rexgn
Baphomini
Crimson Flame
JewelSerket
Qia
shylarah
Randomness
Izurich
soren
Guardian Angel Haruki
Q U E N T I N B E C K ♦ E N G I N E E R ♦ N E W Y O R K C I T Y ♦ O S C O R P L A B S
C H A R A C T E R C O N C E P T:
"It's a lot easier to believe a lie than the truth, I find; so I weaponized that."
Quentin Beck originally became a noteworthy name when he had his start in Hollywood as a professional SFX Designer and occasional Actor and Stuntman. While no A-Lister celebrity by any means, he had a fairly lavish lifestyle and accrued impressive recognition for his acting talents and excellent displays of special effects in his projects. However, Beck grew bored of his endeavors on the big screen and sought out more challenging prospects, wishing to test his steadily growing engineering prowess.
Around 2008, Quentin put his talents to work at Stark Industries creating new weapons of war, namely focusing on drones and the potential applications of remotely-piloted devices for warfare. Admittedly, this work didn't always sit well with the young man, but he chose to keep his concerns on his work over his morals. This came to a head when he was 28, and the Chitauri made their global assault. He survived, but the experience shook Beck, now having a more clear image in mind when it came to the terrors of war, however brief it had been. He resigned from Stark Industries, finding himself unable to work under the circumstances. Taking his work with him, he left to pursue his craft with Oscorp Labs.
His delve into superheroism was quite recent. It had been a factor for his life for quite some time now, after the invasion, but something clicked in him when news of an armored crusader striking Stark Industries complexes started to become big news. It was only now, with his attention properly drawn, had Beck figured out just how popular these so-called 'heroes' were becoming; and truth be told, he was finding his life to be quite dull once more, after steady years of working in Oscorp. So, he decided he'd put on the biggest show he'd ever conceived; he, too, would become a caped crusader and garner all the fame he had craved as the enigmatic 'sorceror' MYSTERIO.
***
This variant of a classic villain is inspired by both his comic and film adaptations; an attempt to marry the two together as best I could. What Quentin always seemed to desire were recognition, and a way to keep things interesting in his life. This puts him through a variety of roles, from the charismatic and savvy SFX Designer and Actor/Stuntman, to the cool and practical Drone Engineer, to his current profession as a Technician and Engineer for Oscorp Labs. But when even that grows dull, what's the next best thing? Well, while it's an extreme leap for him, acting as a 'hero' isn't far from his wheelhouse due to his Hollywood days, and perhaps when the actor lives his role long enough...It might just become a part of him. He's far from noble for now, certainly; more in it for fame (and perhaps some fortune down the line), but perhaps our fishbowl-headed 'master magician' can find some real courage behind his false heroics.
He hasn't been active as a hero for long, but he's made a big splash due to his overwhelming showiness and abundant charm. Still, time will only tell if Beck can manage his new dual life or have it all crashing down on him from any angle; precarious, certainly...But exciting as well. It's sure to keep him entertained for a while, at least.
Quentin Beck originally became a noteworthy name when he had his start in Hollywood as a professional SFX Designer and occasional Actor and Stuntman. While no A-Lister celebrity by any means, he had a fairly lavish lifestyle and accrued impressive recognition for his acting talents and excellent displays of special effects in his projects. However, Beck grew bored of his endeavors on the big screen and sought out more challenging prospects, wishing to test his steadily growing engineering prowess.
Around 2008, Quentin put his talents to work at Stark Industries creating new weapons of war, namely focusing on drones and the potential applications of remotely-piloted devices for warfare. Admittedly, this work didn't always sit well with the young man, but he chose to keep his concerns on his work over his morals. This came to a head when he was 28, and the Chitauri made their global assault. He survived, but the experience shook Beck, now having a more clear image in mind when it came to the terrors of war, however brief it had been. He resigned from Stark Industries, finding himself unable to work under the circumstances. Taking his work with him, he left to pursue his craft with Oscorp Labs.
