Tennessee Moonshine
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
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| Gold Crescent Shine since 1839. | |
| Tennessee Moonshine | |
| Player: @hydrothermia | |
| Origin: | Natural |
|---|---|
| Archetype: | Corruptor |
| Threat Level: | 50 |
| Personal Data | |
| Real Name: | Robert Joseph Hixson |
| Known Aliases: | Moon, TM, Tennessee |
| Species: | Homo sapiens |
| Age: | 28 |
| Height: | 5'8" |
| Weight: | 185 |
| Eye Color: | Green |
| Hair Color: | Brown |
| Biographical Data | |
| Nationality: | US Citizen |
| Occupation: | Illegal moonshine cartel |
| Place of Birth: | Oak Ridge, TN |
| Base of Operations: | Cap Au Diable |
| Marital Status: | Single |
| Known Relatives: | Mark Hixson (brother), Joseph Hixson (father), Darlene Hixson (mother), Robert Hixson (grand father) |
| Known Powers | |
| None | |
| Known Abilities | |
| marksmanship | |
| Equipment | |
| Assault Rifle, Piston Boots, Scorpion Shield, Vials of Homemade Moonshine | |
| Can be approached, but will avoid most forms of law enforcements. | |
Contents |
Personality
Robert is quite intelligent despite giving off a simple 'backwoods' disposition. He rarely hides his intelligence for the sake of other people around him not to assume he's an 'inbred redneck'. Though every once and a while he'll talk like he would at home, usually leaving other confused to what he said. Robert has a strong sense of family.
Character History
Quick Overview
Robert Joseph Hixson was born in 1979 to Joseph and Darlene Hixson in Oak Ridge, TN. He's the sixth generation of moonshiners from eastern Tennessee that has been in business with the Family since the Prohibition Era. Transporting their homemade moonshine to the Paragon City and Rogue Isle vicinity.
The Oak Ridge, Tennessee Connection
Humble Beginning
Robert Joseph Hixson was the first of two children by Joseph and Darlene Hixson in Oak Ridge, TN. While his family was known for their fruits of labor. They lived in relative seclusion and peace aside from the shenanigans Robert and Mark would cook up when at home in the backyard or causing mischief at school. They had their share of trouble, but were overall good kids that liked to "play with fire." They were both adept in hunting, Robert taking a liking to rifles, eventually building Sue his personal homemade rifle and his brother Mark went towards bows, using them with deadly accuracy. Robert seemed intent on becoming the heir to Gold Crescent Shine. His brother never looked to that aspect of the family always having his nose in a car or making crude robotics from sheet metal and car parts run by the family brew.
Robert would enroll at the University of Tennessee and work towards a bachelors in Agricultural Engineering graduated in 2000. His brother Mark enrolled two years later to receive a bachelors in Robotic Engineering graduating in 2002. Robert spent the last four years working at home, having a house build for his future family, and the start of newly developed brews from the original recipe.
The Paragon City/Rogue Isles Connection
The Rebel Run
Dockside in Independence Port at 00:13 hours, April 3rd, 2004.
Robert Hixson waited patiently by his black Ford F-350 for the transaction to be made. Still dressed in his hunting gear from two days before. I need a bath Robert thought to himself after his 3 days out in the upper Appalachian Mountains hunting various game to bring home for food and decorations in his study. I really hate when they know I'm going to be out doing my thing, because they always come calling for another shipment. Do they realize how hard it is too keep large quantities concealed from the cops. Robert glances at the Council sized box with a black shield and golden crescent moon emblazoned on it. Checking his watch he whispered, "Time."
"They're late," Robert Hixson said looking at his watch. Already fifteen minutes late. My family has been doing this for six generation and the one night they're not here is when I'm making the run. I'll give them about ten more minutes.
Within that span two black 40's Fords coming rolling into the Crey Cove vicinity. It's about time they got here. Sebastian Frost came in person that night with three of his goons. "I apologies for our tardiness. We're still having problems with the Mooks and had to make a quick hit," Sebastian said.
"Y'know it's not that hard to give me a call, the information is there as always. So do you still want the good or not?"
"Now, now, I'm the paying costumer so don't rush me."
"I'm really surprised you made an appearance at all. Normally it's one of your three stooges. So what brings you along? Let me guess the whole family feud?"
"You could say that. Is this it?"
"As it was ordered. This shipment should last you at least two months and leave room for some distribution if you don't overkill on it."
"Tennessee, you've never failed me. Why is that boys?" One of Frost's men attempts to give an answer and he silences him with a pistol. "Sorry about that, some just don't understand when or when not to talk."
"Enough of the chit-chat and don't call me Tennessee. I've got other things I need to get back to at home. I've got what you wanted and don't you have some Dyne to dole out?"
"Fair enough. Joey hand him the briefcase." Joey pulls the briefcase out of the trunk and hands it to Robert. "This should be to your liking."
"It's what I need and that's all I ever ask for."
