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Children of the Atom?
((or Role-playing a Mutant))


What is a mutant? Mutants are people, normal in every respect except one, a genetic anomaly present in their DNA from birth. This anomaly, first termed the x-gene by Professor Charles Xavier renown geneticist, usually lies dormant until puberty and then begins to affect the individual. Occaisionally the effects are surprising in the extreme, fur, or wings. Sometimes more subtle gifts such as telepathy appear, and many have distinguishing attributes, hair color, glowing eyes. The x-gene is as random as it is elusive to study, and due to lack of funding, hysteria, and many other factors it may remain so for some time to come.

Why the x-gene? Well there are many theories on that as well, most notably those by the aforementioned professor and others like Dr. Moira McTaggart have offered the following :

1. The most common theory presented is that mutants are the next step in evolution.

2. Some very few enlightened individuals know about a race called the Celestials, who discovered earth millions of years ago and have been tampering with our genetics every since. They are responsible for the Deviant races and the Eternals and may have implanted the potential for genetic mutation into the base human stock as well.

3. Another more popular theory is that atomic testing, and use of atomic bombs have brought about more radical changes in the human gene pool than previously noted, or that perhaps these activities have increased the programming by the Celestials rate of mutation, if you prescribe to that theory. Though there are a few such as Apocalypse, or Selene who predate the atomic age, in the last 50+ years since it began a dramatic increase in the mutant population has occurred lending some credence to this theory.

Which theory is correct? At this time threes no way to determine the ultimate truth, perhaps it lies somewhere in between, a combination of two or all three theories. Perhaps the real truth has yet to be glimpsed.


The Mutant Menace



Since being a mutant is inborn, a timebomb if you will, and its just a matter of when and where it will first expose itself to the world at large. Anybody can be a mutant, your neighbor, girlfriend, child, mother, any one could be one of those dreaded "muties." Just when you thought that you were safe from the "mutant menace" it turns out that you were in fact yourself a mutant. What’s a sane person to do.

Most normal humans view this situation with great discomfort, and more recently growing hysteria over what is the drama of this age. Fear, anger, jealousy all the ugliness that is potential in humans and mutants alike is being vaulted, displayed and in some cases violently executed before our very eyes. People fear that which they do not understand, cannot control, cannot attain, and what might ultimately become the death knell for their own species. The more mutants rage against the populace the more stringent laws become, mutant teams, both good and evil, tend to put more unease into the situation than anything else. Even if a "good" mutant accidentally destroys something saving the whole city, the bigger picture is often ignored, or if noted soon forgotten as the next headline plunges the populace into yet another mutant vs. humanity tragedy.


The Mutant Agenda



The future of both humans and mutants may be in jeopardy. Unknown to the populace at large several possible futures have come to light in the recent era, with the influx of time travelers and other alternate timeline visitors, the future may be very grim indeed. Anything from mutant death camps, war between humans and mutants, to total mutant or human annihilation could be possible depending on the visitor you question. How can these things be stopped, well ultimately we may not be able to stop them, we can but our best to try. In the words of Professor Xavier we are offered hope:


"We have it within ourselves, X-men-as do all people, whether mutants or no-to leave our world better than we found it. To strive for the heights of our potential, to seek out the best in ourselves and in others...Yes, that is an ideal. Perhaps an unattainable one. But success in this is not what is important. What matters is the attempt. And our powers, our role as heroes-perhaps even the simple fact that we live-gives us the obligation to try." (X-men #3)




Others offer different opinions:




Cable (Freedom Fighter/Terrorist): Leader of X-Force (possibly former)
"It's time we became a force for change in this world. A force-legal or not-for what’s right." (New Mutants #100)








Emma Frost (User/Manipulator):From her time as White Queen of the Hellfire Club.
"This young witch presents a threat to myself and my organization," proclaimed Emma Frost. "And everything which threatens the Hellfire Club must sooner or later threaten the X-Men! Now, open your mind to me, young one...before I peel your psyche like a ripe fruit!" (Uncanny X- Men #281) *(note since this time Emma has had a change of heart, or at least puts forth that appearance! obviously this quote presents not a view of what you can do for your country but rather what your country can do for you)



Strong Guy (Crimefighter): Member of X-Factor ((former?))
"Okay, That’s it! I've had it! I am sick and tired of the word 'mutant'...Its one of the dirtiest words and racial slurs in this country. 'mutant menace. mutant scum. mutant danger.' Remember when African-Americans were 'Negroes' or worse? When the physically challenged were 'cripples'? Every other segment of society is now treated with verbal respect. But you guys have turned the word 'mutant' into a buzz word meaning 'dangerous.' Its unfair and were not gone take it anymore. We deserve respect! We demand respect!...We prefer the term 'genetically challenged.' Or 'geecees' for short." (X-Factor #73)




Gyrich, Henry Peter (Anti-mutant Bureaucrat): Agent of the U. S. Government.
"I've always maintained mutants represent a threat to the national security...We have recently required the financial backing we've needed since Shaw Industries collapsed. Project: Wideawake is ready to go back online!" (X-force #5)






Magneto (Aggressive Defense): Self-appointed leader and defender of mutantkind.
"Whatever we decide, the world will never accept us. They only mean our destruction, as individuals and as a species!" "All my life," declared Magneto to the X-men, "I have seen people slaughtered wholesale for no more reason than the deity they worshipped, or the color of their skin-or the presence in their DNA of an extra, special gene. I cannot change the world but I can-and will-ensure that my race will never again suffer for its fear and prejudice. Harm done against any mutant is harm done to me. And I shall respond accordingly." (X-Men #1)




Toad (Evil Mutant):Leader of the New Brotherhood of Evil Mutants ((disbanded?))
"My name is Mortimer Toynbee...You see, there are just far to many mutant factions currently in operation. Everyone putting an X in front of their names. And Magneto with his sad delusions of nobility! And homo sapiens? Well, just take the paramilitary and anti-mutant state of Genosha as an example. Using our people as enforced labor. An injustice that cries our for vengeance!" (X-force #5)



Role Playing Tips



Assuming you’ve made it this far, having read the previous information you may have discerned by now that role playing a mutant in toadies universe is tantamount to being a second-class Citizen. Yes you may wield vast and amazing powers, but you are feared and hated for it. You may save the world, only to be scorned by the very people you nearly died to save. Mutants make for grim heroes, often second guessing and questioning their actions, and they have few role models to look up to.

1. Are you pro-or anti-mutant. Or do you care, take a stand in creating your character. Many mutants start out hating themselves more than their erstwhile enemies.

2. Power usage, how do you view it, if your a mutant taking an anti-mutant stand, how do you view your own power? Do you avoid using them? Are you afraid? Maybe you wish to get rid of your power and be normal again. Maybe you have a change of heart and become a hero, or villain.

3. What is your "mutant agenda?" Who do you agree with of those above...where do you stand and why do you feel that way? Make a conscious effort to guide your own destiny by having goals whenever possible.

4. Heroes are deemed such because they stop crime, rescue innocents, or defeat public enemies. Indiscriminate killing, criminal activities, and abuse of "normal" people will ultimately earn you the villain identify. Remember, when faced with antagonists, sinking to their level makes you as bad as them. If you go that far why stop there...Be a hero, be a villain....but please....be SOMETHING!


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