Griffalo

Noel He managed a polite smile for both of them. "I'll try to remember all of that." Finding someone hadn't exactly been on his agenda, but he had been secretly wishing it would happen. Leon was fairly cute himself, although obviously taken with the cat-girl; the one that looked like a Japanese cartoon character, rather than the actual c-word. "Well, I mean I guess being a superhero wasn't on the top of my list, but I figure you got these powers you got to do something with 'em, right?" He gave Carmen a genuinely warm smile. "I don't doubt that people are friendly here. I bumped into Carmen a few minutes ago and already she's been super nice."

Noel "Uh, no. Not from here. Boston, literally just transferred here, so..." The tension so palpable it could be sliced, but a part of him was grateful that for once, he wasn't the cause of it. "Sooooooo..." He drummed his fingers at his sides anxiously. "Anything I should know about this place that isn't in the handbook?"

Noel "Truce." He managed to say with a smile before Neko and Leon arrived. The tension was palpable, and that only intensified with Neko's enthusiastic greeting. People that chipper when they met you had bad intentions towards you, as often as not. "Uh, hello. I'm Noel. I'm new here and... Carmen and I were just on our way to orientation. I'm not sure if we have time to talk..." His voice rising slightly, a hint of a question. Whether she wanted to linger or move on was up to her. It seemed if this was going to be a fight, he'd picked Carmen's side

Noel And there it was, he thought. He knew he'd find it eventually, the conversation topic that would crush this budding friendship into the dirt. "I'm so sorry." The blush rising to colour his pale cheeks. "I was just trying to... it doesn't matter. I'll be quiet." He walked on quietly. It was all he could do to not have just dropped the books again and ran, but that would have been another thing he'd doubtless pay for later in one way or another. The comment that she then gave about him working hard felt like the perfect finishing move to his monumental disaster.

Noel "Yeah, like... To get everything arranged. This time last week I didn't even know this place existed, now here I am taking orientation. A lot of people worked hard to get me here, and I don't want to let them down. Does that... make sense?" He truly didn't want to disappoint anyone, and besides which it had been a condition of him avoiding any charges from the revenge he'd exacted back home. "No, I mean... obviously I can see that you're different. But the world for all I know you could be a mutant like me, an alien princess or a cat that a witch cast a spell on. There must be more to you than just what's on the surface, if you know what I mean. I know a thing about appearances not being anything." With his free hand, a glittering green stem grew out of the unbroken skin of his upturned palm. The stem grew and bloomed into a carnation with petals of glittering black jewels. Its facets were perfectly detailed and even had a faint floral scent. and it sparkled in a way it should not have under the soft lights of the school. Then it disappeared, an ephemeral puff of smoke.

Noel He smiled brightly. Someone who was going to the same place! Maybe this disaster might actually be a blessing in disguise. "Yes! I mean, yes, I have to go to first period orientation. "I like your jacket. I'm still waiting to get my uniform. Waiting on a lot of things, actually." He let her lead the way towards orientation. "Feels like my feet have hardly touched the ground since I left home. I get the impression a lot of strings were pulled to get me in for this year." He glanced over at her, conscious of her reactions towards him. "I hope this ain't a rude question but, like... what's your deal? What do you do, I mean. This school being what it is, and all."

Noel He smiled awkwardly once Carmen had picked up all her books. "Sorry, again. I'm Noel, by the way. I'm brand new, only started today so I'm still learning where everything is." Thankfully the girl didn't seem to be offended, but it wasn't the ideal way to greet someone. Still, the girl he'd bumped into was definitely the most interesting person he'd met so far - in a good way. He nodded to the heavy books. "Can I carry some of those for you? They look heavy, and it doesn't take much skill to be a pack mule." The same awkward smile again at his own joke, but he felt her eyes scanning him, as people often did. The temptation in the past would have been to hide behind illusions, present a more agreeable, confident face. But no, he had to weather the scrutiny. He'd made a promise to himself to let people see him as he was, rather than what he thought they might want.

