Power Man
(Luke Cage) (Older profile)
Context
These are our *old* notes about Luke Cage.
They are being replaced by much more modern, detailed chronological profiles. The first of the new series is Luke Cage, Hero for Hire.
Once enough Cage material has been digitally reissued (to allow for HD illustrations instead of paper scans) and the newer series has advanced far enough, this profile will be retired.
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Background
- Real Name: Carl Lucas, later Luke Cage.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: Leonard Lucas (father, deceased), Esther Lucas (mother, deceased).
- Group Affiliation: Partner of Iron Fist (Heroes for Hire, Inc.), former member of the Fantastic Four and Defenders.
- Base Of Operations: New York City (an office above the Gem Theater at Times Square (42nd) ; later an office on Park Avenue).
- Height: 6’6” Weight: 425lbs.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
Powers and Abilities
Cage is strong enough to headbutt concrete walls down, and an excellent, experienced street fighter.
His main power, however, is his vaunted steel-hard skin. This is not an hyperbole : Cage muscle and bone tissue are super-dense, and his skin is every bit as hard as steel armor. Many blades have been broken on Cage’s body.
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Description
As Power Man II, Cage wore that unforgettable “disco fever” costume. It had a metal tiara, metal bracers, a extra-heavy chain as a belt, a yellow satin open shirt, yellow buccaneer boots and a skin-tight blue jeans. No, really, I love this costume.
Cage is also, of course, a huge mass of muscles, built like a Mack truck, and with a strong tough guy aura.
Personality
Cage is a curmudgeon (he has a good heart, but you have to know him) who is constantly fretting over money, because he actually *needs* it.
He projects a strong mercenary image, but will often do freebies and some crimefighting for its own sake. And then complain about how stupid he was and how he will be able to pay the rent now that he blew up an opportunity. He’ll use a fantasy version of 1970s jive talking and AAVE that possesses a certain cheesiness. In a good way.
Cage has a mean, take-no-prisoners attitude. Although he’s no killer he’s quite likely to resort to violence to solve problems and generally bust heads.
Quotes
“Sweet Christmas !”
“By the gleaming gates o’ funky Asgard you dudes are gonna eat hammer !”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Power Man II
| Dex: 05 | Str: 09 | Bod: 09 | Motivation: Mercenary |
| Int: 05 | Wil: 05 | Min: 04 | Occupation : Adventurer |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 05 | Resources {or Wealth} : 005 |
| Init: 017 | HP: 045 |
Powers:
Density increase: 01, Regeneration: 02, Skin Armor: 03
Bonuses and Limitations:
- Density increase is Always On and already factored in.
- Skin armor works vs both physical and energy attacks (+2).
Skills:
Charisma (intimidation): 07, Detective (counterfeit recognition): 04, Martial artist: 07
Advantages:
Area Knowledge (New York City), Iron Nerves.
Connections:
Iron Fist (High), Nightwing Restorations (High), Underworld (Low).
Drawbacks:
MIA toward payback, Secret ID (that he was X Lucas, until Bushmaster I’s death and his acquittal).
Subsequent stats: Late Power Man II/early Cage
| Dex: 06 | Str: 10 | Bod: 09 | Motivation: Mercenary |
| Int: 05 | Wil: 05 | Min: 04 | Occupation : Adventurer |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 05 | Resources {or Wealth} : 005 |
| Init: 018 | HP: 050 |
Powers:
Density increase: 01, Regeneration: 02, Skin Armor: 03
Bonuses and Limitations:
- Density increase is Always On and already factored in.
- Skin armor works vs both physical and energy attacks (+2).
Skills:
Charisma (intimidation): 08, Detective (counterfeit recognition): 04, Martial artist: 07
Advantages:
Area Knowledge (New York City), Iron Nerves.
Connections:
Nightwing Restorations (High), Underworld (Low), late in period Chicago Spectator (High) and Dakota North (Low).
Drawbacks:
MIA toward payback, Mistrust (until cleared of Fist’s murder).
Source of Character: Hero for hire (and subsequent titles) comics.
Helper(s): Hart, Jackson, Z, Richard Lyon.