theamazingfidget
New member
(Submitted too soon, whoops)
[Hero Concept] Zeta, Stranded Alien Researcher
- Thread starter theamazingfidget
- Start date
ReportingBugs
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theamazingfidget
New member
Thanks for your patience! I know a few people have taken a shot at alien heroes, but I definitely wanted to embrace the weird science angle that's only in a few heroes so far.
Background
June, 1947. Debris from a supposed alien vessel is discovered on a farm near Roswell, New Mexico. Curators under the authority of the OSIC confiscate all wreckage and inform the public that the debris belongs to a weather balloon, burying the issue in spite of public popularity.
Two years later, Zeta arrives in the Cursed Apple. The alien has spent those two years in secret, gleaning the secrets of soul-powered technology and adapting his surviving gear to run off of it. His one major downfall is that even with his knowledge and the new possibilities before him, he has no way to leave Earth and return home... but the patrons just might.
Appearance
Loaded with classic sci-fi apparel. He stands about 5 feet tall, but has a very blocky and squat silhouette for his size.
Playstyle
Zeta fits into a support role, but more as a debuffer and force multiplier for other heroes. He's squirrelly and allows for creative positioning using his kit.
Abilities
[1] Magnetic Ray
Disarms enemies and shields allies in a short cone in front of Zeta.
Possible upgrades could include widening the cone and increasing the weapon damage of shielded allies.
[2] Observation Platform
Zeta deploys a platform that rises into the air to a set height (or until activated again to stop at a specific height). The platform is large enough for 2-ish heroes, and can be climbed from underneath like a pole.
Heroes on the platform gain bonus weapon range.
Platform can be destroyed by heavy melee-ing the base twice.
Possible upgrades could include longer visibility on pinged enemies and revoking the benefits of the platform to enemies.
[3] Retrograde
Zeta jets backwards for several seconds, maintaining current vertical position.
Possible upgrades could include leaving a damaging trail and activating again to quickly rotate 90 degrees.
[4] Zeta Field
Zeta projects an energy field around him that lasts for a decent period and penetrates terrain. Enemies within the field take damage and get a stacking physical/spirit resist debuff each time they activate abilities.
Possible upgrades could include boosting allies that activate abilities within the field or making the field global.
Personality and Voice
Zeta is a researcher who is out of his element. He prefers methodical preparation, and dislikes being under pressure. He is not antisocial, but he prefers engaging conversations on specific terms.
For voice examples, some inspiration from mid 20th century actors like Richard Haydn (Caterpillar in Disney's animated Alice in Wonderland), Jonathan Harris (Dr. Smith in the Lost in Space original TV series), or Noel Coward (playwright/actor/singer) give the right amount of stuffy refinement. Also some element of Marvin the Martian in his angrier moments.
Example Conversations
Billy: Don't think you can fool me! I see exactly what you're doing with those platforms!
Zeta: ...I beg your pardon?
Billy: You're looking down on everybody! Going around setting up little ivory towers for yourself! Reinforcing in everyone's minds that you are above them!
Zeta: ...you can go up on the platform if you prefer.
Billy: You can't buy me, spaceman! Don't even try!
Drifter: I wonder what color your blood is, little man.
Zeta: What a morbid thought. Need I remind you that we are allies for this ritual?
Drifter: The ritual ain't gon' last forever... and it's never too early to plan a menu.
Grey Talon: I trust that you won't object to my using your observation platforms as sniping positions.
Zeta: If I did, it would only worsen our chances.
Grey Talon: Still had to make sure. Not everyone involved in the ritual is pragmatic.
Zeta: Pragmatism is the only way to live, quite literally.
Zeta: Haze, would you kindly ask your government to return my craft?
Haze: That would be the curators' jurisdiction, not mine.
Zeta: I'm not inclined to ask the curators for anything, seeing as they're the ones who appropriated my belongings in the first place.
Haze: Fine. I'll talk to someone after the ritual.
Ivy: Would you like to come over to the Arroyos' house for dinner sometime, Zeta? I'm sure they'd love to host you!
Zeta: I... appreciate the offer, but I have... concerns. I have observed humans like those in your family eating food laced with capsaicin.
Ivy: ...they do? I've only ever seen them use hot peppers.
Zeta: Those are exactly what I mean! You may be immune to its effects by now, but my system is not equipped to process such powerful chemical agents!
Ivy: It can take time to get used to spicy food, but don't worry! Carlos can cook something mild instead!
Kelvin: It is good to meet a fellow explorer!
Zeta: I qualify myself as a researcher more than an explorer, but I suppose field work does count as exploration.
