Two years ago scientists in Antartica began getting some unusual readings on their instruments. At first the readings were faint but they gradually increased over the next 24 hours. Using data from various stations they were able to pinpoint the source of the readings as the geographical South Pole. They of course made plans to investigate but before they could even start the reading jumped as a wave of energy emanated from the South Pole and traveled over the planet. There was a fear that the energy would disrupt or fry electronics worldwide. It didn't affect electronics much except some brief flickering but it did affect some people. Some of those affected didn't seem to change but then up to a few days later they discovered that they could change into a different form and that form had some powers like what you would see in comic books. Then there were the ones that were physically changed right off the bat but could not change form though they still had powers. And last and the rarest ones were those that were changed right off the bat and were able to change to another form.
The list of powers that these individuals possessed was quite varied but the powers fell into two categories: passive and active. Passive powers were ones that the person didn't have to consciously use and were available no matter which form the person was in. Active powers were ones that a person had to consciously use and were only available in a person's power form if the had two forms. If the person only had one form then that form was their power form. Some of the powers have grown over time. Generally the powers were limited to either two passive and an active or a passive and two active though there were some exceptions and some powers could make it seem like the person had more powers than they did.
These people became known as Gifted Ones though some of those affected considered it a curse. Of course there were those that decided to use their power for their own gain or to try and take over the world. Fortunately there were Gifted Ones that decided they would use their powers to protect people and the world. Then there was a small portion that became mercenaries hiring themselves out to the highest bidder though some did have some standards of what jobs they would take. Then there were a few who just kept mostly to themselves. Some of the Gifted Ones organized into teams for either gain or to protect people.
That of course was two years ago but now another wave of energy is about to roll over the world. It won't affect the ones that were affected last time but it will affect some of those that weren't affected last time. Guess who's going to be affected? That's right, you're going to be affected this time. Of course you don't actually know this yet. You don't even know that another energy wave is about to roll over the world. But when it happens what will you do? Will you become a hero? A villain? A mercenary? Perhaps you'll just stay on the sidelines? Will you join one of the groups? It's up to you and your decisions. But first who are you on this fateful day?