Noel The collision caused him to stumble and wheel about in the corridor - he managed to keep his footing, just barely. Almost immediately, he was on his hands and knees, picking up the books that had fallen onto the floor. He was almost submissive as he did so, as if he were afraid of meeting her gaze. "It's all my fault, really. I wasn't paying attention. Let me pick those up for you." He scrabbled about, nervously piling the books together. "I'm sorry, it's my first day and..." His voice trailing off. He risked looking up at the person he'd collided with and was surprised - though not frightened - to see the cat creature standing over him. Almost certainly another student, which was a small mercy. It could have been a teacher, which would have created the worst impression imaginable.

Noel was hurrying through the corridors of Claremont, a wrinkled printout clutched in his hand. He looked harried, confused as he kept looking from the paper to the doors and walls. "Can't be late, can't be late..." His Bostonian accent was thick, clothes worn and slightly ill-fitting, as if the wearer was trying to blend into the background as much as possible. His backpack was slung over one shoulder, the standard JanSport at first glance, but on closer inspection it was some off-brand. That was the thing about impressions, he thought. You only get to make one. He wasn't exactly joining with the new intake, so he felt the weight of impressing those around him. The least amount of time he could spend as 'the new kid' the better. He just hoped he didn't alienate absolutely everyone on his first day. His father had predicted as such very succinctly - 'Who the hell would wanna be friends with you?'

