by Steven E. Schend and Dale A. Donovan

Lesser Lights II: Long-lost heroes

This past summer has seen the reemer- 3-D MAN™ gence of some Marvel characters who Gestalt being haven’t been seen in action since the early 1980s. Of course, I’m speaking of Adam POWERS: Warlock and Thanos, the major players in Alter ego: Hal Chandler owns a pair of the cosmic epic Infinity Gauntlet mini- special glasses that have identical red and series. It’s great to see these old characters green images of a human figure on each back in their four-color glory, and I’m sure lens. When Hal dons the glasses and focus- there are some great plans with these es on merging the two figures, he triggers characters forthcoming. a dimensional transfer that places him in a Nostalgia, the lowly terror of nigh- trancelike state. His mind and the two forgotten days, is alive still in “The images from his glasses of his elder broth- MARVEL®-Phile” in this, the second half of er, Chuck, merge into a gestalt being our quest to bring you characters from known as 3-D Man. the dusty pages of Marvel Comics past. As 3-D Man can remain active for only the aforementioned miniseries is showing three hours at a time, after which he must readers new and old, just because a char- split into his composite images and return acter hasn’t been seen in a while certainly Hal’s mind to his body. While active, 3-D doesn’t mean he lacks potential. This is the Man’s brain is a composite of the minds of case with our two intrepid heroes for this both Hal and Chuck Chandler, with Chuck month, 3-D Man and the Blue Shield. They usually being the dominant mind in the may not have set the world aflame when merging. 3-D Man’s body is based primari- they first appeared, nor are they as cosmi- ly on Chucks original form, including the cally powerful as Warlock and his entou- experimental flight suit that was changed rage, but hey—their costumes are bright into the two-tone red/green suit (see “His- and colorful, their spirits are strong and tory”). Chuck’s body was altered by radia- noble, and they deserve a second chance tion from an exploding Skrull ship, and in the spotlight. In a world full of cosmic 3-D Man has a number of powers in addi- destroyers and ageless amphibians, these tion to his enhanced statistics: heroes are a bit more down to earth, and —Leaping: 3-D Man has an Amazing your players’ heroes could learn a thing or rank Leaping ability, able to leap up 3 two from them (and vice versa). Look out areas from a standing start. world, these heroes may be making a —Running: 3-D Man has a ground speed comeback in a MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ of Good, enabling him to run at approxi- game campaign near you! mately 60 MPH (4 areas/round).

3-D MAN™ game statistics

Chuck Chandler Hal Chandler 3-D Man F GD(10) PR(4) RM(30) A GD(10) PR(4) RM(30) S GD(10) PR(4) RM(30) E EX(20) GD(10) AM(60) R GD(10) GD(10) GD(10) I GD(10) EX(20) IN(40) P EX(20) GD(10) IN(40)

Health: 50 22 150 Karma: 40 40 90 Resources: GD(10) PR(4) PR(4) Popularity: 0 0 0 in either era (10 in 1958) (5 in 1958) Color by Steve Sullivan

