TVTropes Now available in the app store!
Open

Follow TV Tropes

Following

Team Propaganda

Go To

RedneckRocker First Loyalty: Yourself from None Of Your Business Since: Jan, 2001
First Loyalty: Yourself
#1: Apr 15th 2012 at 7:53:16 PM

So I got to thinking about this for my RPG group. Loosely influenced by The American Way and Planetary, the idea is that due to various alien technologies collected by the US government, they've developed technology to artificially induce superpowers in people.

In the early 60s, as a sort of publicity/propaganda stunt, they've created a team to engage in "battles" with supervillians (i.e. actors playing up the part). The "heroes" are given fake backstories/origins to appear more heroic.

Unfortunately, something occurred that the government hadn't prepared for: That ACTUAL threats might begin to surface. So the heroes ended up going rogue, doing freelance work across the globe for the last few decades (a side-effect of gaining superpowers made the characters semi-immortal).

The thing is, the only characters I can think of for an "All-American" team that would've first appeared in that era:

Any other suggestions for a team created primarily for publicity? I'm trying not to have too many characters (maybe 5 or 6 at most).

Embroiled in slave rebellion, I escaped crucifixion simply by declaring 'I am Vito', everyone else apparently being called 'Spartacus'.
AtomJames I need a drink Since: Apr, 2010
I need a drink
#2: Apr 15th 2012 at 10:13:22 PM

Hmm. If I was the guy running this circus (does the team have a name?), I would want to make sure that my country was representing everything that was great about it which means:

  • Super-Soldier (For the caliber of men America produces)
  • Technological Hero (Our technology is the best in the world)
  • Space-Age Hero (We've reach the Moon!)
  • A Sea-based hero (Representing a proud and strong naval tradition)
  • An Energy Hero (Our command of Nuclear Energy will lead us towards a new age)
  • The Legendary Hero-basically any person from american folklore like Johnny Appleseed or Paul Bunyun (Our past will protect our future)

Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.
TheConductor Since: Jan, 2011
#3: Apr 15th 2012 at 11:16:39 PM

Paul Bunyun would fit the "Super Strong" thing too wouldn't he? (Only exposure to Paul was the Simpsons so...)

edited 15th Apr '12 11:16:52 PM by TheConductor

AtomJames I need a drink Since: Apr, 2010
I need a drink
#4: Apr 16th 2012 at 2:16:44 AM

He would, but considering ALL the things he was able to do he could also fit into reality warper territory. Kinda like a big, burly Mr Mxyzptlk who happens to like punching people as well.

Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.
RedneckRocker First Loyalty: Yourself from None Of Your Business Since: Jan, 2001
First Loyalty: Yourself
#5: Apr 16th 2012 at 5:57:28 AM

does the team have a name?
I was thinking something generically patriotic, like "The Cold Warriors" or "The Freedom Squad"

Technological Hero
Like the Cyborg or Iron Man.

Space-Age Hero
An alien hero (or more specifically, a character whom, upon getting powers, transformed their appearance like Ben Grimm).

The Legendary Hero
Well, I liked the idea of a super-strong character claiming to be the reincarnation of a legendary figure.

Embroiled in slave rebellion, I escaped crucifixion simply by declaring 'I am Vito', everyone else apparently being called 'Spartacus'.
C0mraid from Here and there Since: Aug, 2010
#6: Apr 16th 2012 at 2:32:49 PM

You guys seem to have most things covered. Still here are a few suggestions:

  • A non powered General cast as the teams mentor. Could stay with the government and help them track down the team.

  • Air force hero. I'd imagine the air force would strike more patriotic feelings than the navy.

  • Token Chick. A girl the government didn't bother giving powers to, just meant to look nice.

Also I imagine some sort of flashy team vehicle would be in order, possibly with a complex AI.

Am I a good man or a bad man?
AtomJames I need a drink Since: Apr, 2010
I need a drink
#7: Apr 17th 2012 at 1:10:30 AM

The technology hero could have a "background" in the Air Force as a Test Pilot. Perhaps the Government has appropriated the Himmelsturmer and has given him a few other accessories to use. Considering that their enemies are actors, whether or not these other devices work and if it's played for comedy is up to you.

Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.
RedneckRocker First Loyalty: Yourself from None Of Your Business Since: Jan, 2001
First Loyalty: Yourself
#8: Apr 17th 2012 at 5:05:19 AM

Bear in mind, at the time of the setting, the characters have already gone AWOL about 15 years ago (i.e., this setting takes place in the early 80s), and much of the "show" is just background stuff. I like the idea of a General-like figure leading a team to catch them though; very Hulk-ish. Anyhow, the primary reasons the characters decided to start becoming actual heroes are twofold:

  • Some of them began to get disillusioned about the whole routine. They began to realize that they're not heroes; they're just actors, not really accomplishing anything.
  • One of their team members was accidentally killed in action (and yes, his costume was red).

Anyhow, here's the basic rundown (NOTE: Their origins aren't true; they were just made up for the general public):

  • The Major: A Marine who was in prison for treason, he was given an option: Take part in an experiment with low survival odds (about 1 in 8), or wait for his execution. Gaining abilities similar to the Midnighter, he began working for the government as a special ops soldier.
  • Jeddak: A green Martian unintentionally teleported from centuries in the past to Earth (specifically, to the Southwest in 1947). Calling himself "Jeddak", this 9 foot tall, four-armed warrior utilizes his combat skills, telepathy, and whatever abilities would emerge from growing up on a low-grav world (I'll need to look them up).
  • Spirit: The token female, her primary ability is intangibility. Later on, she began to develop other powers (I'm still torn between ghost-like, like Danny Phantom or Deadman, or Shadowcat-esque).
  • Pecos Bill: The supposed reincarnation of the legendary Western legend, this low-level speedster/gunslinger is essentially the Elan of the team.
  • The Deep One: An Atlantean mystic, similar to Aquaman during his "water hand" days.
  • Sainte-Claire: Okay, I know the code-name is awful (it's a reference to the Nyctalope, and I'll try to think of something better later). His attire is based on Doc Savage. A cyborg that makes him a Flying Brick (not a Do-Anything Robot, I hate those things), he's also supposedly the team's genius.

Embroiled in slave rebellion, I escaped crucifixion simply by declaring 'I am Vito', everyone else apparently being called 'Spartacus'.
AtomJames I need a drink Since: Apr, 2010
I need a drink
#9: Apr 17th 2012 at 6:30:10 AM

Seems like a pretty solid roster so far, though I'm not sure why I can't get excited over Spirit and Pecos Bill. The others are great though.

Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.
RedneckRocker First Loyalty: Yourself from None Of Your Business Since: Jan, 2001
First Loyalty: Yourself
#10: Apr 17th 2012 at 6:35:55 AM

Seems like a pretty solid roster so far, though I'm not sure why I can't get excited over Spirit and Pecos Bill.

Well, with Spirit, I wanted to go with the Silver Age tradition of "Female characters' powers aren't as awesome or impressive as their male teammates".

Pecos Bill, probably because he's a bit generic. The only real interesting thing about him is probably the fact that I'm thinking of portraying him as the only member of the team who's convinced he's really a "reincarnation".

I originally thought of having John Henry, as the team's super-strong member (with a warhammer, of course), but realized that 1961 might not be ready for a hero like that.

Embroiled in slave rebellion, I escaped crucifixion simply by declaring 'I am Vito', everyone else apparently being called 'Spartacus'.
AtomJames I need a drink Since: Apr, 2010
I need a drink
#11: Apr 17th 2012 at 4:02:13 PM

Well to be honest I don't think 1961 is ready for a female hero either. Specially one that is funded by the government. I like the idea with Pecos Bill though.

Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.
RedneckRocker First Loyalty: Yourself from None Of Your Business Since: Jan, 2001
First Loyalty: Yourself
#12: Apr 18th 2012 at 12:11:01 PM

Well to be honest I don't think 1961 is ready for a female hero either.

What about Sue Storm? Or June Robbins?

Embroiled in slave rebellion, I escaped crucifixion simply by declaring 'I am Vito', everyone else apparently being called 'Spartacus'.
AtomJames I need a drink Since: Apr, 2010
I need a drink
#13: Apr 18th 2012 at 8:11:24 PM

Good point, but I meant a real-life superheroine. I mean, it was the swinging 60's after all. If a woman with Superpowers were to exist you can imagine the kind of publicity she would get and I doubt any of it of it would really focus on her heroics. The original Silk Spectre comes to mind.

