The Moonlighter
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Although Adrian Riano may not be the most popular or well-liked hero in the world, few can doubt his potential to be great. With a disturbing origin and troubled past, his only real therapy is crime-fighting day and night. Although some consider him to be a reckless, foolish youth, he believes in himself, and can overcome most any obstacle. While his powers are not flashy or powerful, he uses his skills and talents to the best of his ability. Forming close ties and bonds with fellow crime-fighters, Adrian is learning everyday, and has become quite the outstanding citizen he's desired to be. Armed with only a tactical suit, some neat tricks up his sleeves, and his--at times--immature wit, he's a force to be reckoned with on the field and off. Making the important life decision and making the jump from Stitch to Moonlighter, he now fights for a greater good, albeit occasionally stumbling along the gray morality he's adopted. It's a tough world out there for a monster to live in, but everyday is a blessing for someone as scarred as Moonlighter.
Contents
Appearance
Stitch. That word in itself gives birth to a character all his own. The left side of Adrian's face is heavily scarred, with stitch scars running down the center of his face and travelling across his left cheek. The rough, abrasive flesh is a greenish color. He has several scars and stitches decorating his body, both old and new. It resembles that of Frankenstein's monster. His left eye is blind and he often wears a solid black eye patch to cover it over. Underneath the eye patch, you'll find a pearl-white eye that almost glistens in the light.
He has messy brown hair that is unkempt and brushed off to the side. He doesn't style it much, and usually wears a plain black beanie. The beanie is signed by both Thundrax and Sapphire. It is really old, much older than Stitch, and has threads missing here and there. It looks worn out and old. He keeps it for superstitious reasons that he refuses to share.
Tattoos, tattoos, and more tattoos. Adrian has plenty sprawled across his body. He has a large, realistic skull with bat-like wings stretching past his shoulder blades, the infamous logo of the metalcore bane "Avenged Sevenfold" (A7X). He also has "Mexican" written across his abs in Gothic-style cursive. On his left bicep is a tattoo of the cartoon character "Calimero", a brown bird of sorts with a broken eggshell above his head. He has a wrist tattoo; a Mexican flag with "Viva la Raza" written across the flag. The lettering matches his "Mexican" tattoo spread across his abdomen. He also has a "Max" tattoo behind his right ear, in cartoon-style letters. It is very, very small.
Adrian has several scars across his body, some new and some old. He is usually bruised, has welts, or is nursing a bandaged wound at all times. It has been commented by friends and/or past girlfriends that his scars are either disgusting or attractive. The majority seem to be knife or bullet wounds, but one stands out upon the rest. Above his solar plexus is what looks like a traditional heart-shape, however crude in design.
History
Spoiler Warning
The following details are about a player-created storyline, or is information currently unrevealed about a character.
Please do not use this information ICly unless given permission to do so.
Adrian Riano was born to a small middle-class Hispanic family on September 30, 1993. Adrian Riano opened his arms wide to the world but he wouldn't be alone, however. Just a two minutes after his birth, his twin sister Marisol followed. He found it hard being a brother to someone like his sister. He was never old enough to boss her around or be an authority figure. However, everyone referred to him as being the older brother. When he and his sister were both two, his mysterious biological father abandoned the young family, leaving a jobless Mother to look after the two. Marisol was soon discovered as being deaf, which made raising the two even more difficult. She would often act out of frustration, yet always seemed calm when Adrian was around her, no matter their age.
Growing up with a single mother is not uncommon nowadays, but it was still rough on them. Adrian had to provide for his sister more often than not, whether it was something as simple as making their school lunches, or driving her around in their later years. From a young age, Adrian showed psychological problems. he always liked to be the center of attention; hoping about on one leg, dancing around, or exaggerating stories to get get people to stop and pay attention. It was stressful on the mother, who was constantly trying to bring up her deaf daughter, something the mother was still not prepared for. Adrian didn't realize the frustration he caused on his sister and mother, and it led to sibling rivalry from a young age.
By the time Adrian and Marisol entered Kindergarten, Adrian had gotten slightly worse. He had become a very irrational, reckless young boy. He'd often get into "fights" or get harmed during recess because of it. However, he was still the center of attention, so he felt comfortable. He was often sent to the principal's office for acting out and behaving quite badly. He and his mother tended to argue throughout most of his educational career.
