress, conquer and amaze.
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| − | He sends waves of cavemen on the backs of saber-tooth tigers, trained giant tree sloths ("they sneaky slow. No one notice them."), and even elite forces of cavemen riding on T-rexes (because you -have- to have cavemen riding dinosaurs in a silly supers game). Of course, you also need a storyline where Smart goes courting some super model (because he thinks he has to, to seize the "Queen" of the modern world) only to find love with a belligerent, burly woman with more in common among the neanderthals than people of her own time. And what happens when the power behind Smart starts having plans of her own....
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| − | the alien tech Smart uses is actually a highly intelligent, self-aware time machine. All those times Smart smacks it with a rock to make it work? It's like letting a kitten bite and claw you because you think it's cute and you want it to think it's all bad-ass. Same logic the machine uses, helping Smart conquer and rampage across the timestream because "aw, isn't he the cutest little thing" (in the background cavemen chase women, buildings explode, and velociraptors cling to the side of an out of control commuter train).
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| − | Working on the theory of Arthur C. Clarke's 3rd Law: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
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| − | But when he found a piece of "advanced technology" from beyond our Earth (actually a magical alien artifact, al la "Cosmic Cube")... He found that his experiments and inventions were working well beyond anything ever dreamed!! In reality, what was truly happening was his "every wish" was being made true as his mind (via the artifact) interpreted his wish/ideas into reality as a strange "stone tech" invention (such as lashing several rocks, wood and animal hides together to make a flying machine!) that should/would NEVER have worked without the power of that "magical artifact" giving it the power from his belief that it should work...
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| − | Finally being thwarted by a caveman HERO (& rival) of his time... the hero grabbed the magic artifact and "wished Alb away!" unknowingly hurling him, a few minions (and the artifact) into the far-far future - our time of 2012!
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| − | Now alone in his species, but still the most brilliant caveman in history (with his amazing artifact), Alb now seeks ways to get back to his world, or better yet... bring his world/time into our reality.
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| − | THE PLOT: build a time machine to turn our time/world into caveman time/world!! Though the "technology" he needs to build for this is clearly outside his thinking (so he can't simply "wish" it into tech-existance), so he's discovered that our world has many theoretical time machine plans... he will send his minions into the world to steal every time-travel theory concocted!! (meaning - all the time travel movies of fiction!!)
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| − | OR... a two tier approach to his plan being revealed. At first it's just a strange series of thefts, and when players learn his motivation they figure, "Ah, he just wants to go home." Then they find out that no, he actually wants to transform the world back to his time and it's a huge threat.
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| − | Now rather than crazy time travel devices what I'd suggest is that he's stealing famous calendars and clocks. Stonehenge*, the atomic clock in New Mexico, Big Ben, all interner timekeeping websites, and stuff like that. At the same time he's prepping a plan to destroy every other clock and calender in the world!
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| − | His ultimate plan is based on the idea that time is determined by perception. If everyone in the world can only look to his (famous) timekeeping devices for reference, then only he can determine the time, date, and year. And if he says it's millions of years ago... it will become millions of years ago! That seems sufficiently silly.
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| − | he committs a crime and then disguises it as an animal attack/vandalism. It looks like one thing, but it's really another!
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| − | He has tamed the very forces of nature by training animals to carry out his commands. Animals obeying man!
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| − | Through his ability to generate fire at will, he has set fire to your very dwelling. Ultimate destruction!
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| − | He has created tools allowing him to propel sharpened sticks with great force. They're called arrows! better take cover!
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| − | So the gag is, he does some very basic stuff but he has complete mastery of it because he invented it. Villains with trained animals or who shoot bows or cover their tracks with false trails are pretty common, but it's still effective. Old tricks are the best tricks.
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| − | * '''Clock Commander''': Clock manipulation. Start, stop, speed up, or set all clocks with your MIIIIND. Impregnable time release safe? No problem. Need someone important to be late to a meeting? Got it covered. Time bomb? Yeah, it'll go off the other side of the next century. So many things are dependant on internal timers, you could do some serious dickishness with clock manipulation.
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| | * '''Dr. Detatch''': a villain who can GRAFT arms, legs, parts to his minions - taking them from the heroes. | | * '''Dr. Detatch''': a villain who can GRAFT arms, legs, parts to his minions - taking them from the heroes. |
| | * '''Dr. TNT''': minons, which are actually identical robots (that look exactly like the evil doctor) and EXPLODE when triggered. A Triggered damage effect with the Explosion extra. Killing the user seems to be accepted as a -3 flaw around these parts. | | * '''Dr. TNT''': minons, which are actually identical robots (that look exactly like the evil doctor) and EXPLODE when triggered. A Triggered damage effect with the Explosion extra. Killing the user seems to be accepted as a -3 flaw around these parts. |
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| | * '''Tommy Gun''' - A roaring 20's mobster themed guy with a hi-tech machine guy in a violin case. | | * '''Tommy Gun''' - A roaring 20's mobster themed guy with a hi-tech machine guy in a violin case. |
| − |
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| − | * '''Dr. Kill All Humans''' -
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| | * '''Freaky Bones''' - A freak accident turned everything but his skeleton invisible and made him super strechy too | | * '''Freaky Bones''' - A freak accident turned everything but his skeleton invisible and made him super strechy too |
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| | * '''Vandor''': the indestructible laser-beam shooting giant with razor-tipped fingers. | | * '''Vandor''': the indestructible laser-beam shooting giant with razor-tipped fingers. |
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| − | * '''The Living Doll''': and give a hero point or a few extra pp at the end of the chapter if they cry out, "My god, he's filled with tinier men!" while the villain uses his duplication powers.
