[HIDER=Octopus] [INDENT][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][CENTER][sup][h1][center][img]https://comicvine.gamespot.com/a/uploads/original/1/15776/6219635-superior%20octopus%203.png[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] O C T O P U S[/color] [color=#00FF00]O C T O P U S[/color][/center] [/b][/h1][/sup] [color=00FF00][sup][i]"Good news: I've run the numbers. Bad news: you're losing."[/i][/sup][/color][/CENTER][table][row][/row][row][cell][center][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [color=00FF00]C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://scontent-man2-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/467436978_18471980116045535_2750862043438701922_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_p1080x1080_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ig_cache_key=MzE4NjA1NDY3Mzc0ODc1MTg2Mg%3D%3D.3-ccb7-5&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=58cdad&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6InhwaWRzLjE0NDB4MTgwMC5zZHIuQzMifQ%3D%3D&_nc_ohc=-4tievg_wPcQ7kNvwEuS7M7&_nc_oc=AdkEYCgmhlkq74-Ea9jsqzgX5MtZZSkjc5d3NdXklE1Ighr0TWWJuZAhtF-iVWZ3bJ8&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-man2-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_gid=SQOm6DEApABZoInL-9kQcw&_nc_ss=8&oh=00_Afw3TtnMQtoOU00hQpEZj5vLHopd8BCKxQi3De6NPDjRIQ&oe=69B20005[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color] [color=00FF00]C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [sub][COLOR=#00A000]Otto Octavius[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=#00A000]21[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [COLOR=#00A000]Single[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=#00A000]N/A[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [COLOR=#00A000]American[/COLOR][/sub][/center] [indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color] [color=00FF00]N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=00FF00] A B I L I T I E S[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Octopus Physiology[/b][/color] Due to the splicing of his genes with the numerous different species of Octopus that made up the mechanical tentacle experiment, Otto has taken on genetic traits that empower him in numerous Octopus related ways: -Chromatophore Camoflague -Suction Grip -Enhanced Neural Processing -Flexible Musculature -Enhanced Strength -Accelerated Healing -Enhanced Reflexes -Low-Light Vision -'Octo-Sense'[/color] [/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=00FF00] T O O L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Mechanical Tentacle Arms[/b][/color] A neural-linked harness with four powerful articulated arms used for mobility, combat, and manipulation of objects.[/color] [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Octocamo Suit[/b][/color] A reactive polymer suit that amplifies Otto's natural camouflage abilities and stabilizes his altered physiology.[/color] [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Utility Harness[/b][/color] A small belt system carrying hydration capsules, toxin vials, and tools.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color] [color=00FF00]N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=00FF00] S K I L L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Advanced Robotics & Mechanical Engineering[/b][/color] Otto is a highly accomplished engineer specializing in robotics, cybernetics, and complex mechanical systems. He is capable of designing, constructing, and maintaining advanced machinery, including multi-jointed mechanical limbs and neural-linked devices. His knowledge allows him to rapidly repair or modify technology in the field.[/color] [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Applied Physics, Mathematics & Systems Design[/b][/color] With extensive academic training, Otto possesses deep knowledge of physics, mathematics, and computational systems. He can quickly calculate trajectory, force, structural stress, and mechanical efficiency, allowing him to analyze both engineering problems and combat situations with scientific precision.[/color] [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Neural Interface Programming[/b][/color] Otto is skilled in developing technology that connects directly with the human nervous system. This expertise allows him to create machines that respond to thought and reflex, enabling seamless control of advanced equipment like his mechanical tentacles.[/color] [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Tactical Problem Solving[/b][/color] Otto approaches dangerous situations analytically, instinctively breaking down variables such as positioning, timing, and environmental factors to develop effective strategies in high-pressure scenarios.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=00FF00] T A L E N T (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Genius-Level Intellect[/b][/color] Otto possesses extraordinary natural intelligence. Complex scientific principles and mechanical systems come to him intuitively, allowing him to innovate and solve problems beyond typical academic capability.[/color] [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Multitasking Cognition[/b][/color] His mind naturally processes multiple streams of information at once, enabling him to coordinate several mechanical limbs simultaneously while thinking and reacting to his surroundings.[/color] [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Spatial Awareness[/b][/color] Otto has a strong innate sense of distance, positioning, and movement in space, helping him maneuver effectively with multiple limbs in complex environments.[/color] [COLOR=#00A000][color=00FF00][b]◼ Relentless Focus[/b][/color] Once Otto commits to solving a problem or achieving a goal, he demonstrates intense concentration and persistence, often working tirelessly until a solution is reached.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color] [color=00FF00]T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=#00A000][indent] Otto was born in New York to Torbert and Mary Octavius. His early life was fraught with stress due to the abusive household he lived in. His father, a construction worker, was a short tempered man and regulary verbally and emotionally abused his mother - something which greatly affected Otto in his younger life, turning him from a happy and curious child into a shy and withdrawn kid. He struggled to fit in at school, often being too frightened to socialize and fearful to show any of his natural intellectual prowess. Torbert Octavius believed intelligence was pointless if it did not lead to 'real work' and made no effort to hide his disappointment in a son who preferred books and science kits to sports or manual labor. He often told Otto that real men worked with their hands, building things with sweat rather than 'wasting time thinking.' The message was constant and clear: whatever Otto was becoming was not the kind of man his father respected. If not for his mother, things might have turned out very differently. Mary Octavius was gentle where her husband was harsh, and she quietly encouraged Otto's curiosity whenever she could. When Torbert mocked Otto's experiments or tore apart the makeshift machines he assembled in the basement, Mary would help him rebuild them. When his teachers sent letters home praising his intelligence, she was the one who celebrated them. In a house filled with tension and fear, she became the one place where Otto could feel safe being himself. Still, the damage of his upbringing left its mark. Otto grew up withdrawn, uncomfortable around other children, and hesitant to speak in class even when he knew the answers. His intelligence isolated him further. Teachers quickly realized he was several grades ahead intellectually, but socially he lagged far behind his peers. For a long time, he drifted through school with few friends and little confidence. That changed the day he met Peter Parker. Peter was one of the only kids who seemed to understand what it was like to feel like an outsider. While he was chatty, funny and charismatic - he was also relentlessly curious about the world around him, and shared Otto's love of science. Where others saw Otto as strange or intimidatingly smart, Peter saw someone fascinating. Their friendship began over a shared interest in science and comic books and quickly grew into