His delve into superheroism was quite recent. It had been a factor for his life for quite some time now, after the invasion, but something clicked in him when news of an armored crusader striking Stark Industries complexes started to become big news. It was only now, with his attention properly drawn, had Beck figured out just how popular these so-called 'heroes' were becoming; and truth be told, he was finding his life to be quite dull once more, after steady years of working in Oscorp. So, he decided he'd put on the biggest show he'd ever conceived; he, too, would become a caped crusader and garner all the fame he had craved as the enigmatic 'sorceror' MYSTERIO.
***
This variant of a classic villain is inspired by both his comic and film adaptations; an attempt to marry the two together as best I could. What Quentin always seemed to desire were recognition, and a way to keep things interesting in his life. This puts him through a variety of roles, from the charismatic and savvy SFX Designer and Actor/Stuntman, to the cool and practical Drone Engineer, to his current profession as a Technician and Engineer for Oscorp Labs. But when even that grows dull, what's the next best thing? Well, while it's an extreme leap for him, acting as a 'hero' isn't far from his wheelhouse due to his Hollywood days, and perhaps when the actor lives his role long enough...It might just become a part of him. He's far from noble for now, certainly; more in it for fame (and perhaps some fortune down the line), but perhaps our fishbowl-headed 'master magician' can find some real courage behind his false heroics.
He hasn't been active as a hero for long, but he's made a big splash due to his overwhelming showiness and abundant charm. Still, time will only tell if Beck can manage his new dual life or have it all crashing down on him from any angle; precarious, certainly...But exciting as well. It's sure to keep him entertained for a while, at least.
C H A R A C T E R N O T E S:
The Tech Crew - Quentin might be a technological genius on the levels of Tony Stark (his words), but even he understands the importance of a team...A tech team, that is. Gathering together old friends from his time in Hollywood and some disgruntled Stark employees who left after the disappearance of the titular man himself, Beck has formed a cohesive unit who aide him in selling the fantastical lie that is Mysterio. When he isn't out gallivanting as a caped crusader, they're also some of his closest (and only) friends.
Maguire (Terry) Beck - Quentin's cousin Terry is his closest confidant, sticking strong together from their early childhoods up to the present day. She was also the one to encourage Quentin's plans to try and become a superhero, going so far as to apply her skills in costume design for the project. She does however have lingering fears that her cousin may bite off more than he can chew eventually...
Vinnie Beck - Quentin's uncle and Terry's dad, Vinnie was always a supportive figure in young Beck's life where his father was not, and he holds a deep appreciation for the man. However, he and Maguire have both decided to keep him out of the loop of Mysterio for his own safety, should something occur.
Maguire (Terry) Beck - Quentin's cousin Terry is his closest confidant, sticking strong together from their early childhoods up to the present day. She was also the one to encourage Quentin's plans to try and become a superhero, going so far as to apply her skills in costume design for the project. She does however have lingering fears that her cousin may bite off more than he can chew eventually...
Vinnie Beck - Quentin's uncle and Terry's dad, Vinnie was always a supportive figure in young Beck's life where his father was not, and he holds a deep appreciation for the man. However, he and Maguire have both decided to keep him out of the loop of Mysterio for his own safety, should something occur.
1982 - Quentin is born in Riverside, California as the son of Elmore and Henrietta Beck.
1987 - Quentin's love for movies and special effects begins to grow, as does his relationship with his cousin, Maguire Beck. He is also given a movie camera by his uncle Vinnie to foster this interest.
1988-89 - Quentin begins learning quickly, making his own homemade movies alongside his cousin and practicing in stop-motion effects. His father believes that his son is wasting his time on these pursuits, and one night shatters the boy's gifted camera in a blind rage. However, this does not dissuade Beck.
1994 - After his father assaults both Beck and his mother in a drunk rage, the family is separated, with Quentin and Henrietta living with his cousins.
