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January 2017 FLSCH Library "Okay, everybody, that looks great!" The two hour lesson was almost over, and now Mark Lucas was moving from person to person in the small group of students, checking out how well they'd matched his painting. The famous hero, looking like a model in his dark suit and gold tie, had painted a scene of the Freedom City skyline and invited his small group of students to either try and emulate him or "paint whatever's inside you!" Somehow he hadn't gotten so much as a smudge of paint on him, even his artist's smock was nearly immaculate, as he studied everyone else's work. Some of the students had emulated his painting (with varying degrees of success), others had painted cities more familiar to their homeworld or dimension, and one really had gone her own way with an image of starry nights being overrun by "Hah-hah, well, that's pretty frank," he said cheerfully. "Probably don't want to let the kids see that one." When the lesson time was over, he said "Okay, we have to give the chapel back to Karen soon, but I'll be here to answer any questions you have about your work. Nice job, everyone," he complimented as his students started packing up their work. "Next time, I think Gabriel is coming in for singing lessons. It should be fun!"

GM January 1st, 2017, 12.05AM On a road deep inside Wharton State Forest... The truck, or whatever it was, jerked and skittered across the thousandth patch of ice. James White of Earth-W 1042005 had an advantage over almost any other life-form, but with a sack over his head, power-nullifying manacles clamped around his wrists and ankles, and a sedative drug coursing through his body those powers were a pretty abstract comfort. Like knowing what that bright, hot thing in the sky is seconds before the meteorite hits you. Around him he could hear the breath of his captors. They were, to a...potentially man, silent, but the catch of their lungs, the easing of armored suits and the rattle of cumbersome metal objects at least gave some idea of what kinds of people would drug a guy at a tavern celebrating New Year's Eve. Suddenly, one spoke "What about the League?" Another "Hm?" "They'll come for him." "The dupe will work long enough. John Adams knows his job. It'll be months before anybody notices and never until they find us." The other grunted skeptically, but lapsed into another long silence. Very thankfully, they hadn't bothered to cover James' ears or mouth with anything more than the sack.

OOC thread for this thread. X-Files stuff and maybe some other things WHO KNOWS.

The Fens, Freedom City, New Jersey April 5, 2016, 9:25 PM It was a typical Tuesday night in Freedom City. While the full nightlife of downtown and other areas around the city were not at the levels they achieved over the weekend, the restaurants and some other venues were still doing good business. But in the southeastern corner of the city know as the Fens the streets were a lot more dark and deserted. While the waterfront bars and adult bookstores that tended to littler the area were open, they were far from crowded. Those that lived in the area tended to remain inside come nightfall, inside the often rundown, low rent buildings that made up most of the Fens. While the FCPD had been trying to step up efforts to patrol the Fens and "clean it up," there was still a fair bit of crime in its shadow alleys and streets. As such, it was not uncommon for some of the city's costumed heroes to be out patrolling the Fens. Indeed, the desire to try to help the troubled area had brought three separate heroes to the dark rooftops and alleys of the Fens this evening. Cassidy Bauer, also known as Bonfire, lived in the Fens, so he saw the crime and difficult conditions that the area suffered from on a daily basis. James White, aka Quantum Shift, was a newcomer to this dimension, having arrived from an alternate Earth. But that did not stop him from using the abilities he had gained from alien experimentation to try to help the people of his adopted new home. Jason Draco was a Freedom City native, although he grown up in North Bay, the part of Freedom City as geographically and economically opposite the Fens as possible. Having been away from Freedom City for seven years, Jason found the Fens little better than it had been when he had last read about it. Now, as Eternal Dragon, he could possible make at least some small difference that might change that. All three were moving through the shadows of the Fens when the shrill sound of police sirens echoed over other noises of the city. Not long after, a loud *BOOM* reverberated through the air, rattling windows as it seemed to echo from the edge of the area that bordered the Theater District.