However, this was not the worst of his problems. Up until sixth grade, he had been getting low grades and missing homework assignments all together. He missed out on crucial learning periods, and entering middle school was rough on the family. Marisol had been going to the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB) and had been excelling at nearly every subject, especially mathematics. Adrian was a more creative thinker, and began practicing acoustic guitar playing at the age of eight. He was quite good, especially with finger-plucking techniques. Although Marisol couldn't hear the calming tunes, she enjoyed watching him. He was a different person when he had an instrument in hand; he was almost tranquil.
Middle school was hard on Adrian. His reckless behavior only worsened, and he was now acting quite inappropriately with his fellow female classmates, and acted very aggressively to the males. Even at this young age, he spoke provocatively and was quite the flatterer. He'd even go so far as to committing misdemeanors, like shoplifting the newest shoes or shirts. He liked dressing in the latest fashion and acting exaggerated. He liked being the center of attention, after all. By eighth grade, Adrian had dated two popular girls, gotten suspended seven times, and had been getting "D-"'s or lower. His mother (who at this time contracted an illness Adrian refuses to disclose) had to stop working, so Adrian and Marisol both had to step up to the plate. Marisol befriended a woman named Michelle, who sold Avon cosmetics door-to-door. Marisol started to work with the kind, middle-aged Latina woman, and began making money that way. Adrian had to take a graveyard-shift at a local gas station.
It was a tough job for him. He was often bored or lonely in a spooky corner store. For the first seven weeks, things were going well. He was able to help provide for his family, and everyone at school thought he was so cool because of his job. However, things got much worse on the eight week, and Adrian will never be able to forget it. Late on cold desert night, at about 2 am, Adrian was stealing some chip bags like he always had. Then, there was a loud crunch and the sound of glass shattering. A lone, grown man dressed in all black (including a black ski mask) rushed into the building, carrying nothing but a knife and a school back pack.
Adrian didn't know what to do! He was only fourteen, and wasn't prepared to handle a situation like this alone. He felt sick to his stomach, and his quickly turned pale white. He quickly jumped up to his feet and ran to the bathroom to try and hide himself, but the burglar took note of this. After a mad dash and a savage tackle, Adrian found himself on his back, trapped beneath this criminal. He begged for mercy and pleaded for his life, but it was of no use. The mad man took his five inch blade in hand, and attacked Adrian like a pumpkin on Halloween. The burglar than ransacked the cash register and took off into the night without a sound, leaving a beaten and bloodied Adrian lying helpless outside the bathroom.
The next few moments seemed to blur together for the young teenager, and the next thing he knew, he was waking up in a hospital bed. It could have been hours or weeks later, he couldn't tell the difference. It was a small room, with only a small plush chair beside his bed. Marisol was just walking into the room when she saw her brother awake. She honestly couldn't believe it! She rushed over to his and hugged her, but Adrian could not see her. In fact, he couldn't see anything on the left side of his face. Was it on account of the bandages or something more, he wondered. However, he and Marisol had an upbeat conversation using sign language, and it raised his spirits. Later in the day, their Mother joined them and had some Subway sandwiches for lunch.
The joy would be short lived however. For the next few days, Adrian had to stay at the hospital. Plastic surgery and therapy was all he knew at this time. He later was told that he lost all vision out of his left eye on account of his injuries. What was worse, was that the doctors and surgeons couldn't fix is injuries, and that he'd be scarred for the rest of his life. They were quite dumbfounded. They later told his Mother, in private, that he should have died. His damage was fatal, they said, and that he was a marvel of natural science. After two weeks, Adrian was allowed to go home, where he prepared for his greatest challenge: High School.
Adrian felt alone, as he desired the approval and attention of his peers. However, it was in a negative form, and he quickly developed a bullying issue. Whether is was insulting on his appearance or personality, it didn't matter; it hurt just the same. He struggled with depression and had faint thoughts of suicide early on in life. Despite getting in constant fights at school, he stayed at the same school, and tried to coast along "in the shadows". Two things came as a comfort to him: Krumping and music. Krumping is a street dance popularized in the United States that is characterized by free, expressive, exaggerated, and highly energetic movement involving the arms, head, legs, chest, and feet. The youths who started krumping saw the dance as a way for them to escape gang life and "to release anger, aggression and frustration positively, in a non-violent way." It was perfect for him! He was seen as an equal by his fellow aggressors, and his natural talent was seen immediately. Winning fourth place in a state-wide competition and later second place the following years, Adrian made a name for himself. And that name was "Frankenteen", a nickname that traveled with him from Tucson to Millennium City.
