TBF, Mags, you have been doing a lot of the heavylifting for the quest, so this will be in good hands.
To be clear to everyone, this is just me burning out on imagination of the quest, since my muse has been hitting me over the head a lot with so many different ideas that I just can't find myself too interested in this.
I'll still hang out here, though, since this still does have a sepcial place in my heart.
I'd like to thank you all for making this a wonderful experience while it lasted.
I'd also like to thank @Magoose, @Fluffy_serpent, and @Martin Noctis for doing so much to help prepare and write this quest. I couldn't have done it without you all.
So we made him Doofenschmirtz...and since his first spiteful -inator was an affordable digital camera in the '80s, we've already got Secret Agents knocking on our door.
So we made him Doofenschmirtz...and since his first spiteful -inator was an affordable digital camera in the '80s, we've already got Secret Agents knocking on our door.
Speaking of the Ewoks, I'm of the persuasion to turn them into a tribe of orphaned Wookiee kids. That way we can have a grown-up Wicket appear when we do the sequels.
Speaking of the Ewoks, I'm of the persuasion to turn them into a tribe of orphaned Wookiee kids. That way we can have a grown-up Wicket appear when we do the sequels.
No, they'd be Wookie kids in the original trilogy. What I'm saying is that Wicket would have turned into a fullly-grown Wookiee by the time of the sequel trilogy.
-[2] Lucasfilm Europe: Emerald Campus [ $75 Million ]: Lucasfilm plans to expand its presence into Europe, with the best place to start in your mind is in the home country, Ireland. The Lucasfilm Europe Campus is set to be established in Galway [which, given Dublin's current urban congestion, gives the company room for expansion], serving as an office space, for production and legal, and feature state-of-the-art facilities for film production, post-production, and visual effects. By leveraging Ireland's talent pool and utilizing the country's favorable tax environment [read: tax haven], Lucasfilm aims to acquire and distribute European films and television, while contributing to Ireland's entertainment industry and economic growth, through this campus. The campus will foster collaboration, host industry events, and provide opportunities for local talent, positioning Ireland as a thriving hub for creative industries...hey Mike, why is everyone already calling it the future Eurowood?
Speaking of the Ewoks, I'm of the persuasion to turn them into a tribe of orphaned Wookiee kids. That way we can have a grown-up Wicket appear when we do the sequels.
How about we make the Ewoks the name of a tribe of castaways from different races that have come together to protect each other against the Empire and pirates. They could even have their own fleet and come to fight against the Empire in the battle.
Well, good news is that we already know that we have two roles for him, one live action and the other animated. See if we can't get him to also do VA work for Dreamworks while we're at it.
...wait, was he the voice of Adrien (Miraculous) in this timeline?
Well we certainly have no need for the latter and George is more than comfortable financially so hopefully we can do the Wookies. Not only is it cooler, but it's some nice character stuff for Chewbacca who doesn't really have any important plot stuff for the movies.
So we made him Doofenschmirtz...and since his first spiteful -inator was an affordable digital camera in the '80s, we've already got Secret Agents knocking on our door.
Does George make home videos with Wally and Marcia? I can imagine that being a nice family bonding thing as well as getting Wally introduced to the world of film.
Well, good news is that we already know that we have two roles for him, one live action and the other animated. See if we can't get him to also do VA work for Dreamworks while we're at it.
...wait, was he the voice of Adrien (Miraculous) in this timeline?
With the announcement of the MCAU and the previous pitches for it, I also wanted to throw in my hat into the ring. I've been speaking with Orion, and eventually decided on trying for a Captain America series. not only is the Sentinel of Lyberty due since the cancellation of the cartoon in OTL before it could even be produced, but I figured that it could help set up the world of Marvel if we began with one of the heroes that made it iconic...besides the Fantastic Four of course!
Marvel's first family will get their due respect.
Still, I figure using their original adventures would work well enough...that is until I started reading them. My goodness, the adversaries are so kooky and ridiculous as to make me think I was reading some sort of comedy/parody. I kept reminding myself that everyone has to start from somewhere, but even the Red Skull is basically a joke at some points. That is without even mentioning how some of them are...let's just say "a product of their time".
The worst part is that I can actually see that they were being progressive in comparison to other comics of the time.
