The Phoenixverse (A 2e OC 'verse; Red Ronin! Netsuko Nishimura! Rinako Saeki! Fujiko Yoshihara! Masaru Kido!)

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EternalPhoenix
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Master Lifting Strength List

Post by EternalPhoenix »

Lifting STR Chart (as of Roth Investigations)

Notes: This does not include any Move Object powers. It is pure muscle power. Be it natural or augmented with Devices.

Functionally Limitless
Nick Phoenix

150 (Light: 4.5m tons, Medium: 8.9m tons, Heavy: 13.4m tons, Max: 26.8m tons, Push/Drag 67.1m tons)
Starman I

140 (Light: 1.1m tons, Medium: 2.2m tons, Heavy: 3.4m tons, Max: 6.7m tons, Push/Drag 16.8m tons)
Cory (Trueblue)
Big Ben (Benjamin Prestwich)

125 (Light: 139.5k tons, Medium: 279.4k tons, Heavy: 419.4k tons, Max: 838.9k tons, Push/Drag 2.1m tons)
Tex Austin
Megagirl (Megan Price)

120 (Light: 69.7k tons, Medium: 139.5k tons, Heavy: 279.4k tons, Max: 419.4k tons, Push/Drag 1m tons)
Starman II (Jesse Thompkins)
Stargirl II (Jacqueline “Jackie” Thompkins)

110 (Light: 17.4k tons, Medium: 34.9k tons, Heavy: 52.4k tons, Max: 104.9k tons, Push/Drag 262.1k tons)
Ma’re Iryen (Anti-Grav Harness)

100 (Light: 4.4k tons, Medium: 8.7k tons, Heavy: 13.1k tons, Max: 26.2k tons, Push/Drag 65.5k tons)
Baroness Valia (Battlesuit Valiant)
The Shining Guardian (Henry Kim) (Max Gravitic Might)
Dormin (Phil Cantor) (Giant)

95 (Light: 2.2k tons, Medium: 4.4k tons, Heavy: 6.6k tons, Max: 13.1k tons, Push/Drag 32.8k tons)
Asteroth

90 (Light: 1.1k tons, Medium: 2.2k tons, Heavy: 3.3k tons, Max: 6.6k tons, Push/Drag 16.4k tons)
Countess (Paragon Circuitry, Full Paragon's Might)
Keaira, Princess of Avalon

85 (Light: 544.8 tons, Medium: 1.1k tons, Heavy: 1.6k tons, Max: 3.3k tons, Push/Drag 8.2k tons)
Armory (Sergeant Leon Wilson)

80 (Light: 272.4 tons, Medium: 544.8 tons, Heavy: 819.2 tons, Max: 1.6k tons, Push/Drag 4.1k tons)
Cory (normal)
Madeline Blackwood (full Demonic Might)
Ruslan Turgenev (True 100 Percent)
Princess Audrielle Eliska (max Super Strength)
Scion (Seth Roth) (Power Boosted)

75 (Light: 136.2 tons, Medium: 272.9 tons, Heavy: 409.6 tons, Max: 819.2 tons, Push/Drag 2k tons)
Raheed, The Dragon King
Gajasura (Arjun Vijaya)
Chiaki Ayano
Priest (Lloyd Adams)

70 (Light: 68.1 tons, Medium: 136.2 tons, Heavy: 204.8 tons, Max: 409.6 tons, Push/Drag 1k tons)
Miss Fist
Samorn (Soul Might)
Dallas Austin
Ruslan Turgenev (100 Percent)
Raquel Fernandes
Sir Randall Knight

65 (Light: 34 tons, Medium: 68.2 tons, Heavy: 102.4 tons, Max: 204.8 tons, Push/Drag 512 tons)
Morphin (Man of Steel)
Zuberia Wafula (Tentacles)
Ma’re Iryen (normal)
Alsea
Tetsukaze (Takeo Takeda)

60 (Light: 17 tons, Medium: 34 tons, Heavy: 51.2 tons, Max: 102.4 tons, Push/Drag 256 tons)
Clon (Full Servo Power)
Carla Perkins (Anti-Gravity Belt)
Sofia Harmon
Ruslan Turgenev (75 Percent)
Gobstopper
Nightmare Dragon (summoned by Miriam Mizrahi)
Orca
Scion (Seth Roth) (Normally)

55 (Light: 8.5 tons, Medium: 17 tons, Heavy: 25.6 tons, Max: 51.2 tons, Push/Drag 128 tons)
Android
Immortia (Soul Gem)
Portia Rousseau
Emiko Fujiwara (in mecha)
Oliana Kamealoha
Madeline Blackwood (no Demonic Might)
Aidan Killian
Starguy
Templar (Daniel Page)

50 (Light: 4.3 tons, Medium: 8.5 tons, Heavy: 12.8 tons, Max: 25.6 tons, Push/Drag 64 tons)
Morphin (Water Puppy)
Carla Perkins (no Belt)
Coyote
The Paragon
Kiske, of the Thousand (Enchanted Might)
Ruslan Turgenev (50 Percent)
Tatsuya Gushiken

45 (Light: 4.3k lbs, Medium: 4.3 tons, Heavy: 6.4 tons, Max: 12.8 tons, Push/Drag 32 tons)
Ferrous
Sonya Harmon (when flying)
Almira Quincy (Winged Hellfire Demon)
Ryan Masterson/Xaphan (as Xaphan)
Herald (Alejo Escarra)
Estrid Silubra of Asgard

40 (Light: 2.1k lbs, Medium: 4.3k lbs, Heavy: 3.2 tons, Max: 6.4 tons, Push/Drag 16 tons)
Morphin (Wings of Justice)
Ruslan Turgenev (25 Percent)
The Alchemist Knight (Sophie Knight)
Fornax (Maxwell "Max" Drake)

34/35 (Light: 932/1.1k lbs, Medium: 1.9k/2.1k lbs, Heavy: 2.8k/3.2k lbs, Max: 2.8/3.2 tons, Push/Drag 7/8 tons)
Myrcelle
Tenshi
Shazza Ferreira
Princess Audrielle Elisha (no Super Strength)
Tattoo (Josephine "Finn" Kent) (w/ Satsuki)

30 (Light: 532 lbs, Medium: 1.1k lbs, Heavy: 1.6k lbs, Max: 3.2k lbs, Push/Drag 4 tons)
Kaida (Pern’s dragon)
Samorn (normal)
Khulan
The Genie
Zack Mortelini
Reyna Oleastro
Rudy Evander
Tidal

28 (Light: 400 lbs, Medium: 800 lbs, Heavy: 1.2k lbs, Max: 2.4k lbs, Push/Drag 3 tons)
Elena Laskaris
Christine Gale

26 (Light: 306 lbs, Medium: 613 lbs, Heavy: 920 lbs, Max: 1.8k lbs, Push/Drag 4.6k lbs)
Pyrewing
Samaritan

24/25 (Light: 233/266 lbs, Medium: 466/533 lbs, Heavy: 700/800 lbs, Max: 1.4k/1.6k lbs, Push/Drag 3.5k/4k lbs)
Morphin (Flippy Kid)
Clon (Servo Punch)
Eri Akatsuki
The Envoy
The Vessel
Lucian Rousseau
Raven
Spartan
Bellona Accardo
Drone Prime (The Prince) (Ultra Mode)
Sorellanza
Tsurugi (Tsurugi-no-Okami)
Nika, the Heartfire
Shadowspirit
Paragon (Syed Nawaz)
Bulletman (Jason "Jay" Martin)
Ashfang (Heidi Roberts)

22 (Light: 173 lbs, Medium: 346 lbs, Heavy: 520 lbs, Max: 1k lbs, Push/Drag 2.6k lbs)
Tigress
Zima (Marina Morozov)
Prairie Sprinter (Grace Harper)
Moonshadow (Donovan Tarkik)

20 (Light: 133 lbs, Medium: 266 lbs, Heavy: 400 lbs, Max: 800 lbs, Push/Drag 2k lbs)
Morphin (no shapeshift)
Priestess
Hummingbird (shrunk)
Sabre
Sonya Harmon (on ground)
Kaikoa
Atsuko Matsuda
Vincent Mortelini
Paradigm
Relena (suppressed)
Talia Mortelini
Kiske, of the Thousand (normal)
Baroness Valia (no Battlesuit)
Valine
Drone Prime (The Prince) (Super Mode)
Sergio “Tectonic” Marquez
Terrifica
Caviezel
Countess (w/o Paragon Circuitry)
Roxy Jett (Celia Cruz)
Geojang (Shin Min-ah)
Mirage
Lady Alchemist (Morgan Knight)
Felin-garou (Rosalie Lavoie)

18 (Light: 100 lbs, Medium: 200 lbs, Heavy: 300 lbs, Max: 600 lbs, Push/Drag 1.5k lbs)
Brutus
Toryu Hirayama
The Exile
Yori Newgate
Kino, of the Stars
Lestari
Holter (Aerin Grosvenor)
Medic
Scarlett
Gumshoe (Simon Cooper)

16 (Light: 76 lbs, Medium: 153 lbs, Heavy: 230 lbs, Max: 460 lbs, Push/Drag 1.2k lbs)
Cavatina
Penny Nihara
James Scott
Tobias
The Pacific Stranger
Willie Teriong
Sione Sigrah
Hinako Fujimori
Yukinari Yuhara
Nayan
Zuki, The Thunderer
Katrea
Drone Prime (The Prince) (untransformed)
Primrose
Wisecracker
Tsurugi (untransformed)
Tana, of the Waves
Simon Vyntra
Casey "Casino" Duff
Victor "Shotsy" Leroy
Jack "Android" Martin
Shigeru “Dice” Miyamoto
Hayate Ishikawa
Magna
Human Rocket IV
Fletcher (Morris Archer)
Gunsmith I (Connor Morris)
Nega I (Hal Scott)
Lady Knight (Emily Knight)
Dormin (Phil Cantor) (base & Tiny)
Blindspot (Cindy Liu)
Valiant (Steve Clark)
Shandra Hawkins
Zhang Wei

14 (Light: 58 lbs, Medium: 116 lbs, Heavy: 175 lbs, Max: 350 lbs, Push/Drag 875 lbs)
Radical Dreamer
Flare
Windstorm
Stoker
Opera
Redpin
Sailor Scout (transformed)
Pern
Karone
Rambo
Edwin Christian
Kazuma Nihara
Ricardo Alvarez
Tessa Macleod
Elinah Monroe
Immortia (no Soul Gem)
Yasmine Sakaguchi
Rebecca Heskett
Herman Heskett
Nathaniel Truman
Skye Walker
Almira Quincy (other)
Claire Gainsborough
Neith
Emma Adams
Lana Shimizu
Adept
Prodigy
Relena (unleashed)
Lakis Hasapis
Layla Khan
Rina, the Iceheart
Magesh Malik
Shanyuan Baoli
Reina Wong
Santiago Valdez
Francesca Zanetti
Linnea Sjoberg
Jedrick Jagoda
Jacob Cross
Nimbus
Dream Girl
Sprite
Digital Shadow
Dusk Widow
Eclipse
Calamity Jane (both of them)
Walter Mackey
Rose "Zulu" Rose
Patricia "Shadow" Garza
Mahmoud "Combo" Isra
Cecile “Prophet” Fournier
Raul "Bonus" Torres
Jedda "Fast Lane" Briggs
Arielle Cadieux
Valentina Alvarez
Miriam Mizrahi
Ichika Ishikawa
Kaede Kobayashi
Spike
Candy
Z
Dust
Sage
Arriba (Jose Vega)
Esme
Umbrella Queen (Siobhanna)
Tattoo (Josephine "Finn" Kent) (Base, Jaime, & Renee)
Yeoman (Joshua Birch)
Hospitaller (Abigail "Abby" Priest)
Chasseur (Jules Bouchard)
Red Sleeves (Daiyu Hong)
Nyoan Ayano
Robin McKinnon
Wu Yuying
Marisol Almeida

