Lament

[Supercape]

For all the fearsome fears of Lord Lament, the Duke of Despair! the Sultan of Sorrow!

 

Muahahaha!

 

20 Q

Reputations

Hell Q

Edited January 23, 2018 by Supercape

[Supercape]

20 Questions: Vince Voyeur Interviews Lament, the Sultan of Sorrow

 

1.       Where is your hero from?

New Orleans

 

2.       How would your hero physically describe him/herself? Is this different from how others would?

Handsome and imposing. Others, maybe not. I might get away with imposing!

 

3.       Does your hero have distinguishing speech characteristics or recurring mannerisms?

I have a bit of  French Creole accent

 

4.       What is your hero's motivation?

I have come to strike terror and despair in the hearts of the cruel and wicked. Muahahaha!

 

5.       What are your hero's greatest strengths and weaknesses?

My greatest strength is fear! I have no weaknesses!

 

6.       What does your hero love? What does your hero hate?

I love my family, and New Orleans. I just drink the culture there, especially on the streets in the early hours of the morning. I hate bullies, I think. Well, I hate a lot of things, but that’s one that stands out.

 

7.       How would you describe your character's mental and emotional state?

I am dramatic, melodramatic, and fearsome. But I can get a bit carried away with myself. Other than that, I’m stable. *twitches eye*. Honest.

 

8.       What does your hero fear the most?

Myself!

 

9.       What is your character's greatest ambition?

I don’t have a grand scheme. Except maybe ridding myself of my terrible curse!

 

10.   How does your hero feel about the state of the world and his/her place in it?

It is a place of great creativity and beauty, which is born from pain and suffering. I think it’s a Ying and Yang thing. I feel I can help the former and limit the latter.

 

11.   Does your hero have any prejudices? How does he/she get along with others?

I am a bit of a loner, and can be a bit distant at first. But not unpleasant or rude, just a little distant. Maybe I am scared to get close. But if I open up, I am warm hearted and without prejudice.

 

12.   Where do your heroes loyalties lie? In what order?

I am not sure I have any particular loyalties, or at least a loyalty that trumps other ones. I have a duty to my family and my friends, my city, my world. But doesn’t everyone? And no one loyalty is absolute.

 

13.   Does your hero have a lover or partner? How do they feel about the hero now?

Not now. It would be difficult what with my fearsome sorcery! Muahahaha!

 

14.   Does your hero have a family? What is the relationship there like?

Yes, and my relationship is generally good, although I am away from them a lot of the time. Since I have become Lament, the Duke of Despair, things are a little more…complicated, strained even, but not antagonistic.

 

15.   How would the people closest to your hero describe him or her?

A show off!

 

16.   Is your hero a role model?

No. I would hope not. There are much better ways to help the world than the ways of Lament!

 

17.   How spiritual is your hero? Does your hero follow a relgious tradition?

Maybe. I dabble. It is a complicated thing. I would best say I synthesise various beliefs but then do not worship any deity once I have done so.

 

18.   Is your hero part of a team, or would he/she like to be? Why?

I would very much like to be. I think it would be difficult, though. I struggle with my powers.

 

19.   How does your hero feel about the place of metahumans and aliens on Earth?

I think they are general a force for good. But sometimes a fearsome danger.

 

20.   If you could give one piece of advice to your hero, what would it be?

Retire if you can!

[Supercape]

Hell Q

 

 

Introduction

 

Who are you? Sum yourself up in one sentence.

Pretend Voodoo sorcerer bonded with a psychic parasite

 

Do you have any nicknames, street names, titles, or nom de plume?

Lord Lament! The Duke of Despair! The Sultan of Sorrow!

 

What is your full birth name?

Luther Earl LeGrasse

 

Where do you live?

Freedom City and New Orleans. Mainly the former.

 

How old are you? What year were you born (if applicable)?

26. In 1991

 

Physical Traits

 

 

What is your gender? If not applicable, please explain.

Male

 

How would you describe your heritage?

Mixed. Really mixed.

 

How tall are you?

5’8”. With shoes on.

 

What is your body type?

Slender

 

Do you have any particular weaknesses, such as allergies or physical disabilities?

Photosensitive Epilepsy

 

How do you carry yourself? Are you graceful, or heavy on your feet? Can you be stealthy, do you walk with confidence?

Dramatic. With a touch of stealth if need be.

 

Describe your skin, eye, and hair color.

Brown skin, Brown eyes. Used to have black hair.

 

How do you wear your hair, if applicable? Do you have facial hair?

