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From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe

Original Art by David Hamann
Bayani
Player: @Bayani
Origin:	Natural
Archetype:	Scrapper (Formerly Blaster)
Security Level:	35 (Formerly level 50)
Personal Data
Real Name:	Kristopher Angeles (secret)
Known Aliases:	none
Species:	Human
Age:	24
Height:	5' 10"
Weight:	213lbs
Eye Color:	Brown
Hair Color:	Black
Biographical Data
Nationality:	Asian-American (Filipino)
Occupation:	President of Paragon's Own, Inc.
Place of Birth:	Boston, Massachusetts
Base of Operations:	Paragon City
Marital Status:	single
Known Relatives:	Josie(Mother)/Richard(Father) (both deceased)
Known Powers
Extraordinary Inner Focus
Known Abilities
Martial Arts
Equipment
modified Oakley sunglasses
No additional information available.

[edit] Overview

Bayani is both the signature character and online avatar of his creator. The original incarnation of Bayani first appeared on the Protector server May of 2004. Bayani was rerolled onto the Virtue Server one year later. Outside of the Virtue, Bayani appeared in the second run of the City of Heroes comic book four times, three of which are credited (City of Heroes, vol 2: issues 12, 15, 20). Issue 12 was a cameo appearance while Issue 20 included the "Bayani vs. Captain Mako" fan art piece. "Closure", a short story featuring Bayani was printed in Issue 15 and reprinted in the first issue of the online-only City of Heroes Fanzine. A collection of commissioned art featuring Bayani can be viewed at Bayani's dA page. Much of the Bayani art has been illustrated by Marvel, DC, and Top Cow artists such as David Nakayama, Mark Bagley, Dale Eaglesham, Jim Starlin, and Gene Colan.

[edit] Skills & Abilities

In a world filled with super-powers and geniuses that surpass his abilities, Bayani finds himself as the underdog in many confrontations. Bayani bridges the gap by making the most of his talents through practice. Through extensive martial arts study, Angeles has developed an extraordinary level of chi (inner focus/energy). His chi is an extension of his willpower and allows him to perform feats most natural humans cannot. Before I12, Bayani was interpreted by two archetypes, Blaster and Tank. (Both were Fire/Energy/Energy builds). Post I12, Bayani was re-rolled into a Fire/Fire Scrapper.

Bayani vs. Captain Mako, by Brandon McKinney

[edit] Chi

By developing his chi, Angeles has peak-human speed, agility, and strength. His strength has been measured at a maximum press of approximately 600lb while his top speed has been clocked at around 45 mph. Bayani keeps himself in excellent physical shape by sticking to a regular program of weightlifting and aerobic activity. As a result, he is capable of operating near/at his physical limits for extended periods of time. In extreme circumstances, Angeles has exceeded these limits through sheer determination. His ability to excel in clutch situations is why his peers have taken to nicknaming Angeles "Bayani."

[edit] Fire Manifestation

Chi of exceptionally skilled martial artists takes a physical form that mirror the channeler. Bayani's chi physically manifests itself in the form of fire. Originally, Bayani could only use his chi in two ways: firing concentrated bursts at range and forming a fiery shield around his body to deflect incoming attacks. Both feats took enormous amounts of concentration however, rendering Bayani unable to strike a balance between offense and defense. When enemies began exploiting this shortcoming, Bayani refined his technique, learning to redirect his chi internally more efficiently. While he no longer launches fire over range, Bayani's fiery armor strengthens his melee attacks. With more control over his chi, Bayani can create a fiery sword at will. The weapon usually takes the form of a kampilan, a Filipino sword with a 38 inch blade and is enough to cut, deflect, and parry like a normal sword.

"Days of the Future Nerf" with Shutterbug. By Jomaro Kindred

[edit] Martial Arts

Bayani's fighting style is an eclectic combination of practical techniques drawn from Escrima, Kobudo, Okinawan Karate, and Wing Chun. Bayani is a very patient combatant who rarely uses deadly force. Instead, he uses footwork, precision, and perfect structure to open up gaps in his adversaries' defenses and exploit pressure points. Bayani ends physical confrontations decisively without permanent injury to his foes.

[edit] Equipment

Bayani has some specialized field equipment provided by and maintained by Lucy Jones, aka Shutterbug, to assist in his work. His Oakley sunglasses are fitted with an earpiece and microphone for phone and radio communication. The lenses have also been modified with special electronics that overlay a Heads-up Display (HuD) on his field of vision with targeting reticles, maps, and warnings. In addition, Bayani can download files from his personal data archives and view them on the HuD. Lastly, the lenses can also take photos and record short video clips. This data is encrypted and uploaded to the data servers for later analysis. All of his sunglasses' features are linked and controlled via a pocket device concealed within Bayani's jacket.

[edit] Networking

While Bayani finished graduate school with a Master's Degree/MBA in Finance, he chose to return to school and pursue a degree in Criminology. Bayani's level of skill is journeyman at best, however. With his obligations as a social entrepreneur, Bayani relies more heavily upon an extensive network of contacts and specialists to help him piece together his investigations.

[edit] Character History

Art by Mike Lilly

Despite being the only child of superhero parents, Angeles had a rather quiet childhood balancing school and martial arts study. Though socially reserved, he was fiercely competitive in academics. This led him to clash frequently with Sabrina St. James, a high school classmate of his at Buckingham Browne and Nichols. In spite of conflicting personalities, they grew very close. They later became engaged, and life was great until the Rikti Invasion.

Kris' parents died in 2002, sacrificing their lives during final stages of the Rikti War. Life grew even darker for Angeles when Sabrina developed cancer. Despite chemotherapy, Bree died a little over a year after the war, and Kris grieved heavily. Angeles turned to mixed martial arts fighting, taking his intense frustration out on his opponents. With his level of skill and determination, Kris easily won a national championship and maintained a perfect record. His lack of respect for his opponents kept him from being a crowd favorite, however. This made Kris even more resentful until a new mentor stepped into his life.

Fulfilling a promise made to Kris's late father, Jackie "Red" Moran interceded and guided Kris out of the MMA circle. Under Moran's mentorship, Kris developed a stronger sense of discipline and honor. When not training, Kris worked for Red's philanthropic company, the Moran Foundation and Charities. Kris's time at the Moran Foundation instilled a sense of personal responsibility.

During the summer of 2004, a new generation of heroes answered Statesman's call and Kris joined them. Kris originally intended use his father's moniker, Lawin, but Moran gave Kris the codename Bayani (Tagalog for "hero"). Bayani served the city as a registered cape until his suspension mid May 2008. Since then, Angeles opened Paragon's Own Incorporated. A for-profit enterprise with a strong sense of corporate responsibility, Paragon's Own Incorporated is a salvage/construction company whose primary focus is aiding uninsured businesses and families that experienced property loss during metahuman conflicts. Paragon's Own operates at an unrivaled level of efficiency, employing a core of civic-minded metahumans with abilities well-suited to construction. The company keeps costs down primarily by salvaging debris left over from conflict and refitting it for use in upcoming projects. Paragon's Own also maintains a very strong R&D division focused on practical, "green" technology.