LeonineWolf

Nick - Ruckus Nick clapped politely as the professional looking lady stepped out on stage. The Knight name definitely had some weight to it, and the CEO looked like it was weighing heavily on her as she took the mic and started her speech. Since Nick had expected another superhero, he was only half-listening to her, but he definitely perked up when the talk about debt relief came up. That was definitely something to cheer about, and he was swept up in that euphoria. And then he heard it. The deep rumble was coming below them, followed closely by that shudder of something beneath them. The explosions came next, and soon everyone was panicking. Nick stood up, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of people rushing around, not knowing what he should do. It was one thing to stop a mugger when he was doing a bit of vigilante justice in his community, but this was on a whole different level and he didn’t know what he should do. It was that calm voice of Edward’s that finally made him focus. Glancing over at him, he could almost see the gears turning in the man’s face, as he assessed his surroundings in a calculated manner. Nick nodded to show he got the message, unfurling his wings and launching himself into the air, a few strong wingbeats getting him above the crowd. Whirling around, he took a deep breath, his vocal cords already warming up before he shouted, knowing the acoustics of the amphitheater would help his voice carry through the crowds. “Attention Cape City! Stay calm! Orion and Halogen is already on the case! Do your part and stay safe!" A few more flaps of his wings carried him up a little higher, and he tried to scan the area, to see if he could get a better idea on what actually was happening.

Nick - Ruckus The shortcut proved to be a good idea, since they were able to funnel in and snag some primo seats near the stage. With how the seats were, he had to stoop a little, his wings draped on either side of him. While they could be a hindrance at times, the bat wings certainly helped with deterring a few people into finding other seats before the group who’d been following them came by. A wide smile filled his face as he finally got a proper introduction, giving the offered hand a shake. “No problem, thanks for the shortcut. I’m Nick.” He knew that the guy had to be a young man by his voice, but now that there weren't any crowds between them, he was surprised to find that Edward was probably close to his age, maybe a few years older at most. From how he spoke and carried himself (and honestly, wearing a suit!), he’d expected him to be a lot older. The arrival of the two Centurions was enough to distract him from the mystery of Edward and given the great acoustics of the amphitheater, he was able to focus on the speeches given. He was suitably impressed by how Orion’s voice carried with such ease, wondering if it was alien biology or practice that made such feats so easy. As Halogen started to hype up the celebration and upcoming events, he leaned to Edward and muttered, “Wonder who the surprise guest is gonna be?”

Nick - Ruckus Nick’s focus was mostly on navigating through the crowds, so he was taken by surprise when he heard that whisper. He’d had gotten used to picking up conversations with his enhanced hearing, since most people around him didn’t realize that he could hear them. But what caught him off guard about the whisper was the inflection. It wasn’t being spoken around him, meant for someone else’s ears. It was spoken at him. He even knew without looking that it was the same guy in the suit that he’d just been eavesdropping on. He wondered how observant the guy was, to figure his conversation had been listened to.   Nick at least had the good sense to look embarrassed as he turned to look back at the group following him, an awkward smile on his face in unspoken apology. He thought about the request, looking at the group, then decided to reply. Though he didn’t want to shout over the crowd, he cleared his throat of crumbs and used a little trick with his mutant vocal cords.   “Saving four seats might be hard with this crowd. I’ll try, but don’t wait too long.” The trick wasn’t what he said but how he said it, throwing his voice so it sounded like he was standing right beside the man in the suit, whispering in his ear. He ended his little talk with another apologetic smile and a little wave, before turning his attention back to the path.

Nick - Ruckus Nick hastened to add to his commentary on college as he saw how it affected Jordan. “Not to say it’s a bad experience overall. You still have teachers who care, they’re some of the good ones. Just a little harder to find.” His grin broadened at the news that Jordan was a senior. “Enjoy your senior year though. It’s a nice break before it gets too hectic.” In the lull in the conversation, he could hear the murmurs of other conversations around him. But one conversation talking about crowds made him focus on it, a quick glance revealing a small group headed by someone in a suit. If he had been by himself, he probably would have just flown over the crowd, but with his new friend in tow, this shortcut he just learned of could be useful. “C’mon,” he whispered to Jordan, “Just heard a little tidbit that can get us in front of these crowds.”

