OUBLIETTE 2E: Ja'fari, Bethany Fischer

[Michuru81]

GIRTH (Power Level 8 / Minion Level 8)

Real Name: Unknown
Height / Weight: 5'2" / 465 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Brown / Green
Place of Birth: Somewhere in the Middle East (March 21, 1989)
First Appearance: New Vindicators #2

Physical Appearance: Girth is a very short, very rotund Middle Eastern man with a cap of greasy, black curls and a face covered with acne. He typically wears tank tops (which show off the thick hair that coats his chest, shoulders and back), and sweat pants.

Biography: Little is known about Girth—including his real name. He is an exchange student from the Middle East, though he’s hesitant to reveal from which nation. He and Mirth are close friends—a fortunate thing as it may very well be that no other person could stomach either party.

STR 13 (+1), DEX 10, CON 8 (-1), INT 10, WIS 10, CHA 6 (-2)

SKILLS: Knowledge (theology and philosophy) 3, Language 1 (Arabic [base], English)

FEATS: Equipment 1, Improved Flank, Teamwork 1, Tough 3

POWERS: Enhanced Attack 8, Enhanced Defense 13, Super-Speed 8 (250 MPH; Rapid Attack; Alternate Powers: Air Control 8, Burrowing 8, Deflect 8, Spinning 5, Strike 8, Stun 8, Suffocate 8; Power Feats: Move-by Action, Wall Run, Water Run)

COMBAT: Attack +8, Grapple +9, Damage +1, Defense +13 (+6 flat-footed), Knockback -1, Initiative +32

SAVES: Toughness +2, Fortitude +5, Reflex +2, Will +2

COMPLICATIONS: Prejudice (Neo-Sapien), Secret

Abilities -7 + Skills 1 (4 ranks) + Feats 6 + Powers 92 + Combat 0 + Saves 10 = 102 points

Originally, I intended Mirth and Girth to be parallels to Bulk and Skull (Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers) with a little bit of Speed and Lash (Sky High), seasoned to taste and baked at 350 for 137 minutes. To be honest, now that they've been reduced to background characters within the Affiliation, I almost wish I'd just left them depowered...

In any case, Girth has a very minor role in a future story arc. It's so minor though, he could easily be taken out of it without changing a thing...

[Michuru81]

MIRTH (Power Level 8 / Minion Level 8)

Real Name: Unrevealed
Height / Weight: 6'7" / 130 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Dirty Blonde / Hazel
Place of Birth: Funningsfjørður, Faroe Islands (April 1, 1989)
First Appearance: New Vindicators #2

Physical Description: Mirth is a giant albino waif from the Faroe Islands. He has a big nose and a mop of curly, dirty blonde hair.

Biography: Much like Girth, little is truly known about Mirth, including his real name, which he says is unpronounceable.

STR 10, DEX 16 (+3), CON 10, INT 8 (-1), WIS 12 (+1), CHA 8 (-1)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 4 (+7), Knowledge (popular culture) 2 (+1), Languages 2 (Danish, English, Faroese [base]), Sleight of Hand 4 (+9), Stealth 4 (+7)

FEATS: Acrobatic Bluff, Improved Flank, Improved Initiative 1, Teamwork 1

POWERS: Elongation 8, Enhanced Attack 8, Enhanced Defense 12, Immunity 5 (falling damage), Insubstantial 1, Protection 4, Super-Movement 2 (Slithering, Swinging)

COMBAT: Attack +8, Grapple +16, Damage +0, Defense +12 (+6 flat-footed), Knockback -2, Initiative +7

SAVES: Toughness +4, Fortitude +2, Reflex +9, Will +3

COMPLICATIONS: Prejudice (Neo-Sapien)

Abilities 4 + Skills 4 (16 ranks) + Feats 4 + Powers 66 + Combat 0 + Saves 10 = 88 points

Mister Fantastic, he is not.

[smashed247]

What effect does the Full Power drawback on Duplication?

It's my way of expressing that Quint can't just pop out a single duplicate. When he uses his powers- BAM! five of him. No more, no less.

In my copy of Ultimate Power it says that Real is a Duplication Flaw not an Extra

Yeah... Lodey's player brought it to my attention Sunday that he's had a few problems with some of his math and picked out a few errors in the translation of his sheet to the format I present stats in here. The plan is that the two of us will edit the Lodestone build this Friday, just before our game meets.

Oh, Okay I understand. Thanks

[Michuru81]

HOURGLASS (Power Level 10)

Real Name: Cassandra "Cassie" / "Sandy" Goodman
Height / Weight: 6'0" / 140 lbs. (37-25-35)
Hair / Eyes: Brown / Green
Place of Birth: San Francisco, California (April 23, 1989)
First Appearance: Vindicators #696

Biography: Along with her twin brother Cloud, Cassandra is the second child born to Patrick and Victoria Goodman, the former Vindicators known as Coach Crag and Miss Mist. The twins’ older brother left home at an early age and has minimal contact with his family. Norman Goodman never manifested Neo-Sapien abilities stemming from either parent’s genetic template. Cassandra and Cloud however, did.

At an early age the twins demonstrated their metamorphic talents. Cloud took after their mother, with his ability to become a living fog, while Cassandra is capable of becoming a mass of shifting sand (a less substantial variant of her father’s rock form). It had only furthered divided the Goodman family. Cloud’s timid and frail demeanor was the antithesis of what their father sought in a son- he was looking for an heir to his legacy as a hero and athlete. To compensate for Patrick Goodman’s obvious disappointment, Victoria showered Cloud with affection… leaving Cassandra feeling slightly rejected.

As junior high beckoned to them, their parents accepted positions at the newly founded New Vindicators Academy and enrolled their darling children. There every teacher identified her by who her parents were. Every student saw pieces of her father and mother in her. Cassandra found her situation maddening and quickly devised a way out of it…

She received no attention from her parents. Her teachers and her peers did not see her as an individual. Almost overnight, Cassie transformed herself. She began dressing differently, walking differently, talking differently… She generated rumors about herself and the carnal deeds she had begun performing on behalf of the male persuasion of the student body. It had people talking about her- some good, some bad… she didn’t care though. She had the attention she wanted.

She stood out and everyone knew her as Cassandra Goodman- not Coach Crag and Miss Mist’s daughter, not Cloud’s sister… as Cassandra.

