Name: Mark O'Dess
Age: 21
Appearance:
Mark has been told a lot recently that he resembles an actor from a show he doesn't watch but he doesn't care. It's not like he tries to look like him. He just knows how to make himself look good. With his hair perfected and his outfits usually combining flannel, denim, and/or leather, he can't help when people mistake him for... What was his name again?
Personality: Mark isn't afraid to put a guy in his place, whether that guy is being a douche, being abusive to his girl, or being a criminal. In actual fights, Mark uses his speed to stay ahead of the attacker and grapple them in an armbar, triangle lock, or his signature wind-knocker.
When he's not being a rough-and-tumble badass, Mark likes to spend his time reading. He has many interesting adventure books to catch up on. He'll read in just about every place and position he can.
If you were to catch him on the street, he'd greet you with a nod and a small wave, despite your looks or status. Except for children. Mark has always had a soft spot for the youngest generation, usually making them laugh, or at least stop crying, before going on his way. He's often advised the youngsters to help them out in sticky situations.
Background: Mark grew up as the oldest of 4. With a brother 3 years younger and twin sisters 6 years younger, Mark was always told he'd have to help out. His mom was in a bad condition after the twins' births and constantly getting worse. After fighting for a year, her body gave out. At only 7 years old, Mark had to start growing up. His father was constantly working, meaning they were raised more by their grandparents.
His mom's moms were very loving and tended to spoil the 4 of them. His father's parents were a bit more strict but no less loving. On their dad's day off, he would play with them and take care of them as much as he could.
When Mark was 13, he got in an argument with a friend about words and ended up accidentally activating his epithet. Instantly, he went from shouting in his friend's face to screaming at the back of his head. Needless to say, the argument ended as the boys started talking about the new epithet. They worked together to figure out what the word was and how it could be used.
Over the next 8 years, Mark trained as hard as he could to expand his abilities and become better with his epithet. With the help of his best friend, Mark was able to get a rather impressive skillset that he used daily for making life easier and for helping others.
Motivation: Mark's motivation is his family, friends, and the protection of the innocent. He often spends his days off and time after work walking the streets in search of a crime to prevent or stop.
Assets: Mark may not be the strongest guy in the fight but, even without his epithet, he's rather fast. While not insanely fast, like his favorite comic book heroes, he did train himself to be able to beat the fastest member of the school's track team in a normal foot race. He also has incredible balance and agility, practiced mainly for his skateboard and roller blades, which he has partially transferred into parkour.
Flaws: Mark can be very lazy when he doesn't want to do something. He knows he's a procrastinator and tries to counter it with alarms to get him mobile again but that doesn't always work. His least favorite thing about himself is his ADHD, which he tries his best to act against. On top of all that, he doesn't eat healthy, as he's trying to gain weight. People have told him they want his metabolism. He always tells them they don't really want his, they want one just a bit slower so they're in a healthy weight range, not underweight.
Epithet: Stride
Quick Stride: Able to step to random places around the battlefield.
Long Stride: Able to "teleport" to anywhere he can see (max 1 mile) with a single step. This ability must be charged. The longer it's charged, the further he can stride.
Heavy Stride: Can create a 1-foot diameter crater where he stomps.
Take in Stride: When concentrating, he only takes half as much damage as normal when hit.
Air Stride: While in the air, he can slow his speed to half.