Nick - Ruckus Nick's grin widen at the shared joke. "So, never retiring, got it." It was pretty much a given that all the teachers had to at least admonish the students on the less than formal nickname for the school, but saying it around Coach Grey was always guaranteed to get the man shouting and red in the face. "I swear, one of these days, he's going to have a heart attack over that and they'll have to bury him under the gym so his ghost can tell us to run laps." As the line steadily moved, he stepped backwards in perfect time, not having to look behind him to tell when people were getting closer to that sweet churro experience. At the introduction and the offered hand, he hesitated, remembering a conversation that his dad had after finding out that he was going around stopping petty crime about 'being careful with your identity'. He briefly thought about giving the hero moniker he'd been working with, but he made a snap decision to trust the kid. After all, he seemed nice enough. He shook the offered hand firmly before saying, "Nick. And college is kicking my butt. Definitely different when the teacher doesn't care if you past their class or not." Fortunately (or unfortunately, given the perspective), his father was the kind of organized Type A personality that always made sure to at least remind Nick to stay on top of his homework. Soon enough, the line trickled down and Nick was chowing down on a piping hot churro. It really was good, he'd have to thank his friend for the recommendation. He waited off to the side for Jordan to finish his order before he continued the conversation. "So, wanna go see who they manage to rustle up for a secret guest appearance?"

Nick - Ruckus Nick had been tapping his foot to the music of the nearby band, eagerly moving up in the line waiting that cinnamon dusted goodness before the speakers came to life, allowing the chipper voice of the announcer override the music. The news brought fresh whispers of conversation among the people in line and something new for Nick to listen to. There were definitely some commotion about wanting to get good seats and some people were already vacating the line to head over to the amphitheater, though for some people it seemed to be a tougher choice. He overheard the bickering of two kids behind him, one who wanted to see the superheroes and one who clearly just wanted churros. A subtle glance behind him caught sight of an exasperated mother a few people back who was trying to keep the two from making a commotion with whispered pleas. The line was moving a little faster now, but Nick decided to step aside, waving the person behind him ahead. "Hey, go on ahead." Nick knew that he could probably find place nearby where he could roost and at least hear what was going on stage, so he didn't mind a few people getting their treats first. The first few he let ahead barely gave him any thanks, but when the mother and her kids passed, he saw the grateful smile on her face from the small gesture and the admiring stares from the kids, which only made Nick smile. After a few more people, he spied a familiar looking shirt on a young guy, about his age. He was sure that those school T-shirts were bought in bulk and sold every year for a fundraiser, but it was nice to see another student. "Hey, hey. Mile High. Good memories there. Is Coach Grey still there? I know he was saying last year when I was there was going to be his last, but he's been threatening to retire for years."

Nick - Ruckus Nick had been hyping up Centurion Day at the community center for several weeks now. It was an easy way to get the kids involved, especially those who came from rougher upbringings. He had especially hyped up all the free events, like the myriad stages offering all sort of music. He idly drummed his fingers along his side in time with the beat of the music from a nearby stage, his hearing making it feel like he was in the front row, as he wandered through the stalls. Every so often, he would catch sight of a familiar face from the community center or his college classes, waving back to them as when they saw him. It wasn't like he could be mistaken for anyone else they knew. He was used to the stares that the huge bat wings garnered him now, and he took it in stride. He could see strangers giving him a side-eye and hear the whispers of people who thought he was out of earshot wondering what he was doing. But Nick took it in stride, giving a friendly smile to everyone. After all, with the festivities around them, it was hard for people to stay suspicious of him for very long, especially when he wasn't doing anything out of the sort. Getting a whiff of some nearby food trucks, he decided to head in that direction. He'd already heard about some unique gems from Cass, who he had no doubt was doing her thing going around the celebration, getting interviews from people on the street, and recognized the name of a street vendor, who she claimed made 'the best and most authentic churros in Cape City', which was a great recommendation in his books. While he took up his spot in the line, he did a little people watching, drinking in the atmosphere of the celebrations.

Looks like a great bunch of heroes. Good luck to everyone.

So thinking about your questions a little more over the week, I think that I could expand a few parts that were less defined before.   Local Outreach: He has a friendly relationship with a girl named Cass Flynn, who is an aspiring journalist. A freshman in college like him, she runs the blog “C4” (short for Cass’s Cape City Chronicles) which is her own personal project, dedicated to “man on the street” style interviews that highlight lesser known or underrated stories. Whether it is finding hidden gems of the city to eat at or hang out, highlighting new players in the field of art or music, or writing stories about local urban myths and legends, she has a passion for telling stories. As Ruckus is somewhat of a community figure, it would make sense that she would have run him down for an interview or two, and Ruckus might have had to bail her out of a situation where she stuck her nose where it didn’t belong. She will return the favor by letting him know about the word on the street, rumors or tips about what might be going on in the area.    Enemies: Thinking about it, I really like the idea of a Black Cat type. In my mind, I imagine that this person would be the first superpowered adversary that he’s had to face. Her moniker is Silhouette, and she’s an agile acrobatic thief. The thing that makes her tricky to deal with is her short bouts of intangibility, literally allowing her to slip out of the law’s grip. He’s only faced her a few times and the best he’s been able to do against her is snag the items she stole before she slips away once more. However, she appears to like this little game. Seeing that he can use his hearing to track her inside of buildings and follow her, it becomes a game of cat and mouse to see if she can outmaneuver him.    As for the Kingpin-like character, I didn’t have much, just a little spark of an idea. I thought that a crime boss with a subtle power could be cool. And the power I had in mind (pun intended) is mind-reading. Able to sniff out undercover cops, gives him an upper hand in negotiating, and allows him a peek into the motivations of people around him so he can manipulate them easier, it would be a card he’d hold close to his chest while leveraging it to his advantage, using deception to play his ability off as keen instincts or good intel.

