Hyperburn
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
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[[Image: |300px|]]
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| FEEL THE BURN! | |
| Hyperburn | |
| Player: @Starlancer | |
| Origin: | Mutation |
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| Archetype: | Scrapper |
| Security Level: | 50+ |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: | Tommy Byrne |
| Known Aliases: | "The Fiery Speedster" (Media created), "Hyper" (shortened version used by friends and acquaintances) |
| Species: | Homo Superior |
| Age: | 39 [looks 26] |
| Height: | 6'2" |
| Weight: | 180 |
| Eye Color: | Blue |
| Hair Color: | Blonde w/Red |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: | American |
| Occupation: | Burn Unit Registered Nurse |
| Place of Birth: | Confidential |
| Base of Operations: | Confidential |
| Marital Status: | Confidential |
| Known Relatives: | Burn Maiden [Mother, deceased], Rushmore [Father, deceased] |
| Known Powers | |
| Physiology that grants superhuman reflexes and speed. Also can create fiery plasma in his hands for a variety of effects. | |
| Known Abilities | |
| Trained Registered Nurse with speciality in Burn Treatment and Recovery | |
| Equipment | |
| Acquired various items in his career such as TP device from Ouroboros, Jet Pack from PPD,etc.. | |
| No additional information available. | |
Hyperburn is a well respected hero in Paragon City. He is often seen speeding around Paragon City treading a blazing trail of justice wherever he goes. A darling of the media, Hyperburn always has time for a quick interview. Hyperburn's real name is a matter of public record. [Author's Note: Hyperburn was my first toon to reach 50 lvl and is by far my favorite toon]
Contents |
Origin
On December 28, 1981, Michael and Mary Byrne celebrated the birth of their first and only child, Thomas Patrick Byrne. What made this birth unique is that Michael and Mary Byrne were also one of the few superhero couples in Paragon City; the tank speedster Rushmore and the pyromancer Burn Maiden. Tommy’s birth was covered in the Paragon City press with pictorials about the event. As a child Tommy was hyperactive and had already showed signs of his special heritage. Always faster than the other kids, Tommy also showed a resistance to heat and fire. It wasn’t until he graduated high school that Tommy’s powers began to manifest and it appeared that he inherited powers from both his parents. As a graduation present, Tommy’s parents gave him his new hero costume and registered his name in the hero roster as Hyperburn. As Hyperburn, Tommy was allowed to mentor under his parents for two years before setting off to college with the understanding that Tommy would finish college and not do hero work for five years thereafter. On his birthday in 2002, Tommy watched in fascination as the mysterious disks appeared in the skies around the world and was horrified to see the alien Rikti pour forth to herald the start of the Rikti War. Prohibited from returning home, Tommy kept in close contact with his parents during the war. In November 2002, Tommy’s parents joined Alpha Team led by Statesman against the Rikti. Like so many heroes that day, Tommy’s parents were killed. Tommy grieved for his parents and, upon completion of his education, he returned to Paragon City keeping the promise he made to his mother. In 2007, the Rikti Global Invasion had begun and Tommy could no longer sit on the sidelines. Donning the costume his mother gave him so many years ago, Tommy Byrne fought alongside other heroes to fight off the Rikti as Hyperburn.
Powers
Hyperburn is a mutant who was born with the combined abilities of superhuman reflexes and speed and the ability to absorb solar radiation and convert it to fiery plasma in his hands for a variety of effects.
Physiology
Enhanced Strength
Hyperburn possesses superhuman strength in his lower body as part of his body's adaptations for running. With his upper body he can lift (press) approximately 300 pounds while his legs can press approximately 1400 pounds under optimal conditions. Because of the significant strength and physiology of his legs (see below), Hyperburn has extraordinary leaping ability as well. With a running start, Hyperburn can leap a distance of over 300 yards and can vertically leap 50 yards straight up.
Speed Physiology
Hyperburn’s body is adapted towards the rigors of high-speed running. With a resting heart rate of 200 beats per minute, Hyperburn’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems are many times more efficient than those of a normal human being able to function up to 100 times that of normal. The chemical processes of Hyperburn’s musculature are so highly enhanced that his body barely generates fatigue poisons, the normal by-products of locomotion, which force the body to rest. Rather, his body constantly expels waste products during his accelerated respiration through exhalation. When he is at his maximum energy reserves, Hyperburn is capable of running at his top speed for about three hours, whereupon he must reduce his speed, or replenish his body’s store of energy, or both. Although Hyperburn can also absorb solar radiation for energy (see below), he still must consume enormous amounts of food to maintain optimal energy reserves. With six meals a day, Hyperburn often consumes upwards to 8,000 calories at each meal. He metabolizes an estimated 95% of the caloric energy content of foodstuffs (normal human use is about 25%). His joints are smoother and lubricated more efficiently than those of a normal human being. His tendons have the tensile strength of spring steel. His bones contain a naturally occuring carbon fiber that is significantly more durable and flexible than calcium to withstand the dynamic shocks of his feet touching the ground at speeds of Mach 3. Hyperburn’s practical reaction time is many times faster than a normal human's and the speed at which his brain processes information is heightened to a level commensurate with his bodily speed, enabling him to perceive his surroundings while traveling at high velocities. Hyperburn’s lachrymose is more viscous than normal and, along with the heat shield he generates (see below), prevents the rapid evaporation of surface fluids on his eyeballs under the influence of high wind velocity that would otherwise occlude his vision.
