The Generic Man
Context
The Generic Man fought the Heckler that one time, in 1992.
So yes, that’s not high profile by any means, but what did you expect from… the Generic Man ?
Background
- Real Name: John Doe.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Former employee of Boss Glitter.
- Base Of Operations: Delta City.
- Height: Average Weight: Average.
- Eyes: Average Hair: Average.
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Powers and Abilities
His touch turning other beings or objects into generic versions of themselves.
The Generic Man can then command these genericized people to do as he wishes.
History
John formerly was an accountant for Boss Glitter, the head of Delta City’s criminal underworld. He suffered an undisclosed accident which transformed him into the Generic Man.
Over time, he became able to change others with his touch to become as normal as he was. As a consequence, he developed a mild obsession with turning the entire city into a more generic and normal place.
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Heckled
Shortly after his release from St. Stigmata State Hospital, he learned of the Heckler’s activities. The Generic Man decided such individuality could not go unopposed. Gaining access to the city’s water reservoir, he used it as a medium to spread his gift.
The effect was quickly noted by a number of sources. Soon the Heckler, the vigilante Minx, and Boss Glitter’s enforcers, Ratchet Jaw and Kriegler, arrived to try to stop him. A fight ensued between all parties, and John left Buckshot to cover his retreat as he tried to escape. He didn’t get far, though, as Minx managed to shoot and kill him.
He soon reincarnated, however, much to the delivering doctor’s distress.
Description
The Generic Man appears to be a sketch of a human, with no apparent defining characteristics such as eyes or a nose. He expresses emotion by the name of the feeling appearing on his face.
Those he changes also adopt this appearance, but it doesn’t seem to have the effect on those around them that it should, so it’s possibly best interpreted as them looking completely unexceptional (unless operating in a genre in which this kind of freaky appearance could be normal).
Personality
Bland and unexceptional, the Generic Man is obsessed with changing the world around him into a stereotypically normal version of itself, removing the irritating differences. He dislikes direct confrontations, preferring to carry out his plans unopposed. He will send his underlings to cover his escape at any cost.
He talks in the third person, often stating the obvious, and does not use contractions.
Quotes
Generic Man: “I am expressing pleasure. This is a very beautiful painting I have just painted.”
Buckshot: “I dunno, John. It looks a lots like the last one youse did. And the ones before that.”
Generic Man: “Yes. And that is why it is so beautiful.”
“I am feeling curiosity about what goes on in the world outside. So I am instructing you to get me a newspaper.”
“I oppose individuality, believing it leads to all human conflicts.”
“As people throughout the city drink from this water supply, they are being granted my glorious touch. Everyone in Delta City is becoming peaceful… tranquil… the same.”
“I am expressing satisfaction at the successful conclusion of my plan.”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Generic Man
| Dex: 03 | Str: 02 | Bod: 03 | Motivation: Seeking Order |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 04 | Min: 04 | Occupation: former accountant |
| Inf: 02 | Aur: 02 | Spi: 02 | Resources {or Wealth}: 005 |
| Init: 009 | HP: 025 |
Powers:
Hypnotism: 08, Matter Manipulation: 15, Self-Link (Personality Transfer): 08
Bonuses and Limitations:
- Hypnotism only works on subjects of Matter Manipulation (see below).
- Matter Manipulation has a Range of Touch (-1), but may use water as a conductive medium (+1), is Always On (-1), can only be used to Genericize targets (see below), and its effect appear to be Permanent (+5).
- Personality Transfer is only activated by the Generic Man’s death (-1), only targets the nearest baby about to be born (-1), has no Range limit (+1), and also transfers his Powers and Drawbacks (+1, see below).
Skills:
None demonstrated.
Advantages:
Expertise (Accountancy).
Connections:
Buckshot (High).
Drawbacks:
Distinct Appearance, MIA (Genericity), MIH (Individuality).
Generic Touch
His touch changes people and things into featureless version of themselves, taking away the individual imperfections they may possess, leaving them smoothed out and lacking any distinctive features.
While this effect normally spreads out from his touch, he is apparently able to spread the effect via water, although he’s limited to the route along which the water would naturally flow.
People genericized by him have their personalities altered, becoming more bland and unexceptional, and losing most of their individuality (their Spiritual Attributes dropping to 2 APs). Affected individuals are also subservient to the Generic Man, following his every command.
Reincarnation
At the end of the story, the ’Dead‘ state of the Generic Man’s body changes to ’Reincarnated‘, and we hear a baby being born with abilities similar to those of the Generic Man.
It is not, however, clear whether it’s just the powers which are being passed on, or whether his personality was also transferred. At the least it means that, if the Personality Transfer is successful, his Powers and Distinct Appearance Drawback will be passed along to a newborn when he dies, and possibly his personality, Mental Stats, and other Drawbacks (at the GMs discretion).
Buckshot
The Generic Man’s adoring sidekick is a young woman who can fire her freckles as dangerous projectiles. While she seems devoted to him, the Generic Man has recently been growing tired of her company.
| Dex: 03 | Str: 02 | Bod: 02 | Motivation: Psychotic |
| Int: 02 | Wil: 02 | Min: 02 | Occupation: sycophant |
| Inf: 02 | Aur: 02 | Spi: 03 | Resources {or Wealth}: 002 |
| Init: 007 | HP: 010 |
Powers:
Projectile Weapons: 05
Skills:
None demonstrated.
Advantages:
None demonstrated.
Connections:
Generic Man (Low).
Design Notes
It’s unclear whether or not his ability to ’genericize‘ others is a permanent change, but given the way he acted when trying to genericize the entire city, he seemed to expect that it would be, so I’ve given him the Permanent Bonus.
Source of Character: DC Universe.
Helper(s): Darci, hellUSA , Alan Wilkinson, Jobe, Sébastien Andrivet.