Fortress America
Fortress America is a scion of the Van Meter family, a large and wealthy family based in Emerald City. Their ancestry includes an exiled alien noble from the far side of the Moon, and the family secretly employs the various psychic gifts this heritage grants them to advance in business and politics. But Jordan was born nearly bereft of psionic aptitude. Early on, his stature was stunted as well, but soon the boy surpassed his peers’ growth curve. Despite his creativity and athletic prowess, he remained a disappointment to his parents. When his power to grow to an enormous size surfaced, he was instructed to never reveal his ability, as it would bring scrutiny on the family.
To get as far from his family as possible, Jordan attended Freedom City University. Without constant oversight for the first time in his life, he cut loose, partying, painting, and eventually falling in love with brilliant, nerdy Judith Jacobson. When his sheer presence scared off troublemakers during a date, Van Meter realized he could accomplish big things, and soon Fortress America was born!
The handsome giant proved a good draw for the media, but his insecurities remained. Every defeat triggered a bout of depression. Jordan’s grades suffered and his relationship faltered. Slipping back into drugs, he grew careless and arrogant. After brawling with The Candy Crew and recognizing his estranged cousin Sinclair among them, Jordan took pity and allowed the gang to escape, only for the media to report his abetting. Angry and intoxicated, he decided to “redeem himself” by tearing the news channel apart. After a prolonged battle with other heroes, Fortress America was beaten and arrested. He felt more deeply humiliated when the power-nullification cell exposed Jordan’s secret: mild dwarfism which his powers had subconsciously compensated for—until now.
Jordan accepted a plea deal to avoid further disgrace and family exposure. Given a relatively light sentence, his prior heroic actions and family connections made Fortress America a prime candidate for Project Freedom, and he now hopes to show the world that he is still a hero.
Physical Description
Special abilities
Fortress America can assume a towering “Living Fortress” form some 40 feet tall and possessing incredible strength and durability, but it’s all-or-nothing; he can either stand at his normal height or 40 feet tall (or 4’6” if his powers are negated). Even without this form, he heals from injury with extraordinary speed and is resistant to a variety of conditions thanks to his alien heritage, and possesses the strength and tenacity of a champion athlete.
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