Villains & Vigilantes - Tumblr Posts

Are you ready to hear about my stories? Bc I'm about to start gushing about them. Info dump beneath the "read more".

Ok, like I said in the re-introduction, this will be an ongoing series of action/thriller romance stories. It'll start off m/f, but I'm willing to branch into other pairings if there's interest (I'm either bi or pan, myself, so I don't mind, I'm just trying to figure out what my audience is into and m/f is a good place to start).

I consider these stories dark, but not "dark romance" dark, if that makes sense. Think... Soft yandere - her health and happiness is always his highest priority, and he's happy to destroy anything that might get in the way of either of those. Lots of stalking, invasion of privacy, making decisions about her life without consulting her, but no violence towards her and little, if any, kidnapping of her. Plenty of violence regarding anyone deemed a threat to her, though.

For those who didn't catch the re-introduction, a small percentage of the world's population has superpowers. Think One Piece-style: if you have a power, you only get the one and it's up to you how you use it. No one else has your exact power, but it doesn't mean they can't do some of the things you can do (for example, flying bc you can control your personal gravity, vs flying bc you can control your personal density).

In the USA, the government says you must register your powers if you want to be able to use them legally. If you do this, you're called a sanctioned and everything's good. If you don't do this (no matter the reasoning), you're labeled "non-sanctioned", classified a criminal (if they catch you), and face imprisonment or worse if they catch you using your powers. Anyone with no powers is called a civilian.

All my male leads will be non-sanctioned. Some will be criminals/villains and others will be vigilantes - expect a lot of grey morality with some genuine evil thrown in sometimes, just to keep things fresh. All of my female leads will be either sanctioned or civilian. (Obviously, this set up will change if I start branching out of the m/f dynamic).

My city that I'll set everything in is San Padua! Definitely not based on San Antonio, TX, I don't know where you would even get the idea to ask that, how oddly specific and random! I take creative liberties often, but I'm trying to keep the details organized as I create them to minimize confusion and loop holes later.

My criminal underworld is going to be more similar to the John Wick stuff than it will be to anything in the DC or MCU and it's growing slowly as I get ideas for different couples. There's not so much a Justice League or Avengers group, as there is a Sanctioned Supers Division of San Padua's police department.

I'm excited because it's starting to feel real - like a place I could actually go to myself, so please feel free to ask questions! And it's ok to call me out if I give conflicting info! I'm serious about making this as realistic as I can, so staying consistent with what I've already established is important to me.

MASTER LIST

The point of this list is to help folks find whatever aspect of my stuff that they like, but faster (bc sometimes we don't have the time to doom scroll forever to find that one scene you want to show your friend).

Villains & Vigilantes

Assorted

First ramble (soft yandere romances in a One Piece meets John Wick setting)

Opposite genre (wtf is the opposite of romance?)

Commercial break (for the series, bc I wasn't thinking)

Characters

Antagonists

Viper (this corpsefucker, right here), (more details)

Mains

Mia (main details)

Nico (main details)

Cora (main details), (speech patterns)

Diesel (main details), (speech patterns)

Supports

The Edge (Dana), (Buck)

Marek (main details), (speech patterns)

Jai (main details), (friendship dynamics), (speech patterns)

Lore

Settings

San Padua (legit side), (criminal underworld)

The Edge

Stories

Mia's Arrival (exploratory, learning Mia's voice)

Timelines

Fan Fiction

MCU

Overwatch

Website Shenanigans

Best practices

Copy (words for website)

Site specific

And so on...

Asks

The Golden Comet (from months ago, I cry pardon)

Updates

Reintroduction

No sacrificing of toddlers to the old gods

Bc none of my hooligans told me not to

Writeblr Things

Emotions don't want to logic

So many details to share

How to find player characters

Intimidating myself

Hacks for being social when you forget how

I am weak

I'll try to add to this every time I add a post, but consistency is troublesome, so please be patient.

Villains & Vigilantes is an action/thriller, romance series! I think it technically counts as a fantasy series, if we're looking at actual pre-established romance sub-categories??? Like, urban fantasy? I'm not sure - Superpowered Romance is not it's own subcategory (yet), but I'm working on it. Mostly, I'm addicted to the idea of being in love with a dangerous person who's so gentle with you/me/the mc, while also being more than willing to destroy whole worlds to keep you/me/the mc happy and healthy.

Opposite genre... that's tricky. Opposite of superpowered would be... contemporary? Like, normal and mundane, everyday life, right? And opposite of action/thriller would be... slice of life? Maybe? And opposite of romance would be... not romance? So, if V&V were suddenly Opposited, it would look something like:

Contemporary (ie, no superpowers)

Slice of life (ie, not action/thriller)

... Not romance? (wtf would qualify as "not romance" genre?)

Oh! So maybe it would be about a community of individuals who navigate various non-romantic relationships, each book focusing on the everyday lives of a single character or two at a time? It sounds fun and cozy, but definitely not my style to write (consistently, anyway)

Let's learn a bit more about your story. Let's learn a bit more about your story is NOT.

Share the genre of your story here. Tell everyone why you picked that genre. What part makes you most excited?

Then take a moment and think about what your story would look like if it was the complete OPPOSITE genre, and share a few thoughts about it!

OMG, so now we're going to talk about Viper. (this corpsefucker right here)

So, the first story I'm writing is (planned to be) a little 40k word novella about Mia (no powers) and Nico (echolocation). Mia has been on the run from Viper for nearly a decade now (our girl is resourceful af!).

Viper is bad news. He's the chief enforcer for the Fayetteville, NC, crime syndicate (no hate, it's just that my husband lived there for a while before we met, so if I have questions about the location, I can ask him) and he's known for his cruel and ruthless tactics. He has no super powers of his own, but will often lead teams of non-sanctioned supers, which is pretty impressive in the underworld.

