Patriot Man

**Patriot Man**, born as **John Starks** in the 1880s. He is the worlds first superhero and founding member of the superhero team Strike Back. He is also why they created the Global Defense Bureau.

## Origin

Born in the harsh landscape of the late 1800s, John Starks embraced a life of infamy, leading an outlaw gang that thrived on the fringes of society. His days as a lawbreaker reached a turning point when a treacherous betrayal led to a brutal ambush, leaving him shot in vital areas and abandoned by his own comrades. Left for dead, John's fate took an unexpected twist when a group of Native Americans discovered him. These wise individuals, aware of the duality within every soul, offered him a second chance at life. Administering a mystical concoction, they triggered an extraordinary metamorphosis within John.

Awakening with newfound regenerative healing powers, heightened stamina, speed, strength, and sharpened reflexes and agility, John Starks was reborn. Grateful yet tormented by the shadows of his past, he questioned the Native Americans' motives for saving a man with such a dark history. Their answer, steeped in wisdom, was that every soul deserved an opportunity for redemption, regardless of past transgressions.

This redemption, however, was cut short when tragedy struck again. The same outlaws who once betrayed John mercilessly slaughtered the tribe that had saved him. Witnessing the massacre unfold before his eyes, John was overwhelmed by guilt and regret. Fleeing from the scene, haunted by the vow to protect innocent lives, he pledged to never again let someone fall victim to the ruthless cruelty that had claimed the tribe.

Years later, as the world hurtled toward the chaos of World War I, John Starks, now fully aware of the potential of his supernatural abilities, enlisted in the conflict. Fueled by a nobler purpose, he sought to save countless lives on the battlefield. Recognizing his unique capabilities, the U.S. government established the Global Defense Bureau (G.D.B.) at the secretive Area 51, bringing together extraordinary individuals like John to safeguard the world. Working alongside the G.D.B., John embraced his role as a symbol of hope, adopting the mantle of Patriot Man. In his unwavering commitment to justice, he founded the superhero team, Strike Back, ensuring that no one else would suffer the pain he endured in his tumultuous journey from outlaw to hero.

## Powers and Abilities

### Powers

* **Healing Factor**: John possesses a remarkable regenerative ability that accelerates the repair of damaged or destroyed tissues and organs, surpassing the natural healing capacity of an average human. The speed of regeneration corresponds to the extent of the inflicted damage, operating automatically without Patriot Man's conscious influence. While this extraordinary healing factor allows him to recover swiftly, it doesn't shield him from experiencing the pain associated with injuries or the discomfort of his body undergoing the regenerative process.
	+ **Contaminant Immunity**: Patriot Man's innate regenerative abilities extend to provide him with a remarkable immunity to poisons, viruses, diseases, and many drugs. This immunity encompasses a notable resistance to the intoxicating effects of alcohol, requiring extraordinary quantities to affect him. Even when subjected to significant amounts of alcohol, Patriot Man swiftly processes the intoxication cycle, experiencing a rapid recovery from any resulting effects.
	+ **Fatigue Resistance**: Starks exhibits partial resistance to fatigue poisons generated by physical exertion, allowing him to endure prolonged periods of strenuous activity with reduced susceptibility to exhaustion.
	+ **Decelerated Aging**: Furthermore, John's regenerative abilities grant him an extended lifespan by retarding the progression of the aging process. Patriot Man, born in the late 19th Century, surpasses 100 years of age while maintaining the health, appearance, and physical vitality of an individual in the prime of their life.
* **Superhuman Strength**: Patriot Man's strength enables him to endure considerable physical stress. Additionally, his strength is augmented to elevated levels, empowering him to lift over 800 lbs, though limited to a maximum of 2 tons.
* **Superhuman Speed:** John can achieve low-level superhuman speeds, executing attacks too swift for the naked eye to track. In their initial encounter, Gray Wolf even briefly believed Starks to be faster than himself.
* **Superhuman Stamina**: Thanks to his healing factor, Patriot Man possesses superhuman stamina and exhibits partial immunity to fatigue toxins produced by physical exertion. This exceptional endurance allows him to outlast ordinary humans in prolonged physical activities.
* **Superhuman Durability:** Starks has superhuman durability due to his healing factor.
* **Heightened Reflexes and Agility**: Patriot Man's reflexes and agility surpass the limitations of the average human body. Displaying remarkable speed and precision, he has effortlessly evaded Crimson Inferno's blasts on multiple occasions.

### Abilities

* **Master Tactician and Strategist:** Starks is a highly skilled strategist, recognized as one of the premier tacticians globally, whether engaged in battle or strategic planning. His proficiency in formulating effective battle strategies, coupled with a brilliant tactical sense, enables him to adapt and modify plans seamlessly to address the evolving demands of any situation.

* **Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant**: Patriot Man has been portrayed as a seasoned and skilled combatant since World War I, owing to his extensive military training. Throughout his storied history, he has demonstrated exceptional combat prowess, engaging in intense battles and showcasing a lethal proficiency that led to the defeat of numerous adversaries, notably during the tumultuous era of World War I where he faced and vanquished hundreds of German soldiers.
	+ **Shield Mastery**: Throughout numerous years, John Starks has attained mastery in the use of his shield, which serves as his primary tool for defense. Expertly wielding the shield, he employs it to safeguard his body from harm, even though his healing factor allows him to recover from almost any injury. Despite his remarkable regenerative abilities, he remains susceptible to pain, emphasizing the crucial role his shield plays in preserving his well-being.
	+ **Knife Mastery**: John Starks exhibits exceptional proficiency in the use of combat knives, showcasing both skill and precision. His mastery extends to the art of throwing knives, allowing him to navigate through combat scenarios with deadly accuracy, making him a formidable adversary in close-quarters combat.
* **Expert Marksman**: John Starks exhibits exceptional proficiency as a marksman, demonstrating remarkable accuracy when throwing various projectile weaponry. His skill extends to the adept use of firearms, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of ranged weaponry. Whether precision is required with thrown objects or firearms, Starks proves himself to be a versatile and skilled marksman in various combat scenarios.

## Weaknesses

* **Drowning**: Patriot Man's remarkable healing abilities come with a notable vulnerability—he can be susceptible to drowning. Denying his brain the essential supply of oxygen, submersion in water poses a genuine threat to his survival. Starks acknowledges the peril, recognizing that an extended period underwater can be fatal, albeit with his healing factor merely prolonging the distressing experience.

## Trivia

* Patriot Man is based on Marvel’s Captain America