Mystery

V #1.0

Author: Mark Brinkman

Source of Character: Dragon*Con 2000 – The Omega Files  

A 1125 Point Character

Dex: 7        Str: 2        Bod: 4        Motivation: Thrill of Adventure

Int: 6            Wil: 6       Min: 5        Occupation: Civil Metahuman Operative

Inf: 7            Aur: 7       Spi: 6        Wealth: 0

Init: 20                          HP:  35

Powers:

Shape Change: 12, Chameleon: 11, Speak With Animals: 7, Kinetic Absorption: 7, Regeneration: 11

Bonuses and Limitations:

Shape Change: Double Linked to Will

Regeneration: Cannot Regenerate Spirit

Skills:

Animal Handling: 7*, Artist (Actor, Musician): 9, Thief (Stealth): 9

Advantages:

Attractive, Credentials: Team Atlanta, Ultra Luck

Drawbacks:

Public Identity, Altered Anatomy, SIA (Animal Welfare)

Alter Ego: Kate Berlow

Description:

Normally 5' 10 ", 165 pounds.  – Born with hazel eyes and dark hair.  She still maintains her adult appearance in this form, although for the most part she alters it slightly when in "uniform" as it were to give her some leeway when she goes out in public.  Using her chameleon powers, she is able to change here clothing, makeup, hair color and style, and more all in at a moments notice.  

Background: 

Kate Berlow was always an active child, even for an eight year old.  She had a love for the outdoors and animals, and always wanted to go to parks, zoos, hiking, camping, whatever she could con her parents into.  She had a pleasing smile and personality that always brought a smile, and she usually got her way.  It was on one such nature hike when she happened to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time.  A little bit ahead of the rest of the family; she was caught in a small rockslide.  She survived, but her legs were badly damaged.

She was taken to a hospital immediately, but the prognosis was not good – the legs were going to have to be amputated.  The surgeons were not even sure how much they could save.  Surgery was in the final stages of preparation before things occurred.  At that same time the NeoTek incident was occurring..  The surgical team was startled as the ball of energy that came through a wall and hovered over their patient.  In a moment it merged with her.  The startled team started arguing about what had happened, and then attending to the patient.  As one was discussing the possible need to transfer her to another room, despite the fact that none were available, one of the nurses went white as the legs began to repair themselves!  Surgery was suspended as they watched.  In minutes she was rushed back to X-Ray –All outward signs of the injury had vanished and the X-rays of the injury showed the bones knitting back together.  When she finally awoke, her legs seemed to reform themselves, as they should be, and she hopped off the bed wanting to know where she was.  She was quite taken aback by all the attention.

The press ate it up, releasing stories with headlines like "Miracle child", attesting to her injuries.  They were still keeping her for observation, as several anomalies showed up with her tests.  Over the next two days she found out about the "super-powers" people were getting – Clearly she had something, or she wouldn't be walking.  Things became clearer when she was reading a magazine and was looking at a photo of a young girl, wishing she had long hair like that.  Her mother came in and did a double take, trying to leave the room, excusing her self before Kate spoke up.  In a moment she "wished" her hair into several other styles. Then she played with her facial features becoming several recognizable child actresses. This was fun.  The doctors finally came back saying that everything said she was fine, but there was still several anomalies they couldn't fathom and couldn't explain.  The best they could prescribe is to keep her under regular appointments to monitor her for any developments.

She had to dodge the press, but has an uncanny, and became something of a celebrity, whether she wanted it or not, but there was no real way that she could hide her identity.  Her powers grew – and she found herself able to change size, even becoming enhanced animal forms.   When she received a dog for her 10th birthday she learned how to communicate with it and then other animals on a non-verbal almost telepathic level.  She loved just using her powers.  And she was able to do it in several fashions.  She often found herself catching illegal hunters – she would take shots for animals, and then surprise the hunters when they came to collect their prize.   She was an excellent observer and witness; no one notices a bird or the fly buzzing around.   She's also been able to help find out what has affecting animal populations, usually by asking them.

She took the name of Mystery because she wanted to make others sweat even without being there. Clearly her abilities make certain people a little nervous. It's unfortunate that most of her time is now spent finding out what other metahumans are up to…

Personality:

She is a very personable individual, and a mild prankster.  She does know when to take things seriously.  She has grown up with her power, and revels in it.  She has also proved to be incredibly lucky, something that makes people feel good just to be around her.    She always seems able to give the press the slip though, when she wants to.