Sevenscar

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ChrSevenscar01.jpg
The Battle-Hardened
Sevenscar
Codex Operative
"Eleftheria i thanatos"
Player: @absentElement
Origin: Magic
Archetype: Brute / Tanker [1]
Security Level: 50 / 47
Personal Data
Real Name: Hector James Stratis[2]
Known Aliases: Scar, Seven, Hoplite, Hop, Lion of Macedon[3]
Species: Human
Age: 28
Height: 6'2
Weight: 220 lbs
Eye Color: Pupiless (glowing)[4]
Hair Color: Brown
Biographical Data
Citizenship: Greek
Occupation: Confidential
Place of Birth: Litochoro[5], Greece
Current Residence: Talos Island, Paragon City
Marital Status: Confidential
Known Relatives: Lysander Stratis[6], Callie Stratis[7]
Languages
English, Greek, Ancient Greek
Known Powers
Electrical Manipulation and Teleportaion
Known Abilities
Broadsword Mastery, Trained in various martial arts (Kali, Krav Maga, etc), A student of ancient and modern warfare
Equipment
Codex communicator, Twin Xiphos, Modified Greek Armor, Sands of Mu, various knives and daggers, Cybernetic enhancements.
Footnotes
Miscellaneous
  • Keeps to himself and doesn't speak much when around others.
  • Prefers not to talk about his past much but has been known to open up when the issue is pressed.
SevenscarBanner.jpg
Sevenscar is a character I've been developing and playing for a number of years in both City of Heroes/Villains, Champions Online, and most recently DC Universe Online. Originally a Broadsword/Shield scrapper named Patroklos he later manifested into my villain Sumannus, a Dual Blades/Electric Armor brute that became my first 50. He had since been known as Hoplite One, a nod to Hero 1 (and due to name availability). I then took the character to Champions Online where he was known as Hoplite. He also had a brief stint in DC Universe Online as an Ice Tank of the same name. Now back in Paragon, he has been remade once again, this time going by the name Sevenscar and with a much darker perspective than he previously possessed.


The character draws inspiration from such characters as Wolverine from the Marvel universe, Nightwing and Jason Todd from the DC universe of comics, as well as Justiciar from Champions (both the tabletop and MMO).


Affiliations
  • The Codex - Superhero Group, operative
  • United Nations Vanguard - Gauntlet Division, member
  • The Hellenic Republic - Nation of Greece, citizen
  • Hellenic Armed Forces - Greek Military, conscript


Personality
Your eyes are full of hate... That's good.
Hate keeps a man alive. It gives him strength.
- Quintus Arius, "Ben Hur"

A solitary hero, Sevenscar tends to keep to himself preferring to have personal information remain a mystery save between himself and only his most trusted allies. He is extremely intelligent but at the same time allows his emotions to lead his actions, causing him to be somewhat of a reckless fighter. His actions were at one time guided by the heroic code[8] of ancient Greece, valuing honor above all else, but has since grown much darker. He will do whatever is necessary to protect those in need and cannot be swayed, even to save his own life.

Righteous Fury

While in combat, Sevenscar will lash out at his enemies with all the intensity and aggression of an enraged animal. Hoplite One is always eager to draw blades and will not relent when challenged. A feral warrior, he does not enjoy killing despite the ease at which he could do so and will only spill blood as a last resort.

Appearance
A truly strong person does not need the approval of others
any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.
- Vernon Howard
Symbol of Hoplite One

Sevenscar is a young man with thick blonde hair, pupiless glowing eyes and a powerful frame. His skin is tanned and is marred by numerous scars acquired from past battles. He has a tattoo between his shoulder blades of a Greek cross, charged with a disc with a border of olive branches. Featured in the center is the head of the goddess Athena. Two more tattoos, one wrapped around his right bicep is a Greek key[9], and the other running horizontally up his left abdomen of a line from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's poem Ulysses. The line reads, "To strive, To seek, To find, and not to Yield".

