Background/History: The first appearance of the Gestalt of the American Presidential Myth came when the Anti-American, seeking to capitalize on the contentious 2008 president election, attempted to assassinate Barak Obama while he was giving a speech at the foot of the famous monument. When the Anti-American opened fire with “The Amerikiller,” the monument roused itself from the earth of the Black Hills and placed a protective hand over Obama and his entourage. Once the firing stop and the Anti-American started to flee, Mount Rushmore rose to it’s full height, looked to the southwest for a moment, and gestured (later examinations seem to indicate it was motioning to the Crazy Horse Memorial). It then strode out after the Anti-American, who by that time had fled the area.
Upon it’s return, the monument spoke briefly about the need for America and Americans to set aside their differences, overcome religious, racial, political, and economic divides, and set an example to the rest of the world by upholding the tenets outlined in the Bill of Rights. It was later determined the monument’s speech was made up of segments from speeches given by the four presidents.
Once it finished speaking, Mount Rushmore settled back down into the earth. It has not risen again.
Personality/Motivation: Mount Rushmore represents an idealized view of the American presidency—it’s first in war, but also first in peace. Thus, Mount Rushmore leads by example, and will fearlessly wade into conflict, secure in the notion it is fighting for what is right and just. At the same time, it is the first to extend the open hand of friendship, secure in the strength of itself and its nation without unnecessary grandstanding. Mount Rushmore also emphasizes the more mythic qualities of the four presidents that make up its face. The honesty and leadership of Washington, Jefferson’s dedication to liberty and freedom, Lincoln’s honesty and concern for all Americans, and Roosevelt's undaunted courage and love of America’s open spaces. At the same time, the failings and foibles of these four men is diminished—if not our-right ignored—allowing them to become the mythic images American usually imagines them to be.
Quote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident—that all men are created equal.”
Powers/Tactics: Mount Rushmore’s tactics are usually rather simple. Get close and hit it. Considering its size and strength, this is usually sufficient. However, it is made up of two men known for their leadership in war (Washington and Roosevelt), which means it can and will make clever use of its environment or any weaknesses it feels its opponent might have.
Campaign Use: If Gestalt can have a giant flying Easter Island head and Douglas Fir, I figure you can get away with this one. Actually, Scott Bennie has given Mount Rushmore his blessing, stating: “Yeah, it's a fun option for any world where the power level required isn't a problem.” So there.
Actually, if you think about it, Mount Rushmore opens up a whole host of possibilities. There are a number of huge statues around the world you can use instead of Mount Rushmore.... There’s Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, who’s a ‘mere’ 98.5 feet in height and weighs 700 tons. The Motherland Calls in Mamayev Kurgan in Volgograd, Russia is 170 feet in height and weighs 7900 tons (and is armed with a 108 foot sword!). Right now, the current record holder for tallest statue is the Spring Temple Buddha, found in Lushan, Henan, China. He’s 420 feet tall, and weights at least 1,000 tons. If you want some more ideas, check out this wiki link of tallest statues in the world: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_statues_by_height.
One presumes Mount Rushmore’s appearance and gesture to the Crazy Horse memorial has made other nations in the Gestalt world more than a little nervous about their own giant statues. It could even give the Taliban second thoughts about blowing up Buddhas and the like... but I doubt it.
Appearance: An immense humanoid figure formed out of compacted earth and massive slabs of rock, Mount Rushmore stands 465 feet in height and masses roughly 7 million tons. Topped by the solid granite heads of American presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt, it’s an awe-inspiring sight.
(Character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)