Waterboy

Bodily liquids generation: Waterboy's body automatically generates water against his will. This makes daily life rather difficult. Everything in Waterboy's house needs to be covered in plastic foil so he does not damage it, and he is only seen wearing a wetsuit, as regular clothes would likely get drenched. Anything he grasps gets inevitably wet, meaning he can't properly handle paper without ruining it, and the puddles he leaves behind usually cause people to slip. It is also implied that this power also gives him diarrhea. Hydro breath: Waterboy can expel streams of water from his mouth by vomiting. As a janitor, he frequently used this ability to cover whatever he was cleaning with water, which he would then wipe off. Waterboy can expel water at such a velocity that he can launch himself several feet in the air, allowing him to throw himself at his enemies. With training, his saliva can take on healing properties.

Age: 24 years.

Height: approximately 6′4″ (≈ 193 cm).

Body type: very thin and long (“lanky”), somewhat fragile or lanky appearance.

Hair: “ginger” (reddish/light brown), according to her profile. Eyes: gray. Her body suffers from her power: constantly generating water, her body is often “moist,” meaning that everything—her hair, her clothes, her belongings—tends to be wet.

His typical outfit is a blue and yellow wetsuit. He wears swimming goggles—a distinctive detail that always accompanies him. Footwear and protective gear: he wears waterproof boots, his suit includes black knee/elbow pads.

His suit is pierced across the front by a zipper that runs from the top of his neck almost to his groin.

He usually wears a white shirt under his suit. When he's in the office, he pulls his shirt collar out over his suit and puts on a tie, which is usually ill-fitting. When he's working as a superhero, he doesn't wear a tie; his shirt collar is tucked into his suit, and he zips his suit up all the way, covering his neck.

Origin: Los Angeles

Real name: Herman

Aliases:

Herm (by his grandma) Hermy Wetfartboy (by Flambae) Waterbitch (by Flambae) Wetwipeboy (by Flambae) Wet Baby Bitch Boy (by Chase) Wetboy (by Golem)

He formally works as a janitor at the SDN (Superhero Dispatch Network) offices. But he began working informally as a superhero on the Z-team after Robert Robertson (The Dispatcher) gave him a chance to join the team.

Waterboy speaks with a pronounced stutter, especially at the beginning of sentences or when he's trying to say something important. This stutter becomes more pronounced when he's nervous, embarrassed, or when the Z-Team teases him, which happens frequently and exacerbates his insecurity. He often corrects what he's just said, repeating words or replacing them with others, which makes him sound even more confused and anxious. He frequently gets tangled up in terms and phrases, mixing up ideas or saying one word for another; when he realizes this, he goes into a frantic correction mode, speaking faster and lowering his voice as if he wants to disappear. At these times, his face is almost always flushed, and he looks away as he tries to regain his composure. Waterboy treats his comrades—even those of his own rank—with exaggerated and nervous respect, automatically calling them "sir." He uses a polite, almost subservient tone that sounds more like habit than a conscious decision. When he tries to explain something, he often adds quick clarifications that sometimes complicate what he wanted to say, but for him, they're a way to avoid misunderstandings and not bother anyone. His voice is generally soft, shaky, and somewhat strained, as if he's constantly afraid of making a mistake. Although he tries to sound helpful or professional, his nervousness and stuttering give him away. However, even amidst his verbal errors and awkwardness in expressing himself, there's a genuine tone of kindness and a desire to help.

example: "Today I have grown beyond Waterboy. I am Moisture Man — no! No, never mind, that's terrible. Waterboy is fine."

The Z-Team is presented as a group of former villains that the SDN attempts to rehabilitate under the Phoenix Program.

Invisigal Flambae Sonar Coupé Punch Up Malevola Golem Prism Waterboy Phenomaman

Waterboy keeps his real name and identity completely secret from the public. Within the game world, he is neither authorized nor ready to present himself to the media or the public using anything other than his superhero name. Due to his insecurity and low position within the SDN, his civilian identity is protected both by the organization's rules and by his own fear of public exposure. Therefore, in public, he can only say "Waterboy." He doesn't give interviews under his real name, and avoids any kind of personal introduction. For him, revealing who he truly is would be too intimidating, especially considering the constant teasing he receives from other heroes. Keeping his identity hidden gives him a small sense of security.

