Not sure how much time I can devote to this, as it depends when it starts, if I get the hang of it, and how long it goes on. I start classes in a few weeks, but I'm intrigued and at least want to create a character should I have the time to do this, if that's okay. I'm new to this sort of RPG, so even on best circumstances, I'll probably need some help/input/critique. Thanks!
Biography-
Name: Betty Theodora V., P.I.
Age : 26
Background: Born in California in a verrry unique town near LA, she picked up quirks which have stayed with her throughout her life. Unfortunately, a family schism occurred, causing her to move with her mother to Gridport. As she grew, she never forgot the town she grew up in and the insane whimsy that it housed.
She also was fascinated with her father's side of the family, but for the most part, her mother pushed Betty to focus on serious work and didn't wish to discuss anything involving their life previously. Despite this, as she grew, she would research her family in secret and learned all she could about the town she so fondly remembered. Her mother tried to keep Betty from finding anything, but the girl was naturally suited to investigation. Through this, she learned about her great grandfather who was a P.I. and his ties to the town she so fondly remembered. Apparently, he solved a high-profile murder case and it earned him a new lease on life and cemented his place in the hearts of the denizens of the town. He settled down there and so did his son and grandson, but not everyone was suited for life in such a crazy place. Inspired by her great-grandpa and her penchant for detective work, Betty became a burgeoning private investigator. She seems to have a knack for much of the job, but discovered the job isn't quite what it was back in her great-granddad's day. Not so much fisticuffs and shootouts, but more legwork and clue finding. She exceeds at that part, thankfully, so she's managed to break even financially so far. Her knack for ferreting things out has caught the eye of members of the GCPD who have decided to give her a chance to go undercover. While she's new at this, she has traits that seem to fit well. It is to be remembered this is probationary, however. Soon, before starting, she received a special gift from her great-grandfather's friend Roger-- something that may come in quite handy in the trials to come.
Physical description: Betty is 27 years old and not 'conventionally' beautiful. She has thick eyebrows, is slightly hefty, on the shorter side, and is pretty broad. However, she can pretty up nicely if so desired. She generally wears dowdy old-style detective outfits such as trenchcoats and suits. She can dress more modernly if need be, but never goes anywhere without her great grandfather's brown fedora, earning her nicknames such as 'Hat,' 'Hattie,' 'Mad Hatter,' and 'M'lady.' She's not one for glamour or frills unless it's necessary for work (although there is the odd exception). She generally hates dresses and skirts, greatly preferring comfortable slacks. Comfortable shoes are a must for her-- no heels, ever.
Temperament: While many would see her as serious to the point of unflappable, she has a very... zany... side at times. She can switch as need be, but only true friends tend to see her actual self. She's witty and can sometimes be mouthy, which has gotten her into trouble before, so she may stay silent if she feels that would be best. While she can be a bit hard-edged and intimidating, especially when maintaining her cold logical demeanor on the job, she loves a good joke, gag, or bit. Alcoholism runs in the family, so she doesn't partake. If forced, however, it tends to lower her inhibitions, making her almost... cartoonish... She's got a good heart and does her best to help people, but is keen enough to know when to walk away or seek others' help.
Stat Block
Physicality 20
Brutish: 10
Acrobatic: 10
She's fit enough to get the job done, throw a punch, and/or do basic legwork, but she's not 'trained' or anything and can get worn out quickly if not allowed to go at her own pace.
Precision 20 + 10
Close Range: 25
Long Range: 5
Firearms... don't tend to be Betty's thing. She has had minor practice, but other than trying to scare others off, she doesn't tend to use them. They make her nervous. However, she is rather skilled in close-range precision, allowing her to find and obtain clues most others couldn't.
Mental 20 + 30
Composure: 25
Problem Solving: 25
Unflappable and clever, she uses her mental capabilities extremely well and sometimes in rather offbeat ways.
Limit Breakers: 1
Skill List
Do I need to explain, clarify, or describe these? I'm also assuming they can be used in various combinations with each other as well as with the power?
Clue Catcher- [KEY STAT: MENTAL PROBLEM SOLVING]- 20 (comfortable)
She's good at picking up clues and investigation. She can find clues well and discover small, important physical details that elude others.
Bloodhound- [KEY STAT: MENTAL PROBLEM SOLVING]- 10 (intermediate)
This skill means she can find trail people well.
Deductive Reasoning- [KEY STAT: MENTAL PROBLEM SOLVING]- 10 (intermediate)
[i]Using her keen mind, she's able to notice and figure out evidence, red herrings, inconsistencies (verbal and physical), and somewhat read body language.
Stoic- [KEY STAT: MENTAL COMPOSURE]- 20 (comfortable)
She's not easily startled or stunned. She can remain calm even if everyone else in the room is going insane. She can hide her emotions well, should she choose.
Pain Tolerance- [KEY STAT: MENTAL COMPOSURE]- 10 (intermediate)
Even hurt (to a degree), she doesn't tend to break stoicism... unless she wants to.
Prankster- [KEY STAT: CLOSE RANGE PRECISION]- 5 (basic)
Her most 'offensive' skill so far, she can use things around the room to come up with gags that are essentially harmless or small cantrips. (i.e. a tripwire to foil someone following her, setting a janitor's forgotten bucket over a partially open doorway, or a bar's seltzer bottle to spray the user.
Charming- [KEY STAT: MENTAL PROBLEM SOLVING]- 5 (basic)
Her mouthy wit often gets her into trouble, but for some, it can be charming and act as a sort of ice breaker.
Sleight of Hand- [KEY STAT: CLOSE RANGE PRECISION]- 5 (basic)
While certainly no David Copperfield, Betty can do simple magic tricks, gags, and palm evidence without detection.
Misdirection [KEY STAT: MENTAL COMPOSURE]- 10 (intermediate)
Betty can use this skill to avoid detection under certain situations, distract someone as she palms evidence, or simply change the topic of conversations. If need be, she can even cause whole groups to be momentarily focused on something else.
Bar and Grillmaster [KEY STAT: CLOSE RANGE PRECISION]- 5 (basic)
Skills passed down through her family make her a decent cook and mixologist. She's not gonna win any awards yet or be super-fancy, but she can cook up solid diner-type foods and make a good variety of alcoholic beverages, even if she doesn't drink herself.
Unique Power
Name: Great Grandpa's Mallet
Description in Game: The mallet has an otherworldly, almost fake look to it. Despite its size, it fits conveniently in her trenchcoat pocket or under her hat. Pressing the handle lets loose a surprise. Since physicality (short and long range) isn't her forte', it takes a lot out of her to use and needs to rest before using it again.
Effect:
Once per rest period, Betty can remove the mallet from her hat or coat pocket to either swing the mallet for (+20) brutish stats OR fire off the spring loaded boxing glove feature for +25 long range precision stats. If the attack lands, it stuns the opponent for about five seconds. If it hits an object (up to maybe 30 lbs), that object (depending on what it's made out of) could fall, break, or be propelled a short distance-- up to two feet). The boxing glove has about a twenty foot range, fires in a straight line, and automatically retracts. The mallet and its workings are unbreakable except when exposed to certain acids. Due to her sleight of hand skills and possibly hidden pockets, if searched, the mallet can't be found.
Mob Reputation
Fear: 10
Respect: 0
Police Reputation
Notoriety: 0
Familiarity: 15