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| | * '''GI Joe Stalin: | | * '''GI Joe Stalin: |
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| | * '''Skyrocket''' = Miss America + Rex Splode: patriotic firecracker | | * '''Skyrocket''' = Miss America + Rex Splode: patriotic firecracker |
| | * '''Quick-Change''' = Whizzer + Shapesmith: constantly changing man of a million faces | | * '''Quick-Change''' = Whizzer + Shapesmith: constantly changing man of a million faces |
| − | * '''Circuitboard''' = Thin Man + Robot: android able to morph "himself" into any computer component | + | * '''Circuitboard''' = Thin Man + Robot: android able to morph "himself" into any computer component |
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| | ===Villain Teams=== | | ===Villain Teams=== |
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| | ==OPENING== | | ==OPENING== |
| − | '''THE ACCEPTABLES!''' <br> <br> ''METRO CITY, a shining jewel in the crown of truth, justice and the American way. A thriving metropolis that is home to some of the greatest heroes this world has ever known. The Order of the Exemplars... <br> <br> But that's not our story... <br> BRICK CITY is about 30 minutes west. <br> Formerly known for her high-quality building materials. <br> Now known for the majority of the world's low-grade supers. Heroes who are really good at heroing await the day they receive the coveted "golden envelope" - the ticket to the big leagues in Metro City! <br> <br> For the rest of you ... well, that's why you have day jobs. <br> But HEY... We can't all be Exemplars. <br> Heck... Hero stuff is hard. <br> Super-villains get all the time to plot, plan, and manipulate. <br> THEN... when they pull back the curtain back on their big caper, you're expected to trash it in 59 seconds or KA-BLOOIE!! <br> <br> So if Count Killcrazy wants revenge on Brick City, he'll get his chance. <br> And you'll be waiting... <br> <br> You're not classic superheroes. You're not the favorites. <br> You're not super-cool. <br> You're the other guys. <br> The guys nobody ever bets on. <br> <br> No Saturday morning cartoons or breakfast cereals for you. <br> No high-profile sponsorship deals or primo-endorsements. <br> <br> Face it... You're barely acceptable. <br> But yer a hero. <br> That's the life. <br> That's what you do.'' <br> <br> '''ACCEPTABLES! HEROIFY!'''
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| − | ==Super Hero Manual==
| + | METRO CITY is a shining jewel in the crown of truth, justice and the American way, a thriving metropolis that is home to some of the greatest heroes this world has ever known. |
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| − | '''THE GOVERNMENT <br> DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE <br> BUREAU OF SUPERHEROICS''' <br> <br> <br> '''TO''': All Aspirants to Superheroes status <br> '''FROM''': Dr. Jane Loudermilk, Undersecretary of Superheroics <br> '''RE''': "The Government Manual for New Superheroes <br> <br> <br> ''Your Government wants you to succeed in whatever you choose to do (except if you choose to overthrow the Government). To this end, the Government publishes a series of guides to provide a Useful Information, such as "The Government Manual for New Homeowners" and "The Government Manual for New Motor Vehicle Operators" (but not "The Government Manual for New Overthrowers of the Government"). <br> <br> "The Government Manual for New Superheroes" will help you get started as a costumed crimefighter. Because it is meant to aid thebroadest possible audience, it has been written for those who do not have superpowers. That is, it is intended mostly for the moody millionaire industrialists, the crusading reporters, and the chipper young orphans who, according to the latest census figures, make up the larger part of the populace. It is less helful for the aliens, psychic prodigies, mythic gods, and mysterious dwellers of unseen realms who make up the rest. <br> <br> Herein you will find Indispensable Guidance regarding the many and varied options you must consider and actions you must take early on. A superhero cannot be a fence-sitter, after all. Even the late, legendary FENCESITTER or the MONUMENTAL GLACIER have taken action from time to time, albeit often in an untimely fashion. <br> <br> At the outset of your career arise some of the most difficult but potentially rewarding choices you will ever need to make: your name, first and formost. Will mention of your moniker give your foes fits, or giggles? Next: your costume-if you are going to be in the same outfit every time duty calls, you had best pick one that is both comfortable and practical, and falttering as well. Your symbol? An icon is worth a thousand catchphrases, and yours will stand for what you stand for. Where will you hide out? In whom will you confide? Will you go solo or do you prefer company, either in the form of a protege (or "sidekick", in Government-sanctioned parlance) or teammates of equal stature, if different skills? And when you are finally ready to declare yourself super, when you have copleted the proper forms and paid your registration fees and union dues, who will you fight? <br> <br> This guid is written in Straightforward Language-the kind of simple, casual speech you might use every day as you indulge in lengthy interior monologues that explain your origins, your current mental state, and any previous encounters you might have had with the persons around you. Numberous headings divide the material into Discrete Sections, and words have been capitalized only when Strictly Necessary. The overall presentation in printed and bound form allows you to use a bookmark to hold your place if you need to stop reading in order to, say, render assistance to a fellow citizen, or take something off the stove. <br> <br> That said, you are now only several lengthy articles, multiple duplex forms, and an official stamp from santioned superheroism. We wish you the speed of MARATHON-MAN, the strength of TINY SAMPSON, and the wisdom of SCHOLARA: THE HUMAN FOOTNOTE as you begin as an up, up, and coming superhero.''