Still, there are other comics that can be adapted, as well as characters that do deserve to be mentioned. And Captain America is, if anything, a true beacon of patriotism and belief in the ideals of the revolution and the American Dream.
Thus, I give you:
Animated TV Pitch: Captain America: The Animated Series GENRE: Action/Adventure/Thriller SUBGENRE: Comedy/Drama
FORMAT: Animated TV Series
Set Up: Based on the Character created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby. The story follows Steve Rogers, a young man from Brookly that wants to fight for his country against the Nazi menace, and is noticed by Dr. Abraham Erskine to be given a chance in Project: Rebirth, a chance to create Super-Soldiers. Steve succeeds against the odds, becoming the only Super-Soldier after Erskine's death, and leads the fight against the forces of the III Reich as Captain America, the Sentinel of Freedom, while also gathering allies to take the fight to the European continent.
Animation: DreamWorks Studios Series Director: Brad Bird Series Writer: Jack Kirby & Stan Lee
Season Length: 12 Episodes Episode Length: 30-45 Minutes
Chapter 1: A Kid from Brooklyn
Steve Rogers, a regular kid from Brooklyn, fails in joining the army due to his frail physique. On his way out he stumbles into a man that is wounded, who tells him he's carrying secret information but he's being chased. before dying he gives the information to Steve, who then runs after seeing the pursuers. A chase ensues where Steve displays quick thinking, bravery, and an unshakeable will as he manages to give them the slip after incapacitating one of them. After delivering the documents he's contacted by Dr. Abraham Erskine, who saw him being rejected by the army, and then again when he brought the documents. He offers him a chance for Operation: Rebirth...if he can pass the selection that is.
Steve goes through boot camp, struggling through the training but refusing to give up, his heart and determination managing to gain the respect of the soldiers who before derided him and mocked him. Steve is selected and taken to a secret location where he is to be administered the Super-Soldier Serum. Among the men watching the trials is Colonel Chester Philips, representative from the Strategic Scientific Reserve, in charge of this project. The trial works and Steve becomes Super-Soldier. Before everyone can celebrate a gunshot sounds, and Dr. Erskine falls dead. The man involved, one of the previous pursuers who'd escaped, manages to escape, but Steve chases him, mirroring the initial chase but this time displaying Steve's new physical prowess mixed with his previous qualities, allowing him to catch the man without being injured.
The man is interrogated, revealing that the Nazis have infiltrated the U.S. Army even more than one would have expected. Colonel Philips then gives Steve his new mission as a Super-Soldier: root out the infiltrators and find their leader. For this, Steve Rogers is granted a costume to hide his identity as well as his code name: Captain America.
Notes: First introduction of Agent Axis and his small incongruities.
Chapter 2: Sworn Brothers
Colonel Philips briefs Captain America on his new mission. Intelligence gathered from the man that killed Erskine reports that there is to be an assassin at the reception for the French Government at the White House. Steve will be infiltrated as a simple private along with the group sent to watch the perimeter while making sure that everything goes according to plan. Steve is transferred into the base and unit, meeting his superior officer, Sergeant Duffy, who does not seem to think well of him, as well as a new friend, James Barnes, who helps him out of trouble with said sergeant. A jokester, James and Steve soon bond, joking around, talking about the war and their pasts, and trying to not get in the way of Sergeant Duffy's path. They also meet news reporter Betsy Ross, who James immediately falls for.
During the night however, Steve is investigating different areas where the infiltrators may attack, foiling some attempts at officials, and at other points stopping a group that was approaching the French Ambassador's room. A note found mentions that the attack will take place during the very reception in order to create the most confusion. During the reception Steve sneaks in as a waiter, James follows him wondering what he's going to do, disguising himself using a modified Zouave uniform. There are many people mingling about when the French Ambassador makes his appearance. As President Roosevelt approaches Steve is looking everywhere, yet he can't seem to find the assassin...up until he looks at the ambassador, and the pieces fall into place; the ambassador is the assassin.
The lights go out, the assassin makes his move, but is foiled thanks to the quick action of Captain America, now in his costume. As the Secret agents get the president to safety, new assassins make their move. Captain America is aided by James, who put on a mask, to help him fight, as well as Betsy Ross, who is later revealed to have been part of the SSR, and was monitoring the situation. After the ruckus, Captain America is revealed along with James (now called "Bucky" as there was little time to come with a codename), as both of them are now given a new mission.