Kelvin: Don't sell yourself short, my friend!
Zeta: And what does that mean?
Kelvin: I... suppose that is an idiom that needs some explanation.
Krill: I should warn you that some pieces of your downed ship have made their way into our... circles of trade.
Zeta: I am grateful, Krill. Where can I find them?
Krill: I'm afraid that would break the confidence of our contacts, but we would happily obtain them for you! I think you'll find that our handling fees are quite reasonable.
Lash: Now when you're up on your platform observing, spaceman, don't forget to watch for the most important thing.
Zeta: Enemy positions? Trooper wave patterns? Or just a simple watch on choke points?
Lash: Nope. Only The Lash in motion.
Zeta: I am not here to be your audience.
Lash: Everyone with a clear view of The Lash is his audience.
McGinnis: Gotta say, I'm impressed that you adapted your tech for soul power so quickly.
Zeta: It had to be done. One sets down the hammer when the nails are gone.
McGinnis: Come again?
Zeta: Hm. I suppose that idiom does not translate perfectly. It is merely emphasizing that alternate methods are only sought when circumstances-
McGinnis: Necessity is the mother of invention?
Zeta: That is... roughly equivalent, yes. I must remember that one.
Zeta: Were I to locate where my craft is being kept, could I convince you to steal it back for me?
Paradox: I assume you would want us to return your craft to you instead of displaying it?
Zeta: Well obviously yes.
Paradox: Well then obviously no.
Rem: Can I ride your elevator?!
Zeta: My observation platforms are not toys, Rem. They are sophisticated pieces of scientific equi-
Rem: You're mean!
Zeta: I am not mean! I... oh, very well... You may ride the first one that I deploy, but only the first one, mind you.
Rem: Yaaaaay!
Zeta: Your transformation is fascinating, Seven. I would know your exact process for my records.
Seven: My ascension is not something to be observed under glass, Zeta.
Zeta: The entire universe is observable. Why shouldn't you be?
Seven: Self-preservation.
Zeta: Dare I ask where I fit into your religion's cosmology?
Venator: So long as you don't stand in the way of my mission, you're just another one of God's creatures.
Zeta: Forgive me if I don't find that flattering or reassuring.
Venator: You are forgiven.
Wraith: I really hope you make it home, Zeta.
Zeta: Oh... thank you. That is very considerate of you, Wraith.
Wraith: Considerate has nothing to do with it. My parlors have you at 2:7 odds of getting off Earth by the end of the year, and I doubt anyone knows you're involved in the ritual.
Background
June, 1947. Debris from a supposed alien vessel is discovered on a farm near Roswell, New Mexico. Curators under the authority of the OSIC confiscate all wreckage and inform the public that the debris belongs to a weather balloon, burying the issue in spite of public popularity.
Two years later, Zeta arrives in the Cursed Apple. The alien has spent those two years in secret, gleaning the secrets of soul-powered technology and adapting his surviving gear to run off of it. His one major downfall is that even with his knowledge and the new possibilities before him, he has no way to leave Earth and return home... but the patrons just might.
Appearance
Loaded with classic sci-fi apparel. He stands about 5 feet tall, but has a very blocky and squat silhouette for his size.
Playstyle
Zeta fits into a support role, but more as a debuffer and force multiplier for other heroes. He's squirrelly and allows for creative positioning using his kit.
Abilities
[1] Magnetic Ray
Disarms enemies and shields allies in a short cone in front of Zeta.
Possible upgrades could include widening the cone and increasing the weapon damage of shielded allies.
[2] Observation Platform
Zeta deploys a platform that rises into the air to a set height (or until activated again to stop at a specific height). The platform is large enough for 2-ish heroes, and can be climbed from underneath like a pole.
Heroes on the platform gain bonus weapon range.
Platform can be destroyed by heavy melee-ing the base twice.
Possible upgrades could include longer visibility on pinged enemies and revoking the benefits of the platform to enemies.
[3] Retrograde
Zeta jets backwards for several seconds, maintaining current vertical position.
Possible upgrades could include leaving a damaging trail and activating again to quickly rotate 90 degrees.
[4] Zeta Field
Zeta projects an energy field around him that lasts for a decent period and penetrates terrain. Enemies within the field take damage and get a stacking physical/spirit resist debuff each time they activate abilities.
Possible upgrades could include boosting allies that activate abilities within the field or making the field global.
Personality and Voice
Zeta is a researcher who is out of his element. He prefers methodical preparation, and dislikes being under pressure. He is not antisocial, but he prefers engaging conversations on specific terms.