I don’t, but as Lament I stick on a white goatee wig.

 

Do you consider yourself attractive? Do others?

Not really.

 

Do you have any scars, tattoos, piercings, or birthmarks?

No.

 

Do you resemble anyone famous?

I am famous!

 

Do you have a dominant hand?

Right

 

What kind of clothing do you wear?

Stage costumes. I am a master of disguise, muahahaha! But as Lament I wear an outrageously tall top hat and ragged jacket, both purple in colour.

 

Do you wear makeup?

Of course! Dark shadowed black or bone white!

 

What is your vocal range? Is your voice distinctive in some way?

Its quite low and rumbling and I can project!

 

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?

I can’t help humming along to a tune or tapping my feet when I hear music.

 

 

History

 

Where do you come from?

New Orleans

 

Have you made any major moves, or do you live in your hometown?

No. My family go back three generations in New Orleans. I have a house there and am often visiting, but now I live 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 don’t have strong feelings either way. Perhaps I am a touch cynical, and I could not call myself a patriot. I am more invested in the local politics of Freedom City and New Orleans.

 

How do you feel about the place you come from?

I love it.

 

Where is your home town? What was/is it like?

It was wonderful, full of jazz and rich smells, and a vibrant street life.

 

Growing up, were most of the people you knew similar to you, or were you somehow a minority? How did that affect you?

I was a runt, I had a few run ins with bullies but I usually talked my way round them.

 

Is there something you've always been really good at or really bad at? How has that affected your life?

I am excellent at stage magic. So good, I made a career out of it!

 

Were there any traumatic experiences in your early years (death of a family member, abandonment, orphaned at an early age)?

No, my family are all live and I had a positive upbringing, although we were not well off.

 

Briefly describe a defining moment in your childhood and how it influenced your life.

My first magic tricks, aged thirteen on the Streets of New Orleans. I was hooked on doing it!

 

What stupid things did you do when you were younger?

I played truant a few times. Went in under age to bars.

 

Where did you go to school? How much school did you have, and did you enjoy it?

Yeah I enjoyed it. I can’t say I was smart, but I was smart enough. I had lots of friends.

 

Do you have any mementos of your childhood? What are they, and why did you keep them? If you have none, why not?

A huge amount of mementos of my family. I keep them stored in my New Orleans House

 

When did you decide to become a hero? Why? Did anyone influence you one way or another in the decision?

I do believe in helping out, but the truth is, I have to. The psychic parasite in my body demands feeding!

 

Is the reason you give people for becoming a hero different than your real reason? If so, why?

Of course. I don’t want everybody knowing I have an alien psychic parasite of horrific power stick to me bones!

 

Do you have any deep, dark secrets in the past that may come back to haunt you?

Other than a few minor criminal infractions, no. I would hardly call them deep or dark.

 

Do you represent yourself as being different from who you really are? Why?

Absolutely. It’s the stage!

 

Do you have any sort of criminal record? If so, is it public knowledge?

Its not public knowledge. I broke a few minor laws as a teenager. Nothing serious.

 

Family

 

 

What are your biological parents' names?

Vincent LaGrasse, Magreet Lagrasse

 

Were you raised by them? If not, please explain and describe who raised you.

I was

 

What was their standing in the community? What did/do they do for a living?

They weren’t well off, but they were respected. My father worked in a whisky distiller, and my mother worked as a cook part time. They threw some great summer parties.

 

Where are your parents now?

New Orleans

 

Did your family stay in one area or move around a lot?

They stayed in New Orleans

 

How did you get along with their parents? How do you get along with them now (if applicable).

Pretty well and pretty well. They were laid back, let me do my own thing, never pushed me one direction, and encouraged me in my career.

 

How do your parents view you now, or how would they?

With pride, more or less.

 

Do you have any siblings? If so how many and what are their names? Describe your relationship with them.

Ella Lagrasse, and Violet Lagrasse

 

What was your birth order in the family?

Middle

 

Where are your siblings now (if applicable)? Do they have families of their own? What do they do?

Both in New Orleans. No children yet. Ella works as a council member. Guess she wants to be mayor one day. Margreet is a Jazz singer.

 

Do you stay in touch with them or have you become estranged?

Frequently, but it’s a little harder these days.

 

Do you love or hate one member of the family in particular?

I suppose I have my best memories of my mothers cooking, but other than that, not really.

 

Is any member of the family special to you in any way (perhaps, as a confidant, mentor, or arch-rival)?

