Homebrew Supers: Bio

Bio 

M&M Stats

PL: 11 (165 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 16 (+3/0) DEX: 10 (0) CON: 16 (+3/0) INT: 20 (+5) WIS: 12 (+1) CHA: 10 (0)

SKILLS: Climb 8 (+11), Computers 4 (+9), Concentration (+1), Disguise 4 (+4), Escape Artist 4 (+4), Intimidate 12 (+12), Life Sciences 16 (+21), Physical Sciences 16 (+21), Medicine 12 (+13), Notice (+1), Search (+5), Sense Motive (+1), Stealth 16 (+16), Survival (+1), Swim (+3)

FEATS: Dodge Focus (4), Fearsome Presence (1)

POWERS: *Enhanced Strength [6], *Enhanced Constitution [6], *Elasticity (Chokehold feat, right arm only) [4], *Strike (Mighty, Tentacle arm and Claws) [10], *Super-Movement (Slithering) [1], *Protection (Impervious) [10], *Electrical Control [13], Mutation (Incurable feat, Ranged [inflicts mutation instead of damage with an electrical blast]) [3]

COMBAT: Attack 9 [Unarmed +3 (Bruise)] Defense 19 (13 flat-footed) Init 0

SAVES: Toughness 13 (13 flat-footed) Fortitude 13 Reflex 5 Will 6

Abilities 12 + Skills 23 (92 ranks) + Feats 5 + Powers 77 + Combat 28 + Saves 20 – Drawbacks 0 = 165 / 165

MSH Stats

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

Health: 64         Karma: 66

Resources: RM   Popularity: -50

Powers

Body Armor: AM protection from Physical and Energy damage.

Elongation: GD (right arm only)

Claws: IN edge damage (left arm only)

Electrical Generation: This AM rank power allows Bio to generate blasts of bio-electricity.  Bio can use this power in a number of ways other than just blasting foes with electricity.  When he is wrapped around a foe or is otherwise able to get in close, he can use the following power stunts:

·          Biophysical Control: TY; Bio can use this power to heal, age, disrupt, or decay his target. 

·          Induce Mutation: This EX rank power allows Bio to induce mutations in others.  The mutation is randomly determined by the Judge, and typically changes the victim’s appearance in some ghastly way.  However, if Bio is trying to induce a specific mutation, if requires a Red FEAT result with this power.  This power only works on warm-blooded lifeforms.

·          Shapechange-Others: This EX rank power allows Bio to morph others so that their grotesque appearance is removed, or it is used to make victims grotesque (typically the case). This power is often used in conjunction with his ability to induce mutations. 

Serpent Body: Bio’s legs have fused together and lengthened into that of a serpent.  This grants him the following powers:

·          Hyper-Speed: Gd

·          Wall-crawling: TY (the surface cannot be sheer)

·          Bio can wrap around a foe and hold them tight, granting him a +2 CS bonus when Grappling. 

Life Detection: GD

Darkvision: GD

Weaknesses

Grotesque Appearance: Bio is a mutated monster.  His body is covered in fine scales and hard plates.  His face has a melted look, with the right side drooping terribly, and his right eye bulged out of the socket.  His legs have transformed into that of a serpent.  His right arm is a rubbery tentacle, and his left arm is covered in bulging veins and is clawed. 

Mutation: Whenever Bio uses his Electrical Generation power, he must make an Endurance FEAT roll.  On a white result, his body morphs further away from human.  No additional powers are added (unless the Judge decides his Endurance FEAT failed miserably enough or deems it appropriate to the story). 

Talents: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Genetics, Biology

Contacts: Lords of Change

Real Name: Arthur Medville
Age: 47
Height: 6’ 8” from head to tip of tail, but usually “stands” around 5' 10”
Weight: 450 lbs.
Hair: None
Eyes: One red, one blue
Nationality: British
Ethnicity: Caucasian mutant

Arthur Medville was once a brilliant biologist who was once one of the foremost experts on mutations. He became involved in the subject around the age of 13, when his own mutant abilities manifested. From the first time that he realized that his body could produce bio-electric energy utilizable in a variety of ways, he wanted to know more about the causes and limitations of mutations.

Arthur holds doctorates in Biological Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Physiology. Most of his life has been spent doing research and his dissertations are widely regarded to being some of the most amazing papers ever produced. When he wasn’t in the lab, he was often speaking before various government on the issue of mutant rights. Universities the world over offered him professorships, but he finally took a position teaching Biochemistry at John Hopkins, which allowed him a chance to continue his research with only a few distractions.

Arthur was in dire need to be in the lab as long as he could. The more that he used his powers in his research over the years, the more his body changed. By age 21, his left arm had become covered in scales and veins bulged. He was also losing his hair at an alarming rate. By the time that he took the position with John Hopkins, much of his body was covered in scales and it was difficult to cover up.

Arthur had long ago discovered that he could use his abilities to induce mutations in other warm-blooded creatures. The more he worked on the talent, the more he began to understand about how mutations form and he became able to able to direct the changes exactly how he saw fit in willing or unconscious subjects. Those that tried to fight off the process were either left unchanged or were horribly disfigured. The side effect being that use of his ability was slowly mutating him as well. There was nothing that could be done to combat the side effect except to induce a mutation in a person so that they could change the appearance of others permanently. Since much of his research was very secret as the scientific community would frown upon his methods that bordered on the torture of countless lab animals, Arthur began kidnapping homeless people and experimenting on them. It was abhorrent to him, but Arthur saw no other way to further his research and eliminate the side mutations in his own body.

Arthur was certain that he was on the verge of a breakthrough. He thought he knew the precise way to induce the much needed mutation in his current subject, a teenage boy he found passed out high in an alleyway. Little did Arthur know the boy was a mutant with a faint, but in this case extremely potent power. As Arthur lowered his hand over the boy’s face and let his bioelectricity flow into his captive. Immediately, the flow backed into Arthur. For what seemed like an eternity, Arthur tried to shut off his power to no avail; his powers only shut down when he passed out.

When Arthur came to the boy was awake and banging on the reinforced and locked basement door of his house, with no physical change. Arthur rose up to go after the child and that’s when he noticed that something truly horrible had happened. His legs had fused together and were covered in gray scales. His left arm was now clawed and covered in rough scales. His right arm now ended in grotesque tentacle. Horrified, he lashed out at the boy. His right arm extended out and wrapped around the boy’s neck. With a quick jerk his neck snapped easily. Arthur slithered over to a mirror and looked up on the melted flesh of his face and knew that all that he worked for was over.

Arthur set fire to his house and fled the sound of police sirens getting closer. He was now what he feared he would become, a monster.

Arthur discovered that his skin was extremely tough. Hard enough to stop bullets (He learned this the hard way). His eyes could see further distances and in the dark with his right eye and his left eye, which had dropped lower than the right and bulged out of the socket terribly, could see into the infrared spectrum of light. His strength had great increased as well. Plus, he still had control of his original bioelectrical abilities. However, all that he wanted was to be human again.

Over the following years, Arthur, who now calls himself Bio, has become a very dangerous villain. He tried in vain over the years to create a mutant with the ability to change his form back to what it was before. Always certain that he was at the cusp of the breakthrough that he sought, his plans always seemed to be hindered by some hero or group of heroes. He turned his attention to ridding these nuisances to his research, but other than disfiguring an occasional hero or two he was never able to rid himself of unwanted “heroic” interruptions.

A couple years ago, he was approached by a man that said he could help in exchange for use of his talents. The man, who Bio now calls Master, is Crix Cylocron, the leader of the mutant terror organization, the Lords of Change. He twisted Bio’s desire to be human again to turning the world into a place where chaos reigns supreme; a place where the only people alive are those with abilities or disfigurements; a place where the “monsters” rule over the terrified and huddling masses.

Bio is now the second in command to Master Cylocron. He sees to recruitment and is allowed to perform his perverted research to his heart’s desire. While there is still a little bit of the good man that Arthur claimed to be long ago, he has given himself over to the corrupting influence of his master and his goals.

Bio is a horrible conglomeration of a “man.” The only parts of him that have the appearance of being humanoid are his left arm, torso, and head. Blue and red veins bulge across his arms and scalp. He is serpent from the waist down. Much of his body is covered in thick, rough, gray scales except for his head and right arm. His right arm is a sickly gray, rubbery tentacle that can stretch up to 50 feet. The skin on Bio’s face has a look as if it were made of wax and held to close to a flame. The skin sags in spots, more on the left side where his eye hangs down and bulges from the socket.

Homebrew Supers: Backslash

The first of three villains from The Lords of Change!

Backslash 

M&M Stats

PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 30 (+10/+5) DEX: 16 (+3) CON: 23 (+6/+4) INT: 12 (+1) WIS: 14 (+2) CHA: 10 (0)

SKILLS: Climb 12 (+17), Concentration (+2), Escape Artist (+3), Intimidate 12 (+12), Notice 12 (+14), Search (+1), Sense Motive (+2), Stealth 8 (+11), Survival 12 (+14), Swim (+5)

FEATS: Defensive Roll (4), Dodge Focus (2), Improved Critical: Claws (1), Power Attack, Sneak Attack (2), Diehard, Takedown Attack (2), Startle, Fearsome Presence (2), Improved Initiative (2)

POWERS: *Growth [5], *Strike (Mighty) [2], *Super-Senses (Danger Sense, Darkvision, Scent, Ultra-Hearing) [5], *Leaping [3], *Regeneration [8]

COMBAT: Attack 8 [Claws (Mighty Strike) 12 (Lethal)] Defense 20 (14 flat-footed) Init 11

SAVES: Toughness 10 (6 flat-footed) Fortitude 10 Reflex 10 Will 8

Abilities 30 + Skills 15 (60 ranks) + Feats 18 + Powers 34 + Combat 36 + Saves 17 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

MSH Stats

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

Health: 120        Karma: 46

Resources: TY    Popularity: -30

Powers

Claws: Backslash’s claws do EX edged damage. 

Heightened Senses: Backslah’s hearing, sight, and sense of smell are all at GD levels. 

