Homebrew Supers: Deathstrider

Deathstrider 

M&M Stats
PL: 16 (240 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 42 (+16) DEX: 14 (+2) CON: NA INT: 10 (0) WIS: 20 (+5) CHA: 10 (0)

SKILLS: Climb (+16), Concentration (+5), Escape Artist (+2), Intimidate 20 (+20), Notice (+5), Sense Motive 20 (+25), Stealth (+2), Survival (+5), Swim (+16)

FEATS: All-out Attack, Chokehold, Critical Strike, Improved Grab, Improved Grapple, Improved Sunder, Takedown Attack (2), Seize Initiative, Fearless, Startle, Fearsome Presence (10)

POWERS: Growth (permanent) [4], Immunity (Life Support, Mental effects) [19], *Immovable [16], Unstoppable, , *Protection [16], Impervious [16], Space Travel [2], Death Touch [20], *Super-Strength [6], Groundstrike, , Thunderclap, , Shockwave,

COMBAT: Attack 14 [Unarmed +16 (Bruise)] Defense 14 (12 flat-footed) Init 2

SAVES: Toughness 16 (16 flat-footed) Fortitude 0 Reflex 2 Will 5

Abilities 36 + Skills 10 (40 ranks) + Feats 21 + Powers 133 + Combat 40 + Saves 0 – Drawbacks 0 = 240 / 240

MSH Stats

F	A	S	E	R	I	P
MN	GD	UN	SH-X	PR	IN	GD

Health: 335       Karma: 54

Resources: N/A  Popularity: -200

Powers

Growth: GD (permanent)

Immunities: Deathstrider is immune to disease, poisons, the effects of the vacuum of space, has no need to eat or breathe, and is immune to all attempt to read or control its mind.

Invulnerability: UN

Death Touch: Living beings touched by the Deathstrider are subjected to a CL1000 Disruption attack. 

Immovability: Deathstrider somehow is able to anchor himself gravitationally to the ground, it takes a Red FEAT with UN Strength to move the Deathstrider involuntarily.

Emotion Control (Fear): UN

Flight: TY

Life Detection: AM

Talents: Intimidation

Real Name: Unknown
Height: 15’
Weight: Approximately 90 tons
Hair: Black
Eyes: Red
Nationality: None
Ethnicity: Unknown alien species

On countless worlds among countless societies, there are legends that talk of the Deathstrider; a force of destruction so powerful that entire armadas are said to have fallen to its wrath. The Deathstrider is a being that is not alive, but not dead either. It has the look of machine, but exudes an aura that makes even the most demented necromancer quake with fear. It is a force so powerful that many star-faring empires have set up their armies solely to do battle with it should it ever appear again to ravage another of their worlds.

The origins of the Deathstrider are wide and varied depending on the society. Some say that it came from Hell (or that world’s approximation of Hell) to harvest souls. Others claim that it was sent by enemies (the exact enemy changes depending on who is telling the tale) to destroy all other empires. Still there are the tales that it’s always been since the birth of all there is and has been traveling from galaxy to galaxy wiping out all life.

The facts about the Deathstrider, what few there are, are just as mystifying. There is only one known vid of the Deathstrider and that came from a Grey starship that was part of a group that happened upon the creature somewhere between our solar system and Proxima Centauri. It was the only craft to escape the onslaught. The alien hero, Mentas, who was part of that starship group, recalled the lead ship picking up a large, humanoid form on its sensors. Since they were quite a ways from any colonies in the Proxima system and no known species in that region where known to be that size, they were curious as to where the body came from. Their sensor were picking up light electromagnetic charges from the being suggesting it was possibly the body of a crash victim in power armor, but as they neared the being the readings ceased. They were about to bring the body aboard the lead craft when it sprung to life. Mentas said that when it’s face appeared on the viewscreen, they knew that they had just found the legendary T’laktha, or Deathstrider approximately in our tongue. A wave of terror came over the ships’ crews as some readied their ship’s weapons while a couple others changed course in order to escape. The Deathstrider launched itself at the lead craft, tearing through the hull as if it were paper, in the next second the ship was destroyed and the creature was moving to the closest of the retreating craft. Mentas tried to read the being’s thoughts, but all he found were feelings of darkness, anger, and death. No actual thoughts. Even though his craft was able to escape, the Deathstrider was able to severely damage it by hurling debris at it, which led to its crash on Earth.

The Deathstrider has never been seen closer than Proxima Centauri to Earth. However, Mentas believes that the creature may be able to follow trajectories of spacecraft that will lead it to other worlds filled with life for it to destroy. He hopes that he’s wrong, but deep down he fears that his craft may have unknowingly lead the creature to Earth and therefore sealed the planet’s doom.

The Deathstrider stands over 15 feet tall and is humanoid. Its face is that of a human-like skull with pronounced cranial ridges over the eye sockets. Its eyes are fiery pinpoints of light that seem to originate deep within its eye sockets. It has black, stringy, hair that hangs off the back of its head and reaches the middle of its back. The Deathstrider is covered in armor. There are various points on the armor that look technological, but the overall look is a strange conglomeration of archaic and futuristic armors. The armor is colored black, like it was forged from iron, but there are spots that look like rust, but Mentas quickly noted that that “rust” is more likely dried blood of countless lifeforms.

Dungeons & Dragons Next/5th Edition/Type V/Whatever

So the release schedule and the prices are out for the next iteration of the grandaddy of RPG's: Dungeons & Dragons. Starting of in mid-July is the Starter Set for $20. Supposedly this starter set won't be as useless as the one that came out about mid-way through the great 4th Edition experiment. At any rate, $20 to try out the system is pretty reasonable. That said...$50 for each of the core books is a tad steep, at least at first without any considerations. Those considerations are how much fun am I going to get out of those books? Going out to the movies (plus popcorn and something to drink) can easily run $50 +. Going out to a ballgame? Even General Admission seats can cost a family of 4 anywhere from $40 - 50 or more without even factoring in the cost of refreshments. Video games are $60 on average new, and some of them only have about 5-6 hours of fun wrapped into them (Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II, I'm looking squarely at you...). So $150, staggered over several months doesn't seem so bad. Why then am I balking at plunking down my hard-earned cash on a pre-order?

I've got a lot invested into my hack of Swords & Wizardry. I've put a LOT of hours into making it into something that I've wanted ever since first cracking open the D&D Basic Boxed Set (the one that had Keep on the Borderlands with it). Why would I want to give that up? Who says I really have to? Well, for one, I only have so much time in a day to devote to anything that's not work, family-time, and sleep. Even though I'm far and away more impressed with D&D 5E/Next than I ever was with 4th, I still think it's likely going to be more than I care to mess with. Monsters for instance still have way too many stats. I vastly prefer the streamlined and slim statblocks for S&W.

I'm not writing off the new shiny D&D yet by any means. A lot of things could have changed from the last playtest packet to the finished version, so I'll definitely pick up the Starter Set. If it seems like something that I will enjoy (being able to make use of the mountain of material already at my disposal would go a long way to swaying my opinion), I'll check out the PHB and the Monster Manual at least. That said, I really like what I have with S&W, so D&D is going to have to really impress me to pull me away.

Homebrew Supers: Cybeast

Cybeast

M&M Stats
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 25 (+7) DEX: 12 (+1) CON: NA INT: 12 (+1) WIS: 16 (+3) CHA: 10 (0)

SKILLS: Climb 12 (+19), Computers 8 (+9), Concentration (+3), Drive 12 (+13), Escape Artist (+1), Gather Info 8 (+8 ), Investigate 12 (+13), Civics 8 (+9), Streetwise 12 (+13), Technology 4 (+5), Notice 4 (+7), Search 4 (+5), Sense Motive 8 (+11), Stealth (+1), Survival (+3), Swim (+7)

FEATS: Attack Focus (Melee) (4), Critical Strike, Improved Grapple, Power Attack, Set-Up, Takedown Attack (1), Fearsome Presence (4), Startle

POWERS: Super-Strength [4], *Protection [8], Impervious [8], Immunity (Life Support) [9], Super-Senses (Communication Link, Infravision, Radio, Ultra-Hearing, X-Ray Vision) [8]

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Unarmed +7 (Bruise)] Defense 20 (15 flat-footed) Init 1

SAVES: Toughness 10 (10 flat-footed) Fortitude 7 Reflex 5 Will 7

Abilities 15 + Skills 23 (92 ranks) + Feats 14 + Powers 41 + Combat 40 + Saves 17 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

MSH Stats

F	A	S	E	R	I	P
IN	TY	RM	AM	TY	EX	EX

Health: 126        Karma: 46

Resources: TY   Popularity: 10

Powers

Cybernetic Being: Cybeast is a robotic being (he once had a living brain, but it has since been replaced with a computer imprinted with his memories and personality) and has the following powers:

·          Invulnerability: RM protection from physical and energy damage. 

