Luke Cage

Luke Cage (Scenesys ID: 242)
Quote
"That's Charles Darwin, not Mobb Deep you ignorant bastard."
Profile
Full Name:	Carl Lucas
Gender:	Male
Species:	Metahuman
Theme:	Marvel (FC)
Occupation:	Bar owner
Citizenship:	American
Residence:	Harlem, NY
Education:	High School
Status:	Dropped
Groups:	Street Level-OOC, Defenders
Other Information
Apparent Age:	32	Actual Age:	32
Date of Birth	20 December 1998	Actor:	Mike Colter
Height:	195 cm (6'5")	Weight:	115 kg (253 lb)
Hair Color:	Bald	Eye Color:	Brown
Theme Song:	"Set it Off" by Audioslave

Profile

Carl Lucas grew up rough in Harlem, going so far as to run the streets with other youth his age. After becoming a Marine to avoid jail, he followed his father's footsteps into the police force. It was not long before conflict with people from his former life came to a head and Carl was framed for drug possession. Carl was ultimately transferred to Seagate Prison and nearly killed. An experimental intervention by Dr. Burstein that was derailed by prison guards out to kill Carl made him massively strong and virtually impenetrable. Carl escaped from prison and assumed a new identity with the help of his prison psychologist and wife, Dr. Reva Connors before her passing. Now living as Luke Cage, he is trying to create a new, better life for himself and for Harlem.

Sheet

Description

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Description

Luke Cage is a towering African-American of six and a half feet tall. He not only towers over most, but his masculine form is a rugged study in pure muscle. He's shaved bald but sports a black goatee. His highly expressive brown eyes can be warm and gentle, but add an additional intensity to his noticeable physical presence when his ire is raised.

His attire is as simple as he is. He wears a pair of dark denim jeans, held up with a simple black belt. A tight fitted t-shirt is wrapped around his incredibly muscular frame and thrown over that is a black hoodie with a dark interior. On his feet are a pair of butterscotch colored boots.

History

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History 1

Luke Cage was originally born as Carl Lucas. Carl grew up in Harlem, the son of James and Etta Lucas. His father was a cop who reached detective before retiring from the police force to become a minister. Despite his father's occupation as a lawman, Carl's early life was headed in the opposite direction, living a rough and tumble life on the streets with his friend Willis Stryker.

The pair ended up in a gang called The Rivals, committing minor crimes and frequently rumbling with a rival gang known as the Diablos. The two boys caught the eye of a small time crime lord, Sonny "Hammer' Caputo, and committed thefts and assault for him. Carl's size and strength made him a valuable tool. He also excelled at football and learned to box from Willis. Eventually the two boys stole a car and were arrested for grand theft auto. Carl's father convinced the judge to let Carl join the Marines instead of receiving jail time. As Carl went off into the military, Willis went off to do hard time.

After serving his time as a Force Recon Marine, Carl moved down to Georgia and got a job as a police officer. He had put some space between himself and the life in Harlem that had once tried to pull him down into crime. But then Carl was blindsided as he was arrested on a trumped up drug charge. He never knew why he'd been framed, or by whom. But he found himself convicted and sent off to Seagate Penitentiary.

While in Seagate, Carl ran afoul of a corrupt guard. Albert Rackham staged fights between prisoners as entertainment. He sent Herman "Shades" Alvarez and Darius "Comanche" Jones, a pair of members of the Rivals, after Carl. When they failed to beat Carl down, his fighting skills further drew Rackham's attention. He began persecuting the inmate until Carl was forced to agree to participate in his underground fights.

During this time, Carl attended therapy under a woman named Reva Connors. During her interventions with Carl the two developed feelings for each other. At the same time as this bright spot was growing in Carl's life, illegal experiments were being done on inmates with Reva's knowledge. After Carl was beaten nearly to death by Shades and Comanche, Reva convinced Dr. Noah Burstein to use his experiment to save Carl's life.

Rackham intervened and caused the experiment to go awry, enhancing Carl until his skin was nigh invulnerable, and he had the strength to punch his way through brick walls and escape with Reva.

(Continued in History 2)

History 2

Carl was still wanted, so took the name Luke Cage from a Bible verse that said "a free man would never be caged". Luke and Reva were married and returned to New York to Luke's old stomping ground. While there, Reva was seemingly killed in a bus accident, though there were more nefarious deeds afoot, tied to her knowledge of Dr. Burstein's experiments.

