Havoc

[Sticklefront]

The HellQ

 

Introduction

 

Who are you? Sum yourself up in one sentence.

They call me Havoc. If you didn’t know that, then congratulations; you must be a constructive member of society. See… them that meet me? They usually ain’t good people.

 

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

There’s one guy calls me Scratch. He’s earned that right.

 

What is your full birth name?

Brutus Benjamin Haigh.

 

Where do you live?

Right now? Some dive apartment down in the Fens. It’s a hole, but what do I care? Not like I spend much time there, and it’s cheap.

 

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

I’m 76. What? Don’t look at me like that.

 

Physical Traits

I’m short an’ strong. But ya know what they say, Strong Ain’t Pretty.

 

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

Open yer damned eyes, man. What kinda woman you ever met called herself Brutus?

 

How would you describe your heritage?

Heh. “Heritage� My pa owned a hardware store and my ma kept a tidy home. Dunno what kinda “heritage†that’s meant to be, apart from red-blooded American.

 

How tall are you?

Five-Nine. Why? That some kinda short-guy crack? Smartass.

 

What is your body type?

I’m built like a freakin’ stevedore.

 

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

Human stuff. Bullets’ll kill me dead. I’m allergic to knives goin’ into me. The worst thing I gotta put up with is the after-effects of the crap “they†put into my body. I can’t push it for too long, or I have a kinda “adrenaline-crash†that leaves me wiped out until my blood breaks down the chemicals that have built up.

 

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

When I walk, I stomp along like I’m pissed at the pavement. But when I have to, I can sneak with the best of ‘em. If a man couldn’t move quietly in ‘Nam, that man didn’t walk for long. The threat of a bullet in the head is a great motivator, know what I mean?

 

Describe your skin, eye, and hair color.

My skin’s kinda tanned. I’ve been out in the sun too long in too many countries. Hair and eyes are pretty normal. Brown and black.

 

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

Who cares? I hack it off when it gets too long. Don’t want to look like a damned flowerchild. Don’t want it high-and-tight, neither. Reminds me too much of bein’ in the Army. Screw THAT.

 

Do you consider yourself attractive? Do others?

Son, ain’t nobody ever gonna call me pretty.

 

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

Ha! Yeah, just a few. This nose look straight to you? How ‘bout my jawline? I’m speckled with freakin’ bullet wounds and knife-marks. Even got a bite mark here on my ankle. That makes for a good yarn, I can tell ya…

 

Do you resemble anyone famous?

No.

 

Do you have a dominant hand?

Nah. I can flip the bird with both just as easy, hehe.

 

What kind of clothing do you wear?

Good American denim. I got a few cowboy hats I’m partial to. And cowboy boots. Hell yeah. I like me a good plaid shirt, too.

 

Do you wear makeup?

I’ll smack you, son. Don’t think I won’t.

 

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

Too many cigars and too much drink have left my voice rough. Still… gives me a decent growl when I need it!

 

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 chew things when I’m thinkin’. Or when I’m bored. Or when I’m annoyed. Most of the time, I guess. Anythin’ll do; a pencil, twig, bit of grass. I… eh… I guess I drink too much, too.

 

History

 

Where do you come from?

I was born in Huntsville, Alabama.

 

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

I’ve been everywhere. Never really lived anywhere. Freedom’s the place I’ve stayed the longest. Been here on-and-off fer nearly ten years now.

 

Do you feel loyal to your country of citizenship? Do you consider yourself patriotic? How do you feel about the government of your country?

Depends what day you ask me. Sometimes, we’re the greatest nation on God’s green Earth. Sometime’s, we’re stupid and greedy and blind. But I care. There are real people getting’ caught up in all the madness; soldiers with families, cops with kids at home, wives and families and friends and all of ‘em are affected when there’s a stupid war, or a violent crime… all the crappy stuff that humans do to each other affects someone, and I don’t care what the Government plans to do about all of this stuff; I know what I’M gonna do about it.

 

I don’t know if that counts as patriotism, but that’s what I got.

 

How do you feel about the place you come from?

It’s alright, I guess. Decent town.

 

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

It’s just the same as any other town. Not really much to say about it. I liked it there. I was… happy.

 

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 face in the crowd, truth be told.

 

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

I’ve always been kinda physical. I could always turn my hand to any sport pretty quickly. Lucky that way.

 

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

My pa died in hospital before I was old enough to know him. He had his appendix taken out, but he caught some kinda infection that turned his blood bad. Ma never really got over it. She was never really happy again.

 

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

I loved reading about Patriot and the Liberty League when I was a boy. He was amazing; I followed everythin’ he did, from beatin’ down Nazis to scrappin’ with their supers. Made me want to serve. When my war… ya know, ‘Nam… came around, they disbanded the League! It was unthinkable. I think that’s why I agreed to Section 12’s process… there was a gap that needed filling, and in my youth and my arrogance, I thought that could be me.

