Asad.

[TheAbsurdist]

Here we go.

[TheAbsurdist]

Introduction

Who are you? Sum yourself up in one sentence.

I am Asad. I am a playboy billionaire with powers trying to prove myself a hero.

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

Amir al-Misri and Amir Misri are both shortened versions of my full name, easier for my fellow Americans and Business Cards. The Lion, the Al-Misri Black Sheep, and Al are all nicknames.

What is your full birth name?

Amir ibn Jafar ibn Abd al-Aziz al-Misri

Where do you live?

In a penthouse apartment in the Parkside neighborhood in Freedom City, New Jersey. Well I say Penthous, but really it's more a townhouse. And it cost me a pretty penny.

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

I was born in Jan. 1971, so I am currently 40.

Physical Traits

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

Male.

How would you describe your heritage?

Arabic, specifically from Egypt/North Africa.

How tall are you?

Roughly 6'2

What is your body type?

Lean. I think someone called my build Bar-Brawler Lean once. Which is funny, because I avoid bar brawls.

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

I am not aware of any allergies. Nor any disabilities. My eye isn't precisely 20/20 but it is close.

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

I am fairly quick on my feet, years of jogging and sparring. I like to think of myself as walking confidently most of the time. I wouldn't describe myself as exceptionally agile, but think I am lighter on my feet than most.

Describe your skin, eye, and hair color.

I am darker complected about in the middle in terms of skin tone for my ethnic group. Though if I am in the sun more I will get a few shades darker. I have pitch black hair, and very dark brown eyes.

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

Generally slicked back, neatly styled, trimmed at the nape a little longer on top. I keep a well trimmed beard and moustache. Mostly because to get rid of it entirely is impossible, I get stubble back in less than four hours. It is ridiculous.

Do you consider yourself attractive? Do others?

I think I am attractive. There are others more physically attractive than me, but I am a confident individual with a force fo personality, so I believe that makes me attractive. I do take care of my appearance, even my rumpledness is calculated. I believe people respond to that positively.

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

I had a few moles on my shoulder blades, and a small scar on my stomach where they removed my appendix.

Do you resemble anyone famous?

Do you have a dominant hand?

I am right handed.

What kind of clothing do you wear?

Informally, I wear my jogging clothes. I prefer sneakers or tennis shoes, or those knew barefoot shoes. Or I favor fleece jackets and khaki cargo pants or shorts. Oftentimes with t-shirts. Light clothing, I like it to stay as light as possible. I favor earth tones in them, or primary colors. Occasionally I wear business casual, and it's dark slacks and a jacket, with a button up shirt. No tie if I can help it. When the occasion is more formal, I will adopt a full suit, and I have to admit, I like the feel of tailor clothes. For charity events I prefer a white jacketed tuxedo. What? I loved Casablanca.

Do you wear makeup?

I moisturize? Does that count?

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

Mmmm a firm tenor with some power behind it. I am told I have a funny accent, and I do not use contractions. If I have an accent it is because of the time spent abroad.

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?

If I get annoyed I often times will suck in air through my top front teeth. It happens rarely. If I get excite, people have commented that I tend gesture for emphasis, and take quickly.

History

Where do you come from?

I was born in the United States, in New York city.

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

I have moved around quite a bit. I spent the first five years in the United States, then largely a lot of time overseas until I returned to spend my last two years in high school here. I spent time in France, Egypt, Algeria, Dubai, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland. After high school I attend Oxford, like my father had. Then I returned to the U.S, did post graduate work, and finally came to Freedom City about a decade ago to take the reins of the company.

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 feel I am patriotic. I vote. I contribute to political campaigns and charities in the United States. I am a realist, especially given what's happened to Arab Americans in this country since 9/11. I like this place, despite it's flaws.

How do you feel about the place you come from?

Well New York is not very far away, I still get up their for Yankees and Jets games. I like the city, but it has a different feel than Freedom City, one I cannot really adjust to.

