Post by Pippin on Aug 8, 2010 20:45:28 GMT -5
HAROLD “HAL” JORDAN
The Green Lantern
“Play the game; you know you can't quit until it's won
Soldier on, only you can do what must be done.
I can make it, I know I can; you broke the boy in me, but you won’t break the man.
I can see a new horizon, underneath the blazing sky,
I’ll be where the eagle’s flying, higher and higher.”
And won't you think I'm pretty[/size]
name;;Harold Jordan; meaning “Army Ruler” and “To Flow Down” respectively.
nickname;;Hal (His mother used to always call him Harold, a name that he was never particularly fond of. His older brother Jack used to use it to bother him because of this fact. His father, the man he looked up to most in the whole world, was the only one who seemed to notice this and shortened it to “Hal” which he has kept both for his own preference and sentimental reasons since.)
age;;27
date of birth;; October 13th, 1983
gender;; Male
occupation;; Test pilot for Ferris Aircraft; Galactic Defender of Sector 2814, Green Lantern Corps.
sexualorienation;; Heterosexual
When I'm standing top the bright lit city[/size]
hair;; A wavy, sandy brown that is usually kept in some sort of semi-controlled disarray
eyes;; An intense, stormy brown
height;; 6’0”
weight;; 200lbs
build;; Hal is lean but muscular, owing both to his military career and to his continued hobby of boxing. He is of average height for his age group, but often bears himself with a subtle intensity that hides a well-controlled, but emotional, inner self.
piercings;;None
tattoos;; One, on his left shoulder blade, resembling a pair of wings with the surname ‘Jordan’ inscribed in the center.
style;; When not performing in the role of superhero, Hal’s wardrobe is typically neat but casual. This usually involves clean jeans or khakis and a button up shirt of some sort, sometimes worn open over a t-shirt or tank top (though he is inclined to wear either of these without the button up as well). He also commonly sports a black leather jacket, and has a favorite bomber-style aviator’s jacket that was his father’s that is very special to him, bearing his father’s insignia patch and aviator’s wings.
When patrolling as the Emerald Crusader, Jordan accesses the stored memory in his power ring to bring forth his costume. Like many of the emerging superheroes, it is form fitted and aerodynamic, though his sports no fancy additions like capes or utility belts. It is basically black, adorned on the chest with a green, triangular overlay and the symbol of the Green Lantern Corps, and highlighted with matching green gloves and knee-high boots. He also sports a dark green domino-style mask to hide his true identity.
And I'll take your hand and pick you up[/size]
favorites;;
Thrill of Flying/Adventure – Whether it be in the fighter jets he flies for a living, or alone under the power of his ring, Hal loves the feeling of flight. There is an excitement and exhilaration (and just a little element of danger) in pushing the envelope that reminds him that he’s alive and refreshes his senses. He relishes that sense of adventure in his life, and it is part of the reason he is so taken with crime fighting (though truth be told his dedication to justice and sense of duty are likely paramount in this case).
His Father – Hal idolized his father since as far back as he can remember. An ace fighter pilot himself, Hal was amazed not only at his father’s skill, but at his ability to stay cool under pressure, and the kindness he showed to his family. He was devastated by his father’s death, but as a result holds his memory in the highest regard today.
Making a Difference – When first bestowed upon with the task of becoming the representative of Earth in the Green Lantern Corps, Hal was unsure of the responsibility. However, he was also deeply honored for the recognition the honor meant for his own bravery and dedication. It gave him the means to serve and protect the people of Coast City and beyond, something that he has come to regard as his overall mission in life, and is quite proud of today. It gives him a great sense of satisfaction to feel that he is able to do some good in this world when the forces of evil are trying so hard to tear it apart, and believes that in doing so, he is helping to secure a brighter future for generations to come.
Boxing – Hal likes to keep up regular physical activity, partially due to his stint in the military, but more so because it just plain feels healthy. He finds boxing in particular helps him to focus, both body and mind, and keeps him keen for anything that might arise. It’s also a fun sport, learning to read an opponent and both act and react physically; a nice break from thinking too much during the day.