12 (Light: 43 lbs, Medium: 86 lbs, Heavy: 130 lbs, Max: 260 lbs, Push/Drag 650 lbs)
Magi
Pathfinder
Steeltoe
Octagirl
Harmony Pere
Willa Hawke
Rumiko Nihara
Eiko Takanouchi
Lucy Hasegawa
Laki Sigrah
Charlie Teriong
Daisuke Uehara
Clive Wesker
Photophobia
Thespian
Queenie
Marian Soaring Eagle
Starwoman I (Judy Thompkins)
Undine (true name unknown)
Starlet (Verity Campbell)

10 (Light: 33 lbs, Medium: 66 lbs, Heavy: 100 lbs, Max: 200 lbs, Push/Drag 500 lbs)
Astra
Stormy
Clon (normal)
Barry Holden
Electric Lady
Hummingbird (normal size)
Wingz
Illusia
Malocchio
Tressa
Flutter
Phobia
Emiko Fujiwara (on foot)
Raymi Humala Sumire
Madeline Blackwood (no Armor)
Fiona McTavish
Yumiko Amano
Palila Nui
Octavia Fiammetta
Kazeka Kurogane
The Darkchilde
Jing Zhang
Zuberi Wafula (no Tentacles)
Cecilia Bridges
Methion
Serine
Aeon
Nisse (Alwyn Kendrick)
Sister Angeline (Raphelle Fortin)
Ryan Masterson/Xaphan (as Ryan)

8 (Light: 26 lbs, Medium: 53 lbs, Heavy: 80 lbs, Max: 160 lbs, Push/Drag 400 lbs)
Blackrose
Phylia
Lucia Sakaguchi
Razzle

6 (Light: 20 lbs, Medium: 40 lbs, Heavy: 60 lbs, Max: 120 lbs, Push/Drag 300 lbs)
Sailor Scout (untransformed)
Frostee
Ting Heskett
Hana Choi
Last edited by EternalPhoenix on Wed Oct 18, 2023 2:56 am, edited 30 times in total.
The Phoenixverse (A 2e OC 'verse!)
The Archetype Blendarama!
You, Dear Reader, may comment on any build at any time. I will be happy regardless.
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EternalPhoenix
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Re: Samaritan!

Post by EternalPhoenix »

Davies wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 11:58 pm So awesome.

(Which part?)

Again: all of it!
Look, man. Vonnie fuckin' rocks. I dunno what else to tell you. I love him to death.
The Phoenixverse (A 2e OC 'verse!)
The Archetype Blendarama!
You, Dear Reader, may comment on any build at any time. I will be happy regardless.
User avatar
EternalPhoenix
Posts: 1858
Joined: Thu Jan 27, 2022 6:42 am
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Re: Radical Dreamer

Post by EternalPhoenix »

Harnos wrote: Sun Sep 04, 2022 9:21 am
EternalPhoenix wrote: Fri Sep 02, 2022 11:39 pm The Icons
I liked that the death of an iconic hero caused them to reorganize. Also liked the ungrateful portrayal of politicians.
Didn't respond to this before. Thanks.
Harnos wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 11:32 am
EternalPhoenix wrote: Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:22 am Radical Dreamer
Such a heavy burden... A lonely and sad existence indeed.
That's one interpretation. But remember that the Exiles are found family personified. Dreamer's heart isn't made of stone. Knowing what people are going to do doesn't stop his heart from being touched by it. With that said, he is under a lot of stress. It is a most heavy burden indeed.
The Phoenixverse (A 2e OC 'verse!)
The Archetype Blendarama!
You, Dear Reader, may comment on any build at any time. I will be happy regardless.
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EternalPhoenix
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The Human Rocket IV (Reginald "Reggie" Morton III)

Post by EternalPhoenix »

The Human Rocket IV (Reginald "Reggie" Morton III)

Power Level: 10; Power Points Spent: 180/180

STR: +3 (16), DEX: +3 (16), CON: +3 (16), INT: +3 (16), WIS: +3 (16), CHA: +3 (16)

Tough: +3/+8, Fort: +7, Ref: +12, Will: +8

Skills: Acrobatics 7 (+10), Bluff 7 (+10), Computers 7 (+10), Concentration 7 (+10), Craft (electronic) 12 (+15), Craft (mechanical) 12 (+15), Diplomacy 7 (+10), Disable Device 7 (+10), Gather Information 7 (+10), Knowledge (physical sciences) 12 (+15), Knowledge (streetwise) 7 (+10), Knowledge (tactics) 7 (+10), Knowledge (technology) 12 (+15), Notice 7 (+10), Sense Motive 7 (+10), Stealth 7 (+10)

Feats: Attack Focus (melee) 5, Dodge Focus 5, Luck, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Skill Mastery (Craft (elec & mech), Notice, Sense Motive), Takedown Attack 2, Uncanny Dodge (Auditory)

Powers:
Flight Belt (Device 1) (Hard to lose)
. . Magneto-Gravitic Flight (Flight 2+13) ([Stacking ranks: +13], Speed: 500000 mph, 4400000 ft./rnd; Subtle (subtle))
Flight Suit (Device 8) (Hard to lose)
. . Armoring (Protection 5) (+5 Toughness)
. . Helmet Sensors (Super-Senses 9) (accurate: Radio, direction sense, distance sense, infravision, radio, time sense, ultravision)
. . Integral Radio (Communication 8) (sense type: radio)
. . Magneto-Gravitic Flight Boost (Flight 8) (Speed: 2500 mph, 22000 ft./rnd; Stacks with (Magneto-Gravitic Flight (Flight 2+13)); Limited (Requires Flight Belt))
. . Masterwork Toolkit (Features 1)
. . Sealed Systems (Immunity 9) (life support)
Wrist Turbines (Device 3) (Hard to lose)
. . Computer Link (Datalink 2) (sense type: radio)
. . Turbine Settings (Array 5) (default power: strike)
. . . . Turbine Flight Boost (Flight 5) (Array; Speed: 250 mph, 2200 ft./rnd; Stacks with (Magneto-Gravitic Flight (Flight 2+13)))
. . . . Turbine Lift Boost (Super-Strength 5) (Array; +25 STR carry capacity, heavy load: 3.7 tons; +5 STR to some checks)
. . . . Turbine Punch (Strike 5) (Default; DC 23; Penetrating [4 ranks only]; Mighty)
. . . . Wind Turbine Blast (Move Object 5) (Array; Strength: 25, Carry: 266 / 533 / 800 / 1.6k; Cone Area (50 ft. cone - General); Range (touch))

Attack Bonus: +7 (Ranged: +7, Melee: +12, Grapple: +15)

Attacks: Turbine Punch (Strike 5), +12 (DC 23), Unarmed Attack, +12 (DC 18)

Defense: +12 (Flat-footed: +4), Knockback: -4

Initiative: +3

Languages: English Native

Totals: Abilities 36 + Skills 33 (132 ranks) + Feats 17 + Powers 48 + Combat 28 + Saves 18 + Drawbacks 0 = 180

Age (as of Jan 2019): 28
Height: 6’
Weight: 180 lbs
Ethnicity: African American
Hair: Black
Eyes: Dark Brown
Base of Operations: New York, New York

Theme Songs: Date Line (I Am Gone), by Yellowcard, Superhero, and Superhero (Remastered). The latter two are both by McGwire featuring Elijah Kyle. Remastered also features Joey Nato.

Background: It all started in 1963, with Terry Cruz. He was a filthy rich industrialist in New York City. A witty, charming genius, there wasn’t anyone who didn’t like him. At least, that’s how the official story goes. He invented a flight belt made out of inexpensive components. He then built a battlesuit around the technology, and became a superhero (The Human Rocket III). He was never as famous as Starman or any of the Champions, but he did his part. In 1975, however, Terry made a fateful decision to follow a dream. Humans didn’t need to be stuck on the ground. He’d make it so everyone could fly. He needed a helper, so he recruited his 15 year old cousin Caroline (already a tech genius in her own right), his own younger brother Donald (the man was a born salesman, better than even Terry) and set to work. A year later, Caroline debuted as JETTE, and the flight belts were put into production. Donald was to run the factory itself, with Caroline as tech support. Terry would help out where he could, but his life was a busy one. Between being President and CEO of his own company and being a superhero his spare time was extremely limited. So, he trusted his family with his dream. This was, to a degree, a mistake.

. . At first, everything was okay. There were some unexpected bugs to iron out in the manufacting process, but between Caroline’s skills and Donald’s leadership they pulled through. Then the first shipment disappeared. It turned up in the hands of a band of thieves, with the design weaponized in ways Terry had only seen in his nightmares. He and Caroline stopped them, of course, but that didn’t account for the entire shipment. Orders dried up overnight. His good name was tarnished. The FBI was investigating him for giving them to those criminals. As if he’d do such a thing. He was going to get to the bottom of this. There wasn’t any need to stop production. They’d just store them in the factory until Terry cleared his name. It took two years (and a few more battles with flight belt equipped criminals), but get to the bottom of it Terry did. Donald, as it turned out, while he shared much of his older brother’s intellect, lacked anything resembling Terry’s integrity. He did, however, share the knack for hiring competent people and putting them in positions to succeed. “The Don” was a rising star in the criminal underworld, and this was his chance to make it big. Terry refused to let it be at his expense. Turned out Don had his own battlesuit, and a squad of battlesuited muscle (including many of the factory’s key employees) to back him up. Terry had just Caroline. The fight tore the factory apart, and destroyed the stored flight belts. When it was over, “The Don” was presumed dead, his goons had vanished, and any evidence that didn’t point directly to Terry and Caroline Cruz being guilty of his crimes was virtually destroyed.

. . The trial was quick. The prosecution basically had them cold, and anything that could’ve proven their innocence was long gone. They both got over a decade of hard time. Between that, the lost money spent on the belts and the revelation of just how much money Donald had stolen from his brother’s company, Terry was ruined. Both of them were barred from using their technological skill sets without authorization as a condition of early release. After his release, a broken Terry quietly disappeared. Caroline scraped by doing odd jobs and moving around a lot, until she moved back to New York in 2003. Years after the trial nobody remembered Terry and Caroline Cruz anymore, let alone The Human Rocket and his sidekick JETTE. She started doing unlicensed PI work to pay the bills. She never expected to see her cousin again. In fact, she fully expected him to drink himself to death like she was slowly going to. This, however, was not what fate had in mind. For either of them.

. . And here, Dear Reader, is where Reginald Morton III comes in. Reggie to his friends. Well. If he had friends. Unfortunately, Reggie was a huge and obvious nerd. Equally unfortunately, he was attending a huge New York City high school. So he got picked on high school. Such a shame. But there was one place he could go where not even his tormentors dared follow. A broken down old boxing gym, with a bitter old man living in it. Couldn’t have been making much money. Nobody was ever in it when Reggie came to visit. But his bullies were scared of the old man. There were all sorts of scary rumors about him, and his tongue was razor sharp. Metaphorically speaking. As this is a superpowered world, it should be made clear that it was his wits that were sharp and quick. Still, the old man liked Reggie, and he let him hang out in the gym.

. . It was an unlikely friendship that warmed old Terry Cruz’s heart. He’d managed to stash some retirement money offshore before the Feds yoinked all of his money as the proceeds of crime. Thanks a lot, Donald. But you know…there were reasons he liked this kid. Reggie. And deep inside Terry, a hero’s heart still beat. Even if he was too old and bitter now, the kid wasn’t. So Terry brought out some of his old gear he was able to salvage after his release, and started teaching the kid a thing or two. Of course, when he told the kid who he was, he didn’t expect him to go to the library and read up on the whole saga. And then Terry had to tell him his side of the story, and for the first time since the 70s, somebody actually believed him. If only because it was sloppier work than the Human Rocket III would have ever done. And then the kid told him he’d found a schematic of Terry’s flight belts on the internet, and made his own. Terry understood the internet fine, and he knew damn well that design was supposed to be locked down by the Feds. And a skilled amateur had pulled it off the internet. Donald was alive. Damn the man.

