Kerevon's Characters

[kerevon]

Kinda have a villain idea worked out. More-or-less the old heavy-hitter type.

kerevon.deviantart.com/art/Azure-Sentinel-I-293760496

Azure Lord (previously Azure Sentinel)

Basically planning a family-type affair with this guy. Has the regular superhero origin story, except he's a genuine sociopath (does not have a sense of morality, though he was smart enough to watch others and learn what other people consider moral before he became a superhero). He works as a highly successful superhero for a few years, partially to study other heroes and partially because he genuinely enjoys the respect and admiration he gets from others. Some of his more dangerous villains get sent to a prison he keeps in his fortress, ala Superman and the Phantom Zone... only the prison is kinda a place where the villains are killed with telekinesis. As he wasn't a villain yet, his reasoning was that they certainly won't be committing any more crimes. After a while, he decides that constantly saving people who can't so much as get a cat out of a tree is a waste of time, so he fakes his death (leaving one his many 'brothers', who are related genetic creations from the project that created him, to take his place). By the time he ACTUALLY gets introduced in a non-expository manner, he'll be at the fore of an army. What sort of army, I don't actually know yet.

Just an idea for a supervillain, ties into my main hero.

[kerevon]

New hero, thinking of including him in the Guardians.

Code-Name: Djinni
'Real' name: Ben Aden
Age: 324
Powers and abilities: Longevity, shapeshifting, occult fire, smoke form, super-strength.
Weaknesses: Confused by technology, weakened by prolonged contact with soil or water (and vulnerable to attacks based on soil and water), highly vulnerable to iron.

A long time ago, when the world was created, many different creatures were made. Among the creatures of the Earth were humans and the Jinn. The humans were creatures of earth and water, inventive and stout, yet lacking in natural gifts. The djinn, however, were beings of air and fire. Though possessed of great power and freedom than humanity, the djinn were not a particularly inventive race. Humanity soon proved adept at tricking the djinn, and through learning they even began to discover magic. Fearful for their future, the djinn fought against humanity in a great war. In the end, the sages of the humans and the mighty ifrits of the djinn worked together to forever separate the two peoples. Now, the djinn exist upon a separate plane of existence from humankind, unable to see nor touch the world of man, just as humanity cannot see nor touch the world of the djinn. Only on rare occasions, and in the times of noon and midnight may the barest shadows of each world be glimpsed by the other.

Many generations later, human sorcerers discovered the magic that separated the worlds. With great finesse and power, they discovered how to create portals between the worlds. Rather than attempt to cross over themselves, they instead plucked hapless djinn from these worlds and imprisoned them. The djinni proved to provide a paradox for earthly sorcerers: while djinn had no defense against the magic of humanity, human mages also had no way to defend against the magics of the djinn, save for enslavement. Eventually, the binding of djinn was made illegal amongst wizards, and the practice was discontinued.

However, for every law there are those who would break it. Four years ago, a rogue sorcerer attempted to summon the djinni known as "The son of air and fire". When the sorcerer attempted to use the unfortunate djinn as a weapon against his ex-girlfriend, he was promptly defeated by the Guardians. Rather than return to his own world, however, the djinn elected to stay on Earth, for he had grown tired of the world of the djinn. In return for being given lodging and food by the Guardians, he would join the team and try to aid humanity.

The djinn, named Ben Aden (as his djinn name was unpronounceable to most of the team), has taken well to living on Earth. Ben is a kind soul, if a little brash at times. As a djinn he does not sleep, but eats quite voraciously. He does not use modern technology, though this is not for any occult reason (as magic does not conflict with technology, despite rumors). Rather, djinn have a hard time understanding tools and inventions, as their natural abilities make all the basic tools unnecessary. That said, he has a fascination with human theatre and films, especially with their depictions of the djinn (although he usually requires another team member in order to watch movies, as previous solo attempts to use the DVD-player ended badly).

fc04.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/104/8/2/djinni_by_kerevon-d4w5brv.jpg

[icecap]

He sounds pretty cool, fits in perfectly with the team.

[kerevon]

New character idea: Kerevon.deviantart.com/art/Nocturne-Doctor-Frankenstein-286385409?q=gallery%3Akerevon%2F16509591&qo=5

He basically came about after I actually read "Frankenstein" and found that despite almost every representation of the guy in popular media, Frankenstein's monster was originally a highly intelligent and persuasive (though still ugly) ubermensch as opposed to a shambling lobotomy patient.