Mia's parents owed the Fayetteville syndicate big time, and ended up promising Mia to the syndicate to help pay off their debt. Mia caught word of this right before she was "collected" and thus started her life on the run. Viper took this as a personal insult, of course, and has been obsessively hunting for Songbird (his "affectionate" nickname for Mia) ever since. Word is that he'll pay really well for accurate information that will help him track his Songbird down.

Let’s take a moment and talk about the villain in your story! Is it a person? An obstacle that needs to be overcome? A big fat CLOSING SOON sign on the front of your favorite video store?

San Padua, Texas

A fictional city based on San Antonio, Texas. This city exists in a world where a small fraction of the human population has superpowers. San Padua is exceptional in that it has a larger concentration of people with superpowers than many other areas of the country.

Overview

San Padua is a sprawling metropolitan city, known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and thriving economy. However, it’s also a city where unpredictability reigns due to the presence of individuals with superpowers, often referred to as "supers."

Social Dynamics

Sanctioned Supers: 

Those who have registered their powers with the government. They are allowed to use their abilities legally and often work in law enforcement, private security, or as corporate operatives.

Public Perception: Generally viewed as protectors, though some civilians fear their power and the potential for abuse.

Corporate Roles: Many sanctioned supers work as private security or corporate operatives, often blurring the lines between public duty and private interest.

Non-Sanctioned Supers: 

Those who refuse or fail to register their powers. They are considered criminals and face arrest or worse if caught using their abilities. Many operate in the city's underworld.

Underground Communities: Many non-sanctioned supers live in close-knit groups, offering mutual protection and support.

Public Sentiment: Seen as a threat to public order by some, while others view them as freedom fighters resisting oppressive government control.

Civilians: 

Regular people without superpowers. They navigate a city where the extraordinary is commonplace and often view both sanctioned and non-sanctioned supers with a mix of awe and apprehension.

Superpower Adaptation: Civilians have developed ways to coexist with supers, including superpower insurance and emergency protocols for super-related incidents.

Community Leaders: Influential civilians often mediate between supers and the general public, advocating for safety and cooperation.

City Layout

Downtown District: 

The heart of San Padua, filled with skyscrapers, corporate headquarters, and high-end boutiques. This area is heavily patrolled and monitored to maintain order.

Skyward Plaza: The tallest skyscraper housing various corporate headquarters, including tech giants and financial firms. It's a symbol of the city's economic power.

Riverwalk Promenade: A scenic area by the river with upscale restaurants and shops, frequented by both tourists and business professionals.

Old Quarter: 

A historic part of the city with cobblestone streets, antique shops, and old architecture. It’s a popular tourist spot but also a haven for non-sanctioned supers due to its labyrinthine alleys.

Heritage Square: A central plaza surrounded by historic buildings, often hosting cultural festivals and markets.

Alchemist’s Alley: A narrow street known for its mysterious shops selling rare artifacts and potions, often frequented by both supers and curious civilians.

Catacombs: An underground network below the Old Quarter, rumored to be used by non-sanctioned supers for secret meetings.

Tech Hub: 

An area dedicated to tech companies, startups, and research facilities. It's where cutting-edge technology meets superpower research and development.

Innovation Park: A sprawling campus housing leading tech companies and startups, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and competition.

GenTech Labs: A premier research facility focused on the study and development of superpower technologies and enhancements.

Cyber Nexus: A central hub for tech enthusiasts, featuring co-working spaces, cafes, and event venues for tech meetups and hackathons.

Industrial Zone: 

Located on the outskirts, this area contains factories, warehouses, and shipping yards. It's gritty and often the scene of underground activities.

Ironworks Foundry: A massive, defunct factory repurposed by the Syndicate for illegal activities and storage.

Docklands: The bustling shipping yards where legal and illegal goods flow in and out of the city, often under the watchful eye of both law enforcement and criminals.

Scrap Town: An area filled with junkyards and makeshift settlements, often home to those who live off the grid or engage in underground dealings.

Suburbs: 

Residential areas where middle-class families live. These neighborhoods are relatively peaceful but have their own share of secrets.

Maple Grove: A serene neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and family-friendly atmosphere.

Whispering Pines: A gated community with luxurious homes and high security, often housing influential figures and wealthy individuals.

Edgewood: A more modest, working-class neighborhood where community ties are strong, and secrets are carefully guarded.

Government and Law Enforcement

Superpower Registration Bureau (SRB): 

A government agency responsible for the registration and monitoring of supers. They conduct background checks, issue licenses, and enforce regulations.

Central Command: The nerve center for monitoring super activities, equipped with state-of-the-art technology for tracking and analyzing superpower use.

Public Relations Office: Manages the bureau’s image and communicates with the public regarding super-related incidents and regulations.

Sanctioned Supers Division (SSD): 

A special unit within the police force made up of sanctioned supers. They handle super-related crimes and conflicts.

Training Grounds: A specialized facility where sanctioned supers undergo rigorous training and simulations to hone their abilities.

Tactical Response Units: Elite teams equipped to handle high-threat situations involving rogue supers.

Surveillance Network: 

Advanced surveillance technology is deployed throughout the city, monitoring for unauthorized superpower use.

Eye of San Padua: A comprehensive network of drones and cameras providing real-time data and analytics to law enforcement agencies.

Control Centers: Strategically located throughout the city, these centers manage the flow of surveillance data and coordinate responses to super-related incidents.

Key Locations

The Registry: 

The headquarters of the SRB, a fortified building in downtown where supers must go to register their powers.