 

What stupid things did you do when you were younger?

I defied my mother and ran off to war. It cost me. She never spoke to me again, and it led me to be what I am today.

 

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

Huntsville High. I did as much as I had to, then left. It was okay… I mostly enjoyed it for the football, and the boxing.

 

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

I don’t get attached to things. “Stuff†has never been important to me.

 

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

Like I said earlier, it was really because I wanted to be Patriot. I wanted to step up and lead a new Liberty League against the Commies. I was such a fool.

 

 

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

No. My mistakes are my mistakes. I won’t hide ‘em.

 

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

Hell, yeah. Section 12 are still out there… at least, I suspect so. I don’t know anything about what they did to me, or why, or if there’s anything about their process that I haven’t found out about yet. I don’t believe, in my heart, that they’ll leave me alone. One day, they’ll come for me. But I’ll be ready.

 

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

Nah. Life’s too short… even for me. I am who I am.

 

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?

Secrets never lead to anything good. Not in my experience.

 

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

No. My crimes ain’t civil affairs. I did some bad things back in the day… but that was a different time. They’re between me and God.

 

Family

 

 

What are your biological parents' names?

Benjamin and Sarah.

 

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

By my ma, yeah. My pa was too dead to help.

 

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

They were upstandin’ American citizens. White picket fence, and all that. He owned a hardware store, and she stayed at home.

 

Where are your parents now?

He’s dead. Ma never spoke to me again, after I joined the Army. She never answered my letters. I don’t know if she’s alive or dead.

 

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

They were pretty stable. Ma had left Huntsville by the time I came back from the war.

 

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

Ma was always distant. I think it’s because of losin’ pa. She loved him, ya know?

 

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

I… don’t like to think about that.

 

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

Nah. Just me.

 

What was your birth order in the family?

I’m the only one.

 

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

N/A

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

N/A

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

No. Whatever she thinks… thought… of me, I loved my ma.

 

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

No… No.

 

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

Me, for sure. I walked away from the life that my family had wanted for me, and I don’t think they would ever have approved of anything I’ve done since.

 

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

Ha! Ha, hahaha! Nah, my family were never anythin’ special.

 

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

No. I don’t want to talk about that any more. Next question.

 

If you do not have a partner or children, do you want them someday? How firm are you in your opinion on this, and what might change your mind?

I SAID NEXT QUESTION.

 

What type of person would be your ideal mate?

…

 

 

Relationships

 

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

I’ve got a few buddies in town. Best of ‘em all is John Morris, who runs an auto repair shop Downtown. I was in the war with his Grandpa. Known him all his life. His Gramps used to call me “Scratchâ€; he was one of the few who I kept in touch with after Section 12 did its work on me. John, and his father, both carried on callin’ me Scratch… and I let ‘em. John’s the only one that’s left, now; I sometimes stay with him, or do a little work for him. He’s a good man, and a good friend.

 

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

Not really. I don’t live that kinda life, ya know?

 

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

Johnny Morris, for sure. A few families in the area who know what I do to keep the ‘bangers away from our block.

 

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

No. Move on.

 

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

Section 12, and all the other weirdos and freaks that they’ve worked on. I still don’t know much about them, and I worked for the devils for YEARS. They make it seem like they’re the good guys… like they’re working for God and Country, but they’re mad. They meddle, and interfere, and they never, ever allow anyone to refuse them. They’re evil.

 

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

Like I said… the scumbags at Section 12. Do you think I’m the only dumbass that volunteered for this stuff? I bet they’ve got others… and who knows what they are capable of? Or how long they’ve been doing this?

 

What is the worst thing someone has done to you?

I don’t want to go into it… but I was captured by Charlie back in the war, and held for three days before I was rescued. Bamboo splinters, man. They go right in under your fingernails…

 

Where do your loyalties lie? In what order?

I got one rule; do the right thing. My first loyalty is to that. Second, is to keep the few friends I have safe. Third, God knows I wish I felt differently… but I’m still loyal to this country. I want what’s best for her.

 

 

Who or what do you trust the most? Why?

I trust myself. When it really comes down to it, I’m the only one I can rely on.

 

Who or what do you despise? Why?

Abuse of strength.

 

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

Patience. Kindness. Generosity. And look me in the eye, pal. Does that sound like me?

 

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

Petty, petty greed leading people to evil acts. I can safely say that that ain’t me.

 

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

People mostly know me as Havoc. It’s really only Johnny that knows my real name, an’ he don’t even use the damn thing!

