: BIOGRAPHY

EARLY LIFE

John Upshaw was born in Coronado, California to Adam and Jane Upshaw. His father was a meth dealer and, as such, was in and out of prison often, making it difficult for his mother to do little more than stay home and look after her son. At age six, John's parents divorced, though his mother kept his father’s surname up until his death when he was eleven, returning to her maiden surname of Tadić.

John was, naturally, torn up by this series of rather unfortunate events - as well as strongly turned off to narcotics - but craved a father figure he really never had in his life. He grew closer to the men on his father’s side of the family. Unbeknownst to him, John’s paternal family had connections to the Digati Crime Family, a Sicilian mafia organization based out of New York. His grandfather, Samuel Digati, owned an Italian restaurant in John’s hometown, Bella Trattoria, where he grew closer to John, but kept him in the dark about the shady individuals that would frequent the restaurant.

Bella Trattoria was a popular meeting place for visiting members of the Digati family, and in 1993, when John was fourteen, the FBI raided the restaurant, arresting several male members of his family including his uncle and his grandfather. With his grandfather out of the picture, John did some research into his own family history and discovered that his family emigrated from Sicily to New York in the 1920s and had multiple run-ins with the FBI’s organized crime unit. He also discovered a long line of military personnel, dating back to colonial America.

With this new discovery, John had a new sense of drive and purpose in his life. When he met the investigating officer who questioned him on his family’s dealings, he spoke of his time in the Marine Corps, and John was in awe. On August 27th, 1996 (John's seventeenth birthday) he enlisted in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Marine with a UZ option to be trained further as a Force Recon Marine. John stayed in Southern California, stationed at Camp Pendleton. Three years through his contract with 1st Marine Division, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, Force Recon Company, 3rd Direct Reconnaissance Platoon “Scalpers” (where he quickly excelled in his job), he picked up the rank of Corporal. In 1999, during the Second Congo War, John took part in a rescue operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the Ugandan border, to rescue an American news crew that was stranded amongst the fighting. When his team leader was killed in action, John took command, which drew the attention of his own command team.

TF//TUSKER

John excelled in the two years of training and later on became a top operator with 1st MARDIV. In 2002, shortly after 9/11, then-Sergeant Upshaw was detached to Central Africa as part of TF//TUSKER to establish an intelligence network and eliminate a Boko Haram financial cell located in Cameroon to prevent them from coalescing solid control over the region. John posed as Liam Bardolph, an Australian reporter doing a piece on Boko Haram’s role in Africa’s history. They spent three weeks interviewing Mosi Olayinka, a retired Colonel with the Cameroonian Armed Forces, at his jungle hacienda; conducting a painstaking recon operation in the process. Due to the hacienda’s placement in the deeply forested mountains of Cameroon, a direct assault would be impractical without a larger force behind them.

After some deliberation, a member of TF//TUSKER posed as a potential client interested in recruiting Boko Haram, inviting Olayinka’s second-in-command, ret. Major Paki Kayode, into Yaoundé to discuss the terms and conditions. That same night, Upshaw led a ten man squad to infiltrate the hacienda disguised as mercenaries. The next morning, COL Olayinka was killed by an IED. When aides called MAJ Kayode, they got no answer. Top-ranking members of the financial cell made way for Kayode’s hotel in Yaoundé, where they found a notepad with several Belgian phone numbers, a receipt for a cyber cafe, and Kayode’s cell phone with several international phone calls.

Upon further inspection, Olayinka’s safe had been emptied; confidential information, bank details, $200 million in cash and three diamonds each worth $10 thousand all unaccounted for. It was theorized that MAJ Kayode robbed the COL, planted the bomb, and skipped town. There was a bounty put out for the MAJ, Kayode’s body was dumped in the Arabian Sea and TF//TUSKER was on a plane to Kuwait while the financial cell collapsed in the months to follow due to infighting.

OPERATION: FLINT

On June 5th, 2002, Indonesian authorities arrest Kuwaiti Omar al-Faruq. He confesses to US authorities that he is a senior al-Qaeda operative sent to Southeast Asia to orchestrate attacks against American interests. He revealed details of his planned terror spree, and immediately following their involvement with TF//TUSKER, FRC was deployed to Indonesia to act on this intelligence.

October 12th, 2002 saw the execution of a deadly, coordinated bomb attack that killed 88 Australians, 38 Indonesians, and injured 240 others in the tourist district of Kuta, Bali. Following a raid lead by Sergeant Upshaw, several members of Jemaah Islamiyah were convicted in relation to the bombings -- excluding Azahari Husin; expert bomb-maker and influential figure in the organization. It is theorized that Husin has a major role in the attacks, and FRC spent the next several years hunting him down.

Unfortunately, Husin was still active despite being hunted by the Americans. On August 5th, 2003, a VBIED was detonated outside the JW Marriott in South Jakarta, killing 12 and injuring 150. On December 31st, 2003, Husin instigated the bombing of a night market in Aceh during a concert, killing at least 10 (including several children) and wounding 45 others. The Indonesian authorities blamed the Free Aceh Movement, but arrests were made by John Upshaw’s team in connection to Azahari Husin.

On September 9th, 2004, a one-tonne VBIED packed into a delivery van was detonated outside the Australian embassy in South Jakarta, killing nine and injuring 150 others. Jemaah Islamiyah claimed responsibility, and subsequently, Husin’s involvement was confirmed. On November 13th, 2004, 6 people were killed and 3 injured when an IED planted on a bus in Central Sulawesi detonated. On May 28th, 2005, two IEDs, set to explode fifteen minutes apart, detonated during the morning at a market in Central Sulawesi, killing 22 and wounding 40 others.