Introduction Who are you? Sum yourself up in one sentence. Just your average working-class kid I guess. Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume? Not really, at least not any that bullies didn’t give me. What is your full birth name? Noel Grey Wells. My dad always hated it. Where do you live? Right now, Claremont Academy. Marblehead in Massachusetts, before.Not far from Boston. How old are you? What year were you born (if applicable)? I’m practically seventeen. I was born in November of 2005. Physical Traits What is your gender? If not applicable, please explain. Just a guy. I suppose if we’re using the proper terms, I’m a cis male? How would you describe your heritage? Beyond ‘white’? I dunno, a lot of families round where I grew up had a lot of Irish in ‘em, a little Italian. Never checked, myself. How tall are you? Five-ten. I round up to six foot if I’m trying to impress someone. What is your body type? Pretty doughy, I guess. People used to call me ‘fatass’ and other variations, but I don’t think I’m that big. Do you have any particular weaknesses, such as allergies or physical disabilities? Tree pollen. Hardly kryptonite, but that’s all. How do you carry yourself? Are you graceful, or heavy on your feet? Can you be stealthy, do you walk with confidence? My dad always said I clomp around everywhere, but I reckon I’m pretty average. I’m not very graceful though, and I think I generate this field that says ‘pick on me.’ Describe your skin, eye, and hair color. I’m told the term for my hair is ‘dishwater blonde’ which doesn’t sound flattering. Muddy brown eyes and fishbelly-white Bostonian skin. How do you wear your hair, if applicable? Do you have facial hair? ‘Short enough so it’s not in my eyes’ has been the standard most of the time, but I’m trying to style it a bit more now. The hair on my face is still pretty patchy but I’m trying to grow it out. I always think I look like a little boy without it. Do you consider yourself attractive? Do others? No-one’s ever said so. I guess it could be worse, some supes end up with horns or a third eye. Do you have any scars, tattoos, piercings, or birthmarks? Nothing of note. Now I’ve got a fresh start, I might get a piercing. Maybe a tattoo! Though I wouldn’t want something ordinary. It’d have to be something that would be timeless. Do you resemble anyone famous? Not yet. Maybe I’ll become the face of chubby white gay guys! Do you have a dominant hand? Kinky! No, seriously, I’m right handed. What kind of clothing do you wear? It has to be clean and fit. I dunno, whatever’s comfortable. Sweats, jeans, T-shirts, the usual. Do you wear makeup? No. Definitely not that confident in my masculinity yet. What is your vocal range? Is your voice distinctive in some way? I just checked on an app and it says I’m a bass. So there. Do you have any distinctive habits, nervous tics, or mannerisms? Where did they come from, and what causes them? Do other people notice and remark on these habits? Do they annoy you or other people? Not that I’m aware. Now I’m paranoid that I do and I haven’t noticed. History Where do you come from? I tell people I’m from Boston. Saves explaining. Have you made any major moves, or do you live in your hometown? Only this one, to Claremont in Freedom City. Do you feel loyal to your country of citizenship? Do you consider yourself patriotic? How do you feel about the government of your country? I’m an American, and that’s about the long and short of it. I don’t have a problem with the government, even though my dad says they’re a bunch of crooked spies, sticking their nose into everyone’s business. How do you feel about the place you come from? Nothing wrong with the place. Most of the people suck, though. Where is your home town? What was/is it like? Marblehead’s all about the coast, which means there’s still plenty of fishermen, as well as the tourists who like to come here for the sea air and folksy vibes. Growing up, were most of the people you knew similar to you, or were you somehow a minority? How did that affect you? Well, mostly they were the same but I guess when you all look like each other you gotta find the things to pick at? I was quiet, for one. We were all white trash, but my dad was known to be a jailbird so that was another thing. Is there something you've always been really good at or really bad at? How has that affected your life? Until I got my powers, I was never good or bad at everything. Totally average, that was me. I wasn’t very confident in anything though, so that didn’t help. Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)? My mom left when I was three. I don’t remember it, but my dad says I was real upset, for obvious reasons. I think even at that age I could sense he felt lumbered with a kid he never wanted in the first place. Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life. When I was eleven my dad taught me to drive. I felt pretty special and grown-up, but it turns out he just wanted someone to come get him if he was too high or drunk to drive himself. I was the one person who couldn’t get away with saying no to him. What stupid things did you do when you were younger? Other than the underage driving, I started drinking and smoking when I was twelve. I cut the drinking down when I ended up in the ER with alcohol poisoning. I still can’t look at dark rum. Where did you go to school? How much school did you have, and did you enjoy it? Just public school. We couldn’t afford anything else, but I think even if the local schools had cost him one thin dime I just wouldn’t have gone. I can never decide whether school was better or worse than being at home, most days. Do you have any mementos of your childhood? What are they, and why did you keep them? If you have none, why not? I managed to save the teddy bear I had as a kid. His name is Growler because when you tip him over he’s got one of those gadgets that make a noise. It’s supposed to be a growl (obviously) but it sounds more like a moo. And I would sooner die than any friends find out I still have him. When did you decide to become a hero? Why? Did anyone influence you one way or another in the decision? Once I got my powers, I started settling some scores. Dad always said that anyone who didn’t fight back was a pussy, so I felt justified, now that the boot was on the other foot. Things went a little far though, especially when one or two of ‘em had to go to the Psych Ward. Stoneheart, Marblehead’s local hero put me in my place, taught me that revenge was just going to make me more angry, and that I’d be helping myself more by helping others. Turns out she was right. Is the reason you give people for becoming a hero different than your real reason? If so, why? Mostly the same. I tend to leave out the bad shit I did and just say that a local hero showed me the ropes. Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you? I’m not sure how deep and dark they are, because anyone could probably find out both with some digging, but I’m pretty quiet about the stuff I did before, plus the fact that my Dad’s a total turd. Do you represent yourself as being different from who you really are? Why? Why not? This is a fresh start for me. I haven’t had the time or opportunity to find out who I am, before now. If you do have these secrets, what do you fear would happen if the truth became known? How far would you go to protect those secrets? I think I’d be humiliated if people found out about my dad. Do you have any sort of criminal record? If so, is it public knowledge? No. I didn’t get charged for anything since Stoneheart worked out a community service type deal with the local PD. Family What are your biological parents' names? Michael Woodrow Wells and Samantha Jane Melin. Were you raised by them? If not, please explain and describe who raised you. My dad raised me. Mom left when I was just a kid. What was their standing in the community? What did/do they do for a living? Mom worked at a bank. Dad was officially unemployed, but he did some low level shit-work for the local Irish mob. Where are your parents now? Mom, no clue. Dad, back home. That’s as much as I know or care right now. Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot? We moved houses quite a few times, but always stayed in town. How did you get along with their parents? How do you get along with them now (if applicable). My dad and I were pretty much roommates, most of the time. Occasionally he’d try to do dad stuff, but I think he expected too much of a little kid, which just made me feel dumb when he’d get mad I wasn’t doing anything right. Now I think he’s just bitter I got out. How do your parents view you now, or how would they? Dad probably thinks I’m barely a step up from a cop. Mom, I hope she’d be proud of me. Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what are their names? Describe your relationship with them. First and only child, so far as I know. What was your birth order in the family? Again, first and only. Where are your siblings now (if applicable)? Do they have families of their own? What do they do? N/A Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged? N/A Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular? What I feel about my dad is… complicated. Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)? None that are still alive. I used to love spending time with my grandma (my dad’s mom) but she died of lung disease when I was seven. Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? If so, please explain. Depends on your perspective. Some people would say my dad. He’d probably say me. Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? If so, please explain, including how it has affected your life. I don’t think so? I’m a mutant and so is Dad, so maybe there’s something in it some ways back. Do you have a partner and children currently? If so, please describe them. N/A If you do not have a partner or children, do you want them someday? How firm are you in your opinion on this, and what might change your mind? I love the idea of getting married and having kids. It’d be great to settle down, but I don’t think it’d be compatible with being a hero. I guess I’ll have to see where life takes me. What type of person would be your ideal mate? Someone who is kind and gentle, funny and has a nice smile. Relationships Do you have any close friends? If so, please describe them, and how you came to be close to them. I’m hoping to make some now I have my fresh start. Do you have a best friend? If so, how did they become your best friend? How close are you to your best friend? I don’t. If you were to go missing, who would worry about you? Hopefully the people at the school, at least? Have you lost any loves? If so, how did it happen, and what did you do? A couple of relatives, but I think this question means lovers, so no. Do you have any bitter enemies? If so, please describe them and their history with you. A couple of years ago I’d be able to give you names and addresses, but Stoneheart told me ‘holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.’ I think that’s pretty wise, so I don’t consider anyone my enemy. If you have enemies, how do you think they might attempt to work against you in the future? I’ve let things go, but they might not be so cool with things. They’ll probably try to mess with any good reputation. What is the worst thing someone has done to you? Stole my clothes after gym class so I had to go home in whatever could be scrounged out of lost and found. Sometimes dad would burn my hand with the cigarette lighter if I was fooling around in the car. Where do your loyalties lie? In what order? At the moment I’m most loyal to myself. After that it would be friends I made, and the idea of protecting people and making sure justice gets served. Who or what do you trust the most? Why? Stoneheart, but she’s not here. So Principal Summers. I think he’s a hardass but he wouldn’t screw me or any of the other kids over. Who or what do you despise? Why? I hate bullies. People who pick on others just to make themselves feel big. Thankfully I’m in the right place to do something about that. What qualities do you admire most in other people? Are these qualities you possess? People who are confident without being cocky; someone who’s comfortable in their own skin, which is what I’d love to be more than anything. What qualities do you hate most in other people? Do you have any of those qualities? Other than the bullying thing, I can get a bit impatient with people who take too long to make decisions on anything. Do you have a secret identity? If so, who knows it? Do you hide it from people who are close to you? Why? We’re supposed to keep our civvy identities secret while we’re in Claremont, so yes. Do you work well on teams and in groups? Are you a leader or a follower? I haven’t been on a team before. I think I’ll be a follower until I know what I’m doing. Are you on a super team? If so, how do you get along with your comrades? Do you trust them, or do you have secrets from them? Only if being a Claremont alumnus counts. I’m looking forward to meeting my classmates, but I have to remember there’s likely to be dicks at every school so I can’t afford to be too open. Are you a member of any church, fraternal organization, club, committee, political party, or other group? How much time do you spend on that? Church? Hell no. I went as a kid because it was just what you did with your family, but I bailed the second I could. Personality & Beliefs Who are your heroes? Stoneheart is one, obviously. Not sure I’d say that to her face, though. Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances? All kids idolise their parents when they’re kids, right? I think I’ve covered what happened there. Do you like being a hero? If so, what is the most rewarding part? If not, what makes you keep doing it? Yes. It’s corny, but doing good makes you feel good. Could be that you’re the person that comes in clutch on the worst day of someone else’s life. Is there anything that would make you give up hero work, or even switch sides? I think if I found out everything I’d dedicated my time to was a big lie, that’d do it. As mentioned before, I might also retire for personal reasons, but that’s a way off. What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)? It’d be silly to hope to be on the Next Gen, although I think I should start getting a little ambition. Team or no, I want to be known as someone dependable and with some friends. What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)? Maybe I’ll have just gotten older and fatter. Being some kinda hero ‘consultant’ might be sweet. And I’d like to be a dad some day. What is your greatest fear? Why? What do you do when something triggers this fear? That when all is said and done, I’ll end up just another piece of trash who didn’t amount to anything. Is there anything you would give you life for? I hope I’d be brave enough to do it for a noble cause, but that hasn’t been tested in my life yet. How do you feel about money and material wealth? Do you desire it or disdain it? Are you miserly with what you have, or do you like to share? Is it mark of success, or a means to an end? It’s useful to have, but if we start measuring people’s value simply by the numbers in their bank account, we’re in a lot more trouble than I thought. How do you generally treat others? I want to be fair to people I don’t know and to keep that up unless they give me reason not to. Are you a trusting person? Has your trust ever been abused? Not really, but I’m working on that. Too many times I’ve trusted people only for them to screw me for a cheap laugh or cruel joke. Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? Do you have a lot of self-confidence? Very introverted, but I need to make more of an effort. I think self-confidence will come as I learn more. How do you act around attractive, available members of your preferred sex? That sounds like the most exciting and terrifying situation imaginable. What are your most annoying habits? Humming. I still smoke. Also I’m trying not to lie so much. Sometimes I’ll make shit up because it’s more interesting than the truth. Do you feel contempt for any general category of people? Who are they, and why? This sounds like we’re opening the racist door, right? I mean, I want to be fair to everyone but it’d be naive if a little bit of prejudice hadn’t seeped in from my upbringing. I’m going to need to check myself often to make sure I’m not judging people. What is your favorite food? Do you prefer any particular type of food? Do you take the time to enjoy your food, or do you eat as fast as you can? So many. I love steak, pineapple on pizza, ice cream… Honestly I tend to eat super quick, and I don’t realise until I’m sat staring at an empty plate and everyone else is still eating. What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or otherwise)? Cola. What is your favorite treat (dessert)? Cheesecake. Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat? Bananas, olives, coconut. Also any kinda shellfish, which was hard for someone growing up in a fishing community. What is your favorite color? Are there any colors you dislike? I dunno, blue? Never really understood having a favorite color. What sort of music do you like? Is there any that you hate? It’s a cliche but I like all kinds of music. I’m really into the goth music of the 80s, but the gay boy in me likes the divas too. If you have a favorite scent, what is it? Gasoline. Do you have a favorite animal? Honestly I like anything cute. Hell, I’d hug a baby alligator. What is your most treasured possession? Why? My Claremont uniform. Honestly the day I got that was the proudest in my life. Sure, it’ll probably get replaced piece by piece, but having one means I’m part of something special, that I’m valued. Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts? If there’s no hot and cold running water I’m out. Is there a job or a task you would absolutely refuse to do? I think that depends on what it’s for? I’d do the grossest stuff imaginable so long as there was a good and noble reason to do it. Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? If so, how do your beliefs affect your life?How important is it to you? Hell no. Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special? Everyone around me; that is, I don’t have one because I’ve not seen a reason to believe anything like God exists. If you belong to a religious organization, how often do you attend? Do you have a specific place of worship, or friends within the organization? How much do you agree with the beliefs of your organization? N/A Could you kill? Have you killed? I think I could, if I thought it was necessary. I haven’t yet, though I feel like I’ve had some close calls. What circumstances led to you forming that conviction, or taking that action? Growing up how and where I did, sometimes there’s situations where you’ve got to put things down by force. I can’t imagine straight-up murdering someone, but things happen in the course of duty. Are there circumstances under which you believe it is permissible to kill? What are they? I’m not sure. Like I said, if you kill someone in the line of being a hero, that’s bad but I don’t think it’s automatically evil just because someone was doing their job and the other guy got cacked. How would you react to watching someone kill another person? Would your reaction be different if the killer was a friend or an enemy of yours? Honestly? If it was someone I really hated then I’d probably be okay with watching that person die. Obviously I’d feel different if it was a friend or a loved one, or an innocent. How would you react if something important was stolen from you? Do whatever I could to get it back. No-one steals from me. How would you react to public humiliation? I would try to be mature about it and work through it. I think things would be different if it was humiliation at the hands of someone I thought I could trust. How would you react if a good friend or relative were purposely or accidentally killed? Has it happened to you? It’s never happened to me, but obviously I’d be upset if they were killed. Probably real angry if someone