Intake Facility: Where new supers are processed, undergo background checks, and receive their licenses.

Security Wing: Houses high-risk individuals temporarily detained for unauthorized superpower use.

Sentinel Tower: 

The SSD's headquarters, located in downtown, heavily fortified and equipped with advanced surveillance and training facilities.

Armory: Stocked with advanced weaponry and gear tailored for combating rogue supers.

Interrogation Rooms: High-security rooms designed to neutralize superpowers, used for extracting information from captured non-sanctioned supers.

The Black Market: 

An illicit market located in the Industrial Zone, where non-sanctioned supers can buy and sell illegal goods, including power-enhancing substances.

Shadow Bazaar: A clandestine market where illegal goods and services are exchanged, protected by layers of security and secrecy.

Auction House: A hidden venue for bidding on rare and powerful items, often attracting the city's most notorious figures.

Important Characters

Mayor Evelyn Cortez: 

The charismatic and tough mayor of San Padua, known for her strict policies on superpower registration and public safety.

Policy Initiatives: Known for implementing strict superpower regulations and advocating for advanced surveillance measures.

Public Image: A polarizing figure admired for her leadership and criticized for her harsh stance on non-sanctioned supers.

Director Marcus Kane: 

Head of the SRB, a former superpower enforcer with a no-nonsense attitude towards non-sanctioned supers.

Background: A former elite enforcer with a reputation for being uncompromising and efficient.

Leadership Style: Demands discipline and loyalty, often seen as ruthless in his pursuit of law and order.

Detective Lila Santos: 

A top agent in the SSD, known for her strategic mind and ability to neutralize rogue supers.

Reputation: Respected for her tactical prowess and ability to outthink even the most cunning adversaries.

Personal Code: Believes in justice and often struggles with the moral ambiguities of her role in the SSD.

San Padua's Underworld

Overview

The criminal underworld of San Padua is a shadowy and intricate network where the rules of the surface world don't apply. Here, power and influence are the ultimate currencies, and the existence of superpowers adds an unpredictable element to the already volatile mix.

Key Factions

The Syndicate: 

A powerful and organized crime group that operates with military precision. They control large portions of the city's illegal activities, including arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and high-profile heists.

Leader: Victor "The Collector" Moreno, a ruthless tactician with the power to manipulate shadows, making him a master of stealth and assassination.

Operations: Engage in high-stakes heists, arms trafficking, and exert control over various criminal enterprises.

Strengths: Highly organized with a strict hierarchy and a focus on strategic, large-scale operations.

The Obsidian Circle: 

An elite group of mercenaries for hire, known for their discretion and deadly efficiency. They employ both sanctioned and non-sanctioned supers.

Leader: Zara "The Wraith" Thorne, who can phase through solid objects and become intangible, making her almost impossible to capture.

Services: Provide elite mercenaries for covert missions, often operating in legal gray areas.

Tactics: Known for their precision and ability to complete missions without leaving traces.

The Hive: 

A network of information brokers and hackers who deal in secrets. They have eyes and ears everywhere, making them invaluable for espionage and blackmail.

Leader: Cassandra "Queen Bee" Lin, who possesses telepathic abilities, allowing her to gather and disseminate information effortlessly.

Capabilities: Specialize in cyber espionage, information brokering, and digital sabotage.

Network: Extensive web of informants and hackers, capable of infiltrating nearly any system.

The Underground Market: 

A black market that deals in illegal goods, from superpower-enhancing drugs to forbidden technologies and rare artifacts.

Leader: Elias "The Broker" Castillo, a former sanctioned super with the power to enhance or suppress other supers' abilities temporarily.

Trade: Deals in superpower-enhancing drugs, forbidden technologies, and other contraband.

Influence: Acts as a central hub for the city's black market, with connections to various criminal factions.

The Vanguard: 

A rebellious faction of non-sanctioned supers fighting against government control and for the rights of supers to live freely.

Leader: Darius Blake, who can generate energy blasts and has a charismatic presence that inspires loyalty among his followers.

Mission: Fight against government oppression and advocate for super rights and freedoms.

Methods: Employ guerrilla tactics, protests, and direct actions to challenge the status quo.

Key Locations

The Sanctuary: 

A luxurious underground club that serves as neutral ground for all factions. Here, deals are brokered, alliances are formed, and a strict code of conduct is maintained.

Owner: Madeline "Maddie" Rivers, a former syndicate member with the power of precognition, making her an exceptional arbitrator and negotiator.

Rules of Engagement: Strictly neutral ground where any violence is met with severe consequences, enforced by Maddie's powerful enforcers.

Main Hall: A lavish space where supers from all factions can mingle under strict neutrality rules.

Private Rooms: Secluded areas for discreet negotiations and secret meetings, monitored to ensure no violence occurs.

VIP Lounge: Reserved for high-profile guests and leaders of the underworld factions.

The Labyrinth: 

A maze-like section of the old sewers where the Hive operates. It's filled with high-tech surveillance equipment and hidden entrances, making it nearly impossible to infiltrate without inside help.

Security Measures: Equipped with traps, surveillance devices, and safe rooms, making it a fortress for the Hive.

Meeting Halls: Secret rooms used for clandestine meetings and negotiations among information brokers.

The Boneyard: 

An abandoned industrial complex in the Industrial Zone used by the Syndicate for covert meetings, weapon storage, and as a training ground for their operatives.

Activities: Used for training new recruits, storing illicit goods, and planning operations.

Defenses: Fortified with guards and advanced security systems to prevent infiltration.

The Vault: 

The Obsidian Circle's secure headquarters, hidden beneath a seemingly innocuous warehouse. It's equipped with cutting-edge technology and fortified to withstand even the most powerful attacks.