something far deeper. For Otto, Peter was the first person his age who genuinely valued his intellect rather than resenting it - and the first person that could match his smarts. They spent countless afternoons together working on science projects, building crude experiments, and talking about the future. While other kids played sports or chased popularity, Peter and Otto talked about changing the world through discovery. Their friendship helped Otto come out of his shell, and slowly the shy boy began to find confidence in who he was. As they grew older, their circle expanded. Mary Jane Watson entered their lives next, a vibrant and fearless personality who balanced out Peter and Otto’s quieter natures. She had an uncanny ability to draw people out of their shells, and even Otto, who initially found her overwhelming, came to appreciate her honesty and warmth. Not long after, they befriended Harry Osborn. Harry's life could not have seemed more different from Otto's. The son of Norman Osborn, one of the wealthiest and most influential men in New York, Harry grew up surrounded by privilege. Yet in many ways he understood Otto better than most people realized. His father's impossible expectations created pressures of their own, and Harry often felt like he could never quite live up to the Osborn name. Despite their different backgrounds, the four of them formed a close-knit group and through high school and into college they remained inseparable. Otto's academic talents only became more apparent as the years passed. By the time he reached university, he was already recognized as one of the most promising young minds in his field. He pursued studies in mechanical engineering and bioengineering, fascinated by the intersection between technology and biology. His ultimate goal was ambitious even by his own standards: to create advanced prosthetics capable of restoring mobility and independence to people who had lost limbs. His ideas were revolutionary, but they were also expensive. Unlike many of his peers, Otto did not have access to endless funding or prestigious laboratories. While Harry could rely on the resources of Oscorp and Peter managed through scholarships and part-time work, Otto often found himself scraping together whatever equipment he could afford. Much of his research took place in cramped labs or improvised workspaces, built piece by piece with salvaged parts and borrowed tools. Over time his work evolved into something far more ambitious than prosthetics alone. Inspired by the adaptability of cephalopods, particularly octopuses, Otto began experimenting with the idea of integrating biological traits with mechanical systems. Octopuses possessed remarkable abilities: camouflage, extreme flexibility, decentralized nervous systems capable of controlling multiple limbs simultaneously. To Otto, they represented a blueprint for the future of human-machine interaction. If those traits could be replicated, or even partially integrated into the human nervous system, it could revolutionize prosthetics forever. His invention grew from this idea, the mechanical tentacles he'd hoped would change the world. Designed as an advanced prosthetic harness, the arms were capable of delicate manipulation and immense strength. Otto built them himself over the course of months, painstakingly programming their movement systems and creating a neural interface that would allow them to respond directly to brain signals. But even as impressive as they were, the arms were only half the equation. Otto believed that true synchronization required more than technology, it required biology merging with machine. Against better judgment and without formal approval, he began experimenting with genetic integration using several octopus genomes. The theory was radical: by introducing certain cephalopod genetic traits into his own body, he could enhance his nervous system enough to properly control the mechanical arms while gaining some of the biological advantages those creatures possessed. It was perhaps the most dangerous thing he'd ever done, but it worked. Just not the way he'd expected. The night of the experiment was chaotic. Equipment malfunctioned and the gene therapy interacted with his nervous system in unpredictable ways. The neural interface meant for the tentacles connected directly to his altered physiology, amplifying the effects of the mutation. For days afterward he was violently ill, feverish, and delirious. He barely understood what was happening to him. His body burned as if fighting off an infection, his senses overloaded by strange new stimuli. Slowly, the symptoms subsided and he felt himself going back to normal. And that was when the changes began. His reflexes sharpened. His coordination improved dramatically. His mind seemed capable of processing multiple streams of information simultaneously. When he finally reconnected himself to the mechanical arms, they moved with a fluidity that bordered on instinct. The experiment had changed him. Made him more than human. But Otto kept the truth largely to himself. He was no hero, not in the traditional sense anyway. People like him weren't beloved crime fighters. Only a few months have passed since that night. In that short time, his life and the lives of his friend group have been shaken by tragedy. Peter Parker's Uncle Ben, a man who had always treated Otto like family, was killed in a senseless act of violence. To Otto, Ben Parker had represented everything his own father never had been: patient, kind, and endlessly supportive. Losing him felt like losing the closest thing he had ever known to a real father. The loss changed Peter and it changed Otto too. For the first time, Otto realized that intelligence and invention alone were not enough to change the world. Sometimes the world needed someone willing to step in and protect it. With great power, comes great responsibility. And it's time for the [color=#00FF00]Octopus[/color] to demonstrate how responsible he really can be. [/indent][/COLOR] [INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color] [color=00FF00]P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=#00A000][INDENT]I genuinely woke up one morning with this idea almost fully formed in my head - and despite my efforts to refocus myself I can't help but write this. I've been writing bits and pieces of this privately, and thought there was no better group to share this with and write alongside than my old friends in Worlds Collide. I've also been massively inspired by discovering the books of Philip K. Dick which has spurred my love for writing again and changed the way I approach fiction. The main plot will focus around Otto stepping into the shoes of a hero and juggling his home life and secret identity alongside this. Your classic Spider-man story with a few inversions and twists. Namely, while I may use some classic villains I aim to create a new rogues gallery based on Marine life to mirror that of the Sinister Six. I also want to explore Otto's friendship with the non-powered Peter Parker, and his story dealing with the grief following the death of Uncle Ben - only this time Peter doesn't have the Spider-Man costume to jump into and process this with. Otto will also deal with problems of his own, his parents are still very much alive and his abusive father is still a part of his life. I aim to juggle grounded topics like this alongside the more out there themes of my favourite Spidey stories. I am extremely open to collaboration, and would love to work on anything and everything with anyone interested as soon as possible. I'm remiss that I didn't get a lot of chance to do this previously, and I think Otto would be an interesting addition to the group of heroes currently in the roleplay.