NEW VINDICATORS: Radix Malorum Est Cupiditas – Still, she was surprised to discover that there were some people who saw her for who she really was. For years she had rolled her eyes as the flirtatious advances of Alexandra Hawk, flatly telling the young woman that she had no interest in such relationships. Still, when she found herself in the media spotlight as Hourglass (after the apprehension of Suicide Dave) Fathom failed to identify her as either Vindicator’s child. Whether by oversight or not, it was an act that warmed Hourglass to her teammate and helped her to begin to grow on her own. She upgraded Alexa to friend status and began to show the young woman just who she really is… a confident and charismatic young woman… with a greater destiny than she could ever imagine waiting for her…

She had also caught the eye of Adonis Skraag, who she did not know what the mastermind behind the Affiliation. The two dated for some time before Adonis broke things off, believing her feelings had been fabricated by his powers. Even after his defection, Cassandra is infatuated with him- not even looking at any other man, but patiently waiting for Adonis to return.

NEW VINDICATORS: Sic Semper Tyrannis – Much to her surprise (and her peers' chargin), Cassandra was chosen by the new administration (a.k.a., her parents) to act as one of three team leaders utilized in the Trials. She took a team consisting of Captain Canada, Jetstream and Rumble into the weeks long event and managed to steer them safely into the Final Trial. There she first found herself up against Hubris; though odds were on the accomplished European, Cassandra defeated him and advanced into the second round where she found her opponents Anomaly, Fathom and Saya. Through cunning deception, Cassandra bested Fathom and Saya- leaving Anomaly as her opponent in the next round as she viewed him as being the easiest for her to take when the third round returned to one-on-one battles.

NEW VINDICATORS: Absit Omen – In the wake of her graduating class falling apart, Cassandra was one of four students who remained with the school. As such she found herself as the teacher of a squadron of five students- a de-aged Crusader, Iron Curtain and Lodestone (now going by the alias "Dipole") as well as Stockholm and Orbit; each was a prime candidate. Once more her peers suspected nepotism in the administration's decisions, though they could no longer deny that Hourglass had come a long way since the spoilt little girl she had started her career as.

In the wake of Terahertz’s attack, Cassandra had watched her father buried and her mother treated for cancer. Cassandra left the school, after a disappointing reunion with Adonis, to help her mother mourn and heal…

NEW VINDICATORS: Para Bellum – Following the events of Black Saturday, the United States government had begun capturing known Neo-Sapiens. Soldiers appeared in San Francisco, trying to take the Goodman’s. However, Loess’ team of Vindicators were already in the city, recruiting Anomaly and Tripper, and help quickly arrived. The two women joined Loess’ group in going to Canada where Miss Mist stayed with Silverback’s group and Hourglass joined the Vindicators in saving Rumble and Lodestone.

STR 10, DEX 16 (+3), CON 10, INT 10, WIS 10, CHA 16 (+3)

SKILLS: Acrobatics 6 (+9), Bluff 4 (+7/+15 attractive), Diplomacy 4 (+7/+15 attractive), Knowledge (popular culture) 2, Notice 4, Perform (dance) 6 (+9), Sense Motive 4, Stealth 6 (+9)

FEATS: Attack Focus (melee) 2, Attractive 2, Benefit 2 (Status [Dynasty, Vindicator]), Defensive Roll 2, Dodge Focus 2, Equipment 2, Inspire 3, Leadership, Teamwork 2

POWERS: Alternate Form 15 (particulate [sand]; Concealment 3 [sight and hearing; Power Feats: Close Range; Flaws: Limited {sand, -1}], Elongation 10, Enhanced Defense 10, Immunity 9 [life support], Insubstantial 1, Regeneration 14 [Recovery Bonus +5, Recovery Rate [Bruised 3, Injured 6], Strike 10, Super-Movement 1 [slithering]; Alternate Powers: Alternate Form 15 [gaseous {mist}; Concealment 3 {sight and hearing; Power Feats: Close Range}, Flight 2 {25 MPH}, Immunity 9 {life support}, Immunity 40 {energy damage; Flaws: Limited}, Insubstantial 2 {Flaws: Permanent}, Suffocate 15 {Power Feats: Split Attack], Alternate Form 15 [solid {rock}; Density 12 {Extras: Reflective 6}, Immunity 16 {critical hits, electrical damage, life support}, Strike 3 {Power Feats: Mighty}, Super-Strength 5 {Power Feats: Bracing, Groundstrike}]), Immunity 1 (sibling’s powers)

Equipment: cell phone, comm link, Vindicators Uniform (+2 Toughness, Immunity 2 [cold and heat]); 9 free equipment points

COMBAT: Attack +2 (+4 melee), Grapple +4, Damage +0, Defense +2 (+1 flat-footed), Knockback -2 (-1 flat-footed), Initiative +3

SAVES: Toughness +4 (+2 flat-footed), Fortitude +3, Reflex +10, Will +3

COMPLICATIONS: Obsession (Adonis), Prejudice (Neo-Sapien), Responsibility (Students, Miss Mist)

Abilities 12 + Skills 9 (36 ranks) + Feats 20 + Powers 78 + Combat 8 + Saves 13 = 140 points

Ordinarilly, I think the trade-offs speak for themselves. As Cassie's stats change with each for she takes though... she might need a bit of explaining...

Cassie's ceilings are Attack +5, Damage +15, Defense +14, Toughness +6. She only has her full defense while in sand form, while her rock form is the only one that lets her realize her potential in damage and toughness.

[Michuru81]

BLACKSMITH (Power Level 8)

Real Name: Carl Smith
Height / Weight: 6'3" / 230 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Black / Blue
Place of Birth: Scotsbluff, Nebraska (March 29, 1954)
First Appearance: Vindicators #413

Biography: Carl Smith was never beaten as a child or neglected. He was never made fun of for his size- being both vertically and horizontally endowed. Carl Smith had an average childhood and in his adolescence, when he discovered the power to “alchemize” all that he touched, he saw it as a blessing. Still, he recognized the opinions of those who feared and hated Neo-Sapiens as valid ones- given the current state of the world.

After high school, Carl entered a trade school and became a blacksmith. Throughout his apprenticeship he found himself the object of his master’s daughter’s affections and eventually he came to return those feelings. Carl’s unique gift was not one he used often- opting instead to shape steel the way he had been trained to. He refused to use his powers to “cheat”. Carl became a blacksmith with a stable income and he soon married his first and only love- Megan Mallory. Together, the Smiths lived a peaceful life that nothing could ever upset.