 

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

My whole life I’ve worked, and fought side-by-side with, other people. That’s what I miss most about my time with the Government; havin’ a brother in arms watchin’ your back. I can lead, I can follow… that ain’t what’s really important.

 

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?

Nah. I ain’t made any connection with the Freedom Friends in this town. Don’t think they’d approve of me.

 

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 ain’t part of a Church, but my heart belongs to the Almighty. That’s between Him and me. Move on.

 

 

Personality & Beliefs

 

Who are your heroes?

Used to be Patriot, before he turned in his friends. Ain’t nothin’ makes that okay. These days…? Hell, I ain’t got no heroes. My heroes tend to die.

 

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

Heh. I reckon you already got the answer to this one already. Patriot turned in his comrades in he League. Nothin’ makes that okay. Brothers in arms, friend. Brothers in arms.

 

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

Being a “hero†is the only thing I have that’s worth a damn. I got a long way to go, a damned long way, but every time I do somethin’ good out there, I feel an inch closer to makin’ it right. Balancin’ the scales.

 

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

If I’m ever thinking “Kill ten to save a thousandâ€, then I’m out. That kinda math is some bull@â€&*, pal. Don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise.

 

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

Stoppin’ muggers, chasin’ down crims, hell, maybe even bustin’ the door down on some terrorist sons-o’-pigs.

 

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

Don’t tell anyone… but I want a team of my own. I got a lot of bad to make up for, pal… more than I can do alone.

 

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

My biggest fear is ever, ever losin’ control. I did bad things for the Section. Whenever I worry about that… I drink, or I hit somethin’. Or both.

Mostly both.

 

Is there anything you would give your life for?

Another person. I’ll save lives, brother. Ain’t no qualification for that.

 

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 don’t care for it. Everythin’ I need to do my job is hidin’ between the bones of my forearms. I do a little scratch-work, some labouring, enough to keep me in beer, pay rent, to buy food… but that’s all I need.

 

How do you generally treat others?

Hey… they don’t mess with me, I don’t mess with them. Even if they are a stinkin’, bleedin’ heart hippy.

 

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

I don’t trust nobody but me. Never had cause.

           

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

I ain’t no song-an’-danceer, don’t get me wrong. I know who an’ what I am. I ain’t a shrinkin’ violet either.

 

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

Same as when I’m around ugly, married members of my preferred sex. Honest. Direct. Always polite, to a lady.

 

What are your most annoying habits?

I don’t pretend to like what I don’t like. I don’t say I’m okay with somethin’ I’m not okay with. I ain’t got the time, the patience, or the inclination, pal.

 

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

Contempt is a strong word… I detest the scumbags pushin’ drugs on American soil. I have nothin’ but disgust from fruit-loop terrorists tryin’ to mess things up on our soil. I hate anyone abusing’ their strength to get power over the weak.

 

An I don’t like hippies.

 

 

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 picked up a taste fer kebab somewhere along the line. But eatin’ ain’t a hobby or nothin’, it’s just somethin’ I do to live.

 

What is your favorite drink (alcoholic or otherwise)?

Beer. Pabst.

 

 

What is your favorite treat (dessert)?

Eh. I can live without sweet stuff.

 

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

Rice. I’ve had enough rice to last me a goddamn lifetime.

 

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

Who cares? I dunno. Grey. Green. Blue. Take your pick. Anythin’ but Red.

 

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

I like both types of music, son. Country AND Western.

 

If you have a favorite scent, what is it?

Spiced meat on the grill. Cut grass. An’ new car smell. Everyone loves new car smell.

 

Do you have a favorite animal?

Who the hell has a favourite animal?

 

What is your most treasured possession? Why?

My dogtags. They remind me where I’m from.

 

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

I like havin’ stuff, sure. It’s nice to have. But ultimately I’m just as happy with a rolled up newspaper an’ a concrete floor. I can rough it for as long as I gotta.

 

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

I ain’t killin’ anyone unless it’s for a damn good reason. War. To save an innocent. I will never again be a blade in the hand of another.

 

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

Like I said before, my heart belongs to God. But that’s between Him an’ me.

 

Was your faith influenced or molded by anyone special?

My pa, I guess. After he died, my family, my community.

 

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?

Everythin’ I need to say to God I can say alone. I don’t attend church.

 

Could you kill? Have you killed?

I’ve killed. Too many times. I’m red to the freakin’ elbow because of the killin’ I’ve done. I swear to holy God that if I ever kill again, there’ll be no other way to avoid it.

 

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

I killed at the command of evil men, who played the role of good men. I was a good soldier, an’ I followed my orders… all the way down the road to Hell.

 

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

In time of war. I’ll stand on the wall. You try and cross, to get to the civilians behind… then I’m sorry, pal. You bring it on yourself.