Notes: First introduction of Major Crane as he speaks in the reception with Betsy Ross.
Chapter 3: Enemy Within
We begin with a newsreel and scenes that displays all the different enemy spies and saboteurs that both Captain America and "Bucky" have managed to catch across the United States, making them household names and famous. Never underestimate the power of good press after all. Captain America accepts it, while James seems to revel in it, loving every second of it. Colonel Philips lets them know of a new member they want to add to the team, but they've had some bad experiences before with the army, thus they will be sent to contact them. He gives them the dossier which includes a picture and the name of their possible new member: Jim Hammond
On the other hand, the Nazi agents also know about the existence of Hammond, and thus their superior sent a new agent, calling him Berthold Volker, to find and capture Hammond as he would be of use for the Reich. Both sides look for Hammond, though Hammond himself knows they're after him so he keeps on moving, running from both sides when found. At one point he's cornered and has no other choice to display his powers, becoming a living torch that can fly and launch flames from his hands in order to escape. Captain America fights the agent sent by the Nazis while Bucky chases after Hammond, eventually winning. During the chase the Nazi agent has shown different skills that seem to be out of place; speaking in German, fighting using Karate, and praying in Italian whenever he crosses a church, etc.
Bucky manages to find Hammond and talk him down, there he hears his story; Hammond is an android, created by Phineas Horton. However his "father" was attacked by Nazis, and in the fight against them he was killed. Hammond ran as those were his last words, asking him to hide. Captain America arrives after hearing the story, and convinces him that they need his help in order to take the fight to the Nazis.
Back with the infiltrating team, the Nazi agent arrives defeated, where he's reprimanded, and told that unless he produces results, he will not be "Healed" of his affliction.
Chapter 4: Enemies Among Us
Captain America, Bucky and the newly dubbed "Human Torch" train together in order to fight as a team. Hammond and Betsy Ross meet, both of them finding something to like, which has Bucky jealous. Nevertheless, the group works well in fighting and taking down the Nazi cells, slowly but surely narrowing down the leadership, approaching the mastermind behind the attacks with every victory. In one of their moments as they are speaking with the Colonel about their last mission, they are interrupted by a new arrival; Major Crane, from the OSS, who has with him orders signed by the president for them to take over the pursuit of the remaining Nazi cells. Though not agreeable at first, eventually Captain America, Bucky and Hammond are given "on loan" to Major Crane's team.
As the chase continues, the seeming incompetence of the OSS makes the captures even more difficult, with more men and personnel giving them the slip. Captain America has Hammond contact Betsy to have her research Major Crane and his connections while he organizes another raid without letting him know. The rift between Bucky and Hammond seems to grow due to the growing relationship between Hammond and Betsy, while Captain America manages to find the last place where the Nazi cells would be going and arranges for them to go.
Meanwhile, Betsy has been looking through documents, when she manages to find Major Crane's original file. She then runs to Colonel Philips to let him know the news; Major Crane's been reported dead for over a year. Whoever it was that came was not him. Captain America and his team arrive at an abandoned factory where they are ambushed by the Nazi members, as well as Major Crane, now revealed as the Mastermind and Head of operations for the Reich in America. After some moments of taunting he orders his men to fire. All hell breaks loose as the team fight a losing battle, until Colonel Philips arrives with the cavalry, saving them and capturing "Major Crane".
On the AAR it is noted that despite all searches, there was no sign of Berthold Volker, or as the Nazis called him: Agent Axis.
Notes: Reveal of Agent Axis' codename, as well as a display of his skills when fighting all three members at once.
Chapter 5: My Country, Right or Wrong
Agent Axis is on the run, hiding and moving from place to place. As he does he begins remembering his past, but is disjointed and at times it does not make sense as he has memories of having been born and lived in Germany, Italy, and even Japan. As he moves and remembers (showing Flashbacks) we also see Captain America reading the file they found on him in the previous fight; Agent Axis is an amalgamation of secret agents from all three axis members. Specifically, Hiroyuki Kanagawa, Aldo Malvagio and Berthold Volker. All three who had been patriotic members of their country, though they did not always agree with their decisions.
