The Secret Defenders
The last Parahuman boom before the modern one occurred sometime in the mid 1930's. Due to both the technology of the time, and fear of persecution, parahumans mainly stayed in the shadows, and vigilantes were few.
By the time World War 2 began most governments had realized their existence, including Nazi Germany whose Occult Science Division was both a secret and important part of the Nazi War Machine. In Response the allies founded "The Secret Defenders" a highly classified strike force consisting of 'enhanced individuals'
Members:
Brigand: An Immortal born in the late 1500s who, among other things, acted as a pirate during "The Golden Age of Piracy". Unkillable and supernaturally talented in combat and espionage. Acts as the 'Keeper as shadows' a title given to him during his time in japan, meaning he deals with hidden threats such as secret societies, evil cults, and the like. Eventually goes on to found and serve in both incarnations of the DPA. Married to the reincarnation of his first love, who has drank the elixir of life, and is the daughter of his arch foe.
The MachineSmith: A mechanic from Brooklyn who found a strange device in a captured Nazi Caravan. The device literally opened his mind, allowing him to use 90% of his brain capacity giving him enhanced intellect and reflexes. It also 'downloaded' blueprints from an ancient advanced society. He served with the Defenders all through the war and afterwards went on to found the Department of Paranormal Activities. While working on a top secret project to create a super-soldier after the U.S. government's most powerful asset went missing. The result while imbued with great power, it also drove the subject mad. Machinesmith was injured in the attack and sealed himself in a life preserving tube, spending the next several decades stuck in a tube hooked up to a supercomputer. He served as a sort of mentor to both the Legacy and the New Age Defenders. Eventually was healed by Erinyes of the New Age Defenders. Also served as a surrogate father figure to both Hotwire and Iris
Eagle Eye: A british sniper who had a strange chemical splashed in his eyes in a nazi lab. Enhanced vision. Wielded special weapons designed by Machinesmith. After the war went to America to join the DPA, volunteered for Project Paragon, a special program using Excel's blood. Was driven mad and became the villain known as Paragon.
Excel: An RAF pillot who was chosen as Earth's Guardian during WW2. Disappeared after the war, was later found a prisoner in his own mind by Brain. The Legacy found him and freed him to move on to the next life, and his power to a succesor.
Le Chat: A frenchman who found a magical cats-eye amulet that gave him enhanced senses, agility, and reflexes. Died fighting off a demon so his team could escape while explosives took down the building around him.
Brain: A telepath and telekinetic, after the war found an artifact called the PSionatrix. The device greatly expanded his power and drove him mad. His plans were spoiled by the Legacy and Brain died in their final battle.
Sergeant Sasquatch: A canadian commando with superhuman strength and durability. Died in battle against the nazi swordsman Blatt Meister.
The Golden Dragon: Dragon Fists Predecessor, Champion of Light. Disappeared after the war.
Appollonaut: 16 year old flight prodigy with experimental jetpack. Sacrificed himself so the electric powered nazi Blitz could not bring down his comrades' plane.
Freedom Fighter: Parahuman who awakened on the battle field. Could boost his strength speed or durability one at a time. Became an agent for the DPA after the war, died in battle with the Soviet Superbeing known as the Crimson Hammer.
The Hooded Bowman: African American Parahuman whose powers to endow objects with explosive energy while he was being beaten by fifth columnists. Was a vigilante before the war. Goes home and opens his own business, dies at age 72.
The Nightingale: Russian sorceress whose powers were more stealth based. Disappeared after the war.
Dr. Destiny: Medical Doctor with the ability to see the future, long term in dreams, and short term while awake, also possessed an astral form. Left a series of diaries for the Legacy to find to stop Brain. Died of leukemia in 82.o
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:16, Wed 25 Sept 2019.