MysticSquirrel

Well this was a fine, strange mess. He'd hardly been at Claremont for a few hours and already spirits of nature were looking to meet him alone in some secluded woodland area! Caught in the middle between his own curiosity surrounding this bizarre Dryad business and Riley's heated outburst, Lee was precariously placed in a perilous predicament. At least Cathy shed some light on the matter, but even still, Lee was leery to poke the obviously agitated fella with an axe about the nature of his association with... well, with nature, it seemed, even if every instinct told him to do otherwise. Perhaps later, once things simmered down. "Thanks, Kyle! I'll totally check it out later," Lee finally finagled out, fishing the card out from between Kyle's fingers as politely, delicately and -- above all -- as quickly as he could muster, stuffing the coordinates alongside his half-crumpled brochure already crowding his pocket. Guess it looked like he'd be making plans for a clandestine midnight rendezvous sooner than he'd expected! "So, uh... yeah! How 'bout that tour? Maybe hit the cafeteria along the way?" continued the squirrely young boy, desperate to move the conversation along as his eyes drifted between the assembled trio. "We're totes down for some extra company, Kyle."

"Well that just makes it sound even radder!" addended Lee with a solid nod at the description provided by his guides, whilst simultaneously shrugging off Riley's apology for his curiosity. "Seriously. How could anyone call a team that punches godlike-whatevers in the face lame?!" Before Lee could segue into Riley's next question, another new face entered the room -- this one sporting a message just for Lee! With a telltale swish of his tail, he could only imagine what was so important that someone would be sent to pass the word on. Maybe Miss Summers was skipping the return visit? Maybe it was about his new roommate? Perhaps, still, it revolved around his pending curriculum! "And I'm Lee," the squirrely youth added in tandem to Cathy's greeting, hoisting a jovial wave towards the newcomer. "So, what's up?"

Heyo! Do you like free stuff? Do you like vidja games? Do you like free vidja games?! Of course you do! Here, take this extra stuff I've just got lying around and can't do anything with, and give said stuff a good home. Just give me a poke with what you want, and I'll shoot it to you via PM or whathaveyou. Free Games!

"Nice to meetcha! I'm Fox Squirrel!" replied the young squirrely lad bedecked in brown-and-red, tail swishing briskly as he greeted the astoundingly tall woman and the other heroic comrades now assembled amidst this strange menagerie. With the cavalry arriving and the remaining patrons more or less out of harm's way, and with Fox Squirrel's own furry lil' pals beginning to converge into fewer yet larger gaggles to fend off the remaining avian offenders, the chipper teen hero could breathe a sigh of relief. While he wasn't exactly sure what a Corvid was, Lee nevertheless gave the giantess an affirmative nod before he shifted his gaze towards the massive flock perched among the grassy landscape in front of the nearby manor, an eerie chill creeping up his spine as the flock bored a hole straight through him -- straight into his soul -- with their beady little eyes. "Maybe. Also, they're totally creepy. I mean... I swear those crows are just staring at us," Fox Squirrel continued, rubbing the goosebumps prickling up on his bare arm with the tips of his fingers, replete with a shudder. "That can't be normal around here."

"Lucky me, I guess. Can't wait to meet the guys who stayed!" Plopping the bags down with a decided measure of relief, Lee turned his focus back to Riley, smile unwavering at his newfound compatriots' inquiry into what sparkling conversationalists squirrels must be. "Oh, y'know. Typical squirrel stuff," said the equally squirrely kid nonchalantly, as if he'd heard this same question a thousand times, yet still managed to retain that unerring air of chipperness. "What kind of nuts they like, where to get said nuts, the best trees to hide those nuts in, how funny it is to throw nuts at things. Stuff like that. Back home the squirrels were nice enough to let me know when they saw some weirdo in a costume doing things they weren't supposed to be doing, but I'll have to win over some new squirrel buddies out here before they start trusting me like that I bet," Lee rambled on, enthusiasm spilling over despite his best endeavors to remain cool. "But hey, never underestimate that squirrely spirit! You'd be surprised what those little guys can do." It was Cathy and Riley's discussion of a team name and its degree of coolness, however, that'd instantly managed to pique Lee's interest. "What's Young Freedom?" he inquired, his naivete and curiosity instantaneously making themselves noticeable as he shifted his gaze between the two guides. "And why would people think it's lame? That name sounds totally rad for a team!"

