Characteristic

Cost

END

Cost

12

1

3

3

3

0

8

2

1

3

3

3

1

10

5

15

5

15

20

15

10

10

15

10

20

Jean-Pierre was a somewhat unsuccessful small production stage actor. He played in a few small stage plays but was far from being famous. That irked him. So did the fact that the plays he was in were few and far between. He needed a regular job. And so he became a cast member at a certain large entertainment corporation’s European theme park.

Still, even there he found that the parts he was given were always small and insignificant. He was often just part of the background. He knew the reason he wasn't doing so well and that was because he wasn't very handsome and was somewhat scrawny. He needed to improve his looks.

Working out at a gym helped a little, but that could still do nothing for his face. The idea of plastic surgery or anything similar repulsed Jean-Pierre. Instead, after asking around a little, he heard mention of a gypsy living on the outskirts of Paris who offered alternative remedies for these sort of "ailments."

Jean-Pierre visited the gypsy who, after assessing him, brewed up a concoction of herbal remedies for him to take. She warned him that the remedy could have unforeseen side effects, but Jean-Pierre did not listen. Instead, he gave her the large sum of money for the potion and went straight home. He began taking the woman's brew that very same day.

The results weren't instantaneous. However, within a week, Jean-Pierre had begun to notice differences. He was stronger and had greater stamina. His face, though still recognisably his, was changing; the lines and moles disappeared as he became more handsome. Within less than a month, he felt stronger than any normal human could be and more handsome than a Hollywood movie star. Not only that, but his newfound appearance was getting him better roles. No longer was Jean-Pierre a plain, ordinary, unknown actor and singer. Now he had looks, muscles, and success.

Soon he got the role of Gaston in the production of La Belle et le Bete at the theme park. He also met the star of that grand show -- Michelle Mignonne, a young, beautiful, brunette, doe-eyed cast member. Immediately Jean-Pierre fell in love. She also seemed to be somewhat taken by her powerful and handsome co-worker. However, their first "scene" together was rudely interrupted. A small gang of thugs was causing chaos trying to extract money from the audience by threatening violence.

Angry at this intrusion, Jean-Pierre turned to face the attackers, putting himself between Michelle and any danger. He approached the thugs and, as he did so, felt himself change. The potion's side effects were finally becoming apparent. The hairs on his arms, head and the rest of his body began to grow. And so did his body and muscles. Within seconds, instead of the devilishly handsome Jean-Pierre, a ten-foot tall, hairy, powerful (though still somewhat handsome) the Beast stood there menacing the thugs.

With his increased strength, he leapt into the middle of the thugs and, within moments, had subdued them without a ruffle to his hair nor any mark to his face. Impressed with his abilities and how he handled the thugs, Josiah Gold, chief of security for the entertainment company, offered him the role of resident protector of the Paris theme park. And he was also given the role of the male lead in a new, enhanced La Belle et Le Bete show.

Created by Stephen Bates

Jean-Pierre is unnaturally strong, resilient, charming, and handsome. In his human form, he can best many fighters with his uberhuman strength, agility, and wit.

However, his main power is his ability to change into a huge and incredibly strong beast. In this form, he has the strength to lift tanks and his skin is tough enough to stop bullets. He can also call upon the powers of various animals, being able to run as fast as a horse, heal wounds like a lizard and detect the faintest of smells with his wolf-like nose.

With his increased strength, the Beast is also able to perform a number of "brick tricks." These include leaps of incredible distances, punches that knock foes flying, bear hugs than render many unconscious within seconds, and others. Otherwise, Jean-Pierre has not really had any formal martial arts training. He merely relies on his enhanced reflexes and his natural ability. These are often more than enough to deal with most threats.

Despite all his power, his hairy hide is somewhat vulnerable to fire. Not only do the flames singe his hair, but the heat also tends to make the ends curl. That is something the Beast cannot tolerate.

Jean-Pierre, in his human form, is tall, dark, and handsome. Very handsome, in fact. He has an alluring smile and an almost visible charm. He also has a strong, athletic build, with wide shoulders and large muscles. His hair is shortish and dark brown, expertly styled to increase his attractiveness. And his joyful eyes sparkle a deep blue.

His Beast form is a 10-foot-tall creature of solid muscle covered in dark brown hair. Although he can extend vicious claws and sharp teeth, usually he keeps these hidden. In this case, his Beast form looks sort of cuddly in a powerful, slightly intimidating sort of way. Certainly kids don't seem to mind his beastly appearance.

In both forms, he wears black trousers and a black waistcoat over a white, short-sleeved, open-neck shirt. In addition, a daring red sash is tied around his waist. In his human form, these are quite loose-fitting. When he transforms into the Beast, they stretch (the material is stretchy and spandex-like) and don’t tend to rip or tear. Even so, they generally have to be replaced every few days due to wear and tear they take.

Art by Jeff Hebert