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

It's the Big Apple. Listen to Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" if you do not understand what New York is like, and the mind set of the people.

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

Yes and no. In the U.S. I was, overseas generally I was surrounded by other Arabs, or around people to whom your family's worth was the foremost concern.

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

Talking. My other siblings might be smarter, or possessed a cannier sense of business, but I was shrewd, and could, in the words of my father, "Talk the birds out of the trees."

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

Not appreciably.

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

I was about 7, and we were in Geneva, and I realized that our parents had made the children actively compete for their attention. I did not like the idea. Ever since I never quite fir the ideal of what I should be. In fact the only reason I have the company was I had become surprisingly connected, and was able to talk far better than my other siblings. And I was born in the U.S. and it helped.

What stupid things did you do when you were younger?

I started hitting on my nannies when I was thirteen. I would pay kids to do my work for me. Occasionally I would do stupid little stunts, the kinds of things little boys would do all the time.

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

I was largely in private schools. When I returned to the U.S. I was put in a boarding school in Boston. When I finished that I went to Oxford. Then Harvard, and then Stanford. Surprisingly I seem to have absorbed precious little of it.

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

A few photos of moments where the rest of my siblings and I weren't competing, mostly from vacations. Some old toys I kept. I have to admit to liking some of the old 80's pop culture.

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

I decided to become a hero later in life. Once I manifested my powers. I think if any one person had any direct influence, then it was the words of the Prophet Mohammed in the Quran.

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

I have power, I have money, I can be a force for good. It is the the reason I give others, and it is my real reason.

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

Mmm, yes. I think there are portions of my family's history, and background that my father and mother have neglected to tell me. Particularly my mother's past.

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

Yes, to a degree I believe. I have built a reputation as a playboy, as feckless, as a red carpet walker who offers little in the way of actual ability. Tolerated only because I can make friends, and can smooth things over quite. well.

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 don't have a lot of secrets. Truthfully. Apart from I am not the idiot I make myself out to be.

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

I have had noise complaints and ticketing over parties and the like. But that is it.

Family

What are your biological parents' names?

Father – Abu Naseef Jafar ibn Abd al-Aziz ibn Amir al-Misri, Mother – Amatullah bint Haroun bint Khaldun al-Misri

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

Yes, well them and nannies and au pairs and the like.

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

Their standing in the Arab world and the buisness communities are quite high. My father is still head of Al-Misri holdings. My mother is a social mover and shaker.

Where are your parents now?

Currently they go between Paris, Dubai and Geneva.

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

Move around a lot.

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

I irritated them. I still do. They want me to be one way, and I am not that way.

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

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

Four siblings. One brother, Kareem al-Misri; three sisters - Fatima, Hida, Shafiah. Order of children is this Fatima, Hida, Amir, Shafiah and Kareem. I get along with them well enough, I am somewhat rivals with Hida and Kareem, who fits the idealized role of the son my parents desire. Hida simply wanted the lion's share of their attention. I got along best with Fatima.

What was your birth order in the family?

Third child, eldest boy.

Where are your siblings now (if applicable)? Do they have families of their own? What do they do? Kareem and Hida work for Al-Misri Holdings. Shafieh is a model, and Fatima is married to a vice president of a company owned by MH.

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

I have becomes estranged with my family oveall, after my recent Hajj and decision to become a hero.

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

Not especially. I got along best with a cousin Mahmet. But I haven't seen him in years, I believe he is in politics working at an embassy.

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

Kareem and Hida are two who would consider my arch rivals, as they were upset I was given Summit Transnational.

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

Me! I went to clubs, I partied, I really was not the studios and serious business wunderkind that my parents would have wanted. However my family could very well have been King Lear. So I consider myself lucky with my personal fief.

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

I don't know. And therein lies the problem. Either we were once poor people who struck it lucky or there is something they are hiding, and I cannot find records.

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

None currently.

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?