| + | BRICK CITY is about 30 minutes to the west, one of METRO CITY's neighbors. A town formerly known for its high-quality building materials - now known for its low-to-medium-quality superheroes. |
| | | | |
| | + | Those heroes who are really good at it may someday receive the coveted golden envelope that means an interview with the Exemplars in Metro City. For those who aren't, or at least aren't yet ... well, that's why most superheroes in Brick City have day jobs. |
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| | | | |
| − | ===Not Answering to Your Civilian Name===
| + | These ain't your classic superheroes. They're not the favorites. These're the other guys. The guys nobody ever bets on. ... They strike down evil with the mighty sword of mediocrity and the hammer of sheer luck. |
| − | You will likely find it difficult enough at first remembering to respond to your superhero name once you have adopted it. Therefore, you must prepare for those times when you will be someone else, and to answer to your civilian name would confirm the suspecions of those who would do you ill and compromize the safety of your family, friends, and workaday colleagues. Perhaps even before you choose your superhero name you should begin practicing not answering to your civilian name for hours at a stretch - unless you are a teenager, in which case you probably already have some practice not responding to your name, at least when called by adults.
| |
| | | | |
| | + | There's no shame in that those, HEY... we can all be heroes, some of us look better in spandex than others... |
| | | | |
| − | ==Worldwide Superhero Unions==
| + | Heck, we all know the major difficulty in superheroing is you are reactive. The villain gets all the time to plot and plan, and manipulate, and when they pull the curtain on their big show, you've got to trash it in 59 seconds. |
| − | Even superheroes - lone crusaders and team members alike - benefit from membership in groups expressly organized to protect their special interests. Consider joining one of these:
| |
| | | | |
| − | ===United Federation of Archetypes===
| + | Sigh... If Count Killcrazy wants revenge on Brick City, he will have his chance. |
| − | :: The oldest superhero union, represents the oldest superheroes, jealously safeguarding their interests in the most oft-imitated character features and facets.
| |
| | | | |
| − | ===Beneficial Organization of Caped Crusaders===
| + | And someone will be waiting. These dudes are not famous, not super-cool. |
| − | :: Boasts a singel prerequisite to membership!
| |
| | | | |
| − | ===Protective Coalition of Converted Villains===
| + | They don't have their own Saturday morning cartoon, or breakfast cereal. |
| − | :: Lobbies for the equal treatment of those who traded a life of crime for a life of crimefighting.
| |
| | | | |
| − | ===Fraternal Union of Detective Heroes===
| + | No high-profile sponsorship deals, or endorsements. |
| − | :: Among other benefits, provides economic assistance by periodically purchasing magnifying glasses, prints-dusters, and mini-microphones in bulk.
| |
| | | | |
| − | ===Rights Alliance of Extraterrestrial Champions===
| + | They're barely acceptable. |
| − | :: Being from another planet is difficult enough. Being alien and godlike is a full-time job. We can help.
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| | | | |
| − | ===International Brotherhood of Female Paragons===
| + | They suck. |
| − | :: We know that it's not the tight costume, but rather what's under the tight costume, that's important.
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| | | | |
| − | ===Benevolent Order of Fist-Fighters===
| |
| − | :: Extends an open hand to prospective members; won't knuckle under when bargaining for benefits.
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| | | | |
| − | ===Organizing Board of Journeymen Avengers===
| + | ACCEPTABLES! HEROIFY! |
| − | :: OBJA represents apprentice practitioners of the fine art of superheroic vengeance, because "Vengeance is a minefield".
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| | | | |
| − | ===Federated Society of Muntants and Altered Humans===
| |
| − | :: We fight to change the system so you won't have to change (again).
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| | | | |
| − | ===Amalgamated Committee of Radioactive Persons===
| |
| − | :: A welcoming home for the zapped, nuked, and fried alike.
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| | | | |
| − | ===Labor Associaton of Sidekicks, Mascots, and Mechanics===
| |
| − | :: Looking out for the underlings, the underdogs, and the grease monkeys.
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| | | | |
| − | ===Planetary Council of Users of Enchanted Artifacts=== | + | ==Super Hero Manual== |
| − | :: By the Power of organization for the purpose of negotiation on matters of wages, seniority, working conditions, fringe benefits, and the like... we have the Power!
| |
| | | | |
| − | ==Application for Registration==
| + | THE GOVERNMENT |
| − | '''I. Biographical Data'''
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| − | The following questions will aid ??? in its decision process.
| |
| − | : '''Superheroic Name''':
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| − | : Identification Data: (circle all that apply)
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| − | :* Human
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| − | :* Mutant
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| − | :* Altered Human
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| − | :* Alien (includes other dimensional beings)
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| − | :* Godling
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| − | :* Mystic Being
| |
| − | : '''Real Name''' (optional, see fine print):
| |
| − | :* ''first, middle, last, suffix''
| |
| − | : Date of Birth:
| |
| − | : Date of Origin:
| |
| − | : Base of Operations: (include zip code)
| |
| − | : Red Phone / Fax No.: (___) ___-____
| |
| − | : Please provide an address, telephone number, email, or some alternate means of contact:
| |
| | | | |
| − | ----
| + | DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE |
| | | | |
| − | '''OFFICE USE ONLY'''
| + | BUREAU OF SUPERHEROICS |
| − | : Name available?
| |
| − | : Hyphen nesessary?
| |
| | | | |
| − | ----
| |
| | | | |
| − | '''II-A. Constume'''
| + | TO: All Aspirants to Superheroes status |
| − | : Please provide a detailed description of your costume below. Include boot size. Attach additional sheets if necessary.