… How anti-climactic.

Carl Smith is a big man with big power and an even bigger heart. Slow to anger, he is a true gentle giant and one of the most kind, generous, sincere individuals the world has ever known. Even the enemies of the Vindicators have come to like the Blacksmith.

When his son was born twenty years ago, Carl came to know what it meant to be like so many other Neo-Sapiens. Carl’s powers could be hidden. He had been able to live a normal existence… a normal life. His son was born with Martin-Bell Syndrome- and the normal life Carl had known was denied to young Jeffrey. Finally understanding what the Vindicators fought FOR- not AGAINST, Carl took up the mantle of the Blacksmith and joined the Vindicators- fighting alongside the Detective, Falkenburg, the Hound, Pandora and their leader, Crusader. Though he retired from the spotlight soon after, he returned again over a decade later, joining the so-called “Vindicators Elite” in 2006. The new team, instated on the fifth anniversary of the disbanding of the Vindicators VII, consisted of old friends Crusader, Detective, Falkenburg and Hound- as well as new allies Phenomena and Tick-tock.

Still, throughout his professional career, Carl has never known personal tragedy. His marriage has never been shaky. His faith has never been tested. Carl is an honest man and a good man… who also happens to be lead an incredibly boring life in a world that is anything but…

STR 18 (+4), DEX 10, CON 18 (+4), INT 12 (+1), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 10

SKILLS: Climb 3 (+7), Craft (artistic) 6 (+7), Craft (structural) 6 (+7), Disable Device 4 (+5), Handle Animal 4, Intimidate 4, Knowledge (art) 3 (+4), Knowledge (earth sciences) 2 (+3), Knowledge (history) 3 (+4), Knowledge (life sciences) 2 (+3), Knowledge (physical sciences) 4 (+5), Language 1 (English [base], German), Notice 4 (+7), Profession (blacksmith) 7 (+10), Sense Motive 4 (+7), Swim 3 (+7)

FEATS: All-out Attack, Animal Empathy, Attack Focus (melee) 4, Benefit (Status [Vindicator]), Diehard, Endurance, Fearless, Improved Defense 2, Improved Sunder, Power Attack, Startle, Stunning Attack, Takedown Attack 2, Teamwork 2, Tough 3

POWERS: Transform 10 (inanimate objects; Alternate Powers: Create Object 10 [Power Feats: Precise, Subtle; Extras: Permanent {+1}]; Power Feats: Precise, Subtle; Extras: Continuous [+1]; Flaws: Equivalent Exchange [-1], Permanent [-1], Range [touch, -1])

COMBAT: Attack +0 (+4 melee), Grapple +8, Damage +4, Defense +4 (+2 flat-footed), Knockback -3, Initiative +0

SAVES: Toughness +7, Fortitude +10, Reflex +2, Will +5

Abilities 24 + Skills 15 (60 ranks) + Feats 23 + Powers 35 + Combat 8 + Saves 10 = 115 points

[smashed247]

Nice builds Mich'

What in game effect does the equivalent exchange flaw have? Where did you find the flaw? Did you make it up yourself?

[Manintights]

Hey Mchuru,

I've been enjoying these write ups and your stories quite a lot. I was wondering though, could you enlighten us a little bit more on the nephilim. I would love to hear more about some of the properties of all colors of hellfire and maybe some write ups of important nephilim in your campaign world.

Greetz,

MIT

[Michuru81]

What in game effect does the equivalent exchange flaw have? Where did you find the flaw? Did you make it up yourself?

Nope, I didn't make it up. Equivalent Exchange is one of the principal themes of Fullmetal Alchemist. It's based on the reallife law of matter conservation- matter can not be created or destroyed, only redistributed.

What it means in the game is that Carl can't just touch a stone wall and turn it to wood so that he it can be burnt down. He can redistribute the mass to make it thinner or thicker, or reshape it to create an opening or to form something out of it. One of Carl's favorite tricks is to get his hands on some metal or stone and use his powers to fashion a sledgehammer.

I've been enjoying these write ups and your stories quite a lot. I was wondering though, could you enlighten us a little bit more on the nephilim. I would love to hear more about some of the properties of all colors of hellfire and maybe some write ups of important nephilim in your campaign world.

Everything about the Nephilim comes out in New Vindicators #12. Without giving away everything, I can say that Nephilim exist in non-canonical works within Jewish and Christian faiths as the spawn of an angel (or fallen angel) and a human. From what I've read in such writings, there were two periods were angels fell from grace- at creation, because of pride and prior to the flood, because of lust. In the campaign, numerous angels become demons during these two periods... but only seven seraphim fall. These seven beings are the Fallen that were mentioned by Sanada Yukimura in New Vindicators #6 and each one channels a different colored hellfire.

Abaddon channels black, while Asmodeus controls yellow. Astaroth's color is red, while Leviathan manifests blue flames. Semyazza commands green hellfire. The Nephilim are the direct offspring of these beings- meaning Deimos and Pandora are both the children of Abaddon. Any Nephilim who can channel black hellfire energy are the children of Abaddon.

Aside from Abaddon and his children, there is one other being capable of channeling black hellfire- Adamant Toil, also known as the Third, is a villain in another campaign set in the same world. In the Illuminati campaign, the team has learned that Sigfried intends to slay Odin and destroy Asgard. He is joined by Doctor Mirabilis, the alchemist once known as Roger Bacon, who has found a way to bestow the hellfire to normal humans.

A private club exists in New York, known as the Loyal Order of the Flame (the Hellfire Club was taken...) wherein the only requisite to gain membership is to be able to channel hellfire. It's members are relatively unaware of the true nature of their powers- though they all find it odd that many of them have never come to know their biological father. Pandora is a member of this clandestine group, though Deimos is (as of yet in the story) unaware of their existance.

Most Nephilim are also unaware that two other colors exist. Satan's colour is purple- the colour of kings and nobility. No such user exists as of yet in the campaign. Purple hellfire is more than rare- it's non-existant to some degree. Almost as elusive are those who can channel white hellfire. These are the children of Samael. In the campaign, Samael is a rebel amongst rebels. The others may appear to work together, but they're secretly plotting against each other- bidding their time and waiting for the perfect opportunity to slip a knife in the ribs of their brethern. They're power-hungry and Samael... Samael is the antithesis of it all.

