Darkhawk |
Name: | Christopher Powell |
Gender: | Male |
Place of Birth: | New York |
Age: | 24 |
Aliases: | Chris |
Origin: | High Tech |
Origin Earth: | {$earth} |
Present Location: | New York |
Occupation: | Security, Avenger |
Team: | Avengers |
Alignment: | Hero |
Significant Other(s): | N/A |
Powers and Abilities: | Powersuit |
Portrayed by: | Sam Witwer |
Part 1: Origin
Christopher Powell is the son of Michael Powell (a New York City Police Officer) and Grace Powell (a District Attorney). Needless to say, he was raised with a profound sense of justice and honour, and respect for those who sacrificed their time and their lives for either ideal.
He was also raised with high expectations regarding his own future (to become either a police officer like his father, or lawyer like his mother - he leaned more to his father's vocation, and attended a police academy in his late teens).
Many of his perceptions regarding society, law enforcement and the incorruptible virtue of its officers were shattered the day he witnessed his father taking a bribe from a local crime-boss. While the boss's henchmen pursued him, he came upon a strange amulet that - upon physical contact - turned him into what he thought was a powersuit of some description. What he would come to realise, later on, was that the amulet did not summon a suit for him, so much as teleport his body into another dimension, and put his consciousness inside a new, android body…
The youth took to calling himself Darkhawk.
Part 2: Hero
Powell used his powers to thwart the crime-boss that had his fingers 'pulling the strings' of several cops, and then took the fight to other criminals over the next few years. This did not save him, however, from his anger-issues (largely due to his father's betrayal of the badge), and the amulet fed conflicting images into Powell's mind, creating hallucinations.
Nevertheless, he fought on - and he would have kept on fighting crime on Earth, oblivious to the full powers and true nature of his amulet, had not 'Talon' showed up.
Talon arrived on Earth, and helped Darkhawk against several adversaries - using the opportunities this presented him to show off some of the things Darkhawk would be able to do… if he followed Talon's guidance. Talon explained much about the amulet - how it had come to be on Earth (falling debris from battles in space), what it was part of (the Fraternity of Raptors - interstellar law-keepers), and what it could do (which was so much more than Powell could ever have imagined.
The two left for the stars.
Powell's tutelage under Talon lasted some months, travelling from one star system to another (even the dimension known as the Negative Zone), making both friends and enemies. He learned much in the way of the 'larger' criminal underworld and how to fight it, and while the galaxy proved FULL of surprises - nothing compare to Talon's betrayal. Thanks to Talon, the entity locked within the Raptor amulet took command of the Raptor 'droid, and banished Chris Powell's consciousness to where his body went, each time he transformed into Darkhawk:
Null Space.
Part 3: Fugitive
Powell had no idea how long he really stayed there in that dimension - trapped in a crystalline prison, hanging like a decoration (among thousands of others) from a colossal tree known as the Tree of Shadows. Months? Years? A little of both? He did, however, manage to escape his 'cell' - only to find the stasis crystals guarded by hordes of demon-like creatures… He had to remain inside his cell - or fight the entity that had robbed him of his powers, his free will, his very life.
That entity called itself 'Razor'.
Powell, thanks to being human - a race that the Shi'ar had not accounted for when the original technomages had built the Raptor Amulets and avatars - was able to overpower Razor and reclaim the 'suit' and his life. However, Powell learned that during his incarceration, Razor and Talon had wreaked havoc across the galaxy with a number of high profile crimes, not the least of which being the assassination of Empress Lilandra of the Shi'ar Imperium…
The blame fell upon Darkhawk.
Despite his defeat of Razor, and killing Talon, Darkhawk had become a fugitive from several governments in outer space. He put himself to work, using the new abilities he had learned under Talon and from talking to a few other prisoners in the Tree of Shadows, to try and clear his name - and eventually returned to Earth. At least on Earth, most people had never heard of Darkhawk, or that he had a criminal record, and he was able to return to work (his day job) at Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S as a security officer.
Part 4: Cancerverse
Sometime after Lilandra's assassination, the war between the Shi'ar and the Kree resulted a devastating anomaly that appeared in the cosmos; it became known as 'The Fault'. Due to the effects of the Fault, several Raptor-amulets (previously 'lost' across multiple dimensions) found their way into the 616-universe and took hosts.
