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Kakashi64

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  1. Hey, folks. Long time no holler, I know. A massive, gooey glob of work plopped down on me and my co-workers, and I'll be stuck in the morass for quite some time, it seems. Overtime: nice for extra cash, not so nice for game-type pursuits. I'll have to stuff Madcap into the mothballs until the brouhaha settles down, whenever that might be. In the meantime, good luck, heroes (and villains)!
  2. Ouch. Out the last few days with a bad back. Back's better now, but this looks to be a LONG work week, followed by a weekend in the boonies with some friends. I may not get this started until next week sometime.
  3. Can I change that to Danger Sense (mental)? It stems from his subconscious precognition, so affecting his vision in the present wouldn't affect that sense (thanks, Quote!). DONE BY SHAENTHEBRAIN
  4. Setting the stage for Madcap, Mongrel Angel, Colt, Malice & some of his students on the Mangold Bridge.
  5. Madcap Please Add 4 Skill Ranks to Notice [1pp] Please Add Danger Sense (vision) to Super-Senses (I can't believe I forgot to include that originally!) [1pp] DONE BY SHAENTHEBRAIN
  6. OK, now about the timing... Madcap's not invovled anywhere else at the moment, but I know your heroes are. "When" should this be set?
  7. Ah, so maybe the student(s) is responsible for the mess on the bridge (pursuing an unauthorized personal matter), and Malice comes to retrieve him…
  8. What is the status of Malice? He's certainly a badass, but he seems likely to be the type to cause a multi-car pile up on a bridge in pursuit of a piece of high-tech. FYI, I'm out of town for the weekend, so I'm not ignoring any responses, just unavailable.
  9. Oh, I'm looking forward to some "I act crazy, but this guy is crazy" goodness. But yeah, I think both characters need to establish themselves first.
  10. Too much cuttin' an' pastin' Fixed now. I fixed the combat block to reflect the proper PL of the Paralyze attack.
  11. Correct: the Wise Fools are not thralls. Modifications: Defense set at +10 (+5 flat-footed) Toughness bonuses (+14/+12 Impervious) for Device included. Paralyze reduced to PL 12. Note that reducing Paralyze and increasing Impervious to 12 left one device point unused. I'll hold it in reserve for now.
  12. Cool. Thanks to you both. Bear with me as I get accustomed to the process here. First of all, any particular place you'd like to suggest this happening? I don't have FC with me at the moment, but I can check tonight for likely bridges. Secondly, the villain(s): how does the selection process work? Do we choose? From what sources? Can we generalize about what type of villain, and allow a GM to fill in the blanks? I'm thinking that the baddie is on the bridge because he's chasing someone in a car, either to get the person him/herself, or something that person is carrying. Any ideas on specifics? Maybe a scientist carrying new technology on his way to a show, or a lecture, or the airport?
  13. I'm looking to start slow with Madcap, and have him meet other heroes one or two at a time. This is because at this point, he'd be a bit nervous about being near a whole passel of heroes – he is impersonating a known super-villain, after all – and he would probably bolt. So I'm looking for one or maybe a pair of heroes for this thread. The rough scenario I have in my head is that the hero(es) gets wind of an accident on a bridge, and arrive to find Madcap assisting the people in a car teetering off the edge – clearly doing something heroic, which is surprising for a villain. Of course, the cause of the accident turns out to be a baddie of some sort who must be subdued. After that? Depends on the personalities, I think.