While his brothers fell because of their pride, Samael fell due to lust. Six-thousand years ago, he fell in love with a human woman and wanted a family. They had one child together- Aryan, the world's first superhero in some sense. Aryan formed a team out of other super-powered mortals and defended mankind from his Nephilim cousins for years. Since Aryan, Samael has only had two other children. Both have been introduced in this story thus far and both are relatively unaware of their hidden power.

To date, the only other Nephilim to have appeared in this campaign are Hanyou Hajime (blue hellfire, New Vindicators #6), Phobos (black hellfire, New Vindicators #13), Lilith (yellow hellfire, New Vindicators #13) and Paragon (red hellfire, New Vindicators #13). The Fallen mostly see their children as potential pawns in the enormous game of chess they are playing with each other and the best player is Abaddon. To date, two of the Fallen have appeared, under other names. Samael and Abaddon both have appeared in the story, with Abaddon's true nature (but not agenda) recently exposed in New Vindicators #18. Abaddon's secret identity should be fairly obvious while Samael's alter ego is likely not.

[Manintights]

thanks a lot for the more detailed information. Does this mean that the new vindicators' psychiatrist is actually a fallen angel? That rocks man!!!

Would I be right to assume that one of the 2 nephilim is one of the PC's
I really believe I know a possible white nephilim, but that;s something I'm keeping to me, don't want you to spoil anything.

Greetz,

MIT

[Michuru81]

thanks a lot for the more detailed information. Does this mean that the new vindicators' psychiatrist is actually a fallen angel? That rocks man!!!

From Magnus Loder's session with Doctor Pritchard...

“Well… there’s evidence that Neo-Sapiens have been around for a long while… FDR identified them as Nephilim- the half-angelic cambion given in the Bible. My point, I guess is… the world didn’t know about them until Johann Meinstein tried to keep World War II going. His blood flows in your veins, Loder. Think about it… if he hadn’t… would the world know of Neo-Sapien kind yet?”

“So what? I’m supposed to feel guilty? Sins of the fathers and all of that?”

The doctor shook his head. “Believe me… I’m the last one who should judge anyone on what their father has done.”

From Drew Jenkin's session...

“You don’t believe in God then?”

Doctor Pritchard grinned fiendishly.

“What’s so funny?”

“Just- oh, never mind. You wouldn’t understand. ..."

From Deimos' session...

“It really is a shame, Jeremy…” the man said, a spark of black flame leaping up from his fingertip. The tiny spark shifted and formed into the very image of Deimos’ face, appearing only for the doctor’s amusement. “I was really looking forward to finally meeting you…”

I'm somewhat notorius for giving the reader all the information- just not presenting it all at once. Doctor Jacob Pritchard is Abaddon, a PL X character in the campaign. He's Pandora, Deimos and Phobos' daddy.

Would I be right to assume that one of the 2 nephilim is one of the PC's
I really believe I know a possible white nephilim, but that;s something I'm keeping to me, don't want you to spoil anything.

Nope, it's not Drew. It's none of the PCs, actually- though the truth about Drew's powers connects him to one of the White Nephilim...

[Michuru81]

UNCLE SAM (Power Level 10)

Real Name: Samuel Meinstein
Height / Weight: 6' / 206 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Blonde / Blue
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (July 4, 1929 - September 8, 1949)
First Appearance: Vindicators #1

Biography: At the helm of the Vindicators was Samuel Meinstein- the man with a well of mass inside of him. Uncle Sam could tap into this energy to transform himself- increasing his size to astonishing heights- or distribute it to generate many duplicates. Uncle Sam most symbolized what America is- a sleeping giant and a powerful collective of brave soldiers.

Samuel Meinstein had long believed his father dead when he joined the United States Army. He was following in his father’s footsteps- the elder Meinstein had fought valiantly in the First World War, during the Hundred Days Offensive. As the Second World War came to a close, Colonel Meinstein was told a shocking truth… his father had survived, nursed back to health by a young German girl… and with her he had produced a child. Johann Meinstein was a remnant of Hitler’s defeated forces and armed with his telepathic persuasion, he was gathering reinforcements from the allies to keep the war going.

Sam confirmed the rumors that he had special abilities of his own and the allies scrambled to recruit those like him. From Great Brittan came Crusader, a young woman as lovely as she is powerful. France sent the Frog, a short, squat man with talents that made him an exceptional espionage agent. The Iron Curtain, hailing from Russia, could transform his skin into metal while China sent the psionic Jaundice- a man who could counteract the worst Johann could do to them.

The gathered heroes were triumphant, but their adventures did not end there. The Vindicators continued for years, fighting against other strange and baffling foes. Ultimately, the deaths of Uncle Sam and Jaundice brought about the end of an era- though the Vindicators would continue on. Since then, several brave men and women have followed in Uncle Sam’s footsteps and have proudly called themselves Vindicators.

Still, Sam left behind another- perhaps greater legacy. The old soldier had always been driven to help people. He had seen so many good soldiers’ lives ended when a mine claimed a leg or a well-placed bullet had forced medics to amputate the arm. Before he died, he had shared his dream of a building a prosthetics company with his friends and family. In his memory, Patriot Robotics- a firm for developing the technology that would give amputees their lives and independence back.

STR 14 (+2), DEX 12 (+1), CON 16 (+3), INT 14 (+2), WIS 10, CHA 18 (+4)

SKILLS: Climb 3 (+5), Drive 3 (+4), Intimidate 2 (+6), Knowledge (tactics) 4 (+6), Notice 2, Pilot 3 (+4), Profession (soldier) 6, Swim 3 (+5), Sense Motive 2

FEATS: Accurate Attack, Benefit 2 (Status [Colonel, Vindicator]), Dedicated, Equipment, Inspire 3, Leadership, Power Attack, Teamwork 2, Tough 3

POWERS: Growth 20 (Alternate Powers: Duplication 12 [Power Feats: Absorption Healing, Progression 7, Sacrifice; Extras: Heroic {+1}, Horde {+1}, Sacrifice {+1}])

Equipment: chain-mail (+3 Toughness); 2 free points

COMBAT: Attack +4, Grapple +6, Damage +2, Defense +4 (+2 flat-footed), Knockback -2, Initiative +2

SAVES: Toughness +9, Fortitude +6, Reflex +4, Will +7

Abilities 24 + Skills 7 (28 ranks) + Feats 15 + Powers 60 + Combat 16 + Saves 13 = 145 points

[Michuru81]

CRUSADER (Power Level 15)

Real Name: Naomi Brewington
Height / Weight: 5'8" / 120 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Blonde / Blue
Place of Birth: Coventry, England (June 21, 1870)
First Appearance: Vindicators #1

Biography: In 1890, when Naomi Brewington was told she had contracted the scarlet fever, her life came shattering down around her. The 20-year-old’s mother began to bawl her eyes out; her husband, Admiral Brewington, had been claimed by the sea fifteen years prior. Naomi’s fiancé, John York, dreaded that his love would be stolen from him before their lives ever truly began.