The team responsible for both attacks was arrested following a raid in 2005, and gave up the location of Azahari Husin. On November 9th, 2005, Azahari Husin was killed in a raid led by Sergeant Upshaw who, upon returning to the United States, was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

TF//WITCHHUNTER

The Yugoslav Wars were a series of ethnically-based wars and insurgencies fought from 1991 to 1999/2001 in the former Yugoslavia. These wars accompanied and facilitated the breakup of the Yugoslav state, when its constituent republics declared independence, but the issues of ethnic minorities in the new countries (chiefly Serbs, Croats and Albanians) were still unresolved at the time the republics were recognized internationally.

With looming threats and attacks on UN-designated “safe areas” in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States covertly shipped weapons to Croats and Muslims in 1994. This ultimately led to OPERATION: DELIBERATE FORCE, a NATO-led sustained air campaign against the Bosnian Serb Army (VRS) in August and September of 1995. DELIBERATE FORCE was launched in conjunction with OPERATION: MISTRAL 2, two linked military offensives of the Croatian Army (HV), Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ARBiH), and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) launched in western Bosnia. The wars are generally considered to be a series of separate but related military conflicts which occurred in, and affected, most of the former Yugoslav republics.

Often described as Europe's deadliest conflicts since World War II, the wars were marked by many war crimes, including ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and rape. The Bosnian Genocide was the first European crime since World War II to be formally judged as genocidal in character and many key individual participants were subsequently charged with war crimes. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was established by the UN to prosecute these crimes. This caused concern within the U.S. State Department, as it was theorized that the ICTY would uncover whispers of illegal U.S. arms shipments sent by the Clinton administration towards the end of the war. FRC was deployed in OPERATION: WITCH HUNTER to remove any and all ties to the series of U.S. arms shipments in spite of the embargo.

A total of 161 persons were indicted in the ICTY, including the Serbian President, Slobodan Milošević. FRC went undercover as the U.S. State Department and infiltrated the prison to conduct an off-the-record interrogation of Milošević, where they gave him cyanide tablets and strongly suggested he used them. During the interrogation, Milošević mentioned other dealings with the State Department. Namely, an ongoing sex-trafficking ring since the start of the war. On March 11th, 2006, Milošević was found dead in his cell. His official cause of death was a heart attack, thought to be a natural result of his history of heart problems.

In the days to follow, FRC conducted a covert raid on a suspected arms warehouse, but were surprised, however, to find a major cell in the Bosnian sex-trafficking ring. 16 women and 9 children were liberated. Among them, one Dijana Tadić, cousin to John Upshaw. This infuriated Upshaw, but before they could investigate further, they were assigned a new mission at the request of the State Department.

PROJECT CORONADO

In 2006, the Mexican drug cartel La Familia Michoacana detached from Gulf Cartel and, with it, Los Zetas. The expansion of a new player in the drug trade prompted PROJECT CORONADO; a US-led coalition of both American and Mexican intelligence services to attempt to disrupt LFM operations in Michoacana.

Following the murder of a LFM-linked pregnant women, three Guatemalan members of the cartel seized a nightclub in the city of Uruapan, tossing five heads of men belonging to a rival group onto the dancefloor with a message; "The family does not kill for money. It does not kill women, it does not kill innocents. Only those who should die, will die.... This is divine justice." Six more bodies were found in a common grave two days later outside the city.

The aforementioned Guatemalans were suspected to be prior members of the Kaibiles -- Guatemalan special forces. With this finding, FRC’s timeline grew ever shorter. A known LFM “superlab” in Michoacana was raided. At the close of several successful interrogations, all present Kaibiles were deported back to Guatemala.

In 2007, with Barack Obama running for President of the United States, operations against LFM were put on-hold. With Obama criticizing Bush’s extensive black-ops programs, too much attention was drawn to groups like the SEALs, Green Berets, and Force Recon. FRC was tasked to observe and report -- nothing more.

With his election in 2008, all operations were put on an official stand-by status until reviewed and given a green light by the new President. When Obama granted FRC authorization, operations resumed in early 2009.

On April 20th, 2009, about 400 men composed of both Federal Police Agents and FRC raided a christening party for a baby born to a cartel member. 44 were detained, including Rafael Cedeño Hernández AKA “El Cede”; LFM’s second-in-command and the man in charge of indoctrinating LFM recruits.

With the tremendous loss of their second-in-command, in-fighting rang out in LFM - signs of weakness were starting to show. In May 2009, the Mexican Federal Police detained 10 Michoacana mayors and other local officials accused of being affiliated with LFM. FRC was also surveilling Julio César Godoy Toscano, elected into the lower house of Congress on July 5th, 2009, who was suspected of having involvement with LFM. He was accused of providing political protection for the cartel, as well as being one of their top leaders. FRC surveillance confirmed this.

On July 11th, 2009, FRC arrested Arnoldo Rueda Medina, a cartel lieutenant. Members of LFM launched an assault on the Federal Police Station in which Medina was being held, killing two soldiers and three federal policemen. Ultimately, their assault failed, and LFM attacked Federal Police Stations in a half-dozen Michoacana cities as retribution.

Three days later, on July 14, 2009, the cartel tortured and murdered twelve Mexican Federal Police agents investigating crime in Michoacan state, dumping their bodies along the side of a mountain highway with a message: "So that you come for another. We will be waiting for you here." The President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, responded by dispatching additional 1,000 Federal Police officers to the area.

This almost quadrupled the number of Federal Police officers patrolling Michoacan, angered Michoacan Governor Leonel Godoy Rangel who called it 'an occupation' and had not been consulted. Several days later, FRC arrested 10 municipal police officers after surveillance revealed their connection with the slayings of the 12 federal agents.

On October 22nd, 2009, several direct action elements under PROJECT CORONADO launched a simultaneous raid across 19 U.S. states. 303 individuals were taken into custody over the course of two days. Seized during the raids were over 62 kg of cocaine, 330 kg of methamphetamine, 440 kg of marijuana, 144 weapons, 109 vehicles, 2 clandestine drug laboratories, and $3.4 million in U.S. currency.