High School felt less lonely when Adrian accidentally met a studious young girl named Elizabeth Nabarro. Of course, everyone affectionately called her "Liz", and it was what she preferred to go by. They were complete opposites. He was not very bright, and was considered ugly by the general school community. However, she was quite beautiful and an exceptional learner. Despite his off-putting appearance, she took a liking to him. To say the least, the feelings were mutual. Days later, they started going steady, and after an enjoyable prom night, they both lost their virginity to one another.
However, Adrian's one-time friend, nicknamed "Bino", poked holes in that fateful condom, and as destiny would have it, Liz became pregnant. It was a pleasant surprise...for neither of them. Liz felt trapped, and Adrian was afraid of becoming a teen father. He started working harder and harder, one time at four separate jobs. Liz dropped out of school to prepare for her child. The months rolled by faster. Adrian signed up for several parenting classes and child development courses. Even though he was not ready to be a father, he was going to strive to become the best father he could be. Although both claimed to love one another, Liz grew to resent the father of her child. She felt he stole her youthful life away and all, if any, chance of success. She eventually hated him, and didn't allow him to see the birth of their baby boy. She named him Max, and Max kept his mother's surname. After some intense and heated court sessions, Adrian was not allowed to see little Max, his only son. He is turning five years old in 2014.
Adrian eventually graduated from Tucson High School with grades just enough to pass. Later in the year, Adrian's mother passed away, succumbing to an unknown illness. This caused intense heartache for Adrian and Marisol alike. Yet, they did not have time to grieve. They both continued working through and after high school and managed to save up enough to rent a small apartment in the ghetto. It was hard at first, but eventually, they bought enough furniture to make it a home. However, while it was a place he enjoyed living at, he longed to be away from Tucson. So many bad memories kept him there. After a few months of saving up, Adrian decided to leave town, but where? After hanging a map on a wall and tossing a dart, destiny made her decision: Adrian was going to Millennium City. However, Marisol was not.
Marisol had enjoyed the city, and had begun dating a deaf boy named Henry Garcia Jr. Nothing too serious, but they both loved each other very much. Adrian tried to get Marisol to come with him (for he loved her dearly and felt secure with her around), but she refused. After hours of debate, Adrian finally decided to leave her behind, like she wished. It was one of the hardest decisions Adrian has ever needed to make. However, he packed his bags and boarded the next flight for the city of tomorrow. This was the first, and last flight, Adrian would have to endure; he found out last minute that he was dreadfully airsick.
Adrian could not feel more out of place than he did, now that he was a nobody in a strange, futuristic city. He had connections through friends, and managed to get a job as a low-paying construction worker. His first was helping to rebuild West Side, Millennium's City's ghetto. It was tough, honest work, but it paid poorly. After switching from a hotel room to a small, one bedroom apartment in West Side. It was at this time he started going to Carl's Gym, and after months of solid fitness (both cardio and strength training), he signed up to join "Bor'ba" fight club. Bor'ba is in Russian, roughly translating to "Fight". He trained there in Jujitsu and related martial arts, and became quite the popular amateur fighter.
Known in the ring as "Stitch", based on his appearance, he eventually was invited to join the "Sparta" tourney, the super bowl of Mixed Martial Arts tournaments. He didn't get far...at all. It wasn't that he wasn't good enough. Compared to the other fighters, however, he didn't compare. Before he even stepped in the ring, he had to leave due to personal problems that he refuses to reveal to date. However, he still fights for fun, and has contemplated joining "Wasps' Nest", a fighting league. However, MMA was not the toughest obstacle for him to overcome. His next challenge? We shall find out.
Template:End-spoiler
In the summer of 2013, Adrian registered as a superhero. ASPRA registry was intimidating, but it was an extraordinary life event for the young metahuman. His first notable event was a bomb/hostage situation. The culprit, named the "Gamemaster", had mind controlled several victims into thinking they were characters from the popular board game "Clue". Each of the heroes assembled had to ask around and investigate the crime scene in order to find the bomb. As fate would have it, Adrian was tasked with interrogating Miss Scarlet. Long story short, she seduced him and, because she was mind controlled, he was technically a sex offender. However, no charges were dropped after he served community service, and has since then been pardoned.
