City of Heroes - My Characters - Bob Stranger PI

I decided to shamelessly steal this idea from Reilly 2040 who has been doing something similar on his blog http://reilly2040.co.uk/blog/2009/05/12/coh-characters-the-reillys/

Basically, the idea is to list the origins of my Characters in City of Heroes. I have a Gnat-like attention span so I have many alts.

Bob Stranger - PI/Doctor Bob Stranger

Bob Stranger PI is a magic base controller with fire and weather control based powers. He is my main alt and sits at around level 25. Doctor Bob Stranger is Bob's Nemesis, A necromancer and practitioner of the dark arts. More on him later.

The main concept behind Bob Stranger PI was to have a reluctant Hero, slowly drawn into the world of heroes by his PI day job. Dr Bob was to be a Nemesis, but not the usual evil twin idea, more someone riffing his look to discredit him.

Bob stranger is a Private Detective based in Paragon city, he solves mysteries, locates objects and people for a small fee plus expenses. Bob was not always superhuman. During a case where he was sent to track down a mysterious amulet for M.A.G.I. He located the item being held by a gang of Hellions. Pinned down by fire while trying to retrieve it the amulet mysteriously absorbed into Bob's body. He discovered that he could control fire and the elements. On returning to M.A.G.I. they confirmed the amulet was embedded in his chest and was providing him with magical powers. Thing is, Bob Doesn't believe in Magic. Nonetheless he started using his powers to assist him in the tight scrapes his PI work so often gets him into.

The Amulet itself was actually one of a pair. Many hundreds of years ago there were two mages, one good, one an evil necromancer. In a pitched battle the Evil mage had the upper hand, and in his desperation the good mage cast a spell that transformed both mages into gemstones. The gemstone bearing the Good Mage's power is benign, and merely bestows power on those it finds Worthy for the duration of their lives. The Evil stone however, takes control of its host and uses its power to try and exact revenge on the owner of the good stone. In this case it took control of a mild mannered Doctor called Steve, who had discovered the stone in a curio shop. Taking control of Steve the stone looked for its rival.

Reading of Bob's exploits Dr Steve soon became almost obsessed with Bob Stranger, even changing his name to match. He decided to discredit Bob in the eyes of Paragon City's heroes. To this end he acquired a similar wardrobe and started wreaking havoc. Bob Stranger PI was now wanted, and had to adopt a makeshift costume to keep working without risking constant attacks from other heroes. Bob set about trying to clear his name. He caught up with Dr Bob Stranger and a battle ensued. Bob had the advantage, as the stone powering Dr Bob was still adapting to its new body. Bob Stranger PI won the day and Dr bob was sent to the Ziggaraut. However, after being sprung by Arachnos he quickly turned his back on them and is now working through the Rouge island's underworld, building up his power to take on Bob Stranger PI again.

During the second Rikiti invasion Bob Stranger Defended his old neighborhood in Kings Row and teamed up with other heroes to thwart the Rikiti's plans. Using his powers caused strange markings to appear on his skin, like mystic symbols, and as his power grew suddenly he was engulfed in a bright light, emerging in a mystical costume. He still prefers his usual suit and hat, but often uses his costume when working with other heroes.