A.R.G.U.S. Threat Report
- CodeName: Mongrel
- Place of Origin: St. Helens, Oregon, United States
- Real/Birth Name: Michael Morgan
- Real Identity Status: Confided
- Age/Apparent Age: Mid-20s
- Height: 6' (as Mongrel)/5'10" (as Michael Morgan)
- Gender: Male
- Category/Occupation: Hero/Paramedic
- Superhero Affiliations: The Sentinels
- Real Identity Affiliations: Emerald City University Medical Center (EMC)
- Power Set: Bestial nature and physique
- Power Origin: Supernatural Affliction
- Player/Type: NPC
Appearance
Mongrel stands a little over 6ft tall and looks much like the classic Wolfman - muscular, light brown fur all over, bestial brown eyes and sharp fangs and claws. As Michael Morgan he seems a friendly-looking man in his mid-30s who is in good physical shape from regular exercise. He has short, dark blonde hair and brown eyes..
Background
Michael Morgan moved to Emerald City a few years ago to take a job as a paramedic. He wanted the challenge of working in a large city. In the years that followed, he got plenty of challenge from the violence and corruption the city is known for, but he also learned a lot about the city, its neighborhoods, and the people who lived there.
One night, he was called to the scene of an accident just outside the city. The roads in the area twisted through the thick and hilly forest, so accidents here weren’t uncommon. Michael began treating one of the victims. Some of his injuries didn’t seem to be the result of the car accident, but he couldn’t worry about that; the man had lost a lot of blood. As Michael set to work, the victim regained consciousness and began to struggle. In his panic he even bit Michael on the arm, not badly, but enough to break the skin, then the man collapsed and died.
Michael didn’t think much of the incident and moved to help his partner with the other victim. Afterward he cleaned his wound, filed his report, and went home. The next few days were fine, but he felt more ill with each passing day until he just couldn’t go in to work. Late one night he woke up feeling great. His fever had broken, the soreness in his joints was gone, he didn’t have a headache, but when he turned on the light he discovered he’d turned into some sort of beast-man! After his initial shock he learned he could control his transformation, shifting between his human and bestial forms at will. He spent a few more days on “sick leave” while he investigated his new abilities and even stopped some muggings, fights, and other street crimes. He’d always liked that he was smart and quick-witted enough to be a good paramedic, but now with these powers he could help people in ways he never could before. For the last few months, the new hero Mongrel has been on the streets, making a name for himself as Emerald City’s newest protector.
Personality
Michael Morgan is a likable and responsible guy; attentive, well-intentioned, and serious about his job. He would like to believe Mongrel is the same, but he’s becoming aware that he’s more aggressive, fun-loving, and a bigger risk-taker in his heroic identity. He’s unsure if that’s simply because he feels freer as Mongrel or if his transformation is more than merely physical.
Motivation: Responsibility
Mongrel believes he has a responsibility to use his abilities to help however he can. He finds it hard to reconcile being a paramedic and a superhero when there's an emergency. Ultimately, if put into this conflict of interest he makes a judgement call based on the moment as to whether the most responsible thing to do is act as Mongrel or as Michael Morgan. The friendship of Mitchell Allen has helped in this regard (see Other Notes).
Secret Identity
Mongrel keeps his secret identity a closely guarded secret for fear that his enemies may come after him whilst he is working as Michael Morgan and innocents get caught in the crossfire. He has come to trust some of the Sentinels and revealed his secret identity to a few of them (see other notes). His secret identity isn't just a cover, Michael truly enjoys and cares about his job and that part of his life.
Other Notes
Michael Morgan's issues with sometimes having to become Mongrel whilst he is on duty as an EMC Paramedic (and thus Michael suddenly disappearing from work when he is needed) has become easier. By chance Michael's EMC partner is Mitchell Allen, who happens to be the long-term boyfriend of Jessica Prentiss (Princess). Thanks to suspicions and information about Michael's sudden disappearances during work, Princess and Mitchell eventually guessed (and got Wyrmhole to spy on Michael to get confirmation) his true identity. They revealed Princess' own secret identity to him and since then the three of them (four if you include Wyrmhole) have become good friends and Mitchell often helps Mongrel in emergencies by "covering" for him or making excuses for his sudden absences. When not working, Michael is often found hanging out with Stephanie Jones (aka Wyrmhole), Mitchell Allen and his girlfriend Jessica Prentiss (aka Princess). As he and Wyrmhole are single, Michael (or rather, Mongrel, as Michael is respectful and has not made any such attempt) has tried to persuade Stephanie to date him so that the four of then can be two couples. So far Mongrel's attempts have failed miserably... although he considers the fact Wyrmhole now affectionately calls him by the nickname "Fluffy" to be progress!
Combat Style
As can be expected from someone who's powers all stem from his bestial nature, Mongrel is an aggressive close-combatant. Despite his increased aggression and bestial nature when in his heroic form, Michael's Intellect is intact and so he fights quite intelligently rather than simply charging like an animal. He uses his agility and leaping ability for effect, relying on his speed to avoid hits that he thinks are more than he could take. Whilst Mongrel is stronger and tougher than almost any unenhanced human, he pales next to powerhouses like Princess or Rocky, and therefore needs to depend on his speed and fighting instinct to avoid harm (even though he regenerates damage, his regeneration speed is not fast enough to be a true asset in brief combat encounters)
Social Style
Truly getting to know and befriend Mongrel can be a challenge due to his dual natures. Michael is best approached responsibly. He takes well to those who seem to appreciate and respect their abilities, and the desire to use them for the betterment of others rather than for their own selfish means. Whilst he can often be the "grounding" person in a group, he is nonetheless likeable. When he becomes Mongrel it is like his inhibitions are cut loose and he becomes more emotional in every way, joking around and having fun with almost abandon, and more prone to aggression and taking risks. Mongrel is more approachable by people who prefer action over words (although Michael is the reverse, preferring to consider options carefully).
Signature Powers & Special Abilities
Bestial Form Only
- Animalistic Senses - Mongrel is more aware of his surroundings in addition to being able to perceive in ways he can’t in his human form
- Beastlike - Mongrel is stronger, faster, and has more endurance in his bestial form, as well as improved combat instincts
- Claws - Mongrel can use his claws to wall-crawl as well as to fight
- Leaping - Mongrel can leap 30ft in a single bound
Any Form
- Animal Empathy - regardless of his form, since his transformation Michael realises that he seems to have a closer connection with animals
- Regeneration - Michael heals faster than a normal person in any form
Signature Equipment & Gear
- EMT Kit (as Michael Morgan)
- Ambulance (as Michael Morgan)
Signature Quotes
- "Arrooooooo!"
Gallery
Mongrel
Mongrel
Michael Morgan