Thanks for the compliment. Spider-Man is one of my favorite superheroes, so I’m glad that I was able to maintain that sort of vibe with him. I love the idea of him being a sort of friendly neighborhood guy who wants to do the right thing and help out.   As for your questions: Powers: Yes, I basically figured he’d be some kind of mutant. Between bat wings, sonic powers, and super-hearing, I thought that the powers were a little too diverse for a lab accident style of acquiring powers (unless he got bit by a radioactive bat and even that feels like a stretch). Secret Identity: I didn’t really picture him with a secret identity since the bat wings would be a pretty obvious change (though it’s not like he’d go around introducing himself with his full legal name and address). If I dropped the wings or had some way to make them retractable, he might have a better chance of getting away with a secret identity. (I’m open to changing/discussing this if necessary). Parents: Yes, his parents know. Figured unless I wanted him wearing a trench coat for the rest of his life, it’d be hard to hide a pair of giant bat wings. Mr. and Mrs. Bell met through some mutual friends and/or coworkers setting them up on a blind date because “they both love music”. Several animated debates on the merits of certain artists led to a deepening friendship over the shared passion of music and eventually marriage. I imagine Mr. Bell would be more of a classically trained musician (piano/violin) but dabbles in other instruments, maybe even a professor of music history/theory. More disciplined and strict, he’d be the one chewing out his son for doing something reckless and insisting that Nick maintain his studies if this “superhero thing” doesn’t work out. Mrs. Bell would be more laid back and kinda bohemian, used to be part of a local semi-popular indie rock band, now doing music lessons for guitar and drums. More likely to praise Nick on his heroics (and love the bat aesthetic). Both would want Nick to be careful, but know that they don’t have the means to stop him from doing heroics, so they try to support him in any way possible. Local Outreach: I honestly haven’t thought that far out. I’m sure that there’s a few young adults who attend the community center who might be from a rougher background that might look up to him as a big brother like figure or role model. Might also be funny to have someone like Buddy from The Incredibles, where their adoration leads to them getting into trouble and Ruckus having to bail him out. Let me know what you think. Enemies: I have nothing definitive, at the moment. Since I wanted him to be fairly newish to the superhero scene, I picture him more taking out thugs holding up convenience stores or stopping the occasional mugger/carjacker. Between the ones you mentioned, a Black Cat type is most appealing. Maybe a super powered thief whose powers make stopping her difficult. Someone who can banter with him as he tries to stop her. Though a Kingpin kind of villain would be my second choice. Taking out some local thugs with ties to an organized crime ring is bound to eventually put Ruckus on their radar.

Ruckus is likely the same. More a nuisance to the local crime scene than any dedicated nemesis. Wouldn’t say no to a Spider-Man-ish rogue gallery though.

