Agent A

Hey, returning player here. Instead of pulling my former characters out of archival, I decided to update my old PL7 character to PL10 to represent the passage of time (a bit accelerated from what he would naturally be, maybe, but hey. It's like a training montage). It's the same character obviously, so I probably just need the numbers checked on him. Character Name The Drifter Power Level: 10 (150/150pp) Trade-Offs: None Unspent pp: 0 Gold Status: 0/30 In Brief: A young, costumed hero with little more than his mask and scavenged tools. Alternate Identities: Carter Washington Identity: Secret Birthplace: Freedom City Occupation: Temp worker Affiliations: None Family: Father; John Washington, Living. Danisha Hardaway, Mother, Living. Estranged from both. Age: 19, born April 1991 Gender: Male Ethnicity: African-American Height: 6 foot Weight: 200 pounds Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Description: During the day, Carter does not stand out too much. He is tall, standing at just a hair over 6 feet tall, and he is an athletic 200 pounds. His hair is cropped short, though it is rough in places, as if it hasn't been cut in a while. His clothes are non-descript most of the time, and might be a little ragged, most of it coming from thrift stores. If given an opportunity, however, he cleans up very well. He is actually quite handsome, and can be charming when he puts his mind to it. However, he doesn't think of it too much, and doesn't always put this to use. However, when night falls, a different young man appears. Clad in a ballistic vest and cargo pants, armed with scavenged tools stuffed into a backpack, and masked by a bandana, the masked Drifter is a terror on those who would prey on the people of Freedom City. The very makeshift nature of his disguise has become distinctive among the criminal element, especially in Greenbank, and inspired the name the papers gave him. Luckily, he is no longer homeless, but he is not about to correct anyone, and the name has stuck. Carter finds it "very Clint Eastwood" in his own words, so it works for him. History: Carter was the product of a broken home. He lived alternately with his father, an alcoholic who was abusive when he bothered to acknowledge Carter at all, and a mother who spent more time worrying about feeding her addiction than her son. His only escape was into the stories of costumed heroes that he would read and see in the newspapers and a few comic books that he managed to find. He hoped that one day he could get away from the life he lead, and somehow become a hero. He idolized the costumed detective Foreshadow, who he followed as he cleaned up Southside. He hoped to be able to do the same in his own neighborhood of Greenbank. However, these escapes were few and far between. Eventually, the abuse and neglect became too much for him to handle, and one day when he was 15 he simply left. He attempted to hide for some time, before he realized that no one was looking for him. His parents had apparently not reported him missing. He finished up high school quietly, living on the streets for several years. However, one night not too long after he left, he heard a scream in the night. Instead of running away, he moved towards the screams. A woman was being robbed by two of the local gang members. Something in Carter snapped, and he lunged for the robbers, catching them by surprise. Carter was always big for his age, and he was able to overpower the men and save their victim. One of the victims was carrying an item that would perhaps change his life forever, though it didn't seem so at first; a telescoping baton. Thinking simply to help protect himself on the mean streets, he took the weapon from the man. However, they managed to get a look at his face, and one day soon, they came for him, and brought some backup. Carter fought like a man possessed, and managed to fight through and escape. However, he knew that they would only come looking for him again. He needed to take them down first. And thus was the Drifter born into a trial by fire. Though untrained, he began to work to take down the gang piece by piece using cunning and talent, eventually managing to get the gang leader himself arrested after a brawl ranging through the abandoned train yards. They had managed to knock over a shipment of some tech, and Carter was tempted to take one thing that the leader carried; a grapple hook gun. It was then that Carter realized something. It wasn't much, but he had done something about his town, just like his childhood heroes had done. He had even gotten into the papers, if only on the back page. They spoke of a "mysterious, masked drifter" who the police saw fighting at the scene. And he wasn't going to stop there. Carter began to spent his nights as the Drifter, fighting against the various criminal elements in Greenbank and beyond. As he graduated high school and turned 18, he entered an assisted living program, getting a small apartment of his own as well as job assistance; he currently works for a temp agency, which gives him work that's fairly stable at the moment. However, he still spends his nights as the masked Drifter, hunting those who would prey on the defenseless. His skills as a detective and fighter grew the hard way; through raw experience. Though young, he has the potential to make