Armory
Current Name: Mike Malcon
Protector of the World
Gadgets
Explosives
Various Protective Suits
High Intellect
Extensive Munitions Knowledge
Operative Training
Olympic-Level Marksmanship
Chemical and Mechanical Engineering
CQC Proficiency
The Origin
Early Days?
Much of the life the man now known as 'Mike Malcon' lead before being entering into service with the United States Department of Defense is covered in a thick layer of black-bars and red tape. What is known, is that the lad had a vested interest in soldiers even as a child. Suspected to come from a family with either a rich military history, or deep connections to the armed forces, most gathered information indicates that Mr. Malcon willing entered into service, despite having numerous opportunities present to him that would have led to a much safer career. The fact that he willfully placed himself into danger, and down a path that has led to the world of the superheroes, speaks loads for both positive and negative aspects of the man.
From Boy to Soldier
The moment [REDACTED] turned eighteen, the young lad practically rushed down to his nearest recruitment office. Whether it was with the support of his family, or their disgust, the boy signed on the dotted line when prompted, fully prepared to enter into the United States Army. If he had been the average high-school graduate with a militarist future in mind, his story might have turned out to be far more plain than it is.
As luck would have it, he was far from such norms. Possessing well above-average intelligence, and a determined drive beyond that of his peers, the youth flourished during his time in boot-camp for the army. Excelling in his marksmanship tests, proving more then adapt at explosive ordnance handling, and scoring abnormally well upon several discrete tests and surveys given to the many burgeoning soldiers during their Basic Combat Training, [REDACTED] found himself shifted away from his chosen advanced training course after his basic training into one he had never heard of.
Crafting a Response
Originally having chosen to move on from his basic training to advanced training under the Infantry School, [REDACTED] was surprised to note that he had been assigned to a training regimen he was unfamiliar with. Enrolled into training under the 'Response Initiative', it was within this secretive program that Mike was truly able to shine.
Established by the Department of Defense in the year of 1978, the program was an attempt to be able to field various operatives of both meta and normal attributes in a wide variety of situations. As it's founding director stated in a closed-off address, "In this new world of alien threats and international terrorists, we may not have all the right answers on what to do. But we can -certainly- come up with a response."
Titled the 'Response Initiative' hence-forth, every year members of the armed forces, and even more government-minded heroes, were sectioned off to be enlisted an trained by the program. The end goal of all the training was to mold soldiers into warriors, able to operate on their own in hostile situations and effectively neutralize enemy forces.
Entering into the program, [REDACTED] was trained in every type of weapon under the sun. From pistols to rifles, shotguns to rocket launchers, if it was a chemically-propelled weapon, he learned to use it. Explosives became another dear friend to the man, who became adapt at taking down structures in the most efficient way possible. Schooling was supplied by the program at [REDACTED]'s request, who put his brain to use as he disciplined himself in the fields of Mechanical and Chemical engineering. Basic espionage and survival skills, advanced covert operations tactics, close-quarters-combat moves, all were taken in and learned by the man.
Armory, Operative and Hero
A self-proficient fighter after two years of training, [REDACTED] was given his new name of 'Mike Malcon' by the program, along with a brand new face. His old identity and past buried, 'Mike Malcon' was born as the freelance agent known as 'Armory', a Bunker Buster of the Response Initiative. From here, the man began his new job, working to combat 'problems' around the world that fell under his skill-set. From VIPER to rouge militia groups, Armory gained an iron reputation as an operative able to get into a fortified area and leave in it ruins. His skill set continued to be refined, developing into a formidable kit of abilities at his beck and call.
Surprisingly enough, the man also found himself dabbling in....heroics. Assisting PRIMUS on several operations, Armory took a liking to the facets of superhuman law enforcement, and soon began engaging in his own hero-based activities outside of the Response Initiative. Having been in service for ten years now, the man is known within the circles of freelance defense contractors, yet finds his reputation among fellow heroes to be rather small and self-contained. This suits the operative just fine, as getting the job done is a reward all of its own.
Personality
Mike Malcon
Polite, relaxed, inquisitive. These are a few of the words that most people end up using to describe Mike Malcon. While a hyper-lethal vector in combat, the man seems to have a knack for blending in while out and about in the world, and not on the job. Not very arrogant, nor is he timid, his attitude and actions have a tendency to gravitate towards a middle ground in most discussions. The man also has a habit of wearing rather nice clothing, trimmed and cut to fit him perfectly.
Armory
In combat is another story. He loses his passive nature, and deliberately shortens his phrasing when speaking. Armory's attitude narrows down to an eerily mechanical mindset in regards to his mission. Always analyzing his environment, Armory approaches every fight as a cohesive event. He doesn't go into battle expecting to be able to 'talk down' his opponents. The mentality of a warrior pervades his entire being when he fights, willing to do almost anything if he thinks it will allow him to complete his objective. With the immeasurable arsenal of weaponry he has access too, and the intelligence to back it all up, there are few opponents he is unable to beat in combat, provided he's able to begin the combat on his terms. Psychological warfare is also a distressingly common tactic he uses, over the years having gained an affinity for taking known information on his targets and turning it against them. Whether that be luring enemy militiamen into an ambush using the cries of their wounded friend, or driving a villain into a mistakes-laden rage over his various failures in life, Armory's wit and guile are just as dangerous as his firearms.