His costume is inspired by his homeland of Greece. The tights are colored blue and white after the National Flag of the Hellenic Republic and pieces of his armor have been designed to mirror that of pieces used by the hoplites of ancient Greece. His cape, hanging from his right shoulder, is black in color and trimmed with arcane runes. The chestpiece, a remenant of his time with the Praetorian Resistance, bears a small version of symbol of Hoplite One, which has been inspired by the Sun of Vergina[10]. At all times he wears twin Xiphos, both specifically designed by Sevenscar, strapped to his back.

Abilities
When I hold that sword I know who I am...
I'm a hero. The first, the last... the one.
- Hero 1, "Omega Time Capsule"

Sevenscar is a skilled fighter, trained in many different schools of combat both with a blade and without. He has also been granted access to abilities by a powerful being, claiming to be the greek thundergod Zeus, as he is able to bend electricity to his will.

HopPower01.png
Combat Training

Sevenscar is a perfectionist in the use of blades and hand-to-hand combat. He has learned a number of different martial styles in his travels from the ancient Greek styles of Pankration and Pygmachia to more current practices such as Krav Maga and Kali. Preferring to use a modified xiphos instead of the spear that was more commonly found among the ancient hoplites. Much of Sevenscar's power can be attributed to the thundergod, Zeus, and his swordsmanship is no exception. Sevenscar is able to use his ability with the arcane to increase his agility and awareness of his surroundings. He is able to detect movement he would not normally be able to and can react to any threat with deadly speed. Despite this advantage Sevenscar trains with his blade daily, always seeking to better his skill.

Electric Manipulation

Since recieving his powers, Sevenscar has been able to produce vast amounts of electrical energy. Using this ability he can wrap himself in barriers of electricity making him extremely resistant to pain and many forms of damage. For greater protection, he can focus this energy into a smaller area, manifesting itself into a shield in the style of that of the Ancient Greeks.

Offensively, this hero is able to charge his fists with electrical energy and even discharge that energy at his enemies. Sevenscar can also charge his blades with electricity, allowing it to slice through even the most resistant materials.

Other Abilities
Teleportation

Through his use of the arcane Sevenscar is able to transport himself, or 'jump', instantly from one location to another. One moment he may be standing in plain sight then the next there is a violent impact to the air, similar to thunder but without sound, and he is gone. Though he is unable to travel great distances in a single jump he uses this ability greatly to his advantage, even in combat.

Acrobatics

An extremely fit individual, Sevenscar's natural physical gifts allow him to move in ways and at speeds that most people wouldn't even dream of.

Limitations
Power concedes nothing without a demand.
It never did and it never will.
- Frederick Douglass

Having not been exposed to any sort of magical energy prior to being given his powers, Sevenscar has difficulty maintaining control over his gift. Only through the use of technological enhancements and all manner of techniques taught to him by other superheroes he is able to contain the vast amounts of electrical energy coursing through his body. Without these precautions in place he has been known to discharge high amounts of voltage harming any nearby.

Equipment
It matters little how much equipment we use;
it matters much that we be masters of all we do use.
- Sam Abell
Modified Greek Helm

This is the image that springs to mind when most people think of a Greek helmet. The first instinct of a warrior is to protect the head, and the helmet was developed fairly early in the Bronze Age. This piece of head protection, however, was meant to deflect a bow rather than absorb it. Unlike more traditional Greek helmets, Hoplite One's is made from much hardier materials than bronze.

Modified Greek Xiphos

The Xiphos is a double-edged, leaf shaped, single-hand sword used by the ancient Greeks. Hoplite One had one forged shortly after leaving the military but modified its length considerably. He modified the shape of the blade as well, with the leaf shape beginning at the hilt instead of partway through the blade. The sword bears the following inscription etched into the blade:

ΚΑΛΥΤΕΡΑ ΝΑ ΠΕΘΑΝΕΙΣ ΟΡΘΙΟΣ ΠΑΡΑ ΝΑ ΣΕΡΝΕΣΑΙ ΓΙΑ ΝΑ ΖΕΙΣ

A greek proverb meaning “If you have to crawl to live, stand and die”.