After gaining a minor reputation in the community, Adrian was granted access to the "Respond & Protect" frequency. He met several other heroes, like Katsuo, Menagerie, and Katerra. After his first stay at Club Caprice, Adrian met Thundrax and Anarchy. Thundrax autographed Adrian's beanie, and Anarchy signed his arm. After working quite a bit with the anarchist, he joined Citadel Protection Co. under the "Vigilante" program. However, after some personal issues, Adrian left months later. He then had a brief, four week stay at a health clinic in Millennium City, where he was "cured" of his abusive need for alcohol and marijuana. The stay also helped him mentally. He can deal with his Histrionic Personality Disorder.
Before Adrian even joined Citadel security, Adrian went for an important walk through West Side. After beating up some street thugs, he ran into the most important person in his life: Limerick. They began to date, and she eventually moved in. However, with his alcohol and drug abuse, and poor willpower, Adrian cheated on her, and they split up. Present day, Adrian is doing well. He is making quite a bit of money and is successful in the hero business. He now works at a private investigations office, and fights MMA fights on weekends for cash. He has met a lot of people he loves and holds dear to his heart, but he won't admit it. He enjoys life and stands by the familiar quote: "A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for." ― William G.T. Shedd
Personality
From a young age, Adrian has strived to make people laugh. He likes seeing people smile, especially now in his adulthood. He likes to tell jokes and poke fun at people, but he means no ill intent. He is very introverted about his feelings, and it takes quite a while for him to trust someone. Despite his mood-swings or depression, Adrian has been known to be "fun to hang with". He is enjoyable when he wants to be, frankly. Still, he longs to be the center of attention and will often act dangerously or reckless to fit the need.
Adrian has a fighter's spirit, which is seen in his short temper and aggressive nature. He is quick to hit first and ask questions later. He has been disqualified from many MMA matches do to this trait of his. While his brief stay in rehab helped him relax, his reflexes and instincts are still with him. He is easily offended due to his low self esteem and poor self image. He can be very defensive at times, making him seem either whiney or argumentative. Many people may not like him, but plenty do. He's doing well for himself.
The young man has a lot of phobias and fears, the first primarily being his fear of reptiles. When he was seven, he was bit by a rattlesnake, but miraculously survived. He cannot stand being around lizards, and will go almost catatonic around snakes or larger beasts; he has a terrible, yet silly, fear of dragons. Cockroaches and scorpions freak him out, as do centipedes, tarantulas, and some worms. No one knows why he's so afraid of insects and arachnids.
Adrian has trouble around females and overly flirts with just about anything with a pair of breasts. He is often careless and violates one's space and privacy. He believes himself to be a Casanova, but the general populace find him to be a "creeper". However, he is doing better to manage this. He acted quite provocatively and seductively in the past. To him, relationships are considered more intimate than they actually are. This is one of Adrian's worst flaws. He grows intimately close to people and holds on to them. He thinks they like him for than a friend, which is often not the case. He is very jealous and paranoid about people and, as noted before, invades personal space and privacy.
Many have seen him do just about anything to get attention. He seeks drama, although he hates it, and tends to dominate conversations unknowingly. He tends to lie about his past actions to glorify himself. He often finds himself in harms way and over plays his role as a crime fighter. He does unnecessarily dangerous tasks to impress his peers. It should be noted that he is easily influenced. He is easy to convince, and can be quite naive despite his traumatic life experiences.
In his speech, Adrian definitely tries to impress or dazzle, but lacks detail. He has a very colorful and odd way of speaking. He can have trouble executing complex thought and will always have ability expressing his emotions or ideas. "Stitch" has shifting emotions that change on a dime. As stated before, he is severely jealous of others and extremely paranoid. He has a quick temper and a short fuse, and will go from smiling to fuming in moments.
Food, food, and more food. Perhaps always eating or thinking about food, Adrian has become quite the culinary expert. Cooking for his family since he was nine, he has mastered the kitchen. He often brags about his extensive knowledge when it comes to baking, and it shows in his "art". He loves to make Red Velvet cake, vanilla cake (for Bria Crawford), and Pecan Pie (for his sister, Marisol). However, Adrian also makes excellent and authentic Puerto Rican, Mexican, and even Oriental dinners. Recently, he frequents to a new Asian bistro named "Ichiban". He loves the friend calamari they serve.
Powers
Gifted with the power of molecular regeneration, Adrian can get up from most any injury. Minor wounds such as cuts, bruises and light burns heal faster than normal. Lost limbs and internal organs may be completely regenerated. However, cells that are fatally damaged, such as by burning, cannot be regenerated, resulting in permanent scarring. This is perhaps why his body has constant scars and stitching. At times, healing may be unreliable, either failing or have a limit on how many times it can be used. Wounds of extreme depth or those carrying deep emotions may not completely heal, resulting in scars.
