Individual
Character's full name: Matthew Tobias Hughes
Alias/Nickname/Code name: N/A
Gender: Male
Age: 18
Date of Birth: 06/20/1999
Birthplace/Home/Place of origin: Brooklyn, New York City, USA
Nationality: American
Ethnicity/Cultural Heritage: British, German.
Appearance
Hair color and style: Matthew’s hair colour varies from a dark brown during winter times, to a lighter brown during the summer, encompassing the few remaining hues and tints between the aforementioned seasons. The young adult’s hairstyle used to be extremely short, but, ever since attending university, he has allowed it to grow to a medium length in order to express his unique nature and his freedom from former oppression, his curly locks being pushed to the back of his head in a relax and slightly dishevelled manner.
Skin Tone: Fair/White
Eye Color: Dark brown eyes
Height: 1.80 meters/ 180 cm/ 5’10”
Weight: 75 kg/ 12 stones/ 168 pounds (lbs.)
Build: Athletic build- broad shoulders, full chest, strong arms
Visible mutation: Bright green eye colour- when he is using his telekinesis, the brightness increasing in intensity with the amount of effort and concentration put into his ability
Scars/Tattoos/Piercings: The one and only prominent scar on Matthew’s body is a large jagged line, going diagonally across his back.
Other features: N/A
Everyday clothing style: Prior to attending university, Matthew’s general clothing style was strictly regulated by his parents. He was to wear the correct attire for every single setting, situation, and event. This entailed suits for school, sports gear during rugby practice sessions, and relaxed clothing items when indoors or outside with his friends or family. No extravagant jewellery, tattoos, or clothing items were allowed.
As the shackles have been broken free by separating from his parents and their ‘guidance’, Matthew has found his preferred clothing style. This consists of dark blue jeans, black boots, a dark blue, grey, or red shirt, followed by a suit coat or a leather jacket, depending on the circumstances at hand-, such as the weather and his mood.
Uniform: N/A
Sleepwear: In order to help condition the body, Matthew was raised to sleep in a black tank top and white briefs. This was said to help build the body’s ability to cope with thermal changes, as well as test and reinforce a person’s resilience in the face of adversity.
Miscellaneous clothing: N/A
Character
Personality: At his core, Matthew can only be described as introverted. Being deprived from unrestricted interactions with other social creatures, especially his supposed social peers, he has had little to no social interactions in which his views had the opportunity to be shared, or even challenged by another person. This had led to an intrinsic nature to his character, preferring to keep things to himself and enclose into his own world- be it imaginary or literary. However, recent developments, such as his freedom, and his ability to experience the world as he wishes to, with the social grouping that he desires, has pushed Matt to exteriorise himself and converse with others. Therefore, whilst initially introverted, he will take measures in order to become more accustomed to other people and expressing himself, something that, as he is aware, is key in becoming a successful writer.
In line with his introverted nature, Matt is not an individual to express his anger in an especial manner, or any powerful emotion for that matter. He will always reluctantly express mitigated renditions of the emotion, anger taking form of exaggerated sarcasm and irony, whilst bliss would take the form of smiles or grins displayed once in a while. However, certain circumstances may push for him to express the full range of his emotional spectrum. These circumstances must be powerful and leave him to believe that, in that instant, there is no choice for him but to express his feelings as he currently holds them. For example, anger will only be fully expressed when in a life-or-death situation, or in combat, but it would otherwise just be evident through Matt’s tonality towards a person.
When in groupings that do not include individuals that he is accustomed to, Matthew will try to get out of the social circumstance or be in an area as secluded from the group as possible. He will still pay attention, if required, but he will choose not to interact unless mandatory. Being aware of how odd this may appear, he will interact with others in an increasingly normal fashion, as he gets accustomed to the group and the individuals within it and builds a rapport with them.
It is not especially difficult for Matthew to build a rapport with someone, especially if they are of the same gender. A quick glance, a few introductory questions, and Matthew’s introverted nature has been slightly reduced by the degree of understanding between the two individuals. His awkward nature is decreased in proportion with how much he knows the other individual, or individuals, that he is interacting with. However, when interacting with someone of the opposite gender, Matt will be more awkward than usually- especially if he believes that the other is, in any way, attractive.