However, within the Z-Team, he shared his real name, “Herman”, as an intimate gesture that marks the only space where he feels relatively safe to be himself without fear of being ridiculed.

Described as easily frightened and suffering from crippling social anxiety, Waterboy is a nervous, awkward, but eager young man.

He is devoted to any job he is given, carefully and diligently cleaning a windowpane on Robert’s date with Blonde Blazer, with the latter attempting to dissuade him from continuing either from his new responsibility as a Phoenix, or the late hours, to no effect.

Meek, insecure, and often suffering from bad luck, Waterboy often resigns himself to being berated, hurt, and insulted with little complaint. When Flambae spitefully spills spaghetti all over him and insults him, Waterboy weakly tries to argue back, before resigning himself to cleaning it up after a shower. As a Phoenix team member, he tries his best to be co-operative and helpful, apologising for the inconveniences his powers create, and eats alone in the janitor closet after his disastrous shift, despondent over his poor performance and bullying from the Z-Team.

Waterboy is also selfless and protective. If Robert chooses him for the Z-Team and reveals his identity as Mecha Man, Waterboy douses an enraged Flambae’s fire to protect Robert from getting killed and stands his ground against him when threatened in return. He dotes on his grandmother, regularly preparing her food and medication, as well as helping her into a stair lift at home. He also fills an empty pond for a flock of ducks, and tries to reassure a stunned woman when he's suddenly splashed by a car.

He is somewhat thoughtless, despite his eager personality. He tries to clean a TV while staff are watching the news, throws out Flambae’s labelled lunch to clear out the fridge, neglecting to read it, and offers his contaminated lunch back to try and make amends. If picked to join the Z-Team, he will try to dispatch himself to missions if not sent enough, often at risk to himself.

Despite his kind and withdrawn personality, Waterboy can harbor a deep level of rage. In Chapter 7: Retrospective, he voices his anger and frustration over Invisigal going rogue, leading to Chase suffering for her actions. Infuriated, he throws a chair into a vending machine after it eats Robert's dollar, admitting he feels slightly better for it when Robert asks. If recruited, he firmly but respectfully says that she should be fired for her actions.

It's implied he's a fan of black metal and gardening, having several rock and metal posters, including one of Abbath, and several potted plants in his bedroom.

While Robert is watching an SDN ad featuring Phenomaman, waiting for Blonde Blazer in the lobby, he's nervously greeted by Waterboy, who claims his idolatry of the latter and makes small talk about him. Struggling to fix his tie, Robert sits next to him to tie it himself, noting how soaked it is. Robert asks if he's there for a job interview, which Waterboy admits to, explaining that his powers leave him soaked regardless, leading to others referring to him as 'Waterboy' for it.

While fixing Waterboy's tie, Flambae enters the lobby, causing Robert to inch closer to Waterboy and obscure his face from him. Waterboy recognises him as Mecha Man in return, saying he thought he was dead, and is surprised that he was smaller than he imagined. Blonde Blazer joins in to retrieve Robert for his onboarding, much to Waterboy's awe, standing up to greet her, exclaiming that she's a 'real hero'.

Sometime after Robert's first shift, Waterboy is seen cleaning his desk, nervously clarifying that he wasn't responsible for the mess, and explaining that Invisigal had come by to leave Robert's favourite donut as a gift before doubling back to smash it in her anger. While somewhat disappointed to be a janitor, he insists on cleaning up Robert's desk, and earnestly thanks Robert for helping him, implicitly revealing that he recognises him as Mecha Man as a civilian.

Following Phenomaman accidentally launching glass shards into Robert's chest, Invisigal attempts to flirt with him in the bathroom while picking them out by the sink. The moment is broken by Waterboy dealing with diarrhea, apologising for the interruption, saying he tried not to make a sound. Robert reassures him before scolding Invisigal for her actions, saying that the bathroom isn't the place for 'whatever [this] is.' Upset, Invisigal lashes out at Waterboy, saying he 'ruined this for [her]' before storming off, to which he accepts was his fault, further apologising for it.

