Highfather

Highfather is a fictional comic book character in the DC Comics universe. He is chief of the New Gods of New Genesis in Jack Kirby’s Fourth World and ruled the fictional planet. Highfather first appeared in New Gods #1 (Feb-Mar 1971).

Fictional character biography

Highfather is in reality Izaya, sometimes known as Izaya the Inheritor. The name is a phonetical version of the old testament prophet Isaiah. Highfather thematically resembles the Greek god Zeus and the Norse god Odin (who was known as the high-father).

Darkseid uses Izaya in his scheme to seize control of Apokolips. During a raid by his uncle Steppenwolf, Darkseid appears to kill both Izaya and his wife. However, Darkseid intentionally only stuns Izaya, knowing he will seek revenge on Steppenwolf, which he does, killing him and paving the way for Darkseid’s ascent to power.

In making peace with Apokolips, Izaya and Darkseid make a pact to exchange their sons. Darkseid raises Scott Free, while Izaya raises Orion. Izaya manages to tame the savage Orion (to a point), and he becomes one of the greatest warriors of New Genesis. Eventually, Scott Free (Mr. Miracle) escapes Apokolips, as planned by Darkseid, which breaks the pact between New Genesis and Apokolips. Izaya and Scott are reunited, though relations between the two have not always been easy.

Highfather often consults the Source, a primal energy field represented by a mysterious wall upon which are written messages which may be of use in resolving crises. Though never stated outright in the New Gods series, the Source is implied to be some form of higher power (perhaps even God), making Izaya a spiritual as well as political leader of his people. As ruler of New Genesis, he is kind, compassionate and caring, but ready to defend it from any threat.

During the Genesis limited series, Highfather is slain in battle with the war god Ares. He is succeeded as leader of New Genesis by Takion, an Earthling hero who is a living conduit of the Source. Since his death, Izaya’s spirit has served as a member of The Quintessence, a council of powerful cosmic entities that observe events in the universe.

Highfather later appears in Seven Soldiers: Mister Miracle as the leader of the New Genesis survivors living as homeless people on Earth following the destruction of their world. However, much of the events of that miniseries prove to be a vision of possible events, leaving Highfather and New Genesis’ current situation in doubt. However, he was shown in final crisis sketchbook, indicating that he will return.

Originally Posted by Kain Darkwind of the Dicefreaks forums.

On this Thread

Izaya the Inheritor, Highfather
Medium outsider (Good, Lawful, Skyfather)
Wounds	285 WP,1650 VP (50d10+1150)
Initiative	+19
Speed	90 ft.
Armor Class	30 (+10 defense, +2 deflection, +4 Dexterity, +2 exalted, +2 natural), touch 26, flat footed 16
Base Attack/Grapple	+50/+85
Attack	Staff +96 melee (1d6 + 55 /18-20)
Full Attack	Staff +96/+96/+91/+86/+81 melee (1d6 + 45 /18-20)
Space/Reach	5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks	Devastating Critical (DC 70), Staff of the Source, spell-like abilities
Special Qualities	Damage reduction 50/epic and evil, fast healing 5, resistance to energy (all) 60, resistance to energy (cosmic) 30
Saves	Fort +65, Ref +46, Will +61
Abilities	Strength 50, Dexterity 18, Constitution 57, Intelligence 37, Wisdom 48, Charisma 45
Skills	Bluff +57, Climb +43, Computer Use +33, Concentration+91, Craft (chemical) +33, Craft (electrical) +33, Craft (mechanical) +33, Craft (structural) +78, Craft (visual art) +73, Decipher Script +81, Demolitions +33, Diplomacy +95, Disable Device +43, GatherInformation +57, Intimidate +62, Investigate +44, Jump +85, Knowledge (arcane lore) +58, Knowledge (art) +73, Knowledge (behavioral sciences) +48, Knowledge (civics) +48, Knowledge (current events) +58, Knowledge (earth and life science) +63, Knowledge (history) +81, Knowledge (physical science) +63, Knowledge (tactics) +68, Knowledge (technology) +54, Knowledge (theology and philosophy) +81, Listen +60, Navigate +44, Pilot +29, Repair +40, Research +55, Search +48, Sense Motive +87, Spot +60, Survival +49, Swim +45, Treat Injury +87, Use Magic Device +52
Feats	Cleave, Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Great Cleave, Improved Critical (staff), Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Power Attack, Sacred Vow, Stunning Blow, Subduing Strike, Two weapon fighting, Vow of Nonviolence, Vow of Peace, Weapon Focus (staff)
Epic Feats	Devastating Critical (staff), Overwhelming Critical (staff)
Climate/Terrain	New Genesis
Organization	Solitary (unique)
Challenge Rating	60
Treasure	Quadruple standard
Alignment	Lawful Good

Staff of the Source

The Staff of the Source is a major artifact that draws upon the heart of the Source itself. It functions as a magical +10 quarterstaff when used in combat. The staff penetrates any material damage reduction. It can be surrounded with Source energy that deals 4d10 cosmic damage with a successful strike.

As a standard action, Izaya may release a blast of cosmic energy from the staff. This may be in a 50 foot radius, a 100 foot cone, or a 200 foot line, and deals 30d12 cosmic damage. A Reflex save (DC 67) halves the damage, but even those with evasion or improved evasion suffer at least 30 points of damage from the attack. Izaya may also use this attack as a ranged touch attack.

As a full round action, Izaya may release a blast of stunning energy from the staff. This may be in a 50 foot radius, a 100 foot cone, or a 200 foot line, and stuns for 2d10 rounds any creature who fails a Fortitude save (DC 67)

Source Tap: With a full round action, Izaya can replicate any effect achievable by an epic spell with a DC of 30 or less. Multiple successive full round actions increase the effect’s max DC by 30, to a maximum of DC 300 with a full minute. Using the Source tap is very stressful for Izaya and deals him 1d10 wound point damage per round spent on the effect. This damage is not healed via his fast healing and must be regained by rest.

Teleportation: The staff instantly transports up to twenty creatures within 100 feet to a location of Highfather’s choosing unless a Will save (DC 67) is made. Those who successfully save are knocked prone. The location can be across planar boundaries.

Spell-like Abilities: At will –break enchantment, commune, cure critical wounds, mage’s disjunction, greater restoration, light, mass hold monster, sanctuary, telekinesis.

Caster level 50th, DC 71.

Vow of Peace: Any creature within 20 feet of Highfather must make a Will save (DC 67) or be affected as though by a calm emotions spell. Any weapon striking his skin must make a Fortitude save (DC 73) or shatter, dealing him no damage.

When Izaya scores a critical hit with his staff while striking for nonlethal damage, creature failing their save against the Devastating Critical feat do not die, but instead receive nonlethal damage equal to their current hit point total + 10, rendering them unconscious.