  14. Do I need to update our characters in the Character Bank?
  15. Immunity: Healing Powers removed Immunity: medicines that affect CNS replaced with Immunity: Poisons Feat: Master Plan added
  16. Kakashi64

    Madcap

    ]Introduction Give a two or three word description of yourself. Hard-working legacy-restorer. Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? No. What is your full birth name? Matthew James Wyman Where do you live? Riverside Why do you live there? I inherited a small building that contains my residence and my business. What do you perceive as your greatest strength? My resolve to succeed. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? My tendency to not care about anything else but that. Physical Traits How old are you? (Chronological age as well as age category.) 25. What is your sex? Male What is your race? American How tall are you? 5'8" How much do you weigh? 160-ish. What is your general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise? I've been called "wiry." What is your skin color? Pretty fair. I almost always use sunscreen in summer. What is your hair color? Brown What is your hair style? Cut short. Do you have any facial hair? No. What is your eye color? Brown. How attractive are you? I really have no idea. "Moderately," I guess. What is your most distinguishing feature? I try not to have any. Do you have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks? I have a few small scars from training accidents, and from "real life" experiences. What is your handedness (left/right/ambidextrous)? Right Do you resemble some currently known person? I don't know. Once I was told I looked like Tom Brady. What kind of clothing do you wear? Simple and non-descript. Jeans and a t-shirt or polo shirt or a sweater, depending on the season. Do you wear makeup? As Madcap, I wear clown make-up to distort my features that aren't covered by the cap and goggles. What sort of vocal tone do you have? Moderate. As Madcap, I tend to use a cackly falsetto. History Where is your homeland? The U.S. Are you aware of its history? Yes. I probably bit and pieces of espionage history most people don't know, from overhearing scraps of conversation from my father. Are you patriotic or a social outcast? I don't see that as being a dichotomy. I am somewhat patriotic, I guess. I'm not very social, but I don't think I qualify as an outcast. What is your opinion of home? I think the U.S. has always been in a balance between the people who want to make it great, and the people who want to use it for their own ends. Right now, the "ends" people appear to be winning. Where is your home town? Freedom City. Are your real reasons for becoming an adventurer different from what you tell others? I've never talked to any one about it. How far would you go to keep such secrets from being revealed? What would you do if the truth became known? Just about anything that didn't involve committing a felony. If the truth became known, I'd probably pull up stakes and move far away. hat do you fear would occur if the truth became known? That I'd be unable to redeem my family name and my father's legacy. Do you have any particularly high or low ability scores? I've been told I'm smarter than most people. How have these scores affected your life so far? School wasn't particularly hard, which was good because it left me more time to for other things. What about your race, growing up were you in the majority or a minority? Majority. Did this impact your outlook in any way? I don't think so. F. City is a pretty egalitarian town. How do you feel about other races? I don't know that I have any particular feelings about people due to their race. People are people. Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? My father's increasing paranoia and errant behavior. His eventual disappearance. My mother's illness and death partly as a result of that disappearance. Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. When my father decided I was worth training. That meant a lot to me, even if he was weird about it a lot of the time. He showed me a lot of different things, and he was serious about wanting me to learn to take care of myself. He wasn't a very emotionally expressive guy, and this was his way of showing me that he cared about me. What stupid things did you do when you were younger? Tried to go through my father's study a few times. It's not a good idea to invade the privacy of a paranoid man. Which toys from your childhood have you kept? None. Why? What do they mean to you? If you didn't keep any, why not? What did you do to them all? I was taught to travel light. The fewer possessions you have, the fewer things you can lose. Lost things can provide clues to those looking for such clues. Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? No. Are you who you claim to be? I don't know what that means. In a costumed sense, I'm not, since I'm sort of pretending to be my father. Do you have any sort of criminal record? No. How do you view the heroes/legends of your country? Impossible to respond to that. Some are real, some are in it for selfish reasons – just like any other random group of people. Family Who were your parents? My father was a government operative, and also the super-villain Madcap. My mother was a housewife. Were you raised by them? If not, then why didn't they and who did raise you? Yes. What was their standing in the community? My father's job was fairly secret, but he made a lot of money at it, and he was good at keeping the veneer of respectability. Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? We stayed in one house. How did you get along with their parents? You mean with my parents? My mother and were close. My father and I developed a good trainer-trainee relationship. Occasionally, he would remember that he was a father, and those were especially good times. It just didn't happen that often. How would your parents describe you? Answer this in the voice of your mother, then in your father's. I'm not comfortable with that. My mother always told me I was a "good boy," and I guess I was. My father realized that, near the end, I think. I think he felt I'd turned into a pretty good person in spite of his actions. What he didn't realize is that the sense of discipline he instilled in me was a big part of that. Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what were their names? How did you get along with each of your siblings? No. What was your birth position in the family? Only child. List all current knowledge of family locations, spouses, children, birth dates, schooling, and any important incidents that only you and they might remember. My aunt Rosalind (my mother's sister) still lives in Freedom City. She had two girls. They're my only family now. I remember when my father would be gone for long stretches of time that they'd come over, and we'd have dinner or go on a picnic. Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? I go have dinner with Aunt Rosie once a month. We do Christmas, too, although I don't stay too long – she has too much catching up to do with her kids. Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? No. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? My dad, obviously. Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? Again, obviously, my dad. If so, who are they and how did they "gain" the position? By being a super-villain. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? Not that I know of. Do you ever want to have a family of your own someday? I haven't really thought about it. May be some day, after all this dies down. Would anything change your mind on this issue and if so, what? If I failed, I don't know that I'd want my kids to have to carry the family name. What type of person would be your ideal mate? I have no idea. Relationships Do you have any close friends? If so, who and what are they like? No. I have a few classmates I still keep in touch with, and a few regulars at my shop. That's about it. I don't have time for friends, and what I'm doing right now might dangerous for anyone close to me if things go wrong. What is the history of their relationship(s) with you? As above. Do you currently have a best friend whom you would protect with your reputation or your life? No. If so, who are they and what caused you to feel so close to them? What would have to happen for you to end this relationship? n/a Do you have any bitter enemies? No. well, the Wise Fools as a group are seriously pissed at me – or at my father, really, who they think I am. If so, who are they, what are they like, and what is the history of their feud with you? Have you defeated them before? Glorified thugs with a clown motif. I've caught several of them engaged in crimes here and there. They got mad at me because I started doing that. My father assembled these clowns as his personal army back in the day. They think I'm him, and have turned coat on them. How might these enemies seek to discomfit you in the future? Track me down, maybe? I don't know. Which person(s) or group(s) are you most loyal to? My mother and father, in different ways. Who is your most trusted ally? I don't have one. Who do you trust, in general? No one. Not really, anyway. Runs in the family, I guess. Who do you despise and why? People with powers who use them as a violent means to selfish, destructive ends. Name seven things you hate in others. I don't think I can list seven. Hypocrisy. Willful ignorance. Mindless violence. Irresponsibility. Indiscipline. Bullying. Is your image consistent? What does this mean? I have no idea how to answer that. Do you deliberately present yourself differently in different situations, and how? As Madcap, I'm acting as another person. What would you die for? To protect those who can't protect themselves. What is the worst thing someone has done to you? Laid upon me the burden of redeeming the family name. What is your general reaction to an attractive member of the opposite sex who lets you know they are available? Maybe another time. How do you get along with others of the same adventuring class? I don't know. I avoid such contact for fear that other heroes would try to bring me in as a villain. Have you lost any loves? Other than my parents, no. How did you handle the situation (short & long term)? n/a Who would miss you should you go missing? No one. Well, my aunt I guess. How close are you to your adventuring companions? n/a What do they not know about you? n/a Are you a member of any house, guild, organization, or church? What is your level of involvement? No. Well, I joined the local small business association, mostly for show. Personality & Beliefs Do you, or did you, have any role models? I find inspiration in the positive qualities of my father's personality. Do you have any heroes or idols, either contemporary or from legend? No. Well, Centurion, I suppose, but my father was an iconoclast, so I was taught to draw strength from within. Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? It's not easy when you find out your dad's a super-villain. When did you decide to become an adventurer? When my dad implored me to. Why have you chosen to risk your life as a career? I feel I owe it to my mom and dad both. Also, I owe it to the people my dad victimized, and others like them. I need to make up for the bad things he did. What do you expect to get out of being an adventurer? What, if anything, would make you stop adventuring? Once people accept Madcap as a true hero, I'm done adventuring. Do you have any dreams or ambitions? If not, why? It would be nice to work towards becoming a chemical engineer. What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? In a year, I'd like to be making my retirement speech. What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? Using an electron microscope to scan the properties of a new discovery. If these goals seem at odds with each other, or with your dreams, how do you reconcile the differences? Redemption first. Do you have any great rational or irrational fears or phobias? If so, what are the origins of, or reasons behind them? No. How do you react when this fear manifests itself? n/a What are your attitudes regarding material wealth? You need a certain amount to further some ends, but it's just a means, not an end itself. Are you miserly with your share of the wealth, or do you spend it freely? I tend to save for a rainy day. Most of my spending is on supplies for the Madcap rig. Do you see wealth as a mark of success, or just as a means to an end? Means to an end. How do you generally treat others? With courtesy and kindness, but at a distance – I can't afford for anyone to get too close at this stage. Do you trust easily (perhaps too easily) or not? Not. Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? Not shy, but I am withdrawn. Are you a humble soul or blusteringly proud? I don't know that I'd call myself "humble;'" I just tend to keep my mouth shut. What habits do you find most annoying in friends? Nosiness. What are your most annoying habits? Abruptness. Is there any race, creed, alignment, religion, class, profession, political viewpoint, or the like against which you are strongly prejudiced, and why? I dislike those who manipulate the helpless for personal gain. What is your favorite food? Prime rib. What is your favorite drink? I don't drink often. Occasionally, I'll indulge in a nice stout. What is your favorite treat (desert)? Aunt Rosie makes a mean chocolate chip cookie. Do you favor a particular cuisine? Thai. Do you savor the tastes when eating or "wolf down" your food? I tend to east fast. Do you like food mild or heavily spiced? Spiced. Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? I'll eat anything. What are your favorite color(s)? Blue. Is there any color that you dislike? Orange. I'll be glad when I can ditch the Madcap suit! Do you have a favorite (or hated) song, type of music, or instrument? Not really. Maybe classical, because it's good for my concentration. If you have a favorite scent, what is it? Baking cookies. Reminds me of a simpler time. What is your favorite type of animal? I don't really have one. Are you allergic to any kinds of animals? No. Is there anything that enrages you? No. Is there anything which embarrasses you? Being expected to engage in small talk. I suck at it, and I don't like doing it. Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? I don't really like camping, but I'm not luxury-minded, either. Do you have a patron deity? No. Are you devout or impious? I'm not religious. Do you actively worship and proselytize or do you simply pay lip service? See above. What lengths would you go to defend your faith? See above. Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special? n/a Do you belong to a dominant church, or an independent church, cult, or sect (and is the group accepted, frowned upon, or considered heretics)? n/a Will you kill? Yes, I suppose so, under circumstances. When did you decide (or learn) that you would? When I realized how nasty the world can be. The terminus Invasion, I think. When do you consider it okay to kill (under what circumstances)? Defending myself or someone defenseless, where there's no time for dialogue or subtlety. When do you consider it wrong to kill (under what circumstances)? Any other circumstances. What would you do if someone else attempted to (or successfully did) kill under your "wrong" circumstances, what would be your reaction? That's a situational question. I can't answer it in general terms. What if it were your enemy? You mean if the person about to be killed was my enemy? Again, it depends on the circumstances. What if it were your friend? I'm not sure I understand the question. What if the opponent were not in control of their own actions (under duress, charmed, dominated, possessed)? I suppose I'd try to stop them short of killing them. What would you do if something were stolen from you? If it was important, I'd do what I could tog et it back. If not, I'd let it go. What would you do if you were badly insulted publicly? Ignore it. What would you do if a good friend or relative were killed by means other than natural death? If they were murdered, I'd try to find the killer myself. If it was an accident (drunk driver or whatever), I'd do what I could to see that the justice system worked. What is the one task you would absolutely refuse to do? I have no idea how to answer that. What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? Genocide. How do you feel about government (rulers) in general? Why do you feel that way? The good are good; the bad, very bad. I think history supports that. Do you support the current government of your homeland? Certain aspects of it, yes,. If so, how far are you willing to go to defend the government? If not, do you actively oppose it? It's hard to conceptualize defending the entire government. What does that mean? What form of government do you believe is the best (democracy, monarchy, anarchy, aristocratic rule, oligarchy, matriarchy) and why? "Democracy is the worst form of government in the world, except for all the others." Harry Truman, I think. Do you have any unusual habits or dominant personality traits that are evident to others? I sometimes complete other people's sentences for them. If so, describe them and how you acquired them, as well as when they might be more noticeable and what causes them. n/a Do you have any unusual or nervous mannerisms, such as when talking, thinking, afraid, under stress, or when embarrassed? No. My dad trained me not to have them. What is your most treasured possession? The improved Madcap adhesive delivery system. My own design, mechanics and chemistry both. If your life were to end in 24 hours, what 5 things would you do in those remaining hours? I hate questions like this. Career & Training Where and how were you educated? Freedom City public schools, FCU. Who trained you in your adventuring class(es)? My what? What was your relationship with your teacher(s)/mentor(s)? My father taught me most of what I know. Is this person or institution still in existence? No. Were you a prize student or did you just barely pass? I did well enough in school. Look at your skills. How did you acquire them (especially the unusual ones)? My father's idiosyncratic training, and on-the-job-training. Have you ever done anything else for a living? I worked for awhile for a chemical company. Sort of an engineering trainee. How do you function in combat (maneuvers, weaknesses)? Keep moving. Keep the enemy off-balance. Have you ever received any awards or honors? No. Is there anything that you don't currently know how to do that you wish you could? Relax. Are you envious of others who can do such things in a good-natured way or are you sullen and morose about it? I try not to think of such things, which I suppose makes me morose. Lifestyle & Hobbies When not adventuring, what is your normal daily routine? Work in the shop. Maintain and upgrade the Madcap rig. Hit the streets with my eyes and ears open. How do you feel and react when this routine is interrupted for some reason? It's annoying, but sometimes you have to deal with it. What are your hobbies when you are not adventuring or training? As above. What do you do for relaxation? What things do you do for enjoyment? What interests do you have? I watch TV once in awhile. How do you normally dress when not in your adventuring gear? We've already touched on that. What do you normally wear in bed at home? PJ pants. What morning or evening routines do you normally have? The usual: workout, hygiene, eat, work. Travel: how do you get around locally? Public transportation or walking. As Madcap, I usually leap. Do you have a Last Will and Testament? Yes. What does it say? I have special instructions to clean out and destroy everything in my lab. Everything else goes to Aunt Rosie. Miscellaneous What would you like to be remembered for after your death? Redeeming my family name. What kind of threat do you present to the public? None. Well, I suppose that technically, anyone with any kind of powers or special equipment is a threat. If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? Dental records? As a player, if you could, what advice would you give your character? Speak as if he/she were sitting right here in front of you. Use proper tone so they might heed your advice... You can't do this alone, and you can't do it in a few days or weeks! Take the time to do it right. Make some super-powered friends. You'll need them, and they're probably the only ones who have a chance of understanding where you're coming from. And lighten up.