It was that moment though, when the proper and refined English lady discovered a fraction of her Neo-Sapien abilities. Almost overnight her condition vanished. Her body had strengthened itself against the infection and enhanced itself to ward of any other viruses. In the weeks that followed, Naomi not only made a full recovery… she had made many discoveries.

Capable of flying with the birds and stronger than a horse, the people of Coventry rumored that the young woman had died of the fever and been possessed of the devil. Others still argued she simply was in league with the devil- a witch who shared her bed with Satan himself. Such whisperings destroyed her relationship with John and their nuptials were canceled.

At her mother’s pleading, Naomi ceased using her abilities and the two moved to Oxford. The pair intended to start fresh- with none aware of the strange powers that existed with her. Decades passed, with Naomi failing to age a day. Their friends and neighbors soon took notice and the pair found themselves uprooting their everything every five years. Her running and hiding ended in 1940, when her mother was killed during a daylight air raid during the Battle of Brittan. Naomi crawled from the wreckage, unscathed and knowing that she should have died there- had it not been for the very abilities they had been hiding. Now determined to use her strength, speed and invincibility to help in the war efforts- Naomi rocketed into the skies and fought alongside the Royal Air Force.

Word spread like wildfire as pilots told the legend of the beautiful young woman who flew alongside their Submarine Spitfires. They dubbed her the Crusader- a woman determined to keep British skies free and clear of German bombers. Naomi did just that for several years- defending the homeland while the war was fought abroad. It wasn’t until that Fuhrer launched his attack upon the allies at the end of the war that she realized she was a power for the people of the world, not just England.

Volunteering herself for service alongside Uncle Sam, the Frog, Jaundice and the Iron Curtain, Naomi joined the original Vindicators- the five man force that shattered the Fourth Reich Johann Meinstein had created and revealing the existence of Neo-Sapiens to the rest of the world.

For many years more she continued to serve- until after the passing on of Uncle Sam and Jaundice. The House Un-American Activities Committee wouldn’t permit the Iron Curtain to stay on as a Vindicator in the new team they were assembling. As he was dismissed, Crusader watched as her friend returned to Russia. When she was told that the Vindicators would be battling the Iron Curtain and other communist super teams, Crusader called it quits- leaving the team in hands of Lodestone.

No longer a Vindicator, Crusader looked for her purpose in this post-war world. Despite being nearly seventy, she still looked like a teenager. The only man she had ever loved had married, watched his family grow, and was cold in his grave. Her abilities were denying her a normal existence- letting time pass her by. Seeing history fail to yield her, she opted to devote herself to that instead- using her quasi-immortal life to study the cultures of the past. Ultimately she found employment as the curator of the British Museum in London. It was there that she met Chester Field- the Aurelius of the 1950’s. As Earth’s Master Mage, he was charged with protecting the world from that which it could not fathom to understand. He educated her in the hidden histories of many events and artifacts. Overtime, something sparked between the two. A romance began, ending once more in tragedy for Crusader. Once more, her agelessness kept her eternally young while the years claimed the Aurelius. His apprentice took on the mantle of Master Mage, and Naomi was once more left alone…

As the 1980s approached, remnants from her decades-old battle with the Fourth Reich dug their way through the grave soil. Lebender Schatten and Schadenfreude, the right-hand men of Johann Meinstein, decreed the birth of the Fifth Reich and attacked the only surviving foe they possessed. Once more flung into a world she had abandoned, Naomi took up the role of the Crusader once more- this time leading her own team of Vindicators. Leading Blacksmith, Detective, Falkenburg, Hound, the new Lodestone and Pandora into battle, Crusader had answered the call that came with her abilities once more.

In the years since, she has retired once more and emerged from retirement once more. Answering a new call, Crusader restored hope to a world that had gone too long without heroes; five years after the disbanding of the Vindicators VII, Crusader stepped up and formed a new generation of Vindicators- leading an all-star team of Blacksmith, Detective, Falkenburg, Hound, Phenomena and Tick-tock.

ILLUMINATI #12
Crusader's latest team of Vindicators found themselves teaming up with the Illuminati as the Sixth Reich made their move... Having abducted a graduate of the New Vindicators Academy of Europe (Antiquity), the group used a Hyperborean artifact to turn her abilities into a weapon. The Vindicators were deaged and reverted back to their teen years. Though Falkenburg and Tick-tock proved themselves immune to such an effect, the others were not and suddenly found themselves victims of the villains; of her team, only Crusader survived the deaging.

Permanently trapped in the body of a teenager and lacking many of her experiences over the last several decades, Crusader was enrolled at the New Vindicators Academy of America- where her presence is contested by the European Academy.

