Just playin' around

Background Story

Luke Merriweather never planned on being a costumed hero in a place like Hudson City. He’d never even dreamed of such a thing. All he ever wanted to do was to be a cop. He grew up in Danville, just outside of San Francisco, and always tried to be a good kid. He earned good marks through high school and community college, and just before his twenty-first birthday he was accepted into the San Francisco Police Academy.

Though he enjoyed the work—even the stint at the downtown jail and the busywork of being a new patrolman—Luke knew that advancement was slow in San Francisco. Taking the advice of his mentor he transferred to Hudson City in the fall of ’97 and was immediately assigned to Riverside South Central, ostensibly attached to the Robbery & Burglary division. He worked hard, assisting in whatever cases came his way without complaint, and in 2003 he passed the Detective’s Exam on the first try. Pleased with his steady advancement thus far, Detective Merriweather took a chance yet again and requested transfer to Vice. It was grueling work, and there were many who tried to talk Luke into a more prestigious posting, but Luke wanted to work the crimes that struck at the vulnerabilities in society.

Unfortunately, preying upon the predators often turns one into prey himself. Such was the case with Luke. He’d made enough of his peers and superiors uncomfortable with his “untouchable” moral code. After all, with many cops on the take, the one who chose not to partake of the underworld’s largess was suspect. They were satisfied with maintaining the status quo for as long as it seemed Luke wouldn’t be a threat. Luke’s next case changed their minds.

Following up on a series of seemingly unrelated crimes, Luke discovered a crime ring within the established criminal organizations. Someone was taking little bites out of the underworld. A little bit of protection, a little bit of vice, a little bit of burglary…it all added up to someone setting themselves up as a new kingpin. Luke began investigating these so-called “random” crimes and took note of certain constants. First and foremost, the names of particular officers kept reappearing. Also, in almost every case there was either overwhelming evidence or a surprising dirth of it. In short, the criminals were being hit where it counted and someone was reaping the benefits. The worst of it was that it appeared to be cops doing the work, which meant a new crime boss. Luke couldn’t shake the feeling that the man in charge carried a badge, as well.

His investigations caught the attention of the wrong people, and Luke found himself under scrutiny by Internal Affairs. Several of his case reports had inconsistencies…inconsistencies that weren’t there at the time of filing. His current investigations were suspended, and Luke himself was benched. He didn’t let go of the case, however, and continued his investigations in private. As careful as he was, he wasn’t careful enough.

During one surveillance Luke caught sight of a known detective entering an office building he was sure held enough incriminating evidence to at least make a case, if not bust it wide open. Unable to call for backup, however, he snuck inside in the hopes of being able to clear his name and put the real bad guys away.

It was a set-up. The minute he closed the door behind him the bullets started flying. A running gun battle ensued. Though he managed to incapacitate several of the goons attacking him, Luke was himself wounded and barely escaped with his life. He was marked, though—they were on to him, and no longer cared to hide their hand.

Luke limped back to his home only to discover it was being watched. Nearly unconscious and barely lucid, Luke drove to the only place he could think of where he might be safe: Pops’ Bar.

Harry “Pops” McGinty was a retired officer. Like Luke, Pops had refused to partake of the corruption rampant in the HCPD. Unlike Luke, he’d managed to keep his head down long enough to get his gold watch and get out unscathed. With his (somewhat early) retirement, Pops opened a bar. It wasn’t a popular hangout for law enforcement due mainly to Pops’ open disdain for dirty cops. He was, however, popular among the few who tread the straight and narrow. Luke knew him only as an acquaintance, but he also knew that Pops wouldn’t turn him in. He was right. The old cop took him in and hid him in the back room until he could move around without wincing too badly. His first order of business was to return to his department and turn in his badge and gun. It cost him dearly in pride to see the sneers and open amusement on the faces of those cops he knew were involved, but it was the only gesture he could make that might save his life.