DRAGON 31 MARVEL

—Skrull sense: Thanks to exposure to seeming death. He didn’t mention the sional transfer and summoned 3-D Man Skrull radiation while escaping the explod- images on his glasses to anyone. When he into being for the first time in 20 years. ing space craft, 3-D Man has an Excellent was alone, Hal put on his glasses, focused Inexplicably, Chuck’s mind was back in ability to detect the presence of Skrulls on a blank wall, and visually merged the control of the hero’s form and quickly within six areas. two images into one form. This triggered a surmised the situation, including the rea- TALENTS: Chuck Chandler has the Pilot- dimensional transfer, and Chuck Chandler sons for his long hiatus. ing and Martial Arts B skills. Hal has exhib- jumped back into three-dimensional reality Ironically, it was the presence of 3-D ited no particular talents. The 3-D Man a changed man. His experimental flight Man himself that triggered Banner’s trans- could potentially tap into either brother’s suit had become part of his skin, and it formation into the Hulk. After a fruitless talents while active. and his body had become divided into battle, 3-D Man realized he was out- shades of red and green. Chuck quickly matched by the sheer power of the Hulk. HISTORY: During the late 1950s, NASA’s discovered his new abilities and powers in He also determined that the Hulk was not hopes in the space race were pinned on a this new form. an inherent threat to his family, but in- number of experimental projects designed It was 3-D Man’s ability to sense Skrulls stead was simply misunderstood and per- to put a man into orbit around Earth: One that brought him into conflict with a varie- secuted. He helped the Hulk escape the of the most important projects involved ty of their schemes in 1958. The Skrulls authorities and later returned to his broth- the XF-13 rocket plane, a machine capable were using their shape-changing abilities er’s glasses. of propelling itself and its pilot into the to infiltrate and undermine Earth’s scien- It is unknown whether Hal and Chuck upper atmosphere. Its pilot was one of tific advancements. The aliens had man- Chandler will ever again revive their 3-D America’s best test-pilots: Chuck Chandler. aged to take over high governmental persona. It is also unknown whether the Chuck Chandler was a former star foot- positions and influence normal humans to alien radiation that created 3-D Man has ball quarterback at La Brea University who aid them in their plots to destabilize socie- affected Hal’s children. His two boys are rejected a professional football offer to ty. One of their strangest operations was a approaching puberty, the prime time for become a test pilot. Given his athletic back- mind-control gambit using a young rock- mutant powers to surface. For now, Hal ground and his piloting skills, he was con- and-roll star, Vince Rivers, to control the Chandler and his family reside peacefully stantly compared to another of America’s minds of young teenagers in the Los in Los Alamos, New Mexico. best pilots—Ben Grimm. The night before Angeles area. This plot was quickly foiled Chuck’s flight, he was attacked by foreign by 3-D Man’s attendance at one of Rivers’ ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: agents looking for information on the XF- local concerts. Chuck Chandler: Chuck was always 13. With some help from his younger The 3-D Man’s exploits were remarkable highly enthusiastic about whatever he did, brother, Hal, Chuck escaped and proceeded in the fact that he uncovered and neutral- focusing all his energy toward his goals. with the XF-13’s test flight. Chuck wore an ized a number of Skrull power bases while Aside from Ben Grimm, he was the best experimental body-temperature suit special- he could only be active for three hours at test pilot in the U.S.A. in 1958, and he ly designed for this flight, though its exact a time. After this time period, he had to carried himself proudly with his reputa- purpose remained unexplained. return to Hal Chandler’s comatose form tion. He shared a close rapport with his Upon reaching the higher atmosphere, and split into composite images again. younger brother, Hal, and treasured their Chuck encountered a flying saucer that During one such transformation, a Skrull friendship greatly. Chuck is quick to anger was hidden from the radar screens of the blasted at Hal’s form just as 3-D Man trig- and deals with his problems aggressively. NASA base. He radioed his sighting in just gered the dimensional transfer. The only Being a physically active person makes his as he disappeared from the base’s monitor- immediate result was that, upon summon- temporary and (ahem) two-dimensional ing radar screens. Chuck soon learned ing the gestalt form later, Hal’s mind was existence hard on Chuck, though he re- that his abduction was by a race of aliens in control of 3-D Man instead of Chuck. members very little about his time spent known as Skrulls, who were interested in While in control of the two-tone hero, Hal as a double image and only comes to full both Earth’s military potential in their war defeated the Cold Warrior, an American consciousness as 3-D Man. against the Kree, and in the native Earth scientist with artificial cold and ice powers Hal Chandler: Hal, as a young man, was space programs of both the Americans who was duped into thinking 3-D Man was moody and believed himself inferior in and the Soviets. The Skrulls had, in fact, a Communist by a Skrull disguised as others’ eyes due to his polio-crippled leg been behind the attack on Chuck at his then-Vice President Richard M. Nixon. and need for a crutch. He was also in- home the night before the flight. Knowing After the battle and returning to his own tensely loyal to his older brother, Chuck. that Chandler wouldn’t freely divulge form, Hal wrongly assumed Chuck’s pres- Despite his disability, Hal tended to be information, the aliens prepared to use a ence had been destroyed. The Skrulls’ independent, not wanting others’ pity or mind-probe device on him. operations were crippled by 3-D Man’s help unless absolutely necessary. Hal is Chuck managed to break free and dam- exploits, and the alien shape-changers now a quiet, studious man who has settled age some of the saucer’s internal systems. would not launch another major assault into a peaceful life with his wife and fami- He escaped in the XF-13 just as the saucer’s on Earth for years to come. This, coupled ly. He may have kept 3-D Man in forced drive engines exploded, bathing him and with a growing affection for Chuck’s for- retirement simply to keep Chuck from the experimental craft in unknown radia- mer girlfriend, Peggy, caused Hal to decide seeing Hal’s new relationship with Peggy, tion. Chuck crash-landed in the Mojave to retire 3-D Man. The hero’s constant Chuck’s former girlfriend and now Hal’s desert near a traditional meeting place he presence could become a threat to Hal’s wife. After their last adventure, Hal recon- had with his brother. He fled the crash site burgeoning romance, and Hal and Peggy ciled his jealousy, but now considers him- and ran toward his approaching brother; were married. self a bit too old for the costumed hero suddenly, the alien radiation flared up, Twenty years later, Hal was forced to circuit. and Chuck disappeared in a flash of light. resurrect 3-D Man for what seemed to be The 3-D Man: 3-D Man is a composite of Hal had fallen in his rush to see Chuck, his final adventure. Hal had inadvertently both Hal and Chuck, but Chuck’s mind was and he picked up his glasses only to find invited Dr. Bruce Banner to stay with his usually dominant and active while in this red and green images of Chuck imprinted family without realizing his guest’s identity form. Therefore, 3-D Man had Chuck’s upon the lenses. or dangerous alter-ego. Upon discovering aggressiveness, patriotism, and temper, Hal returned to NASA and then to Los the danger to his family if Banner were to but he also drew upon some of Hal’s intui- Angeles to inform his parents of Chuck’s become angry, Hal triggered the dimen- tion and skills of observation.