| |
| − | : Cape? | |
| | | | |
| − | ----
| + | FROM: Dr. Jane Loudermilk, Undersecretary of Superheroics |
| | | | |
| − | '''II-B. Insignia'''
| + | RE: "The Government Manual for New Superheroes |
| − | : Draw your insignia here: | |
| | | | |
| − | ----
| |
| | | | |
| − | '''III. Affiliations'''
| + | Your Government wants you to succeed in whatever you choose to do (except if you choose to overthrow the Government). To this end, the Government publishes a series of guides to provide a Useful Information, such as "The Government Manual for New Homeowners" and "The Government Manual for New Motor Vehicle Operators" (but not "The Government Manual for New Overthrowers of the Government"). |
| − | : Sidekick?
| |
| − | :: If yes, Name:
| |
| − | : Member of team?
| |
| − | :: If yes, Name of team:
| |
| − | :: Team base of operations:
| |
| | | | |
| − | : Known Nemeses: (list in order of first inimical encounter)
| + | "The Government Manual for New Superheroes" will help you get started as a costumed crimefighter. Because it is meant to aid thebroadest possible audience, it has been written for those who do not have superpowers. That is, it is intended mostly for the moody millionaire industrialists, the crusading reporters, and the chipper young orphans who, according to the latest census figures, make up the larger part of the populace. It is less helful for the aliens, psychic prodigies, mythic gods, and mysterious dwellers of unseen realms who make up the rest. |
| − | : Names of confidant(e)(s): (list in order of trustworthiness)
| |
| | | | |
| − | ----
| + | Herein you will find Indispensable Guidance regarding the many and varied options you must consider and actions you must take early on. A superhero cannot be a fence-sitter, after all. Even the late, legendary FENCESITTER or the MONUMENTAL GLACIER have taken action from time to time, albeit often in an untimely fashion. |
| − | '''IV. Powers & Vulnerabilities'''
| |
| − | : Describe your powers and abilities as precisely as possible. Indicate if they have been documented (news footage, eyewitness accounts, etc...)
| |
| − | : Describe any vulnerabilities, drawbacks or complications of concern (optional, see fine print):
| |
| − | ----
| |
| − | '''V. Interest Details'''
| |
| − | : Do you plan to fight crime in Brick City? Do you have other geographic preferences?
| |
| − | : Would you be willing to relocate?
| |
| − | : Which division are you applying for? (check all that apply)
| |
| − | :* Guardian
| |
| − | :* Industrial
| |
| − | :* Entertainment
| |
| − | ----
| |
| − | '''VI-A. Background'''
| |
| − | : Which types of teammates would you care to work with? (note compatable or complimentary abilities as well as personality types)
| |
| − | : Have you ever been convicted of a felong? (if yes, explain on the back of this sheet)
| |
| − | : Do you consent to a genetic examination for insurance purposes, if necessary?
| |
| − | ----
| |
| − | '''VI-B. Background'''
| |
| | | | |
| − | Provide any character references you feel would aid in the decision making process. Do not list relatives. (optional, see fine print)
| + | At the outset of your career arise some of the most difficult but potentially rewarding choices you will ever need to make: your name, first and formost. Will mention of your moniker give your foes fits, or giggles? Next: your costume-if you are going to be in the same outfit every time duty calls, you had best pick one that is both comfortable and practical, and falttering as well. Your symbol? An icon is worth a thousand catchphrases, and yours will stand for what you stand for. Where will you hide out? In whom will you confide? Will you go solo or do you prefer company, either in the form of a protege (or "sidekick", in Government-sanctioned parlance) or teammates of equal stature, if different skills? And when you are finally ready to declare yourself super, when you have copleted the proper forms and paid your registration fees and union dues, who will you fight? |
| − | : Name:
| |
| − | : Address:
| |
| − | : Email:
| |
| − | : Phone:
| |
| − | : Relationship with applicant:
| |
| − | ----
| |
| − | All information and statements herein are accurate and true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
| |
| − | : Signature:
| |
| | | | |
| | + | This guid is written in Straightforward Language-the kind of simple, casual speech you might use every day as you indulge in lengthy interior monologues that explain your origins, your current mental state, and any previous encounters you might have had with the persons around you. Numberous headings divide the material into Discrete Sections, and words have been capitalized only when Strictly Necessary. The overall presentation in printed and bound form allows you to use a bookmark to hold your place if you need to stop reading in order to, say, render assistance to a fellow citizen, or take something off the stove. |
| | | | |
| − | ----
| + | That said, you are now only several lengthy articles, multiple duplex forms, and an official stamp from santioned superheroism. We wish you the speed of MARATHON-MAN, the strength of TINY SAMPSON, and the wisdom of SCHOLARA: THE HUMAN FOOTNOTE as you begin as an up, up, and coming superhero. |
| − | ----
| |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | ==FREE From the Bureau of Superheroics==
| |
| − | Box 1075, Pueblo, Colorado:
| |
| − | * Righteous Down to the Seams: Making Sure Your Costume Provider Is Sweatshop-Free
| |
| − | * What You Need to Know Before Fighting Crime Abroad
| |
| − | * What You Need to Know Before Fighting Crime in Outer Space
| |
| − | * What You Need to Know Before Fighting Crime in a Vast Cavern in the Center of the Earth Where Monstrous Bats Breathe Fire
| |
| − | * Can I Claim My Sidekick as a Dependant? And 99 Other Common Tax Questions
| |
| − | * Buying a Used Hall of Justice - Know Your Rights
| |
| − | | |
| − | | |
| − | ==Other Publications of Interest===
| |
| − | * Heather's Mommy Has Two Identities: A Guide for Children of Crimefighters
| |
| − | * So You've Been Bitten by a Radioactive Animal Whose Inherent Abilities Have Been Transferred to You: What Next?