It worked. Three days after his “retirement” Luke received a copy of his badge in the mail. There was a black stripe across the number, a clear message: cause any more trouble and he was as good as dead. Defeated and despondent, Luke turned to drinking to ease his pain.

After several weeks of this, Pops McGinty again took a hand in Luke’s affairs, this time by dragging him into a backroom to sober him up. Once he was again clear-headed, Luke was told that Pops was being pressed for protection money. The worst of it was that the regular police wouldn’t do anything—Pops was as persona non grata as Luke. He could expect no help from the authorities. Luke, though, might be able to do something.

Swearing him to secrecy, Luke was lead into a back room. A secret door opened into an old office building next door, one that Pops had purchased in secret some years back. In the storage locker was a collection of older and newer weapons and equipment, some of it cutting edge. Pops had run the weapons locker at headquarters for a long time, and over the years he accumulated quite the arsenal. Being a bit of a tinkerer by trade Pops figured out how some of it worked, and even how to improve—or at least update—certain pieces. It was his hope that, with the help of the equipment at his disposal, Luke might make the thugs pressuring him look for easier prey. It was a long time before Luke agreed, if only out of gratitude, but once he did he took on the mission whole-heartedly.

Outfitting himself with modern special tactics gear and a full face mask, Luke waited for the thugs’ next visit. He ambushed them in an alley, incapacitating or knocking unconscious all but one, who naturally ran back to his base. Luke followed, and commenced to put the extortion ring out of business. He called in an anonymous tip, making note of the fact that he’d also called the local media, and let the HCPD handle the rest.

As Pops and Luke sat celebrating their victory over beers it occurred to them that this was a way for Luke to continue his dedication to protecting his adopted city. Pops freely provided what equipment and expertise he could while Luke began training harder than ever. During all his time as an officer Pops spent many a year in the weapons locker and evidence counter. Like Luke he wouldn't bend his principles in the face of corruption, so his peers and superiors hid him away where he could do little harm. Unfortunately for them--and fortunately for Luke--Pops used his position to acquire more than a few weapons of his own, ostensibly as protection against those who might come against him. Now, however, he's dusted them off, cleaned them up and, in some cases, modified them, and made them available to Luke to use in his fight against crime.

Within a month of his initial outing, Luke was making the rounds of the city. His goal: defending the citizens of Hudson City from both the predators and those sworn to protect them. Luke now works for Pops as a part-time bartender while fighting crime whenever and whereever he can as Hudson City's newest vigilante, Nemesis.

Personality

Luke Merriweather is generally an upbeat individual, if not always cheerful. Dealing with the dregs of society for as long as he did left him a tad cynical, but he genuinely believes in what he’s doing as well as in the overall goodness of man. Quick to laugh and even quicker to offer a helping hand, Luke has learned that not everyone shares his faith and optimism. However, he’s also learned that there is a capacity for goodness in most people that rivals any of the darker aspects of society he’s experienced, and it is this bright spark that keeps him steady and on track. And, to be honest, he actually enjoys the thrill donning the costume gives him. There’s a freedom in it, a sense of purpose and lack of constraint all in one that he never felt as an officer of the law. He frankly enjoys being a hero…so far.

Like many of his contemporaries, Nemesis upholds the spirit of law and order rather than the letter. He also avoids using killing force whenever possible. Unlike his masked peers, however, Nemesis makes an effort to provide evidence against his foes. As Nemesis, Luke feels he needs to be better than he is. Toward that end he spends countless hours taking online courses, studying what books he can, and training incessently. Pops calls it his "freakish focus", but Luke knows that in order to survive outside the law in Hudson City one has to at the top of their game both physically and mentally. It doesn't help that he's possibly the least powerful member of The Conquistadors and yet he's been chosen to lead the team for reasons he still not absolutely sure of.

