Bannerman
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
I've always been fascinated by the East, and even more so by the few occurrences when it meets the West and something awesome happens. Thus, in the the tradition of Shogun and The Last Samurai, here is Bannerman, a police officer who takes duty one step further and into the realm of an ancient way of life...
| |
| "Never bring a gun to a sword fight." | |
| Bannerman | |
| Player: @Pulcinella | |
| Origin: | Natural |
|---|---|
| Archetype: | Scrapper |
| Security Level: | 14 |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: | Patrick Bannerman |
| Known Aliases: | Yamakishi Patorikku |
| Species: | Human |
| Age: | 26 |
| Height: | 6' |
| Weight: | 207 lbs |
| Eye Color: | Green |
| Hair Color: | Red |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: | American citizen |
| Occupation: | PPD officer |
| Place of Birth: | Kings Row, Paragon City (RI) |
| Base of Operations: | Confidential |
| Marital Status: | Confidential |
| Known Relatives: | Philip Bannerman (uncle) |
| Known Powers | |
| Chi focusing | |
| Known Abilities | |
| Confidential | |
| Equipment | |
| Titanium alloy katana, tactical police gear, balanced throwing knives | |
| ' | |
Contents |
History
The Eccentric Uncle
As an orphaned boy in Kings Row, Patrick Bannerman found all sorts of ways to get into trouble. His volatile temper would lead him into fights, car thefts and even a few muggings - and he was only fourteen! It's a good thing his counselor was finally able to track down his last known live relative, a recluse Scottish aristocrat, Philip Bannerman. Taking the young man in as his legal ward, he brought him back to Scotland, to the ancestral family manor. A surprise was waiting for Patrick when passed the great oaken doors, fully expecting to see bear rugs, medieval armors and stone battlements.
The interior of the castle had been fully redone with sliding paper walls and tatami mats. It was like stepping into ancient Japan.
The Adventurous Ancestor
It turns out one of the family ancestors, William Bannerman, had been a world-traveling adventurer back in the eighteenth century. He had even fought under the banner of a Japanese daimyo. His prowess in battle and loyalty to his lord earned him one of the highest honors to which a foreigner could aspire: being granted the status of Samurai. He was given land and the Japanese name of Yamakishi ("banner of the mountains").
Bannerman the ancestor brought back more than riches from the East, he also brought back weapons, art, literature, retainers and a way of life. All through the following years, there was always a Bannerman to remain in the castle and preserve the traditions and skills to keep the Yamakishi samurai clan alive in the West.
The Redeemed Nephew
The following years were spent in grueling training for Patrick. Not only did his uncle train him in kendo, iaido and aikido, but he also schooled him in the arts and philosophy of ancient Japan. Thanks to a strict regimen of physical training and literary schooling, Philip Bannerman was able to replace his nephew's youthful anger by a new focus.
So changed was the young man that, on his return from Scotland at the age of 21, he immediately enrolled in the Paragon Police Academy and graduated with honors. Now a full-fledged member of the city's police force, officer Patrick Bannerman brings a new kind of justice to the streets.
Affiliations
Bannerman has just been assigned to the newly formed PPD Special Cases Unit where he has been granted the rank of lieutenant.
Appearance
One look at Bannerman's face will immediately betray his gruff Scottish descent: square jaw, ruddy complexion, strong green eyes in a face framed by bright hair and beard. However, watching him move will tell another story: his muscled frame moves with a grace that is almost feline and all of his actions are precise and measured, as if the most simple deed had been finely honed by years of practice.
Bannerman can usually be found in uniform, a light version of SWAT tactical gear that allows him extra freedom of movement. Since he considers his duty to the city to be a full-time commitment, he rarely takes it off when about, not even on his off days. When at home, he wears a gi and hakama.
Personality
It seems nothing remains of boisterous and irascible youth in Bannerman. He has found meaning to his life and that meaning is duty: duty to the PPD, duty to his mentors and superiors and duty to the people of Paragon City. Even though he is sometimes perceived as overly rigid by other heroes, his police superiors appreciate what they see as professionalism on his part. In truth, Bannerman has taken to heart the samurai values of Bushido. These constitute the ruler by which he will measure his thoughts and deeds - even in the most dire and life-threatening circumstances.
Powers
Chi Focusing
Through meditation and intense training, Bannerman has learned to focus his inner energy and to use it to augment his physical and mental cabalilities. This makes him less likely to succumb to physical or psychic attacks as well as allowing him to recover more quickly from those attacks.
Equipment
Katana
This weapon is standard issue for the officers of the Special Cases Bureau of the Tokyo Police Prefecture. Bannerman was given the weapon during a special police exchange program. It features a textured hollow grip made for holding throwing knives; it is hard enough to serve as a night stick for non-lethal attacks. The blade is made of a special titanium alloy able to slice through substances far harder than flesh if need be.
Throwing Knives
These slender blades do little damage and are used for fire suppression and harrowing.
Police Gear
This kit includes a kevlar vest, blue jumpsuit and black hard leather boots. There's also a tactical harness and belt for holding communication equipment, handcuffs, a flashlight and so on.
Trivia
Bannerman speaks fluent Japanese. He can also read and write it without fault.
In his spare time, he enjoys painting, calligraphy and ikebana.
Pet peeve: people thinking his family name is actually a superhero handle.
