Bernard the Beast
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
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| Bernard The Beast | |
| Player: Ghrantos | |
| Origin: | Natural (Genetically Modified) |
|---|---|
| Archetype: | Scrapper |
| Security Level: | 20 - 30 |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: | Bernard Theodore Beranulf |
| Known Aliases: | ' |
| Species: | "Beast" (self-proclaimed; species crossed between "homosapiens, caninae, & ursidae) |
| Age: | 29 |
| Height: | 1.8m (5' 11") |
| Weight: | 155kg (374lbs) |
| Eye Color: | Blue |
| Hair Color: | Blue |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation: | Superhero, Doctor of Athletic and Internal Medicine, Professional Chemist and Geneticist |
| Place of Birth: | Sheridan Memorial Hospital; Plentywood, Montana |
| Base of Operations: | Medicine Lake , Montana |
| Marital Status: | Unmarried |
| Known Relatives: | ' |
| Known Powers | |
| Meta-Level Strength, Agility, and Endurance. | |
| Known Abilities | |
| Skilled in a variety of unarmed fighting techniques. | |
| Equipment | |
| Medical Equipment (Details Unknown at Present) | |
| ' | |
Contents |
Brief History
Bernard was a doctor of sports medicine, an athlete, and a chemist before his turn to super-heroism. His heroic career began when he developed a chemical formula based on investigations into performance enhancing drugs and serums commonly used in both meta-physical beings (such as super heroes, mutants, and aliens) and normal human beings that induced a meta-esque effect (such as The Trolls and mutants). The formula (which he eventually referred to as MF3 or, “Myotrophic Formula 3”) most resembled that of the known street drug, "Superdine", and through lab experimentation, he discovered it was a composite formula that also contained elements of a drug akin to that of super soldier serums employed by groups such as The Council. Deciding that deeper investigation was required for analyzing the causes and effects produced by this serum (and consequentially the effects of both Superdine and super soldier serum), he entered the world of genetics. With help from Dr. Kyle Monroe (a friend of Bernard’s specializing in the science of genetics), he began modifying certain parts of the MF3 formula, until he had the rough equivalent of Superdine without the genetic altering effects which caused the pale green skin commonly associated with excessive Superdine use.
Due to common medical practice, the formula had only been tested on rats and other laboratory animals, and because of an oversight in the mathematical principles involving the modification of certain chemicals, a genetic change would occur in humans: modification to chromosome 17. A depository of approximately 1200 to 1500 genes, chromosome 17 has had a suspected link to a condition known as Generalized Hypertrichosis Terminalis, or “CGHT”, which occurs due to vast genomic changes.
However Bernard and Kyle were thoughtful in that they might have accidentally overseen some ill-effect within MF3’s chemical structure, and cleverly created a genetic inverse that was more or less an antidote to whatever ailments might be caused due to human consumption. With this safety protocol available, Bernard cheerfully decided to test the formula on himself. The result was astounding; so much so that for his own safety he put himself into an induced coma. Over the course of a mere five months, Bernard underwent a major physical change; his skeletal structure changed to reveal canine facial features, and he grew hair more fully until it resembled fur. His humanoid structure remaining intact, Bernard had effectively come to resemble an azure werewolf of sorts. Denying this title however, Bernard jokingly referred to himself as a beast upon his resuscitation. For several weeks tests were performed to verify his mental integrity, and when it turned out that he was in perfect mental and physical homeostasis, he went back to his studies in procuring a formula and genetic procedure that would reverse his condition, the earlier “antidotal” formula having cured him of chemically induced ailments, but not extensive alteration of his DNA.
Time went by however, and though he had made much progress in discovering a “cure”, he eventually began to enjoy his condition, and took to the streets of Paragon more often. Often these expeditions were casual and sociable; going out to dinner, or to bars and coffee houses, shopping for clothes and other essential things that any normal human would. As time passed though, he began to see himself as different than humanity; after all, he had changed to such a great extent that to call himself genetically human was an outright fabrication. He really was a beast now--strong, agile, clever and personable he may have been, but he wasn’t human anymore.
The turning point only truly came when he witnessed a criminal on the streets rob a pedestrian. Without thinking he leapt into action, and realized the potential that a beast such as himself possessed. He had rushed faster than the fastest sprinter at the thief, and with a tackle worthy of any professional football or rugby player, brought the criminal to the pavement. As the P.P.D. arrested the suspect, Bernard was asked for his Hero Corps Identification--upon failing to provide it, it was kindly suggested that he consider getting one.
Today, Bernard is a licensed Super Hero, and is recognized as “Bernard the Beast”. He patrols the streets of Paragon City, aids the P.P.D. in their valiant fight against the criminal forces seeking anarchy, and often performs tasks for Hero Corps and Longbow, further helping quell the threat of villainous dominance. Slowly gaining mastery over his abilities, Bernard uses a combination of martial arts styles against criminals, while he employs his tough skin and bones as a shield against attack. When not cleaning the streets of criminal scum, he is often to be found at the Universities across Paragon City, researching the cure that would change him back to the human he once was...just in case.