Powers And Skills
Powers
((Currently, it's believed that Armory makes use of a localized hammer-space dimension, achieved through technology, to store all his weapons. His 'power' is un-listed, and should currently be considered OOC knowledge, unless IC circumstances apply!))
- Gun-Craft - After a malfunction with the technological device he used to store his large supply of weaponry, Armory has found he has a brand new way to access guns! Nicknamed Gun-Craft by the freelancer, as far as he has discovered, he is able to craft weapons by 'assembling' the necessary components in his mind, and then bring them into the world. His guns function, handle, and feel exactly like whatever gun he created in his mind, though he has currently stuck with creating weaponry he has previously handled and crafted. The guns are even able to be crafted with ammunition right in the clip, so long as he can remember how such ammunition is made. In effect, this provides him with an unlimited supply of bullets, to combine with an unlimited number of guns. He cannot seem to replicate anything else with this power, only guns and their respective ammunition. Only time will tell if his new-found ability can be expanded upon.
Skills
- Excellent Human Condition - Years of training and combat have required that Armory stay in tip-top shape. Exercising daily, sticking to a strict workout regime, and being in battle after battle have ensured that, while he may be human in form, he is closer to a top-tier athlete in physical ability. High endurance and sharp reflexes mark his primary traits, allowing him to stay in the fight longer, and avoid getting dusted by his opponents.
- High Intellect - Not at all the stereotypical 'grunt with a gun', Armory could have easily earned multiple STEM degrees if he had not joined up with the military. He's applied his mind to his work, able to come up with plans, alternate plans, plans within plans, backup plans, and fall-back plans for the operations he runs, doing his utmost to have gear that will provide him with flexibility while out in the field. This intelligence also means he's good at intuitive thinking, able to come up with solutions to problems he wasn't able to plan for.
- Chemical and Mechanical Engineering - Coupled with that intelligence of his, Armory found it incredibly beneficial to be able to make and design his own gear. While some items like his suits are crafted by the Response Initiative, Armory has created several varieties of ammunition for his weapons, and several customized guns he uses for specific situations. Several gadgets he uses have also been custom-built for his personal needs upon the battlefield.
- Extensive Munitions Knowledge - If it fires a projectile, chances are Armory has used it, disassembled it, and put it all back together. Even before he gained the ability to create weapons based upon firearms he had used, the man had a penchant for using a different gun each mission. Intimately familiar with so many weapons, its a given that any firearms that he chooses to use in an operation will be wielded to their utmost best.
- Olympic-Level Marksmanship - Having access to all the guns in the world won't help if you can't aim them. Part of his training regimen throughout his years of service has been continued, prompt trips out to any available gun ranges, making sure to keep his accuracy honed. His marksmanship is rated up among the top baseline shooters in the world, and when combined with the enhanced vision his helmet provides him with, along with his customized weapons, Armory is capable of making shots from distances that would leave most dumbfounded. Though as fighting draws closer, he sometimes forgoes accuracy in favor of filling the air with bullets. When you don't exactly have to pay for them, this is a fairly solid strategy.
- CQC Proficiency/Gun Kata - Trained in a hand-to-hand combat program similar to what most special forces operatives learn, Armory is not at all defenseless should someone engage him in fisticuffs. Armory does cheat, however, given his ability with firearms. While he can hold his own, he will endeavor to push his opponent back out of melee range. This is usually accomplished by forcing guns to appear in his hands during a fist-fight, allowing him to get off devastating close-range shots on an aggressive opponent. Most don't anticipate a punch turning into a shotgun blast to the face, after all.
- Response Training - Another benefit of his training are his so-called 'Operative Skills', gained during his training and subsequent deployment under the Response Initiative. Survival training, espionage basics, stealth skills, all these and more have helped to give the man that extra edge in battle many times over.
Weaknesses
- Only Human - Just as it says, even with all his training, all his weaponry, and all the planning he does, at the end of the day he's a simple, mortal man. One mistake against the wrong opponent and he'll quickly find himself to be a -dead- man.
- Back-off! - While he can certainly hold his own in melee combat, he is not a master. He knows enough to hold his ground, yet most dedicated close-range fighters will be able to overpower him within a short bout. Hence, he does his best to stay at range of any folks that look like they punch people for a living.
- Magic - He doesn't really have a firm grasp, at all, on magic. He's begrudgingly acknowledged that there is some sort of force 'mages' are able to manipulate and use, but as far as he's concerned in combat it's simply another variant of meta and mutant abilities. Should he encounter a mystically inclined opponent, he may be in for some trouble.