 

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’d make them pay for it. If it was a friend, they wouldn’t be any more. If it was an enemy… then I wouldn’t be surprised. I’d just be… angry.

 

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

I’d be surprised that somethin’ I owned was important. But hell, if it’s mine, it’s mine. I’d run down whoever took it, an’ get it back.

 

How would you react to public humiliation?

Vengefully.

 

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

Vengefully. Noticin’ a pattern here, pal?

 

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

Murder, ‘cos there ain’t no takin’ it back. Rape, ‘cos of the damage it’ll do to a person’s mind. Treason, ‘cos you’re turnin’ on your own.

 

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

I guess… Make peace with anyone who’s ornery with me, beat the tar outta anyone who’s got it comin’ to ‘em, order three meat pizzas from Luigi’s, watch my favourite movies on loop an’ drink my own body weight in Pabst Blue Ribbon.

 

 

Career & Training

 

 

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

I got the skills I learned in the army, and workin’ Black Ops for section 12. I can sneak, I can fight, an’ I can interrogate. I’ve learned a lot since then… how to beat a man without cuttin’ him up, an’ how to put him down without causin’ any permanent harm.

 

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

Instructor A-6 in the Section. He “gave the skills that made the killsâ€. I hate the son of a… Well. I hate him.

 

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

My adrenal glands are hyperactive as a result of what the section did to me. They pump out high levels of natural adrenaline, along with a coacktail of tailored combat drugs. Makes me faster, stronger, and tougher than I could ever be normally.

 

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

I do any jobs I can. A bit of labouring on construction sites, handyman jobs, sometimes workin’ with Johnny Morris in his motor yard.

 

What is your preferred combat style?

Quick ‘n dirty. No playin’ around. If you gotta fight, fight.

 

Have you ever received any awards or honours?

No. They didn’t give medals in the Section.

 

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

I wish I could patch people up better. Sometimes, I get on-site… and if there’s nobody needs punching then I’m no use. I’d like to be able to help more, ya know?

 

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?

Grudgingly respectful, I think is the best way to describe it. I don’t like not bein’ the best.

 

 

Lifestyle & Hobbies

 

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

Wake up, eat whatever I have lyin’ around, press-ups, pull-ups, and go to work if I’ve found any. After that, out to the bars around town, to see what I can hear. Night comes around, and I get “into characterâ€, hehehe.

 

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

Not really. No time.

 

What do you do for fun?

Drink. Watch a little TV. Play cards, if there’s any familiar faces to be found.

 

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

It’s a thick bodysuit in dark blue, with white sections from armpit to hip. It’s quilted in high-impact areas; shoulders, thighs. It continues over my nexk and head, where it’s got extra plating, and a red visor that extends down over my eyes. Also… a utility belt. You gotta have a utility belt. It’s all about the pouches.

 

How do you normally dress when not in costume?

Stonewash, jeans an’ jackets. Plaid shirts. Cowboy boots & hats.

 

What do you wear to bed most nights?

That’s a weird question, kid. If you must know, my underwear an’ a tank top. Now… stop bein’ odd, alright? Just quit it.

 

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

Dog tags. They’re mine, from way back.

 

 

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

Ha! What valuables?

 

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

I use the subway a lot. Long distance, I fly commercial if I can afford it. Greyhound if not. I can run pretty damn fast though, and climb and jump, so I get from roof to roof without any trouble. I don’t like to run full-out for too long though; it plays havoc with my adrenaline levels.

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

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

Nah. Nobody to care about me if I go, an’ nothin’ to leave ‘em when I do.

 

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

Well, yeah. The weird freakin’ machines in my arms might be a giveaway. And the weird new organs and messed-up adrenaline glands.

 

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

For bein’ a good man. Hell, a man can hope, can’t he?

 

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

Maybe. What if the Section have some weird trigger they’ve built in to their little toy? It worries me, sometimes…

 

What do you perceive as your greatest strength?

My greatest strength? I’m capable of things other super-goodies aren’t. When there’s hard work needs doin’, I’m the man for the job.

 

What do you perceive as your greatest weakness?

I’m easy to kill, son. You won’t see me swimmin’ through lakes of fire or spittin’ out bullets like they’re candy. I have to watch out; I ain’t Centurion, ya know!

 

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...

 

Havoc, buddy… you’ve really got to get over the baggage that you’re carrying around. You never meant any harm! You did your job, like you were supposed to. If you don’t get past those times, you’re gonna end up driving yourself crazy, or killing some nobody over nothing. Then you’ll be screwed. There’s no coming back from that. Stop punishing yourself, mate. Get out there, and live your life.

Edited October 28, 2013 by Sticklefront