Hypno-Hustler
Context
Hypno-Hustler is a terribly dated, disco-themed character who fought Spider-Man in 1978. We absolutely had to have a character profile for this guy.
Some years after this profile was done, Hypno started making minor returns, usually in bit parts. These aren’t featured therein yet, because no time travel.
Background
- Real Name: Unrevealed.
- Other Aliases: Hypno.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Hypno and his Mercy Killers.
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Height: 6’1″? Weight: 190 lbs?
- Eyes: Unrevealed Hair: Black
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Powers and Abilities
Hypno relies on several devices giving him hypnotic control over people by means of sound. His backing band further augments this effect. He can hypnotize people that listen to his music into “sleeping standing”, and give them simple orders they have to obey.
Usually he tells them to give them all of their belongings. Then to forget everything that happened, and that the concert is over.
From his time on the streets and his time as an artist Hypno is also an able thief, dancer, singer and guitarist. He’s also quite adept at brawling.
Additional gear
Hypno also carries several small gadgets which are of use during his crime sprees. For instance:
- His boots can release a special gas.
- They also have retractile knife-like blades in the front.
- His belt can shoot a paralysis beam.
Said gadgets are apparently of his own design.
Soundtrack
Of course this profile needs a soundtrack. Don’t be silly. Let’s have a wonderfully dated, classic bit of French Disco with Patrick Hernandez.
Available for download on Amazon .
History
Hypno-Hustler is a robber and a self-proclaimed disco king. He robs his entire audience during his concerts.
“Hypno-Hustler”, Hypno in short, is his stage name. It’s known that he used to live on the street, and has been in prison. He worked for years to create devices that allowed him to control people by means of sound.
He eventually met a trio of women singers calling themselves the Mercy Killers. For some reason, the Killers could augment his powers further. Hypno and the backing singers work together, but it seems that he keeps them under hypnotic control to ensure their cooperation.
While performing and hypnotizing the audience at the Beyond Forever Disco in NYC, Hypno happened upon Spider-Man. Spidey blocked his own hearing to ignore the hypnotic effect, then easily defeated him. The Hypno-Hustler is now probably in jail serving a long sentence.
Description
The Hypno-Hustler wears a fanciful performance costume. He is clad in full body covering white clothing with white boots, gloves and a neck piece resembling a loudspeaker. Hypno also wears a headpiece in white that covers his ears, and goggles with an “hypnotic” pattern.
The only other color is a purple belt, and two purple rings around his shoulders. He always also carries a purple-white guitar.
His hair is done as a vintage afro and he sure looks the part of a true disco artist. Hypno is slender and agile, but still muscular. Of course he uses typical 1970s disco lingo…
Personality
Hypno cares for little except the money he can get from his hypnotic performances. If he can get money by cracking into the safes of the employer it’s a bonus.
He likes to shout a lot even when not using his powers and usually feels quite safe while robbing the audiences. He is persistent, but can be a coward if faced with the threat of defeat by a superhero.
Even though he puts his band of women under hypnosis to increase his powers he seems quite fond of them.
Quotes
“Tonight we’ll make a clean house !”
DC Universe History
The Hypno-Hustler is small fish and can thus be put into the DC Universe with no great effort. Just place him in a disco or bar the player characters are in and the adventure is underway, unless, of course, they have low Will scores…
If that is the case, be careful. There’s nothing more humiliating than being defeated by a guy named Hypno-Hustler during an insufferable disco comeback. 🙂
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Hypno-Hustler
| Dex: 06 | Str: 03 | Bod: 04 | Motivation: Mercenary |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 04 | Min: 04 | Occupation: Hustler, Musician |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 05 | Spi: 04 | Resources: 004 |
| Init: 014 | HP: 020 |
Powers:
Control: 06, Mental Freeze: 06, Shade: 03
Bonuses and Limitations:
- While teaming up in the song of his band Control and Mental Freeze are effectively increased to 9 APs.
- While using the increased power effect Hypno is not immune against his own powers, and needs soundblockers to avoid being affected.
- Control and Mental Freeze have Area Effect.
- Control and Mental Freeze are sonic in nature and thus are ineffective against anyone who is either deaf or has protected hearing.
Notes: Hypno usually sings while using his powers. It is very probable that all of Hypno’s powers are part of the glasses he wears ; if you prefer this approach then simply put all Powers, Bonuses and Limitations onto a pair of Glasses as an Equipment.
Skills:
Artist (Dancer, Musician, Singer): 04, Gadgetry: 04, Thief: 05
Advantages:
Scholar (Disco Music).
Connections:
Hypno and his Mercy Killers (High).
Drawbacks:
MIA (the Disco Style).
Equipment:
- Boots [BODY 04, Claws: 05, Poison Gas: 05, Bonus: Claws are retractable, R#2].
- Belt [BODY 02, Paralysis: 06, Ammo: 06, R#2].
- Sound Blockers [BODY 01, Shade (hearing): 02].
Source of Character: Spider-Man comics, Marvel Universe.