. . Reggie, bless him, was ready willing and able to help. So, we know how this story goes. Eager young man and his wise mentor. Terry insisted on waiting until after his high school graduation. But after that, the fourth Human Rocket took flight for the first time. This was 2009, for those keeping track of the years. He started making his name as a rookie hero around NYC, and ran smack into no less than the Exiles. Specifically, Hummingbird. He helped her out of a jam and she introduced him to her friends. The Exiles were together in New York all year long. Being the Exiles, all sorts of trouble found them. And the fourth Human Rocket was by their side backing them up the entire time. He was even at that fight at the end of the year, where Cory’s dad killed Hummingbird. His friend. His…well, it wasn’t quite love, but…well…he’d never know, now. As has been told, the trauma shattered the Exiles, and they went their separate ways for a time. Reggie was not immune to this. He simply went back to being only of New York’s heroes rather than not quite an Exile. When they got back together a couple of months later, he tried. He really did. But…he was never really one of them. In the nicest way possible, they were ‘Bird’s friends. Not his. And she wasn’t…she wasn’t there anymore. He wasn’t one of them. So when they moved out to Portland to found Exile House, he stayed in New York. Phone numbers were exchanged. Promises made to keep in touch. Everyone involved knew them for the lies they were, but it’s what you say, right? And so, Reggie was left alone with his broken heart.

. . He did get a weird phone call from Stormy the following year, but his memory of it is fuzzy. Terry said something went wrong with time for a little while. He guesses they helped fix it. He’s too embarrassed to ask. It’d be super awkward calling just for that. So he was a solo superhero again, with the wise mentor in the shadows. Though a weird thing happened at the end o the fifth year of his career. 2014, for those keeping track of the year. There isn’t a ceremony or anything or getting your Five Year Vet stripes. It’s informal, but still, here and Terry were celebrating with the news on in the background. One of the new superheroes Reggie had heard about was on. She seemed a little…old…to be starting now, but no judgements. Terry saw her and totally freaked out. He had to go to bed early because it tired him out. Lots of things were beginning to tire him out. And he didn’t remember doing it in the morning. That was starting to happen more, too. Not a lot, but he knew Terry was old old. Like in his 80s old. And he hadn’t been taking care of himself very well for years if not decades. Reggie worried, but Terry would simply tell him to stop clucking over him like a mother hen.

. . It was a couple years after that before he finally ran into JETTE. 2016, for those keeping track of the year. And it was the same JETTE that had been Terry’s sidekick back in the 70s. It was a proper team up, with David Hero (the apparently immortal legend himself), Kosma (who he’d heard good things about, and Tai Kwon (who was actually a little younger than Reggie, which surprised him). There were ninjas, and a plot to destroy the city by resurrecting an ancient…dragon? Really? Well, he saw the bones. Still could have been a dinosaur, Reggie says. Also, they weren’t like, real ninjas. Real ninjas are Japanese. These were Korean guys. But you know…martial arts. Weapons. Funky pajamas. These guys were ninjas in all but ethnicity. So…magic was real, because they were gonna resurrect the dragon with it. Terry said it was, but you know…Reggie didn’t believe him. Oh, boy. But the capper was that he got to talk to JETTE and tell her about Terry and how he was all old and wouldn’t let anyone help and-JETTE cut him off very rudely, because she wasn’t very nice anymore, and they went to see Terry. And the cousins, after decades apart, reunited. Mr. Hero called Medic in, and Terry, well…he was slipping harder and harder. He needed around the clock care, Medic said. It broke Reggie’s heart. The man was the grandfather he never had. But it also broke poor JETTE’s. Fortunately, she still knew how to get through his computer security to access his money, and they got him into a good rest home on the Upper East Side. And JETTE, bitter and rude and mean as she is, took over the mentor role. They’re…not quite partners, but they do work together sometimes.

. . Reggie was, sadly, among the Dusted, so he has no idea what happened that year. New York had to have been in chaos. Not only was he gone, but Medic, Kosma, and Tai Kwon were too. Even Samaritan was out of commission. He wonders how Mr. Hero and JETTE coped. But the Dusting was undone, and all of New York’s heroes participated in the final battle of the Endgame. After that, Reggie actually wasn’t the first of Mr. Hero’s group to be recruited. They went for Mr. Hero first, and when he politely declined in order to focus on New York, JETTE. She also declined, a bit less politely, and pointed them towards Reggie. He wasn’t sure, but JETTE said she’d keep looking after Terry when he was busy, so all right. Terry still remembers both of them…sometimes. His nurses are really nice. But Reggie can tell. He’s dying. Very slowly, but Terry Cruz is dying. The once brilliant industrialist, CEO, and superhero is now a confused old man in adult pull ups. Reggie doesn’t mean that like an insult. It’s just…it makes him sad. His friend is fading away. He knows it makes JETTE sad too. He’s 100% his own man, now. No Exiles. No mentors. No partners. The person responsible for keeping the spark of heroism alive is Reggie Morton. He is the Human Rocket in this era. Heir not only to the legacy of Terry Cruz, but those other two guys. The second in the Golden Age, and the original in the Old West. Crap, he should probably upgrade his gear then.

. . Reggie’s most persistent enemy is “The Don” Donald Cruz. He’s much too old to be a physical threat anymore, but as an old crime boss has plenty of minions in cheap knock off battlesuits to deal with. Other than that, he sometimes tangles with some of Samaritan’s enemies to help the poor guy out. Every hero in New York does, sooner or later. When not doing Icons stuff, he works with David Hero’s group. They’re, as previously mentioned, JETTE, Kosma, and Tai Kwon. There are also the rookies Bee Girl, Ghost Hornet, and Night Wasp. He does not know why Samaritan can’t remember their names. Medic does. Oh, well.

Powers & Tactics: The fourth Human Rocket, like each of the other three, has no superhuman powers. He is a tech specialist with three devices. However, he is not a genius like the other three. He’s exceptional, to be sure, but not a genius. He is furthermore an expert melee fighter, well trained in boxing’s fundamentals. His devices are his Flight Belt, his Flight Suit, and his Wrist Turbines. The first is a Terry Cruz design. The second is, as well, but with significant medications from Reggie. And the last is entirely his own design. The first is simply enough to be mentioned here. It’s the Flight Belt. It is exactly what it says it is. It allows the wearer to fly through manipulating gravity and electromagnetism. It’s faster than walking or even running, and probably faster than bicycling. It’s slower than anything with an actual motor. It is, however, cheap and easy flight.

. . The second device is his Flight Suit. Terry Cruz used a full battlesuit, but Reggie wanted something more flexible. So while it is well armored, with sealed systems and an integrated radio, it’s not a full battlesuit. The sensors in the helmet consist of basic radar, an expansion of his vision to the full light spectrum, a clock, and a navigation system. He keeps a toolkit on it for repairs or technical work if necessary. But the big thing the Flight Suit does is jack up the speed on the Flight Belt from below anything with a motor to literally hypersonic. It does not function on its own; it is purely a boost to the Flight Belt.

. . The third and final device is his Wrist Turbines. They can link up to computers up to a hundred feet away for Reggie to apply his computer skills. It is, however, the actual turbines that are the main event here. They have four settings. The first is the one he gets the most use out of in combat. His trademark Turbine Punch. The turbines blow out air with great force as he, well, punches, and it does significantly more damage. Doing this is…inadvisable without the Flight Suit or other hand protection on, however. He may break that hand. The second most used setting is the turbines channeling their energy into through the Flight Suit for even more flight speed. Beyond hypersonic. Unlike the Flight Suit’s boost, however, they can function on their own, providing about as much speed as your average race car via traditional jet turbine action. Only it’s through the air instead of on the ground. The turbines can also blow out air very quickly, creating a cone of wind that can blow things under a ton away. The final setting is somewhat unique. It increases his lifting strength by blowing air at what he’s trying to lift. He can move objects weighing actual tons doing this. However, it is of no help for anything that’s strapped to his back or whatever. It has to be in his hands to receive to the boost.

. . Tactically, the fourth Human Rocket is a pretty simply combatant. He flies and he uses Turbine Punch. A +2 Accurate Attack and Takedown Attack 2 let him cut through NYC’s thugs (+2 TOU is the minimum for Big Apple thuggery). He mixes in Wind Turbine Blast on them, too. And Power Attack is for beefier supervillains. He’s not really any good at Feinting, but he’s got some Bluff and can give it a shot, maybe. That is really, genuinely it. Reggie is perhaps better used as a scout, since he has radar and a potentially ridiculous flight speed to slip away with. Like was said in Background, he should probably upgrade his gear now that he’s an Icon.

Personality: The latest Human Rocket is…normal? Generic, even. He’s a nice guy, he both wants to and likes helping people, and he’s a bit of a dork. Genuinely Hero 101 stuff. It’s kind of weird, actually. The hero biz normally chews up and spits out guys like this by the score. He’s had a lot of help and a lot of luck, and so he’s still here. Carrying on the legacy. On his own. It’s not that he thinks he can’t do it. Not at all. If the past decade has proved anything, it’s that he can do it. He is a worthy successor to the legacy of the Human Rocket. It’s not about putting himself down or downplaying the kind o hero he is. He doesn’t feel like an impostor, or anything. It’s a difficult feeling to explain. They’re all such special people, you know? The Icons. Hell, even Terry, JETTE, Mr. Hero, and his group. Their personalities are flashy and dramatic. They’re really interesting people, and he wants to get to know them better. But…he’s not all that interesting. You know? He knows he’s done a lot of good. He knows he’s a real hero. But who on earth would be interested in getting to know Reggie Morton? He’s boring. Generic, even.

. . Of course, there is no such thing as a generic human being. It is that very down to earth nature that makes Reggie interesting. He’s not some extraordinary person, as heroes go. He doesn’t have an overwhelming passion driving him forward. He’s not psychologically complex or damaged. He’s not even someone with the morals, ethics, and self restraint of a saint. He’s exactly who he appears to be. A fundamentally kind and decent man who helps people. Because he likes to, he wants to, and it’s the right thing to do. He’s made mistakes in the past. Let his temper get the best of him. Let fear control him. Gave in to sadness. But he’s always picked himself back up, but his gear on, and gone back out to help once again. That counts for a hell of a lot more than he thinks it does. But you already know that, don’t you Dear Reader?
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Re: The Phoenixverse (A 2e OC 'verse; Newest: The Icons! Magna! Orca! Starguy! Samaritan! Human Rocket IV!)

Post by greycrusader »

Very nice alternative take on the Iron Man history! I've always enjoyed "What If" type stories, because nearly all mainstream comics preclude major changes to the protagonist, let along aging and passing along the mantle, at least as long as the title character is commercially viable. But in settings like yours, one can explore what might have happened if time progressed as it does in our own world, without the plot armor that popular heroes enjoy. In the example of Rocketman III and IV and JETTE, I'd almost argue its a better tale of heroism, as Terry and Caroline unjustly suffered terrible consequences, but still persevered and rebuilt their lives. They didn't give into hopelessness or darkness, with the elder Rockeman serving as a mentor and Carol taking up her mantle again in late middle age. Wonderful narrative.