Design: Hidden beneath an innocuous facade, the Vault is a high-tech facility with secure rooms and training areas.

Protocol: Only accessible to trusted members, with biometric security measures ensuring no unauthorized entry.

Freedom Square: 

A hidden enclave within the Old Quarter where the Vanguard meets. It's protected by a network of loyal civilians and non-sanctioned supers who share their ideals.

Protection: Guarded by a network of loyalists and non-sanctioned supers, making it a safe haven for the Vanguard.

Community Hub: A place where civilians and supers alike come together to support the Vanguard’s cause.

Economy and Operations

Black Market Deals: 

The underground market is bustling with transactions involving rare and illegal items, from superpower-enhancing drugs to exotic weapons and stolen technology.

Supply Chains: Managed by the Underground Market, ensuring a steady flow of illegal goods and services.

Clientele: Includes both criminal factions and desperate civilians seeking superpower enhancements or forbidden tech.

Information Trade: 

The Hive's information brokers sell secrets to the highest bidder, making them a crucial resource for anyone seeking an edge in the underworld.

Market Value: Secrets are highly valuable, and the Hive capitalizes on this by selling critical information to the highest bidder.

Intelligence Gathering: Constantly expanding their network of spies and informants to stay ahead of competitors.

Mercenary Contracts: 

The Obsidian Circle takes on high-risk assignments, from assassinations to corporate espionage, for substantial fees.

Scope: Ranges from high-profile assassinations to corporate espionage, with a reputation for success and discretion.

Payment: Often involves substantial fees, rare items, or favors from powerful individuals.

Revolutionary Activities: 

The Vanguard orchestrates protests, sabotage, and guerrilla warfare against government facilities and sanctioned supers to promote their cause.

Tactics: Include sabotage of government facilities, organizing protests, and direct confrontations with sanctioned supers.

Support Network: Relies on sympathetic civilians and non-sanctioned supers for resources and shelter.

Code and Ethics

The Code: 

An unspoken set of rules governs the underworld. Key tenets include respect for neutral ground (like the Sanctuary), honoring contracts, and avenging betrayal.

The Currency of Favor: 

Trust and reputation are vital. A favor owed or granted can be more valuable than money, and breaking one's word can lead to severe consequences.

Character Dynamics

Mayor Evelyn Cortez and Director Marcus Kane: 

These two powerful figures share a tense alliance, each with their own vision for the city's future. Cortez’s charisma and public-facing role often clash with Kane’s rigid enforcement tactics.

Detective Lila Santos and The Vanguard: 

Santos finds herself conflicted as she empathizes with some of the Vanguard’s ideals despite her duty to uphold the law. Her interactions with Darius Blake could add layers of personal and professional conflict.

Madeline "Maddie" Rivers and Victor "The Collector" Moreno: 

Their shared past within the Syndicate complicates their present. Maddie’s neutrality in The Sanctuary is constantly tested by The Collector’s underhanded tactics and their unresolved history.

Zara "The Wraith" Thorne and Cassandra "Queen Bee" Lin: 

These two leaders, despite their different methods, form an unlikely partnership to achieve a common goal. Their relationship can evolve from mutual distrust to a powerful alliance, blending Thorne’s physical prowess with Lin’s mental acuity.

Villains and Vigilantes, the action/thriller/romance stories where the bad guys get the girl - because yeah, superheroes are nice and all, but at the end of the day don't you want someone willing and able to burn the world to ashes just to see you smile?

Quick! It's commercial break! Advertise your story in four sentences or less!

Cora "Surge" Lee

Cora is a 29 year old sanctioned superhero with the ability to control electricity. She goes by the alias "Surge".

Cora's powers manifested later in life than usual, in a private setting with no casualties. The situation was so unusual, and her powers were so strong, that the SRB all but demanded that she immediately begin training to control them in a supervised setting. To the rest of the world - Cora's friends, co-workers, and brothers - this is when Cora began her "clerical job" for the SSD. Only she and her parents know about her powers and her training to become not only a sanctioned super, but also to join the ranks of the SSD as a super. Cora has spent the better part of the last decade training to be able to control her powers. She tries to hide it, but she's terrified that she'll hurt someone or worse while in the field. She takes comfort in the fact that she hasn't "gone live" in the field yet, but is getting stressed at the hints her mentor keeps dropping that this will change soon.

Cora has trouble picking up on subtle social cues. She avoids eye contact when overwhelmed and, when she's especially tired, she has trouble finding her words when speaking, which sometimes makes her sound confused. She has a spinning ring that lets her stim subtly in public, but also has a super soft plushie on her key ring - it smells like lavender and cedar and vanilla, and she'll breathe in the smell when she's overwhelmed, if she's able to.

Julia Santos, known as "Striker" in the field, is Cora's mentor and instructor. While not neurodivergent herself, two of her children are, and the combination of patience and firmness she shows with Cora have been instrumental to her progress in training. Julia's opinion is that Cora needs to get out in the field, worrying that the younger woman will never choose to take on live missions if left to her own devices.

Cora uses a combination of alarms, colors, and the Eisenhower matrix to keep herself on schedule and avoid overwhelm. Red tasks are important and urgent. Yellow tasks are urgent, but not important. Green tasks are important but not urgent. Blue tasks are neither important nor urgent. She sometimes accidentally uses this coloring system in conversations with people outside of her small social circle and gets embarrassed when she does.