Darkvision: GD intensity

Danger Sense: GD

Regeneration: RM

Growth: FB (permanent)

Resistance to Cold: EX

Stealth: RM

Talents: Martial Arts B and E, Intimidation

Contacts: Lords of Change

Real Name: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Height: 9’ 7”
Weight: 675 lbs.
Hair: White
Eyes: Black
Nationality: None, but was likely born in Romania
Ethnicity: Unknown, but is thought to be a mutant of Slavic descent

The being that now goes by the name Backslash was discovered as a babe covered in a thin layer of white fur left for dead in the mountains of Romania. The gypsies that found him took him in and raised him; however, they were anything but kind. They sought to make the young monster into a sideshow act for their traveling performances. When Backslash refused to perform properly or misbehaved, he was savagely beaten. His was a very sad and painful childhood.

As Backslash grew, it soon became clear to the gypsies that they were going to have to be rid of their monster. At 9 years of age, he was already as big as most men and was as strong as five. His near-human features were growing into a more wolf-like visage with protruding canines and tough claws for fingernails. The gypsies constantly had to acquire more chains and reinforcements for his cage, due to him constantly bending the bars in hopes of breaking out of his cage. On night after Backslash attacked a careless handler and broke three of his ribs with a single punch, the gypsies decided to rid themselves of their monster.

Under the light of a full moon, the gypsies took Backslash’s wagon to the top of a curvy, steep, winding mountain path and unhooked it from the horses. The gypsies watched as wagon careened over the side of cliff to fall into the treetops below. Their task done, they left to rejoin the rest of their clan.

Backslash didn’t die however. He lay battered and bloodied amid the wreckage of his cage on the ground. Pain wracked his body. Just when he thought that he was about to die a stranger slithered out of the shadows. The man, if he could be called that, offered Backslash a chance for vengeance, all he had to do was swear his life, his very soul, to the service of the Lord, the Lord of Chaos. Backslash agreed and passed out.

Once Backslash awoke, he was amazed that his pain was nearly gone. He looked down at a gash in his arm, a gash that nearly severed the arm, healing before his eyes! He turned to the man with the serpentine body and asked what he did to him? The serpent man told Backslash that he had improved him, and that he wouldn't have to worry about such wounds anymore. Backslash stood up, one of the few times in his life he could stand at his full height and sniffed at the air, noting that he could still smell his former masters. The serpent man told him to go and take his revenge, and that he would find him after.

Backslash tracked the gypsies to their camp, which had hurriedly packed up and moved on after disposing of Backslash. Silently he kept up on the troupe and then attacked. The slaughter was obscene. All the rage and fury that had built up in the young mutant was released on the closest thing that he ever knew as a family.

Romanian authorities investigating the scene of the murders didn't know what to think of the crime scene. While none of them really believed the report, the investigators decided to blame the attack on a pack of wolves. None of them could shake the fear inside themselves at the sight of the clawed footprints that said otherwise.

Since that night, Backslash has worked as a loyal member of the Lords of Change, a group of mutant terrorists bent on ushering in a new era for mutant-kind. There are times when he thinks that all the violence and death are wrong, but then he thinks of his life before. He is now educated. He receives praise and support from his peers and master. Most importantly, he has never been caged again. A little bloodletting is nothing compared to freedom.

Backslash is a mountain of a man. He stands nearly 10 feet tall and is extremely muscular. His body is covered in thick white fur, like that of a dog or wolf. His eyes are black and allow him to see in the dark. Long claws line Backslash’s fingers and toes and his teeth are much like those of a wolf. His face is the only characteristic that keeps Backslash from looking like a very large overt Canine Moreau. His face is still very human-like. His ears are small, but slightly pointed. His nose is somewhat upturned, but otherwise like any other person. No fur grows on his forehead, nose and upper cheeks. Typically, all that Backslash wears is a pair of tough combat pants, but when a mission calls for more of an ability to hide easily in the shadows, he wears and full combat suit to cover his white fur.

Homebrew Supers: Anubis

Anubis 

M&M Stats

PL: 15 (225 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 26 (+8/+4) DEX: 14 (+2) CON: 22 (+6/+4) INT: 20 (+5) WIS: 24 (+7) CHA: 16 (+3)

SKILLS: Bluff (+3), Climb (+4), Concentration 20 (+27), Diplomacy (+3), Disguise 16 (+19), Escape Artist (+2), Gather Info (+3), Handle Animal (+3), Intimidate 8 (+11), Arcane Lore 20 (+25), History 16 (+21), Theology and Philosophy 20 (+25), Notice (+7), Search (+5), Sense Motive (+7), Sleight of Hand 8 (+10), Stealth (+2), Survival (+7), Swim (+4)

FEATS: Fearless, Fearsome Presence (2), Ritualist

POWERS: *Immortality [1], *Immunity (Life Support) [9], *Super-Senses (Danger Sense, Mystic Awareness) [2], *Protection (Impervious extra) [13], *Growth [4], *Magic [19], Mystic Blast [19], Summon Minion (Zombies) [19], Mind Control (Area, Effortless) [9], Morph (any humanoid shape) [1], Nullify (All effects) [6], Teleport (Accurate) [6], Petrification (Continuous) [4], Death Touch [19], Insubstantial [3]

COMBAT: Attack 11 [Unarmed +8 (Bruise), Mystic Blast 19 ()] Defense 17 (13 flat-footed) Init 2

SAVES: Toughness 19 (19 flat-footed) Fortitude 6 Reflex 2 Will 10

Abilities 50 + Skills 27 (108 ranks) + Feats 4 + Powers 101 + Combat 40 + Saves 3 – Drawbacks 0 = 225 / 225

Real Name: Anubis
Age: Unknown
Height: Variable (usually around 6’)
Weight: Variable (usually around 190 lbs)
Hair: Variable (usually brown)
Eyes: Variable (usually black)
Nationality: Egyptian Pantheon
Ethnicity: Egyptian God

The stories behind Anubis are wide, varied, and commonly contradictory. The former lord of the Underworld prefers things this way. Too often have mortals attempted to best him only to have their false knowledge lead to their downfall. What is known is that Anubis is one of the few ancient Egyptian gods still active in the mortal world today, and he is one of the greatest threats to mankind.

No one truly knows when it was that Anubis turned on mankind. There was a time when he graciously ushered in those that died into the Underworld after being judged worthy of the honor. At least it appeared so at least. When the god, Seth, slew his brother, Osiris, the “dead” god took over the rule of the Underworld and Anubis became the watcher of the gate alongside the voracious Ammit. This is where many guess that Anubis first started to walk the path of darkness, for it seems that he was not content to be the gatekeeper for mighty Osiris.

Anubis hatched a plan that would sow discord in the land of the living and keep souls from every reaching Osiris’ kingdom. He tempted and lured in worshipers strong in the magical arts to him. He taught them forbidden rituals and spells that would bind souls to the mortal plane, keeping them from the Underworld. To the greatest of his worshipers, a necromancer of great power named, Amon, he gave even greater power and promised more if he could topple the kingdom of the Pharaohs and plunge all of Egypt into darkness.

Amon’s campaign against the Pharaoh, Djoser nearly succeeded. The armies of the dead were perched upon the very edge of victory, but were defeated in the 11th hour by Djoser’s high priest, Imhotep. Amon was hunted and buried alive, and the gods banished Anubis from their realms to wander among mortals forever.

For many years, Anubis wandered the Earth, bereft of power save for his godborn immortality. In time, however, he regained some of his former power by learning various mystic arts from humans, vowing to gain enough power to topple the other gods and make himself the one true God. However, by the time that he had gained enough power to make him feel confident enough to take on the other gods, they had withdrawn from the mortal world to their places beyond the reach of any who they did not wish to be among them. Angered by his inability to strike back at his brethren, Anubis turned his malice on mankind.

Anubis has worked with some of the most terrible villains and organizations on Earth. He gave knowledge to Rasputin in his quest for power and immortality, a quest that nearly doomed Russia. He was instrumental to the Nazi plans to discover ancient artifacts of power during WWII. He has also instructed Zelashin, the Dark Druid, in his horrific practices. He has become the dark shadow behind many of the most infamous and evil beings in human history, and he will not rest until he has plunged the world into darkness.

Anubis has met defeat many times however. Heroes have foiled and thwarted every scheme he has put into motion. He sees the various super-heroes of the world as the only true threat to his goals of domination. Although, his old puppet, Amon is now active in the world again, and carries hatred for Anubis as well for letting him rot in a tomb for thousands of years. Although the two share common goals, Anubis knows that Amon’s hatred for him is too great to make him an ally once again. Plus, Amon’s own power rivals that of the dark god’s. It seems that the reemergence of his former pupil has changed some of Anubis’ plans. Even though he thinks that he’ll have to deal with the undead mage soon enough, there may yet be a way to twist him into to furthering his own plans…

Anubis’ natural form is that of a jackal-headed human. However, he commonly transforms himself to blend in with whatever society he happens to be traveling through. He has established numerous aliases and various businesses, making him one of the most-wealthy beings on the planet. His magical prowess is considerable. In battle, he’ll revert to his natural form and grow in size to intimidate and induce fear.

Homebrew Supers: Arkangel

Arkangel 

M&M Stats

PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 30 (+10/+3) DEX: 14 (+2) CON: 16 (+3) INT: 13 (+1) WIS: 14 (+2) CHA: 12 (+1)

SKILLS: Bluff (+1), Climb (+10), Concentration 8 (+10), Diplomacy (+1), Disguise (+1), Escape Artist (+2), Gather Info (+1), Handle Animal (+1), Intimidate 8 (+9), Current Event 8 (+9), Theology and Philosophy 12 (+13), Notice 8 (+10), Search (+1), Sense Motive 8 (+10), Stealth 4 (+6), Survival (+2), Swim (+10)

FEATS: Accurate Attack, Power Attack

POWERS: *Device (Archangel Armor, hard to lose) [19], Restricted (Only Michael can use), , *Blast [12], (Alternate Power: Enhanced Strength [14]), *Super-Senses (Blindsight, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Radio, Time Sense, Tracking (Infrared), Infrared) [10], *Flight [5], *Immunity (life support) [9], *Protection [9], Impervious [1], *Super-Strength [5]

COMBAT: Attack 8 [Unarmed +10 (Bruise), Blast 12 (Lethal)] Defense 18 (14 flat-footed) Init 2

SAVES: Toughness 12 (12 flat-footed) Fortitude 3 Reflex 2 Will 2

Abilities 25 + Skills 14 (56 ranks) + Feats 2 + Powers 77 + Combat 32 + Saves 0 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Michael Weathers
Age: 28
Height: 5’9” (without armor), 6’5” (in armor)
Weight: 195 lbs
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Caucasian

Michael Weathers grew up in a strict Catholic home. To say that his parents were devout would be a massive understatement. That's not to say that they weren't good parents, they were, it’s just that Michael didn't have nearly as many freedoms other kids in the neighborhood had. His days were spent as Catholic school, working in his father’s butcher shop, and then home to do homework and a mandatory half-hour studying the Bible with his parents before he had time to himself. There were times that he resented his parents, but overall he understood that they were doing what they felt was best.