Fox Squirrel New Squirrel on Campus - 5 posts Unkindness, Conspiracy, and Murder - 1 post 5 + 1 = 6 posts

Back in Summers' office, the pending return vis-a-vis his academics left an all too familiar pit in Lee's stomach, the mere suspense more than enough to instill a modicum of nervousness within him. But that nervousness, though practically palpable, stayed right there in that office as he made his exit, relieved to be reunited with his de-facto tour guides outside. For a moment there's the telltale hint of dread on the squirrelish young man's face, but just as quickly as it made itself evident it evaporated into an unrepentant display of unnatural sunniness. "It's okay," Lee laughed with a smile, both in response to Riley's query and Cathy's chastisement as he saddled up alongside them bags in-hand, giving his most noteworthy feature a casual flick and swish for dramatic effect. "People ask me, like, all the time about my tail. But hey, it makes an awesome conversation starter, so it totally works out!" Lee brimmed enthusiastically. "But nah, I don't turn into a giant squirrel or anything like that. I've always had a tail. Runs in the family," he continued, discussing his appendage as casually as one might the weather. "I just have squirrel-like powers, so it comes with the package: agility, teeth, claws, the works. Oh, and I talk to squirrels," stated Lee, the last bit rather nonchalantly. "Probably way less awesome than what you guys can do or, y'know, what I guess most of the students here have going on." Clapping his hands awkwardly, Lee shifted his gaze between his newfound peers, eagerness rife on his face. "Alright! So, how 'bout that campus tour? I want the whole shebang, not just the basic walk. But, uh, maybe you could show me to the dorms first? Bags full of clothes are surprisingly heavy!"

"Oh, man. That's a relief. That I can keep at it, I mean," Lee nervously laughed again, relaxing both his shoulders and in his seat a little too much. For some reason he'd expected this conversation to go completely one-eighty in direction, with Miss Summers abruptly shutting down any notion of superheroic activity until graduation. It took him a moment to realize just how unprofessional it must have seemed to suddenly begin slouching in front of Claremont's deathly serious headmistress before affixing his posture rapidly to avoid further embarrassment, noticeably unnerved by the woman's piercing gaze and accompanied by a sharp clearing of his throat. "That's really the only big question I had, Miss Summers. Ran into these folks, Cathy and Riley, and they said they'd give me the grand tour and stuff. Pretty sure I can manage from here between em'."

Perfectly content to follow along with Cathy and Riley to the Administrative Building to meet both his benefactor and (hopefully) benevolent overlord, young Lee was absolutely livid with excitement. He'd been on campus for less than an hour and so far, Claremont had proved to be the single weirdest place Lee'd been to yet. In an equally weird measure, he was grateful for that! Back home he'd always felt alienated amongst his peers. In comparison to a super-chill girl and a guy who hides in trees and carries a hatchet, he had to admit he was suddenly feeling a little more normal by comparison! Still, they seemed like nice enough people, and besides, what's a little weirdness between prospective friends, right? At their arrival, Lee dropped his bags off outside the door before heading in to meet Miss Summers, plopping into the plush chair at her behest after reciprocating the middle-aged woman's surprisingly fierce handshake. It wasn't her brevity or her directness that unnerved the boy, but the inquest. There were, of course, a million questions he wanted to ask Callie Summers -- but perhaps that was expected, given both his newfound home and the rare opportunity presented to him. But there was one that burned brighter than any other and, perhaps, it was a question best left unasked. Yet Lee felt he had to ask anyway, even if it meant metaphorically shooting himself in the foot. "So, uh..." he began, his fingers and tail in a synchronized dance of nervousness. "So I know I'm here to get an education, and that Claremont's got a pretty unique student body. That's very cool, and I'm totally jazzed just to be here! Really!" he continued honestly, accompanied with a side-dish of nervous laughter, "But... but let's say I'm interested in continuing to pursue more hands-on extracurricular stuff. What's the official, y'know, stance on that exactly?"