They used to work together, until a fateful accident scarred their entire face and body. However, only one body was found, and to this day Agent Axis is not sure if he's all three together, or if he's one of the three agents. Being diagnosed with schizophrenia, he nonetheless is a very effective agent when given a task. Captain America manages to find him and talk him down from where he was planning to sacrifice himself for the cause. Both sides speak about their experiences, their countries, with Captain America finding common ground and convincing him to stand down and be captured.
In the final scene, we see Agent Axis now captured, but also receiving the help he needs to hopefully one day be reintegrated back into society. Meanwhile, back in Germany, Baron Von Strucker receives the news of the failure, as well as the name of their new enemy: Captain America.
Notes: References to attempted suicide. First appearance of Baron Von Strucker and HYDRA.
Chapters 6 - 8: Days of infamy (Parts 1, 2 & 3)
Baron Von Strucker prepares to launch an all-out attack on America's soil to cripple their leadership. Using subterfuge, he manages to trick the Atlanteans, led by their rule Namor, to launch an attack on New York City. He further makes sure to learn of President's Roosevelt meeting with Prime Minister Churchill in the Bahamas where he will be guarded by Captain America himself, and a final attack on both the White House and the Pentagon to scatter whatever remains of the political and military superiors.
The Attack on New York begins with Namor delivering a spiel about the perfidiousness of surface dwellers before launching a tidal wave that he rides as it approaches the city. He's contested by Jim Hammond (The Human Torch), who was on leave and has to protect the city on his own.
James Buchanan Barnes, aka Bucky, is on Washington D.C., escorting Betsy Ross and doing his best to try and woo her when the attack is launched by HYDRA troops. It's up to the two of them to defend the city.
Meanwhile, in the Bahamas, Captain America has to face the new enemy from HYDRA; Helmut Gruler, a German soldier wearing the experimental "Iron Cross" armor in order to defend the leaders of the free world.
Notes: Have the episodes set up like in AtLA's Sozin day, showing all sides and the developments. Namor temporarily joins the team after finding out he's been tricked. First appearance of Sergeant Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos during the fight at the White House.
Chapter 9: Counter-Strike
Captain America, Bucky, The Human Torch and Namor, all now have to find a way to work together, yet it's made difficult due to their many personality traits. Colonel Philips receives General Haywood, from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who gives him orders directly from the president; find where the attacks came from and make sure there are no more strikes into American territory. The investigation stalls as no clues seem to be found. A visit to Agent Axis as he's in recovery helps Captain America as the former mentions remembering coming from the Atlantic, as well as some distinct landmarks.
The team launch a strike in HYDRA's base in the Atlantic, where they once more face Iron Cross, as well as the new surface to air advanced seacraft that HYDRA has created. The team manages to form a cohesive unit at last.
Notes: First appearance of The Red Skull as he stands as an opposing rival to Baron Von Strucker.
Chapters 10 - 12: Invaders(Parts 1, 2 & 3)
The time has come. The enemies within have been found and arrested. America Stands ready to launch its strike into the heart of Europe. Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos are prepared to aid in the offensive. The navy has been assembled, the armies ready, the deception spread, yet they still need to counter Von Strucker's HYDRA armies, weapons and operatives. As Operation: Overlord begins, Captain America's team, newly dubbed "The Invaders" launch alongside, striking deep into Europe's HYDRA bases.
Iron Cross makes his final stand, yet despite his armor he falls. Baron Von Strucker is killed in the final base as The Red Skull faces Captain America, managing to escape with those willing to follow him and preparing for another occasion. The operation is a success, and the Allies have managed to get a holding in Europe.
Meanwhile, the Red Skull gathers all of HYDRA under his command, behind him in the shadows his new operatives get ready to receive their orders.
Notes: Like in "Days of Infamy" the episode will move from area of operation to another, including Nick Fury and his men. First appearance/mention of Red Skull's operatives: The Super-Axis.
Steve Rogers/Captain America: He is the first and only success of Operation: Rebirth and the only Super-Soldier in the world. Originally rejected by the U.S. Army during World War II due to numerous health problems, he ultimately was offered the chance to become a candidate for Project Rebirth by Dr. Abraham Erskine, with the serum greatly enhanced his frail body to the peak of human physicality. He is a righteous and brave man who always wanted to see the good in people. From even before his origins as a super hero, Steve has always devoted himself to the protection of the weak and the defense of freedom and justice.