2002 - Completing his high school education, both Quentin and Terry attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where they develop technical knowhow that helps to solidify their future careers.
2003-2007 - For a time, Beck pursues his childhood dream of being a SFX Designer for high-end movies, and occasionally taking on the role of Actor and Stuntman. He garners interest due to his surprising skills as an Actor and promising performances as a Stuntman, but also his innovative creations for special effects. However, this eventually bores him as he moves on to new horizons, moving to New York City in search of opportunity.
2008-2010 - Quentin becomes an engineer for the infamous Stark Industries as a designer of drone crafts. While somewhere inside him he knows that this is wrong, he instead chooses to focus on his work over his morals, feeling vindicated in his work by the praise of fellow Stark employees.
2011-2020 - After the incident of the Chitauri Invasion, having been confronted by the horrors of war, Beck resigns from Stark Industries, instead joining a competitor in Oscorp Labs, eventually becoming their Chief Engineer.
2021-Today - Intrigued by the emergence of an ironclad superhero and coming to realize the growing popularity of these caped vigilantes, Quentin is struck by an incurable spark of creativity. Gathering together both trusted teammates and invaluable resources, he forms the heroic identity of the 'sorceror' Mysterio, striking out as a flashy cape-wearing hero of New York. He has gained a notable following due to his stylish nature and surprising efficacy.
1987 - Quentin's love for movies and special effects begins to grow, as does his relationship with his cousin, Maguire Beck. He is also given a movie camera by his uncle Vinnie to foster this interest.
1988-89 - Quentin begins learning quickly, making his own homemade movies alongside his cousin and practicing in stop-motion effects. His father believes that his son is wasting his time on these pursuits, and one night shatters the boy's gifted camera in a blind rage. However, this does not dissuade Beck.
1994 - After his father assaults both Beck and his mother in a drunk rage, the family is separated, with Quentin and Henrietta living with his cousins.
2002 - Completing his high school education, both Quentin and Terry attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where they develop technical knowhow that helps to solidify their future careers.
2003-2007 - For a time, Beck pursues his childhood dream of being a SFX Designer for high-end movies, and occasionally taking on the role of Actor and Stuntman. He garners interest due to his surprising skills as an Actor and promising performances as a Stuntman, but also his innovative creations for special effects. However, this eventually bores him as he moves on to new horizons, moving to New York City in search of opportunity.
2008-2010 - Quentin becomes an engineer for the infamous Stark Industries as a designer of drone crafts. While somewhere inside him he knows that this is wrong, he instead chooses to focus on his work over his morals, feeling vindicated in his work by the praise of fellow Stark employees.
2011-2020 - After the incident of the Chitauri Invasion, having been confronted by the horrors of war, Beck resigns from Stark Industries, instead joining a competitor in Oscorp Labs, eventually becoming their Chief Engineer.
2021-Today - Intrigued by the emergence of an ironclad superhero and coming to realize the growing popularity of these caped vigilantes, Quentin is struck by an incurable spark of creativity. Gathering together both trusted teammates and invaluable resources, he forms the heroic identity of the 'sorceror' Mysterio, striking out as a flashy cape-wearing hero of New York. He has gained a notable following due to his stylish nature and surprising efficacy.
Seeing as how Mysterio usually has a wheelhouse of tricks and traps, I've ironed it down a bit for his initial go; he'll develop some more fun tools down the line, and up his game as the stakes do, as well.
The Mysterio Suit - The suit itself isn't especially teched out (at least, not yet), because as of right now it's effectively a polyester/Kevlar hybridization, courtesy of his cousin Maguire. It's comfortable, yet durable; not tough enough to let him get gut-punched by a superhuman, but it can take a few bullets without compromising Beck's safety. Hopefully. The hands and feet are reinforced to allow him to pack a bit more punch than he naturally could, as well. Additionally, his helmet functions as a voice modulator, preventing him from being recognized as Quentin (and also adding a bit more style to the whole thing, of course).