  17. Player's Name: Kakashi64 Power Level : 12 (180 PP) Trade-Offs: -2 Attack for +2 Damage, -2 Defense for +2 Toughness Unspent PP: 0 (180-180) NPC Tier : 2 Characters Name: Rictus Alternate Identity: Dr. Martin Hamilton Age: 47 (born 1962; Apparent Age early 50's) Gender: Male Height: 5'11" Weight: 170 lbs. Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown (graying) Description: Rictus wears his hair shaggy and unkempt, and has a patchy full beard. Because of the damage to his nervous system, his face is twisted into a permanent, hideous grin with wild, staring eyes. He basically looks like he's about to scream in animal agony at any second, and is just barely holding it back. He almost always wears his control suit, which is a dark red bodysuit imprinted with silver circuitry that extends from the suit itself to partially encompass his head in a crown-like structure. The lines of the wiring resemble an acupuncture chart. History: Dr. Martin Hamilton was a leading neurologist in Freedom City, specializing in the neurological disorders of super-powered individuals. Considered a leader in the field, Dr. Hamilton was an expert in super-powered physiology, and often treated or provided consultation for injured heroes. His career came to an end as the result of an attack by the super-villain Madcap during a delicate surgical procedure involving cybernetic machinery. The feedback from the machinery overloaded and damaged Dr. Hamilton's nervous system, leaving his pain receptors in a continual state of agitation. This resulted in his musculature being distorted, and his face drawn up in a permanent grimace of pain. He was treated with more and more powerful drugs to stave off the constant agony, but he quickly grew immune to such treatments, and the unending pain drove him mad. He escaped from the hospital one evening, and was not heard from for many months. Desperate for relief, Hamilton devised a cybernetic system that channeled some of the pain impulses from his system into the bodies of other people. Experimenting on homeless captives, he discovered that a feedback loop enabled the system to augment his physical and mental abilities by inflicting pain on the victims, and channeling the resultant psychic energy to a power suit. The more victims he was able to utilize in this manner, the less his own pain and the greater his power. In his madness, he blamed the super-heroes he had selflessly treated for failing to protect him at a vulnerable moment. He decided they must feel his pain, and set his course of revenge. Personality & Motivation: Rictus' motivation is revenge. He wants to defeat the heroes he fells abandoned him to a cruel fate – but not before they feel the pain he feels every moment. How player-characters might encounter him: Rictus is in constant need of equipment to further his evil aims. He also would be willing to work for other villains, since they usually pay quite well for his expertise, and Rictus knows that furthering the aims of other villains will hurt those lousy heroes! Powers & Tactics: Rictus is supremely confident in his genius, and thinks the power he draws from his thralls is enough to defeat any bunch of heroes. He's not a subtle tactician: he'll look to either whomp on the nearest hero, or use his great strength to wreak havoc on his surroundings. However, he won't immediately want to wipe out a hero: first, he'll want to use his Paralyze attack, to make them feel the pain he feels every moment. Against a group of heroes, he'll send his minions to cause as much chaos as possible, and attempt to pick off heroes as they deal with his underlings. Rictus will rarely start off an adventure at full power. He can be a suitable one-on-one villain when he has fewer thralls to draw from. At full power, he's a handful. Complications: Wish to inflict pain: Rictus will hold back a final, winning blow in order to use his Paralyze attack to inflict pain on a fallen hero. Stats: 0+0+0+12+6+0 = 18pp Str: 10/38 (+0/+14 Enhanced) Dex: 10 (+0) Con: 10 (+0) Int: 22 (+6) Wis: 16 (+3) Cha: 10 (+0) Combat: 20 + 20 = 40pp Attack: +10 Grapple: +10 (+3 for each level of thralls on the Progression Table) Defense: +10 (+5 flat-footed) Knockback: -7 Initiative: +0 Saves: 0 + 4 + 2 = 6pp Toughness: +0 (+0 Con, +0; +14/+12 Impervious w/Device) Fortitude: +4 (+0 Con, +4 purchased) Reflex: +0 (+0 Dex, +0) Will: +5/+17 (+3 Wis, +2 purchased, +2 for each level of thralls on the Progressions Table) Skills: 76r = 19pp Climb 0/14 (+14)* Computers 6 (+12) Craft Electronic 9 (+15) Craft Mechanical 9 (+15) Disable Device 4 (+10) Knowledge - Life Sciences 9 (+15) Knowledge - Technology 6 (+12) Knowledge - Medicine 12 (+15) Notice 7 (+10) Profession (neuromedical) 7 (+10) Sense Motive 7 (+10) Swim 0/14 (+14)* Feats: 22pp Equipment 4 Inventor Minions 16 Master Plan Powers: 3 + 12 + 60 = 75pp Example: Immunity 3 (Attacks with descriptor = pain, need for sleep, poisons) [3 pp] Example: Mental Shield 12[12pp] Example: Device 15 (control suit) [60pp] Drawbacks: 0+0+0 = 0pp None DC Block: Example: Melee 14 --- 29/Toughness --- Bruised, Staged Paralyze 12 --- 22/Will --- Slowed/Paralyzed Costs: Abilities (18) + Combat (40) + Saves (6) + Skills (19) + Feats (22) + Powers (75) - Drawbacks (00) = 180pp ---------------------- Notes: Rictus is based on an obscure Marvel villain – so obscure I don't remember his name. I just remember as a boy reading a comic book where he appeared, and the idea of someone spending every moment of his life in constant, agonizing pain was so