Hmmm, I don't know. With being a hero that would be a liability. But I also don't want to just have a parade of starlets...

What type of person would be your ideal mate?

A smart, capable women, or just one with a sense of humor and a touch of fearlessness.

Relationships

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

Anastasia van Cleef is my closest friend, I suppose. My personal assistant. I believe she is Dutch, and since we are around each other most of the day, it make sense that we either get along, or she would try to kill me. I am a bit impossible at times. There are a few others, Jerome Bettis, a restauranteur whom I like to talk with and go to his restaurants. Occasionally we play tennis together. He is supportive of my push to be a hero, which surprises me. I have some friends from college I still keep in touch, who are active in other corporations and some government work, and one journalist: Tabitha Rhys, who works on the international desk for Reuters, we dated in college. It didn't work out, but we have kept friendly. I was an usher at her wedding last year.

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

See above. Ana van Cleef is my best friend We are as close as possible, and strictly platonic. I do have some standards when it comes to relationships.

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

Anastasia van Cleef, Jerome, Tabitha, my shareholders, the rest of my company, my family. A few others, probably the tabloids for sure.

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

Since Tabitha I have not had a serious relationship, which given the media scrutiny I can receive it makes sense, to some degree.

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

I think I am going to be making some, certainly. I know of some of the business practices of some of the other Freedom City corporations... I have a feeling we are going to clash.

If you have enemies, how do you think they might attempt to work against you in the future?

I imagine they'd attack me through my company. Though I have made my best efforts to shield them from such an attack.

What is the worst thing someone has done to you?

I am blessed, so far.

Where do your loyalties lie? In what order?

My ideals, my team, my friends and family, my corporation.

Who or what do you trust the most? Why?

I trust Anna the most, she has earned my trust, it is that simple. I also trust myself, I have to. I am placing myself in a point. And hopefully my team, I know about them on paper, not as people, yet.

Who or what do you despise? Why?

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

Honesty, integrity, that sort of thing. I am not entirely honest at times, but I strive to be.

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

Callowness, weakness of spirit, at least believe in something. Cruelty for it's own sake.

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

My identity is public.

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

I believe myself to work well in those situations. I am a leader, but I accept my shortcomings, and will follow those who are more experience than I.

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?

I am forming one right now. I think I get along fine with them. I am fairly open, but I do keep some of the financial things away, no need for them to worry about the bills as I am paying them all.

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

I am active in the local Muslim community, I attend Mosque, and do work on charities, and the like. Support them via money and doing charitable work. Nominally I support the Democratic party, and do fundraising for them, I also support several social justice NPOs as well.

Personality & Beliefs

Who are your heroes?

We all say Centurion, don't we? Mohammed, obviously. Malcom X. Martain Luther King Jr. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Winston Churchill.

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

I suppose every child does this with their father, yes? I did with mine.

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

I like it, I have to admit... it is fun. But it is being able to see that you have done

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

I don't know, if I failed or my actions directly caused the loss of life to the innocent, I believe that I could not continue as a hero, but I could continue to support it.

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

To become a more established hero, and have my team become established as well.

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

Move my corporation into a progressive force for good. Perhaps even run for office.

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

Failure. It is a frightening prospect to try and not succeed, especially when there are stakes beyond yourself. I haven't ever really faced this yet, but I suppose that is a driving force for me.

Is there anything you would give you life for?

For something beyond just me. I would fall so that others might live, or that there is hope to continue on. If one walks the righteous path, then I suppose that is the most noble of things. Though I am a realist, there is honor in life, not in death. So I would give my life for others, that be the only way my death would be worthy.

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?

I have money. Money is a kind of power, and power is just the opening of options for you. It is a means to an end, I wish I accrued all mine by sheer guile and skill, but part of it was inherited. It is a material thing that can be used.

How do you generally treat others?

Well. At least civilly. It would depending on the scenario, really. I aim to be cordial and to treat people as they have earned to be treated.