Adrian has complete control over the nervous system of himself, allowing him to freely alter and manipulate his body at will. At the most basic level, the nervous system coordinates the voluntary and involuntary actions of his brain and transmits signals between different parts of its body. He can generate,regenerate, manipulate, shape, etc., nervous system, nerve impulses and messages, including senses, reflexes, functionally the whole voluntary/involuntary movement, causing the increase or decrease of nerve ailments. To date, this is an involuntary action, and has only been manifested during either extreme focus, or extreme stress.
Special Abilities
- Jujitsu: "Jū" can be translated to mean "gentle, soft, supple, flexible, pliable, or yielding." "Jutsu" can be translated to mean "art" or "technique" and represents manipulating the opponent's force against himself rather than confronting it with one's own force. Jujutsu developed among the samurai of feudal Japan as a method for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon. Because striking against an armored opponent proved ineffective, practitioners learned that the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, and throws. These techniques were developed around the principle of using an attacker's energy against him, rather than directly opposing it. There are many variations of the art, which leads to a diversity of approaches. Jujitsu schools (ryū) may utilize all forms of grappling techniques to some degree (i.e. throwing, trapping, joint locks, holds, gouging, biting, disengagements, striking, and kicking). Some define jujutsu and similar arts rather narrowly as "unarmed" close combat systems used to defeat or control an enemy who is similarly unarmed. Basic methods of attack include hitting or striking, thrusting or punching, kicking, throwing, pinning or immobilizing, strangling, and joint-locking. Great pains were also taken by the bushi (classic warriors) to develop effective methods of defense, including parrying or blocking strikes, thrusts and kicks, receiving throws or joint-locking techniques (i.e., falling safely and knowing how to "blend" to neutralize a technique's effect), releasing oneself from an enemy's grasp, and changing or shifting one's position to evade or neutralize an attack. As jujutsu is a collective term, some schools or ryu adopted the principle of ju more than others.
- Private Investigator: It should be noted that Adrian is only an investigator in-training. He has been taught by superheroes like Anarchy, Vespula Sting, and the Harrier. He has a keen eye to detail and, despite appearances, is quite the observer. Successful private investigators have tremendous common sense and quick reasoning skills. These skills can make the difference between success and failure on a case as well as getting hurt or staying safe. I have found that a variety of skills are much better than a single specialty. Having journalist or business skills are actually more important than investigative skills. Even if you are a great at a particular specialty, unless you know how to market yourself and acquire clients, you will never financially succeed as a private investigator. The traits of a successful private investigator include patience, discipline, common sense, intuition, anticipation, focus, the ability to listen, to ability to always welcome constructive criticism, and to continuously seek to further your education in a variety of areas.
- Mixed Martial Arts: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of other combat sports. Various mixed style contests took place throughout Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim during the early 1900s. The combat sport of vale tudo that had developed in Brazil from the 1920s was brought to the United States by the Gracie family in 1993 with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In his training, Adrian has become an excellent student of Muay Thai. Muay Tai is recognized as a foundation for striking in mixed martial arts, and is widely practiced and taught. It is the predominant style used for the stand-up technique in MMA. It originated in Thailand, and is known as the "art of eight weapons" which refers to the use of the legs, knees, elbows and fists. It is a very aggressive and straightforward style.
- Guitar Master: Perhaps his most peaceful skill, Adrian has nearly mastered acoustic guitar and piano. Capable in the "finger-plucking" technique, many have commented that his Spanish guitar is quite good, soothing, or even relaxing. He will often drum his hands on the instrument, pluck the strings differently, or sit in different positions to produce differing sounds. His piano work is a bit rusty, as he hasn't touched a single key in well over four years. He always play any song or instrument with a cool head, confidence, and a big fat smile.
Weaknesses
- Oxygen Dependent: Adrian is practically a normal human being. Being one, he requires oxygen; he is still vulnerable to suffocation or asphixiation. Asphyxia or asphyxiation is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from abnormal breathing. An example of asphyxia is choking. Asphyxia causes generalized hypoxia, which primarily affects the tissues and organs. There are many circumstances that can induce asphyxia, all of which are characterized by an inability of an individual to acquire sufficient oxygen through breathing for an extended period of time. These circumstances can include but are not limited to: the constriction or obstruction of airways, such as from asthma, laryngospasm, or simple blockage from the presence of foreign materials; from being in environments where oxygen is not readily accessible: such as underwater, in a low oxygen atmosphere, or in a vacuum; environments where sufficiently oxygenated air is present, but cannot be adequately breathed because of air contamination such as excessive smoke. Asphyxia can cause coma or death.
