Shade
(James Schiffman)
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 the Wild Hunt, a community-created super-team circa the year 2000.
Background
- Real Name: James Schiffman.
- Marital Status: Married to Alice Schiffman, 32, Bio-lab Tech, STAR Labs.
- Known Relatives: Brother- Luke(32).
- Group Affiliation: Wild Hunt.
- Base Of Operations: New York.
- Height: 5’11’‘ Weight 198 lbs. Age: 34
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Blond
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History
Graduated MIT with honors, achieving high status with STAR labs while only 28 years old. Major part of research project into developing cybernetic interface system; a first step into a true Cyberspace type control system.
While demonstrating the prototype at a remote lab to a select group of fellow scientists, the lab was attacked by thieves intent on stealing some equipment and one of the other labs on sight. Several people were injured, and a power surge went through the interface into Jame’s brain. He lapsed into coma, which lasted for nearly 6 years.
Metagene
Upon coming out of the coma, he found himself quickly noticing his senses were much better than before. Ever the scientist, he managed to discover that his brain had healed itself, and more. Evidently he had a metagene that had rebuilt his brain, giving him several psychically generated powers.
He also discovered that one of his acquaintances in the lab before the incident had been very concerned over him during his years of slumber. Alice Myers continued to see him, and assisted with his physical therapy. A whirlwind romance developed, and when he finally could walk, he did so down the proverbial aisle, with her.
When he revealed his powers to her, she was elated, helped establish the limits and nature of his abilities. She finally coaxed him into becoming a true super hero.
He did so remotely at first, sending small objects off with his TK, monitoring them with his Awareness, and acting with TK through them. He was even able to use the TK to produce air vibrations enough to make a disembodied voice appear… something which gave rise to several reports of crooks being stopped by a ghost.
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Shade
Eventually he took the hint, and made an all-black costume, with a featureless black hood, adopting the name SHADE, a synonym for ghost…
He has taken great strides to catch up with the developments within his field over the last 6 years. However he has not been able to cover everything. References to various events, books, movies, etc. from the period of his coma (91-96?) would tend to elude him. His ignorance to such mundane details would continue to annoy him at best, and handicap him at worst.
Description
Pretty much as stated. Will have several pockets with various items in them; small and unobtrusive. Marbles, pebbles, fake insects, etc., all can be used as psychic links. Some have been specially customized, built, or painted by him, to insure a strong connection.
Sometimes he will unconsciously play with one or more items. He is invaluable as a living “bugging” device, and is a frequent source of monitoring suspects for more information, or infiltration.
As himself he has taken to “meditating” from time to time, which he claims as something he learned in rehabilitation, but is actually covering up for some remote observations…
His wife is into physical fitness, and has gotten him to take up jogging, racquetball, among other things. This has improved his body and reflexes. although he still can’t keep up with her…
Personality
Studious, naturally. Can quickly get very focused, given a task on a computer. Competent researcher, especially on the Internet. Somewhat frustrated at times from his lost years, and is constantly reminded of a few things he had developed or envisioned that someone else developed or patented in his absence…
Professionally struggling to reassert himself in the top ranks of his field. Well liked by fellow colleagues. Somehow he and his wife still manage to make some time, despite the demands of their respective careers with STAR, and STAR has been accommodating keeping them both at labs at the same location.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
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The Shade
| Dex: 07 | Str: 02 | Bod: 05 | Motivation: Responsibility of Power |
| Int: 08 | Wil: 08 | Min: 09 | Occupation: Inventor |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 05 | Spi: 05 | Resources {or Wealth}: 012 |
| Init: 020 | HP: 005 |
Powers:
Object Awareness (DL): 16, Telekinesis (DL): 16, Full Vision: 10, Telescopic Vision: 10, Ultra Vision: 10, Extended Hearing: 10, Super Ventriloquism (DL): 16, Force Shield: 06
Bonuses and Limitations:
Object Awareness allows powered senses to be operable thru power Telekinesis APS usable directly as STR.
Skills:
Scientist*: 08, Artist (Painter/Sculptor)*: 05
Advantages:
Scholar (Computers, Electronics).
Connections:
S.T.A.R. Labs (High).
Drawbacks:
Secret ID (zero points taken), Married, Unluck, Misc (15pts)- Missing years due to coma.
Source of Character: Homemade.