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/cell][/row][/table][hr][/COLOR][/INDENT][/hider][hr][center][sup][color=#00A000][i]All formatting originates via the work of[/i] [color=248ffd][i]Lord Wraith[/i][/color][/color][/sup][/center] [Hider=Out of Commission][INDENT][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][CENTER][sup][h1][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/0199bd87-cd8e-70bc-b52b-e004cf31e8e5.webp[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] B A T M A N[/color] [color=yellow]B A T M A N[/color][/center] [/b][/h1][/sup] [color=silver][sup][i]"Let's get nuts"[/i][/sup][/color][/CENTER][table][row][/row][row][cell][center][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [color=Yellow]C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9K5EkrvMLKA/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLDLAe7FQuxsn_lOS5koerVtR3nShw[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color] [color=Yellow]C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [sub][COLOR=darkgray]Bruce Wayne[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=darkgray]32[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [COLOR=darkgray]Single[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=darkgray]Wayne Enterprises[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [COLOR=darkgray]American[/COLOR][/sub][/center] [indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color] [color=yellow]N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=yellow] A B I L I T I E S[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Peak Human Fitness[/b][/color] Through relentless training and discipline, he has pushed his body to the furthest limits of human capability. His strength, speed, reflexes, stamina, and endurance all operate at levels that appear superhuman, though they remain just within the realm of possibility.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Enhanced Intellect[/b][/color] Possessing a genius-level mind, his memory, processing speed, and deductive ability far exceed the ordinary. This heightened intellect allows him to grasp complex systems instantly, adapt strategies on the fly, and approach problems from angles others would never consider.[/color] [/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=yellow] T O O L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Utility Belt[/b][/color] Compartments are magnetically sealed and reinforced against small arms fire. Standard loadout includes smoke capsules, flash pellets, grapnel gun, compact rebreather, forensic tools, mini cutting torch, collapsible binoculars, explosive gel, and a selection of batarangs (weighted, bladed, and electrified variants). He swaps out gear depending on mission needs, often improvising on the fly.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Batsuit[/b][/color] A lightweight, armor-lined bodysuit layered with Kevlar weave and impact gel plating at vital points. Designed to blend into the shadows while also providing a heavy dose of intimidation to his enemies. The cowl houses thermal and night-vision optics, an encrypted comms link, and a bone-conduction voice modulator. The cape is memory-cloth glider capable, stiffening under an electric current for controlled descents or surprise aerial entries.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ The Batmobile[/b][/color] An experimental pursuit vehicle built from a heavily modified aerospace prototype chassis, repurposed in secret. Long, sleek, and growling with a turbine engine, it's as much a psychological weapon as a getaway machine. Reinforced armor plating, retractable armor shield, smoke and oil dispensers, and a grapnel anchoring system allow it to navigate Gotham's vertical sprawl. Internally, it's outfitted with an onboard computer and avarious other gadgets should the need arise..[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color] [color=yellow]N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=yellow] S K I L L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Martial Arts Mastery[/b][/color] A lifetime of study across countless styles has shaped him into a consummate combatant. His approach is not just about technique but adaptability - switching seamlessly between striking, grappling, and weapon use depending on circumstance. Every movement is honed for precision, economy, and control.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ World's Greatest Detective[/b][/color] A master of observation and deduction, he dissects every detail of a crime scene with surgical precision. With his natural aptitude combined with his honed skillset and access to advanced technology, he can reconstruct events from the faintest physical trace, anticipate behavior through psychological profiling, and identify hidden motives beneath layers of deception.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Stealth[/b][/color] Trained by the League of Shadows to be an expert in the art of remaining unseen, he moves like a shadow through even the most secure environments. He blends silence, timing, and improvisation to disappear at will or position himself for the perfect strike. To his enemies, he seems less like a man and more like a phantom.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Fear[/b][/color] Understanding that terror is as powerful as any weapon, he has refined the use of fear into a deliberate tool. From exploiting darkness and silence to crafting an overwhelming presence, he can shatter morale and force hesitation in even hardened opponents before a fight begins.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Survival[/b][/color] Adapted to endure extremes, he can thrive in hostile conditions whether urban, arid, or frozen. Skilled in tracking, improvised shelter, field medicine, and evasion, he can outlast and outmaneuver opponents in environments designed to break him.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Mental Discipline[/b][/color] Through rigorous conditioning, he has forged a mind as resilient as his body. Pain, fear, and fatigue are obstacles he sets aside at will, maintaining focus under conditions that would cripple most.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=yellow] T A L E N T (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Intuitive Deduction[/b][/color] Beyond trained investigation, he possesses a rare instinct for seeing connections others overlook. His conclusions often appear as leaps of logic, yet prove uncannily accurate.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Physical Aptitude[/b][/color] Endowed with natural coordination and agility, his body adapts fluidly to whatever demands are placed upon it, from combat to acrobatics.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Technical Awareness[/b][/color] Machines and systems come naturally to him. Whether dismantling a lock, repairing an engine, or grasping the function of unfamiliar technology, he understands structure and function intuitively.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=yellow][b]◼ Commanding Presence[/b][/color] An aura of confidence and certainty surrounds him. He can inspire trust, instill fear, or dominate a conversation simply by entering it, bending social situations to his will without force.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color] [color=yellow]T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=DARKGRAY][indent] If you live in Gotham long enough you're bound to hear the tragedy of the Wayne family. Thomas and Martha Wayne, the richest couple in Gotham and known philanthropists gunned down in the now renamed Crime Alley in front of the young Bruce Wayne after a late night showing of 'The Gray Ghost'. What followed was a series of distant relatives Bruce had never even heard of popping up out of the woodworks to petition the courts for guardianship. Unfortunately for them one of the stipulations within his parents will was that their money should remain in Gotham and in a trust for Bruce until he was of age to claim it. None of them could handle the young angry boy long enough to see their investment pay off, and after being dragged to and fro between Gotham and god knows where in the world every year or so, his extended family finally got the memo and stopped bothering him. Without fail, he would always have his trusty butler, Alfred to return to. The man became more than a family friend to him, he was a surrogate father. The only person he could trust completely and rely on in times of need. As he grew, Bruce couldn't help but see the inequality all around him. Crime and poverty run amock in Gotham and there was seemingly no cure. When Bruce was granted his inheritance he began funneling as much of it as possible back into Gotham and philanthropy. Unfortunately this only served to line the pockets of corrupt government officials or worse yet mob associated criminals using charity to launder money. And for his effort he was rewarded by being lambasted in the press for having a 'savior complex'. All of this soured his attitude towards