Fire Power Physiology
Hyperburn is a mutant with the ability to absorb solar radiation and convert it into a fiery plasma state which bursts into flame when exposed to oxygen. Hyperburn’s normal at rest body temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit and increases as he uses his fire powers. Hyperburn’s skin and hair contain an enzyme that makes them highly resistant to effects of fire and burning. Hyperburn has a curious mutation in his throat which allows him to breathe fire (see below).
Superhuman Speed & Reflexes
Hyperburn has been clocked at a running top speed of a little over Mach 3. However, because of the havoc wrought by running at such high speeds through populated areas, Hyperburn safely adjusts his running speed to no greater than 200 mph. Hyperburn has used his powers of acceleration for various feats. He has dodged an arrow fired at him from 20 feet away. Hyberburn has dodged machine gun fire by presumably being able to see the path of the bullets change as his assailants attempt to track him. In conjunction with the jet stream he can create (see below), Hyperburn can also swim at superspeeds attaining upwards around 60 knots. Hyperburn has the ability to rotate his body around its lengthwise axis at great speeds creating a cyclone-like gust of wind that is able to knock a man off his feet. Although he rotates at subsonic speeds, Hyperburn’s inner ear mutation permits him to see, speak, and interact with his environment.
Fiery Melee
As stated above, Hyperburn can absorb solar radiation and convert it into fiery plasma. Hyperburn principally releases this energy though his hands as blasts of searing heat, explosive concussive force, or simple flames. Hyperburn also has the ability, due to a curious physical mutation in his throat, to breathe fire in a jet of fiery plasma at targets as far away as 30 feet. Hyperburn can add to his already significant ability to run at great speed or leap great distances by focusing his fiery plasma in a tight stream of ionized gas behind him to propel him forward like a rocket. Hyperburn also ionizes the air around him to generate a low level heat shield. This has the effect of protecting him from the heat and radiation that he generates and from outside sources. This shield also filters and deflects small debris particles to protect him as he runs at high speeds.
Secondary Mutation
As a result of the rigorous and stressfully challenging training he received from his mentors, Galactic Girl and Star Castle and the intensive hero work as their sidekick (see below), Hyperburn underwent a secondary mutation. Hyperburn's nervous system became even more enhanced and he was able to tap into a latent psionic ability to manipulate the fiery plasma he generates and to shape it for a variety of effects. Hyperburn can throw a softball-sized fireball a distance of 100 feet that explodes upon impact. He can cast smoldering and ashy plasma that has the effect of choking its victim making them immobile. He can psionically create a ring of fire that entraps and burns its victims.
Personality
Hyperburn is a cheerful and friendly hero even though he may seem shy at times. Although he has gone a long way to secure his reputation among heroes and the citizenry, Hyperburn is often in awe of many of the great heroes of Paragon City particularly his mentors (see below). Hyperburn loves to dance and have a good time. He is often found dancing up a storm in the Pocket D to the music of the DJs on Cape Radio. As the paparazzi of Paragon City are oft to catch in their photos, Hyperburn tends to be found with the more beautiful female heroes of Paragon City whether taking on the bad guys, partying on the beach or the park. Although he can lead a team with the best of them, Hyperburn tends to prefer the role of teammate or sidekick. Hyperburn has an understandable hatred towards the Rikti and will act recklessly at times in his exuberance to mete out justice against them.
Employment
Although he was granted a significant trust fund from his parents, Hyperburn has a regular job when not doing hero work. Following in the footsteps of his mother, Tommy was encouraged to go into nursing. As a young man, Tommy’s mother would bring Tommy to the hospital burn unit where she worked. She wanted Tommy to have a healthy respect for his fire powers by seeing first hand the results of irresponsible use of fire. In his civilian guise, Tommy Byrne is a supervising Registered Nurse with the Paragon City Medical Center Network working with the citywide emergency burn units.
Parents
Prolific during the 70’s, Rushmore & Burn Maiden carved out a modest reputation as one of Paragon City’s more successful superhero couples. Married in 1977 and, with the birth of Tommy coming four years later, Rushmore & Burn Maiden went into semi-retirement from hero work preferring to concentrate on their personal lives and raising little Tommy. In November 2002, Rushmore & Burn Maiden joined Alpha Team led by Statesman against the Rikti. Like so many heroes that day, they were killed defending Earth.