Michael’s father was killed by a mugger a week before Michael’s 14th birthday. Michael wondered why God allowed this to happen to one of his most devout followers? Wasn't his father's sacrifice day after day good enough to offer him some measure of protection from the forces of evil? These thoughts tore Michael apart. He went to his priest and asked him these questions. The priest told Michael that God doesn't offer protection that way. What happens on Earth is up to us, it’s the promise of life everlasting that is God's true protection. It is up to us to see that our neighborhoods and loved ones are safe.

The priest’s words made a profound impact on young Michael. He left the church no longer angry at God for allowing his father to die, but angry at mankind for allowing the wicked to prey on the good. Michael swore then and there that he wouldn't be just another good man that turns a blind eye on evil all around him.

Michael quickly got the reputation for being a goody-goody. It got him into a lot of trouble as well. He routinely got sent home for fighting with bullies, so much so that the school was considering expulsion. His mother was at her wit’s end. She sent him to live with her brother, a devout Catholic as well; hoping that all Michael needed was a firm hand to set him back on the right path.

Michael’s uncle, Sam, was a very rigid and stern man. However, when he learned of why Michael was getting into trouble, he was proud that his nephew was showing the moral fortitude to do what was right and not allow evil to flourish uncontested. He introduced the boy to the Order of Angels-Arch, a secret order of men and women devoted to fighting evil head-on. Their goal is not to kill, but to force repentance upon their foes. Lethal force is only allowed against the vilest of sinners. Michael found his true calling that night.

During his time with his uncle, Michael learned not only how to fight, but when to fight. After all, no member of the order would last long just blindly fighting any evil they came across. He received training in weapons and stealth as well. Michael would go out at night and stalk the schoolyard bullies, under the watchful eye of his uncle, and put the fear of God into them. Before long, he graduated to small-time hoods and minor drug dealers. When it was time for him to go home, Michael was tougher than most people twice his age.

The Order kept in contact with Michael. He would go out on assignments for the Order late a night, when his mother assumed that his was up in his room asleep. It was during one assignment when Michael was 18 that he came face to face with true, inhuman evil.

What was supposed to be an assignment to take retribution on a group of local punks that defaced a local church put Michael in the midst of a cult devoted to the worship of some ancient demon. Michael called in for backup from the Order, but was discovered and was offered up to the demon himself. The demon, who called himself Malzinzaz, tossed young Michael about and beat him savagely. Just before the demon was about to finish Michael off, a blinding light appeared. Michael passed out shortly after seeing the light. When he came to he was back in the Order’s headquarters, looking up at a man whose head was surrounded in a halo of light. The man introduced himself as the archangel, Michael. For his bravery, he would become his instrument on Earth. Michael was given a suit of golden, winged armor. Michael was told that a war is looming that that he would have to stay vigilant, for Malzinzaz was only the beginning. That said, the angel told Michael that the Order would no longer know him as a member, but would be able to contact him when needed. This was necessary to keep him and his family safe. With another flash of light Michael was back home in his room and the angel was gone.

Since that night, Michael has fought the forces of evil as the hero, Arkangel. During the day, he works as an editor for a small, conservative newspaper with a religious slant to the news. At night, he battles evil alongside the Guardians.

Michael outside of his armor is a handsome, athletic man with wavy blonde hair and blue eyes. He dresses conservatively in a buttoned-up shirt and slacks commonly. He wears and pair of round, light-weight glasses and a gold wristwatch that activates his armor with a touch. The Arkangel armor is golden in color, except for black under-armor. His faceplate is that of a haloed angel (a stylized image of the Archangel Michael). The wings fold neatly into the back of the armor and unfurl quickly when needed. The wristguards and shoulderplates of the armor mold into whatever style of weapon mentally called upon by Michael, from swords to laser cannons. The faceplate allows Michael a wide array of super-senses.

Homebrew Supers: Amon the Mummy

Amon the Mummy 

M&M Stats

PL: 14 (210 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 16 (+3) DEX: 10 (0) CON: 10 (0) INT: 18 (+4) WIS: 24 (+7) CHA: 14 (+2)

SKILLS: Bluff (+2), Climb (+3), Concentration 8 (+15), Diplomacy (+2), Disguise 4 (+6), Gather Info (+2), Handle Animal (+2), Intimidate 9 (+11), Arcane Lore 17 (+21), History 12 (+16), Theology and Philosophy 12 (+16), Notice (+7), Search (+4), Sense Motive (+7), Sleight of Hand 2 (+2), Survival (+7), Swim (+3)

FEATS: Quick Change (2), Ritualist

POWERS: *Force Field [18] (Impervious [8]), *Flight [2], *Super-Senses (Danger Sense, Mystic Awareness) [2], *Immunity (Life Support) [9], *Magic [18], (Alternate Power) Mystic Blast [18], (Alternate Power) Mystic (Alternate Power) Binding [18], (Alternate Power) Death Touch (Disease Extra) [9], (Alternate Power) Invisibility (Total Concealment) [2], (Alternate Power) Pain [3], (Alternate Power) Possession [6], (Alternate Power) Paralyze [9], (Alternate Power) Summon Minion (Zombies) [9], (Alternate Power) Teleport (Accurate Extra) [9], (Alternate Power) Nullify (All effects at once) [6], *Immortality [1], *Immutable [1]

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Mystic Blast 18] Defense 20 (15 flat-footed) Init 0

SAVES: Toughness 18 (18 flat-footed) Fortitude 8 Reflex 8 Will 15

Abilities 32 + Skills 16 (64 ranks) + Feats 3 + Powers 95 + Combat 40 + Saves 24 – Drawbacks 0 = 210 / 210

Real Name: Amon
Age: Approximately 4600 years old
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 110 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Red
Nationality: None, he died during the rule of Djoser during the 3rd Egyptian Dynasty.
Ethnicity: Egyptian

Amon was a necromancer that threatened to plunge all of Egypt into darkness during the rule of the Pharaoh, Djoser. His fearsome army of fanatic cultists and undead were repelled by Djoser’s army as well as the magic of Imhotep in the 11th hour. After his defeat, Amon was hunted down and sealed alive in a sarcophagus and buried deep within a cave the mouth of which was then covered to keep Amon's followers from ever finding him. Imhotep cast wards on the sarcophagus expecting them to hold Amon for eternity. For as brilliant as Imhotep was, he was terribly wrong in this case.

Amon was a follower of Anubis. It was Anubis that gave Amon the spells needed to raise his army of the dead. It would be Anubis that would allow Amon to “live” past his death. As Amon took in his last, stale, breath Anubis granted him everlasting life as one of the undead. Amon lie in wait for thousands of years to be freed, allowing his hatred to seethe until his already black heart became even more vile and putrid.

It wasn't until the fall of 2003 that Amon would once again walk the Earth. An archaeological team stumbled upon the cave and Amon's resting place. As the poor souls opened the sarcophagus, they broke the mystic wards that had held for over 4600 years. Amon burst forth from his prison and slew everyone save one man, who he coerced into telling him all that he knew of the world.

Amon immediately went in search of his spellbooks, which he discovered were being held in the Luxor Museum. Many innocent people died that day, but Amon was repelled by a young White Mage.

Over the years Amon has fought many of the Earth’s mightiest super-heroes and has narrowly escaped total destruction too many times than he cares to admit. He has regained much of his former magical might, and is now content to bide his time and gather his forces until he can properly strike. Oh yes, the world will know the wrath of Amon, especially Imhotep’s little whelp of a mage…

Amon's natural form is that of a desiccated corpse wrapped in funerary bandages. He wears black robes trimmed with red symbols of dark import. His magic allows him to change his appearance to that of a handsome, well-dressed Egyptian man of about 35 – 40, however, which is how he travels among the living most times. His magic may change his appearance, but it cannot mask the feeling of cold and fear that most people fear when being around him.

Homebrew Supers: The White Mage

The White Mage 

M&M Stats

PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 10 (0) DEX: 14 (+2) CON: 10 (0) INT: 20 (+5) WIS: 20 (+5) CHA: 18 (+4)

SKILLS: Bluff 4 (+8 ), Concentration 12 (+17), Diplomacy (+4), Disguise (+4), Escape Artist (+2), Gather Info (+4), Handle Animal (+4), Intimidate (+4), Arcane Lore 12 (+17), History 8 (+13), Notice 4 (+9), Search 4 (+9), Sense Motive (+5), Sleight of Hand 4 (+6), Stealth (+2), Survival (+5)

FEATS: Leadership, Ritualist, Teamwork (1)

POWERS: *Magic [12], (Alternate Power) Blast (Eldritch) [12], (Alternate Power) Teleport [6], Portal, (Alternate Power) Telepathy [6], (Alternate Power) Telekinesis [8], Damaging, (Alternate Power) Super-Movement (Dimensional) [3], (Alternate Power) Snare [12], *Device (Icarian Ring, hard to lose) [1], Flight [5], *Device (Crook of Life, easy to lose, +2 damage when used as a Quarterstaff) [5], Healing [5], Resurrection, , Total, , *Device (Imhotep's Band, hard to lose) [2], Force Field [10], Impervious, , Ablative,

COMBAT: Attack 8 [Unarmed +0 (Bruise)] Defense 18 (14 flat-footed) Init 2

SAVES: Toughness 10 (10 flat-footed) Fortitude 5 Reflex 6 Will 9

Abilities 32 + Skills 12 (56 ranks) + Feats 3 + Powers 58 + Combat 32 + Saves 13 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Ahmal Abin Farouk
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 110 lbs.
Eyes: Dark Brown
Hair: Black
Ethnicity: Arabic
Nationality: Egyptian

Ahmal Abin Farouk is one of the greatest wizards in the world, but you would never know by looking at him. The slight man is among one of Egypt’s finest archaeologists, and is highly regarded the world over, but he is also known for being extremely bookish and quiet. Unlike other Egyptologists, Ahmal doesn’t like the limelight. He doesn’t do many interviews for documentaries and certainly would never dream of taking a film crew into a newly discovered tomb. No, by looking at him, or being around him, you’d never think that timid, yet brilliant, Ahmal Abin Farouk was one of Earth’s greatest defenders.