shocking to me it stuck with me all these years. As I dimly recall, the Marvel villain was mostly a mad scientist, so I borrowed the thrall concept from The Controller, and Rictus was born. Abilities[/]b Int 22 – Yes, he is a genius. His insanity likely boosted his intelligence into the mad scientist range. Combat Attack 10/Defense 10 – I have no specific explanation for this, other than "crazy comic book villains seem to be able to go toe-to-toe with trained superheroes." Skills All pretty straightforward, I think, and suitable for someone of his background. The guy knows his super-tech. Feats No combat feats for this guy, because he's not a trained combatant. If he ever earns any "xp," he should pick up good stuff like Master Plan, Ultimate Saves, things like that. Headquarters: Hey, he needs someplace to put all those thralls, right? Not to mention his band of thugs. Inventor: This gives the GM all kinds of fun options: perhaps he invents a special slave disc that transfers the powers of a hero to himself. Remember, the guy is twisted, likes to inflict pain, and has a chip on his shoulder against heroes. Powers Immunity: I realized early on that technically, Rictus could be defused by any hero with a Healing power: stop his pain, and the suit basically depowers. So I reasoned that the damage to his nervous system was so widespread and complex that it couldn't be healed. There's even the possibility that he unconsciously "controls" it, preventing healing from taking place. The same could go for his immunity to many medicines: it could be the damage he took, or it could be something more. Immunity to pain is obvious: the guy lives with excruciating agony, so what are you gonna do, hurt him? Immunity to sleep is a function both of his constant pain and his insanity. The guy is bent and his neuropathology is altered. Mental Shield: Since Rictus might well be facing multiple heroes, he needed some mental protection, or else a quick mental grapple could end the adventure. I reasoned that his pain was so great, it basically consumes much of his consciousness, and anyone trying to take a peek in there would have a hard time getting past the endless waves of pain. If I'd had the points, I'd have devised some kind of mental aura power to zap the heck out of nosy telepaths with a blast of pure agony. I liked the addition to Will Save that mental Shield provides, since what's left of this guy is held together by a pure effort of will. Device: Ah, the slave discs. Feel the love. Innocent bystanders, homeless people, the occasional hero's significant other… There's plenty of mook-types out there to be enthralled. Rictus' problem is that the more thralls he takes, the more likely he is to be discovered. He needs a full 100 thralls to be at full power, which is where his HQ comes in handy. Still, that many kidnappings is bound to attract some attention at some point. I hope someone is able to draw a picture of Rictus someday. I really like the image of a high-tech bodysuit with the circuitry tracing acupuncture map lines. It looks cool in my head, anyway. I made the original Madcap the instigator of the accident that damaged good Dr. Hamilton because Rictus is intended to be a nemesis for the current Madcap. I think poor Matt is going to need some help! (Which is part of the point in introducing Rictus in the first place. See, it all fits together…)
  18. He leaped among the pallets of boxes, looking for something with some heft that was still light enough for him to move. As the Wise Fools struggled out of the pink mire, Matt spotted stacks of crates marked STAINLESS STEEL FLATWARE. With a grunt, he began pushing the stacks over onto the gangsters, listening to the resulting thuds with satisfaction. The gangsters who had fought clear of both goo and boxes began shooting at the ceiling. Matt quickly jumped to the floor, the anti-shock mechanisms in his boots absorbing the impact. "Spread out!" Called Mickie D. Divide and conquer, Matt thought grimly. He jumped back to the ceiling and made for the rear of the warehouse, leaping softly from stack to stack. As he hoped, the Wise Fools began to stray apart as they made their way among the labyrinth of stores. Matt hunted them from above, dropping behind an individual and hammering them before they could react. Leaping back atop a stack, Matt rocked and toppled cascades of boxes, blocking each aisle. It didn't take the gangsters long to figure out what Matt was doing, and the Mickie quickly ordered his mob back to the front of the warehouse. Matt managed to pick off a couple more who found their return blocked, but six still remained. As Matt crept along at ceiling level, he watched the leader distribute bottles from a backpack amongst the others. Molotov cocktails – great. The rag-fuses were quickly lit. "Have fun with the fireworks, traitor!" Mickie called. "OK, boys, toss 'em and go." Quickly, several pools of fire spread out on the warehouse floor and began to lick at the various crates and boxes, and the Wise Fools hurries out the door. Fireworks? Matt knew it wouldn't be much of a problem to exit the warehouse, but there were several unconscious or ensnared Fools in the building. They're willing to sacrifice them to get to me, he thought grimly. Leaping to the roof beams, Matt sought and found a skylight, and kicked the Plexiglas out of its frame. As smoke began to fill the upper reaches of the warehouse, Matt began ferrying the helpless Fools one by one up to the roof, gluing them in place to keep them from