Player Name: GamerXZ Character Name: Quantum Shift Power Level: (10) (150/150PP) Trade-Offs: +/-0 Attack / +/-0 Damage, +/-0 Defense / +/-0 Toughness (or "None") Unspent Power Points: 0 Progress To Bronze Status: 0/30 In Brief: Once a normal comic book geek, now living the dream and trying his best to live up to his new responsibilities. Residence: An apartment building somewhere in Freedom City Catchphrase: "It's Hero Time" Alternate Identity: James White Birthplace: Alternate Earth Occupation: Cafe Worker Affiliations: None, except for possibly the other Heroes of Freedom City Family: His birth parents are deceased and he is uncertain of meeting his foster family's counterparts in this universe. Description: Age: 22 Years Old Gender: Male Ethnicity: Caucasian Height: 5 foot, 11 inches Weight: 210 Pounds Eyes: Brown Hair: Dark Brown Physical Description: James White is not what you would call a supermodel, but he isn't bad-looking by any means either. Standing about 5 foot, 11 inches, he has a certain blockiness to him with broad shoulders and a bit of chunkiness to his facial features. He is definitely a good example of a "Gentle Giant" despite being so young. He typically goes for casual wear, namely a blue short-sleeved shirt, black cargo pants, shoes, and a black and grey hoodie. As Quantum Shift, he is not truly limited to any one form and has the potential to take whatever shape he wishes. However, perhaps his most common form seems to be a black humanoid creature that wears a skin-tight suit of navy blue armor that blends aspects of insectoids and a dragon, along with more alien features. Power Descriptions: Being infected with a powerful Nanite Virus has altered the entire genetic makeup of Quantum Shift's body, granting him a range of superhuman abilities and assorted symbiote-based powers. This includes superhuman strength, agility, and endurance, which allow him to pull off physical feats not even conceivable for a human in peak physical condition. He also owns powerful regenerative capabilities and heightened sight and hearing, along with surviving extreme temperatures, immunity to aging, among other things. He also has incredibly potent and versatile morphing capabilities, being able to transform limbs into various types of weaponry like blades, claws, hammers, giant mechanized gauntlets, power drills, whip chains, maces, and more. He can also sprout wings for flight, transform his skin into a suit of armor for additional protection, among other feats that involve the warping of biomass. History: 22 years ago on one of the Alternate Earths, one mostly untouched by any presence of super-beings, James White was born. From an early age, it became apparent his childhood would not be an easy one. Growing up in a rundown and somewhat lawless neighbourhood was no picnic. Many folks distrusting one another and being paranoid too, even when nothing bad was happening. His parents were usually too busy fighting, arguing, going behind one another's backs, taking advantage of their son, to properly look after either their home or James. On top of this, Mr White was a frequent victim of bullying and harassment both around his home and throughout his school years.. Being the victim of such circumstances taught the young man some very harsh lessons about life. Namely he would have to learn to fend for himself, and that trust and respect was not something to be handed out to just anybody. However, the young lad also learned to appreciate what little he had and he gained a strong empathy for the suffering of others. As a result, he would typically go out of his way to stand up to bulles and other oppressors, defending those smaller and weaker than him. Although this made him very respectable in the eyes of some kids, many adults saw him as a troublemaker and a bad influence. Not everything about his childhood though was sad, as he was a bright student and excelled in school, and was admired for having a keen imagination and insight into how things worked. He also had a deep love of anything related to comics and superheroes. Those stories of heroics and daring rescues inspired the young man to do well in his own life, to live up to the examples set by his favorite heroes. Of protecting the innocent, fighting for a cause you believe in, and to make lives better, even if his idealism and values weren't always supported by reality. When he was around 10, his parents through a VERY messy divorce, which left quite a few mental scars on the boy, although after his father died in an accident, he was sent to live with a foster family and began to heal from the scars his childhood had left on him. Graduating with full honours and a scholarship, Mr White's next step in life was college, where he hoped he would eventually graduate and follow a career where his stories would be able to help people...of course, that's when destiny reared its head one summer night. While out camping with a few people from college, James was about to turn in