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

I feel that trust is based on respect, respect that is simply given has no value. Respect that is earn holds meaning. Trust must be meaningful. I am civil, though people must earn my trust once they do, I trust them. It has been abused, but I do not think that has impacted me overmuch, or at least I refuse to let it overly influence me.

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

I am confident and extroverted. If I was not I wouldn't be where I am.

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

I flirt with them. If we are both available I seek to pursue them. If they are unavailable I flirt with them, though lightly. If I am unavailable, I still flirt a little.

What are your most annoying habits?

I am told my flirting, my lax attitudes towards money, and my "eccentric rich boy" behavior can be grating. Ana says I tend to slurp too noisily from straws.

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

I am not a fan of bigots and small minded people. I detest extremism and dogmatics. I see the dissonance this causes.

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 take my time with food. I find I like Greek food the most, particularly lamb. Roasted, make into gyros, grilled, I am simply a fan of it.

What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or otherwise)?

Scotch and soda, vodka tonic or gin and tonic. Though I find I like the taste of tonic water in general.

What is your favorite treat (dessert)?

I have an unusual fondness for German Chocolate cake.

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

Barring my limited alcohol consumption I follow Halal dietay practices, so I will not eat improper meat.

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

I dislike that hospital green color. I like deep rich reds.

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

I like Jazz, generally am a fan of Dave Brubeck, but I like all kinds or at least tolerate most. I do not really hate any kind, as I have invested in various musical ventures. Well I amend that... I hate Andrew Lloyd Weber.

If you have a favorite scent, what is it?

A nice cigar or Morroccan leather.

Do you have a favorite animal?

I should say lion, but I would say the African leopard, as it is actually successful, and it's populations not declining.

What is your most treasured possession? Why?

I don't really have one. Well, no, there is that humidor I have that was Winston Churchills.

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

I have roughed it, I do like it quite a bit. Though I like my creature comforts more, as it is hard for me to get away from it all.

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

In all of them? I could not be mortician, it is such a gruesome thing.

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

I feel myself to be spiritual. I am a Muslim, and adhere mostly to the tenets of Islam. I have done the Hajj, and I strive to be righteous. Not strictly because I am Muslim, but it sharpens the focus, I believe.

Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special?

Not strictly one person. It was an event, after the incident with the Supercollider, and then my Hajj, they were both events that staggered me.

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 my daily prayers, and try to attend my Mosque (it's in the West End in a very Arab neighborhood) at least twice a week. I am a modern individual, and I believe in social justice, and equality. I am not shy about my beliefs but I am not going to force anyone to follow them. I am friendly with a good number of people at the Mosque. I am not orthodox or conservative, I am a moderate, and I do try to be a moderate influence on the rest of them. Alas, I am not necessarily viewed in the best light due to my playboy lifestyle.

Could you kill? Have you killed?

I have not killed, and honestly I do not know if I can.

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

See above.

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

To protect others, to protect the innocent. Even then it is a sin, and I would have to accept that staining myself is more worthwhile than allowing another evil to pass.

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?

I would react. I would try to stop them. Unless that action would halt a great evil. I cannot say I would like the necessity of it. These are difficult questions, because it's not something I have been through yet, and I cannot really fathom how I would respond to it until it happens.

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

I do not place a high level of importance on my possessions, so it is hard to make me upset that way. I would attempt to get it back if it was a strike against me.

How would you react to public humiliation?

Well I have adopted the role of a fool in public, so I am used to it. Fortunately the headlines do not ultimately dictate who I am.

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

I would be upset, though I do not know how to deal with that grief, I have been blessed to not really suffer that. My grandparents are dead, but they were distant and I did not really know them.

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

Torture or rape. In murder one has ended that person's life, and sent them on, though it is still terrible, it does not force that person to live with the horror you have visited upon them until the end of their days.