inadvertently rolling off. Matt had lost count of how many Fools had been in the warehouse. Was there one more somewhere? With a curse, Matt ducked back into the building. The smoke had become heavy enough that he had to descend beneath it to see. He bounded up and down the aisles, leaping over his self-made obstacles. There he is! Matt quickly scooped up the unconscious man. It was then that the flames set off the first crate of fireworks. In an instant, the warehouse was transformed into a battle scene, sparklers and rockets sizzling everywhere, a thousand deafening reports all piling on top of one another. Dodging and bounding, Matt bore his burden to the office area, where a cinderblock wall provided protection. The smoke was thickening at floor-level, though, and Matt knew he would be in danger if he tried to wait out the endless volleys of pyrotechnics. Matt took a deep breath, slung the man over his shoulder, and charged out of the office. Later, he wouldn't be able to remember how he made his way out of the skylight without being engulfed by the various fireworks explosions that had the entire warehouse ablaze. All he could remember was his father's voice: "Keep moving. Always keep moving." Matt squatted on the edge of the roof, watching the approaching lights of emergency vehicles. Better truss these guys up and leave, he thought, just as an explosion rocked the warehouse. Part of the corrugated aluminum roof was blown off, and the rest sagged dangerously. Flames roared through the opening, and Matt recoiled from the blast of heat. Grabbing one of the Fools, Matt leaped away from the structure. When he touched the ground, he immediately sprayed a large area with the adhesive mixture, emptying his nozzles in the process. Then he began a series of jumps, grabbing a Fool from the roof and leaping back, dumping each into the improvised pool of goo. "Hey!" Matt turned from admiring his handiwork to find a young security guard, gun drawn, looking completely overwhelmed. You've got to be kidding me… Matt thought. Staying in character, he grinned at the guard. "Ummm… Happy New Year?" "Put your hands up!" "Now, officer, I'm pretty sure my deodorant has worn off, and I wouldn't want to offend…" "Put 'em up!" Matt was worried the kid would start shooting, and hit one of the Fools who were stuck and defenseless in the big glob of adhesive nearby. "Well…" Matt drawled, tensing. "I guess you've got the drop on me…" Matt raised his hands, and jumped, coming down on top of the guard. "HEHEHEHEHEEE! No, I think I've got the drop on YOU!" He hustled the guard over to the foamy, stringy pile, and sat him down in it, replacing his gun in his hand once his arms were fully stuck. "These clowns are a present for you," he continued. "I wasn't sure what to get you, seeing how it's our first date and all, so I went with slimy crooks. I hope you like 'em!" He stood over the astonished guard, keeping an eye on the gun that now dangled forgotten in his hand. "Just remember, it was Madcap who brought 'em to you." Matt glanced at the approaching police cars. "Now, I'm sorry to beat and run, but I have to return this costume – their late fees are simply awful!" With a series of leaps, Matt had cleared several other warehouse units and was out of sight.
  19. One of the clowns was a stout man looking like a nightmarish version of a popular fast-food mascot. Matt knew him as Mickie D., one of his father's lieutenants. Mickie stepped forward, shoving one of the dripping, panting, would-be robbers out of his way. “You almost screwed that up, idiot,†he growled. “So, Madcap. Surprised? Good. Since you turned on us, we’ve been lookin’ for a new leader. Guess what? We found one. Rictus says to send his best wishes.†He turned and joined the others in the firing line. “What, nothin’ to say, funny guy? No dumb joke to put on your tombstone? Whatever. C’mon, boys – let’s waste him.†Matt used the few seconds the leader talked to assess the situation. He was pretty sure that the bullet-proofing of the Madcap outfit would protect him, but someone could always get a lucky shot at an unprotected area. There was about to be a lot of bullets flying, and there was sure to be ricochets everywhere. Quickly, he took in the layout of the warehouse. One thing he had learned is that not everyone thinks in three dimensions, and that people tended to look around before they looked up. The high ceiling of the building was dim, and the glare from the intermittent utility lights would make it even harder for him to be seen in the support beams. Matt adopted a jaunty pose, crossing his arms and chuckling. "'Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right,'" he quoted, wrapping his fingers around a cotton-candy bomb. "'Here I am – stuck in the middle with you!'" He activated the decompression and leaped straight up, listening to the intermingled cries of surprise and gunshots. The cotton-candy adhesive slithered off the specially-treated Madcap outfit as he jumped. A slightly-altered version of the stuff oozed from micropores in his gloves and boots, allowing him to clamber with ease along the steel beams of the warehouse. An image of his father flashed through Matt's mind. Sullivan Wyman's gaunt, haunted face, eyes gleaming across the big desk in his study. "Chaos is the mother of error," he intoned, "And confusion its father. It doesn't matter if it's football or war or chess – if the other side is confused and disorganized, you have the upper hand." Fine, dad, Matt thought. Let's make some confusion.