I think Margreet understands me best. But its not a big thing.

 

Are there any black (or white) sheep in the family (including you)? If so, please explain.

Not from my families perspective!

 

Do you have a notorious or celebrated ancestor? If so, please explain, including how it has affected your life.

John Legrasse, he was a detective. Busted up a cult in 1907. All a bit spooky.

 

Do you have a partner and children currently? If so, please describe them.

No

 

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?

If I can rid myself of this parasite, sure!

 

What type of person would be your ideal mate?

Good cook, music lover, a little on the short side.

 

 

Relationships

 

Do you have any close friends? If so, please describe them, and how you came to be close to them.

My family are probably my closest friends. I have a good relationship with some musicians and managers from my show.

 

Do you have a best friend? If so, how did they become your best friend? How close are you to your best friend?

No

 

If you were to go missing, who would worry about you?

My family, my manager. Probably my fans.

 

Have you lost any loves? If so, how did it happen, and what did you do?

Got my heart broken five years ago by Betty Raymond. Smokin’ hot singer. She ran off with her drummer.

 

Do you have any bitter enemies? If so, please describe them and their history with you.

No

 

What is the worst thing someone has done to you?

I got beat up pretty badly when I was seventeen by some punks in a bar.

 

Where do your loyalties lie? In what order?

I am not sure I have any particular loyalties, or at least a loyalty that trumps other ones. I have a duty to my family and my friends, my city, my world. But doesn’t everyone? And no one loyalty is absolute.

Who or what do you trust the most? Why?

My family. People I know. I don’t trust the government much.

 

Who or what do you despise? Why?

Bullies, probably. Racists, maybe. I don’t like philistines or pretentious art critics much.

 

What qualities do you admire most in other people? Are these qualities you possess?

Laughter, I think. Well, it can be cruel and malicious, but that laughter of genuine appreciation and shared love.

 

What qualities do you hate most in other people? Do you have any of those qualities?

Cruelty, I think. I’m not cruel.

 

Do you have a secret identity? If so, who knows it? Do you hide it from people who are close to you? Why?

Yes, as Zombo! Nobody knows that Zombo and Lament are one and the same.

 

Do you work well on teams and in groups? Are you a leader or a follower?

I’d like to say in teams, and as a leader. But my condition can make that difficult.

 

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?

No

 

Are you a member of any church, fraternal organization, club, committee, political party, or other group? How much time do you spend on that?

No

 

 

Personality & Beliefs

 

Who are your heroes?

Several famous stage magicians and jazz musicians.

 

Did you ever become disillusioned with former heroes or idols? If so, why and what were the circumstances?

No, I can’t say I have. A couple fell into drugs and alcohol, which soured the idolisation. But I didn’t lose the admiration for past achievements.

 

Do you like being a hero? If so, what is the most rewarding part? If not, what makes you keep doing it?

There is a part of me that likes bringing cruel people to account. Maybe I have a vengeful side underneath the nice exterior. But the truth is I have to feed the Void inside me.

 

Is there anything that would make you give up hero work, or even switch sides?

If I managed to rid myself of the void! I can’t see anything that would make me switch sides.

 

What are your short term goals (what would you like to be doing within a year)?

Survive, to be honest. It would be good to recover my career.

 

What are your long term goals (what would you like to be doing twenty years from now)?

Rid myself of the Void.

 

What is your greatest fear? Why? What do you do when something triggers this fear?

The Void becoming too hungry, and feeding off me.

 

Is there anything you would give you life for?

People? I don’t think I could make that call until I was in that position.

 

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 a mark of success, or a means to an end?

 

Yeah, I desire it. You are a fool not to. I grew up in a poor household which was warm and loving, but yeah, money does grease the wheels of life.

How do you generally treat others?

I try to cheer them up!

 

Are you a trusting person? Has your trust ever been abused?

I can’t say I particularly trust or distrust. I guess I default to trusting people, but can lose that trust quickly.

 

 

Are you introverted (shy and withdrawn) or extroverted (outgoing)? Do you have a lot of self-confidence?

Extrovert!

 

How do you act around attractive, available members of your preferred sex?

I get a little bit more dramatic.

 

What are your most annoying habits?

I am always looking to be the centre of attention.

 

Do you feel contempt for any general category of people? Who are they, and why?

I can’t say I do. Maybe people who like country and western music.

 

 

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?

I like all kinds of foods. Anything spicy! I savour every mouth slowly.

 

What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or otherwise)?

Bourbon.

 

 

What is your favorite treat (dessert)?