All my best!
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Dust (Mariana Rodriguez)

Post by EternalPhoenix »

Dust (Mariana Rodriguez)

Power Level: 9; Power Points Spent: 165/165

STR: +2 (14), DEX: +3 (16), CON: +2 (14), INT: +2 (14), WIS: +3 (16), CHA: +2 (14)

Tough: +2/+4, Fort: +5, Ref: +12, Will: +7

Skills: Acrobatics 12 (+15), Bluff 8 (+10), Concentration 7 (+10), Diplomacy 8 (+10), Gather Information 8 (+10), Investigate 3 (+5), Knowledge (current events) 8 (+10), Knowledge (physical sciences) 3 (+5), Knowledge (streetwise) 8 (+10), Language 2 (+2), Notice 7 (+10), Search 3 (+5), Sense Motive 7 (+10), Stealth 12 (+15)

Feats: Acrobatic Bluff, Attack Focus (melee) 7, Challenge - Improved Acrobatic Bluff, Defensive Attack, Defensive Roll 2, Dodge Focus, Evasion, Grappling Finesse, Improved Critical 2 (Martial Arts (Strike 2)), Improved Defense 2, Improved Disarm, Improved Initiative, Improved Pin, Improved Throw, Improved Trick, Improved Trip, Luck 3, Move-by Action, Skill Mastery (Acobatics, Notice, Sense Motive, Stealth), Takedown Attack 2, Uncanny Dodge (Auditory), Well-Informed

Powers:
Chain (Device 2) (Easy to lose)
. . Chain Strike (Strike 2) (DC 19; Penetrating; Custom (+2 to Disarm), Custom (+2 to Trip), Extended Reach 3 (15 ft.), Mighty)

Dust Cloud (Obscure 6) (affects: visual senses, Radius: 250 ft.; Selective Attack; Range (touch))

Martial Arts (Strike 2) (DC 19, Feats: Improved Critical 2 (Martial Arts (Strike 2)); Mighty)

Weakened Telekinesis (Move Object 1) (Strength: 5, Carry: 16 / 33 / 50 / 100; Range (perception); Precise, Subtle 2 (unnoticable))

Attack Bonus: +7 (Ranged: +7, Melee: +14, Grapple: +17)

Attacks: Chain Strike (Strike 2), +14 (DC 19), Martial Arts (Strike 2), +14 (DC 19), Unarmed Attack, +14 (DC 17)

Defense: +12 (Flat-footed: +6), Knockback: -2

Initiative: +7

Languages: English Native, Haitian Creole, Spanish

Totals: Abilities 28 + Skills 24 (96 ranks) + Feats 32 + Powers 29 + Combat 36 + Saves 16 + Drawbacks 0 = 165

Age (as of Jan 2019): 24
Height: 5’ 7”
Weight: 135
Ethnicity: Cuban-American
Hair: Light Brown
Eyes: Light Brown
Base of Operations: Miami, Florida

Theme Song: Bang, by Zach B featuring The Kevin Bennett

Background: Mariana Rodriguez does not know how this happened. Her, an Icon? Dust, an Icon? It does not feel earned. Well. Most things don’t, really. Including becoming a Five Year Vet last year. Because Mariana Rodriguez is dead. She died of a congenital heart defect at age 9. She’d been sick and weak for her entire life. One day in the hospital, she closed her eyes and went…away. Her life had been short and mostly miserable, so she didn’t mind. At least the pain and weakness was over. And so, little Mariana accepted her death. Except. The reason she went unconscious was anesthesia. She was getting a heart transplant. The surgery had odds of success so low no surgeon would touch it. Her desperate parents pleaded and pleaded…until word got up to New York City and one Dr. Daniel Ivanoff. Even 15 years ago he was just about the best surgeon on the planet. He flew down to Miami to perform the transplant. Of course, a heart transplant involved basically killing the patient, only keeping their blood oxygenated and pumping with machines. So in a way, Mariana isn’t wrong. She died. Rather gruesomely. The over 4 hours of surgery was, of course, a complete success. Daniel threw in his usual rejection preventing alterations to the transplanted organ, and she was good to go. If she wanted to come back.

. . Truth be told, Mariana didn’t. Her new heart, however, had other ideas. Metaphorically speaking, of course. It was strong. So, the little girl who had closed her eyes and accepted the end of her short, miserable life opened them again a few days later. A miracle. Thanks, Daniel. You’re a real one. Of course, repairing a sad little girl’s heart isn’t quite so easy as replacing her physical one. As far as she knew, she had fully and completely died, and she’d been brought back against her wishes. Not that anybody had asked, mind. God, no. And not only had they brought her back, but someone else had died so it could happen. Someone else about her age had died so that a person who didn’t even want their life anymore could live. Just didn’t seem fair, somehow. It wasn’t like she had wanted to die. She still didn’t, really. But she just…didn’t care. Her new heart was strong. Her body responded and did whatever reasonable thing she asked it to. It really wasn’t fair at all. She developed an apathetic, lackadaisical attitude. A sort of personal nihilism, if you will. She had died. It really doesn’t matter what you do after that, does it?

. . Mariana got older. Keep living, keep growing. She first encountered Antonio Vizquel when she was 13 and he was 18. Her parents were gangsters, which is how they afforded all of her treatment years ago. There was a meeting she got dragged along to. All this would be hers one day, after all. He wasn’t anybody but a young, hungry hotshot. Yet. But he was handsome, confident, and that smile made her wonder about lots of things most parents would rather their little girls not wonder about. Especially not when the wondering involved a young man half a decade older than said little girl. They didn’t meet again for two years. This was when Antonio noticed her back. Romance time. Ah, true love. On both sides, believe it or not. And yes, plenty of lust too. Let’s move on. To the crimes. So many crimes. He trained her in martial arts and gunplay, then introduced her to the group he was a part of. They trained her further. It was an idyllic few years. Oneshot and his Lady Vicious. They were Bonnie and Clyde’ing it, as literally as possible. Antonio, or Oneshot, did most of the violence and killing, but Mariana, or Lady Vicious, was no innocent. Sex, drugs, and electronica. They were young, deeply in love, and totally reckless. Antonio was basically a selfish brat who hadn’t managed to grow up yet in any way but the physical. Mariana, though, didn’t care if she lived or died. This was all just an extended epilogue, so why not enjoy herself? Of course, it was not to last. The efforts of heroes (like Tidal) and law enforcement saw some of the group turn state’s evidence, and the resulting stress caused the group to self destruct. There were half a dozen shootouts on Miami’s streets, and a final violent fistfight in a burning warehouse. Which then exploded. Mariana was flung into the bay by the force. She was dead. Again. She closed her eyes and went away. Again. The epilogue had been enjoyable, but it was over. She didn’t mind. Everything went dark.

. . And then she woke up in a hospital bed. Again. She wasn’t that badly hurt, actually. Tidal had saved her. He’d saved everyone still alive after the explosion. Including Antonio. He did not, however, even remember his name. Amnesia. Their masks and trademark outfits had been burned by fire, shredded by the explosion, and then soaked in seawater. The masks were in the bay. The outfits were unrecognizable. The rest of the surviving group wasn’t so lucky, though some managed to escape. Innocent victims, huh? No more Oneshot and his Lady Vicious. That was over. All that was left, as she left the hospital for epilogue number two, was what next? Tidal was waiting for her. He knew who she was. He knew a lot of things. In the course of a conversation, he turned her entire worldview around on her. People only die once, Mariana. And all of your past is merely prologue to what you do next. She would like to say there was some kind of major revelation, and she became a totally different person all of a sudden with a burst of cathartic weeping. But nah, psychology doesn’t work like that. It was a much quieter, more subtle thing. She discovered the lie at the core of her identity. She…kind of wanted to live, actually. Not like, a lot. It wasn’t some vigorous feeling or anything. So…maybe it didn’t matter if she died, right? But until then (because it’d happen or not, mostly outside of her control), what right did she have to harm others? Nothing like a little self awareness and self perception to change your whole worldview. That 9 year old little girl with her bad heart. She may have accepted death, but she wanted life. How very contradictory. How very human. Heh. Okay, then. Time to actually live, for once.

. . The superheroine Dust debuted a few months later, using her powers in another way to differentiate herself from Lady Vicious. The name came from something she’s actually embarrassed to have said. So pretentious. Somebody asked who she was, and she said “The same as anyone else. Nothing but ashes and dust.” Such a cheesy line. She is living her life one cheap thrill at a time. Clubbing. Fighting organized crime. Doing stupid crap for views on the internet. Well, the nerds think she’s hot and totally dig her personality, so whatever. She was technically among the Dusted last year, after her Five Year Vet status was official. She didn’t mind that death, either, but once again she came back. Ended up in the final battle of the Endgame. She still doesn’t understand why the hell Tidal recommended her to replace him because he was going to be away. He’s a god. Knowledgeable, skilled, and powerful. She asked him, before he left, why he picked her over a dozen other more experienced and powerful heroes. Lei Gong, Duke of Thunder, only smiled mysteriously and said “The arc of your life is interesting.” Those words together don’t make sense. The sins of her past are heavy. She was too young and too in love to realize how bad things were getting until it was way too late. She wouldn’t say she has regrets, and she wouldn’t call what she’s doing a quest for redemption. She’d have to give more of a damn for those words to be right. It’s more like…it’s better to do good than evil, right? But you know, whatever. She’s gonna die permanently sometime. Might as well go with the flow. And in the meantime, well…she’s gonna carry that weight.

. . As someone who fights regular crime in Miami, she doesn’t have any persistent enemies. However, with Tidal away doing whatever he’s doing, she’s temporarily inherited his. The Winter Court swordswoman, Frostica. She tries to turn the beaches into a winter wonderland sometimes. Dust doesn’t believe in faeries, so this is obviously a crazy person with weird mutations. And there’s the reality TV star wannabe quartet with the mutant elemental powers. Gail Gust, Chelsea Chill, Sun Soaker, and Adri Ablaze. Giant losers. Dust actually likes kicking them in the head. They’re actually sorcerers, but Dust doesn’t currently believe in magic, either. Miami is a little barren of other heroes without Tidal, but there are three rookies. Ultrasonic, Polarity, and Miss Fortune. She hasn’t met them. Yet. Matter of time. There’s no rush.

Powers & Tactics: Dust is a metahuman psionic and expert martial artist. Her powers are entirely telekinetic in nature. As metahuman telekinetics go, she’s more or less average. It’s what she does with them that’s quite different. As Lady Vicious she was more or less a standard telekinetic. Throwing things, grabbing people, etcetera. Since she had both a partner and a gun back then, it mostly worked. Until it didn’t. As Dust she’s taking a very different approach. Between the beaches and street debris, there’s lots and lots of little particulates all over Miami. Her uses her telekinesis like a gentle but persistent breeze, creating a big dust cloud. This dust cloud blocks the vision of everyone she wants and nobody she doesn’t want. So she can pummel the bad guys with near impunity. Most of the time. That one guy had good hearing and so it was a bit of a fight. Doing the dust cloud thing takes up most of her telekinetic power, but she’s still got a little left to do relatively small things with. Open doors, shove things off tables, squeegee her clothes when they get wet, stuff like that. And unless one’s senses can detect the use of psionics, this is impossible to detect. Naturally, fastidiously cleaned indoor areas won’t have enough dust for her to actually make the cloud. This is actually fine, as she isn’t restricted to the use of environmental particulates. She can use liquids, too. And if there’s a lot of people in the area, she can tug loose hairs and dried skin right off of them. This doesn’t hurt them. Basically she has options. The definition of “dust” in her dust cloud is rather…loose.

. . Her martial arts style is Jeet Kun Do. Invented and made famous by Bruce Lee, it is a hybrid, extremely adaptable style (to the point where it almost can’t be called one) that can do both grappling and striking. She specializes in striking, however, and uses a length of chain to extend her striking reach threefold. Since every user’s Jeet Kun Do is different because of how the style works in the first place, her own Jeet Kun Do takes elements from Muay Thai and kickboxing in addition to fighting much like Bruce Lee.

. . Tactically, Dust is pretty simple. Activate Dust Cloud, punch blinded bad guys unconscious. Maybe a head kick. Or a flying knee strike. There’s always the chain, too. It’s useful for tripping and disarming and hitting bad guys that are over there instead of right next to her. It can confuse anyone guessing where she is in the Dust Cloud, and that’s good. Seriously, almost all the time that’s all she needs. The rest of her training just sits there doing nothin’. But every once in a while there’s somebody with a mutant sensory power or something, and things get more interesting. Improved Acrobatic Bluff can help her hit. Defensive Attack and Improved Defense 2 can keep her untouched even if she’s ever sufficiently outclassed. Improved Disarm, Improved Throw, and Improved Trip augment her chainwork. Most people have trouble getting up quick, and they need their precious weapons. Improved Trick and Move by Action are on deck in case they’re needed. Takedown Attack 2 means she mows through mooks like it’s going out of style. Grappling Finesse and Improved Pin augment her grappling if that ever comes up. Never know. It might. She has a few telekinetic power stunts. Both off of Dust Cloud. First is straight up Enhanced Telekinesis (Move Object 4, Perception Range) that puts her Weakened Telekinesis at full power. She can also do a TK Burst (Move Object 5, Touch Range, Burst Area, Precise, Subtle 1). TK Blast (Blast 5, Accurate 2) is technically possible, but the rarest of them. She does these when her Dust Cloud isn’t working. As that’s kind of rare, so are these.