Records
Extracts From MF3 Laboratory Test Notes
Witten by Dr Bernard Theodore Beranulf
Week #4:
…felt different. It seems that the formula does indeed produce effects similar to that of the super soldier serum; thanks Professor John-Smythe (FBSA, SERAPH division), I was able to obtain a sample of that serum during my earlier comparisons. During my physical evaluation, I recorded increased speed and strength, suggesting a mutation of Type IIa Muscle Fibers. I’ve noticed I have a bit more speed than strength however--while I was able to beat my personal bench-press record twice over, I found myself able to sprint the track longer than non-meta and non-enhanced professional athletes, while my current maximum weight-lift is on par with that of lower division strongmen. Hypertrophy is continuing at a steady rate even while I’m at rest. I’d best limit my MF3 intake until I figure out how long it’ll keep up based on small doses. Also need to get my hair cut...
Week #7:
…which I don’t quite understand. Apparently the chemical inclusion of MnO43- (Manganate), Fe2+ (Iron), and Cu(NH3)42+ (Copper-ammonium complex) within the formula caused a coloring effect. It’s fortunate I happen to like the color blue; however having blue hair isn’t necessarily what I’d been thinking of. It seems that the condition is a form of hypertrichosis, and it’s generalized, not localized. Though odd to speak of, hair across my entire body has begun to turn positively cerulean, and my skin pigmentation is also beginning to change. Evidentially we missed something during out experiments on lab animals...unless it specifically targets humans...lab animals don’t have...perhaps...
Week #11:
...thus, I’ve come to the verdict that changes to chromosome 17 caused this hairy condition. It is becoming increasingly difficult to study these effects however; I’ve been suffering from migraines and some kind of inflammatory condition that is causing a great deal of pain in my skull...time for an MRI to see what’s happening.
Week #12:
This will be my last entry for some time--complications arose when we discovered a variant to the DNA structure as a whole--not just the modification of a few hundred chromosomes. The pain is terrible, as if my skull were being crushed and expanded in all directions at once. I’ve decided to undergo an induced coma while the antidote is administered. Hopefully in a similar amount of time, it’ll reverse whatever has happened. On one hand I feel it is a mutation...but on the other this pain...this change; I forgot what the MRI results were, and it gives me a start each time I come back to it. My skull is in fact changing shape. But why? What did we modify?
Extracts From Project MF3 Laboratory Report
Witten by Dr Kyle Monroe Resident Meta-Geneticist to Steel Canyon University
Day 147, 0231
Notes: ...must remember to finish later. On the whole a rather surprising case. Indeed, had I not seen Bernard from the beginning I would never have thought it possible. I have begun isolating parts of the deoxyribonucleic acid chain that must be responsible for the dramatic change in skeletal structure (particularly referring to the effects of craniopoiesis, which has since resolved itself into a shape resembling that of the animal species canis lupus...a wolf, if the board will be so inclined to consider it), and have yet to find the exact variable. It is clear however, that a mutation was triggered which promoted the rapid evolution of a change in osteopoiesis, the result of which is the altered bone structure that Bernard now possesses. In reference to our previous antidote, the formula was not designed to trigger extensive mutations that might counter current ones, but rather reverse any chemical shifts within the subject’s body. What harmful chemicals there once were have since been annihilated, leaving Bernard in a stable homeostasis. I am recommending that we use this opportunity to further analyze Bernard’s condition by resuscitating him. The method will be slow--there is no telling what kind of synaptic modifications the subject has gone through, and considering there is a change in DNA involved, there is no telling what kind of nature Bernard will be of. Could this wolf-like mutation have affected his mental functions as well? There is only one real method of discovering this answer...
Day 191, 1103
Notes: [...]. Spent the better part of this morning continuing the tests we've been performing for the past weeks. Bernard seems quite responsive, his human intelligence showing as brilliantly as it did before, and his physical aptitude positively astounding. He looks like a beast, but speaks like a man, as it were. The resemblance to a Council Warwolf is there, yet with the amount of mental control Bernard possesses, it is clear that this formula is a significant improvement over whatever methods The Council use. After a group meeting, we have come to the conclusion that the serum is to be destroyed, and only one copy of its notes preserved for continued analysis. Should the Council realize that we have developed a formula that trumps theirs, the University would become a target--as would we all. Despite the meta-presence within Steel Canyon, it is a risk factor that is needless in regards to the options available to us. It has been decided that I will keep the formula records, being the resident gene-specialist and I will continue analyzing it in order to find anything that can be of help in reversing it; both to help Bernard should he so wish, as well as to counter its effects should the Council, by whatever means, discover the serum's existence. I have enlisted the aid of several friends who are of a meta-disposition, and they have agreed to help me in safeguarding it. Perhaps, in the future, I shall find ways of performing experiments on my own, but to do so, I will need the aid of a willing volunteer; considering the circumstances, that seems rather unlikely. Bernard and myself ate at a small restaurant once this morning's tests were completed, and after finishing our late breakfast, Bernard told me his plans: if he is to remain in this bestial state, it may do well for him to apply his new found abilities towards a common good; by his choice, becoming a superhero. I approved of the idea; for one, it would keep him focused, and two it would indeed do well for such a serum's results to go towards good rather than ill. He is en'route to the City Hall in Atlas Park even now. I shall return to my lab and begin reviewing the documents pertaining to the project.