Cybernetic Enhancements

Having difficuly controlling his abilities, Hoplite One has sought out the aid of others for aid. While many have focused on the mental aspect of managing his power, some have provided the greek with equipment to deal with the vast amounts of energy he is capable of discharging.

Character History
Man is a pupil, pain is his teacher.
- Alfred de Musset
Greek national flag

Flag of Greek Macedonia
In the Beginning...
Childhood

Born in the Macedonian region of Greece, in the town of Litochoro, City of Gods, under the shadow of Mount Olympus. He was raised by his parents James and Callie Stratis. His father would entertain his son at night with tales of ancient warriors and mythical beasts. By day the young Hector could be seen running though the streets, wooden sword in hand, doing battle with all manner of imaginary beasts.

Unpopular with other children his age, Hector developed quite the temper as a result of the taunting he received. His parents sought to teach the youth to control his anger and to treat others with respect. As he grew Hector did manage to control his rage in most instances though the odd fight was not uncommon. Having few friends Hector enjoyed his solitude and became uncomfortable around other people.

The First Invasion

((information pending))

Conscripted

((information pending))

Divinely Restored

Not long into his twenties Hector took to the streets as a costumed crime-fighter. Hector was determined to become a great hero like many in the myths he grew up with. For a time he was quite successful. His skill with the blades, athleticism, and knowledge of warfare proved to be great resources when dealing with common thugs and criminals. Unfortunately he was not much more than a street-level hero.

It was not until one night while patrolling the capital city of Athens that Hector became a true superhero. In the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus[11] he encountered the villain known as Sumannus tearing apart what little remained of the temple. Knowing himself to be completely outmatched Hoplite charged forward and was immediately struck down. As he lay dying, an elderly man seeming to radiate light appeared before him. Claiming to be the thundergod, Zeus, the man offered the hero untold power in return protecting his temple. Not wanting to die and believing he was hallucinating Hoplite agreed to the terms. A bolt of lightning raced down from the havens and struck the swordsman with explosive impact. A surge of energy built up within Hector and he began to uncontrollably discharge electrical energy. Sumannus was struck repeatedly and was forced to retreat. Victorious, Hoplite fainted from exhaustion.

Since that night the hero has traveled far and wide, leaving his homeland behind, in search of other threats. He is occasionally visited by the thundergod and made to bend to the deity's will. Though he despises being a servant of the god, losing his power is a much worse fate as far as he is concerned.

Paragon, City of Heroes (Year One)
The Second Invasion

((information pending))


Living in Paragon

((information pending))


Under Siege (Year Two)
The Codex

Most recently Hoplite has been operating out of Paragon City and has been recruited by the mysterious organization known as the Codex.


Quoth the Raven

((information pending))


Predator and Prey (Year Three)
Call of the Wild

((information pending))


Nevermore...

((information pending))


Enter Praetoria (Year Three)
The Tyrant Beckons

((information pending))


Looking to the Future

((information pending))


Relationships
You have a fine mind, but do not complain about life's unfairness.
It is never fair--at best, it is impartial.
- Parmenion, "Lion of Macedon"
Allies
The Codex

The Codex is a worldwide organization made up of different sects or chapters. Each is completely out of communication with the other, but all report to a benefactor identified as Riverdene. Who/what Riverdene is and what their ultimate goals are remain to be seen, even for the members within the Codex. Though it's difficult, the Codex team in Paragon has essentially had to trust the the missions Riverdene sends them on is for the greater good.

United Nations Vanguard

((information pending))

Enemies
The Rikti

An alien raced that invaded earth during the First Rikti War. Their invasion was halted due to the heroics of the Omega Team at the cost of untold lives. It was this sacrifice made by Hero 1 and the others of the Omega Team that inspired Hector to don a mask and become the hero that he now is.