With the massive loss in manpower, resources, and capital, the leaders of LFM made plans to evacuate. On December 9th, 2010, before these plans could be actioned upon, FRC led a covert raid on a LFM safehouse, killing several LFM members including Nazario Moreno González AKA “El Chayo”, the leader of LFM. Days later, Julio César Godoy Toscano was officially impeached. Before he could flee he, too, was assassinated by FRC at a hotel in Michoacan.

With their leader and their political support gone, the remaining leadership of LFM split off into a new group, “Knights Templar”, and the remnants of LFM who still held some authority in Michoacan.

On June 21st, 2011, FRC surveillance tipped off Mexican Federal Police in Aguascalientes; one of the remaining LFM leadership, José de Jesús Méndez Vargas AKA “El Chango”, was attempting to flee. He was arrested at a road checkpoint. His arrest marked the end of LFM’s reign, according to Mexican authorities.

Return to Bosnia

A contact in Bosnia had alerted John to the hospitalization of Milan Gvero, one of the key players in the Yugoslav Wars and the Bosnian sex-trafficking ring that had taken his cousin. Gvero had been transferred from his cell to Military Medical Academy in Belgrade, Serbia. Posing as Leonid Demikhov, a Bosnian reporter, he was given special access to interview the retired General from his hospital bed, where he presented Gvero the same tablets Slobodan Milošević had taken years earlier and explained the situation. On 17 February, 2013, Gvero died in his hospital bed of undisclosed causes. Leonid Demikhov’s story never made the papers.

Since John was operating under a DoD-issued identity, he knew it was only a matter of time until he was reprimanded for operating against orders. He was threatened with AWOL charges, but due to his spotless service record, the charges were swept under the rug.

OPERATION: SNOW WHITE

On April 24th, 2013, a People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) convoy moving through Bachu, Xinjiang was ambushed by a group of Uyghur radicals known as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). The members of the convoy were killed, and in addition, 21 people died, including 15 police and community workers. ETIM had secured their target, a WS2400 TEL carrying a CJ-10 ground-based land-attack missile armed with a 500 kg nuclear warhead.

Due to ETIM’s extensive knowledge of the convoy, it was suspected that an internal PLA element had gone rogue and alerted ETIM to the convoy’s presence. Because of this, top PLA officials reluctantly called on the United States for assistance.

The U.S. responded by allowing a small task force, known as OPERATION: SNOW WHITE, to covertly deploy to Xinjiang. SNOW WHITE was comprised of elements from FRC and Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), with some PLA augmentation.

What was known as the first (un)official joint US-Chinese operation ended abruptly when two fireteams sent out to search for the CJ-10 had word from a source that ETIM members were being held in Shanshan, Xinjiang. The fireteams were met with a rioting populace when suddenly the lead vehicle was struck by an RPG, killing the first team instantly. The survivors, John’s vehicle, had no choice but to abandon their vehicle and engage the approaching rioters. John’s team was killed and he was subdued by ETIM members living within the village.

Captivity

John was transported to a compound near the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains, and the presence of an American agent being held so deep behind enemy lines was broadcast to the world. He was quickly identified as Gunnery Sergeant John Upshaw, a United States Marine, but the US and China both equivocally denied their presence in the region. He was consistently recorded being tortured, most sessions finding their way to different news and media outlets. After four months of failed ransom attempts, their intention to stream his execution live on the internet was made known to him. The world watched as he was lined up with a gun to his head to be made an example of, but they never got the chance.

With John staring death in the face, latent superhuman abilities awoke within him, allowing him to break his binds and brutally kill those who had taken him captive. He used the recording equipment to make a makeshift homing beacon.

The PLA responded by sending a team over the border to recover the American agent, who was immediately transferred to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany for treatment and evaluation. There he made it known that he was to retire from military service in light of his newfound abilities. He spent the next few years in therapy and extensive training to try and hone his abilities.

John has recently been discharged and is ready to see what he can do.

: APPEARANCE

Captain Adamant towers over most men and women by a foot, and walks with heavy, metallic footsteps. Subtle, wavy patterns weave through the armor’s metal plates, which gleam faintly under direct light. The eyes of Helm’s invention shine with a white radiance, as does the five-pointed star in the armor’s chest piece.

Beneath the armor is a tall, fair skinned man in his late twenties who maintains his brown hair in a short, “high and tight” style. He possesses dark brown eyes, and a defined, square jawline, which is always clean shaven. He boasts well-defined muscles and excellent posture, and speaks with a rumbling baritone voice.

Throughout the right side of his body, former shrapnel wounds pepper and criss-cross his figure, while past burns darken Carter’s skin in mottled, warped patches. Luckily, Carter’s face escaped most the damage, sporting only a couple major shrapnel marks that interrupt his bottom lip and eyebrow. Under close inspection, a few spots on the right half of Carter’s face are marred by discoloration.

His outfits are frequently gray or green button-up shirts tucked into a pair of jeans. Regardless of the weather, he almost always elects to roll his sleeves up, and laces up in thick-sole work boots. Carter rarely accessorizes beyond a wristwatch, a single Adamantine ring, and the occasional pair of sunglasses.

: PERSONALITY

Captain Adamant is a hard working member of the superhero community, eschewing frivolous pursuits for productive and practical ones. Carter approaches wearing the ATHENA as he would an assignment in the Army: with the utmost dedication. Objectives should be pursued with diligence, and orders ought to be obeyed. Donning the armor is no raucous adventure, nor is it some lofty, poetic pursuit. To him, it is as solemn a duty as being a soldier. Carter wishes everyone in the superhero community shared this view.

In both his personal and professional life, Carter approaches problems with a level head. He isn’t one to let emotions get in the way of achieving an objective. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” is among Carter’s favorite aphorisms, and Captain Adamant is quick to remind his allies. Whether leading or following, the Unbreakable Man is a constant source of motivation, though some are not receptive to his matter-of-fact approach.