for the night, when he heard noises coming from the woods. An inspection revealed it to be what looked like actual Aliens hoarding humans on board some sort of spacecraft. One of James buddies got the brilliant idea to whip out a camcorder and record the event. Before James had a chance to stop him though, the creatures spotted them and several gave chase. The gang split up and James, not able to see where he was going, was eventually caught and dragged inside the ship. When he tried to resist, one of the creatures knocked him out. Once he came to, he found himself in a room on what appeared to be an operating table along with dozens of other abducted individuals. A voice came over the intercoms, explaining that the humans had been selected for a "special project" that would transform them into powerful bio-weapons to fight for the aliens in Multi-Dimensional War Games. The aliens sought humans for their supposed unending potential for destruction and lust for killing that exceeded many other species, and thus having the best chance of drawing out the full potential of "The Project". One by one, each person was injected with a serum full of Alien Nanites. The results were...not pretty, to say the least. Most were mutated into all sorts of horrific beasts, or turned completely feral. What made James heart sink was hearing the cries of pain and despair as each one transformed and then was carted off, presumably to be sold off to the highest bidders. When it came time for his injection though, something different happened. James felt the nanite virus surge through his systems, bonding with his genetic structure, trying to overtake him, force him to give in to his animalistic urges...but he refused, he resisted. He tolerated the pain as his body became flushed with the virus, and leaving him barely conscious once complete but still himself. Surprised by this, his captors opted to keep him for further study. However, he would not have that. The host broke free of his restraints, knocked out his captors, and made a break for it, getting a first-hand experience with his new superhuman abilities along with powerful regeneration. Along with his shapeshifting abilities, James quickly realized that he had become exactly what his captors had hoped for: An immortal bio-weapon capable of mass destruction...the only setback? They hadn't had time to brainwash him into being their servant. Not wanting anyone else to suffer this kind of fate, James destroyed the core of the ship and left in an escape pod before being knocked unconscious on entering what looked like an unstable wormhole.... When he came to, he did so in time to be surrounded by what looked like human doctors who'd found his crash site. He fled...only to quickly realize he wasn't in his home dimension anymore. At least...not the same Earth he knew before. Some snooping around quickly revealed to him he had travelled to an Alternate Earth and within a place known as Freedom City. A place known for its large populace of superheroes. Needless to say, the poor man was quite overwhelmed by this, but also felt he'd been given a chance to do what he'd always dreamed of doing. But also to make up to those people he had been too powerless to save from the experiments. After getting in touch with the Freedom League, he struck a deal with them. Housing and a cover for his identity, and in exchange he would provide all the knowledge he had on his inter dimensional kidnappers, and agreed to mainly use his powers for helping people. Also, he agreed to pitch in if a major crisis occurred. After seeing the extent of his powers, the League labeled him with the hero name, Quantum Shift. Now he fights to help keep the city and Earth Prime safe, acknowledging he won't be getting home anytime soon for two reasons: Namely his new form means he will never live a quiet, peaceful life on his Earth as he will, supposedly, be one of the few superhumans in a world full of mostly ordinary people. Secondly, he feels he can do more to protect his home by staying..at least for the time being... Although in his heart, he knows that the invaders are still out there...and they'll be coming to take back what is theirs someday... Personality & Motivation: James White is not the kind of guy who likes being the center of attention, being rather modest and easily embarassed when given praise of any sort. He comes off as rather quiet and contemplative, even a little on the introverted side. Sometimes, this gives off the impression he shuns company or does not wish to connect with others. However, this is the furthest thing from the truth. In reality, those who talk to him quickly learn Mr White is kind-hearted and selfless to a fault, can carry a conversation and usually has something intelligent to say or discuss. Having grown up with a rather difficult childhood, Mr White has a strong sense of justice and responsibility, along with a powerful empathy for the suffering of others. He believes in doing the right thing, no