32 NOVEMBER 1991 3-D Man sometimes spoke of both Hal while allowing Blue Shield to breathe ally took the position of Security Director and Chuck as people other than himself, normally. The field also provides him with for Project: Pegasus in upstate New York. suggesting the possibility of a third gestalt Incredible (40) resistance to heat- and cold- Project: Pegasus was devoted to finding personality. There is the possibility of a based attacks. new, alternative sources of energy. This unique personality developing for the Lightning speed: Blue Shield’s height- included experimenting on convicted gestalt form if it is active more than three ened metabolism allows him to move at energy-using super villains, hence the or four times in 30 years. Good (10) land speed—four areas per need for a superpowered chief of security. In your game campaigns, extenuating round. When he failed to protect Project: Pegasus circumstances that threaten his home life from the alien life form, Omnivore, Blue and family may cause Hal to once again TALENTS: Blue Shield possesses the Mar- Shield resigned his commission. He did invoke 3-D Man. Given the past time limi- tial Arts B and C, Acrobatics, Tumbling, eventually accept reinstatement as the tations on his existence, 3-D Man could and Law-Enforcement skills. head of security for Project: Pegasus, and hardly become much more than a part- he continues in that capacity today. time superhero. It is unknown if the HISTORY: It is likely that due to his cos- Skrulls are still interested in eliminating tume design, undercover work, and his ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Joey Cartelli is this hero, though the presence of Skrulls present position as Project: Pegasus Secu- just an average guy trying to do the best might cause Hal to bring the hero back. rity Director, Blue Shield has some form of he can with his abilities. He is not as high- Another option is to have another per- law-enforcement duty in his past. Blue minded as Captain America, nor is he as son don the glasses and focus on the im- Shield began his career masquerading as a psychotic as the Punisher in his pursuit of ages of 3-D Man and become the com- mobster in the Bo Barrigan crime family, justice. Blue Shield does occasionally lose posite hero with Chuck. Hal’s youngest son which brought him into conflict with his temper and can be short with others certainly seemed interested enough in his Dazzler. He later attempted to join the when he is under stress. Perhaps these father’s old glasses to try the stunt; imag- Avengers but did not succeed. He eventu- traits reveal a degree of self doubt. ine a 30-year-old hero appearing younger Your heroes could meet Blue Shield if than he was in 1958! they have business with Project: Pegasus A final option: Given the high incidence (perhaps discussing new energy-collecting of mutations in the Marvel Universe, there or energy-saving device that your heroes are distinct possibilities of Hal Jr., or have devised), or he could seek the heroes’ Chuck Jr., being mutants. Imagine the assistance in apprehending a superpow- possibilities of a latent mutant invoking ered thief who has some stolen Project: the strange Skrull energies involved in the Pegasus gadget. It could be that the gov- dimensional transfer that generates 3-D ernment has asked the heroes to work Man. The merging could create entirely with Project: Pegasus staff, including Blue new powers and abilities for the gestalt Shield, to help protect some amazing new form. While the glasses still exist, there is widget while it is tested, transported to a always the possibility for 3-D Man to re- new lab, etc. Foes could include super turn. Of course, only the Watcher knows villains, terrorists, or unfriendly foreign what would happen to Chuck’s personality governments. and mind if the glasses were broken. Perhaps, since Blue Shield no longer needs his belt, it could be stolen and used for illegal purposes. Then your heroes BLUE SHIELD™ would fight a villain with powers similar to Joseph Cartelli, security chief Blue Shield’s. This thief could also imper- sonate Blue Shield and send your heroes on F GD (10) Health: 105 a wild goose chase after the real Blue A RM (30) Shield. Or, the true Blue Shield could learn S EX (25) Karma: 26 of the impostor and seek to stop him. If E IN (40) your heroes arrive during a battle between R TY (6) Popularity: 0 two Blue Shields, who will they aid? I GD (10) Another option is that the secrets of the P GD (10) Resources: EX (20) belt could be revealed and belt mass- produced (preferably at a lower power POWERS: Originally, Blue Shield derived level than the original). The “Blue Shield his powers from the microcircuitry-lined Corps” could then become a true “super belt that he wore when in costume. The police” force, escorting superpowered belt heightened his physical abilities and prisoners to the Vault, standing guard duty allowed him to project a personal force during their trials, working with SHIELD, field. Over time, exposure to the belt (or etc. Or (horrors!), perhaps the belt’s perhaps its unknown power source) ap- powers are unraveled by a criminal genius parently mutated Cartelli’s genetic struc- who then starts mass-producing low- ture to the point where no longer needs powered versions for his henchmen. That the belt to use his powers. The origin, would almost certainly demand the atten- designer, and current status of the belt are tions of your heroes and of the original unknown. Blue Shield displays these Blue Shield! powers:

Force field: Blue Shield is able to project The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive a personal force field of Amazing (50) names and likeness es thereof are trademarks of Marvel strength around his body. The field is Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1991 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights impervious to all harmful gases and toxins Reserved.

DRAGON 33 by Jeff Grubb

The last time we met, we reviewed the The new, improved, meaner-than-ever Hulk. ® The new Hulk is twice as nasty but not as strong as the old Hulk. But what about the Marvel -Phile Hulk’s old foes who could give old Jade Jaws a run for his money in their day? Read on — from Abomination to Zzzax, as the saying goes (with a bonus hero: the good Doc Samson).

ABOMINATIONTM Tyrannus of Subterranea

F EX (20) Health: 240 A EX (20) S UN (100) Karma: 110 E UN (100) R AM (50) Resources: FE (2)* I EX (20) P IN (40) Popularity: - 40

* Tyrannus, in his original form, controlled the resources of the underground kingdom of Subterranea (Shift Y Resources), which are presently denied him in his monstrous form.

KNOWN POWERS:

Body Armor: Abomination’s scaly skin provides Amazing protection against phys- ical and energy attacks. He has Unearthly resistance to cold, heat, fire, and disease. Extreme temperatures or lack of oxygen can force him to go into a comalike state until more hospitable conditions return.

Leaping: Like the Hulk, the Abomination has overly developed leg muscles. These allow him to leap with Class 5000 ability, covering two miles in a single bound.

Mind-Scanning: This is an ability of Tyran- nus brought over into his new form. Tyran- nus can probe the thoughts of others with Amazing intensity.

Note: The Abomination, while more pow- erful than the Hulk, does not have the adrenaline surge ability that in the past permitted the Hulk to beat him.