The Beach – Growing up on the California Coast, being by the ocean feels like home for him. A fair swimmer, he loves the sounds of the waves and the smell of the air, particularly at night when there are few others around. It is calming to him, and he finds it rather impressive with how vast and full of possibility the place seems while it is quiet. He would often go there to think when he was younger.
Carol Ferris – The daughter of the original owner of Ferris Aircraft, Hal first met her when they were both kids, as his father worked for hers. As he grew older, there was an obvious attraction between the two (and also to his alter ego, The Green Lantern) that turned into a budding romance during his time with the air force. However, between his own issues following his discharge from the service and the fact that Carol took over the business after her father retired, their relationship was put under added strain. He still feels a great affection for her, however, and currently remains in her employ as a test pilot.
Moe’s Slush Puppies – Everyone has that favorite stop back home, and Hal’s is Moe’s. On a hot summer day, or after a thrilling ride or work out, there’s nothing better than a Berry Cooler or Iced Lemonade from the corner by the beach.
hates;;
Lying – As someone who values honor, reliability, and honesty, lying is something that Hal generally disapproves of. He has always been a believer that there is a more straightforward way to deal with things in most cases, and that a lot can be accomplished with some careful conversation. It is one reason that keeping his identity secret from those he loves still bothers him from time to time, despite his understanding of the need for it.
Feeling Afraid – One of the reasons he was chosen to become Earth’s Green Lantern was because of his bravery and his ability to overcome his own fears. While he is coming to understand that this does not mean living in the absence of fear, he hates the feeling that that fear might be getting the better of him. He is in fact afraid of succumbing to fear itself, that it might weaken his will and render him less able to act effectively as a superhero.
Excessive Violence – Similarly to striving to be a mediator in conflict, Hal disapproves of the general use of violence to solve problems that could be handled in a more peaceable manner. Even more so, he does recognize the need for violence and certainly self defense in some situations, but hates when people cross that line and take it to excess, whether for their own sick pleasure or out of some misplaced sense of justice.
Putting the Innocent at Risk – Though he possesses a bit of a flair for the dangerous himself, he does not like to see others put at unnecessary risk to achieve a goal. This is particularly true of the innocent or those that have no specific role in the conflict at hand. This also goes for jeopardizing a mission or other important aim because of carelessness or self-importance.
Sinestro – Betraying those who trusted him most closely was a crime that Hal could not reconcile himself to, and because of it, he has lost all respect for his onetime mentor. More than that, Sinestro has failed to learn anything from his punishment, and continues to pursue evil aims with his power, often putting Hal’s own people and the other Lanterns at risk. This Hal cannot abide, and he has dedicated himself to stopping Sinestro in his continued attempts to abuse his power.
Failure – Hal tries very hard to succeed at everything he does, and often seeks to prove himself through his efforts. He tends to take it very personally if he fails, particularly if the consequences are high or he feels he has disappointed others.
strengths;;
Indomitable – From facing his personal fears to remaining dedicated to the greater good, Hal Jordan has never been one to back down from anything. He gives his all for the task at hand, and is relentless in trying to be the best hero, and person, he can possibly be. His willpower is remarkable, as is his passion, to those who come to know it.
Compassionate – Of the many Green Lanterns, Hal is known most fittingly for his humanity. A generally caring and sympathetic person, he has a real, vested interest in the good of humanity, and hates to see anyone suffer unjustly. His capacity to care for others, and to let others in despite his need for a secret identity, is one of his greatest strengths.
Charming – Hal is also quite charming and outwardly social. His appeal to the fairer sex in this regard is fairly well known, and if given the choice, he will remain a gentleman. On first impression he is generally regarded as personable and genial, with a light hearted sense of humor and winning smile that puts others at ease.
Honorable – He has a deep seated sense of duty, honor, and respect for authority that have helped him grow into a model man and soldier. Much of this comes from his upbringing, and partially it has been a decision for himself as to the type of man he wants to be.