Played By: Kevin Conroy Alternate: Peter Cullen
James Buchanan Barnes/Bucky: He is an American Soldier who was recruited to the U.S. Army during World War II after being a ward of the state. A jokester and social man, he fights alongside his best friend, Captain America, after finding his real identity during an attempt on the President's life. Bucky willingly in his heart wanted to save the lives of innocent people and defend his country, though he also would not mind finding a girlfriend at the same time, which usually puts him in conflict with Jim Hammond over the attention of Betsy Ross. At the same time, as the only normal member of the team, he usually feels the pressure in being the odd one out.
Played By: Townsend Coleman Alternate: Loren Lester
Jim Hammond/The Human Torch: He is an android created by scientist Phineas Horton, off of the tutelage of Victor Timely. He was built to possess the same emotions and thoughts of a human, as well as the ability to surround himself with fire and control flames. During his activation, Nazi forces raided their home and Hammond was forced to fight, yet his creator died to the bullets nonetheless. Hammond tends to be a laconic person that does not trust easily, yet he respects Captain America enough to accept his proposition to aid in the fight against the Nazis. he also seems to be fond of Betsy Ross, responding to her advances.
Played By: Brent Spiner Alternate: Xander Berkeley
Namor McKenzie/The Sub-Mariner: He is the son of a human sea captain and a princess of the mythical undersea kingdom of Atlantis. Namor possesses the superstrength and aquatic abilities of the Homo mermanus race, as well as the mutant ability of flight, along with other superhuman powers. As the heir to the throne, Namor has dedicated his life to protecting his people, to the point that he will not hesitate to strike back against any he perceives harmed them. Namor agreed to fight alongside Captain America and his team after the nazis tricked him into attacking New York, wishing for vengeance and to end a possible future threat.
Played By: Keith David Alternate: John Vernon
Colonel Chester Phillips: He is an officer of the United States Army, the director of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, Steve Rogers' commanding officer, and a key factor in the creation of the world's first super soldier. He is a gruff and iron-forged man who is willing to take on any chance and new weapon available to fight the Nazis. He respects Steve Rogers for his courage and strength, and grows to respect the team he forms once he sees their abilities as well.
Played By: R. Lee Ermey Alternate: Bob Hastings
Sergeant Nick Fury: He is the leader of an elite U.S. Army Ranger unit, the "Howling Commandos" who've worked together for years now. This cigar-chomping man is a master tactician who is a father to his men, always willing to lead by example and demanding excellence not only from his men but from himself as well. His initial introduction to the team was in the fight for the Capital, where he managed to not only stall but counter HYDRA's attack, leading to a personal vendetta with Baron Von Strucker.
Played By: Peter Renaday Alternate: Rob Paulsen
Elisabeth "Betsy" Ross: She was a government agent during the course of World War II, who then transferred to the Strategic Scientific Reserve as part of the intelligence gathering apparatus to find the infiltrators and Fifth Column Nazis in the armed forces. It was thanks to her skill and research that they found Major Crane as an impostor, as well as the many locations of the enemy's bases across America. She has a small crush on Jim Hammond, and is not blind to Bucky's own growing affections for her, though she can't return them.
Played By: Adrienne Barbeau Alternate: Diane Pershing
Baron Wolfgang Von Strucker: He is a Nazi officer, and the leader of HYDRA, an organization within the Reich whose aim is world domination. Wolfgang is a man loyal to Hitler and devotes his entire organization and resources to the cause of destroying the United States as the one threat that may stop him. With his plans failing, and his treacherous "subordinate" fleeing with his men, he dies in a final stand against nick Fury, both of them knowing only one man may survive.
Played By: Jonathan Frakes Alternate: Gerrit Graham
Agent Axis: As his name suggests, he is an Axis agent during World War II. The full details of Agent Axis' early history and origin remain unrevealed during the series. Later it's revealed that he might be the amalgamation of three men (one German, one Italian, and one Japanese) into a single being, though there's also implications that it might all be in his mind. Whatever might have happened, the process gave him great strength, reflexes, and endurance, but it also left his mind fractured. He surrenders and gives information on the Nazis as he's sent to be healed.
Played By: Richard Moll Alternate: Frank Welker
Helmut Gruler/Iron Cross: He's a former German soldier who fought in WWI before making a living as a blacksmith. He was contacted by HYDRA due to an old friendship, though he did not want to have anything to do with the Nazis, and offered the chance to wear a new armor to face the enemies of the fatherland. Gruler decided to wear the armor, calling himself the Iron Cross, hoping to fight, not for the Nazis, but for his fatherland, right or wrong.