But Carter believes there is a time and place for everything and everyone, such that many are shocked when the hero is off-duty. He can be rather pleasant in social situations, and is always polite. He never fully sheds the air of seriousness, however, and it returns in force when facing rude, lazy, or unethical people in conversation. No matter the context, Carter isn’t one to open up about himself, or his feelings.

: POWERS & ABILITIES

/ / Enhanced Durability The Advanced Threat Encounter Apparatus, or ATHENA can withstand up to fifty tons of TNT-equivalent force, and temperatures in excess of two-thousand degrees Kelvin. Captain Adamant is effectively immune to worldly weapons, most forms of radiation, and intense impact forces.

/ / Super Strength Layers of piezoelectric cells within the ATHENA’s underlay amplify force by a factor of almost forty. This allows Adamant to carry over one-thousand kilograms of armor almost without hindrance, and lift a further eleven metric tons.

/ / Enhanced Movement Integrated Rocket Platforms (IRPs) in the greaves of the ATHENA allow short bursts of travel along two-hundred meter arcs. They’re perfect for escape, or closing distance swiftly with the enemy.

/ / Enhanced Vision The ATHENA’s visual enhancement settings include infrared night vision, image capture, and video playback. A minimal heads-up-display feeds Carter data on his biometrics, the state of his armor, and environmental readings like temperature or distance. In addition, the armor’s eyes and star-spangled chest piece can act as spotlights, and even strobe at high intensities for non-lethal light attacks that disorient and nauseate his foes.

/ / Enhanced Communications Captain Adamant’s helmet provides him with reliable radio capability and telephone communications.

/ / Hardened Technology Because of minimalist computerware with no wireless connectivity, the ATHENA is immune to cyberwarfare of any kind. Its power source is a simple atomic battery, and there are fewer moving parts than other powered armor designs. These low-tech approaches make Captain Adamant robust beyond being bulletproof.

/ / Physical Fitness Carter has achieved almost Olympic-level fitness by strenuous exercise and a heavy duty diet. He accomplished this despite his injuries.

/ / Military Training Through the shaping touch of drills and studies, Carter has acquired skills in war strategy, battlefield tactics, wilderness survival, marksmanship, and hand-to-hand combat.

/ / Iron Will Perhaps the hero’s foremost asset is a simple unwillingness to break under pressure. No matter how exhausting, no matter the emotional peril, Carter pursues his objectives without hesitation. Carter is particularly resistant to mind-control for this reason, though he has no formal training against it.

: EQUIPMENT

/ / Prototype Advanced Threat Encounter Apparatus The ATHENA in its prototype phase was relatively crude. The ATHENA began without its Integrated Rocket Boosters, and though its underlayer was designed to fit a range of body sizes, the armor plating restricted Carter's movement considerably. Furthermore, the prototype's helmet lacked a heads-up-display, relying instead on analog visual and audio signals to convey information. Captain Adamant's iconic "white star" emblem began as a spray-painted stencil on the armor's chest. But the prototype ended up being Dr. Helm's proof of concept, protecting Carter, as well as innocent lives in Captain Adamant's earliest missions. Once retired from use, the prototype was secured and displayed in the Anvil, setting a precedent for later versions.

/ / ATHENA Mk. I The Mark I was designed specifically with Carter in mind. It fit perfectly his height and build, and its network of Adamantine plates moved for effectively with one another allowing Captain Adamant a wider range of motion. However, the design left the ATHENA’s back more lightly armored. The Mark I introduced a digital HUD for the tracking of suit integrity and biometrics. The suit's helmet also boasted nightvision. All told, the armor took twenty-five minutes to assemble and run required diagnostics.

/ / ATHENA Mk. II Dr. Helm further refined the suit by shaping its plates for better movement, faster assembly (sixteen minutes), and better protection from all angles of attack. The armor's emblem was integrated as a power indicator on Captain Adamant's chest. Alongside the ATHENA’s eyes, this could act as a spotlight. The storage capacity of the armor was increased, and the compartment at the armor's back came complete with a specially designed tablet computer that could withstand Captain Adamant's grip. But the greatest improvement on the Mark I lay in the introduction of Integrated Rocket Platforms. As part of the ATHENA’s boots, the IRPs allowed for enhanced mobility.

/ / ATHENA Mk. III The current and most advanced version of Captain Adamant's armor, the Mark III boasted greater IRP fuel capacity, an assembly time of seven minutes, and a prototype "Shock Sink". This system improved the ability of the ATHENA to absorb kinetic energy by piggy-backing on the suit's layer of piezoelectric cells. Part of any force applied to Captain Adamant is transmitted into electricity, and stored in a backup power cell. The Mark III is also the first model of which there several ATHENA suits existing in parallel. Now that the Anvil crew is able, one suit exists as a back-up, and three more exist with camouflage options. These are tailored for arctic, desert, and jungle/forest environments.

/ / ATHENA Mk. IV In the words of Dr. Helm, “Progress is like a river. At times it will flood and spill over, but on most days it simply flows on, steady and peaceful.” The Mark IV incorporates all the Mark III’s new functionality, while adding a brand new Emergency Egress Detonation feature. The EED allows Carter to escape compromising situations by rapidly removing his armor. Removing the ATHENA is normally a methodical process, but the EED removes the fastening by way of carefully timed and precisely shaped microcharges. The process is dangerous for both Carter and anyone nearby, but it provides a last resort means of escape. The Mark IV also boasts a more capable and versatile Heads-Up-Display and visual package, and a much needed splash of blue color, albeit a restrained one.

: LOCATIONS

/ / The Anvil By outward appearances, Captain Adamant’s base of operations is a medium-sized dockside warehouse, with solar panels on the roof and little-to-no shipping traffic, at least compared to its busy neighbors. Within are dozens of nondescript shipping containers and crates, stacked to the ceiling. Beneath this modest warehouse, nearly three stories down, is a state-of-the-art facility, carefully carved into the bedrock of Millennium City.