STR 12 [30] (+10), DEX 16 (+3), CON 12 [30] (+10), INT 16 (+3), WIS 18 (+4), CHA 16 (+3)

SKILLS: Bluff 4 (+7/+15 attractive), Diplomacy 4 (+7/+15 attractive), Knowledge (arcane lore) 3 (+6), Knowledge (art) 6 (+9), Knowledge (current events) 2 (+5), Knowledge (history) 7 (+10), Knowledge (popular culture) 3 (+6), Knowledge (tactics) 3 (+6), Knowledge (theology and philosophy) 6 (+9), Language 3 (English [base], French, Mandarin, Russian), Profession (historian) 5 (+9), Sense Motive 2 (+5)

FEATS: All-out Attack, Attractive 2, Benefit (Status [Vindicator]), Favored Environment (air) 10, Inspire 3, Leadership, Power Attack, Teamwork 3

POWERS: Enhanced Constitution 28, Enhanced Strength 28, Flight 7 (1,000 MPH; Power Feats: Move-by Action), Immunity 10 (aging, life support), Protection 10 (Extras: Impervious), Super-Strength 10 (Alternate Powers: Strike 10 [Power Feats: Mighty]; Power Feats: Bracing, Counterpunch, Groundstrike)

COMBAT: Attack +4, Grapple +24, Damage +10 (+20 strike), Defense +4 (+2 flat-footed), Knockback -15, Initiative +3

SAVES: Toughness +20 (+10 Impervious), Fortitude +15, Reflex +8, Will +13

Abilities 30 + Skills 12 (48ranks) + Feats 22 + Powers 126 + Combat 16 + Saves 19 = 225 points

[Michuru81]

LODESTONE (Power Level 10)

Real Name: Wilhelm Meinstein / William Loder
Height / Weight: 5'10" / 170 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Blonde / Blue
Place of Birth: Berlin, Germany (November 21, 1939)
First Appearance: Vindicators #1

Biography: Wilhelm Meinstein was not proud of his heritage. That may have been the reason why the young man changed his name after the Second World War. He attempted to put his past behind him as William Loder- the son of a tyrant and madman… the son of the Fuhrer.

Johann Meinstein, the Fuhrer of the Fourth Reich, sired the young boy and controlled him as a teen in his war against the nations victorious over Nazi Germany. They were powers which nearly killed the Iron Curtain- powers that almost won the battle for the Fuhrer, had it not been for the efforts of the Frog.

Crusader saved the youth from the collapse of the building the Vindicators had been restrained in after their capture. She had saved him and given him a new lease on life. Wilhelm now aspired to use his genetic gifts the way in which his heroes had… Wilhelm sought to join their ranks.

Years later he did, on the name of his Uncle Samuel- the original’s team’s fearless leader, Uncle Sam. As Lodestone, William Loder led the second generation of Vindicators in battle after battle- some against the Cold Warriors, a group of communist superheroes led by the Iron Curtain.

Still, the adamant baseball lover ended up working with the Iron Curtain on their final curtain call. The Vindicators and the Cold Warriors both responded to an attack in Quar-Quar by a mysterious force known only as the Four Humors. What happened is a mystery still to this day- only Falkenburg, the immortal member of the Vindicators, returned from that doomed mission alive- but with his memory of what had happened there missing.

Still, Loder’s legacy lived on in his unborn son, who would inherit his father’s powers and help to firmly establish the Lodestone dynasty on the world- a tradition the original Lodestone’s grandson and great-grandson have all kept going since.

ILLUMINATI #12
The Illuminati learned that the mysterious entity, Indrid Cold, had been responsible for the events in Quar-Quar. Every fifty years a being known as the Purging appears in the ruins of an ancient city. The undead knight, Solomnus Crust, had attempted to use the Purging to eliminate magicks from the universe (in an effort to take revenge on the Aurelli gens); however, such a move would also destroy the Fallen- beings possessing arcane knowledge themselves. Indrid Cold moved to stop Crust, utilizing the Vindicators and Cold Warriors to prevent the man's ambitions from coming to light.

Instead, Crust was forced to use the Purging to eliminate his opposition- rewriting their memories to erase the time they spent serving with their respective teams and giving them civilian identities. Still, they were enemies of the Sixth Reich and wanting revenge on all their foes, the Nazis abducted the only surviving members of those two teams...

Lodestone and the Iron Curtain.

The two were caught up in the deaging field and reverted back to teenagers. While the Vindicators were slain, Coup Field rescued the two young men and brought them to safety.

Like Crusader, neither can clearly recall their pasts, making both ideal candidates for the New Vindicators Academy. Recognizing Magnus Loder as the curtain Lodestone, William Loder opted to create his own legacy (again) and took up the alias Dipole.

STR 16 (+3), DEX 12 (+1), CON 14 (+2), INT 14 (+2), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 16 (+3)

SKILLS: Bluff 4 (+7), Diplomacy 6 (+11), Drive 3 (+4), Gather Information 2 (+5), Intimidate 4 (+7), Knowledge (history) 5 (+7), Knowledge (popular culture) 3 (+5), Language 2 (English, German [base], Portuguese), Medicine 2 (+4), Notice 4 (+6), Pilot 3 (+4), Sense Motive 6 (+8 ), Survival 4 (+6)

FEATS: Attack Specialization (magnetism), Benefit 2 (Alternate Identity [William Loder], Status [Patriot Robotics, Vindicator], Wealth x3), Connected, Dedicated, Dodge Focus 2, Equipment 3, Inspire 3, Leadership, Master Plan, Startle, Teamwork 3

POWERS: Magnetic Control 12 (Dynamic Alternate Powers: Attract/Repel, Blast [Power Feats: Accurate 2], Duplication [Extras: Heroic {+1}; Flaws: Real {-1}], Flight, Force Field, Obscure [radar], Nullify Electronics [Extras: Duration {Sustained, +2}, Nullifying Field {Progression 3, +0}], Shield, Shape Metal, Snare; Power Feats: Precise, Subtle; Extras: Wide [+1]), Super-Senses 6 (Additional Senses: Magnetic Awareness, Direction Sense, Radar)

Equipment: chain (+2 damage), plate-mail (+5 Toughness), shuriken (+1 damage)

COMBAT: Attack +2 (+4 magnetism, +8 magnetic blast), Grapple +5, Damage +3, Defense +4 (+1 flat-footed), Knockback -3, Initiative +1

SAVES: Toughness +7, Fortitude +5, Reflex +4, Will +9

Abilities 26 + Skills 12 (48 ranks) + Feats 23 + Powers 70 + Combat 6 + Saves 13 = 150 points

[Michuru81]

JETSTREAM (Power Level 10)

Real Name: Donna-Anne Manther
Height / Weight: 5'3" / 99 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Brown / Green
Place of Birth: Clinch River Basin, Tennessee (December 1, 1988)
First Appearance: Vindicators #696

Biography: John Jacob Manther was born on the Clinch River basin, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains in Tennessee. Even as a child, he knew that his peaceful little world was where he wanted to raise a family- to allow his children to experience what he had. A simple fisherman’s dreams, dreamt on the banks- but they panned out. His dreams seduced a young woman from her dreams- Connie Guthrie gave up on becoming a country music superstar to have John Manther’s babies.