Cora loses her appetite when extremely tired or stressed. She keeps a large number of veggie flavored instant noodle cups for these occasions, as it's almost the only thing she can force herself to eat. The only person who can get her to eat anything else when she's like this is Marek. The combination of his cooking skills and his gentle but firm insistence keep her eating "real" foods when she otherwise couldn't stand the thought. She also can't stand mushy foods and will gag if she eats something too mushy by accident. Aside from that, she likes spicy food and almost anything Piña colada flavored.

She lives with a roommate, a colleague and fellow SSD trainee from work named Maria who is her closest female friend. The common areas of the apartment they share are mismatched and eclectic, but functional and comfortable. In Cora's room, the walls are covered in posters of her favorite video games and anime shows. Aside from these decorations, Cora's room is a cluttered mess that only she, Marek, and Jai can decipher. The fact that her bed is always swamped in soft blankets doesn't help the situation, but it is large enough for her and Marek to fall asleep cuddling on when he stays over, so she refuses to ever properly clean up her "nest".

The apartment is located in a nice neighborhood, within walking distance of SSD headquarters. It's also only about a 10-minute drive from Marek's place, although Cora doesn't have a car of her own. Maria isn't fond of Cora's clutter, and Cora doesn't like it when Maria brings romantic partners into their home, but they manage to work things out. Maria really doesn't like Marek, either, often referring to him as "that creep" if he's not present. She realizes how naive Cora is about some things and, based on her own life experiences, worries that Marek is either leading Cora on or setting her up to take advantage of her. Maria has a bit of a crush on Jai, but Cora hasn't picked up on that yet. Maria's hometown is in west Texas, about a 4 hour drive away, so she goes to visit and catch up with her family every few months or so.

Cora has a plant she struggles to remember to water, and she loves playing Minecraft and Katamari Damacy to relax and reset her mental calm. She doesn't have a life goal outside of mastering her powers. She's been terrified of them for so long that she feels guilty for working on other projects when she could be improving her control. She is a big Tolkien fan, though, and has very strong opinions about The Lord of the Rings movies (which were epic) and The Hobbit movies (the later 2 of the 3 were a crime against Tolkien).

Cora has never put words to it, but she naturally has strong submissive tendencies. She's naturally inclined to show obedience to those in authority and she feels more comfortable following someone else's directions than she does making her own decisions. She feels self-conscious about these aspects of herself, and she sometimes overcompensates as Surge to try to hide them. The only person she allows to see really this side of herself is Marek, although Jai has caught glimpses of it. She likes how Marek takes care of her when she's overwhelmed and will often, but not always, instinctively obey when he uses his deeper voice to tell her to do something.

Marek Zima and Jai Leo are Cora's very best friends. She met them at the beginning of her freshman year of high school, brand new not just to the school, but also to San Padua and Texas, itself.

Her relationship with Jai, who's a year older, is very sibling-like: they'll prank each other, take each other's things without asking, and generally be as annoying as possible to each other, but they'll also come to each other's defense in a heartbeat. Their favorite bonding activities are playing Minecraft on their shared server and picking on Marek.

Her relationship with Marek is more complicated. They share a unique dynamic - their friendship isn't romantic or sexual, but platonic in an intense, intimate way that confuses anyone who doesn't know them well. It also includes dominant/submissive aspects that sometimes lean toward codependency. Cora's submissive tendencies come out when she's stressed and tired, so she'll frequently turn to Marek, asking him to decide things for her when she's overwhelmed and, although she'll often act snarky and argue with him, she'll nearly always follow his instructions and directions, especially if he uses the lower, rougher registers of his voice that come out naturally when he's acting dominant. Both of them feel better when Marek has a chance to cook for Cora and make sure she's taking care of herself, and they're both more than used to Cora ignoring his personal space.

Jai doesn't seem bothered by the unusual dynamic between Cora and Marek, and has reassured Cora more than once (usually after Maria's been more vocal about Marek's "bad influence") that there's no single, proper way to be friends with another person and that as long as everyone happy and healthy, that what she and Marek share is fine.

Cora's parents live in the suburbs, about 20 minutes away. Her father was a linguist for the military, but is retired now, and her mother volunteers at the local library. Her youngest brother is getting close to finishing college, but her middle brother joined the military and is stationed in Korea at the moment. Her family has accepted Mark and Jai as if they were their own, and Cora's parents will often ask how their "older sons" are doing. Cora's mom does still gently ask about a marriage between her and Marek sometimes, not really understanding their dynamic, but is never upset (only confused), when the answer is no. Cora loves both Marek's and Jai's families and is as comfortable with them as she is at her own parents' house.

Cora would like to tell Marek and Jai about her powers, and sometimes she's hit with a powerful urge to confess all her secrets, but her fear of putting them and their families at risk, of criminals targeting her favorite people just because she was selfish won't allow her to do that. No matter how badly she wants to.

Physical Description:

Hair: auburn, shoulder length, mostly straight (in a "can't do anything with it" way, rather than a pretty, smooth and sleek way)

Face: soft, friendly, with delicate features. Her eyes are green and expressive

Complexion: fair skin, with lots of freckles, burns easily

Build: slender, average build, in better physical shape than you'd expect for a clerical worker.

Height: around 5'4" (162 cm).

Expression: very expressive face and body language, shows her emotions easily. Has a slightly worried or concentrating look, especially when she's tired or stressed.

Overall appearance: an approachable, girl-next-door look. Her appearance might be somewhat at odds with her superhero alter ego, Surge, making it easier for her to keep her identity secret.

Style: In her civilian life, Cora dresses in comfortable, practical clothing, usually a size or two too big. She'll often steal shirts or hoodies from Marek, and sometimes from Jai, too. As Surge, she wears a dark suit, with bright blue accents. It covers most of her face, but leaves her eyes visible.