Fox Squirrel may not have been a superhero for very long, but until this point he'd thought he'd seen some strange things in his brief tenure. Oh, sure, back home there'd been plenty of costumed weirdos, but this? This was something he could never have expected. Heck, he'd hardly believed it himself when the squirrels came calling, their worrisome chitter-chatter afire with fear and awe that the birds had gone nuts. But here he was, the squirrels' wild stories all but confirmed as Lee stood garbed in his heroic raiment, perched atop a distant rooftop as he looked to the darkened skies. Even from this distance the whirlwind of avian activity engulfing North Bay's manors was enough to send a shiver down the squirrely hero's spine. Whatever fear the clarion cry of the birds might have instilled within him were quickly replaced by the more plaintive of the populace below, their siren song of endangerment more than enough of a catalyst to spur Fox Squirrel into action! With a quick clawed clamber and a bounding leap, Fox Squirrel launched himself from the roof to the urban jungle below, utilizing the cityscape below to traverse his way towards the panicked scene. Swinging from street lamps and bouncing off of parked cars, the acrobatic rodent-themed hero sped his way rapidly towards the fear-riddled homes in a flurry of natural athleticism, a faithful entourage of his tiny furry friends hot on his heels as they reached the epicenter of this bizarre bird-battered Bay. While putting a stop to the eerie flock was certainly up there on the list, first thing was first: Fox Squirrel had to get these civilians out of harm's way. "Everyone stay calm! Help's here!" shouted the young hero over the caws and clamor of the denizens in peril in a vain attempt at restoring some semblance of hope. There were so many -- like a menagerie gone amok! While the smaller birds might be a nuisance, it was the larger ones that were a genuine menace, and though Lee was no tactician, even he knew he couldn't be everywhere at once. He needed a plan or, preferably, some backup; since he was terrible at the former and lacking in the latter, it was time for Plan B. "Get somewhere safe! We'll try and hold em' off!" cried Fox Squirrel again in desperation. He couldn't be everywhere at once, true, but he was hardly ever alone. Steeling himself for the inevitable, Fox Squirrel let slip the squirrels of war with a vibrant "Chkk-chkk-ckkkt!" Like clockwork, his faithful miniature pals took to the field, assembling in teams between the birds of prey and their intended human victims, ready to intercede and protect the denizens -- and their home! -- from the invading felonious flock!

Claremont was certainly full of surprises, what with kids plopping from the sequestered boughs of trees and all! Had Riley not announced his presence, no doubt Lee would've been wholly startled - who hides in trees like that anyway?! Never one to balk at the sight of oddities, however, Lee rolled with the unorthodox introduction like a champ, returning the young man's firm handshake while mustering a wholehearted "Likewise! I'm Lee," accompanied by all the vim and friendliness such a warm welcome ought to be repaid with. "Pfft. I'll be the judge of who's cool or not," winked the squirrely teen playfully in response to Cathy's opinion of the clique status quo, replete with a joyous flick of his own over-sized tail, barely repressing the urge to make a chilly pun out of politeness. "So what are we doing just standing around here? I can't wait to get settled in and see what else this place has goin' on!" Lee prattled on excitedly, ever the perpetual lil' ball of positivity.

"Oh. Oh, totally. That'd be great, Cathy! Thanks!" brimmed Lee with earnest enthusiasm and unbridled casualness, shuffling his bags full of clothing and other such necessities again as he returned Cathy's smile, trying hard to ignore the chill settling between the sharply contrasted duo. "If it's not too much trouble, I'll take all the help I can get."