had killed them on purpose. What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why? Murder or violation of something innocent. I get the emotions that lead to someone getting stabbed in a brawl. Someone doing something to little kids, animals, people who haven’t wronged them? Evil. If your life were to end in 24 hours, what five things would you do in those remaining hours? Lose my virginity. Eat whatever I wanted. Run up a ton of debt and do goofy stuff like drive sports cars around town. Throw a huge party. Go out in style. Career & Training Do you have any special training in your hero skills? If so, where and how did you get it? Only in using my powers. I know how to throw a punch, but that was all learned before I got my powers. Who taught you the most about your heroing abilities? What was your relationship with that person? Stoneheart, obviously. I mean, I already knew how to make illusions, but she showed me how to use them to help people, not just make them shit their pants. Do you have any particularly unusual skills? How did you acquire them? I like doing 3d art? I can’t remember if that came before or after the illusions. Do you do something besides hero work for a living? Have you ever done anything else, or do you plan to? I’m too busy to get a job right now, but maybe later? As cool as being a Hero is, it famously don’t pay the bills. What is your preferred combat style? Distract them, get their guard lowered, go in for the bushwhack. Have you ever received any awards or honours? None that didn’t come as the prize in a box of cereal, no. What skill areas would you like most to improve in? Is there anything you can't do that you wish desperately you could? I need to get better with people. I shouldn’t be intimidated by the lady who runs the bodega if I’m a superhero! Being able to fly is pretty cool. How do you act around people who are more skilled than you in areas you'd like to improve? Are you jealous, or do you try and learn? It’s hard not to be jealous of people who are better at what you do, but I try to remind myself that you’re just watching the end credits of an epic movie; they got that good through time and practice and anyone can do it if they’re willing to do the work. Lifestyle & Hobbies What is a normal day for you? How do you feel when something interrupts this routine? Most days are filled with school, studying and training. I’ve not quite got the hang of managing my own time yet, so interruptions can be stressful, mostly because I feel like I could have been better prepared. Do you have any hobbies, or interests outside hero work? What are they, and where did you pick them up? I like to mess around on the Internet, read, listen to music. Isn’t music, like, universal to every person on the planet? I guess you hear a song that just clicks with a part of your brain, and that becomes the music you like? What do you do for fun? I want to get out there and make friends. I never could back home, so everything I did was pretty much a solo hobby. Do you have a costume? What does it look like? Just my Claremont outfit. I got the gay gene but not the fashion sense gene, so I don’t even know where to begin with designing a costume. How do you normally dress when not in costume? Comfortably. Sweats, sneakers, T-shirt and a shirt if it’s cool. What do you wear to bed most nights? Underwear? Whatever I’ve had on that day, really. Do you wear any special jewelry? What is it, and what does it look like? I got a St. Christopher medal from my grandma. Do you have a special place where you keep your valuables? Yeah, right. Nice try. What's your preferred means of local travel? How about long distance? I’m a grandmaster at getting the bus. If I had to go long distance… bus? Train? I dunno, never flown before. Don’t even have a passport yet. Miscellaneous Have you ever made a will, or tried to make arrangements for your death? What provisions did you make? Jeez, I’m 17! Maybe I should make one, though. I’d hate to die and my dad get whatever I had, even if it is seventeen cents and my old clothes. If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body? Christ, this is getting morbid. I dunno, don’t they use dental records in the TV shows? What would you like to be remembered for after your death? ‘I was more than just a great set of boobs. I was also an incredible pair of legs.’ That’s from a film. Do you believe you pose a threat to the public? Why or why not? I mean, I don’t think so? Others would disagree. What do you perceive as your greatest strength? My resilience. I can take a lot of shit, and I’m living proof that I can bounce back from it. What do you perceive as your greatest weakness? My temper. I’m scared I would lash out inappropriately if someone hurt me. 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. Those people, who you think are so important now? They will literally mean nothing to your life, moving forward. They don’t deserve a single second more of your headspace. Live your life, be happy, love yourself, and the world will love you back.