One of the most powerful aspects of Matt’s personality consists of his ethical values, believing in justice at all costs. Whilst his view of justice is centred around serving the country and helping protect it, it has developed into aiding the country and its citizens in any way possible. In some circumstances, his ethical and moral values may be challenged and he will be left wondering what to do- especially in morally ambiguous situations. Whenever this occurs, he will appeal to what one would deem morally right; to what his mother would do.
Matthew’s initial awkwardness will usually be reflected in stumbling, or stuttering, or even looking around and gesturing whilst he is attempting to come up with the words that he wishes to convey to others. His reluctance to communicate with others in a group, when, and if this occurs, will be seen as he will keep things close to himself and will most likely unconsciously hold his arms over his chest as to create a social barrier between him and others.
Hobbies/Interests: Literary texts, especially fictional texts; The world around him, including society and every single person around him, with their intricacies; Mutants, to find kindred spirits and discover more about himself.
Job or part time job and description: N/A
Fears/phobias/concerns: Afraid that he may never reconcile with his family; Afraid that he may not be able to protect his mother from his father, as he is concerning; Afraid that his anonymous benefactor may request something of him once he finishes his course.
Special talents: Analysis of literary texts in relation to their meaning, metaphors, allegories, comparisons and historical relevance.
Morality
Good/bad/neutral/other: Chaotic Neutral – Matt is still trying to find his way in the world, and, to this extent, he has no fixed moral compass other than wanting to protect his country- instilled by his parents. He wants to do what is best for him, but this may change depending on the situation, as the desire to protect others may be inferred from his desire to protect his country. Matt is not aware of the extent of his moral compass yet.
Mutations
Mutation description
Telekinesis. One of the most destructive, or creative, mutations to be has been bestowed upon Matthew. This mutation allows him to focus his attention on one or more objects in order to control them with his mind. However, this ability inherently has limitations, as well as drawbacks when especially used, considering that Matthew has seldom used his ability, and has not especially trained it so far.
Strengths
Matthew’s telekinesis allows him to control up to 5 objects, to manipulate the speed, velocity, course, and overall position of objects, to control objects in intricate and complex ways (when allowed by the nature of the object in itself), to destroy objects, and, to some extent, to control the human body. This causes him to be able to use his abilities in a non-violent, and in a violent manner.
Weaknesses and Limitations
The factors that have a significant limiting effect upon Matthew’s telekinesis are the number of the objects in themselves, the weight of the objects, Matthew’s eyesight, his visual contact with the object, the extent to which he wishes to manipulate the objects, the range of his ability, and if the object at hand is part of, or is, a human body. Ultimately, the greatest obstacle in Matthew’s mutation is his very own focus.
Number of objects
Matthew can control up to 5 objects, regardless of their shape, size, or nature. The inherent minimum is of 1 object. Regardless of the close relation between two or more objects, they will be viewed and interpreted independently. Therefore, shoelaces will be interpreted as two individual objects, rather than one, whilst a gun will be just one object due to the fact that every component is automatically linked into one whole. The more objects controlled, the less capable Matthew is at controlling them in specialised ways, and the more exhausting it gets. This is gradual, and is regarded as the division effect.
Shape/Size/Nature
An object’s shape, size, or nature will not be a significant obstacle for Matthew’s telekinesis, unless he is attempting to change those factors one way or another, or they are at both logical extremes.
Therefore, if the shape of an object is intricate and complex (complex sculpture or modern art), this will decrease the extent to which he is able to manipulate the object- albeit not majorly.
Likewise, if the object is extremely small, it will be difficult for Matthew to manipulate it for a prolonged period due to the possible absence of prolonged visual contact with the object when manipulating it. To the same extent, if the object is extremely large, albeit not extremely heavy (biggest pizza/cardboard box in the world) then it will become slightly more difficult for Matthew to control the object due to its inherently precise centre of gravity.
The nature of the object is the aspect that may pose the greatest threat to his ability. When the object has a more intricate and complex nature/usage (puzzle box, Rubik’s cube, gun), Matt will find using his ability that much more exhausting, scaling with the intricacy of the object. Therefore, firing a gun would be easier than manipulating a Rubik’s cube in an attempt to solve it.