- Lethal Damage: Many lethal attacks against Adrian are unlikely to be recovered from. Complete disintegration or incineration may kill the Adrian instantly, but he has been known to heal from sloppy messes. Decapitation and distancing of the head away from the body may kill the user, as it prevents the brain from sending signals to the body to regenerate. However, Adrian can regenerate lost limbs by putting the injured "dead ones" back into contact with his flesh. Still, severe damage to the brain or head, as well as decapitation, has been known to slow him down, or put him into critical condition. Also, if the weapon used stays on the wound, regeneration may be slowed or stopped.
- Regenerative Flaws: Brain cells can be repaired, but if the cerebral cortex (where information, memories, awareness and consciousness are processed) is damaged, complex issues may arise. Since the information transmittance ceases, it stops telling the body to regenerate, killing him. Even if it does repair, damaged memories may not regenerate, causing him to have nothing more than primal instincts at best. This has happened numerous times throughout his life. Some forms of regeneration simply forces cell division to occur faster, rather than repairing/reviving damaged cells, and thus this actually speeds up aging shortening lifespan. His healing has rarely come at a cost, such as accelerating cellular division and aging to close up the wound. Removal of ability will cause him to age rapidly by the amount that the regeneration had held off all the time.
- Mental Defenses: After all, Adrian is still only human. While his body may be durable and regenerative, he lacks any mental defenses. Psionics, telepathy, or telekinesis are all strengthened against Moonlighter. Due to his traumatic life experiences and weakened psyche, he has been known to be overwhelmed by as little as a thought. However, his helmet does help him to resist mental manipulation and "mind reading" altogether, but masterminds are still able to get past his defense.
Equipment
While on the case, on assignment, or in the field, Adrian relies on his superhuman gift of regeneration. However, he has an array of timely gadgets that benefit him, and crush his opponents. Many wonder how exactly he got his hands on such devices; he certainly won't say. However, he uses them with ease (although a bit recklessly) to save the day...or occasionally ruin it. These are the common and uncommon items Moonlighter deploys while on duty.
- The Master Key: On Adrian's right middle index finger is a small ring with several bars, screws, and other related tools circling it. It is a device of his own design: a lock-pick ring. He usually uses these when working for a client to break into locked doors, vehicles, or related locks. While it may no be a defensive or offensive utility, he is never without it. It can open up nearly any kind of lock safe and sound. A master key operates a set of several locks. Usually, there is nothing special about the key itself, but rather the locks into which it will fit. These master-keyed locks are configured to operate with two, or more, different keys; one which is specific to each lock and cannot operate any of the others in the set, and the master key, which operates all the locks in the set.
- Dual Tonfas: Believe it or not, these trusty weapons are not the most lethal possession Adrian owns. While used specifically in his tactical gray gear (shown right), he has been seen using them in his Moonlighter outfit, his Blood Moon gear, and even in his civilian clothing. They are called many things. Nightsticks, tonfas, truncheons, and batons. They may be used to strike, jab, block, bludgeon and aid in the application of armlocks. The usual striking or bludgeoning action is not produced by a simple and direct hit, as with an ordinary blunt object, but rather by bringing the arm sharply down while allowing the truncheon to pivot nearly freely forward and downward, so moving its tip much faster than its handle - effectively a slingshot action, only without releasing. Sometimes, they also are employed as weapons by criminals and other law-breakers because of their easy concealment. As a consequence, they are illegal for non-authorized civilian use in many jurisdictions around the world. They have a common role to play, too, in the rescuing of trapped individuals—for instance, people caught in blazing cars or buildings—by smashing windows or even doors.
- Smoke Pellets: Large amounts of smoke can be deployed by throwing or breaking open these small hardened-gelatin spheroid capsules. Often used to quickly provide cover for Moonlighter's stealthily exits and entries. Due to his high-tech goggle lenses, he can see perfectly through the smoke. A smoke bomb is a firework designed to produce smoke upon ignition. Smoke bombs are useful to military units, airsoft games, paintball games, self-defense and pranks. Adrian uses these quite offensively, using them to blind, choke, or sabotage an enemy. Smoke grenades should not be confused with smoke bombs, which are typically started with an external fuse rather than a pin. Smoke grenades are canister-type grenades used as ground-to-ground or ground-to-air signaling devices, target or landing zone marking devices, or as screening devices for unit movements. Adrian uses the type of smoke grenade that bursts upon impact, which release white phosphorus into the air. White phosphorus catches fire in the presence of air, and burns with a brilliant yellow flame, while producing copious amounts of white smoke and can be quite deadly.
