Post by Bernhard Putzkammer on Dec 11, 2006 2:10:23 GMT
(strap yourself in for a long read guys...)
Name: Bernhard Putzkammer
Codename: Blitzkrieg (After a specific battle tactic used by the Germans in WWII)
Age: 98, but is physically considered to be 55.
Mutation:
Bernhard possesses a super-dense skeletal structure, which explains why he has never broken a bone in his life. In order to haul around his noticeably heavier body, his muscles have adapted and become increasingly dense as well, allowing him to maneuver himself like a normal person, without seeming over-muscled. His increased muscular capability has granted him with enhanced strength, but he tops out at about 500lbs.
He has also grown bone plates beneath skin in vital areas of his body (specifically the abdomen, neck, shoulders, arms, spine, and thighs). As he aged, some plates broke through the skin and continued to grow, creating long noticeable protrusions. The affected areas include forearms and elbows, and spinal area. He is able to maintain these bone growths by filing them so that they are not as apparent and can be easily hidden beneath normal clothing, and, if the situation requires it, they can be sharpened for hand-to-hand battles. The plates grow at a slow but steady rate, ensuring that if one section should fracture or break, it will re-grow in approximately six weeks. As he continues to age, more bone growths are expected to appear around different areas of his body.
He has discovered that he has a decelerated age-rate, and it is speculated that he could live close to 175 years.
As a result of his increased bone and muscle density, he is impervious to nearly any injury that affects the tissue beneath the epidermis. But it also comes with a reasonably cost, as he can't swim without extensive floatation. And in order to maintain his bone and muscle structure his diet is nearly all protein and calcium, which sometimes interferes with his intake of fruits and vegetables and grains, so malnutrition may be an issue if he is not cautious.
Personal Appearance:
Bernhard stands at about six foot three and appears to be what most of the children tend to call 'burly.' He has muscular build and looks very intimidating to most, but his broad smile usually squashes any fears had about his appearance.
He has short, unruly, dirty-brown hair that he never tries to groom, and he has had the same, close-cropped beard for longer than most can remember.
Bernhard is usually seen dressed in a button up shirt (complete with tie) and slacks, though when he feels like it, he'll dress down into jeans and a t-shirt.
He also has two bone ridges that extend out of his forearms, which are normally kept in check and covered with clothing, though sometimes Bernhard gets lazy and lets them grow out a bit so that they extend up past his elbow. There are also bone plates that cover his spine and the back of his neck, though they lay flat and are not as noticeable.
He voice is deep, a few decibels louder than most, and laced with a common (but understandable) German accent. His espionage training taught him to speak flawless English and he can manage an American accent if necessary.
Background:
Bernhard was born December 7th, 1906, to a traditional German family in Munich, Germany. He grew up through the First World War, when neighbors, friends, and family went off to fight in battle.
In 1922, Bernhard set off and joined the German army, where he underwent typical soldier training. Maintaining his military career well into the 1930's, he was eventually thrust into the Second World War, around the same time his decelerated aging began to take affect. In 1941, his platoon was ambushed by allied forces in France, leaving himself and two other known survivors. After the encounter, medics noted that he had not received any dire injuries; only minor lacerations. Following procedure, the ranking German officer had the three placed into another platoon that was immediately sent out into combat. While this group of soldiers was more fortunate and didn't succumb to such a tragic end, it was noted again that Bernhard had an affinity for avoiding injury, despite often being in the throes of battle.
A high-ranking German officer noted his aptitude for survival and had him removed from the lower ranks, and placed into a specialized infiltration and assault squad. There, he underwent strenuous training with a specification in tactics, espionage, and advanced combat. After several intense months within the special training, his squad was assgined several objectives. The group had been groomed to infiltrate and eliminate high-ranking Allied officials, so that the Germans could destroy their enemy from inside out.
After several successful missions throughout mainland Europe, the squad was sent to England, where they would pose as Allied soldiers and take out multiple targets, including Winston Churchill.
The squad members adopted their assigned identities and were able to make their way to England by infiltrating several different allied platoons. They all made their way individually, but eventually reconvened in Liverpool, England. Despite having arrived at their destination, they never completed the rest of their objectives. Instead, as a group, they decided to defect from the German Military and reveal themselves to the allied in hopes of surrendering vital information in exchange for free passage to North America, away from the war. Fortunately, their plan for defection worked and the information they presented to the Allies helped thwart several German projects.