Since then, they’ve brought ten little Manthers into the world and turned them loose on the Clinch River basin.

Janet-Marie was the eldest and early on displayed her mother’s Neo-Sapien power template. Blessed with unstoppable flight, Janet began to see the world as her oyster and would often venture outside of the world John wanted to see those children live in. She hungered for the better things in life and saw her mother’s “inability to close her legs” as what held them back from living the good life. As she grew older, Janet turned to a life of crime- joining the team of villainous speedsters, the Order of Movement, as Velocity.

The next eldest found another path. John Junior- J.J. Manther had discovered the same abilities within himself; unlike his elder sibling, he put his to good use, joining the New Vindicators Academy of America as the high-flying Caliber. Upon his graduation, he joined the Guardians, acting as a lieutenant under the warden.

Next came Donna-Anne Manther; Donna-Anne was always the shiest of the bunch. She never truly believed in herself or her own self-worth. Perpetually filled with doubt, she tried to follow in her brother’s footsteps, signing on with the New Vindicators Academy of America as Jetstream. Still, her lack of anything remotely resembling self-esteem pulled her down time after time. Believing herself not in the league of the men she was attracted to, Donna-Anne set her sights low to avoid being disappointed. In her sophomore year, she began a relationship with Maximilian Fitzpatrick; the New Vindicator known as Tusk had been disfigured by his Neo-Sapien powers, making him less likely to turn away anyone’s affections. The two parted just prior to his graduation, Max beginning to sense that she never truly felt anything for him.

NEW VINDICATORS: Radix Malorum est Cupiditas – She next set her sights on Lucas Howell, also known as Psion. His mental probes revealed her true intent however, as Lucas quickly aborted any hope of their having a relationship. For a time she attempted to catch the eye of Malachi Brown, the New Vindicator known as Kelvin, but fell in with Cloud Goodman, the son of former Vindicators Coach Crag and Miss Mist.

For the first time, Donna-Anne truly began to experience true love. Sadly, as she grew closer to Fog, he became more cold and distant- just around the time of his friend Quinton’s death.

As a result of the repercussions felt from his alienation of the girl, Donna-Anne became more withdrawn- something felt during her last two returns home- first, at Christmas and then near Valentine’s Day when she returned to recruit her two younger sisters to the school. Accompanied by Mae O’Connell, Jetstream recruited Katherine-Joan and Christine-Sue Manther- now known as Magnitude and Propel. Though the girls joked with their older sister that if any more Manther’s manifested their father’s Neo-Sapien abilities they would run out of appropriate codenames, they noted that something had happened… Jetstream was lost to the abyss that had grown in her soul…

NEW VINDICATORS: Sic Semper Tyrannis – Jetstream was drafted to Hourglass’ team during the Trials. Their team made it to the final Trials, with all but one of their number advancing to the second round. Between rounds, Jetstream began a short-lived fling with Occultus Unus- very short lived, as a day after the two were spotted making out, he tried to kill Lodestone.

NEW VINDICATORS: Absit Omen – After the shake-up of the New Vindicators, Jetstream was among the few who remained on at the school and was kept on as a teacher. Like Fathom though, she did not have a squadron yet- with few of the students standing out as potential heroes. Still, in the moments before Terahertz's attack on the campus, Donna-Anne shared a passionate kiss with one of the students- a Sophomore under Frostbite's care.

In the wake of the assault the two have since maintained a secret affair- hiding their relationship due to their existing student-teacher relationship.

Additionally, Jetstream was given charge over five students: Bluetooth, Boson, Renewal, Savant and Suicide King. However, Elemenoh revealed the details of her relationship with Blur following his mayhem and her students were taken away from her- as was her position.

With teary eyes, the young woman left the school that had been her home for the last five years, her younger sisters leaving with her… and Blur left behind her…

NEW VINDICATORS: Para Bellum – After Lodestone’s defection, Loess contacted her former classmate and Jetstream agreed to meet in San Francisco. There, Loess recruited Anomaly, Deimos and Hourglass to her team of Vindicators- making a stop in Canada to collect Fathom and Frostbite. Before Loess could announce her intent to rescue Lodestone from Apocatastasis, Jetstream learned that her family was about to be used as bait by Silverback…

Still, Jetstream put her trust in three of her former students: Bluetooth, Renewal and Suicide King were joining Gabrielle and Fluke in locating the concentration camps. Promising their former advisor that they would not allow the Manther family to be harmed, Jetstream set off to save Lodestone…

STR 12 (+1), DEX 14 (+2), CON 12 (+1), INT 8 (-1), WIS 10, CHA 10

SKILLS: Knowledge (physical sciences) 6 (+5), Knowledge (popular culture) 4 (+3), Notice 4, Profession 2 (educator) 2, Sense Motive 4

FEATS: Benefit 1 (Status [Vindicators]), Defensive Roll 3, Equipment 2, Fast Overrun, Favored Environment (air) 6, Improved Initiative 2, Improved Overrun, Improved Trip, Move-by Action, Teamwork

POWERS: Flight 10 (10,000 MPH; Dynamic Alternate Powers: Dazzle [auditory; Extras: Area {Burst, +1}; Flaws: Range {Touch, -1}], Strike [Extras: Penetrating {+1}]), Force Field 10 (Extras: Affects Others [+1], Impervious [+1], Linked [Flight, +0]), Immovable 10 (Extras: Unstoppable [+1], Linked [Flight, +0]), Immunity 9 (life support), Space Travel 5 (25c)

Equipment: comm link, flash goggles, Vindicators Uniform (+2 Toughness); 4 free equipment points

COMBAT: Attack +4, Grapple +5, Damage +1, Defense +4 (+2 flat-footed), Knockback -1 (-20 flying), Initiative +10

SAVES: Toughness +6 (+3 flat-footed, +15 flying), Fortitude +4, Reflex +9, Will +3

Abilities 6 + Skills 5 (20 ranks) + Feats 19 + Powers 87 + Combat 16 + Saves 13 = 146 points

[Michuru81]

FATHOM (Power Level 10)

Real Name: Alexandra "Alexa" Hawk
Height / Weight: 5'7" / 100 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Blonde / Blue
Place of Birth: Brookings, Oregon (December 27, 1990)
First Appearance: Vindicators #689

Biography: Alexandra Hawk never knew what it meant to have parents. Her biological mother was handsomely paid to carry the child to term- a child engineered from cellular tissue extracted from a former Vindicator; Doctor Kenneth Bradley, better known to the world as Doctor Splash, was as close to a father as Alexandra could have… but as far from one as he could ever be.