The Anvil is named for its primary purpose: the construction and assembly of the ATHENA armor. It also acts as a command center for Captain Adamant’s crimefighting operations, a general armory, and weapons testing facility. Powered by a small-scale nuclear reactor and supplemented by solar and tidal power, the Anvil is almost entirely self-sufficient, though its denizens order take-out food more often than not. Adamant's HQ possesses emergency exits into the Detroit River, the Westside sewer system, and the surface itself.

/ / Carter's Apartment Carter’s home is a renovated and restored early 20th century warehouse in western City Center. A penthouse suite with brick walls, a loft configuration, and a modern interior design, the apartment is a step up from the farmhouse Carter grew up in. The apartment has a spacious master bedroom and master bathroom, a walk-in closet, a sizeable guest bedroom, and an open floorplan from the kitchen, dining room, living room, and office. The balcony sports a built-in jacuzzi and plenty of patio space. Hidden within the walls of Carter's office is a small armory, containing a suit of Captain Adamant’s armor, a few firearms, and a private server for communication with the Protectors, UNTIL, PRIMUS, and other authorities.

/ / The Williams Ranch The business and home of the Williams family for four generations ranged, at its height, over five-hundred acres, and was complete with a two story house, a barn and multiple grazing fields. The Williams’ employed multiple ranch-hands, and every member of the family was expected to take care of some piece of the business. Unfortunately, the decline of privately-owned cattle ranches did not skip over the Williams’ family, and competition forced them to sell to a corporate company.

: WEAKNESSES

/ / Only Human Aside from his exceptional fitness and determination, Carter Williams is ultimately a mortal man, and will succumb to the same trauma and ills that any other normal human would.

/ / Nerve Damage The ATHENA restores Carter’s full range of motor control, but his injuries’ other symptoms still manifest on occasion. These include numbness, tingling, tremors, sporadic pain, headache, and acute hearing loss in the right ear.

/ / Damage Threshold The plates of the ATHENA will eventually deform and deteriorate after taking heavy damage. Failing to replace damaged plates can result in weak spots in the armor, a limited range of motion, and a loss of balance due to uneven weight distribution.

/ / Heavyweight Because of his armor’s incredible weight, Captain Adamant must employ caution near deep water, unsound structures, and treacherous terrain. Such areas can immobilize or trap the Unbreakable Man, especially if his IRPs are non-functioning. He must also be diligent in controlling the armor’s momentum; Captain Adamant is dangerous to both enemies and allies while moving at high speed.

/ / Delicate Matters Operating delicate or intricate devices poses a challenge for Captain Adamant. Most computers’ keyboards would be pulverized without a level of focus on Carter’s part, and a sloppy handshake could become a journey to the emergency room. The hero considers it a small victory when he can enjoy coffee on-duty.

/ / Lightning Rod When subjected to a powerful enough current, Captain Adamant can become a hazard to those around him, as he becomes a carrier for that dangerous electricity. The armor reacts in a similar fashion to magnetic fields. A strong enough magnet could be used to immobilize or manipulate the Captain’s armor. Sufficient electromagnetic interaction can also damage the armor at the molecular level.

/ / Assembly Time Though the ATHENA assembly process has been refined since its prototype phase, the armor still requires precious minutes of automated service and diagnostics before Captain Adamant can be considered combat ready. Carter is vulnerable and immobilized during the procedure and any attempt to rush or tamper with the ATHENA’s assembly can affect Adamant's range of motion, balance, and armor integrity.

/ / Unbreakable Methods Carter can have difficulty adapting to the unpredictable and bizarre battlefield of metahumans because of his military background, and isn’t easily swayed from mission objectives. These qualities sometimes drive a wedge between Captain Adamant and his teammates. They also serve as weak points, about which cunning enemies can out-maneuver or manipulate Carter.

/ / Workaholic Carter’s dedication and need to preserve order can lead to long hours, both in and out of his armor. Despite great mental and physical endurance, when fatigue sets in, it threatens his focus on the battlefield and even aggravates his injuries.

: ALLIES

 : SUPPORT STAFF

/ / Dr. Helm Dr. Jasper Helm is one of the world's foremost authorities on metallurgy, a certified genius, gifted inventor, and scientific pariah. Known throughout scientific circles as one of the few remaining stalwarts of the "basic sciences", the MIT grad has also come under fire for espousing other "outdated" or "impractical" notions. Dr. Helm believes that modern science has persecuted any influence of art, craft, or intuition, and is a weaker discipline for it. He also criticizes some of his peers for being led "by the carrot and stick of the trendy and the wealthy", rather than knowledge and human achievement.

Jasper's father built a fortune in foreign investments and a modest but profitable mining company. The decision to pursue science instead of the family business did not endear Helm to his father. But nevertheless, a trust was established in his name, and Helm Sr. funded his son's experiments. In addition to attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Jasper trained as a blacksmith, welder, and machinist.

When he was only twenty, Helm designed the rudiments of the ATHENA, what he believed would become his magnum opus. A marvel of simplicity, a loving marriage of ancient and modern techniques, Dr. Helm's armor would protect soldiers, deep sea divers, and space explorers alike. Yet, his designs were constantly rejected by contractors and investors. So it was that Dr. Helm turned to financing and developing his ideas with his own resources. While he takes pride in forging his own destiny, the Anvil and its operations are incredibly expensive. His trust money may not be enough to keep it alive.

The decision to utilize the ATHENA in the creation of a superhero was not made lightly, but Dr. Helm believes it will do the most good, and finally prove to the world the efficacy of his ideas. Though wary and at times, weary, of one another, Jasper and Carter have developed a strong partnership over the years. Dr. Helm supports Captain Adamant by maintaining and improving the ATHENA, funding operations, and acting as his scientific adviser.