·          Immunities: Cybeast is immune to poisons, diseases, the effects of the vacuum of space, and has no need to eat or breathe. 

·          Hyper-Hearing: RM

·          X-Ray Vision: RM

·          Darkvision: RM

Talents: Martial Arts B, Detective, Driving, Interrogation, Law Enforcement, Computers, Electronics.

Contacts: The Posse

Real Name: Jason Richards

Identity: Secret
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 700 lbs
Hair: None (was sandy blonde)
Eyes: Red (was blue)
Nationality: American (legally deceased)
Ethnicity: Caucasian

The man that became the cyborg super-hero known as Cybeast was once a Chicago cop named Jason Richards. Jason was a good cop as well with several merits for courage and bravery above and beyond the call of duty. He was the ruler that all other cops were measured…and that was the problem.

Not only was Jason good at bringing career criminals to justice, but he also had a nose for sniffing out corrupt cops as well. He had uncovered a group of officers in league with a splinter cell of the Russian mafia funneling drugs, guns, and prohibited military-grade weapons and armor into and out of the country. The more he dug the higher up the food chain the conspiracy went, all the way up to a couple representatives and a senator. This case was hot, and he couldn’t trust anyone with the information. Unfortunately, he was found out.

Jason was assigned to a murder case and once he got the crime scene, the trap was sprung. He was ambushed and killed by several mafia goons. The story was written up as simple mugging turned bad and Jason was given the usual state funeral befitting a hero. His smuggling case files were quickly rounded up and destroyed, and Detective Richards was forgotten by all involved.

Since Jason didn’t have a family (he was an only child, his parents died several years ago, and his ex-wife was living with her new husband in Aruba) he was the perfect candidate for an a new cybernetic battlesuit that would make use of the brain of deceased soldiers and policemen to continue fighting for justice. His body was quietly bought by the Cyberworks on the day of his death and was promptly taken to their Silicon Valley facility.

Jason “awoke” in a lab. His sight was strange, red tinted with information on his surroundings in a sort of HUD integrated with his sight. He reached for his sidearm, but didn’t find it. That’s when he noticed that his body was huge and made of metal. He screamed out for an explanation and was promptly shut down. When he next awoke, he was debriefed on his programming parameters.

The CyCop project was designed to create “moral” robots. While Cyberworks had made great strides in creating thinking AI’s, they still couldn’t perfect them to have the “moral compass” greatly needed in policework. The idea was to use the brains of officers and soldiers that have shown great morality, courage, and bravery to enhance the basic combat field AI. Memories would be blocked, but the “conscience” would remain. There were police agencies the world over anxiously awaiting the results in order to place their orders (Cyberworks conveniently left out that human “donors” were needed to most of the more upstanding agencies).

For weeks, Jason, or X-1 as he was called, was put through various tests to show off his physical and moral prowess, which thanks to his cybernetic body was profound, and how he handled situations that take more of a human touch from hostage situations to dealing with domestic issues. So far, the experiments were a resounding success. Not since that brief moment when he went active too early had Jason been able to access any of his memories.

That would not last.

During a routine test to measure Jason’s durability he was subjected to a small EMP blast. This wasn’t the first time he had run through the test, but this time something unexpected happened. When the blast hit him, it shut down the memory blocks. With the blocks removed, Jason’s memories flooded back to him. He relived his entire life in the span of seconds. His childhood, the loss of his parents, his marriage, finding out his wife was cheating on him and the subsequent divorce, the revulsion and anger of finding out that many of the cops around him were corrupt, and finally his death and the terror at discovering that he was somehow still alive when he knew he should be dead all came back in a tidal wave. Needless to say, he went berserk.

Jason tore through the training center walls, not sure where he was going (or even where he was), only knowing that he needed to get out. He needed to get answers, and he needed to make sure that whoever did this to him went to jail for a long time along with the bastards that set him up.

Jason’s handlers were shocked and terrified that he had somehow broken loose, but the information they were gathering on just how successful the project really was made sure that their project would continue to receive funding in spite of this setback. They gave the alert for security forces to take out X-1 and return the subject to the lab. Too bad, they didn’t realize that they built Jason a little too well. He tore through the security forces and made his escape.

After hours of dodging security forces and running for what was hours, Jason stopped by a creek. He wasn’t tired and wasn’t hungry, but felt he should rest and at least think through what happened. He reached to take off his helmet, but found he couldn't remove it. In a fit of rage, he tore the faceplate off and cast it aside. As he bent down to the water to take a drink, he cried out in terror as he saw his reflection. Instead of his face, there was nothing but a metallic skull grinning back at him. That’s it, he thought. He died and was now a monster.

Over the next few months, he took down the people that had him killed. He rarely killed the men, but few would lead normal lives again. It went against his code to take a life, even if those lives weren't worth anything to begin with, but if they had turned him into a monster he would be their worst nightmare.

With the last of his conspirators dealt with, he turned his attention to Cyberworks. He knew that unless they were stopped, they would continue to defile the dead to further their research. That when he met up with James Justice and the Posse.

The Posse is a group of heroes with varied backgrounds and abilities all with one thing in common: Cyberworks did something to them. Jason, who had since take up the mantle of Cybeast, joined the team and has been with them ever since.

Shortly before taking on the android, Motor Lisa, it was discovered that Jason’s brain was starting to decompose. He was becoming violent at random times, having hallucinations, and became incoherent and unpredictable as well. He even left the team to find his ex-wife, which lead to a couple people discovering that Jason Richards is alive (in a sense). It wasn’t until the team discovered Motor Lisa that they were able to get their hands on technology that allowed them to replace Jason’s brain with a totally electronic one.

Cybeast is an imposing figure. He stands at six and a half feet tall and has a solidly built body made out of nearly indestructible alloys. When going into combat, Jason wears his visor up, showing his metallic skull face, which often shakes the will of his foes. When out of combat, he wears his visor down as to not creep out his teammates or anyone else they are dealing with. He typically wears a tight shirt and black combat pants with combat boots. He continually puts on a coating of silver Rust-O-Leum over the X-1 serial number on his chest. Jason doesn’t want to be known as that number ever again.

Homebrew Supers: The Monster

He's my take on the classic Frankenstein's Monster!

The Monster

M&M Stats
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 24 (+7) DEX: 10 (0) CON: NA INT: 20 (+5) WIS: 18 (+4) CHA: 12 (+1)

SKILLS: Bluff (+1), Climb 12 (+19), Computers 8 (+13), Concentration (+4), Diplomacy 4 (+5), Disable Device (+5), Disguise 8 (+9), Gather Info (+1), Handle Animal (+1), Intimidate 12 (+13), Investigate (+5), Arcane Lore 4 (+9), Behavioral Sciences 8 (+13), Earth Sciences 8 (+13), Life Sciences 12 (+17), Physical Sciences 12 (+17), Medicine 12 (+16), Notice 8 (+12), Profession (+4), Ride 4 (+4), Search 8 (+13), Sense Motive 4 (+8 ), Survival 4 (+8 ), Swim (+7)

FEATS: Improved Grab, Improved Grapple, Improved Sunder, Power Attack, Weapon Break, Endurance (2), Fearsome Presence (4), Teamwork (2), Improvised Tools, Jack-of-All-Trades

POWERS: Super-Strength [2], Immunity (Life Support) [9], *Protection [5], Impervious [5], *Absorption (Healing) [10], Only works against electrical attacks,

COMBAT: Attack 5 [Unarmed +7 (Bruise)] Defense 14 (12 flat-footed) Init 0

SAVES: Toughness 10 (10 flat-footed) Fortitude 7 Reflex 2 Will 7

Abilities 24 + Skills 33 (132 ranks) + Feats 15 + Powers 43 + Combat 18 + Saves 17 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

MSH Stats

F	A	S	E	R	I	P
EX	PR	EX	IN	IN	RM	EX

Health: 84         Karma: 90

Resources: PR    Popularity: -5

Powers

Reanimated: Vincent is a reanimated corpse, not truly undead, but neither is he alive.  His condition grants him the following powers:

·          Immunities: Vincent is unaffected by poisons, diseases, and the vacuum of space.