Claremont Academy, Main Gates Friday, Late Afternoon, March 4th, 2016 Where many of Claremont's future alumni arrived in a fanfare of activity and a whirl of commotion, Lee Young's was much more surreptitiously serendipitous. He'd arrived not unlike anyone who'd just traveled from the opposite side of the country, both jet-lagged and weary when the nondescript taxi had finally deposited him outside the entrance of Claremont Academy, easily recognizable from the colorful brochure provided to him a week prior and still stuffed in his jean pocket. Dressed in a humble red flannel shirt and jeans that had already begun to fade and toting both a hefty looking backpack and matching duffel bag, that same measure of weariness was soon replaced by undiluted excitement at finally having arrived. With childlike mirth, the young man's obvious squirrel-like tail was unabashedly aflutter as he took in the grandiose scope that was Claremont Academy with an unparalleled sense of wide-eyed wonderment. This was a whole new world for Lee, and the idea of having genuine peers rather than being that one weirdo who talked to squirrels in school was as refreshing an idea as it was an earnestly heartwarming prospect. But before he could get to shmoozing and settling in, he had to figure out where exactly he was supposed to check in. The brochure only covered so much, and Claremont Academy was, after all, a big campus -- bigger than any Lee had ever seen, that was for sure! Peering about, there were plenty of students carousing about the campus, meandering here-and-there in groups or about on their own. Never one to balk from a golden opportunity, this was the perfect chance for Lee to kill two birds with one stone... y'know, metaphorically speaking. "Excuse me!" cried the squirrely teenager as he trotted over, his face an energetic testament of sunshine and good vibes even as he shouldered the burgeoning bags across his shoulders and fished out the modestly crumpled Claremont Academy brochure from his pocket. "Hi! My name's Lee. I'm supposed to see Miss Summers about my enrollment, and I was wondering if you might be able to give me some directions."

Super! I'm totally down for some action a la The Birds!

If this is still a thing, I rather like the idea of tossing Fox Squirrel into the fray with Plague Rat or the Matriarch, provided there's still some interest there.

Saving the day with an army of tiny felt squirrels? All of my yes!