- Thermal and Electrostatic Gauntlets: Adrian's right and left gauntlets have a special modification. The left one causes sparking along his fingers and palms. His right hand will glow brightly and heat up very quickly. Both are quite deadly. His right hand can either simply burn the skin, or heat up enough to break past muscle and bone just with the heat alone. His left hand is quite formidable against machinery or robotic systems. The gauntlets themselves are made of a solid metal alloy that prevent self-damage. In Adrian's Blood Moon outfit, both hands wield the thermal options. In his gray outfit, he uses neither function.
- Specialized Lenses/Goggles: For every version of his outfit, Adrian has some form of specialized goggles or lenses. Every set has a night vision function; Night vision is the ability to see in low light conditions. Large lenses can gather and concentrate light, thus intensifying light with purely optical means and enabling the user to see better in the dark than with the naked eye alone.
- Moonlighter Goggles: For his Moonlighter suit, he has active infrared. Active infrared night-vision combines infrared illumination of spectral range 700–1,000 NM (just below the visible spectrum of the human eye) with CCD cameras sensitive to this light. The resulting scene, which is apparently dark to a human observer, appears as a monochrome image on a normal display device. Because active infrared night-vision systems can incorporate illuminators that produce high levels of infrared light, the resulting images are typically higher resolution than other night-vision technologies.
- Tactical (Gray) Gear Goggles: Adrian's tactical gear comes with thermal vision. Thermal imaging cameras are excellent tools for night vision. They detect thermal radiation and do not need a source of illumination. They produce an image in the darkest of nights and can see through light fog, rain and smoke. Thermal imaging cameras make small temperature differences visible. Thermal imaging cameras are widely used to complement new or existing security networks, and for night vision on aircraft, where they are commonly referred to as "FLIR" (for "forward-looking infrared".)
- Blood Moon Lenses: Adrian rarely gets to use his Blood Moon gear, but when he does, he enjoys his special "bloody vision". When enabled, Adrian can see the bloodstream in the body, and the cardiovascular system. The circulatory system is an organ system that permits blood and lymph circulation to transport nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, blood cells, etc. to and from cells in the body to nourish it and help to fight diseases, stabilize body temperature and pH, and to maintain homeostasis. He often deploys this for anti-drug operations or against supernatural foes (such as vampires).
- Frequency Disrupter Antennae: Adrian has several special devices in his Tactical Gray Gear's pouches and pockets. Often nicknamed "Y's", these small frequency-disruptors are very useful. Frequency disruptors were developed several years ago by the military to interrupt enemy communications and acts of terrorism. Terrorists are capable of wiring a wireless device, such as a cellular phone, to the detonator. When the wireless device receives an incoming frequency signal (incoming phone call) it triggers the detonator, setting off the explosion. Frequency disruptors can provide several advantages to crisis negotiation and tactical teams during a hostage, barricade or suicide situation. The ability to control communications is a critical factor in the safe and successful resolution. A frequency disruptor is programmed to operate on the same frequencies that common everyday wireless RF devices (cell phones, pagers, etc.) operate on. When a frequency disruptor is activated, the frequency bandwidth on which these common wireless RF devices operate becomes overloaded or flooded with data. Frequency disruptors are hampered by the same limitations as cell phones. Known as passive cell disruptors, steel girders and concrete may reduce the effectiveness of the disruptor. Frequency disruptors certainly do have disadvantages and limitations. Like other wireless RF devices, they need to be connected to a power supply be it an internal or external battery, or a wall outlet. During prolonged use, battery-operated frequency disruptors’ voltage will become depleted under heavy use. As the battery power goes down, so does the disrupted range.
- Grappling Line Launcher: The line launcher is very useful and tactical gadget. Its main purpose is to launch a horizontal zip-line that Moonlighter uses to traverse large gaps and traps. The line launcher has also been upgraded over months, allowing Moonlighter to consecutively fire zip-lines without touching the ground as long as there is something to attach them to. He can also stop mid-line an pull himself on top of the line using it like a tightrope, creating his own vantage point and attack an unsuspecting criminal. He uses it primarily for quick travel between rooftops, alleys, and sky scrapers, although it can be used as an offensive utility.