"Here comes the truck. We shouldn't be much longer so you can go on your way home, Tennessee." As the truck started to move to the shoulder Joey noticed something odd about the truck was pulling up. He yells, "MOOKS!" Three Mooks jump out of the truck and started to unload munitions with old Thompson's that looked as pristine as their making during the World War II era.
Robert, Sebastian, and Joey try to make cover with what little surrounding they have; Robert's Ford.
"Apparently that hit made them madder than a bunch of dirt dobbers."
"An interesting predicament, indeed."
"Got any bright ideas so we can get out of here alive?"
"Our pistols won't be enough and the guns are in the cars."
"So in other words, I've got to do all the work?"
"What?"
"C'mon do you really think I'm not going to have some sort of gun with me. I'm a hunter for god's sake."
Opening the passenger-side door Robert pulls out his custom homemade rifle with various odds and ends making it ideal for any situation, lovingly called 'Sue'. "Sebastian, Joey. Sue. Sue. Sebasian, Joey. Watch this."
Robert aim his rifle slightly over his shoulder by front tire well and shoots off a detonate-on-impact grenade making a perfect arc landing on the adjacent truck. KABOOM! "The blast shouldn't have killed them, but maybe the shrapnel. So keep those pistols up."
Emerging from behind his truck, Robert, Sebastian, and Joey checked the collateral damage to their surrounding. Four Mooks lain strewn about the wreckage, like rag dolls forgotten by a child. Robert's Ford took the brunt of the Mook fire leaving a few hundred bullet holes peeled away most of the paint and two mauled tired. Great.
"I'm sure you're wondering about your truck. Don't worry we know someone that can help you out, but we aren't exactly on talking terms."
"Oh, so after I save your ass, you're not even going to try and make it even since you owe me on now."
"Alright, alright. Their name , the Dread Aces, they should be able to help you out."
"Thank you," Robert said realigning his cap.
Robert and Sebastian when about their own business, not knowing that Frost had given him the wrong person to search for. Looks like Robert is going to be in the Rogue Isle for a while.
The Secret Identity
I'm really beginning to think this is wild goose chase. I've been at this for over a year and still nothing. I really should track down Sebastian and confront him, but it won't be easy, I just happened to luck out that night. At least the folks back home know I'm fine. Might as well make the most of being here. But where to start? Maybe something as simple as staking out the extensive Family Villas in the Rogue Isles I should be able to turn something up, but they'd notice me from a mile away if I just waltzed in. I guess I could make a disguise, but what would I be?
"Tennessee, you've never failed me."
Ugh, that's what Sebastian called me, but it'll work, maybe. It's enough to get people talking, but it would be a dead give away. I don't know.
Robert turns on the TV in his make shift apartment in Cap Au Diable. Listening to a WSPDR broadcast reporting a recent LSSL heist pulled by a villain by the name of Moonshine. Hmmm... Robert thought to himself. Tennessee Moonshine, now that's something. The name should be obvious enough for Sebastian and the Family to take a hint if I rough up some of his goons. Maybe I can scare some sense into him. One down, one to go.
"I need a costume," Robert sighs as he rummages through some of his clothes. "Nope. Nah. Definitely not. Can't wear those, the Family could identify it. I got nothing." Looking at the walls for some sort of inspiration, Robert locked onto the bottle with the black shield and golden crescent on top of the TV. I could always use our family's brewing logo. Make it real big on the chest with midnight blue as the main color. Robert grabs his phone and dials a long distance number.
"Hey, Tard."
"What is it Moron," Mark Hixson said on the line.
"Remember all those gadgets you used to build that ran off of the recipe?"
"Yes, may I inquire as to why you're askin'?"
"Simple really, the Family ran me raw and I want to get even with them, since they owe for savin' their lives."
"So you're tellin' me you've been up there for a year going after the Family?"
"Sort of. Look, would you be able to make some gloves and boots that would run off our brew?"
"It's feasible, need anything else since I'm in such a givin' mood?"
"Could you get mom to sew me up a uniform of sorts that sport our family logo?"
"Sure thing and don't forget to call mom every once and a while, y'know how she gets sometimes."
"I know. Okay later Tard."
"Seeyah, Moron," Mark said before hanging up. What in the world has Robert gotten himself into... His thought trails off and begins working on Robert's request.
Within the week of the phone call Robert received the package he was waiting for. "Very nice," Robert said looking at the items. Robert slips out of the window in new threads in Cap Au Diable. I'm impressed bro, you've really outdone yourself. Guess I owe you one. Robert said in his head as he was leaping from building to building with relative ease. Marconeville in Port Oakes would be a good starting place to rough up some Button Men. They won't know what hit'em. Robert grins looking down on some of the Family below. This is going to be fun. Diving from the platform above he drops in between the three Gunners sending a shock wave from his boots knocking them off of their feet. "Can anyone tell me where Sebastian Frost is?" Two of the gunners try to pull their guns while still on the ground. Robert counters by shooting their arms. "Wrong answer."
"Can you tell me where Sebastian Frost is?"
"What's it to you." a Capo spits.