Thank you for the helpful comments! I've updated him now.

Mirage Power Level: 8 (150/150PP) Unspent Power Points: 0 Trade-Offs: Attack Bonus +1/Save DC -1, Defense Bonus +1/Toughness Save -1 In Brief: Illusion controller searching for inner truth Catchphrase: None Theme: Do You Want the Truth, Or Something Beautiful? Alternate Identity: Noel Wells (Secret) Birthplace: Marblehead, MA Residence: Claremont Academy, Freedom City Base of Operations: Claremont Academy, Freedom City Occupation: Student Affiliations: Claremont Academy Family: Michael "Mickey" Wells, unemployed. Description: Age: 17 (DoB: 2005) Apparent Age: 17 Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian. Height: 5' 10" Weight: 230lbs Eyes: Brown Hair: Blonde History: Noel Wells was a quiet child, a gentle soul who found himself with the build of a linebacker. From a young age he felt different, not least because his father was ill suited to raising him. A low-level street enforcer with the minor mutant ability to create small bursts of static electricity, his father had given him two reasons to be picked on from the beginning. His quiet introverted nature won him few friends, and as he grew into a teen his own burgeoning queerness further intensified the gulf between himself and everybody else. At the same time his own mutant ability was developing. He was surprised by the strength of his new ability, either to project realistic illusions or to inflict overwhelming visions at individuals. Given that he hadn't had the best upbringing, it wasn't surprising that the first order of business was to take his revenge on his tormentors. Harmless pranks became serious threats until local heroine Stoneheart thwarted his activities. Thankfully rather than kicking his butt and sending him to juvie, Stoneheart helped Noel through the inner turmoil, showing him that lashing out wouldn't ultimately be fulfilling, and that there was a good person beneath the layers of pain. From that point on, he worked on being a better person, using his abilities to help others. His new heroic activities didn't square too well with his father, and before too long Boston heroes got in touch with the faculty of Claremont to try and further the teen's education. Personality & Motivation: Mirage is still rather quiet and shy, though anyone who knew him even a few years ago would notice a marked improvement. He's eager to make friends but is inexperienced in how. He's getting the college experience a little early - that is, moving somewhere no-one knows who he was and thus has a chance to completely reinvent himself as a fun and interesting person and will probably end up doing something ill-advised like getting something pierced or buying a leather jacket that doesn't suit him. Powers & Tactics: Mirage can create wide ranging illusions that affect all senses as well as duplicate the appearance of other humanoids. By default this puts him on infiltration and distraction duty. At a shorter range he can create 'realistic' illusions with the capability of inflicting psychosomatic injuries, which he tends to manifest as intense beams of light or fearsome weapons. Finally he can project crude but powerful illusions at individual targets that overload the senses, should the need come up to subdue opponents without causing lasting harm. Failing that, he's a working class kid with a thug for a father - he knows how to throw a punch and avoid one. Power Descriptions: Being an illusionist, Mirage's powers can look like anything or nothing; however, as a teenager his powers are often influenced by pop-culture and his own experiences; recreating locations or characters from movies or TV, for example. When using his Dazzle ability it is a sheer sensory overload; blinding flashes, screaming eardrums, nerves on fire. Complications: Cruel and Unusual (Reputation): He's on the straight and narrow now, but it wasn't too long ago he tormented other teens with nightmares that would make Freddy hang up his hat and glove. There are those who feel a great deal of bitterness that Mirage has been 'allowed' to move on with his life. Daddy Issues (Secret): He's keenly aware that being a hero with a criminal father could be... problematic. Though he doesn't think about it often, 'Mickey the Spark' hangs like the Sword of Damocles, potentially waiting until the exact worst moment to give a tell-all to the media. Abilities: 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 + 8 + 4 = 26PP Strength: 14 (+2) Dexterity: 14 (+2) Constitution: 14 (+2) Intelligence: 12 (+1) Wisdom: 18 (+4) Charisma: 14 (+2) Combat: 18 + 12 = 30PP Initiative: +2 Attack: +9 Melee, +9 Ranged, +9 Base Defense: +9 (+6 Base, +3 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Grapple: +11 Knockback: -3 Saving Throws: 4 + 4 + 3 = 11PP Toughness: +7 (+2 Con, +3 Armor, +2 Defensive Roll Fortitude: +6 (+2 Con, +4) Reflex: +6 (+2 Dex, +4) Will: +7 (+4 Wis, +3) Skills: 20R = 5PP Bluff 6 (+8) Concentration 6 (+10) Disguise 0 (+2/+22 (With Morph active) Drive 2 (+4) Notice 4 (+8) Sense Motive 2 (+6) Feats: 12PP Attack Specialisation (Unarmed) 2 Defensive Roll Distract (Bluff) Dodge Focus 3 Redirect Second Chance (Saves vs. Illusions) Set-Up Taunt Equipment 1 (5 EP) Equipment: 1PP = 5EP Costume (Protection 3) 3 EP Sap Gloves (as Brass Knuckles, STR+1 damage) 2 EP Powers: 58 + 8 = 66PP (illusion, mutation) Illusion Array 28 (56PP Array: Feats: Alternate Power 2) [58PP] Base Power: Illusion 8 (5D Holography, Affects All Sense Types (4PP rank), Extras: Damaging) [56/56 PP] Alternate Power: Illusion 8 (4D Holography, Affects All Sense Types (4PP rank), Extras: Duration (Continuous) Feats: Area Progression 3 (50ft Radius) [51PP] Alternate Power: Dazzle 8 (Sensory Overload, Affects All Sense Types (4PP rank), Extras: Area (40ft. Burst), Range (Perception), Selective Attack) [56PP] Morph 4 (Illusory Appearance; Broad Group (Humanoids) - 2PP rank) [8PP] Drawbacks: (-0) + (-0) = -0PP DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Touch DC 17 Toughness Damage Sap Gloves Touch DC 18 Toughness Damage Illusion 8 Perception DC 18 Will Damage Dazzle 8 Perception DC 18 Will Blinded/ Deafened Totals: Abilities (26) + Combat (30) + Saving Throws (11) + Skills (5) + Feats (12) + Powers (66) - Drawbacks (0) = 150/150 Power Points

"I'm in no rush, really." Tyler seemed calmed, more relaxed now that Judy had offered her apology. "I definitely think I'd like to meet more new faces, now. Video games... I don't think I'd get much of a chance to get to know people?" He turned his head to look once again at Corinne. "It'd be great if you joined us as well. 'The more, the merrier', isn't that the saying?"

Tyler looked nervously at the two girls as they began to speak. His frown relaxed some when Judy began to apologise. He wasn't so naive to believe that Ashley's apology had been entirely sincere, but it was a start. "Well, it was nice of you both to say that. Thank you. I know that my appearance can... upset some people, at first. I get that, and I can't blame you." There was a slight blush that rose to his cheeks when Judy said the words. "I think I'd like that too." He looked at Veronica, then back at the sisters. "I should finish up the tour first, but I'd really like to join you later, if that's okay?"

"Oh, sorry. I'm Tyler. I'm... new. You must have known that already, sorry." He shrugged, his expression apologetic. "It's nice getting to know everyone, most people have been pretty friendly. I'm sorry I didn't really get to say hello to your... friend. But don't worry about what Nicole said. Believe me, I know a few things about how badly first impressions can go."