his city. He wanted nothing more than to be as far away as possible from it. Frustrated and restless, Bruce turned his back on Gotham for the first time in his life. If he couldn't fix the city with money, then he would have to change himself instead. What began as a short trip became a long disappearance. He cut his hair, vanished from society pages, and lived out of a single battered duffel bag. He sought out the edges of the world - places where people pushed themselves for no reason other than to feel alive. He threw himself from planes over Sahara, he climbed cliff faces in Patagonia with no ropes, he swam under frozen lakes in Siberia - holding his breath until his vision blurred. He chased adrenaline like other men chase wealth or love, trying to burn out whatever part of him still felt hollow. But there was something else too - a pattern. In every city, every hidden corner of the world, he found people who thrived in the cracks. Smugglers, mercenaries, escape artists, stunt pilots, free divers, thieves. He studied them the way some people study art, learning how they moved, how they survived. He paid for lessons when he could, stole them when he had to. He picked up languages, lockpicking, sleight of hand, disguise, escape artistry, parkour. It was reckless. It was obsessive. And it still wasn't enough. Eventually, in the mountains north of Tibet, he crossed paths with men who seemed to know who he was before he said a word. The League of Shadows didn't ask him why he was there. They simply gave him a choice: leave now, or climb the stone steps to their monastery and never be the same again. Bruce began the climb. Within the League, under the tutelage of Ra's al Ghul himself, he thrived. He became their sharpest blade, mastering every lesson they set before him: stealth, subterfuge, misdirection, close combat, fear. Where others sought glory, Bruce sought perfection, and for a time Ra's treated him like an heir apparent. Fully intending for Bruce to succeed him as the Grandmaster of the League when the time came. But when the time came to swear himself to their cause, to lead purges of the corrupt, to burn cities so the world could be rebuilt in their image - Bruce hesitated. He had seen enough death to know that Gotham didn't need purging. It needed saving, and saving for Bruce was not at the end of a gun barrel. Ra's called it weakness, Bruce called it hope. Their argument quickly became a battle after Ra's knew he could not convince Bruce otherwise. They fought atop the monastery in the biting cold wind, the League quickly outnumbering and outmatching him as they rushed to aid their grandmaster. He escaped with his life, faking his death after leaping into the white void of the mountain snow below. He returned to Gotham a changed man. A decade of training and experience had molded his anger into something much more controlled, much sharper. He was no longer the furious boy lashing out at shadows, he was a weapon, ready to be unleashed on the corruption within Gotham. By day, he played the part expected of Bruce Wayne, the aloof heir, the charming recluse whose sudden return from years abroad drew whispers at galas and boardrooms. By night, he stalked the underbelly of Gotham, carving through the tangled web of mob families, crooked cops, and corrupt officials who had kept the city chained in fear for decades. For a year and a half he has waged this silent war, striking from the dark and vanishing just as quickly. The mob whispers of a monster that moves like smoke, that breaks their bones and leaves them dangling from floodlights. Police dismiss him as an urban legend, a fever dream of frightened criminals. The Gotham Gazette pays a high price for any pictures of The Bat that they can plaster on their front page. Public discourse is divided, but a growing percentage are beginning to feel hope when they hear about the Batman, hope that they can leave their house at night without getting mugged. So far, it has worked. Crime families are scattering, territory lines are blurring, and the underworld is beginning to fear the dark again. But Bruce knows this is only the beginning. Gotham is changing. The shadows are starting to feel crowded. And somewhere in the back of his mind, he can't shake the feeling that something far worse is coming - drawn, perhaps, by the very fear he has sown. [/indent][/COLOR] [INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color] [color=yellow]P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=DARKGRAY][INDENT] My goal with this interpretation of Batman is a bit different from the common portrayal of him. I am using heavy influence from the Tim Burton movies, and will be using a more stoic, awkward, and accomodating Bruce Wayne. I want to combine all of the good parts of my favourite batman stories into one, and give a fresh spin on a lot of his villains and classic storylines. Ultimately I want to deliver a new take on the 'Batman: Year One' stories. This Batman has only been operating for just over a year and a half and hasn't encountered any of his main classic villains yet. I'll be starting with the Penguin and mob crime, and gradually work my way up to bigger threats like Scarecrow and of course, The Joker. I think this portrayal of Bruce will enable him to involve others more in his stories and get involved in theirs. He's someone who can identify strengths in others and call on them for help when he's in a tough situation. He's also someone who understands the worlds problems extend past Gotham, and would want to help with other cities' crises. One idea I was mulling over was to get someone playing Daredevil involved in a storyline with Scarecrow, I'd love to see the fear gas have no affect on the man without fear. I also want to specify that I am malleable to the history of Batman in regards to the batfamily. If anyone wants to play a version of Batgirl, Nightwing, etc unrelated to Batman I am more than happy to work with this, I am also happy to alter any previous stories with this Batman to work with any previous Robins. [/INDENT][/COLOR][/cell][/row][/table][hr][/COLOR][/INDENT][hr] [HIDER=The Man of...] [INDENT][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][CENTER][sup][h1][center][img]https://static0.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/steel-john-henry-irons-over-a-red-background.jpg?w=1600&h=900&fit=crop[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] S T E E L[/color] [color=lightgray]S T E E L[/color][/center] [/b][/h1][/sup] [color=silver][sup][i]"There ain't nothing super about me, man."[/i][/sup][/color][/CENTER][table][row][/row][row][cell][center][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [color=lightgray]C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://comicvine.gamespot.com/a/uploads/original/11132/111323656/6185209-16.jpg[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color] [color=lightgray]C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [sub][COLOR=darkgray]John Henry Irons[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=darkgray]32[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [COLOR=darkgray]Single[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=darkgray]Formerly Amertek Industries[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [COLOR=darkgray]American[/COLOR][/sub][/center] [indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color] [color=lightgray]N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=lightgray] A B I L I T I E S[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=lightgray][b]◼ Steel Power Armor[/b][/color] The Steel power armor transforms John Henry Irons from an ordinary man into a superhuman force. Built from advanced alloys of his own design, the suit grants him immense strength, powerful durability, and full environmental protection, letting him survive explosions, extreme temperatures, and hazardous conditions. Its thrusters allow for high-speed flight and rapid maneuvering, while the helmet's integrated sensors provide enhanced vision, targeting, and situational awareness across multiple spectrums. With onboard life support, internal diagnostics, and a responsive servo system amplifying every movement, the armor gives Steel the raw physical power and resilience needed to operate on the same level as metahumans - even though everything he can do comes from his mind, his engineering skill, and the suit he built with his own hands.