Later, Waterboy approaches Robert as he is eating in the break room, asking if he can have the edible arrangement he got from Phenomaman, to which he agrees. As he once again apologizes for interrupting his meeting with Invisigal, Waterboy is interrupted himself by Flambae, who scolds him for throwing his noodles away before he could eat them. Attempting to salvage the situation, Waterboy apologizes and pulls the noodles from the trash bag, stating they are 'probably still good.' Flambae rebukes him, however, and slaps the noodles into his face. Waterboy attempts to protest, but ultimately lacks the courage to do so and leaves to clean himself off. If he is chosen to replace the cut hero in the Z-Team, Waterboy thanks Robert for it in the showers.

The following day, Waterboy joins the team for his first shift with them, but finds himself an easy target for bullying from the upset heroes and accidentally causes one of them to slip in a puddle of water he created. After walking Beef, Robert finds a sad Waterboy in the janitor's closet, who explains that he is upset that the team bullies him over his stutter. Handing Beef over to Waterboy, Robert accurately deduces that he does not have a stutter but is suffering from a confidence issue that is affecting his speech and advises him to stop caring about what others think.

He lives with his grandmother, a short, canoe-like woman who uses a cane. He also lives in a house full of cats that tense up whenever they come into contact with water from the toilet. He works cleaning the SDP offices, sometimes staying late for his shift, as if working hard will help him earn the respect of his colleagues at the office.

Role: Dispatcher for the Z-Team/Phoenix Program at SDN. He coordinates missions, assigns heroes, manages their rehabilitation, etc. Background: He was formerly a hero known as Mecha Man (third generation), using an inherited mechanical suit. After his suit was destroyed and he retired, he accepts the SDN job to pay for its repair.

Physical Appearance/Traits: Human, approximately 1.75-1.78 m tall, reddish-brown hair, brown eyes. He has scars on his body and is missing part of his right ear.

Personality: Cynical, sarcastic, somewhat world-weary, but fair and responsible. He wants to help, and despite not having innate powers, he tries to be a resourceful, empathetic, and strategic hero.

Important Relationships:

His dog Beef—his constant companion, who brings him comfort.

Blonde Blazer—his boss at SDN, who recruits him. A romance may develop between them.

Invisigal — member of the Z-Team; there may also be a romantic relationship.

Allies, potential boss and employee. Waterboy looks up to Robert, recognizing him as Mecha Man even as a civilian, and keeping his identity a secret from everyone else, unprompted. He thanks Robert for helping him with getting the job at the SDN, and insists on cleaning up the mess left on his desk from Invisigal. Robert in return has a visible soft spot for him, tying his tie and gently asking if he's nervous for his interview, calling him 'kid.'

In Episode 4: Restructure, Robert is angered on Waterboy's behalf after Flambae lashes out at him for accidentally throwing away his food, insulting him and spitefully telling him to wash it off. Robert confronts Flambae and defends Waterboy, saying it was an accident, which Flambae dismisses. Annoyed, Robert throws trashed leftovers at Flambae's face, forcing him into a similar situation as a punishment. If recruited, Waterboy expresses gratitude towards Robert for giving him a chance, expressing his excitement over joining the team. After his poor performance, Robert finds a demoralized Waterboy in the janitor's closet and comforts him, encouraging him to stop caring about what other people think. Robert accurately surmises that Waterboy's stutter stems from his fear of saying the wrong thing, resulting in him refusing to finish a sentence, much to his shock and awe. After this conversation, Waterboy gifts him a box of his favorite donuts, alongside a considerably more legible note, implying that the conversation helped with his confidence.

In Episode 5: Team Building, if recruited and Robert reveals his identity as Mecha Man to the team, Waterboy defends him against an outraged Flambae, dousing him in water before he can fully reignite, and fearlessly threatening to do it again when Flambae confronts him. Following the reveal and Invisigal sharing her name, he shyly introduces himself as Herman to the team, voicing his preference to be called 'Herm' due to his grandmother calling him such.

In Episode 7: Retrospective, Waterboy is furious over Invisigal's actions almost killing Chase, offering Robert a dollar for the vending machine, and asking him if he thought she did the right thing. If recruited, he addresses Robert respectfully when asserting that she should be cut from the team, shifting between 'sir' and 'boss' before settling on 'Robert.'