All members of the squad were, as agreed, granted rights of passage to North America, where they seemingly disappeared into Canadian and American culture.
Bernhard used his forged American accent to move throughout the United States and Canada without fear of being discriminated, as Germans had not yet been forgiven for war crimes.
After living in North America for over 15 years, he finally settled in Cincinnati where he felt confident enough to reveal his true German heritage. At that time he also noticed that he had not significantly aged since his involvement in the war.
While he did not pay that much attention to his decreased age-rate, he eventually became aware of hard, cyst-like growths beneath his skin along his forearms. Worried that they were a sign of dire medical ailments, such as tumors, Bernhard promptly visited his doctor. After an examination, the doctor ruled out cancerous growths, but was intrigued by the rigid formations. He ordered an x-ray session, and after discovering a massive skeletal abnormality in Bernhard's arms, he had the rest of his body radio-graphed. The x-rays revealed rogue skeletal anomalies that covered most of his soft tissues, fortifying and protecting all his vital areas. Suddenly aware of his obvious biological differences, Bernhard finally understood why he had avoided injury so many times on the battlefield.
While he remained relatively unfazed by his mutation, the doctor repeatedly pestered him for tests. Eventually it reached the point where his 'differences' leaked out into the neighbourhood, and the stresses lead him to leave Cincinnati.
He relocated himself to Washington DC where he took up post as a security guard and continued living his life as normally as possible. Of course, this became increasingly difficult as the bone buildup in his arms protruded through his skin. Bernhard was able to maintain the growths through the use of a file, wearing them down so that they were not as noticeable through clothing.
Soon after, similar bone ridges began appearing along his lower spine, and eventually, over a few years, worked their way up to the back of his neck.
It was at this point, around the mid 1970's, Bernhard was approached by Charles Xavier and offered safe haven at the Insitute with an opportunity to share his experiences with a younger generation.
Erik Lehnsherr had been present at the Institute upon Bernhard's arrival, and while the latter tried to be kind and accommodating to his new co-worker, Erik simply greeted him with animosity. It didn't take long for Bernhard to find out about Erik's troubles during the Second World War and the obvious conflict with his German nationality, though he had never been a fanatic, or even a believer in the Nazi regime. They were able to work together for several years without any major clashes, and eventually the rift between Charles and Erik grew and the latter went off to form his Brotherhood.
He has spent over thirty years at the Institute teaching students European History with specialization in the events of the Second World War. With Bernhard's extensive experience in a variety of different battle scenarios, he also offered to teach tactics and combat training, and oversaw the training of the first generation of X-Men. He is still considered an X-Men trainer today, although he has relinquished a good portion of the instruction to the remaining Institute graduates.
He is still present at the Institute, striving to continue Xavier's goal of mutant and human harmony.
Personality:
When Bernhard was young, he believed in the ultimate German ideal, but once the Second World War rolled around and he was sent into the hells of battle, he quickly realized the faults in his belief. But he has a very strong sense of loyalty, so he was not readily willing to leave his companions in the middle of war. Instead he stuck with the Nazi regime, despite his objections, and fought on for his homeland.
When he was recruited into the infiltration squad, Bernhard grudgingly accepted (not that he was given much of a choice), and forced himself to bear through the mental and moral pains it caused him. His yearning to leave the war grew with every day, until his loyalty to the German military and his homeland gave way and he helped plan his squad's defection to North America.
The war had affected him greatly, and since coming to America, he has never returned to his home country, both reasonably ashamed for abandoning it and for fighting for such a terrible cause. He regrets his actions in the war but as the years progress, they have become less and less a part of his personality.
Instead, he has grown into what most would term as a vociferous middle-aged man, not afraid of voicing his opinion or daring to be heard. He loves nothing more than a good, traditional, home-cooked meal (typically one with lots of butter). He is also a party animal and enjoys alcohol on a regular basis, but most have noticed that his behaviour rarely changes after he has consumed said alcohol. This isn't to say that he is irresponsible and interested solely in self-gain. Rather, Bernhard is an extremely caring and person and willingly goes out of his way to help anyone in need. It is just his German background that leads him to enjoy his alcohol and food.
He is well known around the Institute for his ability to crush walnuts with one hand, and his habit of smashing beer/pop cans against his forehead.
He is also very generous and loves to chat up a storm if given the opportunity. The subject of his role in the Second World War is still rather sensitive, but he is becoming accustomed to it and is slowly beginning to accept his past. He does not, however, feel uncomfortable in highlighting the obvious mistakes taken in during the war, and readily accuses the Nazis and his homeland of their wrong doings.
