From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe

Icarnus - Species

"I am .. unique. Or I am not. I do not know. But I am the first." --Tundra

"They are the Icarus; they achieved flight and move too close to the sun. I am the Incarnation of the fire which burned them. Icarnus conveys this sufficiently." --from the writings of Tundra

Contents 1 Overview 2 The Origin 3 Birth and Death 4 On Mind and Body 5 Social Structure 6 Rolling and Playing an Icarnus 7 List of Icarnus 7.1 Heroes 7.2 Villains

Overview

Icarnus are specifically, self-aware, sentient manifestations created from the coalescing of tremendous amounts of magical energy.

The Origin

The origin for the term "Icarnus" is credited to Stinging Tundra, in one of her numerous taunting letters to several organizations.

Excerpt

For so long, you have known not what to call me, save by name, and I have laughed. But I tire of this part of the game, and so, I give you the name you seek. My species is known as Icarnus, and I am one of many. Or I am the only. This I continue to leave to you.

No previous documentation or mention of the name can be found in any historical records, and as such, it is believed that Stinging Tundra created the term. However, lacking anything more appropriate, concerned parties have adopted it verbatim, along with Tundra's explanation for the name.

Birth and Death

The amount of energy to create an Icarnus is not precisely calculated, but based on accepted conversion methodology, it is estimated the minimum would be equal to approximately 50 megatons. Further, the actual method for creating one is not known. Numerous groups including the Circle of Thorns, Arachnos, Freedom Corps, The Midnight Squad, and numerous smaller and independent groups have either made documented attempts or performed significant research or experimentation into Icarnus. It is not known whether or not any of them have succeeded in creating one.

There remains significant debate as to whether an Icarnus would be "killed" or they would be "dispelled," as they are at root, magical constructs. Killing an Icarnus is possible, under certain circumstances, and dependent on the Icarnus themselves. The primary example, Stinging Tundra, is not able to be truly "killed." While her body can be rendered lifeless fairly easily, she continually reappears. The common theory is based on more of Tundra's writings, in that by tapping directly into the Ley Lines running underneath Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, she has sufficient power at hand to forcibly recreate herself at any time, in any place. This generally is believed to hold true for all Icarnus - that any Icarnus with sufficient energy available, can forcibly recreate themselves, limited only by the amount of energy available to them. It is worth noting that Tundra has also made use of the emergency teleporter system on occasion, meaning even her energy reserves may not be limitless.

On Mind and Body

Icarnus adopt and adapt what is found around them, the nature of the spell, and the intent of the spell when they are created, according to Tundra's writings. It is therefore theorized that an Icarnus created from a healing spell crafted by heroes skilled in magic would likely be a near opposite of Tundra herself. However, it is also thoroughly noted that Icarnus by very nature, are excessively independent, a fact Tundra has borne out repeatedly. Because their very nature requires in essence, a botched spell, they will tend to resist and refuse to follow almost anyone. It is further believed, based on available evidence, that the Icarnus mind is highly intelligent and extremely adaptive.

Icarnus can physically exist as any species, according to current theory. They will have physical properties similar to, or identical to that species, including biology and physiology, strengths and weaknesses.

Social Structure

Nothing is known about Icarnus social structure; Tundra is the only known example to date. It is reasonably theorized that Icarnus do not have any specific social structure, and would be expected to adopt to their surroundings.

Rolling and Playing an Icarnus

Any and all may roll and play an Icarnus. The only true 'requirements' of Icarnus is that the origin be Magic, that the backstory supports a "magical construct" theory, and that they were not created intentionally or for a task (e.g. Golems.) Exceptions are made for intentional attempts to create Icarnus through deliberately faulty spellcasting. An Icarnus can be of any physical shape, any archetype, any powerset, and any mindset. Icarnus may be social, asocial, or antisocial, hero or villain, brilliant murderer or foolish healer.

Additionally, existing characters of a Magic origin with appropriate backgrounds can be reclassified as Icarnus, if the player desires.

Players are asked to add their Icarnus characters to the list below.

List of Icarnus

Heroes

None known at this time.

Villains

Stinging Tundra