Libertarian
From PRIMUS Database
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Enter the Libertarian -- a tireless defender of freedom and liberty for all people! Wielding the mystical Torch of Liberty, forged by Illuminati mystics under the guidance of the Freemasons, the Libertarian opposes all those who would rob the others of their life, liberty, or property! Beware, evil-doers -- the Libertarian is here, and he will brook no opposition!
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Powers
Super Strength
The Torch of Liberty grants the Libertarian super strength, but only while it is on his person (being wielded, or slung from his belt). With the Torch, the Libertarian can easily lift a car (1-2 tons) or, with some effort, an armored car (approximately 4 tons), and hurl it approximately 100 feet. His enhanced leg muscles also grant him super-human leaping abilities.
Without the Torch, Sam Jefferson possesses the strength of an adult male in peak physical condition.
Invulnerability
The Torch of Liberty grants the Libertarian limited invulnerability that is tied to his determination and willpower. At rest, the Libertarian's skin can be pierced by bullets or knives. However, with is "dander up", the Libertarian easily shrugs off bullets and blades, and can only be harmed by specialized weapons, or by a prolonged, mass attack with conventional weapons.
Feelings of fear or uncertainty will subvert the Libertarian's powers. Conversely, feelings of patriotism and confidence will bolster his combat abilities well above their baseline range.
Agility
While carrying the Torch of Liberty, the Libertarian possesses enhanced reflexes and physical agility. Combined with his enhanced jump height and accelerated running speed, the Libertarian can easily traverse broken terrain, open ground, and even rooftops. This is his primary mode of transportation over short distances. For greater distances, the Libertarian will generally ride his motorcycle.
Abilities
Close Combat Expert
A life-long passion for martial arts and top-notch training from the USMC has transformed Sam Jefferson into a human weapon. He has black belts in three styles of Japanese martial arts (Aikido, Jujitsu, and Shotokan Karate), and it familiar with Muay Thai, Krav Maga, Savate, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Mixed Martial Arts.
Tactician
Extensively trained in small unit tactics by the USMC, and naturally gifted with a keen tactical mind, Sam Jefferson is an excellent combat tactician. As the Libertarian, he utilizes these abilities to stage ambushes, utilize cover and concealment, prioritize targets, and demoralize and confuse his opponents.
Equipment
Torch of Liberty
Forged in 1776 by Illuminati Mystics under the guidance of the Freemasons, the Torch of Liberty is an artifact of substantial power. A conduit for feelings of patriotism and national pride, the original intent of the Founding Fathers was to use the Torch during national emergencies in ancient rites that would divine the best course for the nation. During the Civil War, written records of these rituals were destroyed, and the ability lost -- the Torch was passed from father to son as an heirloom and artifact. During World War II, the Torch was stolen by Italian Fascists and buried in a North African treasure trove.
The Libertarian uses the Torch to hit people, a purpose to which it is admirably suited. In the hands of a skilled and patriotic combatant, the Torch grants super strength and invulnerability.
Background
The Liberation of Sam Jefferson
Born into a military family of old New England stock, Sam Jefferson grew up on the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts a troubled kid, not paying attention in school and falling into a gang of hoodlums that committed petty crimes. Jefferson ended up in reform school, where a tough love teacher suggested the military. With no better options before him at graduation (beside a life of crime), Jefferson joined the Marines.
He took to miltary life like a fish to water, earning commendations for marksmanship, conduct, and hand-to-hand combat. Jefferson's unit shipped out on a peacekeeping assignment to North Africa, where he earned commendations for bravery when he single-handedly eliminated an enemy sniper with a knife when his weapon jammed during an ambush.
Unfortunately, one of Jefferson's old gang compatriots, Tag McGuinness, shipped in country with an inside track on a treasure trove dating to World War II and stashed in the desert by Italian fascists. Tag's plan was to loot the trove and ship the gold back to the U.S., deserting his unit and taking a freighter stateside once the treasure was secured. Tag recruited Jefferson to secure transport for the heist -- a task which Jefferson accepted out of misguided loyalty to his friend.
The heist was a debacle. Local islamic militants became privy to their activities, and ambushed the gang as soon as they located the trove. Forced back into the vault after taking heavy casualties, the would-be thieves were nearly decimated -- until, in the chaos, Jefferson grabbed the Torch of Liberty from a pile of gold coins.
In a flash of brilliant golden light, Sam Jefferson's mind was filled with tales of amazing courage from great Americans of the past as they struggled to oppose those who would rob them of their freedoms. Ashamed of his current actions, but filled with patriotic vigor, Jefferson charged out of the vault and, shrugging off bullets as those they were mosquito bites, routed the attacking militants.
Tag McGuinness had lost his life in the heist. Jefferson loaded the treasure into his truck and drove it back to base, confessing to his crimes and relating the story to his commanding officer. Jefferson was court martialed and dishonorably discharged, and the Torch of Liberty confiscated for study. However, when he was transferred to military prison, representatives from UNTIL were waiting for him. The Torch would only work for Sam Jefferson -- and UNTIL wanted Sam Jefferson on the street, fighting super-crime.
Sam Jefferson swore an oath, to defend the life, liberty, and property of people the world over; to demonstrate the heights men can attain in a free society; and to defeat those who would rob others of their freedom. Holding the Torch of Liberty high, Sam Jefferson battles evil...as THE LIBERTARIAN!
Rise of the Red Scare
The Libertarian battled evil in the blistering deserts of the Southwest U.S., the frozen wastes of the Canadian North, and in the heart of Millenium City. He battled VIPER, Argent, and PSI operatives, as well as the alien menace of the Gadroon and the very human menace of the Hunter-Patriots. But all of this did little to prepare him for the emergence of the man who would become his most dangerous enemy -- the Red Scare.
To be continued...
Costume & Character Notes
Costume
The Libertarian really started out as a costume -- I became obsessed with using the Tricorner hat in some costume or another, which led (rather obviously) to a patriotic character. The Libertarian bears more than a passing resemblance to the Minuteman from Freedom Force, but it's mostly the color scheme and hat. Both character owe an obvious debt to Captain America, though both of their looks are pretty far removed from Cap.
Character Notes
The background for the Libertarian was slow in coming. As a Libertarian, his personality and belief system were not much of a reach for me -- it's easy to be patriotic about the potential of our system of government, even if its currently a bit buggered. His demeanor emerged from a love of old, ridiculous Silver Age comics, combined with the bad ass but but utterly square portrayal of Captain America in the Ultimates.
The backstory, however, was tough. The Torch of Liberty gag was there from the start, as Lady Liberty is the symbol of the Libertarian Party, and the Illuminati Mystics bit was a lift from some Grant Morrison book (shocker there). The Three Kings-ish origin is a recent invention, an attempt to give him a military background, get his hands on the Torch, but also make him deeply flawed in the Marvel way.