Luke is also very devoted to Pops McGinty. The two have struck up quite a friendship, and there' s an almost paternal bond between the two. Indeed, since Pops' children are all grown and living their own lives across the country, Luke is his likely successor to owning the bar. Too, Pops feels the need to pass on what information he has, be it related to the bar, his life as a public servent, or his skills with weaponry. Luke is an avid student in all areas, and is routinely putting his new knowledge and experience to use.

Appearance

Luke is a big man, broad of chest and shoulder and built just this side of a bodybuilder. His hair is still generally worn short, though not as short as it was when he carried a badge, and lately he’s taken to giving it a bit of style. He generally dresses casually in either jeans or cotton slacks and remembers to shave at least every other day. He moves with an easy grace and is surprisingly quick for such a big man.

Nemesis almost always appears in a two-tone forest green and slate gray costume, with utility belt and bandolier in dark grey or black. He wears a full mask covering his entire head, and goggles usually cover his eyes. His arsenal of weapons thus far includes a variety of sidearms, a staff, a bow, and several varieties of small grenades, though for obvious reasons he rarely carries more than one at a time.

Powers

Luke Merriweather is--was--a dedicated policeman. He worked his cases methodically and deliberately, leaving as little room for error as possible while still maintaining forward momentum. A quick thinker and an observant individual, Luke was often able to diffuse potentially-explosive situations before force became necessary. When such a situation was unavoidable, however, Luke acted in a quick and decisive manner, using just enough force to accomplish his goal.

Nemesis has no real powers of his own but has trained himself to be a superb athlete and combatant. The weaponry and useful tools provided by Pops enable Nemesis to more than hold his own against all but the strongest of opponents. Nemesis generally prefers to either attack from surprise or, when that is not an option, to fight defensively until he has the full measure of his opponent. He notes possible weaknesses, waits for mistakes and openings, then launches his own relentless attack. If Luke often acted restrained as a policeman it was as much a result of training as choice. As Nemesis he has not forgotten that and he still refuses to kill except as a very last resort. As time goes by Nemesis continues to demonstrate a mastery of martial arts and the use of many different styles of weaponry.

Since taking on the mantle of Nemesis, Luke has spent countless hours studying a variety of topics and sciences. Both Luke and Nemesis demonstrate a single-mindedness in the pursuit of knowledge, be it learning through an online class or an active investigation. Pops refers to it as his "freakish focus", but it stands Luke in good stead.

Supporting Cast

Pops McGinty is a retired officer and the owner of "Pops", a small neighborhood bar in Irishtown. He owns the currently-empty retails space immediately behind the bar and uses the connecting rooms as storage for his--or, rather, Nemesis'--arsenal. He is an older man of sixty-plus years, with a gruff personality and fondness for scotch (and whiskey, and vodka...) and cigars (and cigarettes, and pipes...). Pops was married for many years but his wife passed away nearly a decade ago, and they never had children of their own. Pops has pretty much adopted Luke as the son he never had, and is as supportive and protective--and critical--as any real father could be.

Knowledge of Other Characters

As The Conquistadors come together, Nemesis possesses only a cursory knowledge of many of the members, though he's done his homework and is able to recite many of the more noteworthy events in the careers of the more famous--or infamous--members with ease. He has also been fully briefed on their known powers and/or abilities, though it's almost certain that each member of the team maintains secrets.

Luke Merriweather is an acquaintance of Kate Sutherland's through their mutual like of Pop's Bar, though at the start of the campaign neither is aware of the other's secret identity.

Romantic Relationships (If Applicable)

At this point in his life Luke has no serious romantic interests, though that's simply coincidence and not a result of any decision on his part. He has never married though he has had several long-term relationships in the past.

Future Plans and Goals

Luke Merriweather would love to reach a point in his life where the persona of Nemesis is not necessary, but that seems highly unlikely. Instead he has decided that he will join--and lead--The Conquistadors, acting in accordance with his principles to bring as much peace to the city as he and the team possibly can.