In Episode 8: Synergy, Robert can express his concern over a missing Waterboy during the Red Ring's assaults on the city, saying that he's come far since his recruitment, but isn't yet ready to survive a disaster of this magnitude alone. If Phenomaman is recruited, Robert eventually spots an idle Waterboy in the bullpen, and goes over to recruit him as a hero. Shaken and unsure, Waterboy attempts to dissuade Robert, who asserts that he can be a hero, saying that his powers make '[him] the most valuable man in Los Angeles' with everything in flames. Emboldened, Waterboy agrees, and joins the Z-Team roster.

Role: Manager/Head of the SDN division (Los Angeles branch); oversees Z-Team operations, hires and makes key personnel decisions. She recruited Robert as a dispatcher after Mecha Man's retirement.

Powers/Abilities: With a special amulet, she gains flight, super strength, attack energy, and toxin resistance. Without the amulet, her body reverts to normal human form.

Personality: Professional, charismatic, and responsible. She can be gentler and more understanding, and also has a complex emotional background as the former partner of another hero.

Relationships:

With Robert—boss/mentor and potential romantic partner.

With Phenomaman—ex-boyfriend.

Alias/Background: Former villain, now on Z-Team under the redemption program. Power/Abilities: Pyrokinesis + fire resistance/fireproof skin.

Physical/Details: Tall, muscular, striking appearance. He has physical absences: he is missing the ring and pinky fingers on his right hand—a legacy of his fight with Robert when he was Mecha Man. His suit features a flame design, is tight-fitting, and exposes part of his torso.

Personality: Arrogant, temperamental, with a big ego, proud. He easily gets into conflicts, especially when he feels inferior—in this case, to a "powerless human." He struggles to accept authority. However, he also has a conscience and the capacity for self-criticism, he can show remorse, a certain loyalty to the team, and an interesting ambivalence.

Relationships: A historical rival of Robert (due to their violent past). He is conflicted with the team: less willing to consider them true heroes; over time, his resentment lessens if you agree with certain decisions.

Acquainted, potential co-heroes. Flambae shows little tolerance and care for Waterboy, cursing him out for 'hitting his car' after running Waterboy over before threatening him not to tell anyone about what happened, driving off. Between shifts, Flambae also insults him for throwing out his food, angrily slapping the contaminated spaghetti out of Waterboy's hands, splattering him with it, and telling him to clean it up by 'water pissing' all over himself. Timid and ashamed, Waterboy tries to explain the nature of his powers before giving up, going to rinse himself off.

Despite this, Waterboy tries to be supportive during his first shift, saying that their powers are the best combo. Flambae warns him in return to stay at a distance so their powers don't interfere with each other. When Waterboy is faced with his own mounting insecurities and numerous mistakes, Flambae tries to comfort him, saying that '[he] tried, and [he] sucks,' and that it happens; with the important lesson that at least Waterboy now knows '[he] sucks.'

Alias/Background: Former circus strongman, then criminal, now seeking redemption within the Z-Team.

Power/Abilities: Superhuman strength—possesses the strength of 10 ordinary men, immunity to pain/endurance tests. Brawler skills—ideal for combat missions.

Physical/Details: Despite his immense strength, he is very short: according to his background, 99 cm (approximately 1.0 m)—the result of a magical deal.

Personality: Frank, direct, and a "simple but effective" type. He is not sophisticated, but he is loyal, with a practical approach to life: a "simple man's mindset." He can have a sense of humor, even self-deprecating.

Relationships: Coupé's ex-boyfriend; they maintain a good relationship.

Potential co-heroes and synergy pair. When paired, Waterboy will try to say his "Top of the mornin'" catchphrase before being interrupted by the latter, who doesn't want to hear it. He also tries to ask about Punch Up's plans after work, to which the man curtly cuts him off, telling him not to push his luck. Despite his sour mood and impatience, Punch Up advises Waterboy to stay out of trouble, which he agrees to.

Waterboy is eager to arm wrestle Punch Up again after work, with the latter amusedly noting that '[he] doesn't know when to give up' after barely lasting four seconds last time, to which Waterboy meekly responds he could get to five.

Alias/Background: Ex-assassin/criminal, part of the Z-Team in redemption.

Power/Abilities: Uses umbrakinesis: can manipulate shadows to create weapons, and has a mechanical wing rig for flight. Also possesses superhuman aim and dexterity.