TALENTS: The original Abomination, Emil Blonsky, had the espionage skill. The current incarnation is skilled with engi- neering, robotics, and weaponry.

CONTACTS: The original Abomination had numerous criminal contacts, including the now-deceased Modok. Tyrannus was leader of the Subterraneans, an under- ground race. In his long absence, his peo- From Abomination™ to Zzzax™ ple have been ruled by the Mole Man. ABOMINATION’S STORY: The original Abomination was Emil Blonsky, a spy for a foreign power, who discovered some Marvel, Marvel Universe, Marvel Super Heroes, and all Marvel character likenesses are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. ©1987 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. gamma-radiation equipment left behind by ZZZAX™ ject to normal attacks, though killing the Bruce Banner. Unaware that the equip- host body merely allows Zzzax to go free. ment was intended to overdose the Hulk The host body must make an Endurance F IN (40) Health: 230 with gamma radiation, Blonsky used the FEAT to avoid incineration. A AM (50) equipment on himself, transforming his * Fire bolts of Monstrous energy damage S IN (40) Karma: 62 body into the reptilian Abomination. The with a 15-area range. E UN (100) Abomination kept Emil’s personality but, * Use magnetic force of Monstrous intensi- R TY (6) Resources: NA unlike the Hulk, could neither increase his ty within a 15-area range. I TY (6) own strength level through adrenaline nor * Travel through electrical lines at P AM (50) Popularity: - 20 transform back into Blonsky. Unearthly speed. The Blonsky Abomination battled the Zzzax’s electrical body has a number of Hulk on a number of occasions, usually as KNOWN POWERS: limitations. He can be affected by other the minion of some more powerful force forms of energy and is particularly subject such as the Stranger, the Galaxy Master, or Electric Body: Zzzax has no physical form; to being grounded by a great amount of Modok. After several defeats by the Hulk, he is an intelligent electromagnetic con- water (a fire hose’s spray will dol. An the Abomination was disintegrated by struct of psionic energy. This provides him Endurance FEAT allows Zzzax to avoid Modok as punishment. The component with several major advantages and disad- grounding. Zzzax also radiates his own atoms of Abomination drifted off into the vantages. Zzzax has Unearthly protection energy away over time, at a loss of one night. from physical and kinetic attacks, since Health point per turn. Overlong isolation Sometime earlier, the leader of the Sub- such attacks pass through his electrically causes Zzzax to “die away,” so he often terranean people, Tyrannus, sought to conquer the surface world and was defeat- ed by the Hulk and the criminal Goldbug. Tyrannus linked his life-force with the Flame of Life, a cobalt-powered eternal pyre of great power in mythical El Dora- do. When the Hulk destroyed the ancient machinery controlling that flame, Tyran- nus’s life-force was forced into space. Tyrannus, now a disembodied form, discovered the floating gamma-irradiated particles that once formed Emil Blonsky’s Abomination. Using the last of his powers, Tyrannus merged his form with that of the particles. This combined the two into a single entity which landed in the American Southwest. Army soldiers investigating the crash discovered that the Abomination, now dominated by Tyrannus’s personality, had returned. Tyrannus and Blonsky both existed in the new Abomination, but Tyrannus had a plan to return to a more human form by separating Blonsky’s body from the Abomi- nation in a fashion similar to Banner’s separation from the Hulk. In his case, however, Tyrannus’s spirit would be in Blonsky’s human body, leaving Blonsky behind as the Abomination, a slave to Tyrannus. To complete this plan, the Tyrannus/ Blonsky Abomination invaded Gamma Base and captured Bruce Banner, holding his wife Betty Ross Banner captive to ensure his aid. Tyrannus separated Blonsky and the Abomination, but Tyrannus’s con- sciousness remained in the Abomination form, effectively curing Blonsky of his curse. The Tyrannus Abomination now charged body. In addition, Zzzax can auto- recharges from electrical sites as well as attacked Banner, but Banner (as the Hulk) matically make a successful energy attack from the psionic energies of others. Indi- defeated him, damaging the machines on those touching his body, inflicting up to viduals who have been possessed or incin- capable of working the same wonder on Unearthly damage. Various power stunts erated by Zzzax “heal” Zzzax’s losses by himself in the process. Zzzax has developed include: amounts equal to their Psyche scores. Blonsky is currently under arrest for his * Flight at Amazing speed. espionage activities and crimes as the * The ability to possess the bodies of oth- ZZZAX’S STORY: The being known as Abomination. The Tyrannus Abomination ers through psionic means. Zzzax must hit Zzzax was created in a nuclear accident recently escaped custody, battling (and the target and make two Psyche FEAT rolls when a group of terrorists took over a losing to) Wonder Man in California. The against the intensity of the target’s own Con Ed nuclear reactor. Stray gunfire in effects of being trapped in the hideous Psyche. Success of the first FEAT indicates the reactor chamber caused a small chain form of the Abomination have seriously possession; the second FEAT means that reaction, which in turn formed the initial weakened Tyrannus’s already unstable Zzzax is in control of the body. While Zzzax creature. The creature absorbed the hold on reality. possessing the body, Zzzax is sub- minds of the terrorists (incinerating them