Burn Maiden
Originally from New York City, Mary Rush was born a mutant. At 19 years old, Mary was attending New York University's Advanced Nursing Program. After a night out with friends, Mary was assaulted by a group of thugs who had designs to do much more than rob her. The extreme stress of the encounter manifested her latent ability to generate plasma that would burst into flame upon contact with oxygen. Acting like a human blow torch, Mary injured and scared the thugs off. When she shared her experience with her mother, it was then she was told that her mother was part of a long line of pyromancer witches. After graduation, and at the behest of her mother, Mary moved to moved to Paragon City to receive magical training with the Midnighters. Mary chose to keep her identity secret and got a job in a hospital burn unit. After several months of training, Mary registered herself as the hero, Burn Maiden. It was in Paragon City that she met Rushmore (Michael Byrne), her hero teammate and future husband.
Rushmore
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Michael Byrne was orphaned at an early age when his father killed his mother and himself in a drunken rage. Shuttled from foster home to foster home since he was six years old, Michael was extremely shy and afflicted with a bad stuttering problem. Despite this, Michael proved to be a great athlete, particularly in Track & Field. One day, while running home from school in his senior year, Michael came upon what is now known as the Great Detroit Factory Fire. Michael, without thought to his own safety, ran into the fire to save trapped workers. Although Michael successfully pulled 10 people from the fire, many of the victims suffered bad side-effects from the chemicals. Despite inhaling and being doused by a variety of unknown gasses and chemicals, Michael only suffered minor injuries. The chemicals mutated Michael's DNA and granted him superspeed and reflexes. Michael enjoyed momentary fame for his heroics at the fire. He realized that with his new found powers, he could be a hero. Michael donned a track suit and began a career in Detriot as a hero. When the press would attempt to interview him, Michael, afraid to embarass himself with his stuttering, could only manage, "I'm in a Rush!" and leave. It was a local Detriot news reporter who called him 'Rushmore' and the name stuck. Michael decided that his destiny lay in the City of Heroes and made his way to Paragon City. It was there that he met Burn Maiden (Mary Rush), his future wife and heroine teammate.
Mentors & Trainers
The Power Twins
One never knows how a chance encounter can change the path of hero’s life. This was never truer when Hyperburn met whom he affectionately calls “The Power Twins”; Galactic Girl and Star Castle. Their mentoring challenged and guided Hyperburn to break through new boundaries with his powers. Though Hyperburn finds both of them very attractive, their relationship is one of friendship and deep respect. Citizens of Paragon City will frequently find Hyperburn blazing around the city with them. Hyperburn counts them both as two of his closest friends. Although Hyperburn may one day be as powerful as them, Hyperburn will always be their “slacker”.
Galactic Girl
Hanging out at the Pocket D, Hyperburn had eyed the attractive blonde at one of the Cape Radio’s parties hosted by One Hit Wonder. Amazed at her great dance moves, Hyperburn introduced himself with the hopes it would be the beginning of a romantic relationship. Hyperburn and Galactic Girl had much in common and quickly became friends. When they started to patrol together, Hyperburn learned very quickly he was in the presence of a great hero. GG, as her friends call her, quickly slipped in the role of his mentor. Gregarious by nature, GG is more outgoing and fun loving than her twin sister, Star Castle. Gifted with the power of flight, GG also wields great power able to lay waste to entire regions with her energy blasts.
Star Castle
Within a week of meeting Galactic Girl, Hyperburn was in the Pocket D where he thought he spied GG standing by the dance floor. Sneaking up behind her and covering her eyes, Hyperburn challenged her by saying, “guess who?” The answer came in the form of pain and a nonchalant response, “Someone who going to get his hand crushed for touching me.” With his fingers in a vice-like grip, Hyperburn sunk to his knees pleading, “Ow!! GG it’s me!! Tommy!! Hyperburn!! Don’t you remember?!” Releasing Hyperburn quickly, she looked down at him with a smirk, “Oh, I see. You thought I was my sister, GG. Sorry about that.” Hyperburn quickly realized that GG had a twin just as gorgeous as her. With the inauspicious meeting, Hyperburn became friends with Star Castle, as well. Vested with super strength, invulnerability and flight, Star Castle is more serious than her sister. A born leader, Star Castle tends to be all business and more guarded with her feelings and emotions. It was Star Castle that gave Hyperburn the nickname the twins use, “slacker.”