I surely did. Glad you caught that. Should be fixed now

Fox Squirrel Power Level: 10 (150/151PP) Unspent Power Points: 1 Trade-Offs: +5 Attack / -5 Damage, +5 Defense / -5 Toughness In Brief: Chipper squirrel-themed legacy hero trying to keep the long-running tradition alive. Catchphrase: Squirrel puns! Alternate Identity: Lee Young (Public) Birthplace: San Francisco, California Residence: Claremont Academy, Freedom City Base of Operations: Claremont Academy Occupation: Amateur Crimefighter, Full-Time Student Affiliations: Claremont Academy, The Squirrel Family Family: Michael Young (Father, 42, Artistic Educator and Totally Normal Guy), Lauren “Squirreletta” Young (Mother, 41, Health Instructor and Public Superheroine), Addison Young (Sister, 13, Sassy Squirrel Supportée), Jacky “The Iron Squirrel” Johnson (Grandfather, 71, Eccentric Engineer and Retired Hero) Description: Age: 16 (DoB: December 31, 1999) Apparent Age: 16 Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5’7” (1.7m) Weight: 155 Lbs. (71kg) Eyes: Green Hair: Brown Athletically lean, robust, but a little on the short side in comparison to his old man, Lee is a young man in the prime of his life. Having inherited his father’s naturally good looks, he’s not too shabby to look at, boasting sharp features, dark green eyes, and a warm sun-kissed glow to his skin alongside a smattering of small freckles crossing the bridge of his nose. Sporting a matching mop of thick chocolate brown hair swept back with a devil-may-care attitude, Lee could almost fit the bill for the stereotypical West Coast surfer. But for all the talk of his physique, Lee’s most defining trait is also certainly the most eye-catching: his massive, prehensile squirrel-like tail. Though normally curled neatly at the end to prevent any unfortunate accidents, there’s no hiding the brown-and-black be-speckled fur-covered appendage, as it’s nearly as large as the young fella it’s attached to -- a distinctive feature that many of his own relatives share to varying degrees. Outside of the whole being-a-superhero business, Lee’s most often found dressed in casual, easy-going styles consisting of bright colors: multi-hued tees, acid washed jeans, the occasional bandanna, so on and so forth. In rare circumstances, Lee might be convinced to put on something with a little more pizzazz, though he’d hardly be happy about such things; there’s just something about ties and dress shoes that make his skin crawl. Though not always in costume when Lee goes to work with his hero shtick, you know he’s serious when he dons the attire of Fox Squirrel, hero extraordinaire. The last gift his family gave to him before his trip to Freedom City, it’s an outfit both simple yet masterful in its construction, consisting of a fetching (and flexible!) red-and-brown pleather costume, the upper portion a short-sleeved getup emblazoned with a stylish squirrel motif upon the left breast, replete with a hood and matching sewn-on ears, while the lower portion is a matching set of flexible pants leading to a pair of black-dyed boots, allowing for both maximum mobility and coverage. A humble black domino mask, wrist-length fingerless black gloves, and a practical utility belt complete the heroic ensemble. History: In a world where men can fly, some stiffs get all the luck. Lee Young was one such fortuitous individual. Raised in the sprawling metropolis of San Francisco, Lee led a positively (albeit strangely) charmed life. Though his family wasn’t particularly wealthy, it seemed like he otherwise had everything: loving parents, a plucky little sister to keep him on his toes, an unprecedentedly upbeat attitude, an astounding aptitude for making friends, and the innately proportionate powers of a squirrel -- the latter traits of which he proudly inherited from his super-awesome mom, with a strong emphasis on the ‘super’ bit. For you see, while Lee’s father might have been of the mild-mannered variety, the other side of his family were anything but! Growing up with superpowers of their own, Lee and his younger sister Addison were exposed to a life that might as well have been torn straight from the script for a Saturday morning cartoon. Though affable scamps at heart, it was no secret that the aptly dubbed Squirrel Kids were born with inherent gifts beyond the norm. Between their preternatural affinity for chatting up squirrels, heightened senses and physical abilities, and large, furry tails, Addison and Lee could have easily ended up the poster children for mutant outcasts amongst their peers, feared and admonished for their freakishly inhuman characteristics; and perhaps that’s what would have happened, were it not for the fact they were heirs to a long line of similarly squirrely sorts, not to mention a locally lovable heroine to boot! Though his grandfather, Jacky “The Iron Squirrel” Johnson, might have faded from the limelight of gritty heroics at the edge of the late Eighties, it was Lee’s mother that was something of a local celebrity, and the driving inspiration for Lee to follow in