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=lightgray] T O O L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=lightgray][b]◼ Kinetic Hammer[/b][/color] Steel's signature weapon is a heavy, high-density alloy hammer built with a kinetic energy system that allows it to strike far harder than any conventional tool. It can store force, discharge it in controlled bursts that generate concussive shockwaves, and return to Steel’s hand thanks to magnetic recall nodes built into the suit.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=lightgray][b]◼ Rivet Cannon[/b][/color] A heavy industrial tool re-engineered into a devastating ranged weapon. Originally designed to fire superheated construction rivets into steel beams, John modified the internal chambering, pressure coils, and magnetic rails to transform it into a high-impact combat platform. The cannon can launch dense alloy rivets with enough force to punch through engine blocks, pierce armored plating, or pin hostile metahumans to walls. [/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color] [color=lightgray]N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=lightgray] S K I L L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=lightgray][b]◼ Mechanical & Structural Engineering[/b][/color] A world-class engineer with specialization in metallurgy, ballistics, exoskeleton design, and structural physics. John can design, build, and repair highly advanced technology from scratch.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=lightgray][b]◼ Computer Systems & Programming[/b][/color] Proficient with high-level coding, system architecture, robotics, and cyber-security. He created the entire operating system for the Steel armor himself.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=lightgray][b]◼ Combat Training[/b][/color] While not a formal martial artist, John has trained himself extensively in hand-to-hand combat, defensive tactics, and armored combat strategies.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=lightgray] T A L E N T (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=lightgray][b]◼ Engineering Prodigy[/b][/color] John has an intuitive, almost instinctive gift for understanding machines. He visualizes complex systems in his mind, often solving problems faster than computers.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=lightgray][b]◼ Exceptional Physical Conditioning[/b][/color] Even without the armor, John is in excellent athletic shape thanks to years of steelwork, sports scholarships, and personal training. He has peak human strength, endurance, and resilience.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color] [color=lightgray]T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=DARKGRAY][indent] John Henry Irons' childhood was haunted by tragedy. His parents were murdered when he was very young, leaving him to navigate life with both grief and an unshakable determination. He felt early on that the only way to protect those he loved and avoid the helplessness he felt as a child was to be strong and capable. Driven by this, John earned a sports scholarship to Yale, where he excelled academically and athletically. After college, John joined AmerTek Industries, a defense contractor as a ballistics and metallurgy expert. At first, he believed he was doing good, using his engineering brilliance to build tools that, in his mind, could protect people. But when prototypes of his weapons were leaked and ended up in the hands of terrorists, John was confronted with the darker side of his work. Horrified by what his inventions had enabled, he destroyed as many remaining prototypes as he could, erased sensitive data, and disappeared. He assumed a low-profile identity, working in steel mills, trying to atone for the guilt he felt deep in his heart. Recently, John has completed a powerful suit of armor he designed and built himself - combining his genius, guilt, and longing for redemption. He now takes to the streets as the represntative of the common man among gods. He built his powers with his own two hands and he's going to use them for justice. [/indent][/COLOR] [INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color] [color=lightgray]P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=DARKGRAY][INDENT]Steel enters the RP at a moment when the world was already beginning to tilt toward larger threats. Crises that needed thinkers, builders, and leaders as much as they needed raw power. With the departure of key figures who were previously developing that overarching direction, I want John Henry Irons to naturally grow into that space. My goal with Steel is to explore that tension: a grounded, deeply human character who never intended to become someone the world quietly leans on. His story starts with personal guilt and street-level conflict, but as he begins repairing the damage his inventions have caused, he'll inevitably cross paths with others trying to do the same. Through these encounters, with both allies and enemies, Steel will start to understand that people like him can't work alone. He's an engineer by nature, someone who solves problems by assembling the right parts. Eventually, he'll begin applying that same instinct to people, assembling a team to battle larger threats. The more human aspect of his journey comes from his relationship to his niece, Natasha and her father and his brother, Clay. [/INDENT][/COLOR][/cell][/row][/table][hr][/COLOR][/INDENT][/hider][hr][center][sup][/sup][/center] [hider=The Fantastic Four][INDENT][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][CENTER][sup][h1][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/0199e7fc-cfe9-734d-b81d-634bd303ec61.webp[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] T H E F A N T A S T I C F O U R[/color] [color=00aeef]T H E F A N T A S T I C F O U R[/color][/center] [/b][/h1][/sup] [color=silver][sup][i]"Who were you expecting?"[/i][/sup][/color][/CENTER][table][row][/row][row][cell][center][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [color=00aeef]C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://preview.redd.it/02lg498ena061.jpg?auto=webp&s=392e3de4dd7b00459ddde44cdca164f0f7774d0b[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color] [color=00aeef]C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [sub][color=662d91]Zatanna Zatarra[/COLOR] [color=ed1c24]Patrick "Eel" O'Brian[/COLOR] [color=00a651]Alec Holland[/COLOR] [color=fff200]Ronnie Raymond/Martin Stein[/color] [color=gray] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [color=662d91]26[/COLOR] [color=ed1c24]34[/COLOR] [color=00a651]43[/COLOR] [color=fff200]17/65[/COLOR][/color] [b]|[/b] [color=662d91]Single[/COLOR] [color=ed1c24]Divorced[/COLOR] [color=00a651]Widowed[/COLOR] [color=fff200]Single[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [color=00aeef]The Fantastic Four[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [color=00aeef]American[/COLOR][/sub][/center] [indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color] [color=00aeef]N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=00aeef] A B I L I T I E S[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=662d91][b]◼ Zatanna[/b][/color] Zatanna is a descendant of the Homo-magi, and of Giovanni Zatara and as a result has latent magic abilities that she has only relatively recently began learning to control. She casts spells speaking backwards or 'Logomancy'. As she studies her fathers journals and becomes more adept in using her magic her power will grow, but currently she has only experimented with spells relating to the elements, telekinesis and minor telepathy.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=ed1c24][b]◼ Plastic Man[/b][/color] Patrick O'Brian's body has become a living polymer, able to stretch, reshape, and flatten with inhuman elasticity. He has barely begun to understand the limits of what he can become. His regenerative ability and resistance to damage are growing, but his control is not, moments of panic or rage leave his form unstable, twisting beyond his will.