matter the consequences and does not believe in EVER taking innocent lives for any reason. Despite his idealism and optimistic attitude, he is not entirely blind to the realities of the world, and will use whatever he must to protect the populace, even though he detests the very idea that "the ends justify the means". He does not give out his trust to just anybody either, usually needing a good reason to do so and knowing how easily it can be abused. He also has a powerful imagination which helps him with controlling his powers. He grew up with a love of comics and heroes, and wishes to live up to those ideals and values. Driven by a desire to ensure events like in his own past don't happen again, he uses his intellligence, wisdom, and his new virus friend to help protect Freedom City... Powers & Tactics: Thanks to his Virus-infused body, Quantum is quite versatile and can adapt to many situations, although his preference is more hand-to-hand combat. Being able to alter his shape freely means he is never short on options for battle or for doing his job. Even without his transformation abilities though, he is strong enough, fast enough, and durable enough to go toe-to-toe with other superhumans. He possesses a more rugged form of fighting but makes up for it by applying his intelligence and what he reads in books to the situation. Even with his powers and abilities though, he is far from invincible. For one thing, Quantum's regeneration is not instant, and for more severe wounds requires time to repair meaning a sustained assault of heavy artillery and powerful superhuman attacks should be enough to keep him down at least for a while. Also, certain applications of his powers require much concentration, meaning he is a bit of a sitting duck. Complications: Survivor's Guilt: Although he doesn't show it, Mr White still feels remarkably guilty over the fact that he survived the alien's experiments when so many others are as good as dead or will never see their home again. He also has the occasional nightmare of the victims crying out for salvation, asking why he never saved them, or of ones where he turns against his fellow heroes. Home Away From Home: Even if this is Earth, it is not HIS Earth, and as such James has some feelings of isolation when it comes to simply existing here. Even the prospect of meeting alternate counterparts to his foster parents unnerves him, partially due to how he feels they might react and if he even has the right to meet them. Acceptance: James has quickly learned that individuals wielding power over nanites have an, at best, lukewarm to cold reception. Although not met with fear, quite a few individuals are at least suspicious of him and whether he is a ticking time bomb waiting to go off at the worst possible moment. However, one of the reasons he became a hero was to prove that your powers don't determine whether you're a hero or not. It's your character and who you are as a person that determines that. Abilities: 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 6 + 4 = 26 PP Strength 30/14 (+10/+2) Dexterity 14 (+2) Constitution 14 (+2) Intelligence 14 (+2) Wisdom 16 (+3) Charisma 14 (+2) Combat: 12 + 12 = 24 PP Attack: +6 (+10 Symbiosis) Defense: +10 (+6 Base, +4 Dodge Focus), +3 Flat-Footed Initiative: +6 Grapple: +22/+8 Knockback: -10/-5/-1 Saving Throws: 5 + 5 + 4 = 14 PP Toughness: +10/+2 (+2 CON, +8 Protection) Fortitude: +7 (+2 CON, +5) Reflex: +7 (+2 DEX, +5) Will: +7 (+3 WIS, +4) Skills: 60r = 15 PP Acrobatics 4 (+6) Diplomacy 8 (+10) Gather Information 8 (+10) Intimidate 8 (+10) Knowledge (current events) 6 (+8) Knowledge (Tactics) 4 (+6) Language (English [Native] Notice 8 (+10) Sense Motive 8 (+10) Stealth 6 (+8) Feats: 10 PP Challenge (Fast Startle) Dodge Focus 4 Improved Initiative Power Attack Skill Mastery (Diplomacy, Gather Information, Intimidate, Notice) Startle Uncanny Dodge (auditory) Powers: 36 + 8 + 6 + 10 + 1 = 61 PP Symbiosis, (30 PP Array; Power Feats: Accurate 2, Alternate Power 4) [36 PP] Base: Enhanced Strength 16 [16 PP] + Impervious Toughness 10 [10 PP] + Super-Strength 2 (Lifting Strength 40) [4 PP] Alternate Power: Strike 8 (Extras: Targeted Burst Area [10], Selective Attack [10] Improved Critical [19-20); Mighty) [30/30] Alternate Power: Insubstantial 1 [5 PP] + Strike 8 (Extras: Autofire 1 [10], Penetrating 4, Power Feats: Improved Critical 2 [18-20], Mighty) [25/30] Alternate Power: Strike 8 (Extras: Penetrating 3, Vampiric [10], Power Feats: Extended Reach 4 [20 feet], Incurable, Improved Critical [19-20], Mighty) [28/30] Alternate Power: Concealment 10 (all senses) [20 PP] + Super-Movement 5 (Slithering, Swinging, Tracking, Wall-Crawling 2) [10/30] Protection 8 [8 PP] Speed 5 (Power Feats: Alternate Power 1) [6 PP] Alternate Power: Leaping 5 [5/5] Morph 10 (For changing into Insectoid Form; +50 Disguise) [10 PP] Immunity (Aging) [1 PP] Abilities (26) + Combat (24) + Saving Throws (14) + Skills (15) + Feats (10) + Powers (61) - Disadvantages (0) = 150 PP