an impact, should he be given the opportunity. Personality & Motivation: Carter is rather optimistic for someone of his means and past, as well as one who participates in his brand of "leisure activities". He tries to see a bright side of everything, and very little gets him down. He tends to deal with stress through humor, which can annoy those of a more serious bent. That said, he is able to keep a cool head in stressful situations, which allows him to capitalize on his opponent's mistakes. He is very caring towards those he would call friends, and has something of a hero complex, like many costumed heroes. Despite his relatively sparse education, Carter is quite intelligent and very clever. Carter is very charming when he puts his mind to it. Despite his current loner tendencies in his hero persona, Carter has the potential to be a leader with some more experience. That said, he is very respectful of other heroes, especially those with more experience than him, and would be more than willing to team up with a group should circumstances demand it, or simply if he was asked. He has something of an inferiority complex about his own skills, which is what is preventing him from trying to attach himself to a group of his own volition. Despite what his name might imply, he is very loyal, and far from flighty. He has a strong code against killing, even when it might be appropriate. No one expected him to be anything but a criminal, and he wants to prove them wrong. Though his start into masked heroism began with a simple need for survival, Carter is determined to do his part in cleaning up the streets of Freedom City, however small it might be. While some might write him off as a thrill-seeker putting himself into danger needlessly, Carter does have a passion for what he does, and truly wants to help Freedom City. Powers & Tactics: As he has no powers himself, nor the budget of tech-based heroes, Carter is forced to rely on his own skill, cunning, and those gadgets and equipment that he can scavenge or make himself on the cheap, like homemade smoke bombs. His weapon of choice is a cricket bat, taken from a British criminal some time ago, and a grappling hook gun, a souvenir of his first adventure as the Drifter, and has since trained himself to be proficient in their use. The latter is a bit in disrepair now, which is worrying to Carter. He is a brawler through and through, and hard experience has taught him some of what works and what doesn't. When he is able, he prefers to get the drop on his opponents, taking them out with stealthy strikes and slinking back into the shadows. What he does is far from pretty, but it often works. One thing that is working for him is his growing reputation. He has become known as a hunter of street gangs and organized crime, and sometimes his reputation alone is enough to give his opponents pause, or even cause them to flee the scene when he arrives. He is also not above exploiting every advantage he can get in combat, especially to slink back into the shadows for another strike. He has not had to test himself against a super-powered foe yet, and is a bit hesitant to do so. Complications: Enemies: The organized crime and gangs of the city are beginning to take notice of the hero, and are gunning for him. This is especially true in Greenbank, his usual stomping grounds, though Carter is beginning to branch out more as he acquires more tools. Secret: Carter protects his civilian identity. While he is not particularly worried about any family members that he knows, having to watch his own back 24/7 is not appealing to him. Struggling: Formerly homeless, Carter is living in assisted housing in a small apartment in Greenbank and works as a day laborer to get by. It's not much, but it's a place to live and a job, which is more than he had. Abilities: 8 + 8 + 6 + 8 + 6 + 8 = 44pp Str 18 (+4) Dex 18 (+4) Con 16 (+3) Int 18 (+4) Wis 16 (+3) Cha 18 (+4) Combat: 14 + 12 = 26pp Initiative: +8 Attack: +7, +10 Melee Grapple: +12 Defense: +10, +3 Flat-Footed Knockback: -5 Saving Throws: 4 + 5 + 7 = 16pp Toughness: +10 (+3 Con, +3 Vest, +4 Roll) Fortitude: +7 (+3 Con, +4) Reflex: +9 (+4 Dex, +5) Will: +10 (+3 Wis, +7) Skills: 120R = 30pp Acrobatics 6 (+10) Bluff 9 (+13, +17 Attractive) Diplomacy 9 (+13, +17 Attractive) Disable Device 9 (+13) Escape Artist 9 (+13) Gather Information 9 (+13) Intimidate 9 (+13) Investigate 9 (+13) Knowledge (Streetwise) 4 (+8) Knowledge (Tactics) 11 (+15) Notice 9 (+12) Search 9 (+13) Sense Motive 9 (+12) Stealth 9 (+13) Feats: 34pp Attack Focus (Melee) 3 Attractive Blind-Fight Defensive Roll 2 Dodge Focus 4 Equipment 5 Evasion 2 Hide in Plain Sight Improved Initiative Improvised Tools Jack-of-all-Trades Leadership Luck 1 Master Plan 2 Move-by Action Redirect Skill Mastery (Bluff, Disable Device, Intimidate, Stealth) Sneak Attack Takedown Attack 2 Uncanny Dodge (Auditory) Well-Informed Powers: 0 + 0 + 0 = 0pp Drawbacks: 0 + 0 + 0 = 0pp DC Block ATTACK RANGE SAVE EFFECT Unarmed Melee DC19(21*) Toughness (Staged) Damage Bat Melee DC22(24*) Toughness (Staged) Damage Bola 50ft DC15 Reflex (Staged) Entangled/Bound (fail by 5 or second hit) Stone 50ft DC22(24*) Toughness (Staged) Damage *Sneak Attack Abilities (44) + Combat (26) + Saving Throws (16) + Skills (30) + Feats (34) + Powers (0) - Drawbacks (0) = 150/150pp

