James Adams - Gallant

"It's magic, you know."

James

art by Lucy Lin

DMA File Information

Name: James Adams

Hero Identity: Gallant

Metahuman Type: Mystic object (bar mace)

Known Powers: Mystic transformation, enhanced durability, enhanced strength, flight,

force projection, enhanced vision, magic resistance

Special Items: Magic Bar Mace (Reckoning)

Combat Roles: Melee (Reckoning), ranged (Reckoning), control (force bubble)

Strong against: Damage in general, heat, cold, magic

Weak against: Mental attacks, long range opponents

Race: African-American

Age: 20

Education: 1 year of College

Background

In high school James was a standout athlete in multiple sports. He was recruited by the University of Southern California's basketball team, and attended on a sports scholarship. However, a routine medical check uncovered a serious heart condition that prevented him from ever suiting up for the Trojans.

Without the scholarship, James was forced to withdraw from school and spent the next two years working a number of jobs. He was heading home after his shifted ended at a local warehouse, when he was caught in the middle of a huge battle between mutant gangs. The LA Knights rushed in to stop the violence, but the hero Gallant died saving James and two other non-combatants. In desperation James took up the man's weapon, Reckoning--an enchanted bar mace--and found himself transformed. He has taken up the old hero's legacy, even though not everyone seems to be happy about that.

Personality and hobbies

James is very much like the former Gallant. Both men were brave, athletic, dedicated, and well-liked by their teammates. James sometimes struggles with the fact that he isn't the strongest or fastest, but he's starting to learn that raw power isn't everything. Having faced trials himself, James is very aware of what other people may be going through. His mother pushed him to volunteer at a local homeless shelter and he's worked there for years. In particular, he bonded with the kids at the shelter.

What defines James outside of the job, is his creativity. Aside from sports, the main things that James was drawn to at a young age were art and poetry. He's tried his hand at music and writing, but where he really excels is drawing and painting. James has spent years learning about art history and trying different styles. He's rarely had much in the way of supplies, but what James has been able to produce is a sure sign of just how talented he is.

Powers

Reckoning

All of James' powers come from his mystic weapon, Reckoning. Powered down, the bar mace looks like four steel bars fused together with a leather grip and round pommel. When James transforms tiny glowing purple script appears on all flat surfaces. Reckoning does far more damage than might be expected when swung at foes, and will return to James' hands if thrown.

Mystic Transformation

When holding Reckoning and speaking it's name, James' body and clothing both change. He is taller, more muscular, and dressed in light chainmail armor. All of James' other powers only function when he is transformed.

Enhanced Durability

As Gallant, James is highly resistant to most forms of damage. He can take blows that would stagger other metahumans and still keep going. In particular he seems to be resistant to heat and cold, which makes it relatively safe for him to team up with Erik or Antonio even if they are using their area attack options. However James is not bulletproof and high powered firearms can be a threat to him.

Enhanced Strength

James is near the high end of human strength naturally, but when he transforms James is capable of superhuman feats of strength. Unlike Kiko, there are many other metahumans with strength based powers that outclass James. That's rarely a problem for him, though, since Reckoning more than makes up the difference in power in a fight.

Flight

While he can fly at will with Reckoning, his airspeed is not particularly fast, and James normally moves somewhere between thirty-five and forty-five miles per hour. This power appears to be related to James' Force Projection power.

Force Projection

Most commonly James will create a force shield that mimics what a historical knight might have used. However, it can be formed into a small wall or bubble as well. The latter shapes are typically used to protect civilians and teammates, but James is working on more creative uses of this as well. The force shield he creates are a pale, transparent purple. This ability can stop some damage, but is not as strong as similar powers documented in other metahumans. James can only create force constructs a few times a day.

Enhanced Vision

James' normal vision becomes much shaper when transformed. He can see further and operate with minimal light in dark areas. Most notably his sight pierces most forms of invisibility, which is a very common defense for some spellcasters.

Magic Resistance

James is not immune to other forms of magic, but he does resist it better than most.