/ / Catherine Alexander

/ / HAMR The Heavy Assembly and Machinist Robot is Dr. Jasper Helm's uniquely designed automated intelligence. Some might find HAMR to be less refined than other robots in existence, but Helm designed “him” to be exactly what he needed: robust and versatile. The robot is a hulking, bulky thing, with barely a “face” to speak of, though it does possess a photosensor and vocalizer to communicate with its human benefactors. It’s arms are built to accept modular components and tools, ranging from power drills, cutting lasers, robotic hands, and even actual hammers. As an added challenge, Dr. Helm programmed HAMR with a simple language of Morse-code like beeps and warbles. HAMR also exhibits a constant surly personality. Communication with the robot, unless you’re Dr. Helm, can be a chore, but the robot is ultimately built and apparently happy to serve as smith, maintenance man, and if necessary, security.

/ / Ajax

 : SUPERHEROES

/ / Imp The Irrepressible Imp was once a fellow member of the Protectors, and it was on the team that Captain Adamant and her first met. The two eventually found a deep, mutual attraction with Carter's no-nonsense attitude being balanced by Imp's more spunky presence. They dated for two years, even after Imp left the Protectors and began going to school, and the two eventually moved in together. But their professional and personal lives were difficult to reconcile, and Carter chose his career over romance in the end, ending their relationship.

/ / Peacemaker

/ / Razira

/ / Sparrowhawk Though her methods are at times more cloak-and-dagger than Carter is used to, he finds Sparrowhawk to be a refreshing presence in the crimefighting world. She is a consummate professional, a skilled combatant, and a driven leader. These are all qualities Carter values highly, and to be on a team led by someone of Sparrowhawk’s caliber means a lot to him.

/ / Tesseract One of Carter’s fastest friends within the ranks of the Protectors, Imani Abbot’s passion and care for the profession endeared her to him, not to mention her sheer ability to control the conditions of battle with her powers. While the two come from quite different walks of life, and stand to disagree on more than a few issues, political and otherwise, Carter and Imani have forged a trust and understanding in combat and out.

/ / Thundrax Though Carter was never one to idolize superheroes, there is an almost reflexive sense of awe and respect in him when it comes to Thundrax. Even before they met, Carter wasn’t ignorant of the hero’s many accomplishments. As a patriot himself, he also respects Thundrax’s service and love of country. Though wary of the man’s incredible powers, Captain Adamant secretly observes Thundrax as a role model of sorts, as the Unbreakable Man bridges the gap between “soldier” and “superhero”.

/ / Wheelman Captain Adamant and Wheelman were once members of Eternals Incorporated. Though their experience together was limited, they kept in touch after resigning from the superteam for other opportunities. Their relationship is that of friendly colleagues, occasionally reminiscing of their days in the Eternals. Carter assisted Wheelman in announcing his new team, COMPASS, when they first formed, and helped bring COMPASS and the Protectors together as friends and allies.

 : OPINIONS

"Personality needs work, but his heart's in the right place. At least he looks good while he bores me to tears." | Prism

"First and foremost, an outstanding human being. I admire his grit and professionalism. It's an honor to be his teammate." | Thundrax

"Cappy is a bit serious and he doesn't like my silliness very much, but I hear only great things about him, and I wish I could learn to be more focused like him in order to be a better hero." | Pulsar

"At first, really all I saw was this incredibly strong guy who just seemed so serious at all times. But now that I know him better, I realize that he's more than that. He leads by his actions, not by his words alone. He can, contrary to popular belief, smile too. I think I trust him the most of anybody within the Protectors." | Tesseract

"I really like Squarejaw. He's got something I can't put my finger on. He's very disciplined, so thats not it... He's smart. Strong, and watches our backs. Still, I really feel like he could use a vacation or a slacker day. Man's also got a body like unf~." | Imp

"A very intelligent mind constrained within a solid impenetrable shell of armor, Captain Adamant is a powerful hero in his own right. That said, he's always calm, collected, and thinking through a dozen possibilities for his next move at all times. He's someone I could see being a leader of his own team in the future." | Razira

"Captain Adamant is a soldier through and through. He's effective, straight forward, professional and remains calm under pressure. He's a force to be reckoned with minus the suit. When the armor comes on, though, that is when his enemies _really_ should watch out. He has strong leadership skills and the others look to him as a source of inspiration. We are lucky to have him around." | Sparrowhawk

"He can be a stick in the mud a lot of the time but he's one of the most reliable people on the team. Honestly he reminds me of my Uncle Jason, though that might just be the military background." | Keioseth II

"Captain Adamant is an unstoppable force and an immovable object all in one. In a world where the line between reality and fantasy is far too blurry, he grounds himself and everyone around him with efficiency and an implacable sense of duty - and that's sorely needed." | The Peacemaker

"A fellow military man, that's all I needed to hear. Plus, his armoured suit would provide excellent mobile cover." | Fathom

"The suit comes off?! Please let me borrow it! Pretty, pretty please? It'll only be for one teeny-tiny mission, I swear! It's not like you can scratch it anyway?" | Jinn

"I really got a sense of what being part of the team feels like just by working with Captain Adamant. He might be as serious as Thundrax told me he was, but it's just because he understands what exactly we all have to do as heroes. Hope I can take pointers from him." | Atomac

"CPT Williams... I was in Afganistan on my first deployment overseas when his unit got ambushed. What he did definitely puts him in my good books, even if Craig told me he might not get my kind of humour. " | A.L.I.C.E.

 : ORGANIZATIONS

/ / COMPASS

/ / Eternals, Inc.