For voice examples, some inspiration from mid 20th century actors like Richard Haydn (Caterpillar in Disney's animated Alice in Wonderland), Jonathan Harris (Dr. Smith in the Lost in Space original TV series), or Noel Coward (playwright/actor/singer) give the right amount of stuffy refinement. Also some element of Marvin the Martian in his angrier moments.
Example Conversations
Billy: Don't think you can fool me! I see exactly what you're doing with those platforms!
Zeta: ...I beg your pardon?
Billy: You're looking down on everybody! Going around setting up little ivory towers for yourself! Reinforcing in everyone's minds that you are above them!
Zeta: ...you can go up on the platform if you prefer.
Billy: You can't buy me, spaceman! Don't even try!
Drifter: I wonder what color your blood is, little man.
Zeta: What a morbid thought. Need I remind you that we are allies for this ritual?
Drifter: The ritual ain't gon' last forever... and it's never too early to plan a menu.
Grey Talon: I trust that you won't object to my using your observation platforms as sniping positions.
Zeta: If I did, it would only worsen our chances.
Grey Talon: Still had to make sure. Not everyone involved in the ritual is pragmatic.
Zeta: Pragmatism is the only way to live, quite literally.
Zeta: Haze, would you kindly ask your government to return my craft?
Haze: That would be the curators' jurisdiction, not mine.
Zeta: I'm not inclined to ask the curators for anything, seeing as they're the ones who appropriated my belongings in the first place.
Haze: Fine. I'll talk to someone after the ritual.
Ivy: Would you like to come over to the Arroyos' house for dinner sometime, Zeta? I'm sure they'd love to host you!
Zeta: I... appreciate the offer, but I have... concerns. I have observed humans like those in your family eating food laced with capsaicin.
Ivy: ...they do? I've only ever seen them use hot peppers.
Zeta: Those are exactly what I mean! You may be immune to its effects by now, but my system is not equipped to process such powerful chemical agents!
Ivy: It can take time to get used to spicy food, but don't worry! Carlos can cook something mild instead!
Kelvin: It is good to meet a fellow explorer!
Zeta: I qualify myself as a researcher more than an explorer, but I suppose field work does count as exploration.
Kelvin: Don't sell yourself short, my friend!
Zeta: And what does that mean?
Kelvin: I... suppose that is an idiom that needs some explanation.
Krill: I should warn you that some pieces of your downed ship have made their way into our... circles of trade.
Zeta: I am grateful, Krill. Where can I find them?
Krill: I'm afraid that would break the confidence of our contacts, but we would happily obtain them for you! I think you'll find that our handling fees are quite reasonable.
Lash: Now when you're up on your platform observing, spaceman, don't forget to watch for the most important thing.
Zeta: Enemy positions? Trooper wave patterns? Or just a simple watch on choke points?
Lash: Nope. Only The Lash in motion.
Zeta: I am not here to be your audience.
Lash: Everyone with a clear view of The Lash is his audience.
McGinnis: Gotta say, I'm impressed that you adapted your tech for soul power so quickly.
Zeta: It had to be done. One sets down the hammer when the nails are gone.
McGinnis: Come again?
Zeta: Hm. I suppose that idiom does not translate perfectly. It is merely emphasizing that alternate methods are only sought when circumstances-
McGinnis: Necessity is the mother of invention?
Zeta: That is... roughly equivalent, yes. I must remember that one.
Zeta: Were I to locate where my craft is being kept, could I convince you to steal it back for me?
Paradox: I assume you would want us to return your craft to you instead of displaying it?
Zeta: Well obviously yes.
Paradox: Well then obviously no.
Rem: Can I ride your elevator?!
Zeta: My observation platforms are not toys, Rem. They are sophisticated pieces of scientific equi-
Rem: You're mean!
Zeta: I am not mean! I... oh, very well... You may ride the first one that I deploy, but only the first one, mind you.
Rem: Yaaaaay!
Zeta: Your transformation is fascinating, Seven. I would know your exact process for my records.
Seven: My ascension is not something to be observed under glass, Zeta.
Zeta: The entire universe is observable. Why shouldn't you be?
Seven: Self-preservation.
Zeta: Dare I ask where I fit into your religion's cosmology?
Venator: So long as you don't stand in the way of my mission, you're just another one of God's creatures.
Zeta: Forgive me if I don't find that flattering or reassuring.
Venator: You are forgiven.
Wraith: I really hope you make it home, Zeta.
Zeta: Oh... thank you. That is very considerate of you, Wraith.
Wraith: Considerate has nothing to do with it. My parlors have you at 2:7 odds of getting off Earth by the end of the year, and I doubt anyone knows you're involved in the ritual.
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