Suddenly: the Fraternity of Raptors was reborn.
Darkhawk left Earth and returned to the fight among the stars, hunting down Raptors and banishing them back to the Null Source. In the process of this, he passed through the Fault and battled a version of Anath -Na Mut — the being known as 'The Sphinx'. Although the Sphinx was defeated, it became clear just how much damage the Fault had done (and continued to do) to the fabric of reality.
It is entirely possible it contributed in some way to the collapse of the multiverse — but there is no way to know for sure. The 'wound' was eventually healed (after several heroes travelled to the horrific dimension at the other end of the Fault, called the 'Cancerverse'), and Darkhawk returned to being both hero and fugitive. He joined a branch of the Avengers that admitted younger heroes (like Powell), to train to become full Avengers in time.
Part 5: Murderworld
The events in Powell's life following the incident in the Cancerverse, and fighting horrible doppelgangers of his friends, are likely the darkest in his life. A villain by the name of Arcade took Powell and several other young heroes (from the Avengers Academy, the X-men, and other teams) to a place known as 'Murderworld' where the heroes were made contestants in a death-match (think: Interstellar Hunger Games). Powell watched as friends fought (and sometimes killed) friends, and at one point had his Raptor Amulet torn from his chest. Powell supposedly died, only to be discovered by the survivors of the competition as Arcade's prisoner. Despite the eventual victory of the contestants against Arcade (and the return of Darkhawk's amulet to him), the whole affair took a serious toll on Powell's heart and mind.
Soon afterward, the multiverse… died, and Powell woke up to find himself on Earth again, with conflicting memories of what had just transpired — particularly the events on Murderworld. He discovered that the Datasong intel-stream (which he rarely used, and even then only a little) had been corrupted due to massive chunks of data… disappearing. He is aware 'something' happened, but has no idea what. He mourns the deaths of some of his friends… but struggling remembering who actually died.
Suffice it to say, he chose to remain on Earth to reconnect with his roots, and continue playing hero. He still has his job, his family and his amulet. Who know what lies ahead now?
Honour
Honesty and integrity are very important to Powell. He has seen corruption in the police force, and what it can cost a man (an entire family, rather). He has had to fight against the will of those who would seek to use him (and not always succeeded). Powell doesn't think of himself as a warrior, but he fights with the spirit of one.
Loyalty
Powell values his friends, and in the events on Murderworld he had to fight his friends — while watching them fight each other. This only makes his resolve in 'being there' for his friends and family when needed all the stronger.
Anger
From childhood trauma to the toll of being a hero, Powell has developed some issues with anger. He does not always deal well with emotional burdens. Consequently, he attends meeting on a regular basis to help him with his anger-management issues. On the plus side, his anger is what helped him purge Razor from his mind and take back control of the Raptor amulet and suit.
Semi-Religious
Raised a Roman Catholic, Powell is hardly the sort of person one could 'devout'. Nevertheless, he considers himself religious and sometimes goes to Confession, and church services. As 'Chris Powell' he involves himself in charities around town (New York) as often as he can. He feels it keeps him… grounded.
Motivation
His name. Powell continues to fight evil wherever he can mainly to clear his name (of crimes he didn't commit, or failed to prevent). He feels terribly guilty for things like Lilandra's assassination, and the deaths of other young Avengers on Murderworld. Fighting crime helps ease his conscience, and keeps him passionate rather than depressed. Powell also looks up to other heroes — particularly those who have failed from time to time, or battled issues like depression, drug and alcohol addiction, etc…
Goals
Powell wants to become a full-fledged Avenger, and shift his focus to protecting Earth, primarily. He is also determined to find any remaining Raptor amulets on Earth, and destroy them. He wants to become more than just 'tech-savvy' but actually study engineering (which means night-school, and hanging out with much smarter people). He barely remembers his crimes, but feels he has something to prove - like clearing his name, even if he doesn't quite understand why.
OOC Goals - to introduce some extraterrestrial threats, mysteries, etc for plots (on Earth - so, invasions, infiltrations, infestations etc…), to help build up the ranks of the Avengers, and to play scenes as 'Chris Powell: human', as well as 'Darkhawk'.
Darkhawk Physique
Without the suit/android, Powell has the physical attributes of a young man who engages in regular exercise. Once he transitions his consciousness into the android, the 'stats' of the android take effect, greatly increasing his physical capabilities. These are:
Strength - Darkhawk can press a few tons when in the 'suit'. In human form, he has the strength of a normal youth that engages in regular exercise. It is possible for the suit to reconfigure itself for greater feats of strength (albeit temporarily), but on average it is limited to this setting of between 2-3 tons.
Speed - In atmospheres, Darkhawk can easily reach transonic speeds - providing he configures the suit for increased flight capacity (i.e. the 'Strike Suit'). At its default setting, the suit can reach subsonic speeds. In space, it is understandably much faster and can open hyperspace windows for interstellar jumps.
Endurance - The Darkhawk android body can last for several days without recharge, if necessary - providing it is not often used for particularly draining feats of power (such as more powerful configurations or modes - like Strike Mode). In its default mode it could keep up a fight for a few days, barring extensive damage.
Dexterity - As Darkhawk, Powell's reflexes are definitely superhuman - especially when in the air. He cannot 'dodge a hail of bullets' (so to speak), but can move like a dancer in the air or space. Without the 'suit' Powell has the dexterity of a youth who keeps himself fit, nothing more.
Toughness - The Darkhawk suit can shrug off a number of conventional attacks with minimal damage (knives, small-arms fire, etc), but it is far from indestructible. The armouring of the wings is stronger than the rest of the suit, and they can be used to fold around Darkhawk for additional protection, especially in Warflight/Strike Mode.
Flight
Darkhawk can fly. He uses Shi'ar repsulor-tech to hover, and rockets in both his boots and back-module for speed. The suit's wings provide navigation. Powell's skill in flight largely comes from the suit itself, but he has learned a few things along the way as well. His top speed varies depending on his environment (i.e. atmosphere, vacuum, underwater, etc).
Jump Gate
The same power that allows Darkhawk to make interstellar 'jumps' also enables him to jump dimensions - to the Negative Zone. Powell eventually realised that the Null Source (the thing or place from which he gets his armour - and powers), the Tree of Shadows - all of it - is actually located somewhere within the Negative Zone, a dimension known for harbouring a great many evils.
Any sort of hyper-jump or dimension-jump is highly draining, allowing for only one jump a day, safely.
Mass Limit - Himself and one or two others, at the expense of more power.
Note: the ability to calculate a jump relies heavily on the Datasong, which has been corrupted (during Secret Wars). Jumping even across the galaxy, or the solar system is extremely dangerous - so Darkhawk will likely not be doing that.
Dark Shield
Darkhawk can project an energy force-field (that appears as a wafer-thin disc or dome of dark energy) from the crystal in his chest. The shield is only a handful of feet across, but can be projected at different angles around him. The energy shield also drains a lot of power, thus Darkhawk tends to rely on the armour in his wings for protection.
Dark Blasts
Darkhawk can project beams of concussive dark energy from the amulet in his chest, or from his visor, or cannons mounted either on his forearms or shoulders (in Strike/Warflight Mode). The damage output varies depending on which mode he has active at the time, and what he personally wants to achieve - but smashing through walls or obliterating tanks are both quite possible.
The energy blasts can be modified to project more heat than force, if desired (to the melting point of steel), and have considerable range so as to be useful in space. All damage output increases significantly when fully configured for combat.
Ion Blasts
The Darkhawk suit can project arcs of electro-magnetic energy to either tase a target or fry circuitry. The intensity of the blast varies according to Powell's desires, and can be fired from either the amulet, his visor, or (more commonly) from wrist rockets in Strike Mode, or simply morphing one of his limbs into an ion gun.
Claw-Cable
The cable housed in Darkhawk's right gauntlet is highly durable (although Adamantium could easily cut it) and can be fired at high speeds to ensnare/grapple targets. The cable ends in three prongs that can pierce most substances, although it does not have to do damage; it can be used as a tool instead of a weapon.
Cable - Molecular compression and the suit's own morphic capabilities allow the gauntlet to store 250 feet of cable, which has limited prehensile properties, controlled by Darkhawk.
Claws - These be extended from the back of Darkhawk's right hand without firing the cable itself. Each 'claw' is 12" long and can be configured for either grappling or shredding. The strength and damage of both claw and cable is comparable to other Shi'ar tech, although minerals such as Adamantium, Vibranium and Uru would be able to overcome it.
Wings & Talons
Wings - The glider-wings of the suit are already configured (in default mode) with razor-sharp edges to be used in combat - just like the Claw-Cable. The wings are also ideal for shielding against incoming damage (up to explosives, energy blasts etc).
Talons - The suit itself has smaller talons on each fingertip and the toe of each boot for either combat or climbing. In Strike/Warflight Mode, both talons and wings are significantly larger.
Enhanced Vision
The Darkhawk android can switch between various wavelengths of light across the spectrum. (such as UV and infrared). It also comes with telescopic vision. Powell is obviously far less perceptive when 'out of armour'.
Self-Repair
The Darkhawk 'suit' has its own healing factor - i.e. it is capable of self-repair. The user still feels pain when struck whilst wearing the suit. It 'bleeds' too - a dark fluid that could be coolant, oil etc… If the android body should sustain too much damage, Powell can trigger another 'swap', which will send the tech back to the Null Source. Once there, repairs automatically begin - and can take anything from a few seconds, to several minutes (or longer) to complete.
The Suit - If Powell wants his suit/android to heal FAST, he needs to morph OUT of it, putting himself in greater danger for a few seconds to a few minutes or hours (depending on the damage). In Null Space, the suit can regenerate lost limbs in a matter of minutes.
The Man - If Chris himself should be severely injured, he could theoretically turn into Darkhawk, thus putting his human body in stasis back inside Null Space. It would not heal his injuries, but it would keep him alive, and give him time to reach a hospital.
Raptor Amulet
The amulet embedded in Powell's chest is MAGICAL in nature (soul magic) and comes from the Tree of Shadows in the pocket dimension of Null Space. Given that its previous host was dead when Powell donned it, he was able to use it (the amulet is now bonded to HIM, and cannot be used by someone else as long as Powell is alive). Raptor Amulets do give off faint traces of magical energy, but are very difficult to destroy. When activated, it simultaneously triggers two things:
Physical Teleportation - The armour - actually an android - is summoned from the 'Null Source', and exchanges places with the host (Powell). The host's body remains in stasis (inside a protective 'gem-like' cocoon), as a living sacrifice to the Null Source - unless the host is strong enough to overcome it - like Chris Powell.
Consciousness Transfer - In that same instant, Powell's mind merges with the suit, allowing him to control its myriad functions. It also grants him access to the stream of information known as the 'Datasong' (which he barely understands, and barely uses).
Null Space
Null Space - is a pocket dimension hidden within the Negative Zone supposedly consisting of 'nothingness'. However, the Fraternity of Raptors (at the very least) have used it to store their mystical crystals, the Tree of Shadows, and the imprisoned hosts/sacrifices that allow Raptors to manifest in realspace.
Null Source - This is the mysterious source from which all Raptor-magic and tech draws its power. Precious little is known about it, except that it - like 'Null Space' itself - is somehow tied to the Negative Zone, and that its magic is akin to necromancy. The Null Source is not easily reached, and is heavily guarded.
Datasong - The Datasong is a stream of information 60 centuries old, and channelled via mystical currents from the Null Source to all active Raptors. It contains intel from all over the cosmos and can analyse it to predict future events (to a limited degree). Darkhawk has only enjoyed a stable, 'full' connection to the Datasong briefly - given that A) it almost drove him mad in the beginning, and B) it can be used by other Raptors to try and invade Darkhawk's mind.
Powell has almost completely closed his connection to the Datasong out of necessity, using it only as a source of intel much like the Internet (i.e. no predictions of future events, but access to public information). The only lingering benefits of it feature as languages (he speak Shi'ar and Interlac). The multiverse-collapse has led to its data becoming largely corrupted.
Raptor Android
The Raptor suit is not really a suit. It is a 'morphic containment module' of sorts (an android 'vessel'), but for one's consciousness, not one's body. It has a limited ability to change into different modes (by drawing additional materials straight from Null Source), or to alter its limbs to serve different functions (such as turning an arm into a cannon).
Stealth Mode - Invisibility. This configuration also renders Darkhawk undetectable by most conventional sensor scans, including sonar and infrared. Stealth Mode limits the suit's capabilities by A) swapping out most armour and firepower hardware for stealth-tech, and B) it drains power.
Disguise Mode - The Darkhawk android can scan a nearby humanoid being or creature, and then project a holographic, 'hard-light' image around itself to copy it. The disguise will not change his scent, neither mask the faint traces of magical energy the amulet exudes, nor his brain waves. It also reduces armour and firepower.
Strike Mode/Warflight Mode - The big guns. In this configuration, Darkhawk is a veritable 'battle-mech'. He can hit harder, fly faster, take more punishment, and use his wings as separate appendages (i.e. no longer extending from his arms, but out from his back). It, too, drains more power than the default setting, but will still last a few hours.*
Carbon-Fiber Mode - This is a light-weight configuration built entirely without metal. The suit's core abilities (concussion blasts, flight, claws, cable etc…) remain the same, however its durability is greatly diminished and it cannot use its Strike Mode weapons in this mode).
Other Functions - The Raptor Android has other configurations of which Powell is not aware, but his current knowledge covers most of what the suit can do. It also has a built-in comm system - capable of interstellar transmissions, a HUD and scanner] features - for discerning life-signs, biorhythms, weapons…
Scout Drone
The Claw-Cable in Darkhawk's right arm can be removed and transformed into a drone that resembles a black and silver, cybernetic hawk. The drone can fly great distances away from Darkhawk (such as from orbit into low atmosphere), and transmit everything it senses directly to him. It is as sturdy as the armour of the suit and can fly at transonic speeds. Obviously, while using the drones Darkhawk cannot use claws or cable.
Humanity
The fact that Powell is human gives him a significant advantage over any Raptor-Spirit from Null Space that might (at some time or other) attempt to seize control of his suit. The Fraternity of Raptors is a millennia-old order that designed its technology (and magicks) to accommodate the alien species that were considered 'advanced' so very long ago. Because humans were not the space-faring race they are today, human physiology is resistant to Raptor influence (particularly the power of human emotions - especially, anger, love).
Fearsome Visage
Should anyone remove the 'helmet' or faceplate of the Raptor android, the visage seen beneath it changes depending upon whomever should look at it. It always appears as something horrible and frightening (or just horrible, for those who are especially strong-willed). It cannot DO anything; it is merely meant to strike terror into the hearts of weak-willed adversaries.
Combat
On his own, Powell is little more than a brawler with minimal experience. In control of the Raptor android, he has access to more advanced fighting skills - and incorporates his other abilities into them. The issue is knowing what the suit is capable of, in order to use it. With the HUD of the suit, he is more or less a crack-shot with firearms. Without the HUD, he is a 'fair shot' in ideal conditions.
Style - Shi'ar martial arts. Usually, fighting involves a great deal of dodging, slashing with wings and claws, and blasting with the amulet.
Streetwise
Powell has a little experience working in and among criminal elements as well as against them. He is familiar with a number of different worlds out in the galaxy, and can sometimes use knowledge from the Data-Song to help him blend in.
Driving
Powell has a driver's licence, and can manage cars and motorcycles with relative ease. He is no stunt-driver by any means. He can pilot some alien vehicles as well, but with less aptitude (he generally uses the suit to get around).
Tech-Savvy
Powell has had a fair amount of time to witness, use and even study a variety of alien tech - in addition to using good old-fashioned Terran gadgets. He is no science-wiz or professional tinkerer, but can at least use some devices that the average Earthling might not.
Investigation
Powell grew up with his father and mother continually lecturing him about the law and its enforcement. He had intended to become a police officer himself, and joined the police academy prior to discovering the Raptor Amulet. Since that day, he has had to put what little he knows into good use as he tries to clear his name of crimes he did not commit. He is no sleuth, but has a better idea of what to look for and how to use it, than the average citizen.
Alien Cultures
Having spent some time in space, Powell has encountered numerous alien species and had to interact with them. Thanks to the Datasong, he already possesses more knowledge than someone of his age might have accumulated regarding these cultures, their languages, etc… Accessing more data is tricky, but he has enough to get by.
It should be noted: the Datasong has little-to-no information on Earth and its inhabitants. Furthermore, most of its intel on the rest of the galaxy is severely corrupted, due to the multiverse collapsing.
Amulet Removal
The amulet can be forcibly removed from the android suit, with the proper application of strength. If it is taken from Powell when he is inhabiting the armour, he will instantly swap places with it once more - and remain (wherever he happens to be) in human form. If the amulet is removed when he is already human, he will simply stay human - but the process of removal (given that it is embedded in his chest) would be extremely painful. He will not be able to transform without recovering the amulet once more.
Amulet Possession
The true function of the Raptor Amulets is to seek out a living host (a sentient being - of any species) and take control of it. The host is then teleported to 'The Null Source' - the mystical energy that powers the Raptor Suits and all their abilities - which allows the 'spirit' to assume control of it.
The Raptor-entities are in fact extra-dimensional demons, themselves (that may or may not have been Shi'ar technomages at some point in the distant past).
The host lives… a long time. In stasis. Feeding the Null Source.
Powell is the only (recorded) host to overpower the Raptor-Spirit (named 'Razor') and assume full control of both amulet and android. It is unclear (to Powell) if whether he has destroyed - or merely subdued - the being connected to his specific suit. There is a possibility that Razor may reassert himself, and take control again…
Null Space
Although the pocket dimension of Null Space (as well as the Null Source, the Datasong, and all the Raptor tech contained within) can be considered an advantage, it is also a strong liability. The Datasong once nearly drove Powell insane, and 'his' Raptor (named Razor) tried to use the 'song as a means into Powell's mind. There are thousands of other Raptor spirits in that dimension, and thousands of 'Servants of the Null Source' - i.e. demons - guarding it. Should Powell decide to project his consciousness back through the amulet and into that dimension, he would be putting his life in great peril. If any of the creatures in that dimension were to break free… they would immediately seek Powell out.
Criminal Record
Thanks to the actions of the Raptor entity inside the amulet (Razor, when he was in control), Powell now has a criminal record that any number of worlds might know about. Whenever he tries to do good out in the galaxy, there are both good guys and bad guys after him…
Given the collapse of the multiverse with the events known as the 'Secret Wars', Darkhawk's criminal status in this 'new' Earth-616 is… uncertain. It is entirely possible (especially since Empress Lilandra is alive and well) that no one remembers Darkhawk's crime, but far more likely that some remember. He will have to be careful.
Secret Identity
Should it become known that 'Chris Powell' is also Darkhawk, there are those who would not hesitate to use his family against him. This is, of course, a source of constant worry for Powell. He has also spent so much time in space (or just crime-fighting on Earth) that the Darkhawk persona is closer to 'the real Chris Powell' than 'Chris Powell' is (without the amulet). He didn't complete college, but did succeed in earning a security job at Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S. His family members are:
Mike Powell (father)
Grace Powell (mother)
Jon & Jason Powell (brothers)
His real name is known to the Avengers, and a few of his co-workers at Project P.E.G.A.S.U.S.
Brashness
Powell has something of an 'act first, ask questions later' approach to crime-fighting. He is not especially patient, and often rushes into the fray without properly thinking things through. This has a tendency to get him into trouble. Often.
Anger
Powell harbours a great deal of repressed anger - anger that has a tendency to erupt whenever he is particularly stressed. Whether it is due to his discovering that his father is a crooked cop, or being held captive in Null Space… or something else - Powell has more than enough reason to lash out irrationally, even at his friends. He returns to Earth often, to attend anger-management sessions with his support group.
The Sphinx
There is a connection (although Powell is unaware of it) between the Fraternity of Raptors, their amulets, the Tree of Shadows and the Null Source… and the ancient, immortal Egyptian wizard once called Anath-Na Mut. These days, he merely goes by 'The Sphinx', and is a cosmic entity of cunning, ambition and terrible power.
What this means for Darkhawk is (as yet) unknown, but should he ever drawn the attention of the Sphinx… it would not be anything good.
Galactic
Darkhawk's reputation out in the wider galaxy is a topic of some debate. He was a wanted criminal all across the Shi'ar Imperium (although innocent), but now… there would be some out there who remember the incident, while most of the galaxy will not. To most others, he would be known as a hero (if he is known at all).
Terran
On Earth, Darkhawk would be known as a 'young Avenger', and even then only by a minority. He has appeared from time to time in the company of other heroes, lending his assistance, but most of his activities (until recently) have been out in space. As for Chris Powell, he is relatively unknown — just a 'normal', American citizen trying to make a living.