Mack the knife
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 is part of the informal “Rockworld” writeups arc. People were coming up with character concepts based on pop-rock songs, and a few other genres.
Background
- Real Name: Macheath Messer.
- Marital Status: Widower.
- Known Relatives: Polly Peachum (wife, dead).
- Group Affiliation: Troubling Trebles, London mob.
- Base Of Operations: London.
- Height: 6’0” Weight: 170lbs Age: 38.
- Eyes: Black Hair: Black
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Powers and Abilities
A dangerous combatant and an intelligent opponent, Mackie’s name is spoken with fear in the English underworld. Even those that have never heard of him feel uneasy in his presence, so strong is his personal magnetism.
Mack always has a knife with him. But when talks of “his faithful jacknife” he is talking of a small and deadly blade he can create from nothingness and who can be returned to it at will. He uses it recklessly and with deadly accuracy.
History
Macheath comes from a long line of thieves and assassins. The line goes down at least to the early XVIIIth century, with all the men in the family tree called Macheath. There’s something in the Messers that turns them to evil, or at least to gallant mischief.
From all of them, though, this Mack is the first to have portrayed any supernatural power. His bio-blade comes and goes at will, usually after leaving a trail of blood.
Macheath is the heir of a criminal empire. Under his command, it expanded and strengthened. He understands that too many actions can call unwanted reaction. Thus, he prefers to manage existing wealth, expanding only when other criminal bosses dare to menace him.
Since their first clash, Mack has been a natural enemy to Blaze of Glory.
Description
A handsome, sexy hunting animal. Mack is always dressed in elegant suits with a touch of the 30’s. He is a natural charmer and is used to get any woman he picks, at any cost.
Personality
A charmer by looks, a dangerous enemy by heart. Macheath may seem a gentleman by his manners. Yet he really doesn’t know much about the finer things in life, something he tries to hide.
When pushed a little, the beast beneath the jokes and smooth skin jumps in… and it’s hard to appease when that happens.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
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Mack the Knife
A 752 Points Character
| Dex: 06 | Str: 03 | Bod: 04 | Motivation: Mercenary |
| Int: 07 | Wil: 03 | Min: 05 | Occupation: Gang Leader |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 07 | Spi: 06 | Resources {or Wealth}: 006 |
| Init: 020 | HP: 060 |
Powers:
Aura of Fear*: 07, Claws: 06
Skills:
Accuracy (Claws): 15, Charisma (Intimidation): 08, Evasion (Ranged only): 09, Martial Artist*: 06, Military Science (Camouflage)*: 07, Thief*: 06, Weaponry (Firearms): 07
Advantages:
Area Knowledge (London), Attractive, High Connection (English mob), Gadget (Jacknife), Gift of Gab, Mystique (London).
Drawbacks:
Serious Rage.
Equipment:
- Jacknife [BODY 03, Claws: 03, HP Cost: 17].
- Bulletproof vest [BODY 04, Blunting: 03, Partial armor (-2 cs)].
Source of Character: Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s song Die Moritat von Mackie Messer (“Mack the knife”).