Tackle

**Tackle** is the muscle of MERCS, and now serves as a Defender in OCTO. A man driven by an unyielding sense of justice and a burning desire to avenge his family, Tackle has emerged as a relentless defender of the innocent, armed with both an impenetrable shield and a fearsome Sharkface machine gun.

Tackle's personal loss drives his dedication to seeking justice. He is determined to uncover the truth behind the war and the puppeteers responsible for the suffering of countless innocent people, including his own family.

## Biography

### Background

Paul grew up in a happy and relatively peaceful life in Nordival in Nexonia Prime. He was passionate about football and dreamed of becoming a professional player. However, the outbreak of the war disrupted his dreams and led him down a different path.

### Lost Light

Tackle motivation for joining MERCS and later affiliating with OCTO was driven by a desire to see justice served. After losing his family in the crossfire of the war, he developed a strong aversion to the bad guys who caused suffering to innocent people. He wanted to bring down those responsible for the chaos and violence that had taken so much from him.

While Tackleman aligns himself with OCTO, his true allegiance lies with the pursuit of justice. He doesn't view himself as a hero or a villain but rather as someone who will do whatever it takes to see the bad guys brought to justice, regardless of which side they may be on.

## Personality

Tackleman is known for his protective and loyal nature. He cares deeply for his teammates in OCTO and is determined to ensure their safety. His background in football has instilled in him a strong sense of teamwork and discipline, which he carries into his mercenary work. He can be seen as the defensive muscle of the team, always ready to step in and shield his comrades from harm.

While Tackleman aligns himself with OCTO, his true allegiance lies with the pursuit of justice. He doesn't view himself as a hero or a villain but rather as someone who will do whatever it takes to see the bad guys brought to justice, regardless of which side they may be on.

In summary, Tackle is a protective and loyal member of OCTO, motivated by a desire for justice and a determination to see those responsible for the war's devastation held accountable for their actions. His skills in defense and close combat make him a valuable asset to the team as they navigate the complexities of the war-torn world of Nexonia Prime.

## Abilities

Tackle is an extremely formidable combatant, fluent in both medium and close ranged combat. His unique ability, known as "Defensive Dome," is a remarkable defensive tool that significantly enhances the protection of his fellow mercenaries during combat. When activated, Tackleman generates a force field that envelops a specific area, creating a protective barrier that shields any allied mercenaries within the dome.

Tackle's weapon of choice, the Sharkface machine gun, complements his defensive role perfectly. The Sharkface is a high-powered firearm known for its exceptional rate of fire and firepower. It's ideal for suppressing enemy advances and keeping hostile forces at bay. Tackleman's immense strength allows him to wield this heavy weapon with ease, making him a formidable force on the battlefield.

Overall, Tackle's skill set revolves around his role as a defensive powerhouse. His superhuman strength, Defensive Dome ability, and proficiency with the Sharkface machine gun make him a formidable protector of his teammates and a key asset in OCTO's defensive strategies.

### Defensive Dome

Tackleman's unique ability, known as "Defensive Dome," is a remarkable defensive tool that significantly enhances the protection of his fellow mercenaries during combat. When activated, Tackleman generates a force field that envelops a specific area, creating a protective barrier that shields any allied mercenaries within the dome.

The protective effect of the Defensive Dome only lasts for a brief period. This means that Tackleman must strategically time and place the dome to maximize its effectiveness, whether for defensive purposes or to control critical choke points on the battlefield.

Tackleman's Defensive Dome ability not only enhances the survivability of his fellow mercenaries but also allows for tactical advantages in various combat scenarios. It serves as a formidable tool for maintaining control over contested areas and withstanding even the most formidable enemy assaults.

### Skills

* **Master Combatant**: Tackle is an extremely superb combatant. With his careful blend of brute force and tactical efficiency, he is the team's defensive muscle with a strategic mind that balances his formidable strength and use of heavy weapons.

* **Skilled Marksman**: Tackle is highly skilled in the use of his chosen weapon, the Sharkface machine gun. He can effectively suppress enemy movements, control choke points, and lay down sustained fire to deter opponents. His marksmanship with this heavy firearm is vital in maintaining a strong defensive line.

* **Expert Tactician**: While not a master tactician like Monark, Tackle possesses a keen sense of battlefield awareness. He can identify strategic positions, assess threats, and make decisions that contribute to the success of OCTO's defensive operations. His ability to think on his feet and adapt to changing circumstances is a valuable asset.

## Quotes

### Spoken

* *"You can have all the firepower in the world, but it's worthless if you can't protect your team."*
* *"Being the shield doesn't mean I'm hiding. It means I'm the last thing they see before they regret their choices."*
* *"I've taken hits that would have dropped a rhino. I'm still standing. What's your excuse?"*
* *"They call me Tackle because I take on the biggest threats head-on. You'd be wise to stand behind me."*
* *"In the chaos of battle, you need someone you can count on. That's me."*
* *"Told you, THIS is my house."*
* *"Defensive Dome is on!"*

## Trivia

### General

* Paul Everich used to be a famed footballer. The reason for him joining MERCS was to entertain and save people at the same time.
* Clearly lacking in military discipline, Tackleman is roughly comparable to the dimwit Hound.
* The crossfire between OCTO and NONA killed Paul's family. However, he ultimately saw that both sides were only fighting each other because of the cunning Gucci Intermittent.
* He loves machine guns. Paul's favourite is the gigantic and devastating H50HB machine gun, chambered for the powerful 12.7mm cartridge. There isn't a time where he would use one as a handheld weapon to annihilate enemies.
* Driven by revenge, Paul would be glad to shoot all of his rounds into all of the Drashktarr's top agents.
* Many OCTO mercenaries view Tackleman as a big brother figure within their ranks. He has a protective and supportive demeanor, often looking out for the well-being of his teammates. His caring nature and willingness to stand up for others make him a respected and trusted presence on the team.
* He has a scar on his lip.

### Developmental Notes

* Paul does not have anger issues. He channels his anger on the evil Drashktarr/Gucci Intermittent.
* He appears to value teamwork, and is incredibly protective of his own compatriots.
* His helmet was modified to suit his football gimmick.
* Paul's machine gun fires a rare caliber, which made OCTO prioritise his gun for supplies every operation.
* Tackleman's selfless and team-oriented mindset makes him a valuable asset to OCTO. He is always willing to put himself in harm's way to shield his comrades, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the team's mission and goals.