Personality: Dust’s life philosophy is “whatever happens, happens”. Nonchalant and relaxed. Taking life as easily as possible. She’s a simple woman, really. She likes good sleep, good food, a good dump, good sex, and a stiff drink more or less in that order. She likes to listen to music. She likes to dance to said music. Beyond that, behold the field in which she grows her fucks. See that it is barren and indeed, has never truly been cultivated. But don’t confuse this for an abundance of passivity or a reluctance to make decisions of her own. It’s not an absence of personal desires, either. She’s just going with the flow. Being like water. Flexible and adaptable to all circumstances.

. . As previously stated, she’s not a hero to atone for her days as Lady Vicious. Also, don’t bring those up, and especially don’t talk about Oneshot. They’re her one sore spot. But yeah, she’s not on some quest for redemption. That would require to care more than she does. The past is the past. Can’t change it. Just have to live with it. What motivates her is that although this may be her life’s extended epilogue…although she may be dead and just waiting for it to finally stick…other people are still fully alive. So…it’s like a basic right and wrong thing, savvy? She’s not crazy. She knows the difference between the two. And she knows which one is better to do. It’s not really any more complicated than that. Superhero work is fun. She’s doing good and right. And if it ends this extended second epilogue of her short and miserable life…she’s perfectly okay with that. But you know. There’s no rush. If it happens, it happens. And when it does, she’ll say goodbye and…good night.
Last edited by EternalPhoenix on Wed Oct 05, 2022 5:35 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: The Phoenixverse (A 2e OC 'verse; Newest: The Icons! Magna! Orca! Starguy! Samaritan! Human Rocket IV!)

Post by EternalPhoenix »

greycrusader wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 12:15 am Very nice alternative take on the Iron Man history! I've always enjoyed "What If" type stories, because nearly all mainstream comics preclude major changes to the protagonist, let along aging and passing along the mantle, at least as long as the title character is commercially viable. But in settings like yours, one can explore what might have happened if time progressed as it does in our own world, without the plot armor that popular heroes enjoy. In the example of Rocketman III and IV and JETTE, I'd almost argue its a better tale of heroism, as Terry and Caroline unjustly suffered terrible consequences, but still persevered and rebuilt their lives. They didn't give into hopelessness or darkness, with the elder Rockeman serving as a mentor and Carol taking up her mantle again in late middle age. Wonderful narrative.

All my best!
\
Rocketman? My brother in Christ (or not I dunno your religion or lack thereof), it's the Human Rocket. Though, telling the truth, Terry and Caroline are as much S.T.R.I.P.E. and Stargirl as they are Iron Man and...you know Tony doesn't really have a sidekick so idk. For the record, Caroline is a Stargirl who became Jessica Jones. So you can probably figure out how David Hero's group works from that. :sweat_smile:
Last edited by EternalPhoenix on Tue Oct 04, 2022 5:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: The Phoenixverse (A 2e OC 'verse; Newest: The Icons! Magna! Orca! Starguy! Samaritan! Human Rocket IV! Dust!)

Post by greycrusader »

Ah goodness, yes, sorry-Human Rocket. I think I had the Iron Man comparison fixed firmly in my mind while writing. Totally missed the whole Stars and STRIPE allusion (never read the comic, though I liked the Stargirl character in the JSA book). Nonetheless, really good job.

All my best.
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Re: The Phoenixverse (A 2e OC 'verse; Newest: The Icons! Magna! Orca! Starguy! Samaritan! Human Rocket IV! Dust!)

Post by EternalPhoenix »

greycrusader wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 5:37 pm Ah goodness, yes, sorry-Human Rocket. I think I had the Iron Man comparison fixed firmly in my mind while writing. Totally missed the whole Stars and STRIPE allusion (never read the comic, though I liked the Stargirl character in the JSA book). Nonetheless, really good job.

All my best.
Well, without JETTE or Human Rocket III to look at, it's an easy thing to miss. Subtle. Also I never read their comics either, though I liked them in JLU, especially my favorite episode with the Seven Soldiers. Still, thanks.
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Re: Cory

Post by Harnos »

EternalPhoenix wrote: Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:28 am Cory

Power Level: 15; Power Points Spent: 250/250

STR: +20 (20/50), DEX: +3 (16), CON: +20 (20/50), INT: +3 (16), WIS: +3 (16), CHA: +3 (16)

Tough: +20, Fort: +20, Ref: +10, Will: +12

Skills: Acrobatics 2 (+5), Bluff 7 (+10), Concentration 2 (+5), Diplomacy 7 (+10), Gather Information 2 (+5), Intimidate 17 (+20), Notice 12 (+15), Sense Motive 12 (+15), Sleight of Hand 7 (+10)

Feats: Accurate Attack, All-Out Attack, Challenge - Improved Demoralize, Challenge - Improved Startle, Interpose, Luck 3, Power Attack, Skill Mastery (Intimidate, Notice, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand), Startle, Teamwork 3, Ultimate Effort (Strength checks), Ultimate Effort (Toughness checks), Uncanny Dodge (Auditory)

Powers:
Alien Physiology (Container, Passive 15)
, , Enhanced Constitution 20 (+20 CON)
, , Enhanced Strength 20 (+20 STR)
, , Immunity 9 (life support)
, , Impervious Toughness 10
, , Super-Strength 8 (+40 STR carry capacity, heavy load: 3.4m tons; +8 STR to some checks)

Trueblue Shift (Alternate Form 10)
. . Trueblue (Alternate Form) (Powers: Immunity 1, Impervious Toughness 5, Super-Strength 10, Trueblue Stamina (Enhanced Constitution 10), Trueblue Strength (Enhanced Strength 10), Attack Bonus +1 (+10), Defense Bonus +1 (+10))
. . . . Immunity 1 (starvation & thirst)
. . . . Impervious Toughness 5
. . . . Super-Strength 10 (+50 STR carry capacity, heavy load: 3.4m tons; +10 STR to some checks)
. . . . Trueblue Stamina (Enhanced Constitution 10) (+10 CON)
. . . . Trueblue Strength (Enhanced Strength 10) (+10 STR)

Power Settings:
Trueblue (Alternate Form) (Powers: Immunity 1, Impervious Toughness 5, Super-Strength 10, Trueblue Stamina (Enhanced Constitution 10), Trueblue Strength (Enhanced Strength 10), Attack Bonus +1 (+10), Defense Bonus +1 (+10))

Attack Bonus: +9/+10 (Ranged: +9/+10, Melee: +9/+10, Grapple: +29/+48)

Attacks: Unarmed Attack, +10 (DC 35)

Defense: +9/+10 (Flat-footed: +5), Knockback: -17

Initiative: +2

Languages: English Native

Totals: Abilities 44 + Skills 17 (68 ranks) + Feats 17 + Powers 125 + Combat 36 + Saves 16 + Drawbacks 0 = 255

Age (as of Jan 2019): 18
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 225
Ethnicity: Extraterrestrial (appears to be of West African descent unless Trueblue, when skin is dark green)
Hair: Jet Black
Eyes: Dark Brown (entirely glowing blue when Trueblue)

Background: Cory is a member of a species informally known as the Red Savages. They have superhuman strength and durability. Their might is high even by galactic standards, and it grows higher still when they enter the form that is their namesake. Their eyes glow red, their skin turns dark green, and they go more or less berserk, destroying everything in their path. They were a warrior race, as well, thriving on the destruction left in their wake. They conquered planet after planet for their tyrannical overlord. Until one day said overlord grew concerned about the legend of the Trueblue, and destroyed their homeworld with most of the species on it. This triggered the open rebellion of those who remained, and the overlord and all his organization were destroyed in turn at the cost of most of the remaining Red Savages. Cory is the son of one of the very few survivors of those incidents. He was abandoned on Earth as a toddler, with the rationale being he’d either conquer it by adulthood or die trying. Blackrose found him first, after acquiring the Fell Staff, and he returned with her to the Exiles.

Powers & Tactics: Cory is a member of an alien race once infamous for their strength and durability. Even as a child, he did not disappoint in that regard, and certainly does not now. In his normal form he has vast superhuman strength and can shrug off damage that would level 90% of superhumans. However, his true power lies within his Trueblue shift. After this transformation, his durability resembles that of an entire planet than a living being and his physical strength is enough to shatter tectonic plates. He knows because he had to do that, once, to save the day.

. . Cory’s tactics are utterly simple. Punch the enemy until he stays down. He’ll pick the toughest out of a group and stand toe to toe exchanging punches until (inevitably) his opponent falls. With that said, if Blackrose is casting spells instead of maintaining Black Fog, he’ll stick close to her to deal with any enemies who want to take out the Exiles’ somewhat fragile leader. And if a foe isn’t falling to normal attacks from him or the team, he’ll Trueblue Shift and take them on himself. He is the foremost tank and heaviest hitter of all the Exiles, and he is well aware of it. That, and even though he’s Trueblue there’s just enough of the Red Savage in him that he enjoys a good fight.

Personality: Cory isn’t a people person. He’s blunt, verging on rude. It was once disguised as childish shyness, but now it’s obvious he’s just not that into people. Which, to be fair, he’s been able to snap most of Earth’s inhabitants in half with absurd ease for his entire life. It’s colored his worldview. While humanity (especially his friends and fellow Exiles) is worth protecting, that doesn’t mean he’s comfortable around them or even likes them all that much. He’s assigned himself as Blackrose’s bodyguard, as well. She was the first human who was ever kind to him. He has refused savagery, but equally he has refused peace. He’s a man of honor, a warrior born. And there’s a lot of fighting that needs doing in the world.
Is Trueblue some kind of divine or cosmic power source? Does it have a purpose? Is something granting it?
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EternalPhoenix
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Re: Cory

Post by EternalPhoenix »

Harnos wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 9:50 pm
EternalPhoenix wrote: Fri Jan 28, 2022 3:28 am Cory
Is Trueblue some kind of divine or cosmic power source? Does it have a purpose? Is something granting it?
No? It's just the name of his super mode. Any of his species could technically do it, but most of them weren't the right kind of person to be able to. All heroic warrior like instead of bloodthirsty savage.
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Re: Starguy (Gordon Wright)

Post by Commander Titan »

EternalPhoenix wrote: Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:59 pm Starguy (Gordon Wright)
Interesting hints about the Star Family. Also a fan of his mix of powers. It's interesting to see what feels like one of the later additions to the Bat Family or Super Family, but being given his own attention and focus.
EternalPhoenix wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 11:32 pm Samaritan (Vonnie Murray)
Again, I find myself in agreement with my comrades - as Davies said, Vonnie is great. I particularly like his powerset - it took me a bit to realize what you were going for, but it has a lot of potential and works for that heroic archetype so well.
EternalPhoenix wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:13 pm The Human Rocket IV (Reginald "Reggie" Morton III)
Again, I'm impressed with the ups and downs that your heroes have faced, and all the backstory within. There's a lot of tragedy, but the heroes still keep going.
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Tidal (Lei Gong, Duke of Thunder)

Post by EternalPhoenix »

Tidal (Lei Gong, Duke of Thunder)

Power Level: 15; Power Points Spent: 300/300

STR: +10 (18/30), DEX: +5 (20), CON: +10 (20/30), INT: +3 (16), WIS: +5 (20), CHA: +5 (20)

Tough: +10/+12, Fort: +10, Ref: +16, Will: +16

Skills: Acrobatics 15 (+20), Craft (chemical) 17 (+20), Diplomacy 5 (+10), Disable Device 12 (+15), Gather Information 10 (+15), Knowledge (arcane Lore) 12 (+15), Knowledge (earth sciences) 7 (+10), Knowledge (history) 7 (+10), Knowledge (physical sciences) 7 (+10), Knowledge (theology & philosophy) 17 (+20), Notice 10 (+15), Sense Motive 10 (+15), Stealth 15 (+20)