Power Ring – Bestowed on him after the death of its former master, the Oa Power Ring he possesses as the Green Lantern is rumored to be one of the most powerful weapons in the known universe. Limited only by the willpower and imagination of the bearer (and its need to recharge every full planetary rotation), there is little that the ring cannot do. Hal has been noted even among others in the corps as one of the stronger willed members, and one whose potential for mastery of the ring exceeds that of most recruits.
Skilled Pilot – Hal showed early on in his training that he had a natural aptitude for flying and maneuvering aircraft in tricky situations. His passion for the task only increased the time spent honing this ability, and he remains today one of the top pilots working for Ferris Aircraft. He often boasts there is little to nothing he can’t fly, given the chance.
Trained Fighter – As both a trained military man and a boxer, Hal is quite physically fit and knows his basic way around a fight. He is a particularly skilled boxer, and perhaps less so when it comes to full body martial arts, but he knows how to hold his own when necessary.
Level-headed – Despite the emotional turmoil that sometimes rises to plague him, Hal usually maintains a rather level head when it comes to problem solving and crime fighting, particularly when it involves conflicts between others. He is always ready to try to be the voice of reason in a conflict if he can, and would rather see things settled peaceably than through a fight. However, he has considerable trouble doing this when it regards something more personal to him, and he is not above taking more direct measures to solve a problem when necessary.
weaknesses;;
High Expectations – Hal has always tried hard to excel at whatever he is doing, and to always perform to the best of his ability. Failure is rarely an option for him, and when he does fail, he tends to take it hard and personally. He is still struggling with accepting his own limitations with a lot of things, and tends to be the hardest judge on himself when things aren’t going the way he’d like. He is often prone to periods of struggle with acting properly in light of the awesome power and responsibility that has been entrusted to him as a Green Lantern, and is sometimes frustrated with the sacrifices it sometimes demands.
Temper/Frustration – In addition to his frustrations with his own shortcomings and failures, Hal tends to lose his cool when someone assaults his family or something similarly deeply personal to him. In such cases he is prone to quite the agitated temper, and has been known to resort to violence or other displays of rage that are otherwise uncharacteristic of his calmer, more controlled demeanor.
Witness to Tragedy – Hal was devastated by witnessing his father’s death, and has never fully recovered from its effects. Though he has channeled much of his mixed emotions over the event into his current lifestyle, he is still haunted by the memories and the loss, and is quite sensitive about anything concerning his father, particularly if it involves any sort of assault on his character.
Guilt – Perhaps similarly, Hal feels guilty over not being there for his family and his mother during her declining health and death. He partially blames himself for it, and strives through his current actions to make it up to them. He also feels guilty that his brothers still hold him at a distance because of it (though more his older brother than his younger now), and he cannot explain to them fully the reason for his absence or choices without revealing his superhero identity.
Cocky/Competitive – Dedicated and determined, Hal has a hard time backing down from anything, particularly a challenge he feels truly tests him. He tends to be cocky regarding his skills as a pilot, and has more than once adopted more reckless behavior because of a dare or challenge thrown his way. He has always succeeded by pushing ahead, and sees backing down as a form of weakness (unless, of course, it would involve crossing some moral boundary, which he is also very particular about).
The Color Yellow – Due to an impurity in the construction of the Oa power rings, the ring is ineffective against the color yellow and any and all objects that bear it.
Distraction/Altered State of Mind – The power of his ring depends solely upon the willpower and mental focus of the wearer to be utilized. Anything that may inhibit his mental capacity, whether it be sufficient distraction, injury, or mind altering substances, detract from and possibly prevent his ability to use his ring, and thus the powers that have classified him as a ‘superhero.’
quirks/habits;;
- Kisses his fingers and then touches the cockpit frame before taking off for good luck
- Turns to physical activity/rush when troubled or upset
- Chews his pens/pencils
- Sometimes talks in his sleep with no recollection of it afterward
- Tunes people and things out when he needs to focus
- Runs a hand back through his hair when he is unsure or nervous
- Carries a picture of his father in his wallet
goals/dreams;;
To make a better future for those that will follow him
To honor his father’s memory and bravery through his actions
To never forget those close to him, and make up for the hurt he has caused them
To combat evil wherever he may find it
To remain an active pilot until the day he dies
To patch things back up with Carol
overall personality;;
Hal is first, last, and best, a hero. Raised with a strong sense of honor and duty as the son of an Air Force pilot, he was brought up to be a gentleman, to be honest, and to be steadfast to those he cares about. He cares about others a great deal, particularly his family, and the losses he has suffered with them affect him more greatly than he tends to let on. He has a strong moral compass, and is loathe crossing the lines he has set for himself, as his personal integrity and dependability are very important to him.