| |
| − | * Reverend Revenge's Guide to Retroactive Continuity: How to Revise Your Origins Without Anybody Noticing
| |
| − | * Who Moved the Piece of Chees That Is the Only Substance on Earth That Can Sap My Superpowers?
| |
| − | * I'm OK, You're Evil - But I'm OK with That: Daily Affirmations for Superheroes Who Do Too Much
| |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | + | ===Not Answering to Your Civilian Name=== |
| | + | You will likely find it difficult enough at first remembering to respond to your superhero name once you have adopted it. Therefore, you must prepare for those times when you will be someone else, and to answer to your civilian name would confirm the suspecions of those who would do you ill and compromize the safety of your family, friends, and workaday colleagues. Perhaps even before you choose your superhero name you should begin practicing not answering to your civilian name for hours at a stretch - unless you are a teenager, in which case you probably already have some practice not responding to your name, at least when called by adults. |
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| Line 943: |
Line 791: |
| | ==WORKING NOTES== | | ==WORKING NOTES== |
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| − | Costumed Identities are recognized as legal identities so heroes can testify in court, open bank accounts and charities in under their code name, and stuff like that. You'll probably want an amendment says if the costume identity commits a crime, the protection is forfeit.
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| − |
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| − | The use of powers is assault, except in cases of self-defense and stopping crimes. Depending on the setting and tone, the hero might be picked up for excessive force.
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| − |
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| − | Perhaps a protection from civil, so heroes don't get sued for damage during a super fight. Except of course when the hero is willingly negligent (shooting through a hostage, for example).
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| − |
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| − | Superheroes are exempt from reading the Miranda warning, warrants and such because they aren't official law enforcement.
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| − |
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| − | Basically, it depends on what kind of feel you want. If you want a more realistic legal system or supers are a recent phenomenon you probably just want real laws, but supers have a lot of hoops to jump through and probably have to be official law enforcement agents to actually do anything. If it's a traditional "supers have always been around preventing crimes" story then I would just assume everything they do is legal and laws have been passed throughout the years, because the world knows that superheroes are needed to protect everyone from alien invaders and giant robots that governments are not necessarily equipped to handle.
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| − | -----------
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | What is a Citizens Arrest?
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| − |
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| − | By: Collin McKibben, Attorney at Law & Ariella Rosenberg
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| − |
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| − | Everyone is familiar with the term citizens arrest: we have seen it on TV, read about it in books, and even heard about it in social circles. Surprisingly, however, almost nobody really understands what a citizens arrest is, or legally, what it represents.
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| − |
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| − | A citizen's arrest is an arrest performed by a civilian who lacks official government authority to make an arrest (as opposed to an officer of the law). An arrest, as defined by Black's Law Dictionary, is "The apprehending or detaining of a person in order to be forthcoming to answer an alleged or suspected crime." Ex parte Sherwood, (29 Tex. App. 334, 15 S.W. 812).
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| − |
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| − | Although generally the person making a citizens arrest must be a citizen, in certain states, a citizens arrest can be carried out by a civilian who is not a citizen (for example, an alien or illegal immigrant). A citizens arrest does not necessarily mean an arrest made by a single individual who happens to witness a crime. For example, a department store may also carry out a citizens arrest in the course of apprehending a shoplifter.
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| − |
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| − | Legal Requirements for Making a Citizens Arrest
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| − |
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| − | The right to making a citizens arrest goes back to our roots in English common law. Historically, before the modern infrastructure of police departments, citizen's arrests were an important part of community law enforcement. Today, citizens arrests are still legal in every state, although state laws pertaining to citizens arrests are not uniform. In general, all states permit citizens arrests if a criminal felony (defined by the government as a serious crime, usually punishable by at least one year in prison) is witnessed by the citizen carrying out the arrest, or if a citizen is asked to help apprehend a suspect by the police. Variations of state law arise in cases of misdemeanors, breaches of the peace, and felonies not witnessed by the arresting party.
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| − |
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| − | For example, California Penal Code mandates:
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| − | A private person may arrest another: 1. For a public offense committed or attempted in his presence. 2. When the person arrested has committed a felony, although not in his presence. 3. When a felony has been in fact committed, and he has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed it. (C.P.C. 837).
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| − |
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| − | In contrast, New York State Consolidated Laws hold that:
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| − | Any person may arrest another person (a) for a felony when the latter has in fact committed such felony, and (b) for any offense when the latter has in fact committed such offense in his presence. (N.Y.C.L. 140.30).
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| − |
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| − | Unlike the California statute, which only permits citizens arrests in cases of felony, New York law extends the possibility for making a citizens arrest to any offense committed in [ones] presence. Additionally, in cases where the citizen has not necessarily witnessed the crime being committed, California law allows citizens arrests when a citizen has reasonable cause for believing the person arrested to have committed [a felony], whereas New York law applies only to situations in which person has in fact committed a felony. Distinctions such as these are importantunwarranted citizens arrests can result in repercussions (such as law suits) for well-meaning citizens who attempt to make arrests without understanding local laws. It is important to be familiar with the laws in your particular state should you want to carry out a citizens arrest, or should a citizen try to unlawfully detain you.
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| − |
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| − | Anatomy of a Citizens Arrest
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| − |
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| − | Once a person has committed an offense meriting a citizens arrest (under the applicable state law), the arresting party must follow certain guidelines to detain and deliver to authorities the suspect in question. Acceptable guidelines for carrying out a citizens arrest also vary by state. In general, the arresting party must notify the suspect as to why he or she is being arrested, and may enter the building or private residence where the suspect is residing, using a reasonable amount of force to apprehend the suspect. In California, for example, To make an arrest, a private person, if the offense is a felonymay break open the door or window of the house in which the person to be arrested is, or in which they have reasonable grounds for believing the person to be, after having demanded admittance and explained the purpose for which admittance is desired. (C.P.C., 844). In New York, A person may arrest another person for an offenseat any hour of any day or night. 2. Such person must inform the person whom he is arresting of the reason for such arrest unless he encounters physical resistance, flight or other factors rendering such procedure impractical. 3. In order to effect such an arrest, such person may use such physical force as is justifiable pursuant to subdivision four of section 35.30 of the penal law. (N.Y.C.L. 140.35).