Quentin's Industrial Illusion Drones - This version of Mysterio might not use hallucinogens or hypnotic voice modulators (though that one could be down the line, perhaps), but he does have some high-grade drones courtesy of...Well, himself. While armed as wartime drones, they also possess a few more specialized pieces of equipment, namely a cloaking field to prevent most forms of detection, and the ability to generate illusions via holograms. They are also equipped with some smaller grade stuff meant mostly for being flashy, such as the harmless green mist they emit to aid in the mystical presentation Mysterio puts forward.
SFX Artist/Actor - Beck is a master of make-up, special effects, mechanics, and physical stunt work, which has all aided him greatly in his time as Mysterio, which more often than not has been him effectively bludgeoning crooks into submission while they're distracted by his party tricks. His acting finesse has also allowed him to finely craft the persona of Mysterio, working wonders in his perception by the public.
The Mysterio Suit - The suit itself isn't especially teched out (at least, not yet), because as of right now it's effectively a polyester/Kevlar hybridization, courtesy of his cousin Maguire. It's comfortable, yet durable; not tough enough to let him get gut-punched by a superhuman, but it can take a few bullets without compromising Beck's safety. Hopefully. The hands and feet are reinforced to allow him to pack a bit more punch than he naturally could, as well. Additionally, his helmet functions as a voice modulator, preventing him from being recognized as Quentin (and also adding a bit more style to the whole thing, of course).
Quentin's Industrial Illusion Drones - This version of Mysterio might not use hallucinogens or hypnotic voice modulators (though that one could be down the line, perhaps), but he does have some high-grade drones courtesy of...Well, himself. While armed as wartime drones, they also possess a few more specialized pieces of equipment, namely a cloaking field to prevent most forms of detection, and the ability to generate illusions via holograms. They are also equipped with some smaller grade stuff meant mostly for being flashy, such as the harmless green mist they emit to aid in the mystical presentation Mysterio puts forward.
SFX Artist/Actor - Beck is a master of make-up, special effects, mechanics, and physical stunt work, which has all aided him greatly in his time as Mysterio, which more often than not has been him effectively bludgeoning crooks into submission while they're distracted by his party tricks. His acting finesse has also allowed him to finely craft the persona of Mysterio, working wonders in his perception by the public.
S A M P L E P O S T:
AGE OF MARVELS: Mysterio
ISSUE #1: Mirror Images
157th St. ♦ Queens, New York City
The biting chill of winter was coming full force this night, with a blanket of snow covering the busy streets of The Big Apple. However, something a bit more pertinent was occurring this night beyond the slow crawl of frost across windows. Abruptly, a group of armed thugs bust into a nearby convenience store, guns at the ready as their leader is quick to hold up the cashier. "Alright, lady! No funny business! Ya dump out the register, we snag what we please, and we're on our merry way for Christmas." Even underneath their mask, you could simply sense the smug grin from the man as the poor woman is left with little option but to comply.
However, this confidence was to be short-lived for the would-be crooks.
As if following right behind them, the doors slammed open once more, with a cloud of green mist flooding the entryway, gently gliding through the aisles. The petty thieves paused their criminal acts, their attention now turned to this strange phenomenon; even their leader, laser-focused as he had been mere moments before, turned away from the cashier. The woman took this chance, making a mad sprint for the exit. However, the head gunman and his trigger finger were too fast...
Fortunately, someone else was even faster.
What seemed to be a green barrier of some kind formed in front of her, guarding her from a hailstorm of bullets. "Well, that was just pointless. What exactly were you hoping to gain there?" With bravado in their steps, from out of the mysterious cloud emerged an unusual, almost alien figure. With an opaque glass dome on their head, vibrant green clothing, and a billowing purple cape, he made confident strides towards the lead gunner. The man had completely lost his target now, allowing the cashier to safely retreat. That should make things easier...