A small band of villains focused solely on the acquisition of power by any means necessary. Led by Sumannus, the group follows a strict edict of strength and wisdom. Ravenheart recruits only the most cunning and brutal villains to take part in their quest for power and wealth among the Rogue Isles.

ChrSumannus.png

Taking his name from the roman god of nocturnal thunder, Sumannus is Hoplite 1's rival and arch-nemesis. It was his near death at the hands of Sumannus that led to Hector receiving his powers and becoming a true superhero. The two have faced off numerous times and, at the beckoning of his supernatural benefactor, Hector hunts the villain relentlessly to this day.

The hero and villain possess nearly identical powers, with Hoplite One being the better physical combatant and Sumannus possessing a greater mastery over his gift. Sumannus also serves as a constant reminder to Hoplite of what he will become should he let his fury go unchecked.


Praetorians

((information pending))


Relatives

Hoplite 1 never knew his mother as she died not long after his birth. His father often described his mother, Calliope, as his Athena: intelligent, beautiful, and strong. It was his father, Lysander, who raised the young Hector alone. A writer, Lysander loved to tell stories and among his favorites were the myths and wars of ancient greek heroes. Through these stories Lysander taught his son of honor, loyalty, and courage. The elder Stratis is currently unaware of his sons heroics .



Trivia
  • Born on March 25, 1984 on the anniversary of the start of the Greek War of Independence.
  • Is fluent in both modern and ancient Greek ((Though the player cannot speak either save for a few phrases)) as well as English.
  • Speaks with an slight Greek accent.
  • Is fascinated with Greek myths. Always has a copy of the Iliad in his room.


OOC Trivia
  • The name was originally intended to be simply Hoplite, after the ancient Greek citizen soldiers, but was unavailable. I then settled on Hoplite One after my favorite hero in the CoH universe, Hero 1.
  • His new name, Sevenscar, is inspired by an irish metal band Sevenscars.
  • The Xiphos he wields is inspired by the sword used by Achilles (Brad Pitt) in the movie Troy.
  • This character was inspired by my love of Greek Mythology and books such as Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series, David Gemmell's Troy series (Lord of the Silver Bow, Shield of Thunder, Fall of Kings) and Greek series (Lion of Macedon, Dark Prince), and Dan Simmons duology Ilium and Olympos.
  • He also draws inspiration from characters such as Wolverine, Kratos (God of War), the Winchester brothers (Supernatural), and both Achilles and Hector (The Iliad / Troy).
Musical Inspiration
We knew thee of old,
O, divinely restored,
By the lights of thine eyes,
And the light of thy Sword.
From the graves of our slain,
Shall thy valour prevail,
As we greet thee again,
Hail, Liberty! Hail!

File:HopliteBoiler.jpg


Footnotes
  1. Sevenscar (brute) and Hoplite One (tanker) are the same character.
  2. Stratis: from a pet form of the personal name Efstratios, classical Greek Eustratios, literally means ‘good soldier'
  3. A name earned in Hector's home region of Macedonia for his ferocious combat style.
  4. Since receiving his powers, Hoplite One's eyes have emanated magical energy.
  5. A small town located in the southern part of the prefecture of Pieria at the base of Mount Olympus.
  6. Lysander James Stratis. Father of Hector Stratis. Deceased.
  7. Calliope Jane Stratis. Mother of Hector Stratis. Deceased.
  8. The aim of every hero is to achieve honor. Honor is essential to the heroes, so much so that life would be meaningless without it. Thus, honor is more important than life itself.
  9. An ornamental pattern consisting of repeated vertical and horizontal lines
  10. Featured on the Greek Macedonian flag, this 16-rayed star is the national Macedonian royal symbol of Philip of Macedon, Alexander the Great, and the ancient Macedonian Empire.
  11. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is a colossal ruined temple in the centre of the Greek capital Athens that was dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods.

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