/ / PRIMUS

/ / Protectors of the World

/ / UNTIL

/ / United States Army

 : OPINIONS

 : OTHER

 : OPINIONS

: ENEMIES

: TIMELINE

: SOUNDTRACK

 : SCORE

 : PLAYLIST

: TROPES

 : APPEARANCE

/ / Every Scar Has a Story Most of Carter's extensive blast scars are kept out of sight, beneath his clothing. He doesn't go out of his way to hide them, but is generally unwilling to linger on them as a topic of conversation. If the context is appropriate, however, Carter will tell the story if asked about it.

/ / Hunk Carter's heritage and monumental exercise regimen have molded him into an ideal male specimen. Tall, muscled, and square-jawed, the Unbreakable Man looks the part, inside and out of the armor.

/ / Perma Shave A holdover from his military days, Carter always keeps himself clean shaven, with a neat, high-and-tight haircut to match.

 : PERSONALITY

/ / Being Personal Isn't Professional While in field, Captain Adamant is focused on one of two things: the mission, or the team. Even without command responsibility, Carter still holds himself to a rigid standard of avoiding banter, small talk, or personal issues while on duty. While off-duty and free of the armor, Carter can be quite pleasant and sociable, though he is ready to snap back to a professional tone at a moment's notice.

/ / Creature of Habit From his days on the family ranch, to his tutelage at West Point, and into his Army service, routine has consistently defined and accompanied his success. No plan is perfect, but in the words of Benjamin Franklin: "If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail."

/ / Nerves of Steel Under pressure, Carter only gets more robust. Since he was young, he was rarely one to buckle. Some think him cold blooded for possessing this attribute, but those that know him understand that, in this case, Williams simply has the right stuff. There's more than one reason he's earned the name "Unbreakable".

 : MORALITY AND PHILOSOPHY

/ / The American Dream Carter believes that perseverance, sacrifice, and responsibility are the keys to unlocking this lofty concept for each American, and the country as a whole. It was this belief that originally galvanized Carter to join the military.

/ / I'm Not a Hero, I'm... No matter how many medals on his uniform, no matter how many lives he saves, Captain Adamant does not see himself as a hero, and is quick to remind those who label him thus. He's only doing his job.

/ / My Country, Right or Wrong Captain Adamant considers himself loyal to the United States as an institution first, and a government second. However, this line can be a blurry one. Williams navigates this troublesome divide by remaining loyal above all, and questioning or protesting second.

 : COMBAT

/ / Fights Like a Normal Captain Adamant isn't fond of abusing his strength. Rather, he uses it to augment his considerable hand-to-hand combat training. Though slower in the ATHENA, close-quarters combat for Adamant is a disciplined, effective means of neutralizing enemies, even those who may be stronger than him.

/ / Super Strength Captain Adamant's strength is the stuff of legend, though in reality, there are plenty of superheroes (and villains) who sport a higher lift threshold. His application of his impressive strength is what sets him apart.

/ / Super Toughness Allies and enemies both have witnessed the Unbreakable Man shrug off explosives, armor-piercing bullets, and high-voltage electricity. The ATHENA was designed with durability in mind, and Dr. Helm's invention delivers.

 : QUIRKS

/ / Catch Phrase Carter is known for letting slip the occasional piece of military slang. He holds rigorously to NATO voice procedure and the NATO phonetic alphabet when speaking over the radio, or even in person. Notable examples:

• "boots on the ground" - Describes those who are active and present during a situation.

• "go"/"go ahead" - Carter often answers his phone or radio this way.

• "sandbagging" - Slang for intentionally inefficient or lazy performance.

• "smoked" - Punishment of minor offenses with excessive physical training.

• "snake eater" - Slang for Special Forces. Carter sometimes applies it to certain teams or task forces of superheroes.

• "stay frosty" - Means "stay calm and alert".

• "take a knee" - Euphemism for "pause" or "rest".

/ / Does Not Know His Own Strength One drawback to the ATHENA’s strength and thick armor is a lack of fine motor control, and a powerful, metal grip with very little margin for error. Though other tasks are higher on the list, Carter makes a point to try and refine his ability to type on a keyboard, write, or drink from a glass while wearing the armor.

 : BACKGROUND

/ / Career-ending Injury Carter Williams' days as a soldier ended when a rocket-propelled grenade detonated only a few meters from him. His injuries plague his right half with sporadic pain, stiff joints, tremors, numbness, and ringing in the ear. His body wasn't the only thing damaged that day; Carter was certain he had found his calling. Now he tries to use his afflictions as fuel for improvement, working daily to overcome his new limitations.

/ / Rancher Carter grew up in Livingston, Montana, on his family's cattle ranch. His young life was marked by hard work and responsibility. He once intended, as his father had, to take over the business when his father retired, but the September 11th attacks spurred Carter onto another path. The ranch has since been sold, albeit reluctantly. The Williams Ranch was one of the last in the area to do so.

/ / Upbringing Makes the Hero - Carter's father and mother instilled in him the virtues of hard work and responsibility. His attendance of the United States Military Academy at West Point broadened his horizons. Serving in the Army taught Carter the real nature of sacrifice. These formative experiences prepared Williams for an impressive, and even influential career as a superhero.

 : MOTIVATIONS

/ / A Father To His Men Despite his no-nonsense approach, Carter cares deeply for those under his command, taking personal responsibility for their well-being and morale. He would die for his comrades.

/ / Captain Patriotic Carter's love of the United States is a love that stretches back to his childhood. His youth in Montana was somewhat idyllic: snow-capped mountains, verdant green valleys, and rolling pastures surrounded the young boy at all times. Carter had always been fascinated by his nation's history, learning much of it from his grandfather. Independence Day was always Carter's favorite holiday, and still is. Beneath the serious exterior, there's an exuberant patriot, who will do anything to ensure others can enjoy the prosperity he did.

/ / Challenge Seeker Carter possesses an almost compulsive need to test himself and take on challenges, whether they be mental or physical. He is avid in his pursuit of fitness, especially given that his injuries make rigorous exercise difficult. He enjoys strategic and tactical drills, and pursues research with unfettered attention. Working long hours has been a fact of life since Carter was a child. It's getting the Unbreakable Man to relax that's difficult.