This, along with some research into therapeutic cloning and some thoughts towards what the modern policy on such a being would be turned into this guy. In addition, much of the mob mentality against the monster (here actually inheriting the name of Frankenstein from his creator) will still be there, though for a different reason. In the original novel, his frightening appearance and great strength frightened humans and led them to attack him. While the world is not exactly less judgmental, we would be more prone to putting such a person on a talk show as opposed to trying to kill them. However, his origins lie in an attempt to bypass human reproductive cloning laws by using therapeutic cloning to create individual organs and then assembling them around a metal skeleton (as far as I know this would not legally work), and as anyone knows cloning is an area of serious moral and legal debate (partially because the current method for cloning involves the use of stem cells). In short, the mob would still be his case and demonizing him (which could eventually have a negative effect on his psyche).

Until then, his personality is pretty much the kind and gentle nature that he STARTED to have in the original novel, but which in the novel was quickly corrupted by everyone trying to kill him.

[BS Digital Q]

I personally can't see a modern day version of the Frankenstein monster being persecuted like that outside of fringe extremist groups (though mistreatment in the form of misguided "care" is possible). The creator though? Oh hell yes. A mob of protesters easily.

[kerevon]

Titanium Tesla: kerevon.deviantart.com/art/Nocturne-Titanium-Tesla-286088522

Technician and obligatory android character. Tapping into a mixture of steampunk/cyberpunk aesthetics (indeed, her 'grandmother' is a very steampunk computer/robot, her mother is a little more Moebius-style robot, and TT herself is almost completely cyberpunk design underneath her clothing), she's just a fun idea I had that I thought would work well partnered with Frankenstein, another synthetic being. As she's also quite young, I also thought she'd do well in the "Senior-Class" group of The Academy. Along with Frankenstein and other members of her team Nocturne, she's supposed to give readers some insight into how this universe works.

[kerevon]

Apr 17, 2012 23:04:34 GMT -5 BS Digital Q said:

I personally can't see a modern day version of the Frankenstein monster being persecuted like that outside of fringe extremist groups (though mistreatment in the form of misguided "care" is possible). The creator though? Oh hell yes. A mob of protesters easily.

Knowing media today? There would definitely be someone complaining about him. And there would probably be people who agree with that person on the simple grounds of "It ain't natural". Same-sex marriage, stem-cell research, and health food all fit into the same category. So while I agree that most of the reasonable-minded ire will be towards Victor Frankenstein, it's not unreasonable to assume that some idiots will tirade against poor Wilhelm as well. Who also inherited all of Victor's estate and happens to think that his father wasn't exactly in the wrong when it comes to creating artificial beings.

[BS Digital Q]

Media criticism? Sure. Just nothing like the usual. I can't see the character being persecuted in that way. Not how things work today.

[kerevon]

Also, just to clarify, both Frankenstein and Titanium Tesla pretty much have the base powers of (slight) superhuman strength, durability to the point of being able to take small-caliber bullets (for the record, this is another ability that the creature had in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, as he was able to more-or-less ignore a shot to the chest by a villager), and heightened senses. Frankenstein, obviously, is also faster than a normal human (not speedster fast, but still noticeable) whilst Tesla can electrify her fingernails (not a very strong charge, but still). Very Mentor/sidekick relationship to them, as they are both radically different attempts to make artificial beings, and Frankenstein is both physically older AND comes from an older idea of how to make artificial beings (sort of).

[kerevon]

And on second thought, I'd rather Tesla not be part of the Academy. I've been too long out of the loop on that, the roster's getting pretty full, and I think the mentor/sidekick dynamic with Frankenstein works too well.

[icecap]

If you want a spot on the academy roster you can have a couple. I can move a couple of mine around if need be.

[kerevon]

No, that's alright. Thanks though.

[kerevon]

Here's a new idea for a Guardians character. The basic idea for the concept was Anansi, but I decided that might be a bit too much like Spider-Man. Instead, I went with ANOTHER well-known trickster, Coyote.

Coyote

Real Name: Cheveyo Williams
Powers and abilities: Near-genius intellect, above-average physical fitness, expert trap-maker, knife expert,
coyote-suit gives mild camouflage abilities.

Bio: Born in the reservations, young Chevy Williams grew up hearing stories of the Hopi myths. He was a bright child, but his family was quite poor. His grandfather's alcoholism certainly did not help matters, but Chevy nonetheless worked hard and managed to get into a good college on scholarship, where he worked to get a degree in engineering.