After grieving, Luke eventually opened a bar called "Luke's" and hired Roy Healy to be a bartender. His strength and invulnerable skin eventually drew the attention of some of Harlem's criminal element. And in particular, a hoodlum named Cornell "Cottonmouth" Stokes, the leader of the Stokes crime family. Along with his sister Mariah Dillard, the two have been waging a war for control of Harlem, with Luke opposing them. Luke has become something of a hero of the people, sometimes referred to as "Power Man" though more often he is just known as Luke Cage. Though the Stokes are always out to ruin his public image.

Luke had his hand in a few other affairs after his return to Harlem. Matters he was involved in because of the Stokes draw him into contact with other heroes, and Luke has worked alongside The Defenders from time to time. At one point, low on cash, Luke agreed to take part in a business venture called Heroes for Hire. Selling his services frequently chafed Luke, however, and while he is still a founder and even part-owner of the endeavor, he tends to keep his for-profit heroing to a minimum and focus on the needs of Harlem.

Personality

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Personality

When he was young, Carl Lucas tried his hand at the rough life of the streets, getting by at the expense of others. He learned his lesson and he learned it the hard way. It was not just having to go into the Marines to avoid jail time. Carl saw the hurt that he did to his family, and that changed him as much as the military did.

Dealt a raw hand and convicted of a crime he didn't commit, Carl was made to suffer in prison. Perhaps it was karma that sicked a racist guard on him, but it further drove into Carl the differences between right and wrong, and the kind of person he wished to be.

After his escape, and his adoption of the name Luke Cage, the world has been a different place. Somewhere that needs the protection of someone with his enhanced physical abilities. Luke is compassionate and kind, rather funny, and a very well-spoken and likeable guy to those who deserve it. But he is an implacable enemy to those who have earned it.

Abilities

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Enhanced Endurance

Despite being a large man, Luke has an exceptional endurance compared to normal humans as a result of the experiment in Seagate Prison. While he will eventually tire, he can perform at his enhanced levels for several times longer than fit athletes would be able to.

Enhanced Speed

While not a speedster by superhero standards, Luke is capable of running slightly faster than the best Olympic athletes. He once was clocked running the 40 in 3.7 seconds, about a half-second faster than the non-enhanced World Record.

Healing Factor

Though the durability of his skin protects Luke from most injuries, when he has been hurt he has healed faster than a normal person would from such an injury. While he does not heal before one's eyes, his recovery times may be only one-third those of normal humans.

Invulnerability

Luke's body mass has become increasingly dense and his skin has hardened to the point of being as resilient as titanium. Blades will not cut him, and a past surgery required an overpowered medical laser. Only bullets made from exotic metals like adamantium or vibranium have a chance to penetrate his skin. He can withstand blunt force exceedingly well without sustaining serious injuries, including long falls, impacts up to one ton, or blasts of hundreds of pounds of TNT. Electricity, fire, and temperature extremes have little impact on him.

Super Strength

The experiment gifted Luke with super strength beyond that of normal men. He originally could only lift about 5 tons, but over time this has increased to around 25 tons and could increase further as he ages. He can punch through a brick wall or four inches of steel, and rip a fire hydrant or parking meter out of the ground.

Skills

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Athlete

A standout football player and boxer in particular, Luke has above average athletic skills on top of his physical enhancements.

Combat

Luke has learned a number of fighting techniques, including boxing, street brawling, military training as a Marine, and some minor martial arts training by Iron Fist. Luke has melded these into his own brawling style that even without his physical enhancements makes him a middle-tier fighter by super-hero standards.

Intimidation

For a normal person, Luke is one big, scary dude. He was intimidating before he gained super strength and unbreakable skin. Now? He can sometimes use his intimidation factor to end problems without needing to resort to violence.

Legal Knowledge

Having served as a police officer, plus going through his own trial for narcotics when he was framed, Luke has firsthand working knowledge of the legal system and police procedures, while not being a lawyer himself.

Street Knowledge

Having grown up on the streets and as a member of gangs, Luke has extensive knowledge of the streets of Harlem, and less of other nearby urban areas. He knows people that might provide information or help of various types, as well as being aware of some of the major underworld players in the area.