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

Career & Training

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

I do not. I have studied and trained them myself, though I know that has hampered me, and now I must learn as I go, and perhaps fun a training room.

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

No one.

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

I do not think I do, truth be told. I am a skilled speaker, but that has come through practice.

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

I am the CEO of Summit Transnational. Largely I function as a figurehead, and public spokesman.

What is your preferred combat style?

I have taken boxing lessons and some judo lesson. I intend to continue. Though I also can employ blasts of energy. So I have been working on expanded my prowess.

Have you ever received any awards or honours?

Some dubious ones in tabloids, like "Worst Fling of the Year." Though I did receive Best Dressed Tycoon, and most Eligible Bachelor more than once. Recently Summit has been receiving accolades for it's positive relationship with non-profits, and Green Industry.

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

I will have to become a better leader, a better fighter, and likely a better business man.

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 am jealous, I will admit it. But I will learn. My pride, while sometimes considerable will NOT be an obstacle for me. It will raise me up.

Lifestyle & Hobbies

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

Given my position in the company, and my new life choice... I feel that my routine is going to have to be flexible. But I wake up, have a bit of food, and then go for a jog. When I get back I get ready go to the office, read reports, make suggestions, listen to suggestions. Make calls to people I know. Do meetings. Some point in during this. Go home, and work out, if I do not have plans for the evening. If i do get dressed and go out.

Wash, rinse and repeat.

My schedule is flexible, so I cannot actively keep it set, so I tend to take interruptions to be

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

I like skiing, tennis, jogging, dancing for fun, good food, and I am a bit of a media hound. So I often have my SmartPhone or Tablet out. Though flying is a lot more fun than I imagined. I like to run marathons, I am thinking of doing triathalons.

What do you do for fun?

Ski, tennis, jogging, I do like going on television shows. I am a Letterman and Ferguson fan.

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

It is a burgundy bodysuit. With white detailing. And a stylized lion's face mid roar on the chest. The design is flexible, I like having a couple to choose from. I have added special shades for when I am flying, and I have taken to adding a vest or a jacket that has some pockets that I can use for protein bars, snacks, or other things.

How do you normally dress when not in costume?

Casual or business casual. I have done days where I am in jogging clothes all day, especially if I am not needed for meetings.

What do you wear to bed most nights?

I do like silk pajamas, or cotton pajamas, the full pants and jacket kinds.

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

Just a brushed steel watch. I do not like jewelry.

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

I have a safe where I keep somethings in my penthouse. I also keep copies of most important documents in a few safety deposit boxes.

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

I have a Abarth SS version of the Fiat 500, as my normal car, it is a dark red color. I also have a Koeniggseg CCXR, that one is gun metal grey. If I am not driving odds are I am driving in an Audi, or Subaru SUV or Sedan. I also sometimes just jog or fly. For long distances, I generally take commercial flights, unless it is company related, then I use the company's aircraft.

Miscellaneous

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

Yes, currently a good portion of my personal wealth is set to go to charities, the remainder of my assets goes to Ms. van Cleef, as does my controlling interest in Summit Transnational. She is not aware of this fact. And I will have a traditional Islamic funeral

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

My teeth. A scar on my abdomen. I have a file of my DNA with one of our subsidiary corporations, a biotech firm. This was done to make sure the nature of my powers.

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

At the large party that will be held at my funeral or memorial service.

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

I believe anyone can. I do not currently see myself as a threat. My powers are largely reactive, except my ability to drain energy. Should something happen, I suppose that could damage the local power grid.

What do you perceive as your greatest strength?

My self-confidence.

What do you perceive as your greatest weakness?

My self-confidence, that that I have never been truly tested.

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...

If your self-confidence is your strength, then you must use it not as a crutch by as wings. You will stumble, and I know you have avoided doing things that would allow you to fail, but this must be done, you will fail. And you must have the wherewithal to pull yourself back up, because you have proclaimed yourself a hero, and that means you cannot allow yourself to falter.