·          Cold Resistance: AM

·          Electrical Absorption: IN

·          Invulnerability: IN

Weakness

Fear of Fire: Vincent has a fear of fire (he speculates this developed due to damage his brain suffered during the reanimation process, but he’s not sure).  Whenever he is attacked with fire or it is presented to him in any way, Vincent must make a Psyche FEAT or run away in fear, lashing out at anything that gets in his way.  He regains his calm after rolling a successful Psyche FEAT or the fire is out of sight. 

Talents: Climbing, Computers, Repair/Tinkering, Engineering, Medicine, First Aid, Sciences (Behavioral, Earth, Life, Physical), Occult Lore, Riding, Swimming, Martial Arts B

Contacts: The Torch, various academic and scientific contacts throughout the world. 

Real Name: Vincent Von Heidelburg
Height: 7’3”
Weight: 350 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Left eye is blue, Right eye is green
Nationality: None. He was once a German citizen, but he’s been legally dead for over two hundred years.
Ethnicity: Germanic

The man that calls himself Vincent was once a German noble and scientist from a small village, but that was almost 200 years ago. He is now a scarred, immortal more than a mere human, but striving to be nothing more.

Vincent’s origins start with his deaths. His brain, and therefore his mind and personality, are that of Vincent Von Heidelburg, a nobleman, scientist, and writer born in Germany in 1779. His body was a simple laborer named Karl, nothing else is known about the identity behind Vincent’s body. In the fall of 1811, after both Vincent and Karl died, a scientist by the name of Victor Frankenstein attempted the unthinkable, bringing a dead man back to life. Victor and Vincent were colleagues and friends, but Victor’s blasphemous research led to Vincent cutting ties with his friend. Shortly after, Vincent came down with pneumonia and died. Death was not to be the end of Vincent, however, as he woke up in Victor’s laboratory.

The shock of being resurrected denied Vincent of his memories and much of his intelligence and motor skills. Victor was elated that his experiments worked, but was disgusted in the result. He and Igor threw Vincent over the edge of the castle walls into a ravine, where they assumed he would die in the fall. However, the experiments imbued Vincent with regenerative powers akin to immortality. Vincent’s wounds healed and he wandered into the countryside.

Vincent’s mental faculties returned in time and he grew to despise Victor for what he had turned him into. The operations on the body left Vincent’s form scarred and disfigured, so much so that wherever he went he was shunned and subjected to prejudice, fear, and ridicule, which made his hatred for Victor grow. As Vincent made his way back to the castle, he found that vengeance would be stolen from him. Villagers had driven Victor from his castle when they discovered what he was researching.

Vincent’s story was told, in a sense, in the classic novel, Frankenstein. After unsuccessfully tracking Victor for a time, he began to travel. He met the young Mary Shelley and her husband by accident one night. While they were frightened by his appearance, Vincent’s demeanor and intelligence calmed their fears. He told the Shelley’s his tale, which she then modified into a horror story. The novel amuses Vincent, and he is glad that even though it is looked upon as a work of science fiction, that Victor’s name is sullied.

Vincent has traveled the world over. He is very learned and cultured, though he spends most of his time alone or among enlightened people who are not frightened by his appearance. He still feels like an outsider, though. He knows that he should be dead, but doesn't have the will to end his existence. He decided that the best way to use his gifts is to help others, and therefore became one of the first modern-style super heroes. He fought in both World Wars, the Korean War, and well as championing the downtrodden the world over.

A few years ago, Vincent encountered another being much like himself. The other being called itself Terrence, and was sent by “The Animator” to either bring Vincent in or to kill him. Vincent drove off his attacker. He has since been hunting for this Animator, convinced that he is Victor still alive to this day.

Events have lead Vincent to joining forces with a group of people calling themselves The Torch. They strive to fight against dark forces that wish to drive the world into madness. While the group’s primary goal, at the moment, is the destruction of the ancient vampire, Dracula, Vincent’s goals of exacting revenge on Victor Frankenstein seem to be intertwined.

Vincent is a very tall man. He would likely be somewhat handsome if it weren't for the massive amounts of scarring that covers his body. His skin has a sickly pale to it that belies his unnatural existence. His body is a natural electricity conductor. When angered, his eyes will flicker with electricity. He commonly wears a long hooded leather jacket, simple shirt and pants. Vincent usually wears the hood up, as the back of his head still shows the damage from the blow that killed Karl.

Homebrew Supers: The Revenger

The Revenger 
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 14 (+2) DEX: 16 (+3) CON: 16 (+3) INT: 14 (+2) WIS: 16 (+3) CHA: 12 (+1)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 8 (+11), Bluff (+1), Climb 8 (+10), Concentration 8 (+11), Diplomacy (+1), Disable Device 8 (+10), Disguise (+1), Drive 12 (+15), Escape Artist 12 (+15), Gather Info 8 (+9), Handle Animal (+1), Intimidate 12 (+13), Investigate 4 (+6), Streetwise 12 (+14), Medicine 4 (+7), Notice 8 (+11), Pilot 4 (+7), Ride 8 (+11), Search 8 (+10), Sense Motive 12 (+15), Sleight of Hand 8 (+11), Stealth 12 (+15), Survival 12 (+15), Swim 8 (+10)

FEATS: All-out Attack, Blind-Fight, Chokehold, Defensive Roll (3), Dodge Focus (6), Elusive Target, Evasion (2), Improved Aim, Improved Defense (2), Improved Grab, Improved Pin, Improved Trip, Quick Draw (2), Rage (2), Sneak Attack (3), Stunning Attack, Throwing Mastery (2), Uncanny Dodge, Luck (2), Ultimate Effort (1), Ambidexterity, Assessment, Diehard, Fearless, Fearsome Presence (2), Equipment (3), Hide in Plain Sight, Contacts, Distract (1), Startle, Track, Improved Initiative (1)

POWERS: Equipment: Lock Release Gun, Night-Vision Goggles, Flashlight, Multi-Tool, Knife (+1 Damage), Heavy Pistol (+4 Damage), Assault Rifle (+5 Damage), Frag Grenades, Tactical Vest

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Knife 1 (Lethal), Heavy Pistol 4 (Lethal)] Defense 20 (12 flat-footed) Init 7

SAVES: Toughness 10 (7 flat-footed) Fortitude 3 Reflex 3 Will 3

Abilities 28 + Skills 44 (176 ranks) + Feats 50 + Powers 0 + Combat 28 + Saves 0 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Scott Moore
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Blue
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Irish – German

Scott Moore has had a troubled life. Everything was fine until his older brother ran off when Scott was 12. No one had any idea why Jacob ran away. Everything seemed fine, but afterwards Scott’s parents just seemed to be totally consumed in their grief, worry, and anger to even remember that they had another son that needed his parents. Due to this lack guidance, Scott became very self-sufficient.

In high school, Scott became aware that he had certain innate abilities. He was rather agile, strong, and quick. He also instinctively knew what to do with any weapon he came in touch with. He was scared that he was going to be labeled as a mutant, but his mandatory genetic scans (required to attend public schools under the Safe Homeland Act) came back with enhanced physical attributes, but still within normal human ranges.

Scott had the reputation as being a loner in school, but also for being a “white knight.” He hated to see anyone taken advantage of or bullied, so he would jump to their aid. After the first fight in which Scott put a kid in the hospital with three broken ribs (which nearly lead to his expulsion), very few people did much around him.

Upon graduating high school, Scott unceremoniously left his parents to live in Kansas City, Missouri. He found work as a mechanic in a small auto-shop downtown. The neighborhood wasn't great by any means. It angered Scott to read about all the robberies, murders, muggings, and various other acts committed against the decent people that are living in abject fear everyday. However, he was only a single man, what could he do?