Monolith Man
Another fortuitous encounter in Hyperburn’s hero life is the day he met Monolith Man. Singularly, Monolith Man is one of the toughest, strongest and most respected heroes of Paragon City. During one of the Rikti raids that tend to plague Paragon City, Hyperburn found himself all alone against a group of teleporting Rikti. Although he fought valiantly, it was clear that Hyperburn was losing ground with the Rikti as reinforcements continued to teleport in. Fighting with pure rage, Hyperburn would have been defeated if it were not for the intervention of Monolith Man. Together, they were able to repel this pocket group of Rikti invaders. After the battle, Monolith Man took stock of Hyperburn. “You got balls, kid. I’ll give you that. But your rage will only get you so far. It clouds your judgment and you make mistakes. You got to know your limitations. You need to use your head!” It was then that MM invited Hyperburn to train with him to improve his hand-to-hand skills. “Your fast, kid, and those fire powers are cool. But that doesn’t mean you can “tank it up” by standing toe-to-toe with these villains. You gotta be smart. Power equals mass times acceleration. Since you don’t got much mass like me, I’ll teach you to maximize the other side of the equation that you got in spades...acceleration. I’ll teach you how to use pressure points and your speed to bring down your opponent“. Over the next several months, MM helped to improve Hyperburn’s fighting and tactical skills.
Friends & Allies
Hellfire
Hyperburn didn't know what to make of the beautiful, raven-haired heroine known as Hellfire. "I want you guys to work together but she can be somewhat of a...'hot-head'", said Star Castle oblivious to the pun she made. "Is this for her benefit or mine?", asked Hyperburn. Smiling enigmatically Star Castle answered Hyperburn's question with her arms crossed, "Just work with her...you'll see."
Hyperburn was quickly impressed with powerful fire blaster who could also manipulate the flow of time. Hyperburn decided he'll withold jugment whether to see if she can be a friend or not. 'She does looks good in tights, though', thought Hyperburn.
Often impatient and impulsive, Hellfire often teases Hyperburn especially giving him alot of grief for not being able to fly. "You're not a hero if you can't fly, Hyper!" She's even gotten in the habit of calling him 'Slacker'.
Glacial Justice
While walking home in his civilian clothes from doing a double shift at the hospital burn unit, Tommy came upon a curious scene. A large group of Hellions and their Girlfriends from Hell getting their asses kicked rather soundly by a gorgeous white-haired heroine. Tommy was stunned at the sight of watching this beauty donned in thigh high stiletto boots in a fishnet body stocking under tight black form-fitting leggings and a bustier top, making short work of these villains. Staring in dumb fascination, Tommy failed to see the demoness that grabbed him from behind to use him as a hostage. “Don’t move, you ice bitch or the guy gets it!” Struggling to suppress a laugh, Tommy turned his head to address the foolish demoness, “Are you kidding me?!” Without missing a beat, the gorgeous heroine said to Tommy, “Don’t worry hot stuff. I’ll save your cute ass.” Raising her hand, the sexy heroine encased the demoness’ head and wings in a block of ice. Rather than die of suffocation, the demoness promptly gated herself back to hell. Afterwards, Tommy asked, “who are you?” “Glacial Justice, cutie” she answered giving Tommy a quick peck on his cheek. With a hiss of steam at the contact of her cold lips to his hot cheek, Glacial Justice exclaimed, “Ooooh! You are hot stuff!” Glacial Justice then flew away before Tommy could say anything more.
Several weeks later, Tommy was hanging out in the Pocket D when he spied the beautiful Glacial Justice in hot club clothes by herself near the dance floor. Approaching her, Tommy sdaid to her, "Well, well. Its the one and only Glacial Justice, I see!" Looking at Tommy with her clear ice blue eyes, she said, "Thats right, hon. And who are you?". "You don't remember me, do you?", said Tommy. Glacial Justice narrowed her eyes looking at Tommy trying to remember, "You look familiar. Give me a hint." Tommy thrust forward his cheek and pointing to it he said, "Give me a kiss." Sporting a smirk and crossing her arms, "You wish, honey!" Laughing openly, Tommy again offered his cheek, "Trust me. You'll understand." Knotting her brow in skepticism, Glacial Justice decided to play along. Upon contact of her puckered lips to Tommy's cheek, a noticable hiss of sublimation and heat transfer revealed to Glacial Justice just who Tommy was. "Hot stuff!", she exclaimed. It was then that Tommy revealed himself to Glacial Jusctice as the hero Hyperburn and they both became close friends.
Glacial Justice (Clarissa to her friends), is from a long line of weather wizards and is related to the mystical divine winter being Jack Frost. As a consequence, Glacial Justice has a natural and genetic affinity with ice magic and other magical powers. She uses these powers to protect the weak and helpless. When Glacial Justice gets angry or aroused, her body temperature and the air around her gets cold.
Of all the female friends and partners Hyperburn has had, his relationship with Glacial Justice is the most complex. Hyperburn and Glacial Justice are wildly attracted to each other but their lifestyle and personalities tend to preclude any committed romance. Nevertheless, their friendship is a deep one punctuated by moments of great intimacy.