Now of course, the Government could use that publicity to help give it a good image and sell merchandise and if thats the case her being there is valid; she's the pretty face no-one expects her to be heroic (which in turn would give her a motive to become a real superhero). However when I hear Government Funded Superteam, I expect a team that the Government wants the world to respect and take seriously, and women weren't really either back then.

Of course this is just my opinion, so in the end it doesn't really matter. If you think you can pull it off by all means.

Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.
TheConductor Since: Jan, 2011
#14: Apr 19th 2012 at 1:59:00 AM

I don't know why, but when I was reading the roster, I kept seeing Spirit has a Native American. Something to consider, maybe.

RedneckRocker First Loyalty: Yourself from None Of Your Business Since: Jan, 2001
First Loyalty: Yourself
#15: Apr 19th 2012 at 5:12:45 AM

I don't know why, but when I was reading the roster, I kept seeing Spirit has a Native American. Something to consider, maybe.

Well, bear in mind, some of the code-names were just "placeholders", so that was the first thing I could think of. For instance, the cyborg genius I mentioned in the roster, I decided to go with the code name "Gernsback", as a reference to sci-fi writer Hugo Gernsback. So until I can come up with a better codename for the intangible girl, that's the one I chose.

Also, I spoke about this idea with a friend, and he came up with an interesting suggestion: That I go the Samus Aran route, and keep her gender a secret from the public, via costume/voice effects/etc. Perhaps even claim that she's a "supernatural companion" of The Deep One, much like Caliban and Sprite.

As I've said earlier, at the time the story takes place, they're not wearing their original costumes anymore (well, except for Pecos Bill, maybe). There are occasional flashbacks (inspired by Alan Moore's run on Supreme). Occasionally, though, comments about the silliness of the styles are made. (A huge gold eagle on one shoulder, Major? Seriously, who would wear something that silly?)

Embroiled in slave rebellion, I escaped crucifixion simply by declaring 'I am Vito', everyone else apparently being called 'Spartacus'.
AtomJames I need a drink Since: Apr, 2010
I need a drink
#16: Apr 19th 2012 at 7:40:37 AM

actually that sounds really clever.

Theres sex and death and human grime in monochrome for one thin dime and at least the trains all run on time but they dont go anywhere.
Jhimmibhob Since: Dec, 2010
#17: Apr 21st 2012 at 11:46:13 AM

Like where this is going.

In place of Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, or any other single guy of that sort, I propose a mysterious fellow of uncertain origins—possibly a mental case—dubbed Johnny Talltale. He's not Pecos, Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, John Henry, Casey Jones, Mike Fink, or any single other hero of American lore, but he seems to draw upon whatever forces they represented, or that gave rise to them. Rather than Rule of Cool, his ill-defined powers seem to run on "Rule of Whimsical, Gigantesque Cool": he can't ordinarily bend a steel bar without proper context, but is somehow able to grab a set of railroad tracks and put a U-turn in it. He eats five dozen flapjacks for breakfast, but couldn't replicate the feat in, say, a modern eating contest. He's not a conventionally talented marksman, but if necessary, he can rope a cloud, drag it overhead, and shoot a hole in it to cause a rainstorm. He was found wandering near Los Alamos, and the secret-lab boys still don't know what to make of him.

RedneckRocker First Loyalty: Yourself from None Of Your Business Since: Jan, 2001
First Loyalty: Yourself
#18: Apr 21st 2012 at 5:04:59 PM

Interesting idea, Jhim, but it comes across as a the folk-hero equivalent of a Do-Anything Robot, and frankly, I'm not really a big fan of that type of character (with the exception of the Doctor's sonic screwdriver, that is).

Embroiled in slave rebellion, I escaped crucifixion simply by declaring 'I am Vito', everyone else apparently being called 'Spartacus'.
Jhimmibhob Since: Dec, 2010
#19: Apr 21st 2012 at 11:05:14 PM

[up]Understandable. I'll just hang onto him, then: he still seems like a productive possibility in the right milieu.

Add Post

Total posts: 19
Top