Scott lived in a run-down apartment building; it was the kind of place that people kept to themselves for fear of being mistaken for sticking their nose in where it didn't belong. Scott did the same until he heard a woman cry out in the alley below one night. Looking out his window, he saw a woman being pursued by three punks. From the foul taunts, anyone would know what was going to happen to the woman should she get cornered. Scott was not going to let that happen. He thought about calling the cops, but knew they wouldn't get here in time, so he acted.

A voice in the back of his mind told him that what he was doing was stupid and that he was going to get himself killed, but he couldn't let that woman be harmed. Someone had to stand up for those that can’t for themselves. The fight was a blur. It seemed like it was over in an instant, and when dust settled two of the punks were dead and the other had to be taken to the hospital with a broken leg, arm, and four cracked vertebrae. The woman, was grateful, but frightened of her rescuer. Scott didn't stick around for the cops. The woman told the police that it was like a monster swooped in and slaughtered the bastards. While she was grateful for being saved, she didn't think that her attackers deserved to die.

Scott couldn't disagree more. He had come to a turning point in his life. The dealing with the scum in the alleyway felt good. The initial twinge of guilt he felt upon killing two men was quickly banished when he realized that if they were taken to jail, they would merely be out within a week to prey upon the weak again. No, they had to die.

Thus, the Revenger was born.

Since then, Scott had waged war against crime and corruption. His battle has taken him from the back alleys to the highest towers of Cyberworks. He has been arrested, tried, and sentenced to death, only to escape and go on the run. He’s been hunted by many of America’s best super-heroes, and somehow is able to escape.

The years haven’t been kind to The Revenger though, he bears the scars of battle and his hair is graying much too early for a man of his age. He drinks too much, but knows of no other way to drown the pain of knowing that all that he knows is death, and no matter how many evil people he sends to the grave it’s never getting any better. He keeps fighting though, because it’s all he knows to do.

The Revenger typically wears a tan leather duster, t-shirt, blue jeans, and steel-toed boots. Numerous harnesses all over his body hold the various weapons that can be found on him at nearly any time. His black hair is graying at the temples and his features are worn and haggard. He looks a lot older than what he really is. His eyes are a clear blue and have an edge to them that makes others think of a wild dog.

Homebew Supers: Kazuya Ito

Kazuya Ito
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 14 (+2) DEX: 16 (+3) CON: 14 (+2) INT: 18 (+4) WIS: 18 (+4) CHA: 16 (+3)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 12 (+15), Bluff 12 (+15), Climb 8 (+10), Computers 12 (+16), Concentration (+4), Diplomacy 4 (+7), Disguise (+3), Drive 8 (+11), Escape Artist 8 (+11), Gather Info 12 (+15), Handle Animal (+3), Intimidate 12 (+15), Business 12 (+16), Tactics 12 (+16), Technology 12 (+16), Notice 8 (+12), Pilot 8 (+11), Search 8 (+12), Sense Motive 12 (+16), Sleight of Hand 4 (+7), Stealth 8 (+11), Survival 8 (+12), Swim 8 (+10)

FEATS: Attack Focus (Melee) (5), Blind-Fight, Chokehold, Defensive Roll (5), Dodge Focus (5), Elusive Target, Evasion (1), Grappling Finesse, Improved Block (1), Improved Critical (1), Improved Defense (1), Improved Disarm (1), Improved Initiative (1), Improved Grab, Improved Grapple, Improved Trip, Prone Fighting, Redirect, Sneak Attack (1), Stunning Attack, Takedown Attack (2), Uncanny Dodge, Endurance (1), Eidetic Memory, Instant Up, Fearless, Instant Up, Minions (10)

POWERS: *Strike [8], Mighty [1]

COMBAT: Attack 0 [Stike (Mighty) 8 (Lethal)] Defense 15 (10 flat-footed) Init 7

SAVES: Toughness 7 (2 flat-footed) Fortitude 4 Reflex 6 Will 6

Abilities 36 + Skills 48 (192 ranks) + Feats 50 + Powers 9 + Combat 0 + Saves 7 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Note: Minions are typically drawn from Government Agents, Soldiers, Assassin, or Ninjas depending on the situation. However, guard robots and power armored minions are the norm when fighting super-powered foes.

Real Name: assumed to be Kazuya Ito
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 160 lbs
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Nationality: Japanese
Ethnicity: Asian

There is little info on Kazuya Ito’s life before he started taking over the super-corporation, Cyberworks. He is immensely wealthy, that much is known, but no one has been able to figure out how he built up his wealth or even where he came from.

Kazuya Ito started in Cyberworks as a researcher when the corporation was a small, but growing company that built replacement limbs for amputees. He quickly rose through the ranks to sit on the board of directors through a series of cutthroat tactics and aggressive buying of shares. Within 3 years, he was the single largest shareholder in the company. With control of Cyberworks, he began to buy up other robotics and bionics companies as well as individual research. He also shifted much of their company’s research from medical applications to military, though most of Cyberwork’s work that the public knew about dealt with everyday applications from medical nanites to assembly line robots. Through his leadership, Cyberworks has become the largest corporation in the world, practically a nation to itself.

Kazuya is a very charismatic man. He could sell ice to an Eskimo or sand to a desert nomad. However, while most who meet him find him overall pleasant to be around, there is an air about him that was almost predatory. To those that angered him, they have seen the rage and fury that stirs deep within Kazuya. Those that do anger Kazuya have a tendency to disappear, never to be heard from again.

Most of Kazuya’s time is spent at Cyberworks’ Tokyo headquarters. Other than visiting other Cyberworks offices and research facilities, he is rarely seen outside of his office. His office takes up the entire top story of the massive Cyberworks headquarters. Other than when he is sparring with martial arts trainers, he is rarely seen wearing anything other than a suit.

Kazuya has seen Cyberworks through allegations of supplying warlords with the technology to create robot and cybernetic super-soldiers, extortion, insider trading, and even assassinations. However, he always comes out clean. There are few that question he is one of the most powerful men in the world.

Kazuya Ito is a thin man who is always impeccably groomed. His black hair is kept long and hangs down his back. He usually wears expensive black suits with a white dress shirt and expensive silk ties.

The Summer of Savage Sci-Fi!

Wow! This has been the year for sci-fi products for Savage Worlds, and I'm loving it! Not only did the Sci-Fi Companion come out a couple months ago, but now there are a lot of sci-fi products either out now or coming out on the horizon.

I've recently picked up Warren C Narwood's Double Spiral War setting (review is incoming once I get a chance to put my notes into a coherent post) and the new edition of Mercenary Breed. (I sprung for the 3-pack of the Player's Guide, Galaxy Guide, and the Xenobestiary...reviews also incoming.) Also, ongoing right now is the Kickstarter for the Savage Worlds edition of Nova Praxis (currently a FATE setting). That's just the stuff that's pinged on my radar recently, so there may be something out there that I'm unaware of. It's good to see Savage Worlds getting some sci-fi support!

Homebrew Supers: Adam Van Helsing

Adam Van Helsing 
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 14 (+2) DEX: 14 (+2) CON: 16 (+3) INT: 16 (+3) WIS: 16 (+3) CHA: 12 (+1)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 4 (+6), Bluff 12 (+13), Climb 8 (+10), Computers 4 (+7), Concentration 12 (+15), Mechanical 8 (+11), Diplomacy 4 (+5), Disable Device 8 (+11), Disguise (+1), Drive 4 (+6), Escape Artist 4 (+6), Gather Info 12 (+13), Handle Animal 4 (+5), Intimidate (+1), Investigate 8 (+11), Arcane Lore 8 (+11), History 8 (+11), Theology and Philosophy 8 (+11), Medicine 4 (+7), Notice 8 (+11), Ride 4 (+6), Search 8 (+11), Sense Motive 4 (+7), Sleight of Hand 4 (+6), Stealth 8 (+10), Survival 8 (+11), Swim 4 (+6), Languages [4 (Latin, Romanian, Italian, German)]

FEATS: Critical Strike, Dodge Focus (2), Favored Opponent (1), Improved Initiative (1), Quick Draw (2), Takedown Attack (2), Seize Initiative, Fearless, Equipment (5), Contacts, Track, Inventor, Improvised Tools, Precise Shot (1), Sneak Attack (2), Luck (2), Ultimate Will (1), Connected, Ritualist, Distract (1), Well-Informed

EQUIPMENT: Cell Phone, Comm-link, Night-vision Goggles, Silver Sword, Leather Jacket, Undercover Vest, Heavy Pistol, silver bullets, crucifix, garlic, Crossbow, rope, Wooden Stakes

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Silver Sword 3 (Lethal), Heavy Pistol 4 (Lethal)] Defense 20 (14 flat-footed) Init 6

SAVES: Toughness 7 (7 flat-footed) Fortitude 6 Reflex 6 Will 9

COMPLICATIONS: Enemy (Dracula, Council of Night), Hatred (Vampires)

Abilities 28 + Skills 43 (172 ranks) + Feats 30 + Powers 0 + Combat 36 + Saves 13 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Adam Van Helsing
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 175 lbs.
Hair: Auburn
Eyes: Hazel
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Caucasian

Adam Van Helsing is the Great-great-great-great grandson of Dr. Abraham Van Helsing, the famous vampire hunter. Most people consider the story of Van Helsing’s battle with Dracula to be myth, even members of the Van Helsing family, but it’s very much true (even though Stoker’s story embellishes some elements).

