The Zoamorph
The Zoamorph is a creation of mine based loosely on the Aptom character
in the Guyver comic book and anime series. For those unfamiliar with the
character, Aptom was one of the ''Lost Unit'' created at Chronos Japan. He
was an experiment to create a Zoanoid that could adapt his form for a
variety of uses, however he ended up being less powerful then his creators
had hoped, and it was impossible to create more like him. Later, the
Zoalord, Doctor Valcrus, experimented on him, enhancing his powers
tremendously, he became a genetic parasite capable of absorbing the powers
of any Zoanoid. Unfortunately Valcrus' tinkering also made him completely
immune to Zoalord mind control, and he went rogue. This character class is
based on the idea that Chronos later perfected what they were trying to
create with Aptom, an adaptable shapeshifter spy. The character type can be
used in both Rifts and Nightspawn settings.
Game Statistics:
Note: In order to create a Zoamorph character you need a copy of
Heroes Unlimited Revised Second Edition.
Making a Heroes Unlimited style
Zoamorph:
Details: The Zoamorph is a creation of the genetic labs at the
Chronos Corporation. A highly adaptable zoaform, the Zoamorph is less
powerful then a Zoanoid, but is highly useful in espionage rolls. The
original Zoamorph research was done at the Chronos Japan facility, but it
suffered from several spectacular failures. Non-reproducible units and
unstable mutant forms were the results of their research. The research was
transferred to other branches, who eventually perfected a Zoamorph that had
useful capabilities, was reproducible, and highly stable.
The Zoamorph is different from most zoaforms in they do not have a
human and combat form, but instead have a highly variable body that
can adapt to any need. Their physical abilities are generally greater than
a normal human, but not a powerful as most Zoanoids.
On Rifts Earth the descendants of these mutants usually carry on their
genetic legacy, but rarely express their mutant traits. The Zoamorph
genetic code is highly recessive. Only the occasional human, whose
parents were carriers of the Zoamorph genes has a small chance of expressing
them.
The Shapeshifter ability grants them.
The Extraordinary Physical Endurance ability grants them a high amount
of hit points and S.D.C., as well as the ability to continue physical
activity long after normal humans would have tired out. They also get a
bonus to save against magic spells.
The Extraordinary Physical Strength ability gives them
natural physical power equal to the strongest normal humans.
The Healing Factor ability grants them even more hit points as well
as the ability to recover from any attack that hasn't killed them in
a short period of time.
Additional material:
Nightspawn notes: On Nightspawn Earth the Chronos Corporation
can be adapted into the story line with a few alterations. First their
research is not based on the study of alien technology, but is an attempt
to genetically engineer supernatural beings. They have secretly developed
the technology to break down the genetic structure of such creatures as
Werewolves, Nightspawn, and several Nightlands creatures. The Zoanoids are
an attempt to recreate humans into supernatural soldiers.
While Chronos kept it's activities secret, they were not prepared for a
rival in world domination. Luckily for Chronos they learned about the
existence of the Nightlords before the Nightlords discovered them. Their
plans to take the world by force were put on hold when the Zoalords learned
what they were up against. They new that a few thousand Zoanoids were no
match for the millions of minions of the Nightlords. Chronos have just
barely been successful in keeping the Nightlord's minions out of Chronos,
through special blood screenings they are able to spot infiltrators, and
arrange for ''accidents'' before these spies can report back. Chronos
is firstly dedicated to keeping it's agenda a secret from the Nightlords,
and secondly, it plans to increase it forces so that it can one day stand
against the Nightlords.
While Zoamorphs are more powerful then normal humans, they are no match for most
Nightspawn or minions of the Nightlords in combat. Only their shapeshifting
and skills make them a force to be reckoned with. Of course as creatures of
Earth, Zoamorphs have Nightlands counterparts. The nemesis of Zoamorphs
include Asmedia, Nightprinces and others.
Created by Mathew R. Ignash, March,
2002 (mathewignash@comcast.net)
- Back to Matt's Rifts Page.-