Bernhard does not like the fact that he had been a weapon of war, but instead of burying that aspect of his life, he uses his knowledge to train those members of the X-Men. He hopes that the combat ready X-Men will someday change the world, and if that's not possible, then he will settle for the prevention of another World War.
While Bernhard is usually loud and happy most of the time, he has his select moments of seriousness, and they all arise during pre-combat preparation, or during the combat itself. Otherwise, he is always up for a good time.
He is also an experienced and successful stamp collector and trader.
Current Affiliation:
Xavier's Institute Faculty
Currently a teacher of history, tactics, and combat.
Sample:
"Happy birthday, Tobey-boy!" Bernhard says loudly, clapping a hand on the eighteen year-old's shoulder. "Today you're a real man!" Tobey smiles and withstands the rough shake his history teacher gives him.
"Thanks, Mr. Putz."
"Bah! No more need for Mister anything, Tobey! You're a man, so you can call me Bernhard!" The burly teacher takes a seat next to the young, blue-scale covered boy..er...man, and leans back in his chair.
"Uh...Okay Bernhard..."
"No man! Say it with force and authority! You'll never be respected off in the real world if you talk like that!" Bernhard's voice rings clearly above all the others at the table.
"Yes sir."
"Bernhard!"
"Yes Bernhard!" Tobey's attempt at sounding intimidating comes out as simply a loud squeak.
"Eh...good start. Here," he shoves a bottle of wine in the student's direction. "That'll put some hair on your chest."
"Sir? Oh, I mean Bernhard...I'm covered in scales."
"Bah! You need some hair on them anyways. You'll be the manliest fish at your school!"
"Bernhard!"
"Hank, don't say it." The German turns around and looks down the table at the blue fuzzy faculty member.
"He may be a man, but Tobey is certainly not of age to be drinking. Now please, put the wine away." Bernhard reaches out and snaps the bottle away from the teen and pulls the cork out by hand.
"Fine, I'll put it away." With that he tilts the bottle up and downs it in one full go. "Happy Hank? Fuzzy fun-ruiner." He mutters, corking the empty bottle.
And, so that I can actually say that I've done it...WESTCHESTER!
Name: Bernhard Putzkammer
Codename: Blitzkrieg (After a specific battle tactic used by the Germans in WWII)
Age: 98, but is physically considered to be 55.
Mutation:
Bernhard possesses a super-dense skeletal structure, which explains why he has never broken a bone in his life. In order to haul around his noticeably heavier body, his muscles have adapted and become increasingly dense as well, allowing him to maneuver himself like a normal person, without seeming over-muscled. His increased muscular capability has granted him with enhanced strength, but he tops out at about 500lbs.
He has also grown bone plates beneath skin in vital areas of his body (specifically the abdomen, neck, shoulders, arms, spine, and thighs). As he aged, some plates broke through the skin and continued to grow, creating long noticeable protrusions. The affected areas include forearms and elbows, and spinal area. He is able to maintain these bone growths by filing them so that they are not as apparent and can be easily hidden beneath normal clothing, and, if the situation requires it, they can be sharpened for hand-to-hand battles. The plates grow at a slow but steady rate, ensuring that if one section should fracture or break, it will re-grow in approximately six weeks. As he continues to age, more bone growths are expected to appear around different areas of his body.
He has discovered that he has a decelerated age-rate, and it is speculated that he could live close to 175 years.
As a result of his increased bone and muscle density, he is impervious to nearly any injury that affects the tissue beneath the epidermis. But it also comes with a reasonably cost, as he can't swim without extensive floatation. And in order to maintain his bone and muscle structure his diet is nearly all protein and calcium, which sometimes interferes with his intake of fruits and vegetables and grains, so malnutrition may be an issue if he is not cautious.
Personal Appearance:
Bernhard stands at about six foot three and appears to be what most of the children tend to call 'burly.' He has muscular build and looks very intimidating to most, but his broad smile usually squashes any fears had about his appearance.
He has short, unruly, dirty-brown hair that he never tries to groom, and he has had the same, close-cropped beard for longer than most can remember.
Bernhard is usually seen dressed in a button up shirt (complete with tie) and slacks, though when he feels like it, he'll dress down into jeans and a t-shirt.