In general he is kind and compassionate towards others, presenting a rather personable demeanor that makes him personable and approachable to others. He possesses a rather light-hearted, wholesome sense of humor, and is constantly looking out for others. A charmer and a bit of a romantic himself, he has had no trouble making friends throughout his life, and his appeal to the fairer sex has not gone unnoted by said friends and colleagues.
Hal is also fiercely passionate, whether it is about his chosen career or about upholding the standards he feels are necessary in his role as a Green Lantern. He in unswervingly dedicated to the cause of justice, and will fight fiercely for it, though he is opposed to excessive or unnecessary violence, and often tries to find other means of resolving a conflict before resorting to such ends. He also loves being a pilot, as it is a large part of who he is and who his father was, and thrills to the sense of adventure and excitement it gives him. Despite his desire to be a hero, he has to admit that that slight element of danger and unpredictability exhilarates him, and is a part of his life he would not want to be without.
On the whole he exhibits remarkable self-control and strong will, something that has been noted among other members of the Green Lantern Corps, but he is not without chinks in his armor. Underlying the affable, boyish exterior is a deeply emotional being that has been wounded more than once by the events of his life. He is very sensitive about his family, particularly the memory of his father, which he holds in the highest regard. Insults to those memories, or having his personal integrity dragged up and questioned, are sore spots for Hal, and he has been known to lose his cool (sometimes to an embarrassing extent) in the face of too much prodding of old wounds.
It might also be said that Hal cares too much about the people he is trying to protect, and about his duty as a Green Lantern. Though quite proud of his position, he is often frustrated by the sacrifices to his time and commitment to others it has caused him, and is sometimes daunted by the immense responsibility and power that has been placed in his hands. He also always strives to perform his best in any task that is set before him, and can get frustrated easily when he feels something or someone is standing in his way, particularly if it is people who refuse to put ego and personal interest aside for the greater good, or even worse, himself.
And keep you there so you can see[/size]
father;; Martin Jordan {air force test pilot; deceased}
mother;; Jessica Jordan {former air force nurse, mother; deceased}
siblings;; Jack Jordan {Coast City D.A.; 32}; Jim Jordan {Coast City Journal correspondent; 24}
relatives;; N/A
pets;; None
hometown;; Coast City, CA
currentlyliving;; Coast City, CA, just outside of Edwards Air Force Base
history;;
Born to loving young couple Martin and Jessica Jordan in Coast City, California, Hal was the middle of three brothers that would complete the close knit family. He grew up living a relatively carefree life (other than the occasional sibling rivalry, particularly from his older brother), and from a young age was in awe of his father’s profession as a test pilot. In fact, he idolized his father, not only for his ability to fly and maneuver the awesome, screaming jets that he tested for a living, but also for his ability to remain cool under such speeds and pressures, and the love and affection he showed his family. In young Hal’s eyes, there was no one cooler, and he planned to grow up to be just like him one day.
Unfortunately, Hal’s relationship with his father was cut short. When Hal was only 7 years old, his father was unable to regain control of the aircraft he was piloting and died in the resulting crash. Hal had been watching with his family, as they often did when his mother took them out to Edwards Air Force Base when his father was working. They were unable to ascertain just what caused the crash, but it didn’t matter; young Hal was devastated. His mother forbade him and his brothers from having anything to do with flying or the Air Force after that, also devastated by the loss.
