Most of James’ powers are linked to his beast side, giving him rather predictable mutant abilities. However, aside from being a feral, James shows a surprising amount of promise in a completely separate field that has nothing to do with being a beast.
James’s mutation has given him the form of a rather large, upright, hyena. Specifically, James is more of a throwback to the Crocuta Crocuta Spelaea or “Cave Hyena;” a distant relative of the modern Spotted Hyena from the Pleistocene era. While they’re no noticeable cues that would place him in one class over the other, the length of fore and hind legs will be a visual conformation to the paleontological-inclined.
An apex-predator of the time, cave hyenas are known to have preyed upon cave bears, the much-smaller Neanderthal, and (much like James) anything they could fit in their pie holes. Paleontologists now believe that competition and predation by cave hyenas in Siberia was a significant factor in delaying human colonization of Alaska. The oldest Alaskan human remains coincide with roughly the same time cave hyenas became extinct, supporting the theory that hyena predation was what prevented humans from crossing the Bering strait earlier.
James can detect weaknesses and flaws in organic and non-organic forms and structures. Originally mistaken for mechanical aptitude (due to his book knowledge and his powers diagnosing flaws in machines and electronics), James is no longer considered a technopath and has since started using his evolving powers for mischief and mayhem.
Healing
James’ healing powers were nothing to write home about. But recently, since the ending of the Inferno saga, he has found that his ability in this field has somewhat accelerated.
Senses
Hearing: In a house, his sense of smell and hearing extend 3 room horizontally in any direction, and 1 room vertically.
Smell: His outside range is approx. 1 mile.
Sight: Hyenas have incredible night vision. James' outside range is over a ¼ mile in near total darkness.
Strength
Currently James can manage to 700lbs with out much effort.
Teeth and Jaw: James can currently exert up to 1000 lbs of crushing, cutting pressure. For a comparison, the human max is under 170 lbs.
Digestion: As a hyena-themed character, James can digest bone, nails, hair… Not good for much unless he finds he needs to hide a body.
Claws: James’ claws are probably nasty enough to maim, but can’t really inflect fatal damage. However, he can dig like body’s business. On a personal level, they’re just in the way.
James’ mutant power is not ‘shifter’ based. As such he always has the appearance of a 7’ tall, walking, talking beasty. While his friends see nothing wrong with this, James can be a bit self-conscious at times. The possibility of a ‘cure’ is always at the forefront of his mind and has already gotten him to unwittingly help N'astirh during a recent re-visiting of Inferno.
Removed [yet still true] Trivia:
- Unknowingly ID's his 'inner beast' as female; a subconscious throwback to a Hyena's matriarch clan structure. See Shifting Paradigms and Voices
- Can digest bones and teeth. It's handy for hiding the bodies!
- Does not wear shoes.
Human Played By:
Chris Pine as "Darwin Tremor" in Smokin' Aces
Hyena Voiced By:
Jackie Earle Haley as "Rorschach" in Watchmen
"Internalized" Beast Voiced By:
Gillian Anderson as "Moro" in Princess Mononoke
T-shirts:
Thanks to an art class, James recently got access to a silk screen. Occasionally, his IC shirts will contain messages such as:
- My ancestors ate your ancestors
- Я Укус {I Bite}
- Coroner
- Do Not Feed the Animals
- If you can read this, you’re within range
- Caution: Sharp Objects
- Hyperactive (in a blurred font)
- Warning: Hyper Kinetic!!!
- Sobe No Fear: It’s not just a drink, it’s a state of mind MINE!
- I'm not a Zack, but I've played one on TV
- What happens in the Danger Room Stays in the Danger Room
Friend, foe, or somewhere inbetween, where do you stand? Here’s the mental tell-all:
Students
Chloe – Seems more interested in showing off than solving.
Connor – Twitchy on a level I get. He may be alright. We'll see.
Jade – Lady, you ain’t ‘seen’ nothing…yet!
Kael – People who try to pet wild animals will get bit…
Lucas – My brother from another mother.
Marshall – Scrappy little fella'. I may like him.
Mike – My favorite future toaster.
Mikhail – We had our diffs. Seems fine now.
Rashmi – Around for my worst‚ yet stays for my best. Like a true friend.
Robyn – One of the few pets I’m allowed to keep.
Tara – I aint' holding my breath…
Theo – Next time he turns off the light, his ain't coming back on.
Zack – A little Deaf and a ‘lotta Durrrrrrp!
Xavier Adults
Addison – Patched me up. Maybe he's not so bad.
Doc – No needles!
Hank – Smart, but we all make mistakes. Maybe his tests were wrong…
Jono – We had our issues. Lets see if we can remain friends this time.
Julian – Finally, someone I can get along with
Sam – Yay! I’m from Indiana too! (OOC: ya…‘I’ know.)
Scott – His iPod had lame music on it. I fixed it for him.
Others
Magneto – Dude…!
N'astirh – Dude…!
Sinister – Dude…!
Bug on the wall – Dude…!
