Keeper of Infinite Earths - The Attackers
Created by Bob Justice
"Archer" Created by Matt Parmenter
Highwayman
Alter Ego: Derek Jade
Occupation: Mercenary, member of the Attackers
Known Relatives: Daryl and Amie Jade, parents (deceased)
Group Affiliation: Attackers
Base of Operations: Attackers Headquarters, Devil’s Island, Bermuda
Triangle
Background/History:
Derek’s father was an overachiever, striving to be better than anyone else no
matter the cost to himself, and that meant volunteering for the most demanding
training and dangerous missions. His calculated risk taking caused him to
quickly advance in the military, but his morals and conscience caused some
difficulties. An attempt to create a serum that would enhance physical skills
and strength became an excuse for a jealous superior officer who had tried to
order Daryl to slaughter a village during a battle to gain revenge. The highly
experimental serum had produced mixed results including death and madness, so he
ordered Daryl to take it. It seemed to have no effect at all initially. Then, he
began to notice a deterioration in his muscles. Tests were inconclusive, but he
was certain it was from the experiment. All the records of it had been destroyed
and the doctors claimed he had a rare form of cancer. His wife took the news
badly, especially since she had just realized she was pregnant. Daryl was
blackmailed into silence to keep his rank and medical privileges, but Amie kept
threatening to reveal the truth. At a routine check up, he was told she began to
have early labor and the complications caused her death. His son was born blue
and very early, but survived the ordeal. Daryl knew his wife had been murdered,
but, for the sake of his son, could do nothing about it. His bitterness became
reflected in his son. Derek took after his father physically and began to show
signs of being a prime physical specimen. The older he got, the better he got to
the point of being superhuman. He hated his father for being weak, both due to
his condition and for not avenging his mother, and he hated the government and
any form of authority that allowed what happened to his parents. So, he honed
his skills to use for his own gain, acting as a mercenary and thief for hire. As
opposed to his father’s quiet and reserved nature, he became flamboyant and
showy, taking a perverse pride and pleasure in his flaunting the law. He
attempted to steal some documents from the safe of Jason Talis, unbeknownst to
him secretly Shatter, and, for the first time, got caught because he
unexpectedly faced the Attackers. They were impressed enough that instead of
killing him, they invited him to join them.
Personality/Motivations:
Taking on the accouterments of an 18th century outlaw including pistols that
resemble flintlocks, but fire specialized trick cartridges, he takes great
pleasure in beating the system and rubbing the noses of the government in the
fact that he does as he pleases. Showing off his skills gives him the greatest
pleasure and he is somewhat unique in the group as he is the least violent of
the bunch, only killing as a last resort.
Quote: "Yes, I really AM that good!"
