Enigma the Impenetrable
Context
This character is an original creation. We often call these “homemades” or “homebrewed” – think home cooking or craft beer.
Many of these characters were created to take part in tabletop role-playing game sessions. Others were invented as a creative writing exercise, often as part of a community event.
This specific character was part of our 2014 Halloween themed character creation contest.
Background
- Real Name: Hidden in the mists of time! (Freddy Dobbs).
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: Parents (names unrevealed).
- Group Affiliation: None.
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Height: 6’5” Weight: 150 lbs.
- Eyes: Bright green (formerly Brown). Hair: White (formerly Brown).
- Other distinguishing features: Slightly tapered ears, unusually thin.
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Powers & Abilities
A brilliant actor and skilled occultist . Those who take his frail appearance for granted often find themselves surprised by his impressive hand-to-hand skills.
Drinking fae blood also gave Enigma:
- An inherent understanding of magic (particularly chaos magic).
- The ability to sense emotions.
- The ability to see through non-iron objects.
History
A Broadway actor of some repute, Freddy Dobbs, the man who would be Enigma, developed an obsession with the supernatural. He proved remarkably skilled in its study.
He somehow managed to obtain a heaping glass of fae ichor, and down the hatch it went without a second thought (or, perhaps, a first one).
Apart from the fact that his new appearance killed his acting career, sheer dumb luck seems to have shielded him from any ill effects. It has been pointed out that he might have some fae gunning for him, but it hasn’t happened yet.
His agent suggested a change in venue. And so Enigma, the Impenetrable, Mysterious Master of the Occult!, was born.
Much to the annoyance of every other mystic in the world, he turned out to be just barely good enough to avoid getting himself killed quickly. And he is well on his way to becoming a world-famous adventurer.
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Description
After drinking fae blood, “Enigma” gained about six inches in height – without a corresponding increase in weight. His hair and eyes took on mildly unnatural colors. His face also has an ageless quality, though time will tell if his lifespan has actually been affected.
He tends to dress in bright, stereotypically wizardly clothing, with lots of gems and other gewgaws.
Personality
A bombastic, flamboyant, and not particularly bright showman. For him the phrase “tone it down” might as well be Martian. Enigma tends to turn up in delicate situations when his presence is least wanted, often with a camera crew in tow.
He’s not exactly a bumbler. When he comes to magic he knows what he’s doing. But he can be pretty slow on the uptake and irritating without realizing it.
That said, even his rivals have to grudgingly admit that he means well. And that he has been an asset more often than not.
Quotes
Wizard: “Ah, hell! It’s—”
Enigma: “Enigma has arrived ! Fear not, fellow masters of the arcane ! This fell beast is as good as dead !”
“Monstrous fiend ! Thine villainous actions shalt be-est thine undoingeth ! No, no… better drop that…”
Occultist: “You shed light on things best hidden from mortal eyes ! You shall rue the day you ever set foot on this path, foolish man !”
Enigma: “Wonderful ! I love it ! Can you say that again ? Maybe over here where the light’s better ? Get a close-up, Jerry. Try to get that snake-y torch-thingy in there.”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Enigma, the Impenetrable!
| Dex: 04 | Str: 03 | Bod: 05 | Motivation: Thrill of Adventure |
| Int: 03 | Wil: 02 | Min: 04 | Occupation: Millionaire Playboy, Occult Adventurer |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 07 | Spi: 05 | Resources {or Wealth}: 012 |
| Init: 014 | HP: 000 |
Powers:
Empathy: 05, Magic Sense: 05, X-Ray Vision: 07
Bonuses and Limitations:
X-Ray Vision cannot see through iron.
Skills:
Artist (Dancer, Singer, Actor): 06, Martial Artist: 07, Occultist: 06
Advantages
Iron Nerves, Magic Background, Scholar (Chaos Magic).
Connections:
None.
Drawbacks:
Public Identity (For all intents and purposes, Enigma is his only identity).
Design notes
If I’d rolled a bonus, I’d have made his Powers Innate.
Generator results : Magic Wielder, Personal Energies Only, Three powers (2 AP boost BOD), player’s choice school, three skills (odd but strong rolls), incredibly lucky roll for Wealth, two advantages/drawbacks (split).
Source of Character: 2014 Halloween Magic User Contest.
Helper(s): Dr. Peter S. Piispanen and his random magical character creation chart.