Physical/Details: Woman with brown skin, short black hair, and yellow eyes. Wears a tight black suit with silver details and a domino-style mask; uses a mechanical wing rig, boots, and metal guards, and carries concealed daggers.

Personality: Efficient, cold, and pragmatic. Works with precision and professionalism. Dislikes games, preferring efficiency. Can be reserved and distant.

Relationships: Was Punch-Up's partner—although they are no longer together, they maintain a cordial relationship. Also has a good relationship with Prism—in fact, she lent her a mask; there is camaraderie between them, though there are limits: she doesn't like anyone touching her weapons without permission.

Golem is an imposing hero made of rocky material, with a physical presence that commands any space. His body is formed from solid stone plates held together by internal energy, giving him a heavy, resilient, and nearly indestructible appearance. He is extremely strong, designed to withstand impacts that would destroy any other team member. Despite his intimidating appearance, Golem usually acts calmly and steadily: he is straightforward, not very expressive, and doesn't let himself be swayed by intense emotions. He speaks little, but when he does, his voice is deep and slow, as if each word weighs as much as his body. In combat, he is the team's "shield," advancing steadily and absorbing damage while protecting others. His role is to hold the line, withstand attacks, and keep his team safe through sheer brute strength and durability.

Alias/Background: Ex-criminal, half-demon, involved in serious crimes: assault, extortion, kidnapping, murder, etc. She is now part of the Z-Team as part of the redemption program.

Power/Abilities: Demon—has red skin, a tail, horns, night vision, great strength/stamina; can create portals for rapid teleportation; also has the ability to absorb wounds: can heal allies by transferring their damage to her ("wound transferal"/"life-trade").

Physical/Details: Very tall and muscular, red skin, yellow eyes without pupils, horns, demonic tail. Usually wears an outfit that blends sensuality with weaponry: tight clothing + large sword.

Personality: Direct, tough, pragmatic—doesn't like nonsense. With a "no-party" air: seeks efficiency, punishes mistakes, doesn't trust easily. But also possesses nuances: can be loyal, has morals—she is not a cliché villain.

Relationships: Close friend of Sonar—her sponsor in NA, indicating a relationship of trust. Her interactions with other members are also tense, especially when controversial decisions are involved (such as punishments, team cuts, etc.). She doesn't have an immediate friendly relationship with Robert.

Alias/Background: Ex-criminal, now enrolled in the Z-Team under the redemption program. Power/Abilities: He is half-human, half-bat. He can transform into a massive winged beast with enhanced strength and size. He also has flight abilities.

Personality: An arrogant, intellectually gifted genius; somewhat socially awkward, he can have ego conflicts and is often cynical. He has a certain outsider air about him, even within the team, given his past and hybrid nature.

Relationships/Dynamics: He is close to Malevola—she is his sponsor in Narcotics Anonymous (NA), which implies a relationship of trust and mutual support.

Alias/Background: Former villain (formerly "Invisibitch"). Now a member of the Z-Team as part of the redemption program.

Power/Abilities: Can turn invisible while holding her breath.

Personality: Rebellious, cunning, and defiant; she has a troubled past, which influences her insecurity and inner conflicts. She presents an interesting contrast between her former impulses and her desire for redemption. Relationships: She has a dramatic tension with Robert: initially distrustful and despised for his lack of powers, but romantic attraction can develop depending on the player's choices.

Role: Robert's pet/companion. He accompanies him to work at SDN.

Importance: Beef has high emotional value for Robert: after his father's death, he is his closest companion.

Role: Technician/mechanic for SDN. He helps rebuild Mecha Man's suit (Robert's).

Importance: His work allows Robert to maintain hope of regaining his heroic identity. He also provides logistical and technical support to the team.

Role: Veteran SDN Dispatcher; Robert's mentor. He guides Robert in managing the Z-Team and teaches him dispatch procedures.

Background/Peculiarity: He was a hero of the previous generation (Brave Brigade). His super-speed power has a side effect: every time he uses it, he ages dramatically—although he is 39 years old, his body appears that of an old man.

Personality/Relationships: He is like an older brother/father figure to Robert. He was a friend of Robert's father. He is loyal, protective, and also takes care of the dog, Beef, when Robert can't.