Indeed, for the first fifteen years of her life, Alexa didn’t even known the man’s identity; she might have preferred it to stay that way. Alexa had been raised in Project: PRIME’s main facility, trained to be a medic that could easily be deployed to injured mercenaries the facility controlled. Her insubstantial state ensured she could get through almost any obstacle to safely arrive at her target’s location and it was hoped that a portion of her biological father’s intellect had been inherited.

Freed by the New Vindicators Academy of America, Alexa joined their ranks- working for a time under fellow Prime, the prefect known only as Nocti. It was there that she learned her father was co-administrator of the school. For weeks, she pondered how to engage the man in conversation- how to tell him she was his daughter. Upon working up the guts to undertake such an action, the man merely stared blankly at her. Two and a half decades trapped in his other form had made the man cold and unapproachable. Informing her that she was not his child but a growth of cells harvested from a Petri dish, Doctor Splash departed to attend to his work… and Fathom herself became as emotionally attached as her father.

Fathom fails to recognize love as anything but an illusion. Without such distractions, Alexa feels liberated in her romantic life- seeking only momentary pleasure from either male or female companions. To Fathom, sex is fun- love only gets in the way of that. Still, she is slightly choosey in her potential partners- looking for more mature companions, likely to emulate the mother/father dynamic she missed out on growing up.

Nevertheless, Fathom is a capable soldier (as she sees it) in the war the New Vindicators are fighting. Though she seldom takes anything serious, she’s all business once she slips into the black and white.

NEW VINDICATORS: Radix Malorum Est Cupiditas – During the White War, Fathom and Hourglass were dispatched to slip into Patriot Robotics and rescue the Affiliations’ captives. They found Loess and helped in her escape but when Fathom encountered Adonis Skraag, the mastermind behind the Affiliation used his powers to talk Fathom into murdering James and Jacob Loder – the second and third Lodestones.

NEW VINDICATORS: Sic Semper Tyrannis – Fathom returned to the school for the Trials and was drafted by Anomaly onto his team (along with Tripper and Occultus Unus). Their team made it to the Final Trial where, in the first round, Fathom overcame Jamaica Love with her feminine wiles. Things were not so simple in the next round, when Hourglass conspired to put her down and have Fathom eliminated from further rounds…

NEW VINDICATORS: Memento Mori – Fathom’s performance earned her an invitation from a mysterious group known as the Watchers. She joined, only to learn that the group was headed by Chimera, in an attempt to solve global crisis before they occurred and using assassination as the medicine.

Fathom left the group and rejoined her teammates in their campaign against the Wisent; after informing the Department of SPB Affairs of Chimera’s group, Fathom led them to the Watcher’s headquarters, only to find everything gone…

NEW VINDICATORS: Absit Omen – Fathom stayed on at the school, taking on the role of educator. She was given charge over the Damned, Kitten, Wilt, Magnitude and Propel. Following Jetstream’s termination from the school, Magnitude and Propel left and Fathom departed soon after, joining Hikari’s Next Vindicators.

Fathom became one of the first to face Apocatastasis after the monster’s release from the ocean floor – an experience she’d rather forget.

NEW VINDICATORS: Para Bellum – The Next Vindicators arrived at the New Vindicators Academy in time to spirit the survivors of Operation: Black Box’s raid to Canada. There, Loess arrived looking for the others from her graduating class, Fathom included.

Loess explained her intent to form a rogue group of Vindicators, determined to free Lodestone from Apocatastasis’ hold. Fathom joined the group began to traverse the continent looking for their former teammate.

NEW VINDICATORS: Et Spe – Not long after passing through the barrier, Fathom encountered Frostbite and Hourglass and the trio continued through the conquered city together – ultimately taking on Firn and coming out triumphant.

NEW VINDICATORS: Beatae Memoriae – Following the war with Apocatastasis, Fathom adopted the identity of “Cassandra Sway” and took a job as a nurse in the very hospital she was born in, all with the intent of learning what she could about Project: PRIME. Though her search turned up her biological mother, stepfather and two half-sisters, Fathom was forced to abandon her hunt to rejoin her friends in stopping Forecast.

Upon defeating the weather-manipulator, Fathom declined Blitzkrieg’s offer to join his group of Vindicators, opting instead to continued her investigation. However, upon her return to Oregon she found her family disappeared and the trail apparently cold…

NEW VINDICATORS: Contraria Contrariis Curantur – When an epidemic threatened the school it fell upon Blitzkrieg to led Bulwark, Fathom, Frostbite and Renewal on a hunt for answers and a possible cure…

STR 12 (+1), DEX 16 (+3), CON 12 (+1), INT 14 (+2), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 16 (+3)

SKILLS: Bluff 2 (+5), Concentration 3 (+5), Drive 2 (+5), Knowledge (life sciences) 5 (+7), Medicine 5 (+7), Notice 3 (+5), Perform (stringed instruments) 4 (+7), Profession (nurse) 3 (+5), Sense Motive 3 (+5)

FEATS: Attack Specialization (unarmed) 1, Attractive 1, Dodge Focus 1, Equipment 1, Inspire 1, Teamwork 1

POWERS: Alternate Form 18 (liquid [water]; Concealment 2 [visual; Flaws: Limited {underwater, -1}], Elongation 10, Growth 9 [Flaws: Source {water, -1}], Immunity 9 [life support], Insubstantial 1, Suffocate 15 [Alternate Powers: Strike 15; Power Feats: Accurate], Swimming 5; Power Feats: Dodge Focus 10; Drawbacks: Vulnerable [electricity, uncommon, major, -3 points])

Equipment: comm link, Vindicators Uniform (+2 Toughness, Immunity 2 [cold and heat])

COMBAT: Attack +2 (+4 unarmed), Grapple +12, Damage +1 (+15 strike), Defense +15 (+2 flat-footed), Knockback -1, Initiative +3

SAVES: Toughness +3, Fortitude +4, Reflex +10, Will +5

Abilities 24 + Skills 8 + Feats 6 + Powers 87 + Combat 12 + Saves 13 = 150 points