DRAGON 87 least Typical level). Avengers. Zzzax was once again grounded Zzzax’s initial attacks were stopped by and dispersed, but on this occasion was Hulk and the Avenger Hawkeye, who later captured by SHIELD and brought to disrupted Zzzax’s energy field by “ground- Gamma Base for testing. Zzzax possessed ing” Zzzax with a long, arrow-shot, con- the body of General “Thunderbolt” Ross ductive cable leading to the East River. but failed to exert complete control, so Zzzax was re-formed some time later by that Ross’s personality overwhelmed an experiment to monitor past and present Zzzax’s own natural tendencies. The human brain-wave patterns: Soul Star Zzzax/Ross being battled the Hulk and a Research. The creature reformed in the gamma-irradiated Rick Jones, but fled generator and again ran amuck, battling when the Ross persona was made to the Hulk until it was disrupted by being understand that, as Zzzax, he was a grounded in a thunderstorm. monster, too. A portion of Zzzax’s power was left in Shortly thereafter, Ross’s spirit returned the Soul Star Research device, however. to his original body, bringing with him When the generator was purchased by some of Zzzax’s electrical abilities. Ross Stark International to equip Bruce Ban- used these abilities against another mon- ner’s Northwind research lab, the creature ster, a brain-controlling beast known as escaped once again. This time, Zzzax was the Nevermind. The massive overload of defeated by an intelligent Hulk with Ban- electricity killed both the Nevermind and ner’s personality and mind. The Banner Ross as well. Hulk drained Zzzax’s power into a genera- Zzzax’s current whereabouts and power tor and shot the creature’s energy into levels are unknown. Further, former Gen- space. eral Ross’s body has disappeared, and its Zzzax recently reappeared on Earth, present location is unknown. Whether working with a team of villains assembled either of these foes of the Hulk will reap- by Graviton to defeat the West Coast. pear is as yet unknown.