Adam’s father was a dentist. He didn’t believe the family history and would become quite annoyed with anyone that would question or joke with him about his name. He raised his son to reject the stories as an inconvenience that a member of their family had their name used in a story that fuels so many over-active imaginations. However, Adam’s grandfather didn’t feel the same way.

Adam would spend most of his days with his grandfather during summer break and after school while his parents were at work. Adam’s parents thought that Adam was going fishing and working on homework with his grandfather, but Rudolph Van Helsing was secretly training Adam in the arts of fighting the undead. Adam learned not only how to fight and build effective weapons used against creatures of the night, but also how to recognize vampires hiding amongst the living as well as occult lore.

After high school, Adam went on to college where he majored in Parapsychology, much to the chagrin of his parents. He became one of the world’s foremost experts on the occult and the supernatural. His renown grew even further when he was tapped to be an expert on several Learning Channel and Discovery Channel specials on the supernatural (though he despised the sensationalistic slant of the programs) and even appeared a couple times on Ghost Hunters. His notoriety would prove to be Adam’s greatest enemy.

For generations, the forces of darkness have left the Van Helsings alone. After Abraham’s valiant crusade against evil ended with his death, the Van Helsings went into hiding. Only in the last couple generations has the family dared call themselves by the Van Helsing name. When it was shown that the family were no longer carrying on Abraham’s quest, they were left alone as a non-threat (unless one crossed the path of one of the hungry dead, that is). Adam, however, changed that.

Two weeks after appearing on the Ghost Hunters, Adam’s parents were slaughtered and turned into zombie slaves by an upstart vampire necromancer named Vlakinswol. Adam himself was attacked by a couple werewolves that he was able to dispatch. This was the first time that Adam truly utilized his training. He then confronted Vlakinswol and with a grieving heart, ended his parent’s existence as members of the undead.

The battle against the vampire didn’t go nearly as well as the earlier battle with the two werewolf mercenaries. He was tossed around by the undead sorcerer easily before he was able to wound the monster with a crucifix hidden in a compartment up his sleeve. That gave Adam enough of an upper hand to allow him to drive off Vlakinswol, leaving Adam to bury his parents with the curses of the vampire ringing in his ears.

Rudolph was gravely wounded in the attack. Not to in a way where there was any danger of becoming the undead, but there was little hope of his survival. He told Adam not to blame himself for what occurred as it was only a matter of time before the dark forces discovered that some Van Helsings still carry the torch. He warned Adam with his dying breath that the attacks on his family were just the beginning and that, sadly, Adam was likely going to have live a very guarded, lonely, and secretive life.

The next couple of years saw Adam build up a reputation as a pariah even among the peers in his field. Too many people from friends to colleagues of Adam’s had been slain, and even those that didn’t really believe in tales of the truly fantastical, such as vampires and black magic, saw Adam as carrying a curse. Adam dealt with it the only way he knew how: he threw himself into his research and training. Hardly a waking moment was spent on anything other than trying to discover the true identity of Vlakinswol and developing new tools to aid him in his battle.

Adam started a society dedicated to the eradication of the darkness. He recruited people from all walks of life that have survived brushes with the undead. The inner sanctum of his organization, called The Torch, was comprised of the martial arm of the group. These were people and beings of such physical and mental caliber as to allow them to take the fight to the creatures themselves. He’s even taken up the cause of those that are tainted by the darkness that strive to overcome their curses to fight evil, such as Dr. Victor Frankenstein’s original monster.

Adam recently discovered Vlakinswol’s identity, which lead him to discover the existence of a council of vampires lead by a slowly regenerating Dracula. His crusade has reached a fevered pitch as Adam and The Torch race to defeat the vampires before Dracula totally regains his strength.

Adam is a thin, but athletic man. His features are attractive, but he cares little for working on his appearance. He wears rugged clothing, mostly denim and leather, which can hold up to the rigors of battle as well as wear and tear from climbing into ruins and ancient tombs. Heavy-duty denim jeans, black shirt, steel-toed boots, and a leather trench coat with many hidden pockets are his common wardrobe, sometimes he also wear a chain shirt into combat. He always wears the silver crucifix that his grandfather always wore prominently on a chain around his neck. His hair is long and usually pulled back in a top-knot. Adam always carries a crossbow and handgun (with a clip filled with silver bullets) is concealed in his coat. When going into combat, he sometimes straps a silver longsword to his hip.

Homebrew Supers: Motor Lisa

Now presenting one of my favorite creations:

MOTOR LISA 

M&M Stats
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 24 (+7) DEX: 20 (+5) CON: NA INT: 12 (+1) WIS: 10 (0) CHA: 14 (+2)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 12 (+17), Bluff 4 (+6), Climb 8 (+15), Computers 15 (+16), Diplomacy 5 (+7), Disguise 4 (+6), Escape Artist (+5), Gather Info (+2), Handle Animal (+2), Intimidate (+2), Popular Culture 12 (+13), Notice 8 (+8 ), Search (+1), Sleight of Hand 8 (+13), Stealth 4 (+9), Swim (+7)

FEATS: Defensive Attack, Fast Overrun, Defensive Roll (3), Elusive Target, Evasion (), Improved Defense (), Improved Grab, Improved Initiative (2), Improved Overrun, Improved Trip, Move-by Action, Precise Shot (), Power Attack, Sneak Attack (), Uncanny Dodge, Beginner's Luck, Seize Initiative, Ambidexterity, Eidetic Memory, Quick Change (1), Teamwork (2), Instant Up, Acrobatic Bluff, Attractive ()

POWERS: Super-Strength [2], Super-Speed [2], Protection (Impervious) [5], Super-Senses (Darkvision, Radio, Ultra-Hearing) [4]

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Unarmed +7 (Bruise)] Defense 20 (15 flat-footed) Init 21

SAVES: Toughness 10 (7 flat-footed) Fortitude 5 Reflex 10 Will 5

DRAWBACKS: Vulnerable -EMP's [Freq DC 10] [Sev DC 10]

Abilities 20 + Skills 20 (80 ranks) + Feats 28 + Powers 28 + Combat 40 + Saves 17 – Drawbacks -3 = 150 / 150

MSH Stats

F	A	S	E	R	I	P
IN	IN	RM	IN	TY	GD	GD

Health: 150        Karma: 26

Resources: TY    Popularity: 10

Powers

Robotic Construction: Motor Lisa is a highly advanced android.  Her body grants her the following powers:

·          Invulnerability: IN protection from physical and energy damage.

·          Hyper-Running: GD

·          Super-Senses: Lisa has Darkvision at GD rank, Hyper-hearing at GD rank, and can hear Radio transmission at GD rank.

·          Immunities: Lisa does not need to eat or breathe, is unaffected by poisons and diseases, and can survive indefinitely in the vacuum of space. 

Weakness

Electro-magnetic attacks against Motor Lisa are made with a +2 CS bonus. 