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| − |
| |
| − | Once the suspect has been taken into custody (by the citizen), it is the citizens responsibility to deliver the suspect to the proper authorities in a timely fashion. In California, A private person who has arrested another for the commission of a public offense must, without unnecessary delay, take the person arrested before a magistrate, or deliver him or her to a peace officer. (C.P.C. 847). In New York, a citizen must also act without unnecessary delay to deliver a suspect to an officer of the law. (N.Y.C.L. 140).
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| − |
| |
| − | Dangers of Making an Erroneous Citizens Arrest
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| − |
| |
| − | Making a citizen's arrest maliciously or with insufficient evidence of wrongdoing by the arrested individual can lead to civil or criminal penalties. Additionally, it is in violation of a suspects rights for a citizen making an arrest to use unnecessary force, to intentionally harm the suspect, to hold the suspect in unsafe conditions, or to delay in turning the suspect over to authorities. A citizen making an arrest is acting in the place of an officer of the law, and as such, is required to uphold the same rights and civil liberties as an officer of the law must uphold.
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| − |
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| − | A citizen who violates a suspects rights, or who violates the applicable state law in detaining the suspect, (for example, arresting a suspect for a misdemeanor when the state statute requires a felony for a citizens arrest), risks being sued or even charged with a crime. Additionally, if it is found that the arresting party did not meet the pertinent state requirements for a citizens arrest, any contraband found on the suspect will have been found illegally, and charges may be dropped entirely.
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| − |
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| − | If you feel that you have been unfairly arrested by a citizen, or if you have been charged with illegally detaining a suspect during an illegitimate citizens arrest, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney. A good attorney will demonstrate familiarity with state laws, and as such will help you to ensure the best possible outcome of your case.
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| − |
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| − |
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| − | It may also be possible to set up a superhero identity as an agent of a corporation (e.g. Iron Man is Tony Stark's bodyguard), in which case the corporation can represent the super in court. This mostly covers civil liability, not criminal liability, as far as I know, and it generally requires the corporation to have quite substantial legal and financial assets, and thus it only works if the super is either independently wealthy, or has a wealthy patron.
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| − |
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| − | -------------
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| − |
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| − | serious physical injury or death, either of one's self or another. Moreover, many states impose a duty to retreat, claiming that if the aggresively-defending party had the option of retreating without risk but chose not to do so, that they were not truly in fear of injury or death.
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| − |
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| − | Versus supervillians, this statute pretty much goes away. If you're in a Silver Age comic, then the villians aren't inducing fear of serious physical injury; on the other hand, you're not about to go killing them, either. However, the law is clear; if the villian is threatening innocents, then you can kill him, with full legal sanction.
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| − |
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| − | However, in addition to crooked DAs and ambiguous acts of violence, there are also civil cases to consider. Private citizens have no protection against civil judgement for either self-defense or citizen's arrests; even if they act completely in accord with the letter of the law, they can still be sued.
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| − |
| |
| − | Plot hook I've used: There exists the Super-Villian's Civil Liberties Union, who specialize in (and are very highly paid to) getting superheros in legal hot water over their perfectly legimate acts of civic duty. Although their funding comes from morally-questionable sources, they are legitimate about their purpose. More than a few superheros have suggested that when the monsters come, if they happen to start their rampage at the SVCLU, they'll just be a few minutes late. However, the most ethical supers will and have fought to preserve the lives of lawyers that will sue them for acts of destruction of property and assault committed in the very act of saving said lawyers. As these supers say, if you're not willing to fight your hardest to save the people you most disagree with, you're not really for saving humanity. (Notice: In case my paraphrase didn't tip you off, such an organization would be the evil opposite of the ACLU.)
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| − |
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| − | Being more (or less) than human.
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| − | OK, let's get one thing clear. In a world without angels, reincarnated souls, undead, sentient robots, mutants, aliens, talking animals, creatures from the dawn of time, elemental spirits, nonsentient robots that can pass Turing tests, and the like, we still have no legal definition of humanity. In a world with said confounding factors, it is reasonable to assume that the laws defining what constitutes a person will be tangled and muddled beyond comprehension, leaving the question of personhood in any specific questionable case permanently open.
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| − |
| |
| − | Plot Hook I've Used: Following the trend started with the golem Emet, the nation of Israel has embarked on an extraordinary policy of super-human immigration. Many non-human or questionably-human supers, in return for agreeing to a mutual non-aggression pact and general statement of goodwill, are granted naturalized citizen status, with accompanying implied personhood to any nation with diplomatic ties to Israel. When asked about the moral questions raised by such a policy and whether or not such open pronouncements of personhood could be a mistake, a prominent rabbi replied, "I'm pretty sure that if we're to make a mistake, God would prefer it to be one of too much acceptance and openness rather than not enough." Critics of Israel say that the policy is nothing but a naked excuse to build up a superhuman paramilitary force; however, they've been saying things like this for so long, no one's listening now that it might have a slight chance of being true.