James Diesel

Diesel is a non-sanctioned super in his mid 30s. He's a newcomer in San Padua, still establishing himself, but determine to carve a place of his own in this city of supers.

Background: Diesel's early life was marked by extreme hardship and violence, which shaped him into the formidable survivor he is now. As an infant, he was left for dead in a trashcan. He spent much of his youth bouncing between foster homes and juvie halls, changing cities and states as often as he could as soon as he was old enough to figure out how. Once his powers began to manifest, the system stopped treating him like a kid and started sending him to the detention facilities that were designed for supers. It was in these brutal environments that he honed his fighting skills and developed his keen survival instincts. He became infamous for his ability to escape from even the most secure prisons, earning him a fearsome reputation among both criminals and law enforcement.

Personality: Diesel is ruthless, cunning, and utterly self-reliant, with a strong survivalist mentality that drives most of his actions. Despite his often brutal behavior, Diesel adheres to a personal code of honor and has moments of unexpected compassion, particularly towards innocents and those he considers worthy of his protection. Intelligence is one of Diesel's defining traits. He possesses a sharp, analytical mind and is a master strategist, often outthinking his opponents and manipulating situations to his advantage. This intellectual prowess, combined with his physical abilities, makes him a formidable adversary. Trust doesn't come easily to him, and he generally prefers solitude to companionship. However, on the rare occasions when he does form connections with others, he can display a fierce loyalty. His relationships are often complicated and his moral compass is distinctly gray. He's capable of great violence but also of great sacrifice. His actions are primarily driven by self-interest and survival, but he has been known to put himself at risk to save others, especially children. A notable aspect of Diesel's personality is his dark sense of humor. He often makes sardonic comments or grim jokes, even in life-threatening situations. This gallows humor serves as both a coping mechanism and a way to unnerve his opponents.

Appearance: Physically, Diesel is an imposing figure. He's tall, muscular, and exudes an aura of barely contained power and danger. His most striking feature is his eyes, which have been surgically altered to allow him to see in the dark. These eyes appear to shine in low light conditions, giving him an otherworldly and predatory look. He typically keeps his head shaved bald and often sports a short beard or goatee. His skin is tanned and weathered, bearing the scars of countless battles. He moves with a fluid grace that belies his muscular build, capable of both explosive violence and silent stealth. His attire is usually minimalistic and functional, often consisting of dark, form-fitting clothes that allow for ease of movement. He's frequently seen wearing goggles to protect his light-sensitive eyes. He's is also known for his proficiency with various weapons, but he has a particular affinity for knives and shivs, which he wields with deadly precision.

Abilities:

Enhanced Vision: Diesel's most notable ability is his surgically altered eyes, allowing him to see in complete darkness. This gives him a significant advantage in low-light conditions.

Physical Prowess: He possesses extraordinary strength, speed, agility, and endurance, far beyond that of an average human.

Combat Skills: Diesel is an expert in hand-to-hand combat and proficient with a wide variety of weapons, particularly bladed ones.

Stealth: He's incredibly stealthy, able to move silently and remain undetected in various environments.

Survival Skills: Diesel can survive in extremely harsh conditions and adapt quickly to new environments.

Intelligence: He has a sharp, analytical mind and is an excellent strategist and problem-solver.

Enhanced Senses: Besides his night vision, Diesel seems to have heightened senses, particularly his sense of smell.

Pain Tolerance: He has an exceptionally high pain threshold and can continue functioning even after sustaining significant injuries.

Escapology: He's notorious for his ability to escape from even the most secure prisons.

Marek "Ricochet" Zima

He's American with Czech heritage. He goes by Mark outside of his family and close friends, and "Ricochet" when "on the job". He's nearly 30 years old, runs a food truck that launders money for his family, and is a non-sanctioned semi-vigilante with rubber powers.

Marek is part of a unique crime family - they act as the "clean up" of San Padua's underworld. If a criminal or vigilante needs to hide a body or clean up a crime scene, they call the Zimas. Because of this, his family is seen as neutral, boarding on welcomed, almost anywhere in the city. Marek's parents were murdered the summer before his freshman year of high school, targeted by another "family" trying to take over the role of city cleaners. The issue is mostly resolved, as far as the rest of the criminal underworld is concerned, but Marek hasn't forgotten. He was taken in by his uncle, who is now the head of the family, and raised alongside his cousins. The family is surprisingly well adjusted and rather affectionate with both Marek and each other.

Marek has powers of rubber, meaning he can stretch himself and his limbs (which is well known) and that he's immune to the effects of electricity, (which is a closely guarded secret only known to his family). He has a lifetime of fighting experience. He and his family are ruthless and viscous when opposed, but they also follow a strict moral code. They do their best to avoid injuring civilians and go out of their way to protect children.

Marek's had multiple bed partners and enjoys taking a dominant role in the local BDSM scene, but never engages any potential partners without explicit permission and interest shown. Between running his food truck in his "off time" and looking after Cora, though, he hasn't had as much time to relax this way lately. Instead, he's started experimenting with new recipes and cooking techniques. It's not as effective, but it helps him keep his head on straight and gives him another thing besides his food truck that he can talk about to Cora without revealing his criminal identity.

His favorite way to unwind is spending time with Cora, one of his very best friends. They became friends in the first year of high school, when Marek's grief over his parents was still fresh and he was barely able to go through the motions of adjusting to the new school he had to attend since moving in with his uncle. Cora's family had just moved to the area, and she recognized that he was a fellow new student, taking it upon herself to help him keep track of homework and assignments, while helping to deflect any bullying. Her unconditional support, her seamless addition to the friendship he already had with Jai, and her complete lack of ties to anything in San Padua's underworld were a lifeline in those days and earned Marek's intense loyalty.