Played By: George Buza Alternate: Efrem Zimbalist Jr.
Johann Shmidt/Red Skull: He is an ambitious Nazi agent and protégé of Adolf Hitler during World War II. Shmidt suffers a horrific disfigurement that causes his face to match his namesake. As "subordinate" to Baron Von Strucker in HYDRA, he's in reality making connections to take over, which he does after the death of Von Strucker's during the Allies attack on "Fortress Europe". The Red Skull's cruelty is only matched for his hatred, and he's willing to do anything to reach Hitler's dream of a "Pure Race".
Played By: Jim Cummings Alternate: David Warner
Dr. Abraham Erskine: He is a German biochemist and physicist who had spent much of his early life studying the human species. During this time he developed a serum which would transform an ordinary person into a "super soldier". Horrified when he witnesses Adolf Hitler's horrific policies (as well as the Red Skull's), he contacts the United States to defect from Nazi Germany, beginning Operation: Rebirth. He dies by the hands of a Nazi spy.
Played By: Michael Ansara
General Haywood: He's an Army General from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Hayward takes care of supplies and the Homefront while Eisenhower deals with Operation: Overlord, letting the Strategic Scientific Reserve know that they need to be ready for a deep strike into Europe before D-Day in order to cripple HYDRA's operations on the day of the landing. He's a man who only cares about results, and as such has little to no prejudice against them.
Played By: Ron Pearlman
Sergeant Duffy: He was a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army during World War II, holding the rank of Sergeant. He was in charge of the troops patrolling the White House and was known as a stern taskmaster. He was commonly found chewing out the junior enlisted men for "goldbricking" and was particularly fond of tormenting Private Steve Rogers and Private James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes. It is unknown if he ever knew that Steve Rogers was Captain America.
Played By: Robert Costanzo
A.N.: Dear God this is finally done! The difficult part was actually finding the right voice cast to use, as at sometimes I just wanted to try and reuse previous ones. And I'm not even sure I even managed that! I hope this can be a good addition to the MCAU, and that we can try for more seasons in the future. I'm already having ideas to include the Super-Axis and perhaps Union Jack in future installments, even Zemo and the iconic snapshot of Captain America punching Hitler in the face!
Episode 5: "Deadly Alliances" [Main POV: Thor]
The Avengers encounter unexpected alliances as they track down more escaped prisoners. Iron Man and Black Widow face the dangerous duo of Crossbones and Batroc the Leaper, who are working in tandem. A fierce battle ensues, testing their teamwork and resolve. Meanwhile, Thor and Hulk confront the powerful and enigmatic Absorbing Man, leading to a cataclysmic clash of titans. When all's wrapped up, Thor finds evidence of Loki's involvement, and upon inquiring learns of his escape from Asgard.
Reveals Thor's backstory, of Loki's fall from grace.
"You took me for a purpose, what was it? TELL ME!"- Loki
[A-Plot: A Villainous Search] (Bulk of the episode)
The episode begins with Thor and the Hulk, newly formed as a duo, embarking on a mission to track down the elusive Absorbing Man. As they navigate the labyrinthine city, their inexperience and contrasting styles lead to miscommunications and clashes. Thor's regal demeanor clashes with the Hulk's brute force and impulsive nature, resulting in occasional mishaps and collateral damage. Buildings tremble and cars go flying as their powers unwittingly interfere with each other. Recognizing the need to synchronize their efforts, Thor and the Hulk learn to communicate effectively and find ways to complement each other's strengths, slowly but surely, with Thor often reflecting throughout the episode if this was how Loki had often felt.
Meanwhile, Iron Man and Black Widow analyze intelligence that reveals Crossbones and Batroc's series of daring heists and acts of terrorism. The duo realizes the urgency of the situation and suits up to stop the dangerous pair. Iron Man deploys his advanced surveillance technology to track their movements, while Black Widow gathers additional information through her espionage skills. After a series of intense battles and close calls, Iron Man and Black Widow finally close in on Crossbones and Batroc. The formidable duo combines Crossbones' enhanced strength and military training with Batroc's agility and deadly martial arts expertise. Iron Man's armor is tested by Crossbones' powerful punches, while Black Widow faces the challenge of countering Batroc's lightning-fast strikes and evasive maneuvers.