Feats: Acrobatic Bluff, All-Out Attack, Attack Focus (melee) 4, Attack Specialization 3 (Unarmed Attack), Challenge - Improved Acrobatic Bluff, Defensive Roll 2, Dodge Focus 5, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Critical (Thunder Blow Strike (Strike 6)), Improved Critical 2 (Lightning Bolt (Blast 16)), Improved Critical 2 (Unarmed Attack), Power Attack, Ritualist, Skill Mastery 2 (Acro, Craft (chem), Dis Dev, KN (arcane lore & theo/philo) Notice, Sense Motive, Stealth, Stunning Attack, Takedown Attack 2, Uncanny Dodge (Auditory)

Powers:
Divine Physiology (Container, Passive 12)
. . Divine Immunities (Immunity 28) (aging, common descriptor: Electrical, common descriptor: Sonic, disease, enviromental conditions (all), poison)
. . Divine Resilience (Enhanced Constitution 10) (+10 CON)
. . Divine Senses (Super-Senses 7) (accurate (type): Auditory, darkvision, ultra-hearing)
. . Divine Speech (Comprehend 3) (languages - read all, languages - speak all, languages - understand all; Limited (to Asian languages))
. . Divine Strength (Enhanced Strength 12) (+12 STR)

Duke of Thunder's Garb (Device 6) (Hard to lose, Only you can use (Those With The Duke of Thunder's Permission can lift))
. . Shadow Robes (Concealment 10) (all senses)
. . Soft Armor (Impervious Toughness 10)

Thunder Hammer & Lightning Mirror (Device 9) (Easy to lose, Only you can use (Those With The Duke of Thunder's Written Permission can lift); Indestructible)
. . Sonic Masking (Obscure 2) (affects: 1 sense type, Radius: 10 ft.; Selective Attack; Range (touch))
. . Striking Thunder, Bursting Lightning (Array 20) (default power: - linked powers -)
. . . . Lightning Bolt (Blast 16) (Array; DC 31, Feats: Improved Critical 2 (Lightning Bolt (Blast 16)); Accurate 2 (+4), Indirect 3 (any point, any direction), Precise)
. . . . Lightning Portal (Teleport 8) (Array; 800 ft. as move action, 2000 miles as full action; Accurate, Portal)
. . . . Thunder Blow (Linked)
. . . . . . Thunder Blow Shatter (Drain 16) (Linked; drains: single trait - toughness, DC 26; Affects Objects)
. . . . . . Thunder Blow Strike (Strike 6) (Linked; DC 31, Feats: Improved Critical (Thunder Blow Strike (Strike 6)); Mighty)
. . . . Thunder Explosion (Strike 5) (Array; DC 30; Burst Area (75-1875 ft. radius - General) [10 extra ranks], Selective Attack [10 extra ranks]; Mighty, Progression, Increase Area 4 (area x25))

Attack Bonus: +10 (Ranged: +10, Melee: +14, Grapple: +24)

Attacks: Lightning Bolt (Blast 16), +14 (DC 31), Thunder Blow Shatter (Drain 16), +14 (DC Fort/Staged 26), Thunder Blow Strike (Strike 6), +14 (DC 31), Thunder Explosion (Strike 5) (DC 30), Unarmed Attack, +20 (DC 25)

Defense: +16 (Flat-footed: +6), Knockback: -11

Initiative: +5

Languages: English Default

Totals: Abilities 54 + Skills 36 (144 ranks) + Feats 28 + Powers 118 + Combat 42 + Saves 22 + Drawbacks 0 = 300

Age (as of Jan 2019): 56 (body), as long as there has been storms in China (mind and soul)
Height: 6’ 6”
Weight: 170
Ethnicity: Han Chinese
Hair: Black
Eyes: Dark Brown
Base of Operations: Miami, Florida (normally) Outer Space (currently)

Theme Song: The Daily Life of the Immortal King Opening (mainly because it’s sung mostly in Mandarin and the OP’s visuals were pretty epic; I have no idea what the singer is singing)

Background: Until 2011, nobody believed or even knew Miami’s local hero Tidal was a god. Well. It’s not like Lei Gong (pronounced Lei Kung) spread it around. He was simply a Chinese immigrant and professor of meteorology at Florida International University. It was and is slightly unclear how he got the job in the first place, but he’s more than competent at it. He’s an institution at this point, having been there for 25 years at this point, and is well regarded by virtually all of his students. The hero Tidal had been around for about as long, but had no major public accomplishments to his name. Originally, he appeared to be more of a water controller than anything else, hence the name. But time went on and he demonstrated both wind and sonic, along with significant skill in (of all things) Muay Thai. He was a well respected hero, and that is why he was recruited to help found the Icons in 2001. That is the start of Lei Gong the man.

. . Lei Gong, Duke of Thunder, is much older. Time, for proper deities, does not necessarily operate in the same linear fashion it does for mortals. And there are fewer limitations on exactly how many points in space they can occupy at once. So the thunder god is still doing his job over in China while the professor teaches class in Miami. To be clear, the professor is a formerly empty human being that the god is occupying, functioning as both soul and mind. The Phoenix-bearer and the vampire are such fussy creatures. Though in truth, there are so many more mortals than there used to be. His real body would likely cause much harm to them. And he doesn’t want that. For you see, Lei Gong is one of the Chinese pantheon (the Shen)’s foremost intelligence specialists. He is both spy and assassin in addition to his thundering duties. The professor, however, is not on a mission from Tian (meaning Heaven, but there’s other places with the name so the Chinese will be used here). He is operating on no orders, and thus has slain no one in his mortal form. What he is doing could be called a vacation, but that’s not entirely accurate. The best way to put it is that, until 2011, he was merely amusing himself. Which is why he concealed his involvement in any of his actual major accomplishments as Tidal, leaving the citizens of Miami guessing about who had intervened.

. . Lei Gong, Duke of Thunder, is married. His wife is Lei Zi, Duchess of Lightning. Also known as Dianmu, she was human once. Until he angrily murdered her for throwing out rice that he mistakenly thought was still edible. The Jade Emperor (his superior), found out. Furious, he had her resurrected and turned into a god. Lei Gong’s punishment was to marry her. So, even after several thousand years, Lei Gong is still very remorseful and a very kind (if sometimes distant) husband who has calmed his temper. Lei Zi, for her part, inherited her husband’s formerly quick temper. She is, perhaps understandably, a rather jealous woman. 2011 in Seattle was not the first time she tried to destroy a city to get her husband to spend time with her instead of his students and mortal associates. It was merely by far the least subtle of her attempts, all of which had previously only targeted Miami. Ironically, all she has to do is ask, and Lei Gong will spend all the time with her that she wants. But of course, as a mortal woman raised to divinity not on her own merit, but as a punishment for someone else, she has a pretty strong inferiority complex. She does not and in some ways cannot believe that it could be so easy as merely asking. And so the cycle of her becoming displeased, acting on it, him defeating her plans, and them making up until she becomes displeased again rolled on and on.

. . It was Kuros The Conqueror who put her up to invading Seattle and provided the army. He whispered poisonous words about the relationship between Lei Gong and his pretty, young, and female teacher’s assistant, and about how attached he seemed to be to his mortal allies. Pray consider, O Mother of Lightning. Perhaps he has no intention of ever returning to Tian? Of ever returning to you? Yun Tong (who makes clouds), Yu Shi (who causes rain to fall), and Feng Po Po (who unleashes the winds) were not fooled by his lies about their friend and lord. But alas, Lei Zi was. She became furiously angry (and, as usual, underneath it all terribly frightened) and the invasion of Seattle occurred on schedule. It was, of course, defeated by the Icons. Feng Po Po had flown with the winds to warn Lei Gong of her intent, and Tidal rallied the Icons to Seattle and Fletcher’s defense. Unfortunately, her scheme had been far too public this time. He could not cover it up and thus protect her from the Judgment of Heaven like before. Divorcing thunder from lightning was and remains a poor idea, but a formal separation was enforced for a time. Lei Zi could not descend to Earth. Lei Gong could only return on official business. Such a pity.

. . Meanwhile, Tidal had another problem. Everyone who’d been paying attention knew he was a god now. Anyone decently well versed in Chinese mythology even knew which one. And the Icons were, well, a little annoyed that he hadn’t mentioned that kind of important detail before. Such a messy situation. Quite bothersome. Still, there was two whole years to sort it out. Two and not three because there was a minor situation to sort out for Tian. Orders for his mortal form, how surprising. He ultimately had to bring that pretty, young, and female teacher’s assistant to Tian to have the fragments of the Lightning Crystal extracted. And then Thunder Hammer the bejeezus out of a Fae who managed to steal it. Such a messy situation. Quite bothersome. But again, two years to smooth things over after that. And then, Fletcher made that damnable machine. He quite overreached mortal ability. If the finest artisans of Tian cannot make a thinking machine that will never turn murderous and violent, no mortal can either. He smashed quite a few of the machines the thinking one was controlling, but it wouldn’t have been enough without Spike, Candy, and Terrifica showing up to even the odds a bit. Shortly after that, Tian summoned him again to deal with an interloper. Somehow, Tex Austin had gotten lost on his way home from the battle with the machines and ended up in Tian. It turned out this was a plot of Bak Mei, The White Eyebrow, Betrayer of Shaolin, to make like the Monkey King millennia earlier and steal the peaches of immortality. The reason for this turned out to be entirely irrelevant, as he’d been dripping poison words into many Shen ears. Thus Tian split into a civil war. Breathe in the irony of both aspects of Tidal’s life splitting into a civil war in the same year. Between him, Lei Zi, his friends, and Tex, the situation was resolved. Unfortunately, Bak Mei escaped punishment once again. And the last gasp of his plotting was destroying the sky ladders and stealing all the somersault clouds on his way out. For Tidal this wasn’t really a problem. He could return to Miami whenever he chose. Tex, however, was quite stuck unless he wanted to fall a few miles onto the wrong continent. And he couldn’t leave Tex in Tian alone. He was the only one who could speak for him among the Shen. Especially with the Celestial Bureaucracy in more chaos than usual. Well. At least he could spend time with Lei Zi.

. . Or perhaps not. The prelude to the Eternity War was Kuros The Savior and his armies storming Tian. He clobbered both Tidal and Tex easily (damn that Gravity Crystal), threw the Celestial Bureaucracy into absolute anarchy, and most importantly killed Lei Zi’s mortal form, causing her to reincarnate somewhere in China. Tidal was, understandably, pissed off. One of the sky ladders had been repaired, so he sent Tex on ahead to warn the Icons. It was time for Lei Gong to do one of the things he hated most. Paperwork. He returned to Earth during the height of the battle in Baltimore more powerful than ever as a result, and severely injured Kuros. It was not enough. Half the universe died because Lei Gong, Duke of Thunder, lost his temper for the first time in millennia and didn’t aim for a killing blow with his first strike. The following year he did not do very much at all. Many of his students has been Dusted. His teacher’s assistant was, as well. Such a messy situation. Quite bothersome. But when the depleted Icons reassembled to undo the Dusting he joined them. And when Kuros, in his new mode as The Annihilator attacked in rage that they would defy his will, Tidal stepped up beside the Shining Guardian and Fletcher to battle him first. Though they technically lost that fight, he followed it up by demolishing any of Kuros’s armies who were in reach. And with Lei Zi’s Lightning Mirror, he had quite a long reach indeed.