Dexterity
When Matthew uses his ability upon a single object, he will be able to fully operate said object. This means that he will be able to fully control the speed, velocity, course, nature, and position of the object. It will also mean that he will be able to affect those variables in less amount of time than it would take with multiple objects.
Due to the division effect, if he is controlling two objects, he will be able to send them on individual courses, control their velocity, halt them and change their position quite quickly, but he will be unable of making one object travel faster than the other. Furthermore, if he controls three objects, Matthew will be unable of sending them on individual courses, but he will still be able to control their velocity and slightly change their position. At four objects, this change in position becomes impossible, and, at five objects, the velocity is no longer an aspect that can be controlled by the male- as soon as the objects are all simultaneously sent off in the same direction, he cannot halt their progression individually or collectively.
WeightMatthew is able to manipulate multiple objects up to the point where the cumulative weight reaches 220 pounds. Once this weight limit has been met, this will affect the extent to which he can manipulate the objects in terms of velocity, speed, position, and intricacy. If a sole object has 220 pounds, he will have to choose whether he wants to control that one object, or the other four objects, as there is no way that Matthew can surpass his weight limitation. Manipulating a sole object of that weight will have significant effects upon Matthew’s ability to control it, mainly regarding the speed of the object, and Matthew’s inability to accurately control its position.
RangeThe range of his telekinesis includes his clear visual range, but with a physical limitation of 50 feet. If anything goes beyond the 50 feet radius, the objects will automatically be independent of Matthew’s telekinesis, the Earth’s natural forces acting upon them as they otherwise would. Therefore, if Matthew cannot see an object clearly (fog, mist, smoke), or if he cannot see an object, despite knowing its location, he will be unable to control it. He has no form of a telekinetic reach around him, or any form of a ‘telekinetic perspective’, or tagging system, to aid him in manipulating the objects around him.
SpeedWhen using his ability on 5 items, he cannot increase their speed past 18 miles per hour. This limitation gradually decreases with the number of objects controlled. When controlling 4 objects, they will be able to reach 22.5 miles per hour. When controlling 3 objects, they will be able to reach 30 miles per hour. When controlling 2 objects, they will be able to reach 45 miles per hour. When controlling one object, it will be able to reach 90 miles per hour. This is due to the division effect which gravitates over Matthew’s telekinetic ability.
However, the maximum speed is also subject to limitations, governed by the weight and size of the object, as well as Matthew’s eyesight and focus at the current time. Therefore, all objects that are above the average weight (44 pounds) will be virtually unable of reaching the maximum speed, as will objects that are too large or too small.
When an object has reached the current weight limit (220 pounds), it will only be able to traverse up to 5 miles per hour.
Object intricacyMatthew is inherently capable of manipulating a single object to a great extent. When doing so, he is able to do intricate tasks, such as tying a knot, flipping pages, writing legibly. This is extended if he has great, in-depth knowledge of the object and its components. However, as the number of objects increases, the intricacy to which he will be able to control each independent object decreases. Therefore, at 2 objects, he will be able to flip pages of one object, but this may be more difficult and may even skip some pages, the knots that he may tie will be loose, and his writing will come across as squiggly lines. At 3 objects, he will no longer be able to do the aforementioned aspect, but he will still be capable of precision insertion of objects, and all other aspects that are inherently able to be manipulated through telekinesis (speed, position, etc.). At 4 objects, the precision insertion of objects will be extremely difficult, and impossible at 5.
Projectiles & DefendingMatthew can use objects as projectiles, propelling them in any given direction that he can see. This is especially efficient with one object, due to the extent that he can control the object, and the speed the object can reach, but it is also possible with the maximum amount of objects- albeit more limited in terms of trajectory, velocity, speed, and overall control of the objects.
When using his telekinetic ability to defend himself from projectiles, Matthew is incapable of stopping or diverting bullets, as his mutation depends upon his ability to see the object clearly, and react to it in the sufficient time (something which cannot be done when faced with a bullet already fired from the barrel). This impossibility is accentuated by the limitation in manipulating an object’s velocity- despite being rather quick concerning a single object, Matthew would not be able to bring a bullet to a complete halt in the required time. This does not apply to anything larger than a bullet, such as thrown knives, arrows, larger projectiles due to mutations, chairs, tables, etc. The only limitations in this scenario would consist of the nature, size, weight, and number of the objects. Also, diverting objects with a temporary usage of his telekinetic ability will be far more proficient, and less exhausting, than controlling the object in itself to defend himself.