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=00a651][b]◼ Swamp Thing[/b][/color] Alec Holland's transformation into the avatar of The Green has only just begun. His link to the living ecosystem allows him to command vegetation, regenerate from organic matter, and sense life through the soil. However it has also warped his body beyond recognition, turning more monster than man. With this brings brings benefits as well as the obvious downsides. His size and strength has grown far passed that of any normal human. He is able to lift and hit harder than he ever could as a normal man, and take far more damage too. [/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=fff200][b]◼ Firestorm[/b][/color] Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein share a single unstable consciousness bound within the a single body. They can generate nuclear heat, fly, and manipulate matter on a molecular level, but their understanding of how or why it works is limited. Emotion and discord between them distort the transformation, creating unpredictable bursts of energy. The Matrix seems to have its own will, feeding on their confusion. Neither man yet grasps whether they command the power, or if it merely allows them to make use of it.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=00aeef] T O O L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=662d91][b]◼ Zatanna[/b][/color] Zatanna carries the remnants of her stage magician's life. A wand, cards, and the black top hat she once used in performance among a miriad of other tricks and props. Many of these have taken on unintended magical resonance since her awakening, acting as focus to stabilize her unstable incantations. Her spellbook is incomplete, she has used any knowledge she gained from her fathers journal and built on this after practice. [/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=ed1c24][b]◼ Plastic Man[/b][/color] Do cool sunglasses count as a tool?[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=00a651][b]◼ Swamp Thing[/b][/color] None[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=fff200][b]◼ Firestorm[/b][/color] None. The Firestorm Matrix is capable of generating its own tools if the user is apt enough.[/color] [/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color] [color=00aeef]N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=lightgray] S K I L L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=662d91][b]◼ Zatanna[/b][/color] First and foremost Zatanna is a trained magician. She was her fathers assistant for years and was being trained to take over the family business when she was of age. As a result she is a master of stagecraft and misdirection. On top of this she has developed a knack for investigation as a result of her quest to fight Alchemax. Lastly a minor skill she has is her knowledge of the occult. This has only been a recent development though, and her knowledge is strictly limited to what was in her fathers journal and the small amount of demons she has already encountered.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=ed1c24][b]◼ Plastic Man[/b][/color] Before his transformation, Patrick was a skilled thief and con man. His understanding of locks, infiltration, and street-level networks gives him an edge when navigating the underworld that birthed him.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=00a651][b]◼ Swamp Thing[/b][/color] Alec retains fragments of his scientific mind; an advanced understanding of plant physiology, biochemistry, and environmental systems. He may even understand all of this on a much deeper level after his transformation. Along with this, even before his transformation, Holland was adept at surviving harsh conditions due to his time doing field research in places like the Amazon. These skills now blend with the Green's instincts for camouflage and predation.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=fff200][b]◼ Firestorm[/b][/color] Professor Stein provides a deep foundation in nuclear physics, chemistry, and energy theory, though his influence is often drowned out by Ronnie's impulsive decision-making. Together, they can solve complex problems, if they can agree on the approach. This extends into their fighting style, mixing Ronnie's athletic background and improvisational instincts with Stein's analytical focus.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=00aeef] T A L E N T (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=662d91][b]◼ Zatanna[/b][/color] Even before discovering true magic, Zatanna possessed a natural affinity for performance, rhythm, and language. Her mind easily bends around complex phrasing and mirrored syntax, allowing her to speak backwards spells with fluid precision. She also has a natural stage presence and charisma that borders on the supernatural [/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=ed1c24][b]◼ Plastic Man[/b][/color] Eel O'Brian has an effortless adaptability. A gift for rolling with the punches, physically and mentally. Even before becoming Plastic Man, he could think on his feet faster than most could blink, his mind always one absurd step ahead. His humor, his looseness, and his knack for improvisation are innate traits that now mirror the fluidity of his new body.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=00a651][b]◼ Swamp Thing[/b][/color] Alec has always had an intuitive sensitivity to the emotions of others - human or otherwise. Even before his transformation, he could walk into a room and feel tension like a shift in temperature. After merging with the Green, this empathy has only evolved into something more innate and primal. Despite his osmosis with the Green not being fully complete, it still flows through him instinctively. Healing him, guiding him, sometimes even protecting him from himself.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=fff200][b]◼ Firestorm[/b][/color] Both halves of Firestorm bring innate gifts that together form something extraordinary. Ronnie's raw intuition and fearless impulsiveness grant him a natural sense for movement and reaction. Stein, on the other hand, possesses a natural genius for pattern recognition and abstract thought. Fused, their shared consciousness expresses a rare, intuitive creativity, a talent for perceiving energy, matter, and emotion as interconnected threads waiting to be shaped.[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color] [color=00aeef]T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=DARKGRAY][indent] This version of the Fantastic Four is far different from the normal family we all know and love. Rather than being brought together by an expidition gone awry, and using science to carve their path forward towards a brighter future, this group has a very different origin and goals. Each of them were negatively affected in some way by the multinational pharmaceutical and chemical organisation, Alchemax. To the world they are one of, if not the leading corporation behind anything ranging from makeup to cancer medication. Another faceless conglomerate whos name is ignored on every pill bottle and dialysis machine. However, to those who can get close enough to the truth without being silenced, they are much darker and nefarious. Patrick 'Eel' O’Brian was a small-time thief, a cat burglar and safe-cracker who made his living in the cracks between Mammoth Citys bigger fish. The one thing in his life he never expected was that his biggest score would come with a corporate contract. When Alchemax offered him a job to steal back some 'sensitive research documents' from a rival, the pay was too good to refuse. What they didn't mention was that the papers exposed Alchemax's own illegal experiments and cover-ups. After returning the documents to his employer he was shot, and disposed of in a chemical vat in an Alchemax factory, courtesy of the same corporation that hired him. He woke days later changed, his body melted and reformed into living plastic. Patrick O'Brian became something more than a man, he became [color=ed1c24]Plastic Man[/color] Alec Holland was a botanist and bio-chemist with a dream. To heal the world's dying ecosystems through synthetic biology. Alchemax promised him funding, resources, and freedom to pursue his 'bio-restoration formula.' What they didn't tell him was that his work would be repurposed into a weapon, a toxin meant to sterilize crop fields in conflict zones. When he discovered the truth, he tried to destroy the research. Instead, the lab exploded. Holland should've died that night. But something ancient and alive in the swamps pulled him back, merged him with the soil, the rot, the endless Green. He became something beyond human, a consciousness woven through the roots