. . After the battle, he went to China and found Lei Zi, now a relative newborn. Then he returned to his constellation and his office. What he is officially up to is patrolling the outer borders of Tian until the Celestial Bureaucracy can return to its usual sense of chaos. Many of the gods are still recovering from the civil war and Kuros’s assault. Their offices are still under repair. Many of their mortal forms were Dusted, causing them to reincarnate. When the Dusting was undone, the reincarnation wasn’t. So many gods now have two mortal forms in the world, which is against Shen rules. The largest bureaucracy in all creation is struggling to cope with not one, not two, but three unprecedented events in rapid succession. What Lei Gong, Duke of Thunder, is actually doing is brooding. His internal sense of order is just as disrupted as Tian’s. His beloved wife is an infant. For now, he finds himself out in space (constellations are stars, which is how he got out there) aiding a young woman named Jackie and her intrepid crew. And firmly insisting that she is in command, not him. He will likely return someday soon, but until then there are alarming rumors of someone with a weapon that can permanently slay even gods. Now that’s worthy of investigation if nothing else is. And, strangely enough, Professor Lei Gong has not missed a single class. Ah, paperwork. If there was anything you couldn’t solve, he’d be sincerely out of luck.

. . Tidal’s most persistent enemy was, in fact, Lei Zi. He remembers that Winter Court swordswoman with strange ideas about what Miami’s climate ought to be. Frostica, that was her name. Or what the newspapers called her, anyway. And there is that newish elemental sorceress quartet. Airess, Cali Brr, Soon Omi, and Adri Ablaze? No, that doesn’t sound quite right. Gail Gust, Chelsea Chill, Sun Soaker, and…okay, Adri Ablaze was actually correct. More reality tv wannabes than hardened criminals, honestly. And being as he’s off planet poor Dust is stuck dealing with them. Well. Perhaps those rookies will be of assistance. What were their names? Hullabaloo? That doesn’t sound right. Polarity and Miss Fortune were the other two, certainly. Oh yes, Ultrasonic. That was it.

Powers & Tactics: Tidal is a god clothed in human flesh. With the appropriate paperwork both filed and approved, he no longer has to borrow portions of the powers of his friends. His divinity significantly enhances normally frail mortal flesh, he has two (three, technically) divine artifacts, and he’s one of the greatest martial arts masters to ever walk the face of the world. All of China’s striking styles are at his disposal. Yes, all several hundred of them. He’s the Heavenly Assassin. It comes with perks.

. . The divine augmentations to his physiology improve his strength (crack steel with a punch), upgrade his resilience (simply superhuman), add what’s basically sonar and lightless vision, let him read, speak, and understand any language native to Asia, and render him immune to aging, electricity, sonics, disease, all types of environmental conditions, and poison. He is the Chinese god of thunder, and mighty indeed.

. . His two divine artifacts are his Duke of Thunder’s Garb, his Thunder Hammer, and Lei Zi’s Lightning Mirror. All three cannot be moved from where he places them, let alone used, with written permission from his office in Tian. Needless to say, the list of beings he’s done that for is a bit short. The Garb lets him shrug off damage up to a rocket launcher (something he cannot normally do) and, fittingly for a Heavenly Assassin, can shroud him from all senses. His Thunder Hammer and Lei Zi’s Lightning Mirror are wielded together. The Hammer causes thunder by hitting things with it. Because he is a god, this is fantastically damaging. Both his Thunder Blow and Thunder Explosion can smash titanium with ease. The latter is even an area attack that can cover anywhere from a 150 feet to over a half mile radius. The former is inarguably stronger, however, as sonic vibrations tear apart the targets ability to resist the actual hammer strike. The Mirror causes lightning to strike from an unexpected direction with a similar amount of force. It can also generate a portal to any known location up to 2000 miles away. The Hammer has a secondary ability of being able to totally silence an area 20 feet in diameter. Surprisingly useful for an assassin.

. . Tactically, well…it depends. Mortal thuggery is basically a waste of his time. Turn on Shadow Robes and Sonic Masking. Turn off Divine Strength. Pummel them all unconscious without effort. If he encounters enemies of a higher PL that he can’t harm without Power Attacking he’ll turn Divine Strength back on and pummel them unconscious without effort. Honestly, he doesn’t bring out the Hammer and Mirror for ordinary supervillains. He doesn’t need them. It would take opponents of a higher caliber to make him bring out the big guns, and they would likely bitterly regret making him do so. Kuros is literally the only opponent he’s ever faced that’s absorbed multiple Thunder Blows. Please note that both Thunder Blow and Lightning Bolt are one damage rank higher than a full unarmed Power Attack, which justifies his approach more or less. He relies on Shadow Robes, Hide in Plain Sight, and Improved Acrobatic Bluff to help him hit. All Out Attack is never used with his unarmed attacks, but the others? Yes, especially with Power Attack. Also note that he has Ritualist and an excellent KN (arcane lore) bonus to use it with, should he need something outside of his normal abilities. He is perfectly capable of power stunting with the Thunder Hammer or Lightning Mirror, however he does not see any need at present.

Personality: The tales of Lei Gong, Duke of Thunder being notoriously short tempered were true. Killing someone (the future Lei Zi) who had genuinely done nothing to deserve and then having to look her in the face and recite wedding vows…well…it changes a deity. Eventually. He was always well mannered and quite calm when his temper wasn’t getting the better of him, and that has not changed. This does not mean he’s incapable of being serious in serious situations, of course. He is not a being that rattles easily. Or at all, really. He comes off as what he normally is. A genial and not unfriendly man. Reasonable. Helpful. But there is always that emotional distance between him and anyone else. Because he is a god, and they are not. His perspective is simply too different for him to feel anything more than fondness for any given mortal. This does include all of the Icons, as well, and even the citizens of Miami. He likes them, mostly. He respects the courage and high ideals of the Icons. He appreciates the respect and adulation given by the citizens of Miami. With that said, if orders came down tomorrow he would kill any of them without the slightest hesitation. That is, after all, his actual job. Heavenly assassin. He knows it would never happen. His hammer is only employed against the truly wicked, as judged by the knowledge and wisdom of the Jade Emperor. But the point remains.

. . So why, then? Why did he disguise himself and become a superhero? Well, as stated way up above, it was mostly or his own personal amusement. He likes humans. He likes watching them struggle and grow more capable through education and training. One could call it a paternalistic outlook, and they’d be near enough. It’s why he’s a college professor, and a very good one at that. How mortals evolve on a personal level is fascinating to him. Because gods and their divine servants don’t do that. He has not changed appreciably since…hmm. Well, call it the first storm in China. The only difference between him now and him then is that he no longer indulges his temper. Of course, all mortals must age and die. Sometimes they do it without the aging part first. They travel on to the next great mystery, as he says with a soft smile that reveals nothing at all. Still. He is permitted a certain degree of latitude in his actions. Therefore, he will always protect the mortals when he is able. It wouldn’t do to lose his source of amusement. And he is quite fond of many of them, after all.
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Tex Austin

Post by EternalPhoenix »

Tex Austin

Power Level: 15; Power Points Spent: 255/255

STR: +20 (20/50), DEX: +2 (14), CON: +20 (20/50), INT: +1 (12), WIS: +3 (16), CHA: +5 (20)

Tough: +20, Fort: +20, Ref: +10, Will: +15

Skills: Bluff 5 (+10), Diplomacy 5 (+10), Gather Information 5 (+10), Handle Animal 5 (+10), Intimidate 5 (+10), Investigate 4 (+5), Knowledge (business) 4 (+5), Knowledge (civics) 4 (+5), Knowledge (earth sciences) 9 (+10), Knowledge (physical sciences) 9 (+10), Knowledge (streetwise) 4 (+5), Language 1 (+1), Medicine 2 (+5), Notice 12 (+15), Perform (singing) 5 (+10), Perform (stringed instruments) 5 (+10), Ride 8 (+10), Search 4 (+5), Sense Motive 12 (+15)

Feats: Accurate Attack, All-Out Attack, Dodge Focus, Improved Initiative, Interpose, Luck, Move-by Action, Power Attack, Stunning Attack, Takedown Attack 2, Ultimate Effort (Toughness checks), Uncanny Dodge (Auditory)

Powers:
Psionic Might (Super-Strength 15) (+75 STR carry capacity, heavy load: 419.4k tons; +15 STR to some checks)
Psionic Speed (Speed 5) (Speed: 250 mph, 2200 ft./rnd)
Psionic Stamina Boost (Enhanced Constitution 30) (+30 CON)
Psionic Strength Boost (Enhanced Strength 30) (+30 STR)
Skintight Force Field (Impervious Toughness 15)
Telekinetic Jump (Leaping 5) (Jumping distance: x50)

Attack Bonus: +10 (Ranged: +10, Melee: +10, Grapple: +30/+45)

Attacks: Unarmed Attack, +10 (DC 35)

Defense: +10 (Flat-footed: +5), Knockback: -17

Initiative: +6

Languages: English, Spanish

Totals: Abilities 42 + Skills 27 (108 ranks) + Feats 13 + Powers 115 + Combat 38 + Saves 20 + Drawbacks 0 = 255

Age (as of Jan 2019): 48
Height: 6’ 5”
Weight: 280 lbs
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Gray
Base of Operations: Texas

Theme Songs: Do Right, Fear No Man by The Last Knife Fighter, Ghost Riders In The Sky as sung by Marty Robbins, and May I Stand Unshaken from Red Dead Redemption 2

Background: Tex Austin is 48 years old. He was born in 1971, the same year Fletcher originally debuted. Smack in the middle of the Silver Age. His earliest memories are of the original Starman and the rest of the Champions. Yeah, young Tex was a big fan. He was one of a legion of young boys who all wanted to be Starman when they grew up. Unlike almost all of them, Tex turned out to actually be able to do it. Sort of. 1989 wasn’t 1961. World was darker. At least it appeared to be. Probably wasn’t. Tex doesn’t know. He does know that it was just plain different. S’fair enough. Four assassinations of nationally famous folks, including one president and then his brother the candidate. All of Vietnam. Two alien invasions. That’ll change the national psyche a bit, he reckoned. Still, nothing like a little good old fashioned heroism to rally the people, right? Things can still be good. Just gotta give it a whirl. Even if the Champions seem to be gone. And Starman is all half broken and retired. His son’s an okay Joe, though.

. . Of course, nothing in life is so easy. Like all those young Starman fans who grew up and gave heroism a try, Tex found it harder than it looked. A lot more violent and improvisational than it seemed on TV. Made it tough for a man to hold onto his principles. Not impossible, though. And there was a bright side. Met a nice girl. Annabelle, his sweet angel. Sky Rider, she called herself back then. Nothing like a little teamwork, you know? He even married her to cement their partnership. And then, uh. Well. Starman died. Tex’s hero died. Big ol’ explosion, out in space. Makes it hard to keep goin’, you know? Like nothin’ happened? Annabelle was pregnant again, too. So he eased off the gas a bit. Bought the ranch. Lot of work went into getting it up and running. He didn’t stop heroin’, mind. Just took more time to handle personal matters. 3 kids in 6 years and learning the specific details of running a cattle ranch tends to fill out the personal calendar. Gotta look after the rugrats, you know?

. . Armageddon. Not the Biblical end of the world, but that grey skinned beastie that crawled out of the Gulf. Gosh dang thing came smashing it’s way through Texas, going North. Can’t have that. It was also a chance to prove himself against a foe even his hero had had a bushel full of trouble with. It, uh, did not go well. Tex got a first class education in the tiers of power. He was not on the top. It was. Well. He’d do it again tomorrow. It did mean, though, that he was laid up with broken bones. Couldn’t help out in Chicago. Couldn’t help up in New York. That September day was just terrible all around. And so, the son o his hero died. A little niggling part of himself wondered if it wasn’t a little bit his fault. He’d been a bit lax in his training, to be sure. It was for the ranch, his kids, and their futures. He’d made a value judgement an decided what was more important. He wasn’t wrong. But it bothered him. So when he recovered, he got back to training harder. Truth be told, even his youngest (Dallas) was old enough to look after herself a bit at 3 years old, and the other two (Charlotte at 9 and Gabriel at 6) were in school most days. And parenting was a team effort with his Annabelle anyway. Okay then, back to training.

