View source for Competitor3/AceofWands

{{Character
|type=Archetype
|archetype=The Competitor
|name=Nike
|aka=Nikki Victor
|portrait=CompetitorCarnival01.jpg
|occupation=Singer (w/ big band)
|age=25
|muxname=Nikki
|activity=Inactive
|story=Carnival
|alive=pending
|in-play=yes
|role=<h3>Who is Nike</h3>

Nike was the winged Goddess of Speed, Strength and Victory. Older than the Olympians, she sided with Zeus in the war against the Titans and became his companion (he promised to protect her in return for her support) as well as good friends of Athena. One of her roles was as a charioteer who selected from the dead those who were worthy of greater reward (similar to a Valkyrie).


<h4>Coming To America</h4>

This personification of Nike arose in the Smyrna settlements in Florida but really got going during the American War of Independence; strengthened by the exultation of victorious battle and eventual liberation. Not many at the time would have called on Nike by name, but rather she personified victory (Victoria being Nike's Roman name) and the drive to become something new and successful that was expressed by the country.

War is always a boost for Nikki with so many worshiping the concept of victory but it is not her only source of adulation. Competition in all forms can be fed on, and what better country could she exist in than the United States? A nation full of people driven by a desire to succeed. She was boosted by the American Civil War and the freeing of slaves. By the wars against Mexico and Spain. World War I was another big boost. Every war providing the exultation of victory, fuel for new ideas, and a desire to be first to achieve something.

Unfortunately, with the Great Depression, there is not much victory or success in any form. Nikki has suffered because of it and is doing her best to relight that fire in the American people.


<h4>In the Carnival</h4>

Nikki was not in the Carnival from the start. After leaving Atlantic City, she headed for New York to try the club circuit there. It didn't work out and, having kept in touch with some of her colleagues from New Jersey that went to the carnival, she decided to join them.

She has been in the carnival a couple of years now, often being the first person to arrive in the next town to drum up business. Her chariot of choice now being a Rolls Royce Phantom II. Other members of the carnival sometimes traveling with her to look over the potential customers - and meals in some cases.

Nikki has a cult with her in the guise of the 'All-American Big Boom Band'. All members must be able to play instruments, or sew/design sets, and they are devoted to her. Her job in the carnival is to provide entertainment in the Big Top as well as musical accompaniment to the acts. Specifically musical concerts/dances are also performed if the carnival stays in the area for a sufficient amount of time.
|hooks='''Magical Singer''' - If you need an extra boost, or want someone to lose a bit of vim and vigor, why not ask Nikki to sing a song?

'''Big Band''' - Her Cult is also her backing band. Besides supporting the Big Top, she also plays dances and concerts to draw in the victims...umm...customers.

'''I Like To Watch''' - Unable to touch anyone without possible dire consequences, Nikki has to be more of a stand-offish cheerleader. She is not happy about this but what can you do?

'''Blood Drinker''' - Anyone want to share?

'''Greco-Roman''' - Pre-Olympian roots. Anyone else into toga parties?

'''Pathfinder''' - In her Rolls Royce Phantom II, she often arrives first at the new towns to drum up custom for the following carnival. Want to come with?
|brawn=Normal
|finesse=Good
|finesse-qualities={{AFinQ
|pn=positive
|qual=Sprinting
|note=When you are a shade of the Goddess of Speed, you can run.
}}{{AFinQ
|pn=positive
|qual=Flight Agility
|note=When in flight, she can duck and weave like a...duck in flight.
}}
|brains=Poor
|spirit=Good
|spirit-qualities={{ASprQ
|pn=positive
|qual=Indomitable
|note=Goddesses don't get scared.
}}{{ASprQ
|pn=positive
|qual=Singing
|note=She has the voice of an angel.
}}{{ASprQ
|pn=negative
|qual=Stubborn
|note=Goddesses might not get scared but they do get pig-headed.
}}
|perkquirk={{APQ
|pq=perk
|pqname=Minor Power (Innate) - Flight (Finesse)
|note=Nikki can produce a pair of feathered wings that enable her to fly - good for doing an impersonation of an angel. She wears a lot of backless dresses not just because it is the style, but also to enable her wings to appear without restriction. There is no trace of the wings on her body unless she initiates this power.
}}{{APQ
|pq=perk
|pqname=Cult - The All-American Big Boom Band
|note=The musicians that back her as well as stylist and bodyguard.
}}{{APQ
|pq=perk
|pqname=Minor Power - Singing (*)
|note=Nikki's singing is able to affect the audience both emotionally and physically. The combination of her voice and choice of song has a magical effect on the listener.

If it is a happy song about doing well, it can bestow a +1 to Spirit. A miserable song about how life is hard, can drain people's enthusiasm and bestow a -1 to Spirit.

Only one Attribute can be affected per use of the power and the song lyrics and song delivery must be appropriate. She does not need music to be playing, she can sing a capella, but she does need a song.

(Note: I will do my best to use songs of the period though, since most people won't know the tunes and they may not be on Youtube etc. forgive me if I use some anachronistic songs)

* Roll the Stat that's being boosted
}}{{APQ
|pq=quirk
|pqname=Too Pretty
|note=It's nice to be adored. Stalkers and crowds wanting to literally own a piece of you...not so good.
}}{{APQ
|pq=quirk
|pqname=Psychopomp (Touch)
|note=The driving gloves are more than just a fashion statement.
}}{{APQ
|pq=quirk
|pqname=Monstrous Diet
|note=Blood. Thankfully, there are others in the Carnival who have similar needs.
}}
|contacts={{AC
|contact=Martyr3/Hanged
}}{{AC
|contact=Bravo2/KnightofSwords
}}{{AC
|contact=Penitent1/HighPriestess
}}{{AC
|contact=Bon-Vivant3/Sun
}}
|soundtrack=[[File:AceofWands.jpg|x350px|border]]
|st={{AS
|song=You're the Top
|link=https://youtu.be/LCfqIXiLxSE
|lyrics=At words poetic, I'm so pathetic

That I always have found it best,

Instead of getting 'em off my chest,

To let 'em rest unexpressed.

I hate parading my serenading

As I'll probably miss a bar,

But if this ditty is not so pretty,

At least it'll tell you how great you are.



You're the top! You're the Colosseum,

You're the top! You're the Louvre Museum,

You're a melody from a symphony by Strauss,

You're a Bendel bonnet, a Shakespeare sonnet,

You're Mickey Mouse.

You're the Nile, You're the Tower of Pisa,

You're the smile on the Mona Lisa.

I'm a worthless check, a total wreck, a flop,

But if, Baby, I'm the bottom,

You're the top!
}}
|pic01=CompetitorCarnival02.jpg
|pic02=CompetitorCarnival03.jpg
|pic03=CompetitorCarnival04.jpg
|pic04=CompetitorCarnival05.jpg
|pic05=CompetitorCarnival06.jpg
|pic06=GoodOlDays.gif
}}