He also has two bone ridges that extend out of his forearms, which are normally kept in check and covered with clothing, though sometimes Bernhard gets lazy and lets them grow out a bit so that they extend up past his elbow. There are also bone plates that cover his spine and the back of his neck, though they lay flat and are not as noticeable.
He voice is deep, a few decibels louder than most, and laced with a common (but understandable) German accent. His espionage training taught him to speak flawless English and he can manage an American accent if necessary.
Background:
Bernhard was born December 7th, 1906, to a traditional German family in Munich, Germany. He grew up through the First World War, when neighbors, friends, and family went off to fight in battle.
In 1922, Bernhard set off and joined the German army, where he underwent typical soldier training. Maintaining his military career well into the 1930's, he was eventually thrust into the Second World War, around the same time his decelerated aging began to take affect. In 1941, his platoon was ambushed by allied forces in France, leaving himself and two other known survivors. After the encounter, medics noted that he had not received any dire injuries; only minor lacerations. Following procedure, the ranking German officer had the three placed into another platoon that was immediately sent out into combat. While this group of soldiers was more fortunate and didn't succumb to such a tragic end, it was noted again that Bernhard had an affinity for avoiding injury, despite often being in the throes of battle.
A high-ranking German officer noted his aptitude for survival and had him removed from the lower ranks, and placed into a specialized infiltration and assault squad. There, he underwent strenuous training with a specification in tactics, espionage, and advanced combat. After several intense months within the special training, his squad was assgined several objectives. The group had been groomed to infiltrate and eliminate high-ranking Allied officials, so that the Germans could destroy their enemy from inside out.
After several successful missions throughout mainland Europe, the squad was sent to England, where they would pose as Allied soldiers and take out multiple targets, including Winston Churchill.
The squad members adopted their assigned identities and were able to make their way to England by infiltrating several different allied platoons. They all made their way individually, but eventually reconvened in Liverpool, England. Despite having arrived at their destination, they never completed the rest of their objectives. Instead, as a group, they decided to defect from the German Military and reveal themselves to the allied in hopes of surrendering vital information in exchange for free passage to North America, away from the war. Fortunately, their plan for defection worked and the information they presented to the Allies helped thwart several German projects.
All members of the squad were, as agreed, granted rights of passage to North America, where they seemingly disappeared into Canadian and American culture.
Bernhard used his forged American accent to move throughout the United States and Canada without fear of being discriminated, as Germans had not yet been forgiven for war crimes.
After living in North America for over 15 years, he finally settled in Cincinnati where he felt confident enough to reveal his true German heritage. At that time he also noticed that he had not significantly aged since his involvement in the war.
While he did not pay that much attention to his decreased age-rate, he eventually became aware of hard, cyst-like growths beneath his skin along his forearms. Worried that they were a sign of dire medical ailments, such as tumors, Bernhard promptly visited his doctor. After an examination, the doctor ruled out cancerous growths, but was intrigued by the rigid formations. He ordered an x-ray session, and after discovering a massive skeletal abnormality in Bernhard's arms, he had the rest of his body radio-graphed. The x-rays revealed rogue skeletal anomalies that covered most of his soft tissues, fortifying and protecting all his vital areas. Suddenly aware of his obvious biological differences, Bernhard finally understood why he had avoided injury so many times on the battlefield.
While he remained relatively unfazed by his mutation, the doctor repeatedly pestered him for tests. Eventually it reached the point where his 'differences' leaked out into the neighbourhood, and the stresses lead him to leave Cincinnati.
He relocated himself to Washington DC where he took up post as a security guard and continued living his life as normally as possible. Of course, this became increasingly difficult as the bone buildup in his arms protruded through his skin. Bernhard was able to maintain the growths through the use of a file, wearing them down so that they were not as noticeable through clothing.
Soon after, similar bone ridges began appearing along his lower spine, and eventually, over a few years, worked their way up to the back of his neck.
It was at this point, around the mid 1970's, Bernhard was approached by Charles Xavier and offered safe haven at the Insitute with an opportunity to share his experiences with a younger generation.
Erik Lehnsherr had been present at the Institute upon Bernhard's arrival, and while the latter tried to be kind and accommodating to his new co-worker, Erik simply greeted him with animosity. It didn't take long for Bernhard to find out about Erik's troubles during the Second World War and the obvious conflict with his German nationality, though he had never been a fanatic, or even a believer in the Nazi regime. They were able to work together for several years without any major clashes, and eventually the rift between Charles and Erik grew and the latter went off to form his Brotherhood.