Luke's more immediate goals stem from his almost-obsessive desire to prove and improve himself. He trains incessantly, and when not training or actively pursuing a case, Luke (or Nemesis) spends a great deal of time studying in order to expand his mind.

Trivia

Might be the 'cleanest' of The Conquistadors at the start, but this will be a tale of how to keep one's soul intact when playing dice with the devil.

Side Scenes & Joint Posts

Going for Infinity Pt 1

Going for Infinity Pt 2

Going for Infinity Pt 3a

Going for Infinity Pt 3b

Going for Infinity Pt 3c

Stepping Up

A Good Night

The Soldier Boy Dilemma (He's a Fucking Legend!)

TCQ Character Profile

Note: “you” or “your” in this case refers to the character.

Section A - History

Question 1: When you were a child – what was your favorite toy?

• It's a toss up: either the building stuff or the action figures. I had a lot of Legos when I was a kid. Not the preordained sets they sell now, but the blocks that came in like half a dozen colors and shapes and that was it. If you had a corner piece you were happy. And action figures - 'Star Wars', 'He Man', 'GI Joe'...oh, man, those were the best. But yeah, Legos and action figures.

Question 2: Who was your best friend when you were eight? Are you still in touch? If not, why not?

• Steve something. Bryant or something like that. He lived right next door and we went to fifth and sixth grade together. We were inseparable. Even when we were grounded we could sneak next door when our parents were at work or something. When he moved away I was devastated. For a month or so, at least.

Question 3: What was your best school memory?

• My sophomore English teacher, Miss West. She was the coolest teacher I ever had. I had such a crush on her.

Question 4: What was the highest level of school you attended?

• I got my Associate's Degree from Danville Community College, then joined the police academy.

Question 5: Why did you leave home, how old were you?

• I moved out when I was 18, right after I graduated high school. I moved in with a couple of guys I'd played football with so we could party and 'go to school'. I was the only one who went, and I was the only one who graduated. But I still got my partying done.

Section B – Family Life

Question 1: Did you have brothers or sisters? Are you close to them? Do they live nearby? (provide names as necessary)

• One older brother, Ben, and one younger sister, Autumn. I'm not close to Ben, but we never really got along growing up. We keep in touch but he moved to Colorado years ago with his wife and runs a computer company now. Autumn is still in San Francisco and we see each other on occasion. She's still single but is focusing on her career. She's a smart kid, speaks four or five languages, and is moving up in the world of international finance.

Question 2: What was the most important thing your mom (or dad or both) taught you when you were a kid?

• Mom taught me to "Finish what you start." That came from me never finishing my chores or homework, but it works everywhere else, too. Dad was big on keeping promises. "Keep your promises, kid," he'd say. "At the end of the day all you have is your word." Good man.

Question 3: Are you married? How long? Do you have kids? (please provide names as necessary)

• Never been married. Had a couple of would-be's through the years but it never worked out. Being with a cop is hard, and I'm the first to admit I have trouble dividing my attention so I can't really blame 'em. And no kids.

Question 4: When was the last time you saw your mom and dad?

• Fourth of July, the day after Dad's birthday. I have to run the grill.

Question 5: Did your parents divorce? If so, how old were you and why?

• We--the kids--used to joke that we'd be more normal if we'd come from a broken home but my parents, they've been together for forty years. God knows how but bless them both.

Question 6: How happy was your childhood? ... On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest) -- 4.5 What can I say? I was a happy kid.

Section C - Personality

Question 1: What would you say your best character trait is?

• God, I hate these questions. Um...I don't know, my sense of humor?

Question 2: What would your friends say your worst character trait is?

• My inability to find a decent girlfriend.

Question 3: Do you have a best friend? What is their name, how long have you been friends?

• Not really. Not right now, anyway. Maybe Pops.

Question 4: What personal items are on your work desk?

• Um...ha. Besides the usual office desk crap I have a nice collection of random notes, odd receipts, gum wrappers, cough drops, unsorted mail and...um...let's say some work-related things.

