Arguably one of the most successful AH.Com RPs of recent years, the Metroverse evolved from an ASBWI and follows the adventures of a rather disparate group of superheroes as they attempt to make their way in a world full of supervillans, crazy robots, zombies, vampire Nazis, demons, homosexual German catboys and an increasing host of cameos from the world of fiction.
The thread was initially begun by BlackWave, and other regular players include Sigma7, TheDarkServant ,Georgepatton, Cambyses the Mad, and the now banned Fox of Ages. Several other forumites have contributed to the thread in smaller degrees however, most notably Fenwick and Lord Roem
It also won the Best New Shared Worlds Turtledove Award in 2010, and then later the overall Best Shared World award alongside 'AH.com Eternals'.
Following the initial roleplay, spinoffs followed. The first was Metro Noir, set in the late 1930s, and the second was War Heroes, set during the Second World War. Both aimed for a pulp-based feel.
Roland Bradley, AKA Gunslinger: A former US Meta-Soldier and the oldest member of the main team. Roland might not be the strongest or the flashiest of heroes but his experience and determination have proven invaluable. Roland has known Sarah since her childhood, and has a paternal relationship towards her, only really losing his cool when she is in danger.
Miguel Alvarez, AKA Cyan Scarab: A well know American hero capable of moving at incredible speed. Scarab possesses an ubeat demeanour and can usually be relied upon to crack a joke under the most desperate conditions. Scarab's human name is unknown to the rest of the group, with the possible exception of Sarah. Currently teaming up with Kinetix as part of Heroes International.
Sarah North, AKA Sentinel: A psionic of immense potential, Sarah is one of the team's heavy hitters, and the full extent of her abilities remains unknown. However being raised within the cloistered halls of the US Meta-Institute, and the malign influence of a creature known as the Voidwalker, has left deep emotional scars which she continues to struggle with. Sarah views Roland as a father figure, and trusts him above all others. Currently rendered powerless after being shot by Mick during the battle with Century.
William Parsons, AKA Boomer, AKA Kinetix: A young metahuman with the ability to project a powerful telekinetic aura. Boomer is a brash, well meaning young Meta who became a superhero to get girls. He was last seen defeating an agent of Century in Rio, but his current wherabouts are unknown. It was later revealed that William had began working with the SAS under the codename Kinetix. Whilst still somewhat Brash and Naive, he has learned to control his powers much more effectively. He currently harbours a crush on the Villainess Duplicatrix. The only other person who knows of this is Sentinel. Currently with Heroes International.
Charlie Sobczak: A Polish-American US Army soldier, Sobczak was one of the earlier 'enhanced soldiers', being an effective prototype for the future 'Project Patriot'. As effective leader of the international Allied special operations force 'Tempest', he and his compatriots undertook various missions around the world during the war to foil Axis operations.
Metahumans are generally classed according to their power level, with 3 being the lowest class and 1 the highest. Class 3 Metahumans are those with somewhat enhanced human abilities; metasoldiers for example, Class 2s usually exhibit a specific power such as superspeed or pyrokinesis, whilst Class 1s are capable of truly amazing acts.
Due to the number of supergenious characters in the 'verse technology is understandably advanced. Items such as power armor and plasma weapons are found among key military units, computer and robotics technology has resulted in several working A.Is, genetic manipulation and chemical enhancement are used by major powers for the creation of Class 3 metahuman soldiers.
The Metroverse features a multi-dimensional cosmology, complete with alternate Earths and far stranger places. This is unknown to the majority of human characters. The primary setting is referred to as “The Earthplane” by the trans-dimensional races that journey there. It is referred to as “MVprime” by players.
STRIFE. The US Special Tactical Response, Intelligence, and Federal Enforcement agency. A recently developed government agency devoted to policing the US metahuman population and enforcing metahuman registration. Like many large agencies STRIFE is rather factionalised, with individual factions having very different goals.
The New Movement. A new organisation dedicated to peaceful opposition towards metahuman registration, putting them at odds with STRIFE. Loosely led by Charles “Pulse” Fremont, an unregistered Meta of considerable power
Arcadia. Home of the Daemon, an extra-dimensional race that has long been involved in manipulating events on earth, with individual members often posing as Gods or Angels. Until recently involved in a millennia long civil war. Now at peace, and struggling to reintegrate.
Comintern. The communist nations work very closely together, and have recently assembled an international superhero team of their own known as 'Heroes International'. The Soviet Union is having considerable difficulties at home however, as the revelation of the existence of the Daemon, and their apparent status as 'angels', has rocked the nation's atheist beliefs.
The Institute of Meta-Human Studies. A school devoted to training young metahumans, home to the powerful Sigma Team. The Institute was officially destroyed during a battle between Sigma Team, their allies, SWORD, and the Justice Force.
The Elder Horrors. Eldritch abominations defeated by the daemon a million years ago. Returned in 2009 and were destroyed in a huge battle by the combined forces of the daemon, the Elementals, the US, and the Soviet Union.
The Martians. Responsible for at least two incursions into Earth, including an invasion of Britain in 1898 and later a raid in New Jersey forty years later, the Martians were also responsible for the destruction of the Jovian civilization. Little has been heard of them since.
Jolene Pike/Arclight: Class 1. New Movement. Energy absorption and transference, EXTREME physical durability (bone and tissue density an indeterminate level beyond normal humans, but considerable). Super-strong. Enhanced endurance and stamina. Accelerated healing. Heightened reflexes.
Jamal Wilkins/Rockpile: Class 1. Independent. Big (7'6”, 800 lbs.), super-strong (think The Thing), with skin composition with the resilience of a diamond/granite mixture.
Seerit: Class 1. New Movement. She's the daughter of Captain Metro and Grace Retribution. Described out-of-universe as a cross between Superman and Jean Gray, except her powers never reach the extreme ends of her parents. They offset one and other, just enough that she's not as powerful in either department as her parents were, but is more powerful than either in the respect that she possesses a combination of their powers.
Arran: Elemental. IRA. A Syren, the highest order of life on the Elemental Plane of Water. Super-strength, durability and endurance, with associated elemental powers.
James Honda/Dr. Enigma: New Movement. Supra-Genius IQ (295). Master of technology and sciences. Wears a nano-suit that enhances his physical abilities to super-human levels, along with providing him more than a few useful tricks, defensive measures and weapons to boot.