Strong Speaker

While he seems in many ways a simple man, Luke has a far more educated sound to him than one would suspect given his background. He speaks simply but from the heart, and has an honest charisma that gives him a chance to sway listeners to his side.

Weapons Combat

Luke does not like guns. But he was in Force Recon in the Marines, so is skilled in the use and maintenance of all sorts of firearms and military weapons.

Resources

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Allies

Luke has accumulated some non-super hero allies during his time in Harlem. He is close with a nurse who has aided him on a number of occasions, and also works collaboratively with an NYPD detective who he knows from the old days. Luke also has a close relationship with Pops, a barber and one of Harlem's most respected citizens. Pop's Barber Shop is considered neutral territory by many factions in Harlem.

Defenders

Though he may not always have close relationships with all of them, Luke is one of The Defenders and can call on the others for aid, as they can call on him.

Heroes For Hire

Luke was a founder of Heroes For Hire, which farms out super hero services for a fee. However, he quickly found this practice distasteful for the most part. While he is still a part-owner, and associated with the group, he rarely takes jobs himself. In times of need, it does give him access to heroes willing to work for some compensation.

Momma

Luke's mother, Etta Lucas, is one firebrand of a lady. It is a wonder he ended up in the street troubles he did with her as a mother. She has a force of will, and a leather belt, that she's not afraid to exert on others.

Reputation

By hero standards, Luke is a big fish in a small pond. He is well known in Harlem, and many ne'er-do-wells will do what they can to avoid confrontations or getting on Luke's bad side.

Small Businesses

Luke has a small neighborhood bar, Luke's Bar, with an apartment above it. He also owns the Gem Theater, an old movie theater which mainly shows "B" quality Western movies, of which Luke is a noted fan. There is an apartment and a small amount of office space on the floor above it.

Weaknesses

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A Good Man

Luke truly is a good man at heart. He has honor, even when dealing with those who do not. This provides others with an opportunity to exploit him.

Framed Fugitive

Luke Cage is really Carl Lucas, who was framed and convicted of narcotics trafficking. Luke was sentenced to jail at Seagate Penitentiary, which he escaped from during an experiment intended to save his life, but which instead left him an enhanced individual. Carl fled and assumed the identity Luke Cage. But Carl is still wanted and could be returned to prison if found out.

List of Enemies

Luke has become a protector of Harlem, and that means making enemies with those seeking to control or prey on the people. He also has people from his past, including someone who set him up to be arrested, that are out to get him.

Radiation

Luke's dense skin and muscles may provide some protection from radiation, but not much. Too much exposure will affect him much like it would other people.

Unbreakable Skin

The good thing about nearly unbreakable skin is that not much can get inside. The bad thing about it is that if you need something to get inside, like for surgery, not much can get inside. Surgery and other medical procedures are often made difficult. An overpowered medical laser has had to be used in the past.