However, Hal was unable to let it go. He became fixated on his father’s death, and on aviation. He wondered just what had happened, and more so, what his father must have been feeling and thinking during those last moments. Had he been afraid? Was he sad? Did he know he was about to die? Did he think of his mother; of them? After obsessing over it for some time, Hal decided for himself that his father could not have been afraid, that he had tried his best, and was the hero he held him to be to the last. Of course he had thought about his family. That was the kind of man he was. Hal didn’t see him as reckless (as his mother sometimes commented), but rather as brave; willing to take risks to do what was right for him and to support the family he loved. Hal resolved that he, too, would be such a person, and follow in his father’s footsteps to honor his memory and bravery.
His mother was aware of his obsession, but had hoped that Hal, like his brothers, would go on to make other choices for his future once he had processed what had happened. Not so. As soon as he turned 18 and was eligible, Hal broke his mother’s heart by enlisting in the Air Force. He was stationed on Edwards Air Force Base near home for his training before his deployment and tried to keep in touch, but his mother wanted nothing to do with him. He was dead to her for so blatantly disregarding her feelings after what happened.
But Hal persevered. Despite what had happened to his father, or perhaps because of it, he pushed himself hard to overcome his fears associated with what happened, and soon excelled as one of the top pilots in his class. It was during this time that he first took an interest in the beautiful, young Carol Ferris, daughter of the owner of Ferris Aircraft for which his father had worked and childhood friend. It remained largely one sided for quite some time, however, until one strange and inexplicable twist of fate changed things; changed his whole life; forever.
If Hal had ever doubted that something out there greater than himself existed, he would never do so again. While out on patrol over the California desert, he came across a downed spacecraft. The alien Abin Sur, a member of the Green Lantern Corps himself, had crashed there on Earth, as of yet undetected by anyone else. Its master deceased as a result, his power ring sought out a new home, and found one in Hal, so selected for his fortitude and proven ability to overcome his own fears.
Though initially taken aback by this new information and the sudden responsibility that was thrust upon him, Hal soon came to learn about the ring, its powers, and what it meant to be a member of the Green Lantern Corps. He was taken and trained by the best the Corps had to offer, recognized for his strong will and the potential it provided him with. He was here first introduced to Sinestro, his then mentor, through which he completed his training. However, during the course of his initiation, Hal discovered that his mentor possessed a darker side, and was secretly abusing the power that had been entrusted in his hands to manipulate and enslave his own people. He informed the Guardians of his findings, and as a result Sinestro was expelled from the Corps and put under careful watch. He still bears a grudge today, and has been causing trouble for Hal and the other Lanterns in his quest to regain power since his banishment.
His training completed, Hal returned to Earth on a more permanent basis in order to take his place as Earth’s galactic guardian. Unfortunately, between his deployment and the extensive time he spent away training with the Corps, he found that he had missed some rather important events in his family life. His mother had taken ill with cancer, and died shortly after Hal returned. His older brother Jack blamed Hal for her decline, accusing him of driving her to her death with his consistent disregard for her wishes and her concern for him. This sent Hal reeling with guilt once again, and on top of struggling to deal with the responsibilities of his new identity, Hal found he couldn’t deal with the turns his life had taken. He received a dishonorable discharge from the service, and spent quite some time wandering from job to job in various locations, trying to find something that suited him that was not involved with the Air Force (an ill fated attempt to re-define himself and assuage his guilt) while still retaining his identity as the Green Lantern. This road was frustrating and ultimately unfruitful. Eventually, he found that the self he had been looking for had been the same Hal all along, and came to accept the fact that acting as the Green Lantern, despite the strains and sacrifices that demanded, was who he was meant to be. He was a pilot, a hero, and most importantly, he was Hal, and he was doing what he needed to, just as his father had. He returned home to Edwards Air Force Base and was re-hired by Ferris Aircraft as a test pilot, though this time by Carol who had taken over the company following her father’s retirement.
