17 July 1993: a day like any other. But on this day, two young parents named David & Cynthia Carter welcome a new baby girl into their spacious south London home. Both powered individuals themselves, they were surprised (but not displeased) to see that their newborn was an obvious mutant with distinctive feline traits. They named her Valerie, and from the moment she was born, they knew they had brought someone special into the world.
Encouraged by her parents, Valerie took an interest in athletic pursuits at a young age. Acrobatics and fencing were her favourite activities, followed by dance, and she took to them with an undeniable zeal.
However, in 2011, her parents sadly died of injuries after a deadly attack on the London Underground by the vicious Eurostar terrorist syndicate. Following her parents' funeral, young Valerie put the family home in the care of nearby relatives, and made plans to follow in the footsteps of her brave mother & father.
After her final week of schooling, young Valerie left the family home in the care of nearby relatives, and booked a flight to Millennium City. Holding her parents' principles of justice and compassion close to her heart, she now prowls the streets as Instinct - a living testament to their legacy.
Since taking on her duties as a professional hero, Instinct has been seen fighting various street gangs, PSI, and even the Gadroon in defense of her adopted city. She has been making a name for herself; with time, she may become more than just a local do-gooder.
Cat-Like Agility & Reflexes - Due to the combination of her training and genetic gifts, Instinct's agility, balance, and reflexes are as finely tuned as those of a wild jungle cat.
Enhanced Senses - Instinct's natural abilities include enhanced hearing, taste, smell, and vision, including the ability to see in near-total darkness.
Regeneration - Instinct can recover from major wounds in days, even regenerating limbs within a month or two (depending on severity).
Enhanced Strength - Her mutant physique has given her strength beyond that of the average human; she is estimated to be roughly as powerful as an Olympian powerlifter.
Skills
Swordsmanship - Instinct is trained in multiple forms of swordfighting, though she tends to favour quick, nimble strikes.
Acrobatics - She is naturally skilled at all things related to balance, leaping, and tumbling.
Blacksmithing - Recently, she has taken up forging her own weapons. She tends to prefer kendrium as her material of choice.
Attributes
Cat-Like Physique - Instinct is naturally much more flexible & acrobatic than normal humans.
Highly Dextrous - Through training and practice, Instinct has developed incredible hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Fur Coat - Instinct is covered in short, insulating fur that offers mild protection from weather, temperature, and damp.
Gear and Equipment
Gear
Weapon - Kendrium Sword.
Armor - Kendrium Light Armour.
Gadgets - Standard utility belt kit.
Affiliations
Organisations
None currently; formerly associated with a group called "Division 13." No further details about this group, including its motives or base of operations, are known at this time.
Friends/Allies
- Frog-Girl (currently MIA) @Mechafrog43
General Perception
The hero designated as Instinct, also known to the public as Valerie Carter, is generally well-received by citizens and the local media.
She has appeared on local radio talk shows, and has even made appearances at functions hosted by more well-known heroes and functionaries. Overall, she is seen as a positive force in the city at large. She is virtually unknown outside of Millenium City.