 : POSSESSIONS

/ / Home Base - Dr. Helm's laboratory and forge, dubbed the Anvil, is a modest, but remarkable place. Much of the work and testing that goes into the ATHENA takes place here, as does the actual forging and assembly of its Adamant armor plating. The Anvil is also the command center for Captain Adamant's missions, though an expansion or relocation may be necessary.

/ / Powered Armor The Advanced Threat Encounter Apparatus, or ATHENA, is Dr. Helm's single greatest achievement. Its design is unique among powered armors, in that it eschews advanced software and weaponry for sheer durability and reliability. The armor is what enables Captain Adamant to exist.

/ / Real Award, Fictional Character Carter possesses several medals for his service. He has been awarded a Purple Heart, and a Distinguished Service Cross, an accolade second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor.

 : PROFESSION

/ / Military Superhero Captain Adamant does not see his path as that of an adventure, nor is it some lofty moral exercise. It is simply his duty, which he enacts on every day to the letter, without complaint. The job is difficult, but it is just that: a job, and a very important one.

/ / Workaholic When long hours or grueling labor are in store, Carter isn't one to shirk his duties. He embraces his work, perhaps to a fault. His constant need to test himself and fulfill his duties leads to taking on one task after another, with little regard for creature comforts.

 : RELATIONSHIPS

/ / Broken Pedestal Frank Spektor was once a source of guidance and friendship in Carter's younger days. The former Army Colonel's recent turn to villainy has left scars that run deeper than any explosion could. Carter wants to reach out and help Spektor, but realizes the improbability of redemption. He is preparing for the day he will have to take Colonel Spektor down - or die trying.

/ / Loyal Animal Companion Ajax and Carter are kindred spirits: well disciplined and unfettered in the pursuit of their duties. The dog follows and protects Carter (and his allies) wherever he goes. A more faithful and effective sidekick could not be asked for.

: ROLEPLAYING HOOKS

/ / Career Military Carter’s tutelage at the United States Military Academy and his service in the US Army has allowed him to cross paths with an extensive and diverse category of people. He simply cannot recall them all.

/ / United We Stand Captain Adamant is a staunch enemy of the villainous organizations ARGENT, VIPER, and the Warlord. He is more than willing to combine forces against them, provided the intel is good.

/ / A Tank's Best Friend In privacy, Carter will often speak unfiltered and at length with his dog, Ajax. If eavesdropped or recorded, one could learn all manner of things about the Unbreakable Man.

/ / Army Strong Every weekday morning, usually just before dawn, Carter may be seen running or rucking somewhere in Millennium City.

: TRIVIA

• Captain Adamant was department head of Eternals Incorporated Internal Security and Operational Logistics, and was responsible for the safety and security of Eternals Tower while he was a member.

• During his time with Eternals Incorporated, Captain Adamant was slated to appear in a television recruiting ad for the United States Army. It never aired.

• Carter played football at West Point, and was something of a star halfback during his career. Every December, he makes time for the traditional game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen.

• Carter likes his coffee black, and his rye served neat.

• Carter is a great fan of Texas Hold ‘Em poker and pinochle.

• During his recovery, Carter decided to remain right-handed, even though his nerve damage frequently impedes his penmanship.

• Stamped into a plate of Captain Adamant’s armor on the left pectoral region is:

ATHENA Mk. IV Patent No. D843873 A frame of adamant, a soul of fire, No dangers fright him, and no labors tire...

• Carter is an excellent boxer.

• Though he still engages in the exercise, swimming is difficult for Carter. Not only do his injuries make it troublesome, but his Body Mass Index and bone density cause him to sink in water, rather than float.

• Carter has a weakness for Coca-Cola, especially from a glass bottle.

• Carter’s exercise regimen is inspired by the Army Special Forces workout, though it isn’t limited to such. Daily, he does one-hundred pull-ups, push-ups, and sit-ups, and a five mile run. Two or three times a week, he swims one-thousand meters.

• Carter sports a single tattoo, on his left upper arm, depicting a red bison on a black shield. Above this shield are the words Operation Enduring Freedom 2008-2013. Beneath it are Veritas et Virtus and 17th Regiment, 2nd Battalion.

• Tai Chi is part of Carter’s morning routine. It does wonders for his injuries.

• Carter's favorite presidents are Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, in that order.

• In a feature film, Daniel Cudmore would portray the Unbreakable Man. Michael T. Weiss would voice the animated version of the character.

• Captain Adamant has his own Heroclix Figure! OK, not really, but I'm in the process of filling out cards and dials for the Protectors and the Progeny!

: IMAGES

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  Captain Adamant Chest Emblem

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  Captain Adamant by EWG

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  Captain Adamant by Chou-Roninx

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  Unbreakable, even while pixelated! By Epelesker

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  Updated version, based on Epelesker's work

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  Updated version, based on Epelesker's work

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  Updated version, based on Epelesker's work

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  Captain Adamant via HeroMachine

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  Headshot by Vanity

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  Minimalist Wallpaper by Phil-Cho

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  Captain Adamant & Imp by J Kim

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  Captain Adamant by JoeMDavis

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  Captain Adamant by JMN

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  Captain Adamant Bust by Phil Cho

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  Lil' Captain Adamant by Jibily

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  Captain Donut! by Jibily

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  Captain Adamant, Invincibelle, and Wheelman by EWG

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  Captain Adamant by shamserg

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  Captain Adamant by GammaKnight

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  Captain Adamant by Heerog

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  Captain Adamant by JinWorks

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  Captain Adamant & Ajax by VincentiusMatthew!

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  Captain Adamant by sharknob!

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  Captain Adamant Heroclix Card!

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  Captain Adamant Heroclix Card!

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  Captain Adamant Heroclix Base!

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  Captain Adamant Heroclix Dial!