When using his telekinetic ability to defend himself in close-combat, Matthew will be capable of defending himself from any given weapon. However, the weight of the weapon, and the added force will be taken into account regarding his ability to defend himself, as well as the other relevant factors (sight, reflexes, stress, exhaustion, etc). To that extent, he will be able to defend himself from an average human swinging a baseball bat when he is not exhausted, but he will be unable to do so when exhausted (either physically, or due to using his telekinesis for prolonged periods). If the one swinging the baseball bat is a professional baseball player, or has increased strength or speed, the chances for Matthew to stop the bat prior to it hitting him will significantly decrease due to the limitations in controlling an object’s velocity. Also, if one aims to hit him with a sledgehammer, the chances for him to stop it are minimal due to the weight of the object itself, as well as the force that is exercised upon it.
At the current point in time, it is impossible for Matthew to protect himself from two physical attacks at once, or more than three projectiles that have been sent towards him, without posing serious potential harm to his mind and consciousness.
Time limitThere is a limit regarding the amount of time that Matt can use his telekinesis. This varies depending on the number, weight, and intricacy of the object, as well as the specific uses of his ability. For the least intricate operations, range, number, and nature of objects, the use of the telekinesis is virtually unending. However, as the factors become more intricate, the use decreases, reaching a minimum of 10 seconds in the most strenuous circumstances, or even 5 in circumstances where the individual pushes his abilities past their previous limits. These strenuous circumstances including an object that has reached the maximum weight limit, or using his ability whilst in a bad physical, emotional, or psychological shape.
Division effectAs it can be seen, the division effect acts upon every single aspect of Matthew’s telekinetic ability, including dexterity, intricacy, defence, time, etc.
Destroying objectsInherently, Matthew can use his mutation in order to destroy objects. However, this will be incredibly difficult, increasing with the type of object and the nature of the destruction. For example, ripping a page out of a book will be regarded as controlling two independent objects, even three if this is difficult, whereas ripping the book itself in half will only be possible if the book is not thick and does not have a significantly powerful structure, and will be regarded as controlling five objects.
Human ManipulationThe most difficult task for Matthew to accomplish is manipulating human bodies. This cannot even be attempted if the person weighs more than 150 pounds. If a person weighs 150 pounds or less, then Matthew may attempt to control one of their limbs at a time. When doing so, he will be unable to control anything else other than the given limb. This control is limited by the inherent biological capability of the limb, and, if the individual is powerful enough and resilient enough, they may be able break out of the telekinetic control. Matthew may only be able to control an individual’s limb for up to 30 seconds, if completely focused and if the individual poses no resistance; though this will often not be the case due to the surrounding circumstances to the control.
In relation to defending oneself from hand-to-hand hits that do not involve a weapon, as long as the individual weighs less than 150 pounds, it will be possible to stop a potential hit for up to 5 seconds- controlling the threatening limb would entail tremendous control, due to the force and tension within it.
This difficulty is enhanced when concerning individuals that are mutated, that are above the aforementioned weight, that have increased strength or resistance to such effects, causing it to be virtually impossible for Matt to manipulate their body.
It should be noted that it is easier to manipulate human bodies which are unconscious, or asleep, as they are pose less of a resistance to Matthew’s abilities.
Reaching limitsThe uttermost limits of Matt’s abilities can only be reached through extreme focus. Prolonged focus may lead to extreme nausea, bleeding through the nose (and the eyes in some instances), unconsciousness, or even comas. This depends on the extent of the usage of abilities.
Physical Abilities
General Physical Capabilities: Above average strength and reflexes, due to pre-military training instilled by his father.
Fighting Style: Average Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting Style Pros/Cons: The strength of Matthew’s fighting style is his ability to deal with his foes in a close-ranged situation, especially when they are of his height or below. He is capable of striking his foes with force, in a variety of ways, with his arms, as well as throwing them in elaborate ways. However, a contrasting weakness of this is the fact that he is not able to dodge, only to block. This fighting style also inhibits the use of kicks, which has caused him to be less proficient in them, and, therefore, not use them. He is less than capable of fighting those taller than him, those particularly heavy, or those further away.
