The RoundTable
The RoundTable was a special division of the Army first established by General Jacob Samson in the year 1941, in response to the use of powered individuals by the Axis. Enlisting the help of Major Joseph Jenkins, a gifted leader and powered person himself, the two were able to form their own special task force. It was known as the 'Spectacle Division' or 'The RoundTable' colloquially.
Their work continued as the first team of superheroes after their deployment ended, with only one member not returning. Benjamin Baker, who went missing in action.
Impact
During the war, The RoundTable became symbols of strength, and hope. Every soldier has a story of how their life was narrowly saved by a flying man, or a powerhouse hero. The impact of The RoundTable was felt after the war too. As the group helped the less fortunate across the world, they only became more loved and praised. Every person who had powers, no longer seen as different or something to be afraid of, are now seen as the next potential hero. The RoundTable went around the world, saving lives, and inspiring all who they helped. They popularized the colorful suits, the capes, the pseudonyms. There were heroes before, but until then, they were never super. This developed a superhero culture, a market of people who obsessed and fawned over these overly exalted symbols of heroism.
History
The RoundTable (1941-1966)
The original RoundTable, established by General Samson and Major Jenkins. The group consisted of Major Joseph Jenkins, Charles Shaeffer, Milton McMann, Benjamin Baker, and Clarence "Buddy" Russel. They worked as a special division of the military against the Axis powers, boosting morale and eventually playing a major role in putting a stop to the war.
The RoundTable (1967-1988)
The second iteration of the RoundTable. After the death of Russel, disappearance of McMann, and retirement of Jenkins, only Shaeffer was left to pick up the piece and make himself a new team. This second generation of heroes consisted of Hugo Castillo, Jane Macbeth, Charles Schaeffer, Bob Carde, and eventually, Rufus Russel in 1987.
The RoundTable (1989-Present)
At the age of 73, Schaeffer finally decides to retire, leaving the team with no original members. Rufus Russel, the then youngest member of the team, takes the role of the new head of the group. In 2008, the roster consists of Jane Macbeth, Rufus Russel, Madeline Ochre, Craig Sharpe, and Nicholas O'Rielly. These five continue to be the number one hero team in the world, appearing all over the media, and praised by any unknowing passerby.
Current Work
The team continues to work as a world-wide operation, saving lives, stopping crime, and most importantly, marketing themselves. Due to the sheer demand of superhero related articles, The RoundTable, and a few lesser known heroes, started to capitalize off of it. Whether that was through merchandising, special appearances at events, or TV appearances, it became normal for a hero to focus on their image just as much as their actual duty to the people.
The RoundTable at their core are still very much about saving lives. Each member is able to focus on different areas of the world, and come together whenever it's necessary. They're a bastion of hope, a blueprint of what a person can truly become, and, at the end of the day, are heroes.