Talents: Acrobatics/Tumbling, Martial Arts B, Trivia (Pop Culture)

Contacts: The Posse

Real Name: Lisa Langston
Identity: Secret
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 300 lbs.
Hair: None (was Black)
Eyes: Red (were Hazel)
Nationality: American (legally deceased)
Ethnicity: Caucasian

Lisa Langston was born into a wealthy family in California’s Silicon Valley. For 16 years, she lived a good life. Her parents loved her, she was popular, did well in school, and had a bright future ahead of her. Then, shortly before her 17th birthday, Lisa was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The doctors told her that there was little they could do, but if she and her family wished, they would go ahead and try treatments. Not wanting to live her last few weeks weakened by chemo, Lisa decided to forgo treatments to instead spend her last days surrounded by family and friends.

Lisa’s father, David, was a robotics and artificial intelligence specialist doing research into advanced android technology for Cyberworks US. He was stricken with grief, and refused to accept the fact that his daughter was going die so young. His primary project was dealing with mapping human brainwaves into electronic form, allowing AI’s to have true human emotions and possibly allowing a mind to continue past death in an electronic format. The research had had some very positive results, but was nowhere close for actual human testing. That didn't stop David though.

The night that Lisa died, David, against his parents and his wife’s wishes, took his daughter’s body to his lab. He had illegally procured one of Cyberworks’ prototype Alpha Droids, which were designed to look like, and with David’s research, act like real people. His hope was to use his latest research, which proved successful in two initial tests, would allow his daughter’s mind to live on in an android body that looked much like she did in life. Never more would he have to worry about losing his daughter.

Cyberworks caught wind of what David had in mind. The branch President was about to call the authorities, when Cyberworks’ CEO and founder, Kazuya Ito personally stopped the call. “Why stop him?” Ito mused. “If he is successful, it would be a great boon to the company.”

The process was completed, and David waited to see if his daughter’s new body would stir. Many minutes passed that felt like hours, but then the android whispered “Dad?” David was overjoyed! He held his daughter tight and told her that everything would be fine. Lisa asked where she was and why everything felt strange. Her father explained what he had done, telling her that she would no longer have to live in fear of cancer or disease of any kind.

Lisa was horrified.

She shoved her father away, not realizing that her new body was 10 times stronger than a grown man, and threw him into a computer station. Lisa gasped in fear that even though she was terrified at what her father had turned her into; she still didn't want to kill him. As she ran over to check on him, her vision blurred and she blacked out.

When Lisa came to the lab was swarming with Cybeworks security forces and a Japanese man with a trustworthy, but far too slick demeanor was covering her in a blanket. He told her that he was Kazuya Ito, her father’s boss, and that she was in a lot of trouble as her father was dead. However, as long as she came with him that all would be alright.

Lisa wanted to cry, but no tears came to her electronic eyes. She just sat there staring at her father’s body. That’s when she noticed the bullet holes. She turned on Kazuya and sent him flying across the room. She then leapt at two of the closest guards smashing them into each other. She didn't get much further before bullets riddled her body. She felt pain, rather the impulses that went along with internal damage reports registered as pain, and decided that sticking around wasn't going to do her any good or allow her to get the bastards that killed her father. She sprinted out of the lab, dashing erratically down hallway after hallway, sometimes running into guards that she clumsily dealt with, until she came to an office space with windows. She jumped through the glass and darted off into the night.

She next few days, Lisa spent in hiding. At first she was worried about food and shelter, but soon realized that she didn't have need of either. Her body’s nanites repaired the damage from the gunshots. She stole some clothes off a clothes line (her android form was anatomically correct, adding to the need for clothing). She then decided that her only choice would be to contact her mother to let her know that she was still alive (in a manner of speaking).

Passing a newsstand on the way to her parents’ house, Lisa saw the local newspaper talking about her father being killed in a car-jacking attempt and was found with the body of his recently deceased daughter. She was sickened to read the veiled accusations that her father was up to something disgusting with her corpse, which he was in a sense, but not what the paper was alluding to. She had to talk to her mother…NOW!

Alas, that meeting was not meant to be. As Lisa got within a couple miles of her home, and ran into Cyberworks operatives. They hit her with the same low-level EMP charge that knocked her out before. As she collapsed, she faintly heard the sounds of combat.

When Lisa came to, she was surrounded by several strangers. One in a cowboy hat extended his hand and told her that she was saved by the group. His name was James Justice, leader of a group of renegade heroes called The Posse. He explained to her that they were a group that fights against evil governments and corporations, such as Cyberworks. He pointed over to a large, skull-faced robot and told her that he was also wanted by Cyberworks and that if she wanted, they’d help her get used to her new life. When Lisa said all she wanted to do was to see her mother, James explained that would not be a possibility right now. Cyberworks has her home under constant surveillance in hopes of catching her trying to do just that, but at the first chance, they would help her meet her mother. Lisa agreed to stay with the group, for the time being.

It’s been six months since Lisa joined The Posse. The other android in the group, Cybeast, has helped her grow acquainted with her abilities. Plus, the technologies in her body allowing for her personality to be housed electronically helped him replace his slowly decaying brain that was housed in his android form. She’s also learned to fight as well as become used to what her body is capable of. While she misses her family, and still somewhat feels something like a ghoul having lived past her time, she enjoys being able to fight for those that can’t fight for themselves. She’s thrown herself fully into the role of a superhero.

Lisa finally got to meet with her mother. She took a chance to follow her to a coffee shop one day and talked with her there. It took some convincing, and her mother, while happy that Lisa is still alive (in a fashion), she is thoroughly disgusted at what her husband had done. She wanted her mother to know that she is fine and that she’d likely not be able to visit, but that she loved her. Lisa secretly checks in on her mother when possible, just to know she’s alright, but hasn’t met with her since. In truth, Lisa saw the fear in her mother’s eyes, and it broke her heart. She knows that it’s better that she rarely sees her mother anymore.

Lisa’s android body is that of an attractive, lithe woman that appears to be in her late teens to early twenties. The body is naturally bald, but Lisa tends to wear a black wig to better fit into society. She wears a black jumpsuit, boots, and mirrored shades into combat.

Homebrew Supers: Death Knight

DEATH KNIGHT

M&M Stats
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 27 (+8/+1) DEX: 16 (+3) CON: 14 (+2) INT: 12 (+1) WIS: 10 (0) CHA: 12 (+1)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 8 (+11), Bluff (+1), Climb 8 (+16), Diplomacy (+1), Disguise (+1), Escape Artist (+3), Gather Info (+1), Handle Animal (+1), Intimidate 12 (+13), Theology and Philosophy 8 (+9), Arcane Lore 8 (+9), Search 8 (+9), Sleight of Hand 8 (+11), Stealth 12 (+15), Survival 12 (+12), Swim 8 (+16)

FEATS: Attack Specialization (1), Critical Strike, Defensive Roll (2), Elusive Target, Evasion (1), Improved Initiative (2), Improved Critical (1), Improved Block (1), Move-by Action, Power Attack, Rage (2), Takedown Attack (1), Uncanny Dodge, Seize Initiative, Diehard, Endurance (1), Fearless, Fearsome Presence (3), Instant Up, Startle

POWERS: *Device: Mordred's Bracer (hard to lose) [9], Enhanced Strength [15], Super-Strength [4], Protection (Impervious) Drawback (Noticable; Plate Armor) [6], Immunity (Life-Support) [9], Immunity (Magic Attacks) [2], Leaping [5]

COMBAT: Attack 8 [Bracer Sword 10 (Lethal)] Defense 20 (15 flat-footed) Init 11

SAVES: Toughness 10 (8 flat-footed) Fortitude 4 Reflex 10 Will 5

DRAWBACKS:

Abilities 16 + Skills 23 (92 ranks) + Feats 25 + Powers 36 + Combat 36 + Saves 14 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

MSH Stats

F	A	S	E	R	I	P
IN/RM	EX	RM/TY	IN/GD	TY	TY	GD

Health: 130/90   Karma: 26

Resources: PR    Popularity: -50

Equipment

Mordred’s Bracer: Death Knight wears a mystic bracer once wore by Mordred the Evil (who has been magically banned from being able to don the bracer).  This grants him the following powers:

·          Attribute Boost: The bracer increases Death Knight’s F, S, and E scores to those on the left.

·          Armor: the bracer calls forth black and wicked-looking medieval armor that grants IN protection from Physical and Energy damage.

·          Bracer Sword: A wicked-looking, black sword extends from the bracer.  It inflicts incredible edged damage.