History
Tradition had always been one of the most important aspects of the Hughes family. That was probably why they did not believe in the equal division of domestic labour between men and women, why they did not believe that women had any reason to attempt to gain a higher education, why they hated the mutants. In retrospect, it was probably why they had begun hating Matthew when they found out, but he could not blame them for it.
The Hughes family had a rich history in the United Stated, originally forming along with the colonisation of the land by the British Empire, and being one of the first families to fight back against the ‘commoners’ once they had decided that their ruling was unjust. They prided themselves upon that more than anything else, stories of ancestors long dead shared on every occasion the relatives would gather around the dinner table- birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
For someone that had been born in a postmodernist era, with postmodernist values, Matthews was inherently conflicted between what society was teaching him and what his family values were- a clash between primary and secondary socialisation occurring, which was designed to dictate the rest of his life. As a kid, he posed no trouble to his parents. He would do as they wished him to, obeying their every command and being his father’s ‘little soldier’; but, as Matt grew up, his desire to learn more about the world expanded with each breath that he took. This desire was not respected by his parents, his father taking the prominently rule-making and enforcing role, dictating that he was to train physically as he commanded, that he was to attend school and study the subjects that were necessary to the greatest possible extent, and that he was to avoid any possible contact with those that others had foolishly embraced- the mutants.
While Matthew’s mother never directly overruled her husband, as that would have been punishable in ways that the young child would not have wanted to fathom, she sought to soothe the emotional wounds that she would notice in her son, her love for him far surpassing the joint desire for Matt to grow into a military-trained adult. She aided his escapes from the real world, telling him tales when he was just a boy, and giving him books once he had become a young teenager, allowing his retreat into magical and fantastical realms where anything was possible. In those worlds, there were no rules, there were no regulations. He could imagine them as he wished, and he could deconstruct and reassemble that image to his heart’s desire. The stories not only served as his escape, but also formed his first and strongest love, literature. It answered his questions about the world that he could not explore by himself, and it raised so many more. A constant influx of books was necessary for him to sate his desire for knowledge and unadulterated companionship.
Matt’s teenage years had not been easy- as expected from any individual’s teenage phase. He had begun questioning the plan made for him. He truly loved literature, why should he have to enrol in the military at the first possible convenience? Why could he not do what he wished, slept as he wished, interacted or dressed as he wished? Those worries were kept hidden, until he ultimately questioned his father, causing an outburst of “fatherly compassion” that was soon to turn physical. However, while this did not occur, Matthew was once more turned to his obedient self, with even more questions and challenging thoughts that were kept bottled within, building to an irascible and irritable personality when not directly overseen by his parents. His only escape, when he could be himself, where the books, something that was starting to slip away as the time for graduation came.
Matthew remained enraged towards his heritage, his parents, and his apparent destiny, but this rage did not break through his rather shy and internal personality- perhaps an ingrained aspect by his father to remain forever obedient. These thoughts only pushed him further and further into literature, which he would feel, in his heart, less and less. Therefore, one eventful night, a minimal amount of his rage was released from his body as he angrily threw a copy of “The Count of Monte Cristo” towards his bedroom’s window. If nothing were to occur, the book would be doomed to fall four floors and unto the muddy streets of New York City, but the sudden regret at throwing away the literary text that he had enjoyed most of all caused him to reach for the book, only to observe that it had stopped in the middle of the air. Confusion was the first to enter Matt’s cognitive processes, causing him to wonder if he was dreaming. Once that theory became null due to the existence of the question in itself, shock came over the teenager. He was a mutant, like the ones that everyone was talking about- like the ones his family hated. The realisation, accompanied by the sudden entrance of the mother, caused Matt to release his short telekinetic grasp of the book and allow it to plunder against the ground. While he was questioned about it by the mother, he hoped that she had not witnessed any of it and refused to answer any questions.