Logs

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Title	Date	Scene Summary
Harlem Nights	March 13th, 2023	Summary needed
The Cat Comes To Visit	January 7th, 2023	Black Cat seeks out Luke Cage and asks him to keep his ear to the ground for her. And she drinks his booze. Just like a cat.
A place where not everyone may know your name. Yet.	November 17th, 2022	Summary needed
Bishop to Cage	October 26th, 2022	Kate gets a drink at Luke's
What's a girl like you...	October 24th, 2022	Svetlana goes looking for trouble. She finds a little in Harlem. She also finds Luke.
Sweet Christmas, it's a bloody hayseed	October 11th, 2022	Two bar owners walk into someone else's bar, and a fight breaks out.
Lights, Camera, ACTION!	September 20th, 2022	Sometimes you beat up some criminals. Other times you terrify a bunch of actors and brutalize the director.
A petal for your thoughts	September 17th, 2022	Luke makes a trip across the country and drops in to see his friend Dinah at her flower shop. She disapproves of his accomodations for his time in the city. Greatly.
We Don't Need You Or Your Friends Around Here	August 26th, 2022	Luke decideds to solo a visit to the new gang trying to get a hold in Harlem. Things turn violent as he reads them from The Good Book. Timely backup provided by the Black Canary makes the situation go better than it might have. In appreciation, Canary is given a private reserve bottle of bourbon for when she visits Luke's Bar..
Nine O'Clock On A Saturday	August 6th, 2022	Sam and Sarah both come into Luke's bar.
Central Park Kata	August 3rd, 2022	Dinah offers Luke the Outsiders' assistance after offending his sensibilities.
A Terminator Hunter walks into a bar	August 2nd, 2022	Sarah comes into Luke's bar for a drink and a bit of bar tender philosophy
They Mostly Come Out At Night	July 30th, 2022	Dinah returns to Luke's bar for her bike and a hangover remedy. Who knew that a street fight was so effective?
A Girl Like You, A Place Like This	July 29th, 2022	Dinah visits Luke's bar for more than one drink. Discussions of heroism and safe trips home are had.
Harlem By Night	July 31st, 2019	Lara stops by with information about the upcoming trip searching for the Lost City
Dude. Where's Lara's Car	July 19th, 2019	Lara's jeep ends up in a chop shop, and she and Luke track it down and recover it
Return of Britain	July 14th, 2019	Lara Croft returns to Luke's Bar. NPC Roy is charming as always. Luke agrees to help Lara on a mission to Cairo.
A Hot Day In Harlem	July 7th, 2019	A hot summer day in Harlem brings Luke, Oz, Buffy, and Donatello together
Suprise Party! Supernatural Invite	July 2nd, 2019	In which Darcy tries to con Dean back to SHIELD but manages only to get him to agree to come party with her leading Luke to suspect she might have been send to spy on him - Darcy laughed too hard at that one! Or Darcy is SHIELD's best recruiter and should get commission for this.
The Man At The End Of The Bar	June 27th, 2019	Lara croft dodges the rain and ducks into Luke Cage's bar
Different Bar, Same Drink	June 20th, 2019	Jessica Jones, Silver, and Johnny Blaze end up in Luke's bar for drinks
Not Another Walks Into A Bar Joke	June 16th, 2019	Barbara's search for a villain lands her in Luke's Bar. Jokes about bars ensue.
We Need to Stop Meeting Like This	June 28th, 2018	Matt and Skye are attacked while catching up, but when they meet with Luke and Claire all the secrets come out.
Ninjas to the left of me, Ninjas to the right, Here I am.. Stuck in the Middle with You	June 22nd, 2018	Claire's clinic gets attacked. Matt, Elektra, and Luke come to the rescue. You know who got blamed for it all, right? Right?
Germination: Field Tests	June 18th, 2018	Dr. Strange, Hulk, Luke Cage, and Tony get samples from mushroom monsters. Mostly.
BlackSky: Paid Protection Plan	June 15th, 2018	Luke sounds off against members of the Hand, as well as Elektra - much as planned - and emerges with a much better understanding of the young woman.. and he, her, as well.
Meet me at Mercutio's	June 14th, 2018	Claire and Luke go for coffee, only to find Elektra there. Luke and Elektra make a devil's bargain.
Just say no to ninja	June 14th, 2018	Luke and Brooke stop at a kung fu studio. The Hand shows up and embarrass their teacher.
What Now	June 12th, 2018	Summary needed
Back at the Bar	June 7th, 2018	After Elektra admits that she's the leader of the Hand, Claire gets angry, Jess gets booze, Luke gets a job and Elektra and Matt make questionable choices (again).
It Was Never Goodbye	May 22nd, 2018	Post visit with Darcy, the others wander in (Claire and Luke) and interupt Matt and Elektra /not/ breaking up. Words are had. Secrets get out. People storm off. Matt and Elektra are left not saying goodbye.
Down at the Bar	May 19th, 2018	Three Defenders meet for drinks. They catch up.
Kindred Bar Spirits	August 28th, 2017	Summary needed
How do you solve a problem like, Toshiro	August 28th, 2017	Summary needed
The Middle Finger of the Hand	August 21st, 2017	Summary needed
Beyond the Rubble	August 14th, 2017	Summary needed
The Brownstone Boogeymen	August 9th, 2017	The Hand make a move on a notorious drug house in Hell's kitchen, but their plans are thwarted by several Defenders (and Kate Bishop)!
Handemonium	July 31st, 2017	Summary needed
Power Man & Iron Fist	July 26th, 2017	Summary needed
Cool Hand Luke	July 25th, 2017	Summary needed

Cutscenes

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Gallery

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