Inquisitor
Certainly, behind the impeccable grooming and exceptional manners, there is a dark side, like everyone else's. No doubt his charm, his wit, and that Spaniard's inflection clothe and cloak his other qualities. One's senses alone may not be enough to know.
As the stories go, this man is inhumanly strong. Human bones and iron alike bend and break in his hands, should he wish it. People claim he can teleport, and he can definitely fly. Word of mouth sometimes says he only wears the veneer of a comely gentleman, and hides a true form beneath. Heresay would have you believe Inquisitor can control minds, and that no weapon can harm him.
Inquisitor is a new force on the scene, his origins a mystery, his limits unknown. He speaks of helping others, and his implied "Inquisition" appears to be set on the evils of the city. But this figure is becoming notorious for avoiding the limelight, and the questions that follow. People tend to make up their own narratives when the author is absent.
So will you believe the stories? Perhaps you're better off not knowing. Or will you chance asking the man yourself?
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Archetype Level Player Real Name Citizenship Headquarters Legal Status Marital Status Species
Abilities |
Freeform 20 Nicolas de Castilla Spanish-American FILL Registered Superhero Unmarried Homo sapiens nosferatu Variable Nigh-Immortality, Super Strength, Super Speed, Flight, Shapeshifting, Hypnosis |
Appearance
With odd old ends stol'n out of holy writ,
And seem a saint, when most I play the devil."
Inquisitor goes right for the throat when it comes to his public appearance. He brings a cool, Old World masculinity to the superhero game, and is unflinchingly well-mannered. His costume is simple, refraining from bright colors and seeking a more elegant, evening-friendly palate. It is perhaps less memorable or camera-friendly than his peers' dress, but Inquisitor doesn't appear interested in standing out.
To call him "dedicated" to grooming may be an understatement. There's rarely a hair on his head out of place, even while flying through the night sky or hounding the criminals of Millennium City. And Inquisitor would be caught dead before sporting five o' clock shadow. It may be obsession, but the caped crusader wears it like a crown, and walks as if it were featherweight.
His cool, collected demeanor follows him into danger. He chases his goals with impossible swiftness, all the while calm as the void. There are no battle cries or heated exclamations. Although, his dapper exterior gives way to a fierce, upsetting presence as he taps into his power. His teeth are bared and the canines elongate; his hands now brandish terrible claws. Truly, in the heat of battle, Inquisitor is a fearsome sight, if he wishes it.
Yet even then, he remains in control. Any ferocity he may show is gone as quickly as it came. This one makes short work of his enemies, and prefers to leave as quietly as he came, departing from his more feral appearance in much the same way. But Inquisitor is not above theater, infrequently revealing his wit, or making a dramatic entrance by flight or shadow, even while in his darker form.
If one should encounter the nightly hero out of costume, they will likely not know it. Inquisitor's identity is quite secret. Though he remains debonair and laid back as ever, he makes even less cause for attention in "plain clothes". At times, his dress is behind trends by a decade or more, so he usually opts for timeless ensembles. One can never describe him as anything but well-dressed, but he's taken great strides in finding a more casual appearance that will balance with his taste. It took him years to adopt sneakers.
Out-of-costume, Inquisitor introduces himself simply as "Nicolas". He makes light conversation when he must, though again, it is always polite and jovial. Without fail, he's accompanied by a camera, slung around his neck, for Nicolas is an obsessed amateur photographer. So enamored is he with the art form that he finds himself spending hours on one subject before moving on. He may even be transfixed by another's work, soaking in even mediocre work, for hours. As per his sleep schedule, Nicolas prefers night photography.
Powers
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Biography
Exerpt from Metahuman Monthly, a modest, local independent magazine.
