Terrapin
NAME: Franklin Foster
ALIAS: Terrapin
AGE: 26
BIRTHPLACE: Steel Canyon, Paragon City, RI
OCCUPATION: Engineer, inventor
ABILITIES:
- Genius level intellict
- Proficient scientist and engineer
- Utilizes powered armor suit
Franklin Foster was a brilliant but unassuming engineer, the kind who could see potential where others only saw obstacles. His lifelong fascination with mechanics and technology ultimately led him to a promising career in engineering, specializing in armor design and materials science. After working years in various tech companies, he became determined to create something revolutionary: a suit of armor that could protect its wearer from nearly any threat, prioritizing durability and defense above all else. He christened the project "Terrapin" after the sturdy turtles that inspired his vision—animals that could withdraw into a virtually impregnable shell whenever they faced danger. Franklin wanted to create a similar kind of "shell" that could turn its wearer into an unstoppable force, especially useful in high-stakes, high-danger professions like military, law enforcement, and even hazardous civilian work. The armor he envisioned wouldn't rely on speed or agility; it would be an immovable juggernaut.
For two years, Franklin poured his life into the project, draining his savings and practically living in his workshop. He crafted a suit with multi-layered, reinforced plating that could absorb and distribute enormous amounts of force. Every inch of the armor was designed to be as tough as possible, with a dense, advanced metal alloy that could resist bullets, piercing, as well as extreme temperatures. The suit also included a specialized hydraulic system that allowed Franklin to apply immense pressure with limited exertion, compensating for its weight. The suit had internal gyros to help balance its weight, an advanced hydraulic system for movement, and a power source that could last days without recharging. In theory, the suit could withstand nearly any kind of assault.
Yet, while the armor itself was nearly indestructible, its bulk came with drawbacks. Weighing close to five hundred pounds, the suit was far from agile, and maneuvering in it required a measured, steady approach. The wearer would have limited mobility, and the suit’s weight and design demanded deliberate, slow movements. Franklin knew this would limit its appeal, but he was certain that its protective capabilities were unmatched by anything on the market.
When Franklin was finally ready to showcase the "Terrapin Armor" to potential investors, his pitch fell flat. Company after company rejected him, citing the same complaints: “Too bulky,” “too slow,” “too impractical.” No one seemed interested in armor that could withstand a tank blast if it didn’t have the agility to dodge bullets or chase down enemies. Most companies wanted sleek, nimble designs that wouldn’t burden the wearer, and Franklin’s approach was simply too unconventional for them. The personal armor industry, it seemed, wasn’t ready for his vision just yet.
Disheartened but undeterred, Franklin continued improving the suit. He refused to give up, convinced that he could prove the Terrapin Armor’s worth. And then he had an idea. What better way to showcase his creation than a practical "field test".
As the adrenaline subsided, Franklin felt something shift inside him. He realized he no longer wanted to sell the Terrapin Armor to the highest bidder, nor did he want to see it weaponized by corporations with questionable motives. Defending the innocent, standing as a human shield against threats—that was far more rewarding than any profit. He felt a responsibility to use the suit for good, to serve as a protector rather than an inventor-for-hire.