Many years ago, while Ahmal was studying in Luxor, he stumbled upon a scroll case of ancient papyrus scrolls long lost in the dusty archives of the Luxor Museum. The scrolls were discovered in a tomb over a hundred years ago, but were filed away and forgotten. As Ahmal began to translate the ancient scrolls, he inadvertently cast an ancient spell. The room grew cold and Ahmal was gripped in fear as spectral image of a man dressed in the ancient Egyptian finery of a high priest appeared before him. The ghost introduced himself as Imhotep, the high priest of Seti I. He told Ahmal that by discovering the scrolls and being able to read them that he was chosen to be the next great defender of Egypt. Ahmal sheepishly told the ghost that he was no warrior and surely he had the wrong man (or that he was hallucinating due to lack of sleep he thought to himself). Imhotep told the scared historian that strength of arms were only one way to battle the darkness, and that while he lacks the physical prowess of a great warrior he by far surpassed the greatest swordsman with his intelligence and willpower. The ghost told Ahmal that he was to be a great sorcerer, and that the only way he was able to decipher the scrolls was that only those with the power within themselves to be able to wield awesome magical forces could discern the texts. Like it or not, Ahmal was selected. Imhotep instructed Ahmal to seek out the wizard, Arcano, in the United States to further his training.

Over the years, Ahmal learned much from the wizard-hero, Arcano, and even came to surpass him in ability. His wisdom and ability earned him a spot among The Magi, a secret order of the most powerful sorcerers on Earth. He has traversed the cosmos, visited other realities totally alien to our own, battled some of the most terrible forces on Earth and beyond, and has become a mentor to many young wizards and to other heroes as well.

Along with being a member of The Magi, Ahmal, who goes by Abin to protect his identity from villains, is a member of the superhero team, The Guardians, on which he is on the governing board. When he isn’t battling the forces of evil, he is back in Cairo or in his tower in the Astral researching the past. His professional pursuits have turned from merely discovering and cataloging ancient history to uncovering magical artifacts and keeping them safe from those that would abuse their power.

Ahmal is a relatively short man who is slight of build. He typically wears a polo shirt and jeans while in the museum or out in the field, but when among The Guardians or The Magi he is dressed in white robes with the common head wear found throughout Muslim men in Egypt. He wears a white mask that covers his face, save for his eyes. Abin carries several magic items as well. Imhotep’s Band is a simple gold ring that creates a shimmering force field to protect Abin from damage. The Crook of Life is a shepherd’s staff that allows him to heal even the terrible of wounds and even to bring back the dead. Finally, Abin wears the Icarian Ring that allows him to fly.

Quick Update

Just a quick update that I'm starting to get some of the MSH stats posted into the posts for my Homebrew Supers. If you're interested in seeing them in their full FASERIP glory, go re-read them occasionally. Thanks!

Homebrew Supers: Zerker Dan

This guy is a write-up of another character I played in City of Heroes (the other being Agent K-9).

Zerker Dan 
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 20 (+5) DEX: 18 (+4) CON: 24 (+7) INT: 10 (0) WIS: 12 (+1) CHA: 16 (+3)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 4 (+8 ), Bluff (+3), Climb 8 (+13), Concentration (+1), Diplomacy (+3), Disguise (+3), Drive 8 (+12), Escape Artist (+4), Gather Info (+3), Handle Animal 4 (+7), Intimidate 12 (+15), Streetwise 12 (+12), Notice (+1), Perform 12 (+12), Ride 8 (+12), Search 12 (+12), Sense Motive 4 (+5), Stealth 8 (+12), Survival 12 (+13), Swim 8 (+13)

FEATS: Attack Focus (Melee) (2), Improved Critical (1), Defensive Roll (3), Dodge Focus (4), Improved Throw, Improved Grapple, Power Attack, Takedown Attack (1), Startle, Diehard, Fearless

POWERS: *Strike: Claws (Mighty) [5], *Super-Senses (Scent, Tracking) [2], *Regeneration [6], *Leaping [2]

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Mighty Strike 10 (Lethal)] Defense 20 (13 flat-footed) Init 4

SAVES: Toughness 10 (7 flat-footed) Fortitude 10 Reflex 10 Will 9

Abilities 40 + Skills 28 (112 ranks) + Feats 17 + Powers 16 + Combat 32 + Saves 17 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Daniel Jenkins
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Green
Nationality: Australian
Ethnicity: Caucasian

Zerker Dan is a fighter. He’s always fought from the time he could walk until today he’s been fighting everything from stray dogs to bank robbers. It’s what he does best and it’s what he loves the most. He’s come to America to fight crime, since even though Australia has its fair share of super-villains, the “big dogs” are found in America.

Zerker Dan is also a mutant. His powers manifested when he was 15 when he got attacked by a rabid dingo. That’s when he first discovered the super-strong claws that his fingernails can become as well as his increased strength, agility, leaping ability, and the ability to heal rather quickly. His folks were horrified when they saw the mess of gore which was all that was left of the dingo. Zerker Dan ran off shortly after, since his parents kept looking at him over their shoulders, as if they had anything to worry about, and he lived a rough life traveling from small Outback town to small Outback town doing odd jobs to get by.

Zerker Dan has been everything from a cop (he got kicked off the force and barely avoided jail time after he used his claws on a suspect in a domestic abuse case) to a champion boxer (very few gaming authorities will allow him to box now that it’s know that he’s a “dangerous” mutant). He got into the super-hero racket after he happened on a bank robbery in progress. He stopped the robbery, and basked in the adoration of the people who he saved as well as the bank officials whose money he kept from being stolen. After all, Dan figured that he could let loose on bad guys in ways he really couldn't in the ring. Plus, it felt good to do the right thing and help people out. However, small-time hoods weren't really satisfying enough. Dan wanted a challenge, so he went to America, where the bad guys were heavily armed and tough as hell.

Since he arrived in the US, Dan has taken a job promoting a chain of car dealerships in Freedom City to make a little money. He lives in a run-down apartment in a rough part of town by the docks, what better place to find guys that need a beating? During the night, he patrols the neighborhood. At first, the people of Freedom City thought that he was just another fallen celebrity out for a quick buck, but now that he’s shown that he’s a hero and that he’s got a knack for putting the fear of the Almighty into crooks, he’s quickly been embraced by the populace. His celebrity and aggressive tactics has put him at odds with the Freedom League upon occasion, but so far they've stayed out of each other’s way.

Zerker Dan is getting restless. Since he’s been in Freedom City, he’s primarily taken down thugs and C-list super villains. He wants a taste of the big time. He’s thinking of taking a walk up to New York with hopes of running into the tougher villains that he hears make the Big Apple home. Unlike what some other heroes think, he’s not in it for fame or the adoration of the masses (though he does enjoy time with some of his Sheila fans now and again); he wants to fight someone that will really make him work to beat them. He doesn't understand why he feels he needs to prove himself tougher than the worst of the worst, but as long as he’s doing some good Dan doesn't really care.

Zerker Dan is always in costume. He never really saw the point in hiding his identity, since he wishes that the bad guys would come seeking him out. He wears a black leather duster with a Texas longhorn skull pin on the left lapel (he just liked the look of the pin and added it to his wardrobe), rugged black jeans, a dark blue shirt (with a black tie when he’s filming commercial spots), dark sunglasses, worn out cowboy boots, and a tan cowboy hat. He styles himself a lot after the westerns he used to watch as a kid. He can also be found with a cigar sticking out of the side of his mouth (a point which has drawn the ire of anti-smoking groups that say he’s trying to make smoking look cool). He’s gruff and everything about him makes people think of some stereotypical wandering cowboy. 

Homebrew Supers: Agent Jason & the Argonauts

Agent Jason 
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 25 (+7/+2) DEX: 12 (+1) CON: 14 (+2) INT: 16 (+3) WIS: 14 (+2) CHA: 14 (+2)

SKILLS: Bluff (+2), Climb (+7), Concentration (+2), Diplomacy (+2), Disguise (+2), Escape Artist (+1), Gather Info (+2), Handle Animal (+2), Intimidate (+2), Tactics 12 (+15), Notice (+2), Pilot 12 (+13), Military 12 (+14), Search (+3), Sense Motive (+2), Stealth (+1), Survival (+2), Swim (+7)

FEATS: Attack Focus (Ranged) (2), Power Attack, Minions (12), Leadership

POWERS: *Device (Hard to Lose) Argonaut Prima Armor [18], Blast [12], Enhanced Strength [11], Super-Strength [5], Immunity (Life Support) [9], Protection (Impervious) [10], Flight [5], Super-Senses (Radio, Infravision, Direction Sense, Distance Sense, Time Sense, Comm Link, Ultravision) [6]

COMBAT: Attack 8 [Unarmed +7 (Bruise)] Defense 15 (13 flat-footed) Init 1

SAVES: Toughness 12 (12 flat-footed) Fortitude 5 Reflex 1 Will 2

Abilities 24 + Skills 9 (36 ranks) + Feats 16 + Powers 72 + Combat 26 + Saves 3 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Classified
Height: approximately 6’3” while not in armor, 7’ in armor.
Weight: approximately 195 lbs while not in power armor, 700 lbs in armor
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Caucasian, possibly of Greek descent.

Little is known of the man that became Agent Jason, leader of the US government’s Argonaut Powered Armor Battalion (APAB). It is theorized that he was a test pilot that held certain anti-mutant beliefs that volunteered for the Argonaut program. His past is so classified that only a handful of people in the world knows anything about him.