Marek and Cora share a unique dynamic - their friendship isn't romantic or sexual, but platonic in an intense, intimate way that confuses anyone who doesn't know them well. It also includes dominant/submissive aspects that sometimes lean toward codependency. Cora can get overwhelmed when particularly stressed or tired, and while Marek hates seeing her distressed, he relishes that she turns to him to protect and guide her when she's vulnerable like this. He's hyper-aware of of the power she hands to him and of her instinctive obedience to the lower, rougher registers of his voice, too. He's incredibly careful to never abuse his position, only ever making decisions and giving instructions to her that will keep her healthy and happy.

He's never revealed his powers or his criminal ties to her, partly out of fear of never seeing her again, but also out of a desire to keep a small piece of something normal in the chaotic and dangerous world he lives in. He's very close to Cora's parents and two little brothers, as well, though they aren't aware of Marek's other life, either.

Marek's other best friend is Jai Leo, the first-generation son of Lao immigrants, and he's the closest thing Marek has to a brother. Jai's father was the best friend and right-hand man of Marek's father, roles the two sons have also taken on. Jai has become Marek's trusted sounding board over the years, always willing to listen to Marek's thoughts and ideas and give his opinion bluntly, and loudly, if needed. Jai started a fan page for Ricochet as a joke, but it's developed such a large and passionate fan base, that he manages the group full time now and has found ways to start monetizing it. Marek is vaguely uncomfortable with this, but tolerates it and Jai's teasing about the whole situation with good humor.

Marek lives in a nice apartment deep in his family's territory with Jai as a roommate. The apartment in general is decorated in a combination of rich brown woods with dark metals to compliment. Marek's room continues to use rich, dark woods, but also includes deep blues and a medium to lighter grey color. He has bookshelves covering any available wall space, filled with a combination of cookbooks, family albums, and the detailed journals he keeps.

Marek enjoys cooking, especially for the people he's close to. His mother was also a skilled cook, and her recipe books are his most treasures items. Food is a form of affection for him. He'll go out of his way to learn the favorite recipes of those he cares about and will refuse to cook for people who have genuinely upset him.

Only a Jai and Marek's closest cousins know this, but Marek wants to get revenge on his parents' murders by becoming the next bank for the city's criminal underworld. He already owns a food truck, which he uses to launder the money his family receives as payment, but he dreams of becoming a powerful enough force to be able to punish the criminals who killed his parents and have no one oppose him.

Marek is terrified of deep water. He can handle standing in water as high as his hips, but he doesn't know how to swim, and won't go any deeper. The memory isn't clear, but he nearly drowned as a toddler in a pool accident.

Marek has strong, violent feelings about anyone who takes advantage of others sexually, especially if they're stronger or more powerful than their victims. He's gotten into fights with his family in the past because he refuses to let such actions go unpunished once he finds out about them, no matter who they are.

Marek's uncle and cousins know about his deep friendship with Cora and have welcomed her into their family as well. As far as San Padua's criminal underworld is concerned, Cora and her family are part of the Zima family's territory and are under their protection. This leads to complications sometimes, because of her clerical job at the Sanctioned Supers Division, but it's a topic everyone has long adapted to.

Jai Leo

Jai's father was the best friend and right-hand man of Marek's father, roles the two sons have also taken on. Jai's mother runs a restaurant, a small little place that doesn't look like it gets enough business to turn a profit, but it does surprisingly well for itself. Jai is a year older than Marek and speaks English, Lao, and passable French. Jai's never met a social media platform he couldn't master and has a small but growing following that enjoys his updates about the latest hacks and glitches that can be exploited on the different platforms he's mastered. Jai started a fan page for Ricochet as a joke, but it's developed such a large and passionate fan base, that he manages the group full time now and has found ways to start monetizing it. Marek is vaguely uncomfortable with this but tolerates it and Jai's teasing about the whole situation with good humor.

1. Personal History:

- Jai was born in San Padua to parents who immigrated from Laos just a year before his birth. He grew up straddling two worlds: the traditional Lao culture at home and the American lifestyle outside.

- As a child, he often felt caught between his parents' expectations and his desire to fit in with his peers. This led to a period of rebellion in his early teens, where he dyed his hair bright colors and got into trouble for hacking his school's grading system.

- His relationship with his parents improved in his mid teens when his parents' restaurant was struggling, and he overheard them discussing whether to close it. Determined to help, Jai used his budding tech skills to create a website and social media presence for the restaurant. The success of this venture not only saved the family business but also cemented Jai's path in life.

2. Personality Traits:

- Jai has a dry, sardonic wit. He often makes deadpan jokes that catch people off guard.

- He's quick with a quip, especially in tense situations.

- His humor is often self-deprecating, poking fun at his "model minority" status or his role as the "tech guy."

- He has a habit of twirling a pen or stylus between his fingers when he's thinking deeply.

- Jai is fiercely loyal to his friends and family but can be slow to trust outsiders.

- He's a night owl, often staying up late coding or managing his online presence.

3. Interests and Hobbies:

- Beyond his obvious tech interests, Jai is a secret poetry enthusiast. He writes haiku about modern life and technology, finding beauty in the intersection of nature and the digital world. He's never shared this hobby with anyone, feeling it clashes with his tech-bro image.

- He's also unexpectedly good at origami, a skill he picked up to help manage stress and anxiety.

- Jai enjoys urban exploration, often dragging Marek and Cora along to abandoned buildings or hidden city spots.

4. Personal Struggles:

- Jai struggles with impostor syndrome, often feeling like he's not good enough despite his successes.