At the same time, Thor and the Hulk locate the Absorbing Man in a heavily fortified warehouse. Their improved coordination allows them to effectively combine Thor's lightning strikes with the Hulk's brute force, creating powerful shockwaves. However, the Absorbing Man's versatility proves to be a challenge as he adapts to their attacks, nullifying their offensive maneuvers. Realizing that brute force alone won't be enough, Thor and the Hulk devise a strategy that combines Thor's lightning with the Hulk's seismic impact. This creates a devastating shockwave that disrupts the Absorbing Man's absorption abilities, momentarily incapacitating him. Seizing the opportunity, Thor and the Hulk land a decisive blow, securing victory and reinforcing their bond as partners, as through trial and error, they develop a deeper understanding of their abilities and tendencies, gradually forming a cohesive partnership. As they grow, their coordination improves, and they become more efficient in their search for the Absorbing Man.
Back with Iron Man and Black Widow, their synergy as a team becomes crucial in their battle against Crossbones and Batroc. Leveraging their individual strengths, they devise tactics to exploit their adversaries' vulnerabilities. Iron Man's technological prowess and flight capabilities, combined with Black Widow's strategic thinking and combat skills, allow them to subdue Crossbones and Batroc, preventing further chaos.
In the aftermath of their battles, Thor's heightened perception reveals evidence of Loki's involvement in the prison break, hinting at the challenges to come. Overcoming their initial struggles and learning to work together strengthens Thor and the Hulk's partnership as they continue to face future obstacles and strengthen their bond, "Battle Brothers" as Thor puts it.
[B-Plot: Thor's Backstory] (Thor's Perspective: Told as a mostly silent montage; ten minute total) Act I:
In the days of the Norsemen, the Three Brothers fought together; Baldur, the golden child and heir, Thor (called Donar), a temptous child of storm, and Loki, the Hidden One, and each claiming a responsibility of war from their eldest brother, Tyr, who had long since removed himself from the line of succession to manage Asgard's principalities. Aside from their sibling rivalry, the three brothers were most often the best of friends. Where Baldur was groomed from an early age as Heir Apparent to Asgard's Throne, becoming the very model of an Asgardian Prince, and Thor became interested in the art of war, and strove to become a Champion of the people through service in Asgard's armies as one of its generals under their eldest brother, Tyr, Loki had always shown a great interest in the mystic arts and sought to become a sorcerer, being taught by all manner of Asgard's greatest sorceresses, from Queen Freya to the Enchantress.
Decades and centuries passed as such, until such a time the young men thought themselves worthy and capable warriors, going on many adventures outside the watchful eye of their King Father, often stowing away on one of Tyr's Thunderrunner. One of their fondest was their adventure across the Nine Realms in search of the Sword of Surtur, where after they had managed to obtain the storied blade, where Loki stood proudest against their enemies to slay the traitor, Algrim, in single combat...but all their love for adventure would change when they are challenged by their father, to slay the mighty Fafnir, a Dragon of Yore. Loki, trickster that he is, goes and commissions great and terrible weapons from the Svartalfar. As he comes upon his brothers, he gifts Baldur a spear of mistletoe, Gungir, and to Thor gifts a warhammer of uru, Mjolnir. As they go to battle as cocksure adventures, they promise that nothing will ever come between them.
Act II:
In midst of the vicious battle against the dragon, Fafnir takes Gungir from Baldur's grasp and stabs through the impenetrable. Shocked and outraged, Thor and Loki cleave the mighty beast in two, and soon make way to their dying brother, gasping his last words. Despondent, they return to Asgard with their brother's body, and witness their family and the whole of Asgard grieve. In this moment of their supposed victory, young Thor becomes Heir and Loki is shunned of his unknowing crime, leading him to became resentful of how differently he and Thor became treated by the Asgardian citizenry, as Thor's battle prowess, tenacity and great strength led the Asgardians clearly favored Thor, finding him blameless for their brother's death. Loki's gifts, however, lay in other areas, most notably sorcery, and possessed a natural affinity for commanding great magical forces, and sought out the many ways to undo their greatest mistake, searching high and low for any way to undo what had been done.