Agent Jason is tasked with bringing in mutants and various other rogue meta-humans and aliens that the US government deems a threat. Due to the highly publicized failure of the Sentinels who did more damage to the nation’s handling of the mutant issue, a more covert and human approach was deemed necessary. Agent Jason is the public “face” of the Argonauts. He’s the one that the media talks to whenever the Argonauts take down a fugitive in public, but that’s rare as most Argonaut missions are covert and public rarely hears about them.

By all accounts, Agent Jason is fanatical about his work. He has gone off on rants about the “mutant menace” and has even directed his ire at more publicly accepted heroes like Captain Thunder, Superman, and even Captain America. This has put him on shaky ground with the current administration who is trying to recover from very public flubs and allegations of human rights abuses thanks to the Sentinel attack in Times Square in 2000 that not only killed 3 mutants, but 50 bystanders as well. Agent Jason has been getting the feeling for a while that the President isn’t really on board with the mission of the Argonauts anymore; that’s something that Agent Jason just can’t allow.

Agent Jason fights in an upgraded form of the Argonaut armor, the design of which was taken from a design created by Daedalus, something the Freedom League member is distraught over. Agent Jason stands almost a foot taller than the rest of the Argonauts in his command. While his mission is to bring in mutant fugitives alive, his tactics are extremely aggressive, overly so, which has lead to more than a few deaths. He is loyal to his men, but will gladly sacrifice every one of them if it means that the mutant threat would with totally dealt with.

The Argonauts 
PL: 8 Minion (120 pp)

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

SKILLS: Climb (+5), Concentration (+1), Notice 8 (+9), Pilot 10 (+10), Military 10 (+11), Search 8 (+10), Sense Motive (+1), Survival (+1), Swim (+5)

FEATS: Improved Aim, Power Attack, Improved Sunder

POWERS: Device: Argonaut Armor (Hard-to-lose) [12], Enhanced Strength [8], Blast [10], Super-Strength [1], Immunity (Life Support) [9], Protection (Impervious) [9], Flight [4], Super-Senses (Radio, Distance Sense, Direction Sense, Comm Link [4]

COMBAT: Attack 6 [Unarmed +5 (Bruise)] Defense 16 (13 flat-footed) Init 0

SAVES: Toughness 10 (10 flat-footed) Fortitude 11 Reflex 10 Will 7

Abilities 10 + Skills 9 (36 ranks) + Feats 3 + Powers 48 + Combat 24 + Saves 26 – Drawbacks 0 = 120 / 120

The Argonaut Powered Armor Battallion (APBA) is a special military force dealing primarily with superhuman threats and answers only to the Secretary of Defense and the President. Unlike the Guardsmen units that handle both domestic and federal affairs, primarily serving as prison guards in the few prison facilities for superhumans in the United States, the Argonauts are detailed to strike in matters of “national security”.

The Argonaut Program was initiated after the Sentinel Massacre in Times Square. The Department of Defense determined that the handling of the mutant issue was better left to live persons than AI constructs. The Argonaut armor was devised initially in mind for combat operations such as the Iraq War from plans gathered from the Freedom Leaguer, Daedalus (both from the hero directly, unwittingly that is, and through more…shady sources).

Members of the APBA are drawn from the best of not only the Air Force, but from the Guardsmen and other Power Armor pilot veterans. At first, there was no screening for how a pilot felt about superhumans, and mutants in particular, but when Agent Jason was put in command of the battalion he made sure that his men had their “hearts in the right place.” Now, some 90% of the APBA are considered hostile to the mutant population, with the other 10% being on the fence. They are fiercely loyal to Agent Jason, some in the Department of Defense feel they are too loyal.

The Argonaut armor is a form-fitting, super strong polymer that allows for flight, blasters, net deployers, targeting systems, communications, and physical adjustors that essentially make the pilot a superhuman himself while wearing the suit. The design is Greco-Roman in look.

Homebrew Supers: Toren, the Temporal Knight

Toren, the Temporal Knight 
PL: X

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

SKILLS: Bluff 8 (+9), Climb (+1), Computers (+2), Concentration (+3), Diplomacy (+1), Disable Device (+2), Disguise 12 (+13), Gather Info (+1), Handle Animal (+1), Intimidate (+1), Investigate (+2), Cosmos 12 (+14), Medicine (+3), Notice (+3), Profession (+3), Search (+2), Sense Motive 4 (+7), Stealth 4 (+4), Survival (+3), Swim (+1)

FEATS: Dodge Focus (2), Defensive Roll (3), Power Attack, Well-Informed, Jack-of-All-Trades, Improved Critical (1)

POWERS: *Flight [10], Subtle, , *Space Travel [10], *Immunity (Life Support) [9], *Immortality [1], *Device: Time Shard (hard-to-lose) [3], Strike [9], Mighty, , Protection [6], *Teleport [X], , Change Direction, , Change Velocity, , Easy, , Progression, , Turnabout, , Accurate, , Attack, , Area, , Portal, , Selective Attack, , Nullify Teleport, , *Time Control [X], , *Time Stop[X], , No Save, *Morph [X]

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Time Shard 10 (Lethal)] Defense 20 (14 flat-footed) Init 0

SAVES: Toughness 10 (7 flat-footed) Fortitude 10 Reflex 6 Will 10

DRAWBACKS:

Abilities 16 + Skills 10 (40 ranks) + Feats 9 + Powers 57 [X] + Combat 36 + Saves 22 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Toren McAllister
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185 lbs
Hair: Black
Eyes: Blue
Nationality: None. Toren never officially existed in this reality
Ethnicity: Caucasian

Throughout history great men have had to make decisions to sacrifice some lives in order to save far more, however, Toren McAllister never considered himself a great man; he was merely a young mutant in over his head. The worst part is that no one knows about the decision that he had to make and the overwhelming sacrifice he made to save reality.

Toren was once a mutant with the ability to control time. He was part of the New X-Men, a young group of mutants that were being groomed to be the next generation of X-Men. He believed in the cause of mutant equality and used his powers to fight those that would hinder that process. He was content, even amidst great tragedy, to fight this fight and if need be, give his life for the promise of a better tomorrow. If he knew then what he knows now, he wonders if he could make the same choice again.

The malevolent ruler of Hell, Mephisto, had begun taking over realities. He found that the walls that shield the various timelines, a near infinite amount of realities branching off from every choice ever made, from the dimension of Hell were weakening. Mephisto took the opportunity to flood the weakest of timelines with his own, making him stronger and stronger with each timeline that folded into Hell. If left unchecked, Hell would be the only reality. The world’s greatest heroes from various timelines converged through the machinations of Mephisto on the point where all realities originate: The Citadel of Time, to stop Grandfather Time, an enigmatic being who was tasked by The First to protect the time, from collapsing all reality. The only problem was that Grandfather Time wasn't trying to destroy reality, he was trying to make it stronger. He made the choice to make time a singular reality, a reality that would be strong enough to keep Mephisto out. The downside being that many beings across the multiverse would simply cease to exist. Mephisto, under a guise as a weary time traveler, had tipped the heroes off to the plan and hoped not only would the heroes defeat Grandfather Time, but it would also put the largest hurdle to his dominion over all that is in one place; all the more easier to get rid of them all at one time.

During the battle that ensued, the heroes finally saw the truth. While none liked the idea of countless numbers of beings simply being snuffed out, it was better than all those beings suffering under the thumb of Mephisto. Sadly, Grandfather Time used too much of his waning power to complete the task, however, Toren could finish the work that needed to be done. Toren didn't want the responsibility, but he finally did that he was tasked to do. The blood of all those beings is on his hands, but Mephisto was defeated and reality now stands strong. He tells himself that it had to be done, but it doesn't make the pain go away.

When the one reality was created, Toren's parents never met, he was never born. He is a man that should not be; saved only because he was the conduit of salvation. The pain he feels for all the lives lost is only compounded by the loss of the family that he once had and will never have again. Plus, he is the only being in this reality (that he knows of) that knows what happened. The other heroes don’t know anything, mostly because none of them in their form at the battle exist anymore; their various forms were merged in some cases while other no longer are.

Toren found after the crisis that his powers have expanded. He is a cosmic being. He can step through space and time to appear at any place anywhere in the universe. He can sense when events are in motion that could harm the fabric of space and time. It is his duty to stop those events from happening, and has been granted the ability to fight in way he never could before thanks so the sword he wields (The Time Shard). It is a task that fuels his being now.

Depression sets in during the times when all is quiet throughout the universe, so Toren stalks evil across the universe wherever it occurs. He has only come back to Earth a few times to help heroes similar to the ones that he fought alongside battle great threats, but he doesn't come back unless he is absolutely needed. It hurts too much to be among people that knew him in another time and place no longer know him except as a mysterious cosmic being. He was once in love with Jubilation Lee and she with him. Before the crisis they were well on their way to being married, but now she doesn't know him; that loss, along with the loss of his family, keeps Toren away more than any guilt or loneliness.

Toren is an attractive man that appears to be in his early twenties, but his face constantly bears the look of a man that has seen far too much sadness and pain in his young life. His black hair is usually disheveled and he wears glasses to cover the pain so evident in his eyes. His goatee is long and usually braided, but other than long sideburns he stays clean shaven. When in combat, a mish-mash of armor covers much of his body, but he doesn't wear a helmet. He uses his cosmic powers to form clothes to fit in with whatever society he is moving amongst whenever he is not in combat. The Time Shard is an oddly shaped sword that looks to be made of crystal and is worn in a scabbard strapped across his back, but is made invisible whenever Toren doesn't want to display the sword.