- Jai struggles with the weight of expectations. His father, once a respected figure in the criminal world, expects Jai to follow in his footsteps and support Marek as he supported Marek's father. While Jai loves his friend, he sometimes resents this predetermined path.

- Jai has occasional bouts of insomnia, which he manages with meditation techniques learned from his grandmother.

5. Romamtic Relationships:

- Jai has a complicated on-again, off-again relationship with a woman named Lian, who works as a cybersecurity expert (unaware of Jai's criminal activities).

- He mentors a group of at-risk youth, teaching them coding and web design as a way to keep them off the streets.

6. Future Aspirations:

- Jai dreams of starting a legitimate tech company that could revolutionize online privacy and security.

- He's torn between this dream and his loyalty to Marek and the criminal world he's part of.

- Secretly, he's been developing an app that could potentially be his ticket to a legitimate business.

7. Skills and Weaknesses:

- Skills: Besides his tech abilities, Jai is a skilled negotiator and has a talent for reading people.

- He's also surprisingly good in hand-to-hand combat, having learned Muay Thai from his uncle.

- Weaknesses: Jai has a tendency to overcommit himself, taking on too many projects at once.

- He's also terrible at confrontation, often using humor to deflect serious conversations.

8. Physical Description:

- Jai is of average height with a lean build. He has sharp, angular features and dark, expressive eyes.

- His hair is usually styled in an undercut, the longer top portion often dyed in vibrant colors (currently a deep purple).

- He has a small scar on his left eyebrow from a childhood accident.

- Jai's style is a mix of tech-wear and streetwear, often sporting smart glasses and a high-tech watch.

9. Personal Philosophy:

- Jai believes in the power of information and connection. He sees his role in the criminal world as a way to level the playing field, using technology to give power back to the people.

- He has a strong sense of justice but struggles with the morality of some of his actions in the criminal world.

- Jai values loyalty above all else and believes that family (both blood and chosen) comes first.

- He lives by the mantra "Adapt or die," believing that flexibility and quick thinking are the keys to survival in both the tech world and the criminal underworld. This philosophy extends to his personal life, where he tries (not always successfully) to roll with the punches and find opportunity in change.

Jai's Friendship dynamics

(idk what to call this, just need more details)

Cora

With Cora, their relationship has a strong sibling vibe, with Jai often taking on the role of the annoying but protective older brother. They have inside jokes and references that even Marek doesn't always get, creating a unique bond between them.

Jai is often the first person Cora turns to when she needs to vent about work or personal issues, especially those she can't share with Marek. In return, Cora provides Jai with a connection to a more "normal" life, reminding him of the world outside their criminal activities.

Their Minecraft server is a sacred space for both of them. They have elaborate builds and ongoing projects that they work on together, often using it as a way to decompress after stressful days. They share a love for anime and often hosts marathon viewing sessions. They also bond over being the more tech-savvy members of their friend group.

Jai is acutely aware of Cora's naivety in some areas and goes out of his way to protect her from the harsher realities of his and Marek's world. He often acts as a buffer between Cora and potential threats, whether they're physical dangers or emotional ones.

Jai is more attuned to Cora's emotional state than Marek sometimes. He can pick up on her stress or discomfort even when she's trying to hide it. He's often the one to nudge Marek when Cora needs extra support or care, acting as a bridge between his two friends.

They have an ongoing prank war, with each trying to outdo the other. These pranks are always harmless but often elaborate, showcasing both Jai's tech skills and Cora's creativity. This playfulness helps balance out the seriousness of their lives and gives them both an outlet for stress.

While Cora hasn't revealed her powers to Jai, he's observant enough to sense that she's hiding something significant. He never pushes her on this, but makes it clear through his actions and words that he's there for her no matter what.

Jai provides a different perspective on life than Marek, helping Cora maintain a balance between Marek's intense, sometimes dark world and a more lighthearted approach to life. He supports Cora's relationship with Marek but also encourages her independence and personal growth.

Jai's caught on to Maria's crush on him, but he's also caught on to how she feels about Marek. He resents what he sees as the wedge Maria's trying to drive between his two best friends, but remains polite when he's over at their place and encourages Cora to come over to his and Marek's place more, instead.

Jai has been teaching Cora bits of Lao, and she's been helping him brush up on his French, which she took in high school. They often greet each other in these languages or use them to make comments they don't want others to understand.

Marek

Despite not being blood-related, Jai and Marek have a deep brotherly bond. They've grown up together, sharing life's ups and downs, which has created an unshakeable trust between them. Despite this close bond, they maintain a healthy rivalry in certain areas, constantly trying to one-up each other in friendly competitions.

Jai often acts as a counterbalance to Marek's intensity. Where Marek can be serious and focused, Jai brings levity and a different perspective. This helps keep Marek grounded.

While Jai is unwaveringly loyal to Marek, he's not afraid to voice his concerns about Marek's ambitions. He supports Marek's goals but often tries to steer him towards less dangerous or morally ambiguous paths.

The loss of Marek's parents affected Jai deeply as well. He feels a sense of responsibility to honor their memory by supporting Marek, but also worries about the path this vengeance is leading them down.

In their criminal activities, Jai's tech skills complement Marek's strategic thinking. They work seamlessly together, often communicating without words in high-pressure situations.

Jai is one of the few people who can read Marek's moods accurately. He knows when to push Marek to open up and when to give him space. He's also protective of Marek, often working behind the scenes to neutralize threats before they reach Marek's attention.

Although they didn't have as much time for it as they used to, Marek and Jai work on restoring cars together. It was a passion of Marek's father, and something they learned together to try to hold onto that connection after he passed. It provides regular, uninterrupted time for them to talk and joke, and gives them a way to decompress from the stresses of their criminal lives.