Act III:
Many centuries later, Thor braggadociously prepares to ascend to the throne of Asgard (even as he holds a deep seated reservation by the lack of Baldur's presence), but is interrupted when Frost Giants. Against Odin's order, Thor travels to Jotunheim to confront Fárbauti, accompanied by Loki, childhood friend Sif and the new Warriors Three: Volstagg, Fandral, and Hogun. A battle ensues until Odin intervenes to save the Asgardians, destroying the fragile truce between the two realms. For Thor's arrogance, made worse that this was the day of Baldur's passing, Odin strips his son of his godly power and exiles him to Earth as a mortal, accompanied by his hammer Mjölnir, now protected by an enchantment that allows only the worthy to wield it. Here, among mortals, Thor is forced to confront the fact he has never really forgiven himself for Baldur's passing, and that the manner of he comports himself is a result of this; here among mortals, he learns humility and how to forgive himself.
Act IV:
As the years pass, he finds himself in the midst of an attack by initiated by the "Titans", the villainous married duo of Crusher and Mary Creel, and learns through happenstance that he is yet worthy, finding his powers restored. Returning to Asgard, he finds that Loki has ruled for a number of years in his absence. It is only when he learns of his plan to use Bifröst Bridge to destroy the gate preventing travel into the hidden realm of Helheim to retrieve their brother, prompting a reluctant Thor to fight Loki as he had long ago learned from Odin that Helheim had been sealed for the safety of the other realms, and that by destroying it it would plunge the Nine Realms into a disasterous open conflict that would drown the stars with blood, though he lacks the exact knowledge of why. Their battle is fierce and unforgiving, the brothers sharing similar feelings of betrayal and culminates in Thor ultimately destroying the Bifröst Bridge to stop Loki's plan, stranding himself in Asgard. Odin awakens and prevents the brothers from falling into the abyss created in the wake of the bridge's destruction, but Loki allows himself to fall when Odin rejects his pleas for approval. Post-Credits:
Loki awakens on Jotunheim under the care of the Queen Consort Laufey, and learns of his origins, that he was born originally as one of the Frost Giants, the babe who would grow up into Loki was taken as a hostage and ward of Odin's following the Invasion of Jotunheim to keep the child's father, the Frost Giant King Fárbauti ("Dangerous Striker"), in line much to the protestations of his mother Queen-Consort Laufey ("the Leafy") of Alfheim. When Odin left those frigid wastes, Queen Laufey could only scream in horror and grief as Hangatýr and Grímnir, the Hanged Man and the Hooded One, stole away her child, using his magics to twist the child's form into that of an Asgardian. When he returned, Odin raised the babe as one of his own and bestowed him the name Loki ("Flame"), and for neigh a five-hundred-and-a-thousand years since, the child had been raised within the Halls of Asgard, unknowing of his honest origins, believing himself to be an Asgardian to the core, raised to preform mighty deeds of magic by the Queen-Consort Freya of Vanaheim. During his childhood, Loki had always competed with Baldur and Thor over Odin's affections, to which he often lost to Thor. He was embittered throughout his upbringing, perceiving that he was neglected by Odin in favor of his elder brothers, and thus grew closer to his Frigga instead. A/N: Before anyone asks about the changes to Loki's heritage, it is known in Norse Mythology that Farbauti was his father and that it was unusual that he answered to a matronymic surname, though most scholars think that has something to do with the fact that there's references to his mother, Laufey, being a goddess. Because of that, I decided to play into the idea, where there's a reason why he chooses to answer to Laufeysson when he leaves Asgard when she was the parent that wanted him [before anyone else says anything about Frigga, that will be a minor character arc for him and I do not want to give spoilers yet]. As for why I decided that Laufey was from Alfheim and not Asgard or Vanaheim, especially since it's the homeland to the Elves, I'll ask you to consider that if one traces many of the stories about the Elves through the ages (in the real world) then one comes to a realization that, once upon a time the Aen Sidhe were considered unto gods, and likely were Christianized pagan dieties of Celtic Origin.
Basically what I'm saying here is that we're going to be playing with a different sort of Nine Realms in this setting, each of them representing a different pantheon throughout the world. But more on that later.
In the meantime, if you want to expand on the plots of the other Avengers episodes, you are welcome to do so; I mostly expanded on this one to help set the groundwork, lorewise, for the rest of the Phase.
[EDIT: Fixed a continuity issue, as well as some grammar/syntax.]