Homebrew Supers: Adolph

Adolph 
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 26 (+8/+1) DEX: 18 (+4/0) CON: 23 (+6/+1) INT: 14 (+2) WIS: 12 (+1) CHA: 16 (+3)

SKILLS: Bluff (+3), Climb (+7), Concentration (+1), Diplomacy 12 (+15), Disguise (+3), Escape Artist (+4), Gather Info 12 (+15), Handle Animal (+3), Intimidate 12 (+15), Investigate 12 (+14), History 12 (+14), Notice 8 (+9), Oratory 12 (+15), Search (+2), Sense Motive 8 (+9), Stealth (+4), Survival (+1), Swim (+7)

FEATS: Defensive Roll (4), Chokehold, Improved Critical (1), Improved Grapple, Power Attack, Leadership, Diehard, Minions (11), Connected, Contacts, Well-Informed

POWERS: *Enhanced Strength [12], *Enhanced Dexterity [8], *Enhanced Constitution [10], *Super-Strength [2], *Immunity (Disease, poison, cold, heat) [4], *Leaping [2], *Strike (Fists) [3], Mighty, , *Growth [1], Permanent,

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Unarmed +8 (Bruise)] Defense 16 (13 flat-footed) Init 4

SAVES: Toughness 10 (6 flat-footed) Fortitude 10 Reflex 4 Will 6

Abilities 16 + Skills 22 (88 ranks) + Feats 24 + Powers 47 + Combat 32 + Saves 9 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Frederick Goebel
Height: 8’5”
Weight: 1300 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Hazel
Nationality: American, with a criminal record
Ethnicity: German

Frederick Goebel, or Adolph as he prefers to be called now, is the leader of Fourth Reich, a Neo-Nazi group that has been gaining power over the last few years. He is a massive man, a by product of taking an untested vial of the second generation Super Soldier serum stolen from the US government, who wants to lead the world under the Nazi flag like his namesake tried to do in WWII.

Adolph’s grandfather was a high-ranking SS operative that fled from Germany after the Axis failed to turn back the Allies during the D-Day Invasion in Normandy. He kept his family on the move; first hiding in Brazil, then moving to Mexico, and finally coming to rest in the US, right under the nose of the US Government in Washington DC. While he was never active in the burgeoning Neo-Nazi movement that sprang up in the 40’s, he instilled his twisted Nazi values on his children and grandchildren. None of Adolph’s cousins showed the determination that he did, and he quickly became his grandfather’s favorite when he joined an underground Nazi group based in Virginia. Over the years, Adolph would rise to power over not only that cell, but nearly other Neo-Nazi group in the US. With his dying breath, Adolph’s grandfather told him how proud he was that he was carrying on the glorious tradition of the Reich, and Adolph had never felt more proud.

Fourth Reich is still primarily a clandestine organization, even after some high profile thefts of weaponry and other technology. Much of the organization is based in a grass-roots approach to spread pride in German heritage and sow discord among the “lesser” races. Their movement is popular in areas with high poverty and little education. The upper echelons of the organization are for those that have not only proven their devotion to the cause (usually through acts of terrorism), but also genetic purity and intelligence.

Until the theft of the Super Soldier serum, Adolph was primarily a tactician that let underlings take all the action. Now, he leads at the forefront as a sterling example of the might destined to be had by all members of the Fourth Reich. Even though he has been defeated several times, even once by Jewish duo Psword and Pshield, he still commands the respect of all members of the Fourth Reich.

The Fourth Reich has a loose alliance with other Nazi groups and villains from Ultima Thule to the Iron Cross, but Adolph makes it no secret that he feels he is one true successor of Der Fuhrer and that all others should bow to him, even though deep down he knows that he doesn't yet have the raw power or the resources needed to take on the other major players in the worldwide Nazi network.

Adolph is a huge man. He stands over 8 feet tall. His dark hair began thinning after taking the Super Soldier serum, and he can no longer grow any facial hair as well. He wears a modernized version of a Nazi SS Commandant’s uniform of grey fatigues and a black leather overcoat. He’s usually cool-headed, but finds that his temper has also become as thin as his hair after ingesting the serum. One of his scientists attributes much of change in his body to a latent mutation in his genetic code that reacted violently to the serum. Since mutation is a mark of an impure bloodline, Adolph killed the man to keep his secret hidden.

Homebrew Supers: Lightside

Lightside
PL: 10 (150 pp)

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

SKILLS: Acrobatics 12 (+14), Bluff 8 (+10), Climb 8 (+10), Computers 8 (+10), Concentration 12 (+13), Diplomacy 8 (+10), Disable Device 8 (+10), Disguise 8 (+10), Escape Artist 8 (+10), Gather Info 8 (+10), Handle Animal (+2), Intimidate (+2), Investigate 8 (+10), Streetwise 8 (+10), Notice 8 (+9), Search 8 (+10), Sense Motive 8 (+9), Stealth 8 (+10), Survival (+1), Swim 8 (+10)

FEATS: Attack Focus (Melee) (4), Defensive Attack, Evasion (1), Dodge Focus (4), Improved Block (1), Improved Trip, Redirect, Seize Initiative, Equipment (1), Teamwork (2), Acrobatic Bluff, Contacts, Taunt, Improved Initiative (2), Defensive Roll (4)

POWERS: *Telekinesis [10], Subtle [10], (Alternate Power) Force Field [5], Ablative, (Alternative Power) Blast [5], Equipment: Metal Practice Sword (+2 Dmg), Comm Link,

COMBAT: Attack 6 [Practice Sword 2 (Bruise)] Defense 20 (13 flat-footed) Init 10

SAVES: Toughness 10 (6 flat-footed) Fortitude 5 Reflex 10 Will 10

Abilities 20 + Skills 36 (144 ranks) + Feats 26 + Powers 23 + Combat 24 + Saves 21 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Kevin Wilson
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 170 lbs
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Green
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Caucasian

Kevin Wilson was the stereotypical All-American boy. He played baseball, ran track, was top in his class at karate, got good grades, had a cute girlfriend, and had the respect of his parents. Everything seemed like he was on the fast track to success. It was as if his life was already planned out and he was just following the flow of destiny, but even the best laid plans have a way of turning on you.

While driving home from his girlfriend’s one night a tire went flat. As he was changing the tire a group of punks came upon him and decided to mug him. Kevin wasn't able to put up much of a fight against the five attackers, but he did get a hit in against the leader with his crowbar. When Kevin was finally brought down, the leader took his revenge beating and kicking him mercilessly. Kevin was scared that he was going to die, so scared that something unlocked in his mind and his mutant abilities manifested. Kevin lashed out with his mind and to his total shock and amazement his attackers flew backwards as if struck by an invisible force. One of the punks got up and charged at Kevin, calling him a “mutie” and vowing to kill him. Kevin held out his hand and the punk slammed into an invisible force field, knocking himself out. The other punks ran off after that.

Once Kevin made his way home and told his folks about getting jumped (he left out the details about his new-found powers), he set about discovering all that he could about his abilities. Kevin figured out that he was what scientists called a telekinetic. He could move things with the power of his mind. Over the next couple of months he practiced using his ability in secret and got better at it. He then decided that it was time to use his abilities for good.

Kevin made a costume and started sneaking out at night. He called himself Lightside and built up his hero-motif as a real-life Jedi Knight. He was pretty successful at taking out punks, drug dealers, and other small-time hoods. He was successful enough that the Seattle media started following his career with great interest, as did the local police, which his father was a detective on the force.

It didn't take Kevin’s father too long to figure out that something was up with his son. He seemed tired and sluggish in the mornings and his grades had slipped for the last quarter. At first his dad thought that Kevin was getting into drugs, and he was about to confront him about it until he noticed the bruises that coincided with reports of fights Lightside had gotten into the days before. When Kevin left for school that day, his dad searched his room and found his costume.

When Kevin got home from school that day he walked in to find his dad sitting in the living room with his costume on his lap. Kevin’s heart sank. He knew what his dad’s views on vigilante super “heroes”, but didn't know what his dad would do to him over becoming one of those costumed supers. His dad told him that while he was very disappointed in Kevin for sneaking out, breaking the law, and putting his life in danger. He demanded to know what Kevin can do and how he acquired his powers. Kevin came clean and told his dad everything and waited for his punishment. He dad sighed and told him that if he really wants to do good, then he needs to learn how to do it right. He told Kevin that he’s been in contact with the Claremont Academy in Freedom City where he’s going to go to finish out High School and learn how to properly use his powers. Kevin’s dad hoped that he would then join a legitimate law enforcement agency, but even if he didn't he would be fighting alongside some of the best.

Kevin left the next week for Freedom City. He was sad to leave his family and friends, but he knew it was for the best. In time he became a member of Next Gen, proving to be a valuable member of the team, and then came back to Seattle after graduation. He’s still a reserve member of the Freedom League, but Seattle is where his heart is and where he feels he can do the most good.

Kevin now works as a sketch artist for the Seattle police department (a job that his dad helped in getting him) and fights crime as Lightside at night. He recently uncovered a new crime syndicate ran by an ogre named Kar, who appears to have abilities similar to his own. The two have fought a couple times, both times with Kevin barely escaping with his life. Kevin fears he may not have the power to take Kar down, but he’s not going to give up…

Lightside's costume is a white and grey poncho with a white hood and full-face mask. His tunic and leggings are both white and his boots are supple grey. He wears a metal “practice” sword on his belt.

Homebrew Supers: Zombeast

Zombeast 
PL: 12 (180 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 22 (+6) DEX: 26 (+8 ) CON: 30 (+10) INT: 8 (-1) WIS: 20 (+5) CHA: 6 (-2)

SKILLS: Bluff (-2), Climb (+6), Concentration (+5), Diplomacy (-2), Disguise (-2), Escape Artist (+8 ), Gather Info (-2), Handle Animal (-2), Intimidate (-2), Notice 16 (+21), Search 12 (+11), Sense Motive (+5), Stealth 16 (+24), Survival (+5), Swim (+6)

FEATS: Attack Focus (Melee) (4), Critical Strike, Dodge Focus (7), Elusive Target, Evasion (2), Improved Critical (1), Improved Initiative (1), Move-by Action, Power Attack, Sneak Attack (4), Takedown Attack (2), Uncanny Dodge, Diehard, Fearless, Fearsome Presence (4), Instant Up

POWERS: *Strike [4], Mighty, , *Super-speed [1], Rapid Attack, , Leaping [2], Immunity (Life Support, All non-Lethal physical damage) [29], Super-Strength [2], Super-Senses (Darkvision, Scent) [3]

COMBAT: Attack 11 [Unarmed +6 (Bruise)] Defense 24 (14 flat-footed) Init 16

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

DRAWBACKS:

Abilities 52 + Skills 11 (44 ranks) + Feats 33 + Powers 48 + Combat 36 + Saves 0 – Drawbacks 0 = 180 / 180

Real Name: Carl Zemekis
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 135 lbs
Hair: Stawberry Blonde
Eyes: Grey (formerly blue)
Nationality: American, legally deceased
Ethnicity: Caucasian

Carl Zemekis was once one of NASA’s best pilots. He was selected to be the mission leader for the first manned spaceflight to Mars. He was famous; a true-to-life household name.