the family tradition. Lauren “Squirreletta” Young wasn’t the strongest, the fastest, or the toughest heroine around, but between serving as something of a public face and talented networker for other local up-and-coming heroes throughout San Francisco and her earnest dedication towards keeping the everyman safe with her patented brand of squirrelish justice she more than earned her share of modest admiration. It was her most endearing tenant, however, that Lauren tried so hard to instill in her children that solidified Lee’s drive to embrace the lifestyle of a costumed protector: that everyone should use their gifts to make the world a better place, not because they could, but because they should. That was the kind of person Lee wanted to be -- someone who could inspire people to get out there and make a difference. And what better way than to follow in his mother’s footsteps? It came as no great surprise to his folks when Lee began to make it clear he intended to don cape and cowl, eager to keep the century-old tradition going strong with all the vim and vigor youth so often entails. Though reluctantly supportive, his father was more than a tad concerned about his oldest teenaged son dressing up and trawling the streets of San Francisco to look for trouble. Then again, he knew what he was getting into when he married Lauren, whom sat at the other end of the spectrum after some earnest prodding to earn her approval. Lee was earnest in his intent, and unswayable by both the prospect of the dangers entitled to such a career and the inevitable trials that would follow. In his heart he knew this was what he needed -- was destined -- to do, and nothing short of Armageddon would see him deterred from fulfilling that role. And thus the cycle continued. By day, Lee was the amiably weird kid who talked to squirrels with too many extracurricular activities under his belt. By night, however, he was the amiably weird costumed crimefighter-in-training Fox Squirrel, Squirreletta’s newest sidekick and protege! With his mother’s tutelage, a repertoire of steadfast allies to call upon thanks to Squirreletta’s extensive retinue of contacts, and his own natural (albeit raw) abilities, Fox Squirrel took to the superheroic lifestyle with astounding aplomb for his age. From foiling common criminals and typical rescue situations, to facing off against the bizarre C-List gaggle of would-be super-villains trying to make a name for themselves, they made quite the team, taking the crime-ridden streets of San Francisco by storm. This was the life Lee had always wanted, and no words could describe how enthusiastic he was about just how right it all felt. But even so, it wasn’t all sunshine and gumdrops. Sure, he had the greatest mentor he could have hoped for, got to put a stop to ne’er-do-wells, and protect the good people of the city from the dangers that lurked therein, but he also discovered first hand the pressures that came with such responsibility. Even before he started his costumed co-op with his mom, Lee had led a full-time social life at school, and was now straining to keep up, struggling to balance his newfound duties as a hero-in-training alongside his academic and extracurricular obligations. It certainly didn’t help that he lacked the shield of a secret identity; already a rarity amidst his friends and peers, Lee’s crime-fighting antics and exposure to the limelight only served to make his life at school more difficult, the mounting pressure serving as a constant reminder that all eyes were upon him and that he had no escape from the barrage of hangers-on, sycophantic compatriots, and the the weight of their scrutinizing gaze -- the latter fact which he tried emphatically to keep secret from his own family, fearful of being stripped of his new costumed career. What Lee didn’t know was that it wasn’t just the locals who’d had their eye on him. Unbeknownst to him, far off on the other side of the country, someone else had taken a vested interest in the up-and-coming Fox Squirrel and his nightly escapades. It wasn’t long after his sixteenth birthday when Lee arrived home from school one day, only to be met by a sharp-dressed middle-aged woman and his parents sitting in the living room. The mystery woman -- a representative of a school called Claremont Academy located in the all-too-famous Freedom City -- had flown out to investigate the juvenile rising star and make an offer of enrollment to their “unique academic institute for the gifted.” Careful to make it clear that she was fully aware of both the costumed goings-on (hardly a secret, really) and academic woes (a much more shocking revelation for his folks) Lee was partaking in, the charismatic counselor was also quick to point out the benefits of attending: an opportunity to learn from some of the best professionals in their respective fields, not to mention a rare chance to live with and amongst his own peers; people who shared similarly “unique talents,” as she delicately put it. Though apprehensive about leaving home at first, it didn’t