By this time, he and Carol were at a rather unsteady point in their relationship. Oddly enough, his rather one sided interest in her had first come to fruition not through his own actions, but through his superhero alter ego. Though still in training with the Corps, Hal’s Green Lantern served several missions on Earth, and the ambitious young heiress was quite taken by the hero’s mysterious, fierce, and charming demeanor. Finding it hard to separate his feelings for her in and out of costume, he reciprocated her interest. Luckily, Carol had a good enough head on her shoulders not to stay infatuated with the notion of the superhero, and soon began to notice some of the same qualities she admired in the Green Lantern in test pilot Hal Jordan, and he was able to reciprocate for himself. Their relationship grew in what time Hal could spend back at base between his commitment to the Corps, but became strained as Hal became busier and then left on his soul-searching sabbatical following his mother’s death. When he apparently found himself again, she was already head of the company, and though she hired him back, she was now in a more awkward position as his boss with new duties of her own to attend to.
Hal still cares for Carol greatly, and is hopeful that somehow they will be able to work things out. In the meantime, however, he remains a professional test pilot with Ferris Aircraft, and is fervently dedicated to his responsibility as Earth’s Green Lantern. He has taken note of other heroes rising up in cities much like his own across the country, and hopes through his actions, and perhaps together if others are willing to coordinate their efforts towards a common goal, he can defend the Earth and people he loves from the forces of evil, wherever they might arise.
As long as you're alive and care[/size]
name;; Pippin
age;;25
experience;; 15 years in various forms
activity;; 2-3 times a week, more if I can manage it
whyyoujoined;; I have loved DC Comics since I was little reading my Dad’s silver age editions.
phrase;; Hal warns you that pluto is out for revenge.
example;;
Hal exhaled deeply and leaned back against the drab, tan paint of his apartment wall. The open window through which he had just entered the modest dwelling let in a cool, night breeze that would have been refreshing was he not so thoroughly drenched with sweat at the moment. He exhaled again, collecting his breath before reaching over a gloved hand to shut the window behind him. Another night over with; another night where the city was kept safe from forces most of the people didn’t even know existed. But that was alright. He knew they existed, and he was there to do something about it.
Satisfied with having done his duty, he gently slipped the small, green ring off of his right hand, his customary hero attire flickering away as he mentally quieted his connection to it. So small a thing, yet so versatile. It could become invisible itself if it wanted to, and yet something so potentially insignificant continued to be the single most important thing in his life, and likely in the lives of the people he was protecting. Sometimes he hated it. Sometimes he wondered if it was all really worth it; the responsibility; the sacrifice; being the Guardian’s beck and call boy at all hours of the day and night and at times hardly having any time for himself or those he cared about. But as his gaze drifted out the window and out over the soft glowing lights of Coast City, he knew it was more worth it than he could fully realize. Those lights and those people, this place and this planet…it was worth it.
He smirked to himself as he wandered into the next room, his gaze again falling to the ring as he laid it reverently on the table beside the bed. That still didn’t make it any less tiring. He let out a well deserved yawn as he casually yanked his button-up shirt up over his head and tossed it aside. He could clean it up in the morning before work. Right now he needed to get some rest. Discarding his jeans and shoes in a similar fashion, he tugged on a pair of green flannel sleep pants and ran a hand back through his wavy, brown hair, feeling the ends stick around his fingers with the sweat that had collected there. He made a mental note to also shower before work in the morning.
Only one thing left to do before he could let himself sleep. His hand trailed along the bedside table and encircled the ring once again, holding it tightly. He carried it over to his closet, reaching in with his free hand to trip the hidden switch within. A small panel in the rear slowly slid open as he did so, revealing the green energy battery that had been given to him with the ring. It glowed softly with a welcome and familiar light. Donning the ring once more, but letting it remain dormant, he held his hand out in front of the shimmering light. It would only take a few moments to fully recharge, but doing so was important to Hal, not only for the functional capacity of the ring, but also in renewing his own commitment to the cause of the Corps. It was something he took very seriously, and reaffirming his dedication at night helped him to know he was still committed to the greater good. He closed his eyes and spoke softly as he felt the ring make a subtle connection to the battery, only opening them again when his oath was finished;
“In brightest day; in blackest night,
no evil shall escape my sight.
Let those who worship evil’s might,
beware my power…
Green Lantern’s light…”