·          Resistance to Magic: GD

·          Leaping: GD

Talents: Weapons Specialist (Swords), Occult Lore, Intimidation

Contacts: Mordred the Evil, Morgan Le Faye

Real Name: Unknown
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 240 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Nationality: Unknown, supposedly British.
Ethnicity: Unknown, but he appears to be of Gaelic descent

Little is known of the past of the man known as Death Knight. What is known is that he wields the power of Mordred’s Bracer, the evil twin of Power Knight’s Bracer of Avalon, and is a twisted and sadistic psychopath.

Death Knight appeared seven years ago in northern Scotland. He slaughtered an entire rectory of monks. No one knows exactly why, but some have theorized that they were guarding Mordred’s Bracer. He then disappeared, but would resurface every now and again. Every place he appeared, a trail of bodies followed. Most victims were simply beaten to death, but others appeared to be viciously sacrificed in horrific rituals tied some unknown religion.

The Death Knight is the mortal enemy of Power Knight. The two have fought numerous times. Their first battle resulted in the deaths of 13 innocent people. They appear to be evenly matched, but Death Knight is easily the quicker of the two, and fights more like a warrior born and trained than a mere scrapper like Power Knight.

Death Knight is a pale white man with long, greasy black hair, and black fu-manchu style mustache, and piercing dark eyes that seem to glow when enraged. Mordred’s Bracer sits on his left arm and is a twisted mockery of Power Knight’s Bracer of Avalon. Mordred’s Bracer appears to be made of twisted black iron and is riddled with barbs. His armor also appears to be spiked black iron, though it’s as strong as adamantium, with black chainmail underneath his breastplate and black leather pants underneath his leg-guards. His skin is covered in grotesque self-carved runes of a decidedly dark purpose. Two blades extend from the back of each of his finger-less gauntlets. 

Homebrew Supers: Power Knight

POWER KNIGHT 
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 28 (+9/+2) DEX: 14 (+2) CON: 14 (+2) INT: 10 (0) WIS: 12 (+1) CHA: 12 (+1)

SKILLS: Bluff (+1), Climb 4 (+13), Concentration (+1), Diplomacy 8 (+9), Disguise (+1), Drive 4 (+6), Escape Artist (+2), Gather Info (+1), Handle Animal (+1), Intimidate 8 (+9), Knowledge: Subway Systems 8 (+8 ), Tactics 4 (+4), Notice 4 (+5), Construction 8 (+9), Sense Motive (+1), Stealth (+2), Survival 8 (+9), Swim 4 (+13)

FEATS: Critical Strike, Chokehold, Improved Grab, Improved Grapple, Improved Sunder, Power Attack, Diehard, Fearless, Quick Change (2), Teamwork (2), Takedown Attack (2), Improved Block (2), Set-Up, Weapon Break, Ultimate Effort (2: Toghness and Fort saves), Seize Initiative

POWERS: *Device (Bracer of Avalon; Magical, hard to lose) [13], Enhanced Strength 15 [14], Super-Strength 4 [4], Protection (Impervious); Drawback: Noticable (Plate Armor) [11], Immunity (Life Support) 9, (Magical Attacks) 2 [11], Strike (Mighty) [5], Leaping [6]

COMBAT: Attack 6 [Fist (Strike) 14 (Bruise)] Defense 7 (4 flat-footed) Init 2

SAVES: Toughness 13 (13 flat-footed) Fortitude 10 Reflex 7 Will 8

Complication: Enemy (Death Knight)

DRAWBACKS:

Abilities 16 + Skills 15 (60 ranks) + Feats 21 + Powers 52 + Combat 26 + Saves 20 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Trade offs: +3 Toughness/ -3 Defense, +4 Save DC/ -4 Attack

Real Name: Ivan Rostov
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 250 lbs
Hair: Red, but he’s bald.
Eyes: Green
Identity: Secret
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Russian

Ivan Rostov was only a little over a year old when his father and mother defected to the US during the height of the Cold War. His father was a low-level KGB operative that wanted his son to have a chance to live free and be able to make his own choices in life, and even though he wasn't privy to many of the USSR’s secrets what he did know was valuable to the US government. After months of questioning during which Ivan’s family was kept cloistered away on a military base, they were given a new life in New York City. His father worked primarily as an adviser of Russian affairs with the CIA, but never really had many true duties, since the US wanted to keep him close but didn't want him to have access to any of our information (just in case he should have a change of heart), while his mother found work as a waitress at a local diner.

Ivan grew up to be a good athlete and a decent student; becoming a good football player, though he never cared much for studying. His true passion was New York’s subway system. From the time that he was young, he was fascinated with subways. After graduation, he passed on a couple athletic scholarships to mid-major universities to play football and went into construction, getting a job with the New York Transit Authority. He was in heaven.

Most of his duties were menial. Ivan worked hard though, and over the years became a crew supervisor working on old, decommissioned lines to keep them structurally sound or ready them for reopening.

While working on the 63rd street line in 2000, a section of wall was found to house a small compartment. Inside the small alcove hidden behind the wall was an ornate chest of mahogany and covered with strange runes. Ivan took the box back to his office. The box was locked with what looked like a padlock without any discernible keyhole. As Ivan touched the lock, the runes on the chest began to glow and the lock popped open and fell off while the chest opened. Inside was a plain looking silver bracer with three runes carved along the outer side. Ivan, a little creeped out, was curious. He slipped the bracer onto his arm and was shocked to see plate armor appear over his body and feel power coursing through his body.

As he was marveling at the power in this simple bracer, a ghostly image of a knight appeared before him. The knight revealed himself to be the ghost of Sir Gawain and that he was chosen to carry on his fight against the forces of darkness. The ghost warned Ivan that the bracer has a dark twin that has likely been found as well to keep balance in the world, and to be wary of who carries Mordred’s Bracer, for he is likely as black-hearted as the half-blood Prince once was.

Ivan was dumbfounded. He asked the ghost why he was selected, and Gawain said that he was a man of pure spirit, even if he did not realize such. It was to be his destiny to fight evil aided by the magic in the Bracer of Avalon that he now holds. Gawain told Ivan about dark times ahead for mankind and it will take men of strong will and a sense of honor and justice to guide mankind through the darkness. With that, the ghost bid Ivan good luck and faded away.

Ivan found some old subway memorabilia and put it in the chest to make it look like an elaborate time capsule and turned it over to his boss. The chest, while found to be of Gaelic origins and was at least 600 years old, was taken by the historical society and placed on display.

Over the next few weeks, Ivan became acclimated to his new found powers. He learned that the bracer gave him super-strength and invulnerability. The armor could be called upon and dismissed with a thought, even modified to give it a more “modern” look. At first a sword was called up with the armor, but since Ivan didn't know how to use a sword, that power was funneled into his fists (Ivan boxes to stay in shape) and the sword no longer appears when the armor is called upon.

Before long, Ivan took his first steps into becoming a super-hero. While he didn't always catch the crooks, they rarely got away with their ill-gotten gains. It was tough at first to juggle work and being a hero, but he’s getting the hang of things.

After a couple months of being on patrol in New York, he caught a report about a lunatic clad in black armor horrifically slaughtering people in the back alleyways of Hell’s Kitchen. Ivan, who had taken the name of Power Knight, started patrolling the area. Within a week’s time, he met his shadowed twin.

The man called himself Death Knight and told Ivan in no uncertain terms what was going to befall him and all those around him if he didn't give up the Bracer of Avalon. The battle nearly leveled a city block and left 13 people dead. Ivan was finally able to drive off his evil twin and save several people trapped in a building that caught fire during the battle, but the deaths of those he wasn't able to save weighed heavily on him, since he should have been able to drive his foe to battle away from others. Being a hero was so easy when he was taking down common hoods, but now it was a whole new ballgame. He swore that he would bring the Death Knight to justice and make amends to the families of those killed during his careless battle.

Ivan nearly bankrupted himself donating money to the families of those that died during his fight. It was money he was glad to pay, and hoped eased some of the suffering he unwittingly caused. Since then, he’s been much more observant of where he fights his foes.

A couple months ago, he was approached by Hero Prime of the super-group The Guardians asking him to join. Ivan accepted and has been an integral part of the team ever since.