"Now, gentlemen, we can do this the easy way, or-" The figure found himself caught mid-sentence as a rain of lead hit him...Only for his form to puff away, as if made of smoke. If these thugs were confused before, they were now shaken; just what were they dealing with here?!
"Well, that was just plain rude."
The leader whipped around in a panic, but was only met with the resounding CRACK! of the figure's fist, having mysteriously manifested right behind him; he was out cold before he even hit the floor. The others took that que rather well, and began scurrying like the rats they were, darting to outside the store...Only to be confronted by another horrifying sight.
In front of them were nearly a half-dozen of the very same helmed vigilante that had just laid their boss out flat, with most of their menacingly floating overhead, and one standing right in front of them, arms crossed and posture clearly suggesting a sense of boredom. One of them, already flightier than the rest, had stumbled to the ground upon the sight, and could only squawk out a frightened response. "W-What the hell are you?!"
In unison, the figures laughed, and it felt as if it resounded across the entire street. They even spoke in unison, if only to compound the fears of these lowly crooks. "Us? We are the greatest sorcerer you shall ever know! But you may call us....Mysterio!" With a flourish from the ground-bound cape now known as Mysterio, another burst of green mist emerged, and only the shrill shrieks of the thugs could be heard in the cold dead of the night.
By the time all was said and done, the beaten and bludgeoned criminals were all rounded up, bound together in tight rope bindings; not the fanciest thing, but they got the job done. With a quick call to the NYPD to inform them of the incident, our glass-domed 'hero' took the chance to enter the convenience store once more. The cashier was long gone. No thanks for this job well done, of course...Still, he could take his own compensation. With a 10$ bill left behind as recompense, the enigmatic Mysterio left the scene...With a box of store-brand glazed donuts in tow.
Soon enough, Mysterio had arrived at a small warehouse being rented out by Oscorp's Chief Engineer, one Quentin Beck. What could he want with such a locale? Well, that became clear when he stepped inside, revealing an elaborate set-up; six individuals were hard at work, piloting drones, watching feed from micro-cams, prepping special effects remotely, and more. Indeed, these individuals, too, were part of Mysterio. As was the man behind the helmet.
Entering his self-owned lair, the 'sorcerer' removed his spherical helm, revealing none other than Quentin Beck himself, a smug grin on his face as he hoisted the box of sugary delights overhead. "Brought some spoils of war! C'mon, enough of staring at blue monitors for a night." His fellow creators were all too happy to oblige, putting their work aside for the moment to hail a night well fought. "You were great out there, Quentin! That entrance you planned was great, and the finale? Wow. Just wow." Victoria Snow was quick to congratulate him, but he shrugged it off. "Nonsense. Wouldn't have been possible without you; you're becoming an ace when it comes to those drones, and that save on the cashier? Couldn't have done it better myself."
From that point on, it became a storm of compliments both to and from Beck for everyone's efforts as they cheekily watched the footage from tonight's brawl. The Mysterio that had initially entered the store? Not even the real him; just a drone feigning him with some fancy holograms and a voice synthesizer. Like hell Quentin was just gonna wander headfirst into a gunfight. Same with that barrier trick; it was just the drone taking the shots, but the important thing was that the crooks bought it. And the big finale outside? More of the same; drones taking on his likeness as an intimidation factor. Though he was actually there, as the sole Mysterio on foot. It was risky, but it was worth it to really sell the ending. The mist? Well, it is actual mist, just not magical in any sense; the drones are simply loaded with some canisters they can vent at will. Granted, the finishing stunt means they'd need to restock sooner than later...Oh, and as for how all those grunts actually got laid out? Well, simply put...The drones just full-body smashed into them. Thankfully they were built sturdy...For the drones, that is. Those guys might have a few fractures.
So, with stale-sweet store-brand pastries in hand, Quentin and his tech crew celebrate another job well done. Tomorrow would be another day as the 'sorcerer' Mysterio, but for now? For now, they could sit back and relax.
P O S T C A T A L O G:
