Vincenzo De Luca
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
| |
| "How shocking..." | |
| Vincenzo De Luca | |
| Player: @Nicholas Williams | |
| Origin: | Natural |
|---|---|
| Archetype: | Brute |
| Threat Level: | 33+ |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: | Vincenzo De Luca |
| Known Aliases: | "Crimson Vincenzo" |
| Species: | Human |
| Age: | 46 |
| Height: | 6'2.5 |
| Weight: | 171 |
| Eye Color: | Green, Mechanical |
| Hair Color: | Black |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: | Italian |
| Occupation: | Destined 8 member, Head Field Operative |
| Place of Birth: | Italy |
| Base of Operations: | Rouge Isles, Malice Society Base. |
| Marital Status: | Single (been married once) |
| Known Relatives: | Unknown |
| Known Powers | |
| "Human Generator" | |
| Known Abilities | |
| Generate red electricity, super speed, limited superhuman strength | |
| Equipment | |
| Artificial "Malice" Eye | |
| ' | |
Vincenzo De Luca was created with various retro villains in mind, though more orientated to older anime then comic books. His overall type of villain is of that of "blindly zealous" villain high ranker who follows the ideals of his organization but retains his own sense of justice and honor. Though even with his sense of justice and honor his loyalty to his organization and his brutality earns him the title of a villain.
Contents |
History
"A Crimson Spark"
Little is known about Vincenzo's history before becoming a member of the Malice Society. He was born into a noble bloodline that had always had been landowners, though weren't royalty of any kind. Upon coming of age he joined a secret society of super humans with his childhood friend Kyros Winters, this society was an offshoot of Arachnos, the WEB Loyalists. They were a group who still remained loyal to Arachnos' original founder, the Weaver. Eventually the younger members of this organization decided to rebel against the older. Killing the senior members and joining the Malice Society.
It was then Vincenzo entered the Malice Society as an Operative with Kyros. The two eventually climbing ranks to become officers and eventually major players. Forming rivalries all over the world Vincenzo seemed to favor China, and became close friends with it's Overseer "Wise Zhang". Forming new rivals in the East and combating old rivals traveling from the West he became he'd refine his combat skills. It was also in China he met his first love who eventually became his wife in secret.
"My Broken China doll"
Out of all the rivals Vincenzo fought against there will be one he will never forget. The woman he loved. Her real name was Yuan Fu but she was known as "Eastern Twilight" in the super hero community. A martial artist with limited mastery of ki and weak psychic abilities. At first they would just have the usual skirmish. "Stop Right there!" "-Insert villainous monologue-" "Fight!" Back in those days heroes always traveled in groups and villains traveled with disposable generic troops armed with rifles that didn't really do much against super humans (though, it's still a common practice these days). After taking care of his lackeys, they'd fight Vincenzo. Of course, they'd win and Vincenzo was forced to flee the scene. Though occasionally the tables would turn, he'd make the attack, and they'd have to flee.
In the middle of all this combat, secretly to both sides, Vincenzo and Yuan saw each other. Meeting secretly they would be like any normal couple. They truly loved the other, even though they disagreed with the other's ideals. This went on for years and eventually Yuan revealed to Vincenzo she was pregnant. At first he was excited at the idea of being a father but that excitement grew to concern as he pleaded with her to join the society.
She didn't. She continued to fight for good, she had yet to reach the state where the fetus would have any major development so she could still fight as long as she was careful. Vincenzo, who now was forced to hold back in the fights, would go out of his way to not use his electric based powers on her to prevent something from happening to his unborn child. Even though the two were incredibly careful, tragedy was bound to happen.
Shortly after he was accepted into the Destined Eight he discovered why. The member he was replacing was killed in an energy explosion that also wiped out a small village. The explosion was the result of a botched attack on one of the Society's Mecha Assembly Plants. "Eastern Twilight" was among them. Though, many question the nature of this "Mecha Assembly Plant" as the explosion not only wiped out several villages but turned everything black.
"Crimson Lightning"
Vincenzo, who believed it was the duty of man to not show weakness of any sort, would move on from his wife's death. In the explosion that claimed his love, a member of the Destined Eight was part of the death tolls. Given Vincenzo's loyalty, power, and intelligence he was given the position. This was when Vincenzo truly began to shine as he moved on from being an individual who fought heroes but entire organizations. Often Vincenzo was deployed with now-deceased Destined Eight member Killer Siegfried to take down the bases of various organizations. Unlike some fighters, Vincenzo excelled at both fighting single and multiple opponents. This made him the perfect candidate to become the Society's Head Field Operative.
Though it wasn't long before his leadership skills were noticed and he was assigned as Overseer to Europe, which is one of the locations rumored to be the Society's headquarters. Considering this was their prime location he'd act as Overseer off and on, depending on whether or not he was busy with another assignment from Destined Eight leader, Wise Zhang. Due to his skills as both a leader and fighter he became well known amongst the entire Society. A decade into becoming a member of the Destined Eight he recommended Kyros to join their ranks after a member of the Destined Eight died on an assignment with Kyros.
At that point the two separated once again, working on different sides of the Earth doing different things. For around a decade they didn't see each other until they got word of a mission to Paragon City, better known in their circle as "the City of Heroes".
"Pain of Defeat"
According to information provided to the society from Arachnos they staged an attack on the city itself. Not wanting to estimate the City of Heroes they took five members of the Destined Eight and a unit of Malice Society soldiers. Leading this group was Vincenzo, who lead a slaughter on the lesser heroes of Paragon. At first the attack seemed like it was going perfectly. While numerous metahumans appeared to combat the five, they were swiftly defeated or killed. But things changed for the worse when "they appeared".
The Freedom Phalanx, lead by the strongest hero in the City of Heroes-- The Statesman. Along with them they brought a small army of stronger heroes and the Destined Eight found themselves overpowered. In the conflict Killer Siegfried was killed, Kyros and Vincenzo captured, and the remaining two's fate remained a mystery.
"The Human Generator"
Crimson Vincenzo, a villian who organizations all over the world were waiting for capture, was finally in the hands of "justice". And, out of all places, a prison designed to hold super humans. Given Vincenzo's power, one of the first things the did was drain him of that crimson electric current. This was done by simply attaching a drugged Vincenzo to device which turned him into a living power supply. Once that was accomplished that device doubled as his cell. In order to prevent him from building up a charge he was constantly drained. Leaving him to become nothing more then a mortal man.
For months this went on, though the technicians at the Zig were noticing side effects on machinery powered by Vincenzo's current. They noticed an odd substance was forming on various parts of it, it was described as a "hard, red foam looking substance". Shortly after this substance appeared it would cause the device to overload and, depending on what it was, wreck some sort of havoc. It was decided that Vincenzo's power couldn't be used for "good" and the electric charge his body produced would just be drained and dissipated once collected.
"The Crimson Surge"
Behind the scenes, Lord Malice met with Lord Recluse via video conference. Accusing Recluse of possible betrayal and poor information, Lord Malice convinced Recluse to stage a breakout at the Zig. Once the attack was made Arachnos Soldiers broke into Vincenzo's cell. Unhooked him, and were all killed by a "power surge".
Stepping out of his cell and locating his belongings. He put on his trademark black suit, grabbed a cigar from the warden's desk, and fought his way out of the Zig.
"Expand into the Danger Zone!"
Although free from the Zig he soon discovered that his powers had been drained. A bit frustrated he began fighting against various metahumans and street punks in hopes he could drain their energy in fights to eventually reach his former level of power. After reaching a suitable level he contacted the Malice Society's Euro base.
Wise Zhang was ecstatic to learn that Crimson Vincenzo was still among the living. After surveying the situation Wise Zhang made a shocking revelation! That the reason Arachnos had moved from it's Italian base to Rouge Isles was, in part, to harvest metahumans. Seeing how Recluse had acquired a number of metahumans, it was decided the Malice Society would "tap" into the supply. Since Vincenzo was already there and somewhat familiar with the location he was appointed the task of starting a base on the Rouge Isles as it's Overseer!
"Here I come, but I ain't the same. Malice, I'm coming home."
After Vincenzo had recovered a great deal of his abilities he had noticed that there were issues expanding. While he had acquired numerous operatives that were excellent additions to the Society. He had even found two right hand men. Though, being someone who doesn't make decisions with haste, didn't promote many to higher positions to aid him in running things. His rational behind it was how easy it would be to be able to infiltrate the society. Another major issue he noticed as there were simply far too many organizations out there and a new presence such as the Malice Society would have problems getting villains who were active in their villainy.
Debating the situation he had figured even with ideal conditions, it would be literally impossible to create a strong enough presence to eventually tackle the huge amount of villain organizations. Cutting losses before they were too grand he pulled the project. While the Malice Society currently aren't active in the Isles Vincenzo's presence can be seen. He has returned to his position as head field operative. And as such still is deployed to the Rouge Isles once in a while.
Powers
Origin: Natural
According to medical records on Vincenzo, biologically speaking he is a completely normal human being. Even though he is considered to be a "metahuman" by most standards. There are no signs of genetic mutation, scientific experimentation, technological devices, or even a magic presence around him. The exact origin of Vincenzo's powers are unknown, so he's labeled as a natural being. Some theorize that this labels him a "natural metahuman". A metahuman who doesn't acquire any unusual abilities through evolutionary or scientific mutation, technological augmentation, or magical enhancement.
Crimson Electricity
They're a great deal of mystery behind Vincenzo's electricity. Society Scientists discovered it's a potent variant of standard electricity, which has the unique habit of draining other sources of energy to power itself. This unique energy source is the key to Vincenzo's power as the more foes he defeats the stronger he becomes.
Energy Absorption
By covering himself with his crimson electricity Vincenzo can absorb a small portion of the attack into his body, thus causing less damage to himself. He can also use his electricity to "drain" the energy of people and machines alike. The energy drained from his foes can be used to boost his endurance or increase the potency of his attacks.
Super Speed
Vincenzo can run at amazingly high speeds, few individuals can match it. His muscles have not only adapted to the Crimson Electricity, but uses it to enhance it's abilities.
Psionic Resistance
Vincenzo's determined mind gives him resistance to psionic abilities. It's quite a feat to invade his mind.
Abnormal Strength
Vincenzo has limited super strength. While no where near certain individuals he is stronger then a normal man.
"Malice Eye"
While not a "power". Vincenzo's eye gives him an advantage. By linking it up by Malice Society satellites he can get a "pinpoint" location of people. This also makes it hard for people to sneak up on Vincenzo if they're out in the open or near a window. People he wishes to "lock onto" have a green open box surrounding them. Allowing him to see a person's location even through buildings and at a great distance. His eye also can zoom in on objects on his own, allowing him to survey areas with the greatest of ease.
It also functions as his communicator.
Personality
Above everything, Vincenzo is a proud man. Some call him a relic in this day and age because of his pride. His mindset is from a different age. Where men approach sorrow with stoic strength. Approach joy with a sense of poise. And always act with honor in mind. While accepted moral standards brand him a villain, it can be argued he believes that "sometimes for the greater good one must become the devil".
Vincenzo believes in a fair fight, because of this he often fights multiple opponents at once to even the odds. Though, Vincenzo has no qualms about killing and does so as if it was a mundane task. It's not uncommon for Vincenzo to spare the lives of individuals who he believes, with time, could develop into someone of worth or even to become a rival to him.
It should be noted on one single occasion, in order to defeat a snake in the Society, he aided a group of heroes in defeating a foe. This act alone proves that Vincenzo cares about what he believes is the greater good--and that is a world ruled by Lord Malice. You could say he's the villain equivalent of an anti-hero. A man who's sense of justice branded him a villain by the world. His pride also tends to make him boastful--it's not exactly nice to boast over a group of dead Longbow agents telling them it's "'Shocking' how pathetic that was."
Speaking of which, Vincenzo is known to say one too many bad puns.