Ivan is a bald man with a red goatee and bright green eyes. He has the build of a linebacker and has a very laid-back and jovial mood. His accent is a strange mix of northeastern American with a touch of Russian in some of the harder consonants. His Power Knight armor is a silver breastplate, leggings, and boots over a black jumpsuit. A winged helmet that only leaves his chin and mouth uncovered covers his head and protects his identity.

Homebrew Supers: Redbird

This is the first in a series of posts detailing some of the characters I created over time. Some were creations from when I first got into comics, while other came from when I started playing Marvel Super Heroes, HERO, and onto Mutants & Masterminds (which these initial stats are all for M&M 2E, but I am going to post the MSH stats in time). I also had the dream of becoming a comic artist back in the late 80's and early 90's, and some of these were born from the self-made comics I created back then. These characters now have a place in my supers setting.  First up is Redbird.

Redbird 

PL: 10 (150pp)

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

Skills: Acrobatics 8 (+11), Bluff 8 (+10), Climb 8 (+10), Concentration 8 (+10), Craft [Mechanical] 8 (+11), Craft [Electronic] 8 (+11), Diplomacy 8 (+10), Escape Artist 8 (+11), Gather Information 8 (+10), Investigate 8 (+11), Knowledge [Technology] 8 (+11), Notice 8 (+10), Profession [Engineer] 8 (+10), Search 8 (+11), Sense Motive 8 (+10), Sleight of Hand 8 (+11), Stealth 8 (+11)

Feats: Acrobatic Bluff, Blind-Fight, Critical Strike, Defensive Roll (2), Distract (1), Dodge Focus (1), Elusive Target, Equipment (3), Improved Disarm, Improved Throw, Improved Trip, Instant Up, Precise Shot (1), Sneak Attack (1), Stunning Attack, Uncanny Dodge

Powers: Device (Costume: Hard to Lose, [Flight: Gliding 4 ranks], [Protection 5 ranks], [Super-Senses: Infravision 1 rank] 8pp total)

Combat: Attack +12 (+4 Quarterstaff / +1 Shurikens) [Unarmed +2] Defense 13 (10 flat-footed) Init +7

Saves: Toughness +7 (+2 flat-footed) Fortitude +5 Reflex +8 Will +6

Equipment: Quarterstaff (4ep), Shurikens (Autofire, 4ep), Smoke Grenades (4ep), Flashlight (1ep), Digital Audio Recorder (1ep), Multi-tool (1ep)

Complications: Duty (as Director of his Youth Center and as a major philanthropist), Guilt (Over lying to his parents and to the kids to cover his being a hero)

Drawbacks: None

Abilities 28 + Skills 36 (144 Ranks) + Feats 18 + Powers 8 + Combat 48 + Saves 12 – Drawbacks 0 = 150pp

Trade offs: +3 Def -3 Tough, +2 Atk -2 DC

Real Name: Jason Washington
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 200 lbs.
Hair: Black, but he shaves his head.
Eyes: Brown
Identity: Secret
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: African-American

Jason Washington was born to a poor, but hard working family in St Louis. His father was a delivery truck driver for a florist and his mother worked for a maid service. Life was tough, but they were together and that’s all that mattered. However, the neighborhood got worse and worse year after year as hard times continued to erode the area. After their apartment was broken into for the third time, Jason’s parents decided to try and move out of area to a less violent part of town, but while out apartment hunting they were killed in an auto accident while he was with a neighbor.

Jason was taken in as a ward of the state and after a couple years bouncing around from foster home to foster home, he was adopted by lawyer and his wife and went to live with them in their affluent St. Charles community. His adopted father was impressed by Jason’s intelligence and wit (though Jason was given to fits of bitterness).

It was tough at first for Jason. He’d never had much of anything growing up, so going from nothing to wealth took some time to get used to. His parents were patient and understanding even though Jason, who was 10 by this time, tried pushing the boundaries as much as he could. In time, he learned to trust his new parents and grew to love them. They supported Jason’s burgeoning love of electronics, and his father, who was once a national Martial Arts champion before studying law, taught him discipline, humility, and honor as well as being able to handle himself when words wouldn't diffuse a situation.

While he became comfortable with his new school and new friends, he still missed the old neighborhood. His family would drive near where he used to live occasionally on their way downtown to watch a Rams or Cardinals game, and his heart filled with sadness as he watched what was left of his old neighborhood degrade into lawlessness and ever-deepening poverty. He vowed to do something to help the downtrodden of St Louis someday.

Jason graduated top in his class and went on to study Engineering at the University of Missouri: Columbia, where he got a full-ride scholarship not only in academics, but for baseball as well. He studied hard and became an All-American Athlete for his skill playing center field for the MU Tigers. After college, where he graduated near the top in his class once again, he went on to work for a large engineering firm just outside of St Louis and spent many of his nights and weekends volunteering at a youth center in St Louis near his old neighborhood.

Four years after college, Jason’s big break came when a glider suit he designed on his own time for use in military and extreme sports was bought for an extremely large sum by the government. It was enough money that Jason was able to finally do what he’d always wanted to do: try and help the people of St Louis.

Over the next couple of years, Jason pumped money into various charities and then ended up building a state-of-the-art youth center (named the Kingshighway Youth Center after the street it sits on) where kids could get tutoring and have a safe place to play away from the violence that seemed so prevalent outside. His parents helped him out quite a bit with counsel and legal advice as well as lending a hand in tutoring kids.

Things were going good, but like with all things, the good times never seem to last long. It was always a constant struggle to keep kids from fighting or keeping the gang and drug influence from creeping into the center. When a promising young kid got killed outside the center for the meager money he had, Jason lost it. He went into seclusion for days, just sitting in the dark crying out in anger and coming close to succumbing to depression. He realized that something had to be done, that someone had to take a forceful stand. He had seen and read new reports about the good work being done by heroes in cities like New York and Freedom City, and realized that St Louis needs a hero. St Louis needed someone more than just another man, they needed someone to be a symbol of hope that someone is truly looking out for them and is fighting to make the city safer for those that aren't strong enough to fight for themselves.

It took a little time, but within a couple weeks, Jason had upgraded his prototype glider suit with protective abilities and a helmet complete with infravision capabilities. He decided that he would call himself Redbird after the mascot of the St Louis Cardinals. It wasn't that menacing, but unlike Batman of Gotham, Jason wanted Redbird to have a less menacing image. Sure, the villains may not take him seriously at first, but they will once they feel his bo staff or fist crashing into their heads!

Ever since starting his career as a crime fighter, Redbird has cleaned up some of the crime in St Louis, but he has started to see how corrupt the city is from cops taking bribes to corporations exploiting the working class. He gets frustrated when the system releases the truly evil thugs back out on the streets for him to fight again, but he keeps fighting because no one else seems to want to.

Overall, Jason enjoys being a hero, though he doesn't like lying about his crime fighting to his parents and the kids that look up to him. His parents don’t suspect anything, at least as far as he knows, but he’s pretty sure a couple of the kids may have figured him out.

Redbird's costume is red and white. The glider wings are tucked into the sides of the costume and unfurl easily when needed. The helmet is styled to look like the head of a cardinal, with only Jason's mouth left showing. The eye pieces have an infravision inset that turn on with the touch of a button. His bo staff collapses and hooks onto his belt where the rest of his gear is held.

Delays

It's been a while since I've posted anything, and with things being a bit slow today at work, now seemed like as good of a time as any. As per usual these days, my time for writing has been less than what I'd like, so what time I do have to write I spend working on setting material and not-so-much on blog material. However, I do still have several drafts waiting in the queue for finishing touches. Here's the current draft list:

Farscape Species with Mythic Space backgrounds and stats for both Savage Worlds and Rogue Space.

Another "Threats of Mythic Space" detailing some interstellar menaces I haven't covered yet like Tyranids and the Scarran Empire.

Background information on the "family tree of humanity" talking about genetic manipulation and the various homo erectus offshoots.

A series of comic book posts detailing some of my own creations, both heroes and villains. These will initially have Mutants & Masterminds (2e) stats (I posted them on the Atomicthinktank boards ages ago), but I will be posting FASERIP stats for them as well.

I've also been kicking around some fantasy ideas with Savage Worlds as well, but I don't have anything beyond some scribbled notes at this point.