Near the end of his senior year, he received word that his father was murdered. A wealthy neighbor named Solomon was suspected, but no evidence could be found of his guilt. Chevy knew that he had to do something, so he enacted a drastic plan.

A professor at the university had been working on a material that could bend light when a current was run through it, effectively giving near-invisibility. Cheveyo had been working as a minor assistant on the project, so one night he borrowed the prototype material and wrapped
it about himself as a cloak. Using his new stealth, he snuck into Solomons house and discovered evidence of his crime. In addition, he laid a trap for the suspect. That night, when Solomon returned home and laid in his recliner, cords lashed out and bound him tightly, as a high-pitched laugh rang through the house. An unseen voice spoke to him, telling him to confess to his crime. When Solomon asked who was speaking, Chevy only replied "Coyote".

The next day, Solomon confessed and he was eventually put away in prison. Chevy's professor, of course, discovered that Chevy had stolen his prototype. However, he approved of Chevy's use for it and even agreed that a secret vigilante could come in handy. He created a suit from the material, allowing Chevy greater movement while stealthed. For a few years he fought crime in secret, serving as a protector against evil and tyranny through any means short of murder. The Guardians eventually noticed his actions, though they did not necessarily approve. They offered Coyote the chance to become a member, in the hopes that they could make his methods a tad more legitimate.

Coyote agreed, and joined them. With a new, more durable Coyote-suit, he fights crime both in the light and cloaked in shadow. Many a villain now fears the laugh of the coyote, for his wrath is sure to follow.

kerevon.deviantart.com/art/Coyote-297549853

[BS Digital Q]

Everything sounds good up until his joining the Guardians. You don't just "join" the Guardians.

I mean, if the Justice League were like that, they'd have every single loser hero as a member.

I'm just saying, there has to be good reason for him to join the biggest, most powerful team of heroes in the world. A story, an epic story.

The design is a decent template, but leaves me a little underwhelmed.

[kerevon]

Understood. I'll try to work on him a bit more. Also doesn't necessarily need to be a Guardians member.

[BS Digital Q]

Whatever works.

[kerevon]

Right, changes to Coyote posted here: kerevon.deviantart.com/art/Coyote-297549853

Tried to rework him as a hero, turned up as an anti-hero instead. Sad, but I think it fits him better. Not really a team player, though he could work if we have an anti-hero team somewhere about here.

[kerevon]

Megalass



kerevon.deviantart.com/art/Megalass-298218053

Personality is very subdued, kinda sarcastic. Does not enjoy the company of others, isn't particularly well-liked in turn, kinda stand-offish, and driven in trying to learn every trick she can with her powers. This obsession sometimes blinds her to doing what's right, but this is mostly due to grief at her sister's death. Powers mystical in nature, no formal combat training (yet), and only has an average IQ. Not nearly powerful enough to simply muscle through foes.

[BS Digital Q]

Apr 24, 2012 16:05:34 GMT -5 kerevon said:

Right, changes to Coyote posted here: kerevon.deviantart.com/art/Coyote-297549853 Tried to rework him as a hero, turned up as an anti-hero instead. Sad, but I think it fits him better. Not really a team player, though he could work if we have an anti-hero team somewhere about here.

Personally think he'd work best as a solo character with occasional team-ups. He and this character I'm working on called Vendetta would be a good fit for occasional alliances.

[kerevon]

That's more-or-less what I was thinking.

[BS Digital Q]

Cool beans. A kind of psuedo-Batman/Daredevil type.

[kerevon]

Last one today: I noted that Dammerung was kinda lacking in members, so here's my idea for Hel. kerevon.deviantart.com/art/Hel-298294447

Again, as a cyborg warden she is neither popular nor well-liked. Also, her personality is almost completely overridden by her cyborg side. The only emotion she DOES show is enthusiasm when it comes to shows of strength, and anger when she is defied.

[BS Digital Q]

Here's a little try at an alternate look for Megalass, as I feel the current look is a bit too superhero generic and too dark.

[icecap]

This one looks great

[kerevon]

'Tis a better costume design than the one I did. However, I actually intended for her to be dark-skinned from the start. Hair's better though.

[BS Digital Q]

Ah. I wasn't sure because of the color you chose.

[kerevon]

Getting to work on revisal of "The Team", a side group mostly focusing on comic relief. Characters for it are: Azure Sentinel II, Shadow Maiden, Star Shifter, Wind Song, and Rothko.