take much for his parents to persuade him to take up the offer -- after all, how often does someone travel across the country to give you a scholarship to a school for kids with superpowers? Eventually, Lee settled and accepted, embracing this new possibility to study abroad and see what Freedom City had to offer. With a heartfelt goodbye, Fox Squirrel left his slice of home behind for the superpowered mecca of the United States, both scared and excited about the new life waiting for him at Claremont Academy. Little did he know that a new school wasn’t the only adventure in store for him out on the horizon... Personality & Motivation: Approachable. Creative. Enthusiastic. Spirited. Upbeat. These are all apt descriptors of Lee Young, AKA Fox Squirrel. At his core, Lee is a simple soul who genuinely believes in the idea of making the world a better place for everyone, whether that be through patrolling the streets and making them safer or simply inspiring others to be the best they can be. Unflappably optimistic and unflinchingly cheerful, this squirrel-themed would-be hero leads follows his heart first and his head second, and always seems to find a silver lining in even the darkest of clouds whilst unwaveringly striving to instill that same infectious measure of confidence in others. If ever there was a motto for which Fox Squirrel ascribed to, it would undoubtedly be “teamwork makes the dream work.” Lee strongly believes that cooperation and camaraderie are the keys to success, and that no matter how strong or smart or charismatic someone is, no sole individual can make the same significant, lasting impact that a like-minded group can; a trait he undoubtedly picked up from his mother and his fellow squirrel pals. The team always comes first, and if that means he has to take one for said team, then so be it! What he lacks in academic know-how Lee more than makes up for with a combination of spunky determination and peculiar cleverness. At his heart, Fox Squirrel is a go-getter; someone who tackles problems perhaps not in the most optimal manner, but tackles them nonetheless with the earnest intent to do the right thing. He may not be pragmatic, but at least he’s creative. For all his outward bravado and seeming self-confidence, Lee isn’t without his faults. He’s brash, impulsive, and too eager to put himself in danger, especially given his meager modicum of experience in comparison to veteran heroes. Deep down, though? Deep down, he’s terrified. Terrified of failing as a hero. Terrified of getting someone hurt. But most profoundly, he’s terrified of letting down his family, tarnishing the good -- albeit unsung -- reputation they worked so hard to secure for themselves and becoming the proverbial black squirrel. Living up to such a lengthy legacy isn’t easy, and the weight of that burden is a constant reminder that pushes Lee to a degree of mild recklessness. Powers & Tactics: While Fox Squirrel has had a measure of training against garden-variety crooks and mooks, he still relies almost entirely on his innate abilities and natural talents to see him through the day. His skills are potent, but also raw and unrefined despite his apprenticeship to Squirreletta, and though a capable combatant in his own right, Fox Squirrel always prefers to try and talk down criminals first before letting the fur fly, so to speak. After all, why solve problems with violence when you can solve problems with peace? What he lacks in tactical acumen he more than makes up for with said abilities. Naturally agile and hard to hit, Fox Squirrel favors getting in close to use his fists and claws to disable opponents while relying on his witty banter and tail-turned-dueling-cloak to provide openings when diplomacy fails. Befuddling and causing disharmony amongst his opponents is usually his first recourse, hurling childish taunts and cutting diatribe to offset his foes before going in for the coup de grâce. While a surprisingly durable brawler himself, Fox Squirrel’s most potent ability is his astounding aptitude for teamwork, especially with his trusty squirrel pals. Oh, sure, the idea of a horde of squirrels sounds comical at first -- laughable, even! -- but when the going gets tough, the tough get squirrely, and boy is Fox Squirrel one squirrely fella. Though loathe to endanger his furry friends without due cause, Lee knows the secrets to coordinating their efforts, honed through practice and executed with surprising aplomb. Capitalizing on their smaller size and innate affinity for running both interference and providing him ample opportunities to catch villains (especially those who don’t take the threat of his squirrels seriously!) off-guard, nothing turns the tide of a super-powered dispute quite like a hail of teeth and claws and obnoxious furry things clinging to your opponent's face before getting sucker-punched by a guy dressed up like a squirrel. Power Descriptions: (Descriptors: Animal, Mutant) Aside from the incredibly obvious tail he sports and the chit-chatty Squirrelese he uses to communicate