The shuttle took off 3 years ago and everything seemed fine. It was going to be a long trip. The mission was into its few months when something happened.

NASA headquarters at Cape Canaveral picked up a large energy displacement heading directly for the shuttle. As the energy wave hit communications with the shuttle became sporadic. The people manning the radio and video feeds caught garbled sounds that sounded possibly like panic; one official thought he heard screams. The video feed winked back to life for a second and even though the image was distorted there appeared to be blood on the camera lens and a possible body floating off to the side. Just as quickly as the garbled signals came, they stopped altogether. NASA tried to get back in touch with the shuttle, but all comms were shut down. The shuttle appeared not to have suffered any damage and communications should be working fine. Then they noticed the shuttle was changing course and coming home.

Throughout the next couple of months, NASA tried to reach the shuttle, but they could only watch as it made its way back to Earth. The shuttle crash landed in the deserts of New Mexico only a few miles away from Area 51. The rescue team deployed to look for survivors weren't prepared for what they found. The inside of the shuttle looked like a slaughterhouse. Dried blood and rotten gore was strewn about. They found the remains of all the crew except for Captain Zemekis. However, they found footprints leading away from the crash an into the desert, leading the rescue team to believe that he was still alive. The team rushed in the direction of the tracks and found Captain Zemekis a short time later…or at least what was once Captain Zemekis.

Out of the rescue team, only 2 members escaped with their lives to tell the tale of what happened. When they came upon the captain, they noticed that his spacesuit was covered in dried blood stains and was tore in various places. He wasn't wearing a helmet, so they could see his hair was almost gone, and his scalp in some spots was tore away revealing the skull beneath. When they hailed the captain, he stopped and turned. Captain Zemekis’ face was decaying. The lips tore away and his eyes were glazed over. The Captain issued forth a terrible laugh, the laugh of a madman they said. He flexed his hands and long, black claws issued forth. He then leaped at the first transport faster than a man could, and certainly one in the condition that he appeared to be in, and then the real terror happened. The survivors could barely talk about what they witnessed, but all they could say was that the Captain tore through the team like a wild animal and no amount of bullets would stop him. Another search team, this time made up of Special Forces, was dispatched to take out the Captain. They never found him.

Captain Zemekis, now called the Zombeast, appears every now and then to slaughter those that get too close. He is credited with close to 80 murders now and no one has been able to locate him. Even supers that come in contact with the Zombeast have barely escaped with their lives. He still roams the deserts of the American southwest…hunting…

The Zombeast looks like a normal man from a distance. It doesn't take long to see that he’s no longer human. His skin is a sickly gray, and he bears numerous wounds that no longer bleed blood all over his body. Somehow even after two years of being stuck between life and death, he hasn't turned into a pile of bones. His movements at first seem ungainly, but once he acts, his movements are blazingly fast. He has spoken on a couple occasions. His voice is hollow and his words drip with malice. Most of the time, he doesn't say a word, he lets the slaughter speak for him.

Homebrew Supers: Agent K-9

Agent K-9 
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 16 (+3) DEX: 22 (+6) CON: 18 (+4) INT: 14 (+2) WIS: 16 (+3) CHA: 18 (+4)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 12 (+18 ), Bluff (+4), Climb 12 (+15), Concentration 8 (+11), Diplomacy 4 (+8 ), Disable Device 4 (+6), Disguise (+4), Drive 12 (+18 ), Escape Artist 4 (+10), Gather Info 8 (+12), Handle Animal (+4), Intimidate 12 (+16), Investigate 8 (+10), Civics 8 (+10), Streetwise 8 (+10), Tactics 8 (+10), Notice 12 (+15), Search 12 (+14), Sense Motive 8 (+11), Stealth 12 (+18 ), Survival 12 (+15), Swim 4 (+7)

FEATS: Attack Focus (Ranged) (2), Dodge Focus (4), Defensive Roll (2), Elusive Target, Evasion (2), Uncanny Dodge, Fearsome Presence (1), Equipment (3)

POWERS: *Leaping [3], *Strike (Claws) [4], Mighty, , *Super-Senses (Scent, Tracking, Low-Light Vision, Ultra-Hearing) [4],

EQUIPMENT: Tactical Vest, Heavy Pistol, Comm-link, handcuffs, Leather Jacket),

COMBAT: Attack 10/12 (ranged) [Strike (Claws, Mighty) 7 (Lethal), Heavy Pistol 4 (Lethal)] Defense 14 (10 flat-footed) Init 6

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

Abilities 44 + Skills 42 (168 ranks) + Feats 16 + Powers 12 + Combat 20 + Saves 16 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Ginger Wolfe
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 115 lbs
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Brown
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Canine Moreau

When Moreaus won their freedom from the various governments 10 years ago, they were given the option to either move to the island nation set up as a “homeland” of sorts for the mutates or they can become citizens of the nation in which they were bred. Ginger decided to become a US citizen. She had fought secret wars for the US government for years, and believed in the cause of Democracy and the American Way enough to want to continue to be a part of it. She did leave the military, however, to become a cop in Freedom City. She convinced her brother, Bruiser, to do the same.

At first, it was very tough being one of only two Moreaus on the force. Racism was a constant hurdle both in and out of station. People were still very afraid of the humanoid animals after the revolts that served first brought knowledge of the Moreaus to the public worldwide. People were even more afraid of Moreaus with mutant abilities beyond that of normal Moreaus as well, which both Ginger and Bruiser are. However, after several feats of daring that saved the lives of dozens of citizens and cops, Ginger had become a well-liked, for the most part, and highly decorated officer.

Ginger’s mutant abilities are heightened senses, agility, and super-strong claws far beyond those of normal Canine Moreaus. Her ability to heal is also heightened, but it’s just slightly better than normal so that could be a side-effect of living a healthy life.

As a joke, a rather cruel joke at the time, she was dubbed Agent K-9. She preferred to be called by her naturalized name, Wolfe, but the name stuck. Now it’s become her callsign not only among her fellow cops, but by the public as well. Ginger still doesn’t care for it, but as long as the name is being used not as a slur, she’s OK with it.

Ginger is now a Lieutenant in the Freedom City police department Special Crimes Unit, which deals primarily with superhuman threats. She also patrols the city sometimes when she’s off the clock. She knows that she should develop some hobby outside of crimefighting, but all her life she’s fought something and downtime just drives her nuts. The only time she spends away from crimefighting is the two times a year that she goes to Sturgis, South Dakota to meet up with her brother and “howl at the moon.” Her friends on the force don’t know if that’s just a term for partying or if they really are howling at the moon…

Ginger looks like a typical Overt Canine Moreau. Her face is mostly wolf-like, but her eyes show much more intelligence than a wolf and the musculature of her face allows for a much wider array of emotions, much like a human. Her legs are shaped like a wolf, bent backwards at the knee and each toe is tipped with a wicked looking claw. Ginger wears a bulletproof vest and black combat gear while on duty. When she’s just patrolling the city, she wears a black leather duster and black leather pants with a black cotton shirt. She always has a .50 Desert Eagle in a shoulder holster with her, and prefers to run out of ammo before ever using her claws. (She feels that using her claws is far too barbaric and plays right into the stereotypes that people have when they think of Moreaus.)

Homebrew Supers: Naste-Estan

Naste-Estan
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 24 (+7/0) DEX: 28 (+9/+1) CON: 24 (+7/0) INT: 10 (0) WIS: 10 (0) CHA: 10 (0)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 12 (+21), Climb 12 (+19), Disguise 4 (+4), Escape Artist 12 (+21), Intimidate 12 (+12), Notice 12 (+12), Search 12 (+12), Stealth 12 (+21), Survival 8 (+8 ), Swim (+7)

FEATS: All-out Attack, Dodge Focus (5), Grappling Finesse, Improved Initiative (1), Attack Focus (Melee) (2), Evasion (2), Elusive Target, Uncanny Dodge, Fearsome Presence (2)

POWERS: Super-Movement (Swinging) [1], Super-Movement (Wall-Crawling) [3], *Snare [10], Tether, , Enhanced Strength [14], Enhanced Dexterity [16], Enhanced Constitution [14], Protection [3], Super-Senses (Sight, Radius) [2], Strike (Claws) [10]

COMBAT: Attack 10 [Strike 10 (Lethal)] Defense 15 (10 flat-footed) Init 13

SAVES: Toughness 10 (10 flat-footed) Fortitude 7 Reflex 9 Will 0

Abilities 2 + Skills 24 (96 ranks) + Feats 16 + Powers 88 + Combat 20 + Saves 0 – Drawbacks 0 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Claire Todychini
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 120 lbs.
Hair: Black
Eyes: Black
Nationality: American, with a criminal record
Ethnicity: Native American

Claire Todychini is a native of Arizona of the Todychini clan of the Navajo. Her life growing up outside of Phoenix, AZ was tough. Her family was poor, very poor, and Claire was tormented by classmates due to that. Her shame at being poor turned into rage as she grew older and learned of the atrocities committed against Native Americans by the whites. Her parents tired to teach her to be proud of her heritage and not let hatred consume her, but the rage seethed in her heart more each day.

While reading about Navajo gods and goddesses, she came across the story of Grandmother Spider, who helped the Eldest Twins early in the days long before man spread across the world. She prayed and pleaded to Grandmother Spider to give her the means to gain revenge on the white man and lead her people back into the light. Grandmother Spider didn’t hear her prayers, but Red Head, the scorpion man, did. He turned her into a twisted hybrid of man and spider. Claire was horrified at her visage, but when she learned that she was now as strong as 20 men, could scale walls, and can spin nearly unbreakable webs, she forgot about her looks and went about seeking vengeance.

Her desire to gain revenge against the US government was out-weighed by her desire to see those that tormented her suffer. Her rampage left 18 people dead before she was driven into the desert by police and National Guardsmen. After a couple days, she returned to her family. They suspected that Claire was behind the killings when they heard who the victims were. When Claire entered the house, her family retreated in terror. He father leveled a shotgun at her and told her to leave and never come back. He said that she had become a monster and a disgrace not only to her family but to her people as well. Claire didn’t take his words very kindly. While none of her family was killed, her father was left crippled by the attack and their home was destroyed. Claire then retreated back into the desert again to decide who would pay next.