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| − |
| |
| − | Costumes and Masks:
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| − | Superheros start with a fair amount of legal sanction to be vigilantes; doing so anonymously takes it all away. Simply being out in public in a full-face mask is considered evidence of criminal intent in many jurisdictions, and in no jurisdiction is doing so and then beating people up considered a private-citizen best practice. Refusing to legally identify one's self and testify at a villian's trial could throw doubt on the certainty of the villian's conviction, and would certainly weaken the evidence the hero presented. All in all, if you want to have your heros have a slightly scruffy relationship with the law, you'll have better luck doing it over the masks than actual beating up of the super-villians.
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| − | How do superheros and supervillians enforce their trademarked images? This is actually a very serious issue; a supervillian with illusion, morphing, or even just tailoring ability can quickly ruin a hero's image by aping that hero and sinning in public. Moreover, what's to stop smart-alecs from getting their own costumes and masks and trying (and failing) to join the ranks of the super-powered?
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| − | Plot hook I've used: Hero fights. Every so often, heroes get together and have their own competitive event, with any number of special categories, and terminating in a gigantic brawl at the end. It lets the paragon heros get out their athletic urges without shaming Olympic athelets, lets newcomers to the hero scene showcase their abilities, and finally, serves as a reminder to all of the heroes present why the organizers of said event (who win a lot of the events) are the ones making global-spanning decisions about super-heroism.
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| − | Section 35.00 Justification; a defense
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| − | In any prosecution for an offense, justification, as defined in sections 35.05 through 35.30, is a defense.
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| − | Section 35.05 Justification; generally
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| − | Unless otherwise limited by the ensuing provisions of this article defining justifiable use of physical force, conduct which would otherwise constitute an offense is justifiable and not criminal when:
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| − | 1. Such conduct is required or authorized by law or by a judicial decree, or is performed by a public servant in the reasonable exercise of his official powers, duties or functions; or
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| − | 2. Such conduct is necessary as an emergency measure to avoid an imminent public or private injury which is about to occur by reason of a situation occasioned or developed through no fault of the actor, and which is of such gravity that, according to ordinary standards of intelligence and morality, the desirability and urgency of avoiding such injury clearly outweigh the desirability of avoiding the injury sought to be prevented by the statute defining the offense in issue. The necessity and justifiability of such conduct may not rest upon considerations pertaining only to the morality and advisability of the statute, either in its general application or with respect to its application to a particular class of cases arising thereunder. Whenever evidence relating to the defense of justification under this subdivision is offered by the defendant, the court shall rule as a matter of law whether the claimed facts and circumstances would, if established, constitute a defense.
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| − | Section 35.10 Justification; use of physical force generally
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| − | The use of physical force upon another person which would otherwise constitute an offense is justifiable and not criminal under any of the following circumstances:
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| − | 1. A parent, guardian or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a person under the age of twenty-one or an incompetent person, and a teacher or other person entrusted with the care and supervision of a person under the age of twenty-one for a special purpose, may use physical force, but not deadly physical force, upon such person when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to maintain discipline or to promote the welfare of such person.
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| − | 2. A warden or other authorized official of a jail, prison or correctional institution may, in order to maintain order and discipline, use such physical force as is authorized by the correction law.
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| − | 3. A person responsible for the maintenance of order in a common carrier of passengers, or a person acting under his direction, may use physical force when and to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to maintain order, but he may use deadly physical force only when he reasonably believes it necessary to prevent death or serious physical injury.
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| − | 4. A person acting under a reasonable belief that another person is about to commit suicide or to inflict serious physical injury upon himself may use physical force upon such person to the extent that he reasonably believes it necessary to thwart such result.
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| − | 5. A duly licensed physician, or a person acting under a physician's direction, may use physical force for the purpose of administering a recognized form of treatment which he or she reasonably believes to be adapted to promoting the physical or mental health of the patient if (a) the treatment is administered with the consent of the patient or, if the patient is under the age of eighteen years or an incompetent person, with the consent of the parent, guardian or other person entrusted with the patient's care and supervision, or (b) the treatment is administered in an emergency when the physician reasonably believes that no one competent to consent can be consulted and that a reasonable person, wishing to safeguard the welfare of the patient, would consent.
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| − | 6. A person may, pursuant to the ensuing provisions of this article, use physical force upon another person in self-defense or defense of a third person, or in defense of premises, or in order to prevent larceny of or criminal mischief to property, or in order to effect an arrest or prevent an escape from custody. Whenever a person is authorized by any such provision to use deadly physical force in any given circumstance, nothing contained in any other such provision may be deemed to negate or qualify such authorization.
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| − | Section 35.15 Justification; use of physical force in defense of a person
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| − | 1. A person may, subject to the provisions of subdivision two, use physical force upon another person when and to the extent he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to defend himself, herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by such other person, unless:
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| − | (a) The latter's conduct was provoked by the actor with intent to cause physical injury to another person; or
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| − | (b) The actor was the initial aggressor; except that in such case use of physical force is nevertheless justifiable if the actor has withdrawn from the encounter and effectively communicated such withdrawal to such other person but the latter persists in continuing the incident by the use or threatened imminent use of unlawful physical force; or
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| − | (c) The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law.
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| − | 2. A person may not use deadly physical force upon another person under circumstances specified in subdivision one unless:
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| − | (a) The actor reasonably believes that such other person is using or about to use deadly physical force. Even in such case, however, the actor may not use deadly physical force if he or she knows that with complete personal safety, to oneself and others he or she may avoid the necessity of so doing by retreating; except that the actor is under no duty to retreat if he or she is:
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| − | (i) in his or her dwelling and not the initial aggressor; or
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| − | (ii) a police officer or peace officer or a person assisting a police officer or a peace officer at the latter's direction, acting pursuant to section 35.30; or
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| − | (b) He or she reasonably believes that such other person is committing or attempting to commit a kidnapping, forcible rape, forcible criminal sexual act or robbery; or
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| − | (c) He or she reasonably believes that such other person is committing or attempting to commit a burglary, and the circumstances are such that the use of deadly physical force is authorized by subdivision three of section 35.20.