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Interviewer: So you only work nights. Why is that? Inquisitor: (he chuckles) I have already answered this question. Interviewer: In another publication. I'd like to have it, from the man himself. There's a little speculation going on about it. Inquisitor: Yes, I know. You would like me to set the record straight? Interviewer: That's right. Inquisitor: (he shrugs) I have nothing new to say. The worst of criminals will rise as the sun sets. Interviewer: That's poetic. But most statistics in Millennium City suggest crime peaks during the afternoon. Inquisitor: Ah, I must correct you. I do not seek wrongdoers "in bulk". I pursue the very worst of the city's underbelly, as I said. Interviewer: Fair enough. Expand then, on the "worst", please. Inquisitor: I prize this country's justice system. It is - broad - in its ability to prosecute the malcontent. But it must wait for - what is the expression - the smoking gun? Interviewer: So your approach is more pro-active, I take it? Are you certain you don't cross legal boundaries? Inquisitor: You are - diligent - to ask. Yes I take the utmost care not to go where I do not belong. (He leans forward) Yet my experience says to me that the most diabolical elements meet in the dark, where they will not be found. |
Inquisitor (cont'd): And should they be found, they cannot be detained, because, according to the law's letter, they do nothing wrong. So this is why I take to the "evening shift". And I say to you, it is a horrid sleep schedule, I won't recommend it. Interviewer: Oh, I'm a reporter, I know it all too well. Inquisitor: (he leans back in his chair) I am certain that you do. Your profession is admirable in its sleeplessness. Interviewer: Well thank you. So you'll dispel all the rumors about you? Can you get into more detail about your powers? That is one question you haven't answered, in any publication. Inquisitor: I fear not. You know my kind must keep those secrets, at times. I will say this much: I forget who speaks these words, but "the Truth is always less interesting than the fiction." People like their stories. Interviewer: Mark Twain said “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't.” Inquisitor: Perhaps he is the more insightful one. But I have nothing more to say on the subject, you must forgive me. Interviewer: If we speak again, you know I'll have to ask again. We love our mysteries. Inquisitor: Who does? Reporters? Or women, like yourself? Interviewer: Both. Inquisitor: If we enjoy another moonlight interview, señora, people may begin to ask questions of an altogether different sort. |
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Allies
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- Coming soon...
- Coming soon...
Enemies
Sydney Goto was an aspiring artist before being caught in a an explosion caused by a superhero brawl. She lost the use of her eyes, and with them, her passion and career. Since, she's struggled to get by, working two full-time jobs in West Side, all the while cursing superheroes and supervillains alike. Denied the operation that would restore her sight because of a health condition and prohibitive cost, she took action.
Already noticing her senses growing sharper, she honed them further, and her body as well. She left her old life behind, disappearing into the criminal underworld, and assuming the name "Sydney Echo". Echo eventually gained enough cred, despite her blindness, and began leading a group of common criminals into heist after heist. Her goal: to accrue a fortune capable of financing a return of her sight, even if it would kill her.
Sydney Echo wields a sword and firearms with deadly precision, her extraordinary senses augmented by black market sonic amps. They enhance her hearing to superhuman levels, easily reading people's heartbeats or hearing a conversation across distances or through walls. They can even intercept local telephone or wireless audio signals. She has no reservations about killing, but tends to avoid it. She keeps her operations professional, though takes a special delight in defeating superheroes or outclassing supervillains.
Inquisitor is a particular thorn in her side, as his unliving body is deathly quiet, and he excels at apprehending her. In addition, Inquisitor is puzzled, and intrigued, by her abilities, her unlady-like demeanor, and her suffering. His inclination to help her does not endear Inquisitor to her, and she finds him especially insufferable.
Coming soon...
Coming soon...
Coming soon...
Soundtrack
Pavana de Alexandre | Alonso Mudarra | 1546
Salve Regina | Tomás Luis de Victoria | 1572
Vespro della Beata Vergine | Claudio Monteverdi | 1610
Piano Sonata No. 14 | Ludwig Van Beethoven | 1801
Les folies d'Espagne | Fernando Sor | 1824
Zigeunerweisen | Pablo de Sarasate | 1878
Nights in the Gardens of Spain | Manuel de Falla | 1915
Vocalise | Wojciech Kilar | 1999
Tropes
- The Ageless - Inquisitor wears the burden of years on his shoulders. He's worldly, well-read, and seems to possess the wisdom of an older gentleman. The only problem is that he looks to be in his thirties.