- Psionics - While mentally more sound then your average civilian, the man's only real defense against a coordinated mental assault is a quick trigger finger, and stubbornness. This is fairly inadequate. It doesn't help that his Gun-Craft ability requires that he is able to concentrate to some degree, especially as he brings out bigger and more powerful weapons. A disruptive enough psionic attack could render the man gun-less, leaving him with only the gadgets and explosives he has on his person.
Equipment
Weaponry
Firearms
Given Armory's special knack for guns, his arsenal is numerous and varied. Being able to seemingly pull weapons from thin air, he rarely needs to worry about equipment encumbrance, allowing him to have anything from pistols to anti-tank rifles hidden away until he needs them. Enthusiastic about all manner of weaponry, he has collected quite the wide selection of guns over the years, but has defaulted to several 'favorites' when it comes down to completing his missions:
- MK.23 Pistol
- MP5
- Mossberg 590
- AA-12
- XM8 Sharpshooter Rifle
- M249 LMG
- M134 Minigun
- Barret M82
- Modified PTRS-41 "The Equalizer"
Ammunition
Guns might seem like one-trick ponies, their primary source of damage being an explosive projectile hurled at incredible speeds towards a target. Armory has taken this simple facet, and worked it into an art. A variety of rounds are at his disposal for the multitude of weapons he uses, ranging in power and effects:
- Standard Rounds
- Rubber Rounds
- TAZE Rounds
- Incendiary Rounds
- Concussion Rounds
- High Explosive Rounds
- Armor Piercing Rounds
Gadgetry
Subterfuge Tech
Explosives
Suits
RP Hooks
Comments
((Got something to say about the human arsenal? Post it here!))
"Still a bit of a youngin', and there's a lot ahead of him - a lot of things he needs to learn. But I'm damn glad to be by his side, because his alias tells you all about what he totes around. Indeed, a walking Armoury." - Snowtalon
"{The voice comes through a radio.} Well, well, well, I do remember this one. Yeah, the person who arrested me for the very first time. I guess I was just wrong, but whatever. He's a good guy, he honestly is. Quite nice as well when I met him. Oh and, Mike...I'm in Stronghold again, in case you're wondering. Oh, crud, almost out of time, so I got-.....{Static}" - Alyx Deraveniere (Alias Pyroten)
"For once, someone who's at least half as smart as I am, and not making a futile effort to conquer the world." - Albert Wagner (AKA Panzer)
"One conversation and I took an instant liking to him. I believe he and I will make effective team mates." - Fathom
"Smart. Effective. Efficient. He works well solo but I think he may fit in much better with a team than even he realizes... and I speak from experience." - Sparrowhawk
"A smart, powerful hero among the Protectors. While I'm not a fan of guns in general, Armory knows exactly how to use them at the right time to his advantage. Someone I would not want to face in combat, that's for sure. Additionally, he has the makings of an effective leader in him." - Razira
"Armory's alright. He brings a very unique set of skills to the team and he's pretty decent guy to hang around with, if memory serves." - Artifist
"Never let it be said that I can't get behind a man who knows how to use a gun. It's like a Clint Eastwood movie come to life." - Aura
"The guy - he just - makes weapons. He can quick-draw a rifle, or an RPG. I have to learn how he does that." - Kid Ballistic
"This man is fast acting and quick to adapt. I think given that, he is more than a match for any kind of threat." - Cait Sith
"This guy is SOOOOO serious. It's like all he talks about is guns and training. That being said, he's still pretty nice, He offered to fix up the Imp mobile for me. So he gets bonus points for that." - Imp ((Angel Anderson))
"I hate to admit it, but I thought Armory might be a scorched-earth, no-prisoners type of guy when I first heard of him. I was thankfully proved wrong. For all his effectiveness - and he is VERY effective - Armory's greatest skill is knowing when not to pull the trigger - and being an amazing shot when he has to." - The Peacemaker
"I want to know how he does that flick the wrist make a giant rocket bazooka launcher thing appears thing. I mean think about replicating that! No need for backpacks, purses, oh and you could always have some food on you or maybe a minifridge, oh that's a thought, I should write that one down." - Keioseth II
"Working with Armory is refreshing. He has discipline, and his powers are something I can easily wrap my mind around. I know I won't have to worry about him when the chips are down." - Captain Adamant
"I'll be honest, at first I wasn't sure what to make of Armory. He's always so serious, but it's obvious that he's actually listening and paying attention to everything around him, even in casual conversation." - Tesseract
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Team Leader Sparrowhawk | ||
Field Leaders: Captain Adamant • Peacemaker • Razira • Thundrax | ||
Protectors Charter Members: African Violet • Atomac • Blue Cyclone • Blue Pheasant • Citizen 13 • Cosmic Glory • Fahrenheit • Gold Rush • Hydro Light Of Being • Lucky Shot • Marauder • Mercuriel • Oni • Sinsonte Azul • Tesseract • Wildeye • Witchery Way | ||
Protectors Reserve Members: Aura • Noble • Psion • Wolfgirl |