Ruckus Background Nicholas Bell grew up in the heart of Cape City, the child of two dedicated and beloved music teachers. Raised on a steady diet of rock-and-roll, jazz, classical, and more, Nick developed a deep appreciation and love for music at a young age. By the time he was a teenager, Nick was a regular feature at the local community center's jam sessions, a talented bassist, and an amateur DJ with a growing local reputation. During Nick's 18th birthday, the night was filled with laughter, music, and friends. However, as the night grew late and the celebrations quieted, Nick was struck with a sharp pain that radiated throughout his entire body. He fled the party and found refuge on the roof of his apartment building, under the cover of the night sky. In the midst of his pain, something extraordinary happened - Nick sprouted a pair of bat-like wings, his hearing heightened to an almost supernatural degree, and he found himself able to manipulate his voice to insane degrees, from high pitched sounds beyond human hearing to deep destructive sonic booms. Coming to terms with his new identity was a challenge, but Nick wasn't one to back down from a bit of adventure. He found joy in his newfound abilities, soaring through the city skyline with his music blaring, the pulse of his beats syncing with the pulse of Cape City. The transformation didn't change his outgoing, good-natured personality. If anything, it made him more vibrant, more alive. Stopping a burglary in his neighborhood, marked his first heroic act, and the hero Ruckus was born. Nick learned to use his powers not just for personal enjoyment, but to help others as well. He often engages with the local youth, encouraging them to express themselves through music and assuring them that it's okay to be different. When he wasn't jamming at the local community center or attending college classes, he was his community's guardian angel, doing his part to keep his neighborhood safe. Although his new life was packed with responsibilities, Nick always faced them with his trademark wit and humor and above all, Ruckus is a hero who reminds everyone in Cape City to march to the beat of their own drum. Abilities Strength 1, Stamina 1, Agility 2, Dexterity 1, Fighting 1, Intellect 1, Awareness 3, Presence 2 Advantages Defensive Roll 7, Eidetic Memory, Evasion, Improved Initiative, Instant Up, Move-by Action, Redirect, Set-up, Taunt, Uncanny Dodge Skills Acrobatics 5 (+7), Athletics 6 (+7), Deception 8 (+10), Expertise: Music 6 (+7), Insight 4 (+7), Investigation 9 (+10), Perception 7 (+10), Persuasion 8 (+10), Stealth 8 (+10) Powers Bat Wings: Flight 3 (Speed: 16 miles/hour, 250 feet/round; Wings) Enhanced Hearing: Senses 11 (Accurate: Hearing, Acute: Hearing, Analytical: Hearing, Danger Sense: Hearing, Extended: Hearing 1: x10, Penetrates Concealment: Hearing, Ultra-hearing) Heard It Coming: Enhanced Trait 29 (Traits: Parry +11 (+12), Dodge +10 (+12), Advantages: Defensive Roll 7, Evasion) Protected Hearing: Immunity 5 (Custom: Harmful Hearing-Dependent Effects 5; Limited - Half Effect) Sonic Blast: Line Area Damage 10 (DC 25; Line Area: 5 feet wide by 30 feet long, DC 20, Variable Area 2)    Shatter: Burst Area Weaken 10 (Alternate; Affects: Toughness, Resisted by: Fortitude, DC 20; Affects Objects Only, Burst Area: 30 feet radius sphere, DC 20, Variable Area 2)    Sonic Masking: Concealment 2 (Alternate; All Aural Senses)    Sound Mimicry: Illusion 10 (Alternate; Affects: One Sense Type - Aural, Area: 1000 cft., DC 20; Indirect 4: any point, any direction, Precise, Subtle: subtle) Offense Initiative +6 Grab, +1 (DC Spec 11) Shatter: Burst Area Weaken 10 (DC Fort 20) Sonic Blast: Line Area Damage 10 (DC 25) Throw, +1 (DC 16) Unarmed, +1 (DC 16) Complications Accident: Nick is still new to his abilities, so sometimes his sonic powers can go awry and collateral damage still crops up.  Motivation: Thrills: Nick was always a bit of a thrill-seeker. Being a hero now gives him a new outlet for adventures and thrills.  Power Loss: Because his sonic ability is dependent on him making sound, he is sensitive to airborne irritants such as smoke or dust. Strenuous activity and exhaustion are both factors when considering using his sonic abilities. Overusing his sonic ability, especially for sustained duration, wreaks havoc on his throat and may cause him to lose his voice. Defense Dodge 12/2, Parry 12/1, Fortitude 9, Toughness 8/1, Will 11 Power Points Abilities 24 + Powers 71 + Advantages 8 + Skills 31 (61 ranks) + Defenses 16 = 150

Crashing Charge would be a reaction to him moving, which in hindsight doesn't make sense when I pair it with Move-by Attack, so I've adjusted that accordingly. I looked at the Healing effect, but I didn't want it to remove all sorts of Damage effects, just to stabilize. I can just keep it in my back pocket as a Power Stunt to his Charged Body ability, since I don't see that power getting much use. Just thought that the ability was a fun homage to his EMT training. Replacing it with Connected so he could get some favors in a pinch. Electrosense is a mental sense. Will add to that. For Quick as a Flash, I did see this as limited to physical tasks. I'll adjust that as well. Honestly, I added Quickness as a way for him to say, quickly search a building for victims or to quick-change into the costume.  

This was a lot more complicated than I anticipated, but I enjoyed the experience. It was definitely a struggle to get all the powers that I wanted out of this, but I think I made a pretty good start. If there's anything you'd like me to clarify, just let me know.

I haven’t had much experience with Mutants and Masterminds, but this sounds like an interesting game and I’d love to put in an application. I love the idea of him getting his powers from the “event” that happens early on in Emerald City, making him relatively inexperienced with his powers. Definitely looking at Accidents as one of his Complications. As to his concept, I don’t think anyone has done a speedster yet and I thought a great basis might be electricity control. Using electricity for bursts of speed, while using it offensively like a taser. Maybe defensively dodging or dabbling with electromagnetic fields to deflect bullets. Kinda one part Flash, one part Static Shock, with a sprinkle of Magneto. Once I get in front of an actual computer instead of my phone, I’ll work on this properly, but any help in the meantime would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.