He has spent over thirty years at the Institute teaching students European History with specialization in the events of the Second World War. With Bernhard's extensive experience in a variety of different battle scenarios, he also offered to teach tactics and combat training, and oversaw the training of the first generation of X-Men. He is still considered an X-Men trainer today, although he has relinquished a good portion of the instruction to the remaining Institute graduates.
He is still present at the Institute, striving to continue Xavier's goal of mutant and human harmony.
Personality:
When Bernhard was young, he believed in the ultimate German ideal, but once the Second World War rolled around and he was sent into the hells of battle, he quickly realized the faults in his belief. But he has a very strong sense of loyalty, so he was not readily willing to leave his companions in the middle of war. Instead he stuck with the Nazi regime, despite his objections, and fought on for his homeland.
When he was recruited into the infiltration squad, Bernhard grudgingly accepted (not that he was given much of a choice), and forced himself to bear through the mental and moral pains it caused him. His yearning to leave the war grew with every day, until his loyalty to the German military and his homeland gave way and he helped plan his squad's defection to North America.
The war had affected him greatly, and since coming to America, he has never returned to his home country, both reasonably ashamed for abandoning it and for fighting for such a terrible cause. He regrets his actions in the war but as the years progress, they have become less and less a part of his personality.
Instead, he has grown into what most would term as a vociferous middle-aged man, not afraid of voicing his opinion or daring to be heard. He loves nothing more than a good, traditional, home-cooked meal (typically one with lots of butter). He is also a party animal and enjoys alcohol on a regular basis, but most have noticed that his behaviour rarely changes after he has consumed said alcohol. This isn't to say that he is irresponsible and interested solely in self-gain. Rather, Bernhard is an extremely caring and person and willingly goes out of his way to help anyone in need. It is just his German background that leads him to enjoy his alcohol and food.
He is well known around the Institute for his ability to crush walnuts with one hand, and his habit of smashing beer/pop cans against his forehead.
He is also very generous and loves to chat up a storm if given the opportunity. The subject of his role in the Second World War is still rather sensitive, but he is becoming accustomed to it and is slowly beginning to accept his past. He does not, however, feel uncomfortable in highlighting the obvious mistakes taken in during the war, and readily accuses the Nazis and his homeland of their wrong doings.
Bernhard does not like the fact that he had been a weapon of war, but instead of burying that aspect of his life, he uses his knowledge to train those members of the X-Men. He hopes that the combat ready X-Men will someday change the world, and if that's not possible, then he will settle for the prevention of another World War.
While Bernhard is usually loud and happy most of the time, he has his select moments of seriousness, and they all arise during pre-combat preparation, or during the combat itself. Otherwise, he is always up for a good time.
He is also an experienced and successful stamp collector and trader.
Current Affiliation:
Xavier's Institute Faculty
Currently a teacher of history, tactics, and combat.
Sample:
"Happy birthday, Tobey-boy!" Bernhard says loudly, clapping a hand on the eighteen year-old's shoulder. "Today you're a real man!" Tobey smiles and withstands the rough shake his history teacher gives him.
"Thanks, Mr. Putz."
"Bah! No more need for Mister anything, Tobey! You're a man, so you can call me Bernhard!" The burly teacher takes a seat next to the young, blue-scale covered boy..er...man, and leans back in his chair.
"Uh...Okay Bernhard..."
"No man! Say it with force and authority! You'll never be respected off in the real world if you talk like that!" Bernhard's voice rings clearly above all the others at the table.
"Yes sir."
"Bernhard!"
"Yes Bernhard!" Tobey's attempt at sounding intimidating comes out as simply a loud squeak.
"Eh...good start. Here," he shoves a bottle of wine in the student's direction. "That'll put some hair on your chest."
"Sir? Oh, I mean Bernhard...I'm covered in scales."
"Bah! You need some hair on them anyways. You'll be the manliest fish at your school!"
"Bernhard!"
"Hank, don't say it." The German turns around and looks down the table at the blue fuzzy faculty member.
"He may be a man, but Tobey is certainly not of age to be drinking. Now please, put the wine away." Bernhard reaches out and snaps the bottle away from the teen and pulls the cork out by hand.
"Fine, I'll put it away." With that he tilts the bottle up and downs it in one full go. "Happy Hank? Fuzzy fun-ruiner." He mutters, corking the empty bottle.
And, so that I can actually say that I've done it...WESTCHESTER!