DOC SAMSON™ Dr. Leonard Samson into a cathexis-ray device and used that device to cure both the Hulk and Betty. F IN (40) Health: 230 The experiment worked, and Bruce A IN (40) Banner and Betty Ross were both restored S AM (50) Karma: 60 to normal form. Samson then turned the E UN (100) ray on himself, out of scientific interest R EX (20) Resources: GD (10) and a desire to become super-powered in I EX (20) his own right. The limited amount of P EX (20) Popularity: 5 gamma-irradiated psionic energy trans- formed Doc Samson into a green-haired KNOWN POWERS: super-hero. When Samson began romanc- Body Armor: Doc Samson’s gamma- ing Betty away from the now-ordinary irradiated skin provides Incredible protec- Banner,-Dr. Banner subjected himself to tion against physical and energy attacks. gamma radiation again, once more becom- Unlike the Hulk and Abomination, he has ing the Hulk. no particular resistances to heat and cold. Samson has made the Hulk and gamma radiation in general the centerpiece for his Leaping: Doc Samson has Shift Z leaping studies. With the Hulk’s return from power, such that he can leap 33 floors another dimension to this Earth, Samson (500’) straight up and four areas across. discovered a method to “sift” the atoms of Banner from his Hulk persona, restoring TALENTS: Samson is a doctor of psychia- Banner to normality. The Bannerless Hulk try and a self-educated expert on the Hulk was then “acquired” by SHIELD, with the and gamma radiation. After many tussles intention of destroying the monster. Sam- with the green-skinned monster and oth- son thought the Hulk could be turned to ers, Samson has become a master of Mar- good and so freed the creature — only to tial Arts A, C, and E. discover that without Banner’s personality, the creature acted out of pure rage. CONTACTS: Doc Samson is on shaky Feeling responsible for setting this mur- terms with most of his contacts. SHIELD derous new Hulk free, Samson tried to regards him as a menace, the Hulkbusters recapture the monster. This obsession regard him as a threat, and the University brought him into conflict with both of the of Chicago has denied him tenure. Avengers teams and Banner’s own Hulkbusters group. Both Banner and Hulk DOC SAMSON’S STORY: Doctor were restored as one being, and Samson’s Leonard Samson first became involved machinery was broken up in a clash in the process) and gained both a measure with the Hulk when he proposed a cure between the Abomination and the Hulk. of intelligence and its evil disposition. It for Betty Ross when she had been turned Samson worked with SHIELD in its sees the destruction of thinking beings as to a living crystalline being after a blood attempts to recapture the Hulk, but with a method of increasing its intelligence transfusion with another Hulk foe, the the complete destruction of Gamma Base (perhaps by one point for every hundred Sandman. Doc Samson invented a device (partially at his own hands), Doc Samson’s points of intelligence so consumed of at to drain the psionic energy of the Hulk present situation is uncertain.

88 SEPTEMBER 1987 by Jeff Grubb

Roger (duh Boss) has been asking for the latest cast and crew of Bruce Banner’s comic: the Hulk. Since I last wrote about them (in the Advanced Set, about a year ago), Bruce and the Hulk have been pulled apart, sent on a rampage, put back togeth- er, and returned to their joint roots as a gray-skinned monster that is nothing like the friendly just-wants-to-be-left-alone-to- smell-the-flowers kind of jade-green guy he was. What can I say? He’s just Incredible.

The HULK® Robert Bruce Banner, physicist

F IN (30) Health: 175 A EX (20) S AM (50) Karma: 70 E MN (75) R GD (10) Resources: FE (2) I RM (30) P RM (30) Popularity: -20

KNOWN POWERS:

Body Armor: The gray Hulk’s thick skin provides him with Amazing protection against physical attacks and Incredible protection against energy attacks.

Resistances: The new Hulk is no longer invulnerable to cold, heat, fire, and dis- ease, but has Unearthly resistance to these attack forms.

Leaping: The new Hulk can leap up to 40 areas in a single turn.

Transformation: The new Hulk is current- ly co-existing with the form of its alter-ego, Bruce Banner. This transformation is trig- gered by the setting of the sun, which allows the Hulk persona to come out. The Hulk can resist the transformation by a Psyche FEAT roll made each round, just as Banner can, but no Karma may be added to these rolls. Banner’s stats are: F A SE PR TY TY TY R I P RM GD TY Health: 22 Karma: 46

Homing Instinct: For some unknown rea- son, the Hulk is able to locate the place at which he was “created” — Desert Base, New Mexico — with Class 3000 ability.

TALENTS: The new Hulk himself has no talents, but may pull ideas from his Ban- ner personality by making an Intuition FEAT against Banner’s Typical Psyche. Banner is an expert in physics and radia- tion, and receives a +1 CS in matters dealing with those subjects. Banner also