- Animal Motifs - Animals almost always reject and fear Inquisitor. Dogs will bark and howl when he is nearby. Cats hiss and flee. Birds will fall silent. That is, unless, he turns his gaze upon them. Like people, and even more so, animals are susceptible to his hypnotic gaze.
- Beat It By Compulsion - Creatures such as Inquisitor are often defined by their habits, even their obsessions. Habits are safe and secure, in a world that is dark, and ever-changing while Inquisitor changes very little, if at all. These become compulsions over time, and his kind are known to be stricken with strange and encompassing obsessions; all part of the coping process for those with the Curse. They are also weaknesses, waiting to be exploited.
- Blood Lust & The Power Of Blood - Blood is the center of Inquisitor's desires, as much as he hates to admit it. There is no food or activity that approaches such visceral pleasure. The mere sight or scent of it can distract him from conversation. In battle, it can lead to frenzy. The hungrier he is, the more difficult it is to ignore.
- Camera Fiend - Inquisitor is obsessed with photography. His most common alter ego is that of a freelance photographer, and he keeps many of his photos as a sort of journal. But it goes beyond that; he will often take hours to finish a shoot, seemingly unable to turn away until he captures exactly what he desires.
- The Cowl - Though he is charming, Inquisitor knows his strengths. His means are of darkness and terror, not the inspiring wiles of so many other who wear the cape. So a strange blend of enchanting and horrifying has developed, often puzzling, if not frightening his enemies and allies alike.
- Cultured Badass - Somewhat subverted. For the times, Inquisitor is impeccable in his hygiene and manners. He is well-read in a select few fields, and possesses some musical talent. He's eloquent, and fluent, if not just functional, in several languages. Despite this, he doesn't command a knowledge of fine wines, or fine dining. He can be quite averse to trying new things,
- Cursed With Awesome - Make no mistake, Inquisitor is cursed. He is driven to the night, and must feed on human blood to survive. But the curse grants seductive and irresistible power. And as much as he may resist, Inquisitor consistently finds delight and excitement in exercising it. And it has never been more true, now that Inquisitor is making effort to use his dark gifts for the betterment of others. Or, at least, the punishment of the wicked.
- The Fog of Ages - Inquisitor commands a great deal of knowledge and wisdom due to his age. But his ability to recall it with precision isn't always reliable. The sheer force of centuries on his mind makes him occasionally forgettable or confused as to the order of events. It can distress Inquisitor to no end, and he worries that it may be getting worse. Formation of new memories can also be difficult.
- I Do Not Drink Wine - Inquisitor is notorious for always having eaten before events. When he eats in the company of others, it is in small portions. He abstains entirely from alcohol. People marvel at his fitness, and wonder at his dietary secrets. He simply prefers to prepare his own meals.
- Kryptonite Factor - The curse Inquisitor bears has many side effects. Fire and sunlight are agents that can distress, harm, and even destroy the caped crusader.
- Our Vampires Are Different - Even learning Inquisitor's secret is only the beginning, for the details of his curse may differ from the varying legends of his kind. Even still, there are many similarities.
- Secret Identity - Inquisitor goes to some lengths to preserve distance between his hero alter ego, and his many "plain clothes" identities. They all have their place in his schemes of obsession, pleasure, redemption, and survival.
- Secret Keeper - As one might expect, Inquisitor is a creature of secrets. They protect him, and though he may dare revelation every night he dons a cape, he is still concerned with controlling information regarding his nature.
- Stronger With Age - His great, centuries-long sleep delayed the process, but Inquisitor, like most of his kind, grows ever more powerful with each passing year.