The following night, certainly due to a retelling of the events from the mother’s perspective, Matt’s father questioned him about his status as a mutant. Words were shared, such as ‘freak’, ‘abomination’, and ‘despicable’, but Matthew did not cave in to his anger, instead attempting to use logical arguments and dismissal of such claims from his mother. However, the reluctance broke as soon as the father used a leather fabrication of his own, very closely resembling a whip, to suddenly punish Matthew for his biological differences by striking him. In that moment, all of Matthew’s rage flew out in an abominable shout, his telekinetic powers causing the whip to twist and turn around the father’s neck, going as far as pinning him against the wall, feet still on the floor. The event took place in a matter of seconds, and it did not last more than a dozen of those. Upon this realisation, the soon-to-be-adult’s eyes turned back to brown from their temporarily green color, apologising for his outburst. The damage had been irreparable. The fear had been set, and there was no way of breaking it.
From that moment onward, his parents had ceased to interact with him on more than a minimal basis, going as far as preparing his meals and bringing them in front of his door. No more rules were being enforced. No more books. It was as if he had become a ghost for them- something that they could sense, but they did not want to acknowledge. While it broke his heart more than anything else could have ever done, graduation came soon. He revelled in the lack of rules, as he was now able to apply for New York University’s “Literature and Creative Writing” programme. Upon applying, Matthew discovered that he had an anonymous benefactor- an individual capable, and willing, to pay his financial expenses without disclosing their identity to him. Akin to any other student, he accepted gracefully and ventured into the world as a lone, free, adult.
Despite that, one image had not escaped his mind ever since informing his parents what he had applied for. His father, reluctantly looking towards him with furrowed eyebrows and a look in his eyes which expressed pure fear and disappointment, and his mother, with tears rolling down her cheeks as she tried her best not to glance at him. He knew then- that image would never leave his mind.
Roleplay
Where did you learn about this site?: Google Search led to the Proboards Forums, which redirected me here.
Do you have any other characters on MRO, if so who: N/A
Sample RP:It was 7 AM in the morning. Whilst most university students would have dreaded that very moment of the day, Matt was the one that was more than awake at that hour. His lips pressed against the porcelain coffee mug as his hand lifted it slightly and allowed a minuscule amount of the hot liquid to enter his mouth.
“Delicious”, he pondered as he smiled, putting the cup down on the kitchen counter in front of him, his hands resting on each side of the counter and grasping it tightly.
His eyes looked around as he inspected his apartment, still shocked at the fact that someone had taken an interest in him. Not even that, but an interest in him that had transcended what he could have fathomed in his greatest dream, allowing him the necessary funds to live as he wanted. For someone that had been secluded from normal society for so long, that had been proposal that could not be turned down; the funds allowing the young adult to live in a comfortable and stylish apartment, as well as go out and interact with the world around him to a full extent. Yes, there were some difficulties when it actually came to interacting with other social creatures, particularly women in his age group, but he was taking the necessary precautionary steps in order to help him better integrate in society. So far, the world around him had surpassed what each and every one of his favourite writers had said about it. None of the literary description ever made could cause the world justice- it was the most beautiful thing that he had ever experienced.
His apartment was not especially stylish, but it had a minimalistic and modern style, representing Matthew’s personality and approach to himself. He preferred everything to be in one place, organised, and not be too flamboyant, as that would attract too much attention. His seclusion was something that he enjoyed, even now, when he had been scheduled to attend a class in less than an hour. There was no rush, as the apartment pointed out by his benefactor was in the vicinity of the university, granting him the opportunity to fully experience both the academic and the social life of being a university student.
A few gulps of coffee and a few scribbles in his personal notebook later, the male decided that it would have been wise to start his journey towards his session. His hands gripped tightly at the black bag as he walked into the spacious living room, putting his personal notebook within it and sealing it with the zipper. His eyes glanced at the exterior world, at the splendour of New York City, causing half a smile to be temporarily imprinted upon the male’s facial features. Matt could not wait to write about it, one day.
A last look had been taken at his surroundings as well, inhaling in the white walls, the art exhibits upon them, the black pieces of furniture that were scattered across the residence. The soft expulsion of air signified his realisation that this had not been a dream, as well as his readiness to venture into the world once more.
His footsteps paved his way towards the front door, one of his hands opening up towards the black counter next to it; the keys that had once been in an ashtray now levitating towards the telekinetic’s hand. Almost in a moment, the keys were in his left hand, the right counterpart opening the door and allowing himself through. In another second, the door had been locked, and the young university student eagerly made his way towards his next class. If only he knew what awaited him on his journey.