. . Of course, he got a call after that decision. A fateful call indeed, and one he was happy to answer. The Icons were founded. Him, the Shining Guardian, Fletcher, Shadowspirit, Tidal, and Caviezel. The first ten years weren’t so bad. Mopping up after Starman II, because he, well…he couldn’t do it himself. Picked up Medic and Sage and Scarlett. Decent enough folks, he reckoned. It was, uh, 2011 where things started gettin’ serious. Tidal’s wife invaded Seattle. Didn’t know he was married. Didn’t know he was a god. Thought there was just the one, up in Heaven. Learn something new every day. Tex was pretty easily the star of the whole affair. Not that he could’ve done it all by itself, but you know. He got to show off the fruits of a decade training to improve his powers. When you’re punching hoverbarges out of the air casually, it uh, tends to stand out. So he was a little famous after that, heh. 2014 was that robot punchin’ nonsense Fletcher got them into through arrogance. Wasn’t really his fault overall, Tex reckoned, but the man had sat home twiddling his thumbs instead of trying to trespass in divine realms like creatin’ life, it would have never happened. So some of the blame was his, if not all of it.

. . Gettin’ home from that turned out to be complicated. Boy did it ever. It got real foggy all of a sudden and then he was in the sky and all these Chinese people were yammerin’ at him what he reckoned what their language. Then they were speakin’ English and still not making any sense. This couldn’t be Heaven. He wasn’t dead. And where were all the angels and Jesus and the Lord God Almighty? Well, he didn’t want to fight, so he sat in what was pretty much house arrest. Wasn’t so bad. They fed him good, even if he got a bit sick of rice after a while. Then Tidal showed up, and that Back May feller made a mess of everything. There was some fightin’ done. Okay, a lot of fightin’ done. Got it sorted thought. Civil wars. So messy. And the bad guy got away, doggone it. He broke or stole all the ways back. So Tex was stuck. He could send messages, though. Tidal got him phone service up there. Somehow. So naturally he heard about the Superpower registration Act and the civil war in the Icons. Wouldn’t have happened he been there, he reckoned, but what can you do?

. . Course, that wasn’t the end of the messiness. Kuros the honest to goodness Conqueror was next up. Him and the folks with him lambasted everybody within lambastin’ distance, including Tex and Tidal before he was on his way. Trouble was, he was headed down to the surface, and that was one big problemo. Those Chinese gods had gotten the way down fixed just then, so Tex went to warn Fletcher and everybody. Found Fletcher’s crew no problem, and they were on it. But finding the Shining Guardian and company took a little longer. Long enough for Fletcher’s crew to get as lambasted as Tex and Tidal were. So Tex stood and fought again in Baltimore during the Eternity War. He was still banged up, but he did the best he could. Just wasn’t good enough. Not even Tidal swoopin’ in at the last minute was good enough. Other Icons said half the universe died in the Dustin’. Certainly seemed so. It took his wife Annabelle and his son Gabriel, and brought Dallas callin’ from the Pacific in a panic. Whole bunch of those Seawings was gone, too, and she didn’t know why. Explainin’ it wasn’t any fun a’tall. There wasn’t anything left to do, really. Except hug Charlotte and mind the ranch. Crime was down. Supervillains were takin’ stock o’ things too.

. . And then Terrifica and Marian Soaring Eagle (his own Miss Wings) came through with a plan to fix everything. His part was to, uh, just sit there and let the machine they helped the Shining Guardian make draw off his abundant psionic energy to remake the Mind Crystal. You know, the energy from his mind that fueled his powers. Didn’t weaken him none. Other folks might have had trouble, but Tex’s training was paying off again. Course, after all of them was together, well…there wasn’t anybody but Tex tough enough to withstand the power of using all seven Crystals of Power at once. You know, without dying on the spot. So he did it. He made the wish. And uh…kind of lost track of things for a while. Blinding, white hot agony all over his entire right arm. It was holdin’ that belt thing Terrifica had made to hold the Crystals and channel their power. When he was aware of anything beyond intense pain again, he was uh, kind of buried in the rubble of the Archeron facility they’d been borrowing. He’d unconsciously shielded Marian from the rubble, which was good. But Spike was half buried and Orca wasn’t quite strong enough to move all the rubble on his own. Fair enough, it was half a building. Lot of concrete and steel. So Tex gave him a hand. Just one. Right arm was worse than on fire. Then they were free, and Tex got to just sit and lose track of things for a minute or, well, several actually. When he could focus his eyes again, his whole family was there. Annabelle. Charlotte. Gabriel. And Dallas. There was a big battle behind them to fight, and so Tex started to get up. But wonder of wonders, they pushed him back down told him to rest. They’d handle it. From most of ‘em, it wasn’t so surprisin’. But Charlotte had never been the heroic type. It warmed his heart. Oh, his beautiful wife and his kids, now all grown up and punchy. Tex himself didn’t really participate in the final battle of the Endgame, but his family did it for him. It was a beautiful sight. A happy ending, yeah? Aside from Shadowspirit and Fletcher dying, and the Shining Guardian and Caviezel retiring. They saved the whole universe. Don’t think either Starman ever did that. He was sad about his friends, to be fair, but he was trying to see the good.

. . Trouble was, there was three different folks who took a look at and used their healing powers on his right arm. That Exile fighter, Priestess, she went first. The Seawings Guildmaster, Miss Yasmine, was second. And fellow Icon Medic was last. And couldn’t none of ‘em repair the damage. Medic even had his Momma (who was there, surprisingly) take a look at it. She said it wasn’t just a physical injury. It existed on all possible levels a person could be injured. Nothing outside could get it to heal up any faster. Not even Tex’s own powers. So, for the first time in well, ever, Tex is recovering from an injury like an unpowered human. It’s slow going. He can’t tell if it’s gettin’ any better. Sometimes it seems like it’s gettin’ worse. But the ranch still needs tending. And folks know Charlotte has powers now. That’s gettin’ a little messy. She’s gonna need his help afore long. Hurry up and heal, arm. People need him. He can’t just sit around hurtin’ all the time, doggone it. Please.

. . His most persistent enemies are the pairing of Blue Norther (a cold controlling powerhouse) and Dragon Wind (a fire controlling speedster). There is also the superhumanly strong bull-man Tauros and the real estate magnate and cattle rancher Thaddeus Morgan. His most common allies are, well, mostly family. His wife Annabelle sometimes comes out as Sky Rider still. She’s a psionic, too, but a flying speedster type. His son Gabriel uses the hero name Lonestar, and inherited some of both of their powers. Dallas is out in the Pacific somewheres, but if the need was dire enough she’d come back. She’s got powers from both Tex and Annabelle too. The Stranger’s out there with her, but he can be back in seconds. Marian was a regular ally, but now she’s got Icons stuff on her plate. And there’s Sledge out of New Orleans, with that mystic hammer of his.

Powers & Tactics: Tex is a metahuman psionic without any special martial arts training. His will augments his physical abilities to a genuinely phenomenal degree. He’s one of the strongest and most durable people on the planet. He’s strong enough to crack adamantine, the hardest metal in the world, with a punch. He can hoist a fully loaded aircraft carrier as if it weighted no more than a hay bale. He’s tough enough to outright ignore even a battleship’s main guns. It’d take a fully fledged ballistic missile to actually hurt him. But that isn’t all. He’s a fast enough runner to outrun any automobile, and he’s got just enough telekinetic power to “leap” hundreds of if not over a thousand feet through the air at a time. He is exceptionally powerful for a psionic. Neither his wife nor his children nor anyone else have proven able to keep up with him. Yet. Dallas may match him in time.

. . Tactically, well…he doesn’t tangle with basic thuggery much. Like his hero Starman, he’d simply disarm them and inquire about their surrender to the law. Hell, Thaddeus doesn’t even fight so he’s in this category. He leans on Accurate Attack and grappling with ordinary supervillains. Tauros is over here. Dangerous to ordinary heroes, you better believe it. To Tex? Nah. But against actual threats, like Blue Norther and Dragon Wind, he’ll make with the regular punches. For Blue Norther, anyway. He can’t hit Dragon Wind without a full +5 Accurate Attack. Individually they’re not a threat to him, but together they’re an issue. He’s got All Out Attack for more accuracy, Power Attack for more damage, and Stunning Attack for more polite violence. Gets a lot of use out of that last one. Please note Interpose, Move by Action, and Takedown Attack 2. Got a lot of use out of that last one in 2011 and 2014. Ultimate Toughness stopped using the Crystals from killing him. The most important thing to remember, however, is that his right arm is currently crippled and in a sling. This means his usual suite of power stunts is entirely unavailable and carrying more than his medium load of 279.4k tons is impossible. Pulling or pushing is not, but carrying is. He is also carrying a Complication related to this that can force him to resist a Stun effect at whatever rank the GM desires or just force him to take a Dazed or Stunned condition out of sheer pain if he is engaging in strenuous activities such as combat.

Personality: The first thing to know about Tex is that he’s the most stereotypically Texan Texan to ever Texan. No, seriously. The cowboy shirt, belt, boots, and ten gallon hat are his everyday attire. He reckons things instead of thinking about them. Things aren’t good, they’re mighty fine. His parents are still “Daddy” and “Momma”. And yes, he uses y’all, doggone it, and even holy moly unironically. The man owns and runs his own cattle ranch and farm, for heaven’s sake. It is unclear how much of this is an act, and how much is actually who he is. Annabelle finds it charming. Charlotte is mortified. Gabriel tolerates it. And Dallas loves it. Either way, he’s a respectful and easygoing guy, albeit with a blazing temper once successfully provoked. He works hard because it’s just what you do. He’s passionate about livestock and livestock care. Above all, he never, ever swears. For example, he doesn’t say “what the fuck” or even “what the hell”. He says “what in tarnation”.

. . Today, well, Tex is dealing with something he’s never had to before. Both feeling and being weak. You know, compared to normal. He was incredibly used to being the strong one. The rock for everyone else. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Everyone could rely on him for support. Even if he wasn’t always good at the emotional stuff, he still had a person’s back. Because he was tough, you know? Whatever life threw at him, he could take it and keep goin’. Wasn’t any need to get all emotional about stuff. Just keep goin’. And now…and now…he can’t be like that anymore. He needs help just to put his doggone shirt on in the mornin’. Bluntly, his self image has taken a brutal hit, and the longer his arm takes to heal, the worse the psychological wound becomes. And because he’s spent his whole life as the rock for everyone else, he hasn’t the faintest idea of how to perceive that he needs help, let alone actually ask for it. Ironically, this is what’s preventing his arm from healing. His greatest strength, his willpower to endure anything through grit, determination, and self reliance, has been turned against him. Almost like, deep down, he knew he could be a more well rounded individual and did it to himself.

Possible Sources For Tex's Dialogue:
https://coloradotrails.com/blog/top-100 ... nd-phrases
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-slang/
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-insults/
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EternalPhoenix
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Re: Starguy (Gordon Wright)

Post by EternalPhoenix »

Commander Titan wrote: Wed Oct 05, 2022 3:44 am
EternalPhoenix wrote: Tue Sep 27, 2022 8:59 pm Starguy (Gordon Wright)
Interesting hints about the Star Family. Also a fan of his mix of powers. It's interesting to see what feels like one of the later additions to the Bat Family or Super Family, but being given his own attention and focus.
EternalPhoenix wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 11:32 pm Samaritan (Vonnie Murray)
Again, I find myself in agreement with my comrades - as Davies said, Vonnie is great. I particularly like his powerset - it took me a bit to realize what you were going for, but it has a lot of potential and works for that heroic archetype so well.
EternalPhoenix wrote: Sat Oct 01, 2022 9:13 pm The Human Rocket IV (Reginald "Reggie" Morton III)
Again, I'm impressed with the ups and downs that your heroes have faced, and all the backstory within. There's a lot of tragedy, but the heroes still keep going.
There was a tiny bit about the Starfamily in Candy's entry, too. And now in Tex's, as he was a big fan.

And again, Vonnie fuckin' rocks. I dunno what to tell you.

That's the running theme. Sometimes life sucks. But you can't let it break your heart. Make you cold and uncaring. That's the stuff monsters and supervillains are made of. Flick back through the League of Seven and Strength Revolution, you'll see what I mean. The ones who aren't basically brainwashed or conflicted about their villainy all have the same basic story. Their lives went bad and they let it get to them. Break their hearts, so to speak.
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