"This," shoving Sue up his nose. "Now, do I have your attention? Go tell your hierarchy that Tennessee Moonshine has some business with Sebastian Frost. If you don't, how are you going to explain how those two weren't killed when shot?"
"Ok...ay..." the Capo said visibly shaken.
Pirates and Rum
Robert decided to venture to the Pocket D that night, though he rarely goes out on the town since he was still getting adjusted to the layout of the Rogue Isles. Checking out Pocket D was an unsual expierence for him. Snaggle-toothed beasts, robotic humans, and scantily-clad women and even men. Robert tried to make himself comfortable in this odd place hoping something might turn for the better in his search for these so called Dread Aces. He was lucky that night, a small group of Aces we having drinks at one of the "Redside" bars. Overhearing the mention of the name he proceeded to comment on looking for them for some time now. Crimson Cutlass was the one to first inquire as to why he was asking about the Aces. He goes to mention that Sebastian Frost of the Family told him to look for them to help repair his truck which were shot to hell by Mooks and his trade of producing a very sought after moonshine that the Family use and sell on the Black Market.
Crimson Cutlass let him tell his story of how a man from Tennessee ended up in a place like the Rogue Isles despite not having a criminal record or even getting noticed by Hero Corps or Longbow. They spoke about numbers so Robert could still transport shine to and from Oak Ridge. Not having a lot of money Crimson Cutlass agreed to help with shipments on the grounds that Robert help the Dread Aces in various odd jobs, unbeknown to Robert at the time that he would be helping getting pieces for an air ship. Robert agreed and that night become apart of the Dread Aces. Meeting the likes of Jet Nitro, Mick, and Dead Eye Jake that night as well.
The New Deal
Apparently the Family wasn't as good as they said they were. Not that many people knew about Gold Crescent Shine outside of the Rogues Isles. They were lagging in the spread to Paragon. For good reason though. They had been having secret meeting with Crey Industries in reverse engineering the moonshine and market it themselves taking Robert out of the equation. Word gets around, it gets around quick. Robert found out about their little plan to produce their own versions of his family's recipe. With the help of some villains willing to help Robert take down the Family's Sebastian Frost and Crey Industries Countess Crey he was able rid himself of both of them and take control of the the distributions of his shine once again.
Things had been relatively quiet since that last meeting. It seemed Gold Crescent Shine was going to disappear. Robert had only been working on his own since his brother had returned to Tennessee and the Dread Aces had dissolved. Finding an abandoned brewery in Sharkhead Island, Robert has set up base there. Using Cage Consortium's trucks as a cover for drop points he was ready to get Gold Crescent Shine back onto the map. However moving it himself wouldn't be enough. Looking for someone that could expediate the process. He had heard of some gun runners and thought that they might be interested.
(Work in progress.)
Affiliations
Colleagues
Brothers of Chaos - Striking a deal with them in becoming his distributor for Paragon City and the Rogue Isles.
Foes
- Sebastian Frost (The Family)
- Countess Crey (Crey Industries)
Group
Villain Group: Gold Crescent Shine
Formerly: The Dread Aces
Contact
- In-game: @hydrothermia
- CoH official forums: Hydrothermia
- CoH Guru forums: Hydrothermia
- Deviant Art: Hydrothermia
Creator Notes and Trivia
- Thermal Radiation is in fact the moonshine that Robert's family has been producing for years. The Family took interest three generations ago due to the impressive side effects of the drink. Originally it was only able to get you highly intoxicated and increase you regeneration. It was a risky mix. Robert was able to improve on that, though he can still make the original, but has opted to create various styles of moonshine. Robert has managed to change the moonshine on a molecular level altering their attributes extending their uses and taking away from its high fermentation levels. You'll still likely to get a small buzz from which ever one he hands you, but the effects wear off in a relatively quick manner as to not impede progress.
- Tennessee Moonshine is also known for his ability to play Bluegrass via banjo.
- Tennessee Moonshine jokes about Rocky Top is his song, but he prefers the collaboration of Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffett - "5 O'clock Somewhere".
- Tennessee Moonshine is also quite the cook, though never taking a culinary class he adept in making unique cuisine. (Sorry to disappoint you it doesn't involve road kill. :P)
- The majority of my friends that have associated with this character said that Jason Lee would make the best person to portray Tennessee Moonshine.
- There is a character on Virtue named Moonshine, first thing that came to mind was moonshiners of years past in the Appalachia Mountains in Eastern Tennessee. At first this was just a joke character based off of moonshine makers from the state of Tennessee, thus making him a stereotypical redneck.
- Tennessee Moonshine is my second character based off of an alcoholic beverage. Irish Stout being the first. Some say I'm just in denial because I don't drink and I express that by making alcoholic related characters.
- Tennessee Moonshine is the second character of Hydrothermia's to reach level 50.
Costume Attire
Order from Left to Right
- The hunting garb complete with orange cap and vest.
- Moonshiners costume with Gauntlets and Piston Boots. Most commonly used when out doing missions.
- The Night Spec-Ops tactical gear sporting his signature Gauntlets and Piston Boots in silver.
- His casual wear when off duty.
- Winter hunting garb.