Drifter laughed, though the sound was more weary than mirthful. "Man, how I got out here doing this is a long, long story mostly involving a poor upbringing and a healthy disrespect for authority. But someone's got to look after the hood. I might be the best choice, but that's only by default, you get me? Least, that's the thought that keeps me out here every night." Pushing himself to his feet, Drifter looked at his watch. "I should get going, man. Keep an eye out for me on the streets, and maybe we'll run into each other again. That's the problem with the whole mask thing, you know? Can't really social network." With a grin under his bandana, Drifter offered a hand to shake. "They call me Drifter. You got a name, man? I could probably think one up for you if you need it."

"Well, I never hurt anyone physically. Including my new ladybird friend; that wasn't much of a fight. And I probably won't end up sleeping with anyone's girlfriend any time soon, so that won't be a problem." Dimitri chuckled a bit, running a hand through his hair once more. He shook his head at Mark's question. "I'm not certain he knows I exist, though my...little stunt might have caught his attention. Perhaps that's why I did it? I don't really know myself. Anyway, we don't exactly exchange Christmas cards." Dimitri paused for a second, before smiling again. "That sounded more bitter than I meant for it to. My past is squared away for the most part. Though I do admit I'd like a crack at catching him, myself. What's the phrase; it takes a thief to catch a thief? But that's neither here nor there."

Drifter had a grin at Dragonfly's comment, but his ears perked at the sound of more coming. He looked at Nick and Dragonfly, nodding to them. "Ok, we've got more company. Let's try to make this quick." Drifter took his own advice, looking for a place to set up an ambush himself. He choked up on the bat, preparing himself for the inevitable.

"I get you man, trust me. Do I look anything like 'conventional hero material' to you? I'm a dude with a bat and too little common sense to just go home and let the supers handle it." Drifter chuckled, draining the last of his bottle. "Only town in America where you've got different flavors of Nazi to choose from. It's like the Baskin Robbins of fascism." Drifter chuckled, stashing his bottle back in his pack before dropping it on his lap, opening up the main compartment and going through his gear. While he was doing this, Drifter listened to Cannonade as he reported on the gang movements in the area. He nodded when the other man finished. "Yeah, I took down an Irish not too long ago, but I think he's working for someone bigger. Something's big is going to be happening on the street soon, I think. Might be wrong, hope I'm wrong. But I don't think I'm wrong. Be careful out there, guy."

Drifter allowed Cannonade to say his piece, listening in silence. After he had finished, Drifter waited a beat before holding out his water bottle again. "You might need some of this after that mouthful, man. But I got a history lesson out of it!" Chuckling, Drifter shook his head slightly. "Calm down, man; I'll take your word for it. Long as you don't put on any white hoods and start burning crosses at me, I figure we're good." He ran a hand over his hair again before continuing. "Besides, most of the nazis in this town go full on Third Reich. I think they put most of the neo ones in uniforms and make them rob banks or whatever. I guess it's a bit classier, at least." Drifter leaned on his bat a bit, shifting to get more comfortable as he sat. There was always one thing that diffused awkwardness in their little culture; talking shop. "So, you from this neighborhood, man? I'm from out of the 'hood over in Greenbank and the End. Been tracking some drug runners that have been running in the area. They're holing up somewhere in this area for the most part, near as I can tell. Noticed any unusual gang work around here?"

Drifter laughed, running a hand over his hair. "Heh, it's better than what I got. I've got the power of hitting people with a bat and making the rest up as I go." Drifter grabbed the handle of his bat, holding it up slightly. "Seriously. I don't even know how cricket works. But it doesn't take much to put a guy out with one of these. Nice and heavy, and freaking distinctive." Looking over at the man, Drifter noticed the patch on his arm. "What's that mean?"

"I suppose so. I never took anything. It was...a challenge, I suppose would be the way to put it? It was a rush I got addicted to." Dimitri sighed, running a hand through his hair awkwardly before going on. "I suppose I indulged in that fault of most young men and tried to show up my father. Not that it went well. She has a meaner right hook than you might expect." Dimitri had a small chuckle before continuing. "But I'm trying to turn over a new leaf. I was able to get community service, as well as some hefty fines. And I'm looking into using my gifts for something more...substantial."