Roleplaying
- Inquisitor is infatuated with photography. He will discuss it at length, if there's time. He can often be found, in congnito of course, searching the city for interesting subject material.
- Inquisitor believes in being well-mannered, hospitable, and respectful. Those who share this belief are automatically endeared to him. Rudeness and vulgarity, however, are repulsive to him.
- Inquisitor enjoys, in his words, "the night life". In costume, he may be found at Club Caprice, or the ACI Blimp. In cognito, he could be anywhere in the city, though he consistently finds Renaissance Center and Downtown to be enchanting. It's like he's never seen a skyscraper before.
- Inquisitor has a fondness for music, especially Renaissance and Baroque period music. Even more dear to his heart are the Spanish composers of that era. Unsurprisingly, his favorite book is El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha, or Don Quixote to the English-speaker. He can play a handful of instruments, but favors the vihuela.
- Inquisitor is fluent in Spanish, more specifically the European dialect, and even more specifically Early Modern Spanish. He has adjusted to Contemporary "Castilian" well enough, but there are the rare occasions where "Golden Age Spanish" slips out. He is also a decent speaker of English, Italian, Portuguese, French, and Latin, with his English being the next strongest because of its utility.
- Beyond his unnatural aversion to holy places, Inquisitor is quite ambivalent towards places of Christendom, though he seems to know Scripture quite well.
- Inquisitor will occasionally remark on his love for dance, yet he never seems to indulge.
- Inquisitor is intrigued by the sciences, but remains a lamen and often refuses to believe many scientific facts, even well-established ones. Conversely, he abhors the arcane, yet accepts magical events and powers more readily.
- Inquisitor hates Rock music, and despises Hip Hop.. In fact, he really does not care for most of the age's soundscape. He has slowly acclimated to the last two-hundred years of orchestra and opera, and even finds some of today's works to be interesting. Strangely enough, he has taken to some forms of electronic music, particularly Chillout and Ambient.
- Inquisitor is a terrible history student. Considering his situation, it shouldn't be any surprise. This is by far his most demanding obstacle when it comes to blending in. Sometimes he knows things he shouldn't. But more often, he doesn't know things that he should.
- Inquisitor has a tailor, and he considers that tailor a godsend. He will not, however, disclose his or her name, company, or location.
Inquisitor began purely as an attempt to work a character with a cape into my selection. Though my favorite superheroes and stories are often silver-age, or at least inspired by that era, I never seem to create a Silver Age or Silver Age character. After the cape, I began following Martian Manhunter as a general inspiration, both in costume and character. I liked the idea of an iconic look, but without any real symbol. I also liked the idea of a "scary" power set. But instead of an alien, I somehow ended up making him a vampire.
The idea of a vampire superhero in a more classic vein had intrigued me before, but now I had a through-line. I mean, if Asgard and Atlantis can produce superheroes with capes or tights, why not the vampire myth? I drew on all my favorites: World of Darkness (itself an anthology of inspirations), Dracula, Interview With The Vampire, and Blade. But I also took note of the universe I was playing in, and the opportunity to create something new. As great as they are, the vampires of World of Darkness are not meant to exist in Champions Online. The tone is altogether different, and in my opinion, they are mutually exclusive, despite allowing a wide range of play.
So I toyed around with the vampire myth, picking and choosing aspects, attitudes, that would fit better in a Modern/Silver Age comics environment. My touchstone, as usual, are the DCAU properties I grew up with. Batman: The Animated Series got away with a lot of moody, dark content. Death, madness, despair, redemption, etc. were all fair game in that show and the others it spawned. But they did it with class and restraint. Such is my approach with Inquisitor, and in this way I try to keep him family-friendly. I treat the topic of Catholicism and the Inquisition the same way, whenever possible.
Other influences for the character range from Dracula himself, Superman, even Hannibal Lecter at times. I think I ended up with a complex, heartfelt, but sad character that still plays well with Modern and Silver Age style stories.