with his miniature compatriots, most of Fox Squirrel’s talents are fairly subdued, only noticeable upon close scrutiny, such as his claws or unusually sharp teeth designed for cracking nuts. When he calls upon his brigade of squirrels, upon inspection it’s clear that Lee requires a measure of concentration to keep them all in-line and organized, regardless of whether he does so vocally or through the mental connection he shares with them. Complications: Free-Range Squirrel: Away from home for the first real time in his life, Lee has been given a distinct measure of independence both as a teenager and as a budding hero. There’s a lot of temptation out there, and even Lee sometimes can’t resist its siren call. While he might not intentionally do something criminal, there’s certainly plenty of opportunities to get himself into trouble out there in the big city... Legacy of the Squirrel: The latest scion to take up the squirrely mantle, Lee has a lot to live up to, and that’s a lot of pressure for a sixteen-year-old kid. As if that wasn’t enough, it also paints him as a big, fat target for all of his family’s enemies -- and anyone else looking to make a name for themselves! -- now that he’s isolated from their protection. Not-So-Secret Squirrel: Most superheroes have the benefit of anonymity outside of their costumed lives. Lee, on the other hand, has a mother and grandfather who were open about their superheroic careers, has a giant tail that’s nearly impossible to hide, and is himself a known hero himself (albeit sparsely). He’s destined to attract attention, for good or ill, and may as well forget about ever having any true semblance of privacy. Tough Shell, Good Nut: Everyone makes mistakes, and deserves a chance at redemption; at least that’s what Fox Squirrel believes. Though not gullible, his earnest desire to see criminals renounce their villainous ways is more than just idealistic -- it’s exploitable! Truth, Justice, and the Squirrely Way: Being a superhero isn’t just about whomping on weirdos in funky get-ups. It’s about being an icon; something people can rally behind and believe in. This was the idea cemented in Lee’s head as a boy, and it sure stuck. Young, brash, and boasting some pretty romanticized views about being a superhero, Fox Squirrel strives to live up to that lofty ideal of being that symbol for the people, a feat that's easier said than done; doubly so when the line between right and wrong isn’t always so black-and-white. Abilities: 10 + 14 + 6 + 0 + 8 + 8 = 46PP Strength: 20 (+5) Dexterity: 24 (+7) Constitution: 16 (+3) Intelligence: 10 (+0) Wisdom: 18 (+4) Charisma: 18 (+4) Combat: 10 + 10 = 20PP Initiative: +7 (+7 Dex) Attack: +5 Base, +15 Unarmed, +15 Blast Defense: +15 (+5 Base, +10 Dodge Focus), +2 Flat-Footed Grapple: +10 Knockback: -1, -3 w/o Defensive Roll Saving Throws: 3 + 3 + 2 = 8PP Toughness: +5 (+3 Con, +2 Defensive Roll) Fortitude: +6 (+3 Con, +3) Reflex: +10 (+7 Dex, +3) Will: +6 (+4 Wis, +2) Skills: 32R = 8PP Acrobatics 3 (+10) Skill Mastery Bluff 7 (+11/+15 Attractive) Skill Mastery Diplomacy 2 (+6/+10 Attractive) Gather Information 1 (+5) Handle Animal 1 (+5) Knowledge [Pop Culture] 5 (+5) Notice 6 (+10) Skill Mastery Perform [Dance] 1 (+5) Perform [Keyboard] 1 (+5) Perform [Sing] 1 (+5) Sense Motive 1 (+5) Speak Language 1 (English [Native], Spanish) Stealth 3 (+10) Skill Mastery Feats: 39PP Attack Specialization [Unarmed] 5 Attractive Beginner’s Luck Challenge [Fast Feint] Defensive Attack Defensive Roll Distract [Bluff] Dodge Focus 10 Evasion Inspire 5 Jack-of-All-Trades Luck 3 Move-By Action Power Attack Skill Mastery (Acrobatics, Bluff, Notice, Stealth) Takedown Attack Taunt Teamwork 3 Powers: 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 5 + 4 + 14 = 29PP Additional Limb 1 (Deceptively Adorable Tail, PFs: Innate) [2pp] Comprehend 2 (Speak to and Understand Animals, Flaws: Limited to Squirrels [-2]) [1pp] Enhanced Feat 1 (Unnatural Squirrel Toughness; Ultimate Save [Toughness]) [1pp] Leaping 1 (Squirrely Agility; x2, 30’ Running Jump, 15’ Long Jump, 3’ Standing Jump) [1pp] Speed 1 (Squirrely Speed; 10 MPH) [1pp] Super-Senses 3 (Squirrel Senses; Acute Scent, Danger Sense [Mental], Low-Light Vision, PFs: Uncanny Dodge 2 [Mental, Olfactory]) [5pp] Super-Movement 2 (Wall-Crawling 2) [4pp] Squirrel Buddies 6 (12pp Array, PFs: Alternate Power 2) [14pp] Base Power: Snare 5 (Covered in Squirrels; Extras: Cone Area [+1], Flaws: Full-Round Action [-1], PFs: Reversible, Selective) [12/12pp] Alternate Power: Blast 5 (Squirrels to the Face; Flaws: Full-Round Action [-1], PFs: Accurate 5, Precise) [12/12pp] Alternate Power: Move Object 6 (Strength of a Hundred Squirrels; Effective Carrying STR 30) [12/12pp] Drawbacks: (-0) + (-0) = -0PP DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 20 Toughness Damage (Staged) Blast Ranged DC 20 Toughness Damage (Staged) Snare Ranged DC 15 Reflex Entangle/Helpless Totals: Abilities (46) + Combat (20) + Saving Throws (8) + Skills (8) + Feats (39) + Powers (29) - Drawbacks (0) = 150/151 Power Points