professorzaccox
New member
Archaeologist working at Columbia, academic colleagues with Dynamo and Kelvin
This character would be based off of an actual archaeologist, who focuses on the effect of the Maelstrom on people worldwide.
Main Weapon Discussion
- Spear/Shovel/Sling? Bow and Arrow with native/tribal connection
It's hard because I would love for him to be a melee hero like Apollo, using his excavation shovel, but that comes with two caveats - excavation shovels are actually tiny, and secondly he has no innate power to himself. This led me to spears which can be ranged using an atlatl, and have much more range than a shovel, but still hard to justify as a main weapon. There is a sling, which is a fun, historically prevalent weapon, but with wacky animations and long windups, its hard to justify as the *main* weapon. This led me possibly to a Bow and Arrow, using actual cultural arrowheads that he may or may not have flintknapped himself.
Finally, I think the bow would lead to interesting interactions. As of right now, we know very little about Grey Talon's native background, so this could be a fun dynamic.
Bow would be semi-automatic, nowhere near the speed of Grey Talon, but more methodical, like it's not natural to him. Grey Talon is a seasoned hunter. [Archaeologist] would also not get any form of charged shot, since his bow would do more damage per actual arrow regardless.
However, I think he could benefit from multiple weapons, similar to Venator. I did want him to be a bulkier character, around the health pools of Apollo or Lash, since he would do lots of physical work and hard labor outside.
The game is set in the early 20th century, so having a shotgun or pistol at the ready isn't unheard of, and the bow could be relegated to a side weapon. s
Abilities
1. Survey -
Personality and Looks
I think he would have to be older, in the same age range as Venator, Abrams, and Dynamo (at first glance, I understand those are all probably vastly different ages)
I think a little more physically haggard than Venator, since archaeologists sometimes don't get to shower, and spend 10 hours a day in the dirt. However, he should be relatively muscular, since excavation is NOT an easy task.
I think the stereotypical professor outfit could be great on him if it weren't to similar to Dynamo. Bucket or sun hat is a MUST!! Think Jurassic Park first scene, or any Indiana Jones scene lol. Khakis and polos would be nice. Business casual in general makes sense, but make it something he can go out in. Shorts may help differentiate his outfit more from both Venator and Dynamo. GLOVES ARE A MUST.
Relationships
I have already mentioned Dynamo, Kelvin and Grey Talon. Those are a little obvious.
Dynamo and Kelvin would be colleagues, Grey Talon would be his tribal connection. Would be funny if he was offered a role in the Baxter Society but turned it down to teach.
Some more subtle ones, would be:
Abrams, who solves crimes for the living. [Archaeologist] solves crimes of the dead.
Lash, indiana jones joke
Venator, could tease the religion a bit, also make a joke as reference Betty White in Community LOL
Drifter, who is incredibly old, would absolutely be of interest
Ivy was originally inanimate, [Archaeologist] would find that fascinating, and help her find out how old she might really be
Paige, as he can tell her "real" stories
Graves, tells her to transfer so he can study her skellies LOL
Personality wise, I imagine Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting, combined with Indiana. Witty and sarcastic, cynical, but has lived a long life, and studies countless others, so he has moments of wisdom and soft spots, especially for the younger characters. I think having a late wife or impacted family life from travelling or such could be interesting. He definitely needs to be a little meaner than Dynamo, but needs to feel like a mentor.
Would be hilarious and downright necessary if he only worked at Columbia for research grant funding
His wish could be one of two things:
Conclusion
This is just an idea! Obviously I'd go nuts if they added this, but at the end of the day it is just a concept. I am not very good at Deadlock but I love the lore and world, so if things are unbalanced, please let me know and help me find ways to balance them! There are lots of ways to take this character, but archaeologists have always dabbled in the occult and spiritual, and having a representative thats NOT Indiana Jones would be a warm welcome.
This character would be based off of an actual archaeologist, who focuses on the effect of the Maelstrom on people worldwide.
Main Weapon Discussion
- Spear/Shovel/Sling? Bow and Arrow with native/tribal connection
It's hard because I would love for him to be a melee hero like Apollo, using his excavation shovel, but that comes with two caveats - excavation shovels are actually tiny, and secondly he has no innate power to himself. This led me to spears which can be ranged using an atlatl, and have much more range than a shovel, but still hard to justify as a main weapon. There is a sling, which is a fun, historically prevalent weapon, but with wacky animations and long windups, its hard to justify as the *main* weapon. This led me possibly to a Bow and Arrow, using actual cultural arrowheads that he may or may not have flintknapped himself.
Finally, I think the bow would lead to interesting interactions. As of right now, we know very little about Grey Talon's native background, so this could be a fun dynamic.
Bow would be semi-automatic, nowhere near the speed of Grey Talon, but more methodical, like it's not natural to him. Grey Talon is a seasoned hunter. [Archaeologist] would also not get any form of charged shot, since his bow would do more damage per actual arrow regardless.