Question 5: When was the last time you took a vacation, where did you go?

• Oh, God. A real vacation? I don't know. I went fishing with some buddies in Mexico a couple years back, but other than that I don't think I've done more than take a few personal days off at home or to go skiing or something. At least not in the last half-dozen years.

Section D – Your Secret Life

Question 1: What is your job? Do you enjoy it? How long have you been in it?

• Bartender. Yeah, it's all right. I've only been at it for a few months. I'm kind of still learning as I go.

Question 2: What are the personal items on your work desk?

• Didn't I already answer this one?

Question 3: If you are involved, does your significant other know about your Heroic identity?

• I don't have a significant other, thank you very much, but if I did I doubt she'd think my other identity was all that heroic.

Question 4: When you go out for a night on the town, what do you wear? Where do you go?

• Whatever feels comfortable. Jeans or slacks, button down shirts, that sort of thing. I usually hang out at Pops or go catch a flick or shoot some pool somewhere.

Question 5: Do you have any weekly recreational activities?

• By 'recreational activities' you mean like fun? I don't know what that is. At least, that's what Pops says.

Question 6: You care about being fashionable? ... On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest) -- 3 I'm not a fashion maven but if it makes you giggle I should probably change.

Section E – Your Heroic Life

Question 1: How did you get your powers? (short version)

• Powers? What powers? I use the latest and greatest weapons and technology available to man to level the playing field. Other than that I work my ass off.

Question 2: Who was the first criminal you captured? What was the crime?

• A local street gang harassing Pops for protection money. Unofficially I think they were sanctioned by someone with a badge, but I couldn't prove it. It just seemed odd they picked Pops' Place and never seemed to get caught.

Question 3: Have you ever saved someone’s life (in costume)? Give a brief description of the incident.

• I like to think I've saved many lives, either directly or indirectly, but there was one--a twelve-year-old kid named Antwon or something like that--who tried to say no to a couple of drug-pushing punks. They beat on him pretty bad. Damn near killed him on the spot before I got there. Bravest kid I'd ever met.

Question 4: Who gave you your heroic name? Why?

• Pops and I thought it sounded good. Nemesis is the goddess of retribution in Greek mythology, and the name literally means "to give what is due." That sounded kinda like what I was after, so we went with that.

Question 5: What happened the first time your powers manifested, how old were you?

• Um...no powers yet, but I'm still hopeful.

Section F – Miscellaneous

Question 1: The last time you attended church was? What kind of church was it? (if any)

• I go to Easter and Christmas mass every year, but I think I was at church back in March for a wedding. Other than that it's been a while since I sat through a service. I should probably go soon.

Question 2: Have you ever been summoned for Jury duty, were you selected, what was the case?

• I've been summoned a couple of times but I get dismissed once they find out I'm a--was--a cop. I haven't been summoned lately.

Question 3: Please tell me what you are passionate about and why? (arts, music, sports, food, movies, etc.)

• Oh, wow. Um. Sports, I guess. I get lost in football, baseball, basketball, hockey...whatever's on. Working out. Karate. I get into it. It helps me focus, helps me get rid of the bad crap of the day. And...well, this is going to sound corny, but making a difference. I want to make a difference before I leave this place.

Question 4: What is in your wallet or purse? How many keys are on your key chain?

• My wallet--let's see. About two hundred in cash, a couple of credit cards, my driver's license, last week's Lotto ticket--I should check that--a receipt from the hardware store, a couple of business cards for Pops' Place, and a couple of membership cards for Buy More and places like that. Oh, and a coffee card. Two more mochas and I get a free one.

Question 5: Describe your ideal day?

• Sleep, football, pizza, beer, baseball, Salma Hayek, basketball, more beer, and more sleep. And more Salma Hayek.

Question 6: You dislike having your powers? ... On a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being the highest) -- 1 Nothing to dislike about not having powers. Probably wouldn't know what to do with 'em if I had 'em.