and water, merging with the plantlife around him and beyond. Now, [color=00a651]Swamp Thing[/color] haunts the edges of civilization, neither man nor monster. His body remembers fire, his soul remembers betrayal. And beneath the moss and mud, he feels Alchemax's corruption spreading, poisoning the world he has become part of. Ronnie Raymond never asked to be a hero. He just wanted to graduate, play football, and keep his mom from worrying about rent. But when his high school partnered with Alchemax for a 'future of energy; internship program, he jumped at the opportunity. The company promised a scholarship, hands-on training, and a chance to work with one of their lead physicists, the famed Professor Martin Stein. Neither of them realized that Alchemax's 'Project Firestorm' had ulterior motives. The project was meant to stabilize quantum energy harvested from dimensional tears into a new clean energy, free from the societal bias nuclear energy had. However, their intention was far from stabilizing this, they wanted to tear open the tears and built the reactor with this in mind. The reactor went critical, and Stein in an attempt to save Ronnie's life jumped in front of the blast. Instead of dying, they fused: two minds, one atomic body. The two became one, both consciousnesses existing within the same body. In the aftermath, Alchemax erased the records, declared Stein missing, and painted Ronnie as a reckless vandal. Now he's on the run, trying to keep the unstable nuclear force within him under control and trying to avoid Alchemax at all costs. Against their will, Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein became [color=fff200]Firestorm[/color] Zatanna Zatara grew up surrounded by smoke and mirrors. The daughter of a stage magician whose shows blurred the line between performance and true sorcery. To her, magic was a craft of illusion, sleight of hand, and timing. To her father, Giovanni, it was something far older and far more dangerous. She never understood why he warned her never to read from his black journal, or why he'd vanish for days under the guise of 'consulting work'. But for a girl who was living the dream of travelling the country doing magic, she knew better than to doubt a good thing. However, this all came to a head in her teenage years when her father went missing for good. She'd later come to the conclusion that he'd abandoned her, and moved in with her relatives to live a semi-normal life. Years later, she learned the truth. Giovanni had been contracted by Alchemax after one of their dimensional research experiments went wrong, a tear in reality opened during an attempt to weaponize extradimensional energy. They brought him in to 'contain the anomaly' but it was far more than a science problem. It was magic. Giovanni succeeded in sealing the being they had summoned, but it cost him his life. Alchemax covered it up, branding it a lab fire and erasing every trace of his involvement. After his death, Zatanna finally opened her father's old trunk she'd refused to look in since his disappearance, and found the journal. It was filled with backwards words, binding sigils, and sketches of the Alchemax sigil hidden inside magical circles. When she spoke one of those words aloud, the world changed: light bent, reality folded, rabbits began pouring out of every hat in the room. The illusions she had been practicing all her life became real. Now she travels the shadows between the seen and unseen, tracing the threads that connect Alchemax's experiments to the entity still imprisoned beneath their labs. Her father died sealing the door, Zatanna intends to be the one who opens it and makes them pay for what crawled through. To this end she has set out to find and connect those affected by Alchemax. Her name eponymously is [color=662d91]Zatanna[/color] and she intends to lead her [color=00aeef]Fantastic Four[/color] against injustice. [/indent][/COLOR] [INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color] [color=00aeef]P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=DARKGRAY][INDENT]As evident from my last application in [i]'Ultimate One Universe: Resistance'[/i], the traditional Fantastic Four are my favourite comic team, and Reed Richards might just be my favourite comic character. I really enjoyed writing a different take on them, but wanted to go for something a bit different in this roleplay. My thought process behind this is taking the idea behind the Fantastic Four and flipping it on its head entirely. The Fantastic Four are very science forward, they were given their powers by a freak experiment and solve a lot of their problems through the use of science. On top of this they are brought together by their familial bond, both in blood but also in love. They were family before their accident and brought closer together by it. This team is the complete inverse of that. They were all given their powers or at least affected in some way by science, yes. But science used for evil rather than good. A corporation bent on its own nefarious means that scarred each of them and took away their family and life. They chase down Alchemax not for altruistic reasons, but for selfish ones, they are out for revenge and I aim to tell a story about a revenge based on loss and how each of them grow and form a found family from this experience. As another reversal of the classic Fantastic Four concept, I aim to lean more towards the magic and mysticism of these characters rather than the cosmic science expiditions of Reed and the family. They are all relatively new to their powers, and haven't looked far into how they got them or what they mean for them. I want to explore The Green, Zatanna's 'homo-magi' lineage, the Firestorm Matrix, and maybe some other surprised for Plastic Man. I aim to have them roam and do battle with both the mystic and human enemies at Alchemax' disposal. I want to have them available either as a team, as a duo, or individually to be able to show up in others stories. I'm keen to collab as much as possible with this team and would love to get involved with others.[/INDENT][/COLOR][/cell][/row][/table][hr][/COLOR][/INDENT][hr][center][sup][color=darkgray][i]All formatting originates via the work of[/i] [color=248ffd][i]Lord Wraith[/i][/color][/color][/sup][/center][/hider] [HIDER=I, Vampire] [INDENT][COLOR=SLATEGRAY][CENTER][sup][h1][center][img]https://comicvine.gamespot.com/a/uploads/original/10/101435/2776795-i_vampire_0059.jpg[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] I, V A M P I R E [/color] [color=C7312C]I, V A M P I R E[/color][/center] [/b][/h1][/sup] [color=C7312C][sup][i]"Immortality's a poor trade for a good night's sleep."[/i][/sup][/color][/CENTER][table][row][/row][row][cell][center][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [color=C7312C]C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] [/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][img]https://comicvine.gamespot.com/a/uploads/original/3/31666/2815129-ivamp_cv14.jpg[/img] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color] [color=C7312C]C H A R A C T E R S U M M A R Y[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [sub][COLOR=darkgray]Andrew Bennett[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=darkgray]454 (Became a vampire in his early 20s)[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [COLOR=darkgray]Formerly engaged to Mary, Queen of Blood[/COLOR] [sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=darkgray]None[/COLOR] [b]|[/b] [COLOR=darkgray]English[/COLOR][/sub][/center] [indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color] [color=C7312C]N O T A B L E A B I L I T I E S & T O O L S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=C7312C] A B I L I T I E S[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=C7312C][b]◼ Vampiric Physiology[/b][/color] Andrew's body is frozen in the perfection and frailty of youth. He possesses immense strength, speed, and resilience, but his metabolism is entirely dependent on blood. Sunlight weakens, holy ground sickens, and fire leaves lasting scars. His regenerative capacity at it's peak allows him to heal near-instantly from mortal injury, though starvation drives him feral.