However, I think he could benefit from multiple weapons, similar to Venator. I did want him to be a bulkier character, around the health pools of Apollo or Lash, since he would do lots of physical work and hard labor outside.
The game is set in the early 20th century, so having a shotgun or pistol at the ready isn't unheard of, and the bow could be relegated to a side weapon. s
Abilities
1. Survey -
- Passively pick up artifacts around the map (similar to Bard Chimes? Or other collection characters), with each artifact offering a few souls (makes sense due to their historical and supernatural nature) and a small amount of spirit damage
- Actively reveals a small circle around [Archaeologist], revealing players and any player-related traps, snares, etc. - If more than 1 player is revealed, offer fire rate and movement speed
- ^ that second part could be an upgrade
- Could offer some extra spirit upon revealing as an upgrade
- [Archaeologist] throws an artifact... He has a sling or atlatal that he keeps wrapped around his wrist. He loads it and slings an artifact at the target. Does more damage based on amount of artifacts collected, and stays on the ground after landing for a certain amount of seconds. This would actually lower his count, and subsequently his stacks, by 1 for each thrown. If [Archaeologist] collects the artifact, the stack is not lost. Since he is using a sling, a charge-up animation is I think warranted?
- Possible upgrades: whatever stat is gained upon picking it back up, extra range, whatever
- 5 upgrade - he does not lose the stack, and maybe even gains one on hit? definitely the first part, second is crazy with good players so prob not
- Passively melee does a little extra spirit damage
- [Archaeologist] charges forward with shovel/wheelbarrow LOL and scoops target into the air (think Abrams charged combined with Bebop knock up) - if [Archaeologist] reconnects before target hits the ground, hold hit them #x very quickly, doing #x extra spirit + melee damage
- I wanted to incorporate a shovel into the character somehow and this seemed like a hilarious, yet skill expressive way to do so, as it rewards being able to "catch" them
- Even though it feels original, it sounds too similar to too many dashes. - Abrams, Bebop, and you can't stun without making it Mo and Krill 4
- Very fun upgrade - based on the archaeological activity sifting, could make it drop a few souls on hit LOL
- Reverse Graves Ult
- [Archaeologist] sets up a tent/campfire/flag to mark his site (CHANNEL) While in the area, [Archaeologist] gains spirit damage on his main weapon shots. All allies, including user, get boosted health regen and move speed.
- Per diem is the amount people get paid for food and board while they are out on work trips. This is obviously incredibly important to any archaeologist, since they are constantly traveling. I think it would be perfectly fitting if this were the culminating ability to the character
Personality and Looks
I think he would have to be older, in the same age range as Venator, Abrams, and Dynamo (at first glance, I understand those are all probably vastly different ages)
I think a little more physically haggard than Venator, since archaeologists sometimes don't get to shower, and spend 10 hours a day in the dirt. However, he should be relatively muscular, since excavation is NOT an easy task.
I think the stereotypical professor outfit could be great on him if it weren't to similar to Dynamo. Bucket or sun hat is a MUST!! Think Jurassic Park first scene, or any Indiana Jones scene lol. Khakis and polos would be nice. Business casual in general makes sense, but make it something he can go out in. Shorts may help differentiate his outfit more from both Venator and Dynamo. GLOVES ARE A MUST.
Relationships
I have already mentioned Dynamo, Kelvin and Grey Talon. Those are a little obvious.
Dynamo and Kelvin would be colleagues, Grey Talon would be his tribal connection. Would be funny if he was offered a role in the Baxter Society but turned it down to teach.
Some more subtle ones, would be:
Abrams, who solves crimes for the living. [Archaeologist] solves crimes of the dead.
Lash, indiana jones joke
Venator, could tease the religion a bit, also make a joke as reference Betty White in Community LOL
Drifter, who is incredibly old, would absolutely be of interest
Ivy was originally inanimate, [Archaeologist] would find that fascinating, and help her find out how old she might really be
Paige, as he can tell her "real" stories
Graves, tells her to transfer so he can study her skellies LOL
Personality wise, I imagine Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting, combined with Indiana. Witty and sarcastic, cynical, but has lived a long life, and studies countless others, so he has moments of wisdom and soft spots, especially for the younger characters. I think having a late wife or impacted family life from travelling or such could be interesting. He definitely needs to be a little meaner than Dynamo, but needs to feel like a mentor.
Would be hilarious and downright necessary if he only worked at Columbia for research grant funding
His wish could be one of two things:
- Learn the stories of those lost to the Maelstrom, or even further in the past
- Get all the funding he needs
Conclusion
This is just an idea! Obviously I'd go nuts if they added this, but at the end of the day it is just a concept. I am not very good at Deadlock but I love the lore and world, so if things are unbalanced, please let me know and help me find ways to balance them! There are lots of ways to take this character, but archaeologists have always dabbled in the occult and spiritual, and having a representative thats NOT Indiana Jones would be a warm welcome.