- Smart Suit: Adrian has several versions of his armor. His Moonlighter gear, often nicknamed the "white knight", is what he can be seen wearing day and night. It comes with his Moonlighter goggles, anti-psionics helmet, electrostatic gauntlets, and smoke pellets. It is made of Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, spectra, armid, zylon, and kevlar. His gray tactical gear is much stronger, and comes with a grappling line launcher, his "Y's", and dual tonfas, along with his standard smoke pellets and specialized lenses. His is very durable, and made for high-risk operations. Finally, his "Blood Moon" outfit is made of mystic fibers, and comes equipped with unique and rare tools of the trade. Utilizing his smoke pellets, bloodstream vision, silver wrist blades, and dual thermal gauntlets. His HUD, which carries over to each suit, allows him to communicate on "Respond & Protect", and on "Civilian Protection Network". Both are communication channels for emergencies.
Soundtrack
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Testimonials
- "I won't deny that he's a flawed being, but anyone that says they are not is lying to you. I just wish he could get his act together. I know there is some good in there somewhere. " - Limerick
- "A funny friend who has very few equal when it come to getting into trouble because of women. He is a big flirt but has no ill intent and means well." - Katerra
- "A friendly individual that I..."tolerate". Nonetheless, Conquer and myself regard him as an ally. And we crush anybody...that gives our allies trouble." - Caliga
- "I've worked with 'im on a few occasions. He's...slow. Not real smart. But hey, a meat shield's a meat shield. And he appreciates a good drink and a fine a**. Just don' 'spect me ta bring 'im aboard my ship." - Mojo
- "Me and the lil' sh** stain go way, way back. First met him at Bor'ba, yup. And uh, while I do -not- consider him a friend, we have business. I tell ya, nothing like free advertisement. Oh yeah, he's wearing my design, didn't you know?" - Terminus
- "Kid has a lot of potential, I'll give him that." - Skull
- "Dumb as a brick." - Vespula Sting
- "Oh my youngin'? Aha, Chupe is gucci. We be tighter than a snake's grip, word to that. He ain't got no bad intentions, at least I hope not. I see him tho'... he ain't the smartest man in the world, but he still holds my respect. Him and his flirtin' a**..." - Bria Crawford
- "Pretty damn sure this kid pissed himself, when I got some face time with him. Now don't quote me on that, but I could smell the fear seeping out from this unfortunate moron. I mean, tryin' to steal from my employer, with my boys on the compound grounds? Not a chance in 'ell." - Killshot
- "I've never been good with these kinds of things. Uh...he's a good guy deep down, and it shows when he wants it to, I guess. Can be kind of a downer, and he seems depressed a lot. Good to see him back in the game, though." - Coyote
- "I don't know what to make of him. He's not really smart and wouldn't stop talking about dating and the like. It was frustrating. I know he has potential, but right now he needs to buckle down and focus. Right now, he needs to train and work hard, and grow a pair." - Protostar
- "He's an...interesting individual. He surely has issues, no doubt. But on top of that, is a bit unfocused at times and tends to flirt with women. Fortunately, he's concerned with doing right and wants to make things right. He can't help who he is no more than I can't sleep at night. He may have flaws, but he's a hero that cares, and that's what matters the most."" - Captain Justice
- "Adrian is a very troubled man. But he is a good man, as well. Like most humans, most sentient beings in general, he just makes mistakes. Hopefully he learns from them. I think he just needs someone to help him. It is human nature. And helping is my nature. I think perhaps we belong with each other. Only time will tell." - Violet Rowes
- "He's fugly as shit." - Jezseera
Citations
- "Ultra-high-molecular-weight Polyethylene." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 01 Dec. 2014. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
- "Mixed Martial Arts." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Jan. 2014. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
- "Bullet-proof Vest." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Jan. 2014. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
- "Law Enforcement Publications and Conferences." Multiple Frequency Disruptors. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
- "10 Batman Gadgets You Wish You Had." DVICE. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
- "Smoke Grenade." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Jan. 2014. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
- "Circulatory System." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 31 Jan. 2014. Web. 04 Feb. 2014.
- "Jujutsu." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 02 Feb. 2014. Web. 04 Feb. 2014.
- "Key Lock#Master Key." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 05 Feb. 2014.
- "Night Vision." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 01 Apr. 2014. Web. 04 Feb. 2014.