  20. It was quiet in the pre-dawn darkness of Greenbank except for the steady chuckle of the rain. Next time I’m bringing a raincoat, Matt thought, watching water drip from one of the jingly bells of his drooping jester’s cap. On reflection, it occurred to him that the entire outfit needed some serious water-proofing. The cold rain beaded on the black-and-orange checkerboard design of the Madcap outfit, but it had been falling lightly but steadily for the entire 45 minutes Matt had been crouching on the warehouse roof, and Matt now had first-hand knowledge of the difference between water-resistant and water-proof. Matt supposed he should count his blessings. After all, he was still new to the game of gathering bits and pieces of information from the disreputable watering holes of the city, but he had the advantage of knowing where the Wise Fools, his father's old gang liked to hang out, and he had been able to overhear from a couple of drunken thugs a place and time of a robbery – a time that was now nearly an half an hour in the past. Why can’t criminals ever be on time? Matt began to assemble a suitable water-proofing compound in his mind, at the same time toying with some ideas about insulating the outfit against the cold. Thank God this isn’t International Falls… His musings were interrupted by the sound of a panel van pulling up in the street below. Here we go... A man in dark clothing jumped out of the passenger side and quickly opened the rear doors, where three more men waited inside. They quickly moved to the warehouse across the access alley from where Matt waited, and with practiced efficiency forced open a door and went inside. The driver backed up to the dock, and after a minute the robbers reappeared, forming a bucket brigade to move boxes from the dock to the truck. Show time Matt thought, and carefully stretched his cramped muscles for a few moments before activating the springs in his boots. With a double somersault, he landed neatly at the dock’s edge. "HEHEHEHEE! What’s up, dock?†Ugh, that was terrible Matt thought as he dodged the wild swing of the nearest thief, letting the man’s momentum overbalance him off the edge of the dock. I need a gag writer… “Madcap!†Criminals in Freedom City had long ago learned not to tussle with superheroes, and this group wisely decided to run. They began to scramble off the dock. Matt turned a few cartwheels along the edge of the dock. "You like me! You really like me!†As the thieves began to run across the asphalt, he tossed a cotton-candy bomb. The pink mist immediately began to congeal into a sticky mess, causing the men to flounder blindly as they became glued to the pavement and each other. Matt back flipped off the dock, watching the periphery of the pink cloud. "And welcome to another episode of ‘Dunk in the Gunk!’ Who will be our lucky winner?" One man stumbled out, pulling skeins of the sticky stuff off his arms and legs. Matt tumbled over to him, and swung his fist. As it approached the man’s face, the Madcap glove inflated rapidly, and with a wet thunk sound, the man went down. "Congratulations! You win fist prize!†Hey, that was a pretty good one, Matt thought. "You forgot somebody,†grated a voice behind him. The driver of the van swung, but his baseball bat whistled through the space Matt had just occupied. "No I did-ent!†Matt cackled in his Madcap voice, and unleashed a torrent of stringy adhesive that left the man struggling in a pink cocoon. Yes, I did, Matt thought sourly, leaving the man to struggle helplessly in his bonds. "Account for all your adversaries," he could hear his father say. The other robbers had fought free of the cotton candy effect, and were now scrambling back up the dock and inside the warehouse. At least it’ll be dry in there. With a spring-assisted bound, Matt was on the dock and through the door. Immediately inside the door was a large staging area which was piled with boxes and skids. Matt’s goggles compensated for the low light, and he spotted one of the robbers disappearing around a stack of boxes. "Here, kitty kitty,†Matt crooned, With a series of hops, he made it to the stack and raced around it. "Come out, come out where you – ah.†He stopped short at the sight – at least a dozen Wise Fools, decked out in their loud clothes, faces hidden by clown masks and greasepaint. They were standing in a loose semi-circle. All were pointing guns at him...
  21. This is a solo thread, to get Madcap introduced to the setting and to get my feet wet. Mods: I read where I should place this happening in the timeline thread, but it's locked. Is there a more recent timeline I missed? This is late in the evening of 1/18/10.
  22. Never mind. I'm overthinking it. I think I have it nailed down. I'll post ths guy soon, and see if the build holds up.
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