Southeast Asia

A region of archaeological, cultural and political ruins, Southeast Asia has long been one of the hottest hotspots for trouble on the planet. Despite this, there is an optimism throughout the region which breeds some of the most altruistic and courageous heroes on the planet.

THE BROKEN TRIANGLE

Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam share neither language nor a unifying political identity, but all have common roots in the Khmer civilization. Perhaps more importantly, they share a common history of hardship in the recent past. For the last century, the rise of petty, even villainous, rulers has stalled socioeconomic progress in each of these jungle nations.
War tore Vietnam apart from within for two decades, and rulership by a Communist regime stifled growth and free thought for another thirty. In Cambodia, the mass-murdering Pol Pot presided over a reign of terror that stands as a low point even among the works of the most depraved villains. In 1945, a Communist government installed in Laos executed or imprisoned, for “reeducation,” tens of thousands. The nation of Myanmar (formerly Burma) has only recently relaxed strict and vicious social constraints on its populace.
This series of overbearing governments and conflicts has left the area struggling, unable to make the progress other regions in East Asia have enjoyed. Governments remain unstable. Drugs and corruption are rampant. Life is difficult, but a few superheroes have emerged to fight for a better tomorrow.

THE SHADOW FROM THE PAST

Human failings are not the only factor keeping the Broken Triangle in its depressed state. The ruins of Angkor Wat, Bagan, and Ayutthaya are human shrines built atop remnants of one of the ancient kingdoms of the Serpent People. Though this evil race of ophidian humanoids was long past its prime when humanity rose to prominence in the region, the Serpents’ influence lingers. A few surviving degenerate clans lurk in the jungles and cities, subtly resisting the progress and urbanization that drove their kind from their position as rulers of early humans. They are a constant menace, but never come into the light, so not even the most informed government or superhero knows they actually exist or of what they’re capable.
Occasionally, ancient Serpent People technology or DNA finds its way into the human population. Of the supers in the Broken Triangle, many owe their powers to incredible technologies or alien blood in their veins. Others are magicians who have successfully combed the ruins for knowledge mankind has forgotten or never knew in the first place.