Crème Brule

 

Are there any specific foodstuffs that you find disgusting or refuse to eat?

Anything bland, I guess.

 

What is your favorite color? Are there any colors you dislike?

Purple. I think grey is a bit dull.

 

What sort of music do you like? Is there any that you hate?

I love Jazz. I hate Country and Western. And Heavy Metal.

 

If you have a favorite scent, what is it?

Anything floral.

 

Do you have a favorite animal?

Snakes!

 

What is your most treasured possession? Why?

The poster for my first ever paid show. Quite a landmark.

 

Do you enjoy "roughing it", or do you prefer your creature comforts?

Creature comforts!

 

Is there a job or a task you would absolutely refuse to do?

Shovel shit.

 

Do you consider yourself a spiritual person? If so, how do your beliefs affect your life?How important is it to you?

It’s a bit of a grey area. I don’t really follow a religion, but religious beliefs are woven into me, for better or worse. I don’t pray but I have a sense something is watching me. But not necessarily in a benign way.

 

Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special?

My parents.

 

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?

I do not.

 

Could you kill? Have you killed?

I could, as a last resort, but I have not yet.

 

 What circumstances led to you forming that conviction, or taking that action?

I don’t kill because I would have to live with myself afterwards.

 

Are there circumstances under which you believe it is permissible to kill? What are they?

To save others.

 

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?

Its entirely dependent on circumstance, other than to say it would always be shocking. I mean, that’s somebodies life ended, BAM! Gamed over.

 

How would you react if something important was stolen from you?

I would be pretty furious and try to get it back.

 

How would you react to public humiliation?

I would go into a horrible melancholia and doubt myself, but come back with a better show.

 

How would you react if a good friend or relative were purposely or accidentally killed? Has it happened to you?

I would be upset and angry. It has not happened yet.

 

What do you consider to be the worst crime someone could commit and why?

Murder. For obvious reasons.

 

If your life were to end in 24 hours, what five things would you do in those remaining hours?

Go to a small music club, listen to Jazz, get drunk and eat steak.

 

 

Career & Training

 

 

Do you have any special training in your hero skills? If so, where and how did you get it?

Not in my hero skills.

 

Who taught you the most about your heroing abilities? What was your relationship with that person?

Self taught

 

Do you have any particularly unusual skills? How did you acquire them?

I am a master of disguise, sleight of hand, and showmanship.

 

Do you do something besides hero work for a living? Have you ever done anything else, or do you plan to?

Yes, I am a showman. The Great Zombo! Voodoo master!

 

What is your preferred combat style?

I’m not that much of a fighter, but I guess it would be a defensive flavour.

 

Have you ever received any awards or honours?

Several, for my shows.

 

What skill areas would you like most to improve in? Is there anything you can't do that you wish desperately you could?

I would like to be better at playing the drums.

 

 

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?

I study them intently (and maybe have a little hint of jealousy!)

 

 

Lifestyle & Hobbies

 

What is a normal day for you? How do you feel when something interrupts this routine?

I don’t have one. My life is pretty chaotic. I usually stay up late and wake around noon.

 

Do you have any hobbies, or interests outside hero work? What are they, and where did you pick them up?

I play the drums, and read a bit.

 

What do you do for fun?

Listen to music, drink, play cards, socialise.

 

Do you have a costume? What does it look like?

A big tall purple hat, a ragged purple jacket, a false white beard, and masses of make up. With a machete at my belt.

 

How do you normally dress when not in costume?

Smart casual. I do like a bit of purple!

 

What do you wear to bed most nights?

Depends how hot it is!

 

Do you wear any special jewelry? What is it, and what does it look like?

No.

 

 

Do you have a special place where you keep your valuables?

A safe in my New Orleans Home.

 

What's your preferred means of local travel? How about long distance?

By car, or plane.

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

Have you ever made a will, or tried to make arrangements for your death? What provisions did you make?

Yes, I would leave it to my family.

 

If your features were to be destroyed beyond recognition, is there any other way of identifying your body?

I don’t think so.

 

What would you like to be remembered for after your death?

A fantastic entertainer who brought a bit of joy to the public.

 

Do you believe you pose a threat to the public? Why or why not?

Yes. I have a hungry parasite in my body. I do my best to keep it fed, but it is, honestly, a danger.

 

What do you perceive as your greatest strength?

My charm.

 

What do you perceive as your greatest weakness?

My height.

 

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...

Get rid of the damn Void, make a heap of cash, retire to a mansion on the beach.