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| − | Section 35.20 Justification; use of physical force in defense of premises and in defense of a person in the course of burglary
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| − | 1. Any person may use physical force upon another person when he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate what he or she reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission by such other person of a crime involving damage to premises. Such person may use any degree of physical force, other than deadly physical force, which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary for such purpose, and may use deadly physical force if he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of arson.
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| − | 2. A person in possession or control of any premises, or a person licensed or privileged to be thereon or therein, may use physical force upon another person when he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate what he or she reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission by such other person of a criminal trespass upon such premises. Such person may use any degree of physical force, other than deadly physical force, which he or she reasonably believes to be necessary for such purpose, and may use deadly physical force in order to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of arson, as prescribed in subdivision one, or in the course of a burglary or attempted burglary, as prescribed in subdivision three.
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| − | 3. A person in possession or control of, or licensed or privileged to be in, a dwelling or an occupied building, who reasonably believes that another person is committing or attempting to commit a burglary of such dwelling or building, may use deadly physical force upon such other person when he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate the commission or attempted commission of such burglary.
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| − | 4. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
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| − | (a) The terms "premises," "building" and "dwelling" have the meanings prescribed in 140.00;
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| − | (b) Persons "licensed or privileged" to be in buildings or upon other premises include, but are not limited to:
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| − | (i) police officers or peace officers acting in the performance of their duties; and
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| − | (ii) security personnel or employees of nuclear powered electric generating facilities located within the state who are employed as part of any security plan approved by the federal operating license agencies acting in the performance of their duties at such generating facilities. For purposes of this subparagraph, the term "nuclear powered electric generating facility" shall mean a facility that generates electricity using nuclear power for sale, directly or indirectly, to the public, including the land upon which the facility is located and the safety and security zones as defined under federal regulations.
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| − | Section 35.25 Justification; use of physical force to prevent or terminate larceny or criminal mischief
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| − | A person may use physical force, other than deadly physical force, upon another person when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent or terminate what he or she reasonably believes to be the commission or attempted commission by such other person of larceny or of criminal mischief with respect to property other than premises.
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| − | Section 35.27 Justification; use of physical force in resisting arrest prohibited
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| − | A person may not use physical force to resist an arrest, whether authorized or unauthorized, which is being effected or attempted by a police officer or peace officer when it would reasonably appear that the latter is a police officer or peace officer.
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| − | Section 35.30 Justification; use of physical force in making an arrest or in preventing an escape
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| − | 1. A police officer or a peace officer, in the course of effecting or attempting to effect an arrest, or of preventing or attempting to prevent the escape from custody, of a person whom he or she reasonably believes to have committed an offense, may use physical force when and to the extent he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to effect the arrest, or to prevent the escape from custody, or in self-defense or to defend a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of physical force; except that deadly physical force may be used for such purposes only when he or she reasonably believes that:
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| − | (a) The offense committed by such person was:
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| − | (i) a felony or an attempt to commit a felony involving the use or attempted use or threatened imminent use of physical force against a person; or
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| − | (ii) kidnapping, arson, escape in the first degree, burglary in the first degree or any attempt to commit such a crime; or
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| − | (b) The offense committed or attempted by such person was a felony and that, in the course of resisting arrest therefor or attempting to escape from custody, such person is armed with a firearm or deadly weapon; or
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| − | (c) Regardless of the particular offense which is the subject of the arrest or attempted escape, the use of deadly physical force is necessary to defend the police officer or peace officer or another person from what the officer reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of deadly physical force.
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| − | 2. The fact that a police officer or a peace officer is justified in using deadly physical force under circumstances prescribed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subdivision one does not constitute justification for reckless conduct by such police officer or peace officer amounting to an offense against or with respect to innocent persons whom he or she is not seeking to arrest or retain in custody.
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| − | 3. A person who has been directed by a police officer or a peace officer to assist such police officer or peace officer to effect an arrest or to prevent an escape from custody may use physical force, other than deadly physical force, when and to the extent that he reasonably believes such to be necessary to carry out such police officer's or peace officer's direction, unless he or she knows that the arrest or prospective arrest is not or was not authorized and he may use deadly physical force under such circumstances when:
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| − | (a) He reasonably believes such to be necessary to defend himself or a third person from what he reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of deadly physical force; or
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| − | (b) He is directed or authorized by such police officer or peace officer to use deadly physical force unless he knows that the police officer or peace officer himself is not authorized to use deadly physical force under the circumstances.
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| − | 4. A private person acting on his or her own account may use physical force, other than deadly physical force, upon another person when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to effect an arrest or to prevent the escape from custody of a person whom he or she reasonably believes to have committed an offense and who in fact has committed such offense; and he or she may use deadly physical force for such purpose when he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to:
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| − | (a) Defend himself, herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of deadly physical force; or
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| − | (b) Effect the arrest of a person who has committed murder, manslaughter in the first degree, robbery, forcible rape or forcible criminal sexual act and who is in immediate flight therefrom.
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| − | 5. A guard, police officer or peace officer who is charged with the duty of guarding prisoners in a detention facility, as that term is defined in section 205.00, or while in transit to or from a detention facility, may use physical force when and to the extent that he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to prevent the escape of a prisoner from a detention facility or from custody while in transit thereto or therefrom.
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