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=C7312C][b]◼ Shapeshifting[/b][/color] Andrew can transform into a wolf, a bat, a swarm of bats, or living mist. He can also assume hybrid forms of any of these, growing claws and fangs like a werewolf, or sprouting bat wings to fly. These partial transformations grant him great power and mobility but demand precise control to keep his instincts in check.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=C7312C][b]◼ Psychic Abilities[/b][/color] Andrew posseses the power to sway other beings with only his words. However, he uses this sparingly, knowing every use blurs the line between restraint and predation and has not effectively used this on a human for many years now. Mainly this is used to sway animals to do his bidding, but also grants him latent telepathic abilities.[/color] [/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=C7312C] T O O L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=C7312C][b]◼ Eclipsaria[/b][/color] A long executioners sword of white steel with a square-cut tip and a narrow central groove. Within that channel lies a sealed vein of silver-mercury alloy that flares blue on contact with undead blood, disrupting regeneration and forcing vampiric tissue to burn to ash. [/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][indent][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color] [color=C7312C]N O T A B L E S K I L L S & T A L E N T S[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]_________________________________________________________[/sup] [INDENT][hider=][color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [indent][sub][b][color=C7312C] S K I L L (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=C7312C][b]◼ Master Swordsman[/b][/color] A master of European and Near Eastern swordsmanship, Bennett's technique blends centuries of martial evolution into a single efficient form. He wields his blade more as an extension of thought than muscle, favouring control and precision over brutality.[/color] [COLOR=darkgray][color=C7312C][b]◼ Occult Scholarship[/b][/color] Specifically relating to Vampirism, of course. He is most likely the foremost expert on Vampirism alive today. His research has also at times spilled over into adjacent fields such as demonology, necromancy, and alchemy, though his understanding of these is limited. Just enough to recognize patterns and terminology, but not enough to claim mastery or any sort of really proficient knowledge.[/color] [/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color] [/indent] [indent][sub][b][color=C7312C] T A L E N T (S)[/color][/b][/sub] [sup]▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [COLOR=darkgray][color=C7312C][b]◼ Intuitive Scholar[/b][/color] Andrew possesses an uncanny natural aptitude for learning and understanding complex subjects. Concepts that take others years to grasp come to him with startling ease, as though he recalls knowledge rather than acquires it. Whether it’s mastering languages, adapting to new forms of combat, or deciphering ancient tomes, Andrew’s mind seems built to absorb and synthesize information effortlessly[/color][/sup] [color=#2e2c2c]-[/color][/indent][/hider][/INDENT][/cell][cell][INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color] [color=C7312C]T H E S T O R Y S O F A R...[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=DARKGRAY][indent]Andrew Bennett was born in 1568 in England to a minor noble family of no great renown. His early life was comfortable, especially compared to those born outside of nobility. He was the second son of a wealthy family and as such faced no real pressure to get involved in any major affairs of the state. Instead he spent his times educating himself - religiously, philosophically, and culturally. He learned swordplay from any he could pay to teach him, but never with any intent to pick up a real sword. It was during his youth that he fell in love with Mary Seward, a servant girl in his household. The moment they met they were practically inseperable, but their affection could never grow outside of secrecy, a sin of the heart neither dared speak aloud. To marry a commoner would have been unheard of in those days. In 1591, driven by guilt and a yearning for spiritual truth, Andrew left England on pilgrimage. He hoped to reconcile his faith and his desires, to understand the divine line between life, death, and redemption. He also couldn't bear to be around Mary for any longer without confessing his feelings to her, and to avoid the reprecussions that came with that decided to relocate as far away as he could. Little did he know he'd face greater reprecussions for this decision than he ever could have imagined. During his travel, in a place forgotten by time and surrounded by ruins he met a strange wanderer. He would later learn this to be Cain, the first Vampire. Cain saw in Andrew the same hunger for meaning that had once doomed him. As punishment or gift, none could say, he passed his curse on to the young man. The transformation was torment; Andrew awoke no longer man but monster. At first, there was no control, no conscience - only an unquenchable thirst. He slaughtered without reason, feeding on pilgrims, thieves, priests, anyone unfortunate enough to cross his path. It took years of horror and self-loathing before he learned restraint. He came to see his curse as his penance. A divine task given to him from above, to shoulder such a burden so that others might be free from its pain. When he finally returned to England, he found Mary still in service of his family, now a woman grown, her beauty and gentleness unchanged. Consumed by longing and loneliness, he revealed himself to her. Against all wisdom, he offered her the gift he could never undo, believing love might redeem what damnation had taken. But Mary's heart, once pure, was twisted by the transformation. The hunger consumed her as it once had him, but she did not resist it, instead she revelled in it. In time, she gathered followers and became the Queen of Blood, while Andrew, horrified by what he had unleashed, dedicated his eternity to containing her and the plague she spread. Two decades ago, weary beyond words and believing his long war finally at its end, Andrew withdrew from the world and took refuge in an old Boston manor on the outskirts of the city, surrendering to a long sleep. He dreamed of nothing, expecting never to wake. Now he does. The world has changed, in both small and large ways. He remembers pieces of his life: his name, his curse, and the woman he damned. But he can feel something stirring in the darkness worse than anything he's faced before, something that has called him back. And though centuries have dulled his heart, Andrew Bennett rises once more - to atone, to battle, and to face the consequence of love eternal. [/indent][/COLOR] [INDENT][sub][sup][sub][h3][b][color=black] P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color] [color=C7312C]P L O T ( S ) & G O A L ( S )[/color][/b][/h3][/sub][/sup][/sub][/INDENT][sup]________________________________________________________________________________________[/sup] [COLOR=DARKGRAY][INDENT] I'm a big fan of vampires, especially the 'good' vampire we so rarely see in fiction. Recently I discovered the New 52 run of 'I, Vampire' and love it. I'd love to give my own spin on the Andrew Bennett story and use him as a travelling character to facilitate interaction with other players as much as I diegetically can. As much as his main enemies will be vampires, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night - I want to expand his influence outward to encounter less occult characters. Without spoiling anything, I of course want to go into a Vampire uprising plotline that would open up collabs for anyone who'd like to have their character deal with an outbreak, whether with or without Andrew to help. My main plot will be centred around his conflict with Mary, his former lover and someone he eternally tries to redeem. This will arch over into plotlines featuring all your favourite vampires - Deacon Frost, Dracula, and of course eventually Cain himself. Ultimately I want to tell a slightly darker and less light-hearted story to run alongside my Fantastic Four sheet. Andrew will be a very different character to any I have written before and I hope I can do such an underrated character justice. [/INDENT][/COLOR][/cell][/row][/table][hr][/COLOR][/INDENT][/hider][hr][center][sup][color=darkgray][i]All formatting originates via the work of[/i] [color=248ffd][i]Lord Wraith[/i][/color][/color][/sup][/center] [/hider]