Basic breakdown of characters:
Azure Sentinel II: Younger "brother" of the original Azure Sentinel. Insecure, inexperienced, and in over his head. Has single-target telekinesis, which allows him to move any one object or person at at a time (unless that object or person is touching another object and/or person, in which case the object and/or person they're touching will also be lifted). This does mean he can't fly and lift objects with his mind at the same time unless he's touching said object.

Shadow Maiden: Ninja-esque girl, clad in a dark cape, a full mask, and a ton of knives. No-one has seen her face, and The Team has never heard her actually speak. A brilliant strategist and an excellent fighter, she unfortunately has extreme trust issues, violently fears everyone, and has never actually been caught entering or exiting her room.

Wind-Song: Mage, though only in the strictest sense. The one power WS has mastered is aerokinesis; unfortunately, he often tries to wield other spells in battle, which never ends well. Shy, but clever and eager. TOO eager.

Star Shifter: An alien metamorph, Star Shifter's powers are too painful and too slow to use in combat. This has not stopped him from trying. Is actually a brilliant technician, though the previous Azure Sentinel insisted on using government tech instead of his inventions.

Rothko: A former member of the extremely short-lived "League of Nuder-Heroes", a group of nudist superheroes, Rothko is a super-strong narcoleptic who is still uncomfortable with pants. Not dumb, but no genius either, he is known for occasionally frightening the entire team by forgetting to get dressed.

[icecap]

They all sound great. Whats the idea behind the team? Also apologies for the inactivity from the past couple of weeks been a little busy, but still working on universe got alot of stuff typed up on my com that ill be sharing soon.

[kerevon]

Here's a basic picture of them. My art skills are terrible, but should be enough to convey the general idea: kerevon.deviantart.com/art/The-Team-Final-Roster-311985149?q=gallery%3Akerevon%2F16509591&qo=13

The basic idea behind the team was based on the notion that some people just don't use the skills they're best suited for. Somehow or other they're pushed into roles that don't quite suit them, and this usually ends badly. Thus, each member is in fact immensely skilled and useful, but not in the areas they usually function. Basically they're the underdog superhero team; while the Guardians and the various other groups act as paragons of society, these are the unfortunate souls who are the bottom rung of the heroic ladder.

Mostly it's just because underdog stories really, really appeal to people, including myself. It's well and good talking about the faultless heroes who do everything right, but some of the best stories are about those guys who are unlucky and don't get near enough credit. They're also funnier than the big-time heroes, just because a lot of humor is tragedy + an unwillingness to give in. This is the level where Spider-Man revels, where Beast Boy excels, where the Canadian Superhero Girl is permanently stuck. For every godlike being, you need the poor schmuck.

So while we have a lot of the impressive and powerful heroes already in this project, we don't really have this kind of hero yet, who is in fact a staple of every successful comic universe. Hence the Sentinel Squad, known as "The Team" and going under the same title. Their history is that the original Azure Sentinel formed the group (hence the never-used name Sentinel Squad) in order to combat the forces of evil; in truth, the born-sociopathic Sentinel used them in order to make his already impressive feats seem even greater in comparison. When he 'died', the Team proved to be almost completely ineffective without him.

The roster when Azure Sentinel I led it was Star Shifter (D'Zannox), Wind Song (James Song), the Azure Sentinel (David Freiberg), and Speed E. Qwik, (Greg Franklin), an arrogant and mean-spirited speedster who lost a leg after David's supposed death and now works as a chef at a three-star restaurant.

After the Sentinel died and Speed E. Qwik left, Rothko joined on. The three remaining members continued on in a spectacularly unsuccessful manner, until Samuel Freiberg was convinced to take up his brother's mantle as the new Sentinel. They grew only marginally more skilled with the semi-competent Sentinel as a member, and became somewhat of a force to reckon with after the mysterious Shadow Maiden attached herself to them, even going so far as to take over and reinforce one of the rooms in their HQ (an old motel). The general idea is that eventually they DO begin to actually become somewhat skilled, though not as much as most other super-groups, and that their investigation of a conspiracy lead them to actually come directly into conflict with the old Azure Sentinel, a foe whose telekinetic prowess and cunning mind would make him a foe even the Guardians would be hard-pressed to defeat.

So yeah, basically the classic "Underdog Rises" story with a bit of Star Wars thrown in.