Since her emergence as Naste-Estan, the traditional name for Grandmother Spider which she took in mocking sarcasm of the goddess that ignored her, she has struck out at authority figures and government offices. Only occasionally has she made her cause public. Most of the time when she attacks, it’s merely to violently lash out and those she feels guilty of destroying her people, or her life in general. There is evidence to suggest and at some point she was tapped by Overthrow and became an agent with the mission to sow discord, but the evidence is inconclusive at this time.

The hero Wild Deer has become Naste-Estan’s greatest enemy. He is a Native American as well, but instead of trying to help their people by gaining vengeance against the white man, he fights injustice in order to make life better for his people. He doesn’t lash out at the government, he fights those that prey upon the weakest of his people and hopes that others get the message. Naste-Estan and Wild Deer have fought on several occasions. He has won each time. Combine their divergent methodologies with the fact that even though they were both granted power by spirits Wild Deer still looks human, and her hatred of him has grown beyond that of her hatred of the government. She longs for the day that she can suck the juices out of his dying body.

Claire is still humanoid, but her flesh is chitinous like a spider’s. Her mouth became filled with fangs and two large fangs frame her mouth. Instead of two eyes, she now has eight that surround her head and makes it difficult for anyone to surprise her. Her hands are three-fingered and tipped in wicked claws. When she needs to hide among humans, she wears loose, baggy clothing that is easily cast aside when it’s time to strike.

Homebrew Supers: Ultiman

Ultiman 
PL: 10 (150 pp)

ABILITIES: STR: 30 (+10) DEX: 12 (+1) CON: 30 (+10) INT: 12 (+1) WIS: 14 (+2) CHA: 14 (+2)

SKILLS: Bluff (+2), Climb (+10), Concentration (+2), Diplomacy (+2), Disguise (+2), Escape Artist (+1), Gather Info (+2), Handle Animal (+2), Intimidate (+2), Notice 8 (+10), Search 8 (+9), Sense Motive (+2), Stealth (+1), Survival (+2), Swim (+10)

FEATS: Power Attack

POWERS: *Super-Strength [4], Super-Breath [1], Flight [6], Immunity (Life Support) [9], Space Travel [3], Impervious Toughness [10]

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

SAVES: Toughness 10 (10 flat-footed) Fortitude 10 Reflex 3 Will 4

DRAWBACKS: Power Loss -Vulnerable to attacks that drain Magic [Freq DC 10] [Sev DC 15]

Abilities 52 + Skills 4 (16 ranks) + Feats 1 + Powers 53 + Combat 40 + Saves 4 – Drawbacks -4 = 150 / 150

Real Name: Ultiman (had his name legally changed from Randall Spry)
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 250 lbs
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Hazel
Identity: Public
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Welsh, English, and Irish

The man who would become Ultiman lived a fairly ordinary life. Up until a couple years ago, Ultiman was known as Randall Spry. He was an average office worker entering claims for an insurance company. He lived in New York City in a modest apartment alone in an average middle-class neighborhood. He had a decent life by most accounts, but Randall always wished that he could be something more. He hated his ordinary life and felt that there had to be more to life than merely toiling along until retirement and then an inevitable death. He would read in the paper about heroes and villains with extraordinary powers battling across the globe and wanted so desperately to become a hero himself, but alas, he wasn’t a mutant born with special abilities or an alien that escaped a dying world. Randall was merely a man with a boring job, so he resigned to merely dream of a life as a hero.

Fate is a strange mistress.

While riding the subway home one evening after work and battle broke out between the villain Doctor Morbid and the magical hero, Arcano, in the subway tunnels. As the battle raged between the two magicians, bystanders were scrambling to get out of the way, except for Randall, who got as close as he dared to watch the two superbeings duke it out. During the battle, a wave of magical energies surged forth from the two supers, combining in ways never intended by either magician, and Randall was bathed in those energies. It is unknown what exactly occurred, but that magic became a sort of wish-fulfilling spell for Randall. He could feel himself getting stronger, could see his muscles rippling and straining the fabric of his clothes, and somehow knew that something magnificent was happening to him.

The battle was going poorly for Arcano. Doctor Morbid was just too strong for him, and his will wavered, weakening his magics. As an eldritch blast tore through the old wizard, Randall leapt to his defense, taking Doctor Morbid by surprise. The punch drove the villain through the tunnel wall into a service shaft. Randall couldn’t believe what he’d done, and then realized that he hadn’t just jumped at Doctor Morbid, but actually flew at the villain! His elation was cut short as the dying Arcano’s coughs drew his attention. Randall was told by the wizard that somehow he was granted great powers thanks to his carelessness for not seeking shelter when he should, and that he should use his abilities to promote truth and justice. Randall asked if he could offer the dying man aid, but with a final, blood-laden cough, Arcano passed into the beyond. Randall said a quick prayer over the body of the wizard and then flew after Doctor Morbid, but found that the villain had made good his escape.

Over the next couple of weeks, Randall explored his abilities. He found that he could lifts several tons over his head with ease, could fly at nearly super-sonic speeds, and could blow gale force winds from his mouth. He decided to call himself Ultiman and set out designing a costume and beginning his career as a crime-fighter.

The first couple of months, he was successful, but then he started answering distress calls over his police band radio during work hours. No one ever saw him leave, but his supervisor knew when he was gone. After a couple weeks of missing sometimes hours of work, Randall was fired. He wasn’t too concerned until his savings started to dry up. Being a hero was exhilarating, but it couldn’t pay the bills. That’s when Randall got the idea to allow companies to use his likeness to sell everything from soft-drinks to sports cars. He got an agent and then a couple sponsorship deals, and realized that he could be a super-hero and be rich at the same time!

While no one can deny that Ultiman is a hero, his antics of glory seeking and using his status as a hero for personal gain puts him in direct conflict with other heroes. When Ultiman petitioned for membership into the Guardians, Hero-Prime told him that the team didn’t need someone with such loose morals on their team. Ultiman was furious, telling the patriotic paragon to stuff his team and that they would regret snubbing him.

During a battle with Doctor Morbid, who had become something of an arch-enemy of Ultiman’s, 17 people were killed and there was extensive city damage. Ultiman was sued by a couple of families of those slain during the fight as well as by the city (under pressure from watchdog groups that strive to make supers pay for damages to buildings and other property created during battles). Instead of offering to pay the families and NYC out of court, Ultiman fought them in court claiming that as a hero the amount of good that he’s done far outstripped any damages caused during scraps with villains that would surely do worse if they were left uncontested. Ultiman lost his case and the fines, penalties, and other costs nearly wiped out his money. Beyond that, it also destroyed his sterling image, which lead to sponsors dropping him from their ad campaigns and even his agent dropped him.

With public opinion against him, Ultiman’s spirit was crushed. Only now did he realize how much he had fallen from grace. He vowed to finally live his life as a hero the way he was first directed to by Arcano. It took a long time, and many still distrust him, but Ultiman is once again seen as a hero. His about-face impressed Hero-Prime enough to offer Ultiman a place in the Guardians, which he humbly accepted.

Ultiman may be poor now, but he at least has the respect of his peers, much of the public, and most importantly himself.

Ultiman stands over 6 feet tall, with dark brown hair and a full, well-trimmed beard. His costume is light blue, with dark blue trunks, white gloves and boots, and a yellow cape. His body is well-muscled. He looks every part of the super-hero. He once wore a dark blue mask that covered his eyes, but since he made his identity public, he quit wearing the mask.

A Quick Look At Mercenary Breed 2.0 and Warren C Norwood's Double Spiral War

I promised a review of some of the new sci-fi stuff I've picked up for Savage Worlds a few days ago. Well, I got knocked low by a pretty hefty allergy attack, and I simply haven't had much time to write as I'd like. Instead of a full review, I'm going to give a quick and dirty synopsis of how useful I think each product is. Now, my standpoint of buying just about anything is "how much of this can/will I port to my homebrew settings?" With that in mind, here we go.

I picked up the Mercenary Breed 2 bundle that has the three core books in Mystical Throne's MB2 lineup: Mercenary's Handbook, Galaxy Guide, and the Xenopedia. I liked MB1 and this new edition expands everything. It's all set in the Argo Galaxy, but really MB2 is much more of a sci-fi sandbox that you can make your own rather than playing in someone else's imagination. Everything is expanded from races, to gear, to vehicles, to arcane backgrounds. There are lots of great bits in here that I plan on using in my own setting. The Galaxy Guide fleshes out the Argo Galaxy as a setting a bit more, but the real great meat of this book is in the random generators (using a standard deck of playing cards) to generate Corporations, Planets, and missions. The Xenopedia details 34 creatures and species to populate the galaxy with and there's a system for random creature creation as well. My only gripe with the entire series is that the intelligent species that should be pretty playable in the Xenopedia don't come with PC stats. Now, based on the mook stats and the descriptions, generating PC stats won't be difficult but it felt like a wasted opportunity. There's a lot of good hints and tips throughout all three book on how to use them in your own setting and even details out various sci-fi themes, a couple of which I hadn't thought much of before but I do now. The bottom line is go pick up the MB2 bundle from RPGNow, you won't be disappointed.

Warren C Norwood's Double Spiral War is based on the series of books that were released in the 80's. I remember reading them long ago, but I don't remember that much about them (something I'll have to rectify). It's put out by Battlefield Press. It is presented as a full setting set in the galaxy of the books (the Caveness Galaxy). There are fewer bits in this book to rob for your own settings compared to MB2, but there are 2 alien races and three humanity off-shoots. The gear is very much of what you would expect to see in 1980's sci-fi. There are some bits of equipment that I'll probably port over, but most of the weapons and such are outclassed by more contemporary sources. There are also examples of starships that will work with other settings. So is it worth a buy? If you are a fan of the books, absolutely. While it feels a little lighter than a full-blown campaign setting, you get everything you need to run a campaign in the Caveness Galaxy in a nice package. If you're looking at DSW for cool bits to rob for your own settings, I'd wait until you have a coupon or it goes on sale.