My IC is going to be pending Fox's result too.

Drifter shrugged, taking another gulp of water from the bottle. He made sure to carefully slip it under his bandana, so that it didn't lift as he took his swig, and he had a small chuckle at the mention of the convenience store. "Most of them just assume I'm robbing the place. Guess I can't really blame them though. That's where I learned to keep a change of clothes on me when I'm out here." He nodded at the comment on Freedom, raising his bottle in a mock toast. "Greatest town on Earth, isn't she?" He waved away the offer of food. "Nah, that's alright. I'm packing it in soon anyway. Gotta be up in the morning. Work, you know?" He had another laugh before taking another mouthful of water. "It would have been nice to have one of those super-powers that gets you rich. Or at least gets you on the Freedom League. I wonder if they get dental." Drifter looked over Cannonade for a second. "What about you, man? No, wait, let me guess." Drifter narrowed his eyes, thinking about it for a second before coming up with an answer. "Maybe the helmet is magic or something? There's the soul of a Spartan warrior in there, that directs your blade to justice and honor!"

Drifter, for his part, was more interested in his water bottle than looking around right now. It was an old bike bottle they were giving out from one of the offices he was temping in. He had scratched out the company name and logo; perhaps a bit paranoid, but Drifter he figured he might as well. He pulled open the nozzle with his teeth, taking a small mouthful of the water before pouring a bit over his head. Hot nights were the worst; his vest wasn't exactly breathable, and he couldn't exactly wear shorts. He could see why some people went the spandex route, he supposed. When he looked up, however, he realized he wasn't alone. Startled, his hand fell to the handle of his bat by instinct. However, it didn't seem that whoever this was was looking for a fight. After a second of consideration, he offered a small nod to the man. "Hey." Looking over the man for a second, it was pretty obvious he was another costume, and considering that he wasn't trying to start a fight yet, it seemed that they were on the same side. Drifter held out his bottle towards the man, wordlessly offering him some of the water.

Drifter landed on the rooftop, the high-test wire from his grapple gun retracting as he came to his feet. He had been expanding his borders recently, especially into Southside; lots of gang activity filtered through here before crossing the South River into Greenbank and the Fens. There was only so much he could do, of course, but he was quickly learning in the last few weeks that he wasn't alone out here. Still, however, running across rooftops worked up a sweat even if you were as used to it as he was by now. Drifter sat down, leaning his bat against the against the wall of the roof access and looking at his watch. It was about 2AM, he was going to have to get home and get some sleep before he had to get up for work. He rummaged through his pack, looking for his water bottle. He figured that he would take a short breather and begin to head home. He had found a few leads to track down, and managed to bust up a mugging in the process. All in all, not a bad night, he supposed. He would have work to do tomorrow.

Cape said in the chat that the door would get smashed up no matter the roll.

Drifter nodded to Dragonfly when the second man went down, wasting no time in moving up to the door; the guys inside had to know they were there now. He pulled a small, gun looking device out of his backpack. "Don't ask me where I got this. Alright, you two start looking for a key, in case this doesn't work." He stepped up on the stoop, but his eyes fell on something else; a large, paddle-like piece of sports equipment leaning against the wall of the front stoop. Drifter picked up the cricket bat, turning it over for a second. "You've got to be kidding me. Where do you even get these around here?" Shrugging his shoulders, Drifter held the cricket bat in his left hand as his right pointed the lock-release gun towards the front lock and pulled the "trigger". Hopefully, the deadbolt wasn't too complicated for the piece of technology to trip. Drifter remembered where he had picked this little baby up; it was a burglar who had gotten a hold of some impressive tech for a street thug and decided to squander it on petty thievery. It was a story of dumb crooks that got repeated a hundred times, but it ended up being useful in the end, he supposed. He heard the click of a lock, smiling under his mask as he went for the door. However, it only opened a little. Drifter cursed under his breath. "He barred the thing. Should have guessed. Guess it's time to say goodbye to the last little bit of stealth." Stepping back, Drifter lined up a swing before going for the fences, knocking a rather large hole in the door. With the bat, he began to reach in, fishing around for the bar to lift it up.

Alright, I guess we're in two-minute drill mode, so let's speed this up. Spending a Hero Point for a Heroic Feat; a rank of Equipment. I'll take a Lock Release Gun [1EP] and a Strike 3 weapon with Mighty [4EP]. Anyway, I'm using the gun on the door. If it's a Cheap or Average (DC 20 or 25) lock operated by a key, it opens up.