Paradigm
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
| |
| Paradigm | |
| Player: @Slagar | |
| Origin: |
Magic |
| Archetype: |
Tank |
| Threat Level: |
15 |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: |
Westly Stratton |
| Species: |
Human |
| Height: |
6' 1" |
| Weight: |
241 lbs |
| Eye Color: |
Brown |
| Hair Color: |
Brown |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: |
Scottish |
| Occupation: |
Licensed Superhero |
| Place of Birth: |
Glasgow |
| Base of Operations: |
London, England |
| Marital Status: |
single |
| Additional Data | |
| Known Powers: |
Energy Melee, Willpower |
| Known Abilities: |
Fitness, Flight |
| Known Equipment: |
None |
| [ Source ] | |
Background
Chaos and Order have been fighting a cyclical battle for eons. First Order is dominant, then Chaos, then destruction and renewal and then it starts over again. Originally, the struggle was depicted to mankind as one between Good (Order) and Evil (Chaos); but it is really the battle to maintain balance between stagnation and anarchy.
The two opposing forces are bundles of mystical energy who usually depend on servants to accomplish their goals. They can take physical form by possessing a living being, or empower humans to act as their agents, as in the case of Paradigm.
Once man had first developed intelligence, both Order and Chaos saw the need to involve mankind directly in their conflict. Avatar, the highest of the Lords of Order, created the Paradigm to act in his stead amongst the kingdoms of man, granting the first user its powers in the prehistory of man. Since then, hundreds or perhaps thousands of men and women have carried the mantle of Paradigm, keeping the scales in balance. The most recent of these is the man Westly Stratton.
Working at the world famous John Brown & Company shipyards in Clydebank, Scotland during the early years of World War II, Stratton was a steel worker helping to build HMS Indefatigable. However, on the night of March 13th, the town of Clydebank was raided by German bombers. Over that night and the next, the town was virtually destroyed, but it was on that night that a new Paradigm would be chosen. While assisting in the defense of the shipyard, Stratton saw several workers trapped in a partially collapsed building. Rushing to their assistance, he freed the other men, but the building collapsed over him before he could make good his own escape. As he lay dying, however, Avatar appeared to him, and pulled him into his own realm. After explaining to Stratton why he was chosen, he granted him the power of the Paradigm. The following night, when the Luftwaffe bombers returned, a new defender rose into the sky, a scarlet uniformed Paradigm.
Abilities
Strength level: Paradigm possesses the ability to channel his energy powers into strength, giving him the strength to press 100 tons or more in optimal conditions. When not specifically doing so his strength is more limited, though still far above typical human levels, giving him the ability to press up to 1000 pounds.
Known Superhuman Powers: Granted to him by Avatar, Lord of Order, the powers of the Paradigm are varied. First and foremost is an ability to channel a magical energy that as yet remains unclassified, even by MAGI. Originating from the realm of the Lords of Order, it defies the standard classifications of magic as maintained on this plane of existence. This energy can be manifested from Paradigm's hands in order to strike targets, or internalized to provide strength and the ability of flight. While in an atmosphere, Paradigm has been seen traveling up to and exceeding the speed of sound, and can travel far faster within a vacuum.
In addition, the Paradigm powers grant superhuman stamina and durability. His endurance is far beyond human levels in all physical activities, and in addition he does not need to eat, sleep, or breathe and can survive unaided in space. In addition, it grants functional immortality, in the sense that he does not age (for example he is nearly nine decades old, but maintains the look of a man in his mid twenties). However, this immortality is not that of the Olympian variety, as he can still be injured or killed. If he were somehow wounded, his energies would enable him to recover with superhuman speed. It would take an injury of such magnitude that it dispersed a major portion of his bodily molecules, or completely exhausted his energy reserves, to cause him a physical death.
Other Abilities: As agent of the Avatar, he has instant access to a vast amount of scholarly knowledge and wisdom. This also gives Paradigm great intuitiveness, bordering almost on clairvoyance, and provides him with counsel and advice in times of need. He also has knowledge of all languages, ancient and modern. Paradigm also possesses a Cosmic Awareness, giving him the ability to sense the presence of beings and objects in the universe, especially those that serve or are used by the forces of Chaos.
Limitations: Paradigm is especially vulnerable to High Order Magic, being especially debilitated by it. Only the strongest of magics can affect him in this way, such as those wielded by the highest level of demons and mages of the Circle of Thorns.