76 AUGUST 1987 receives a +2 CS in matters dealing with gamma radiation. HULKBUSTERS™ CONTACTS: At present, the Hulk has no beings close enough to consider Contacts. Samuel J. La Roquette Banner was leader of the Hulkbusters, has ties to the Avengers and Fantastic Four, F A S E RI P and is on good terms with his cousin Jen- RM GD EX EX GD GD TY nifer (She-Hulk) Walters and Rick Jones. Banner is married to Betty Ross, daughter Health: 80 Karma: 26 of Thunderbolt Ross. Contacts: Hulkbusters, SHIELD. BACKGROUND: Physicist Robert Bruce Banner oversaw the development of the Talents: Outdoor survival, exploring. Gamma Bomb (or “G-Bomb”) at the U.S. Defense Department nuclear research Carolyn Parmenter facility at Desert Base, New Mexico, under the command of Air Force General Thad- F A S E R I P deus E. “Thunderbolt” Ross. The G-Bomb, GD EX TY GD EX EX EX so named for its great output of gamma rays, was slated for an above-ground test. Health: 46 Karma: 60 On the day of the test, a lone teenager in a jeep drove out onto the site on a dare. Contacts: Hulkbusters, SHIELD, Project Atlantis. Banner ordered the countdown halted and left the protected observation bunker to Talents: SCUBA diving, marine science. bring the youth back. Banner’s assistant was a Communist spy who neglected to Craig Saunders, Jr. relay the order to halt the countdown, hoping Banner would die in the resulting F A S E R I P explosion. GD EX GD GD GD EX EX Banner reached the teenager, Rick Jones, and shoved him into a protective trench Health: 50 Karma: 50 moments before the bomb was detonated. Banner himself was caught in the blast, Contacts: Hulkbusters, SHIELD. but instead of dying was bombarded with gamma rays — and transformed into a Talents: Demolitions, explosives. large, brutish, gray-skinned monster called “The Hulk” by military personnel on the Dr. Armand Martel base. The Hulk has evolved through many F A S E R I P stages. The creature initially was gray, PR GD TY GD RM GD GD only transformed at night, and had some modicum of human intelligence. About the Health: 30 Karma: 50 time that the Hulk’s skin became a bright jade green, the Hulk became a founding Contacts: Hulkbusters, SHIELD. member of the Avengers. Because of his increasingly savage behavior, he left that Talents: Natural and alien biology. team after only a few missions. With the transformation to a greenish Hideko Takata hide, the Hulk gained in strength, such that his normal strength was at the Mon- F A S E R I P strous (70-ton) level. In addition, the surge EX GD TY GD EX GD RM of adrenaline allowed the Hulk to boost his strength levels to unrecorded heights Health: 46 Karma: 60 when angered or endangered. During this period, the Hulk wandered alone but Contacts: Hulkbusters, SHIELD. occasionally served with Doctor Strange and the Defenders. Talents: Geophysicist, Martial Arts A. She has been reported to have used the latter For a brief time, Banner regained con- talent to trip a charging Hulk. trol of his Hulk form and was granted a presidential pardon. Soon, however, his bestial personality, manipulated by the extradimensional creature called Night- during which time the Banner personality Leonard Samson, who had been invested mare, caused the violent Hulk to return, reasserted itself. The Hulk was brought with gamma-spawned strength himself. apparently slaying the Banner personality back into this dimension by Roger Bochs Samson succeeded in separating the two forever. Following a battle in Manhattan in and Madison Jeffries of Alpha Flight, who distinct individuals. When SHIELD made which the Hulk took on a number of New were seeking a new home for the then- clear it was determined to kill the Hulk, York’s super-powered characters, Doctor untethered spirit of Walter Langkowski Samson freed the mindless beast, only to Strange banished the Hulk to another (Sasquatch). Escaping from Canada, Hulk discover the “pure” Hulk was a murderous dimension. returned to his “home” in the New Mexico creature of pure rage, without human pity The “Bannerless” Hulk had a number of desert. or thought. Samson resolved to bring this adventures in this “crossroads of realities,“ There, Hulk was captured by Doctor Hulk back and cure it fully.

D RAGON 77 The physical separation of Hulk and of his personality. Unlike previous incarna- Banner proved to be unhealthy for either, tions, thoughts may be remembered or so their reintegration was necessary to consciously blocked between the two save Banner’s life. The Hulk was defeated personas. Both Banner and the Hulk have by the combined forces of the East- and recently been made aware that, despite West-Coast Avengers, and his and Banner’s their own experiences, the government bodies were re-merged by the Vision. To continues to produce, test, and stockpile solidify the process, the rejoined Hulk/ G-Bombs. Banner was to be bathed in a tank of radioactive chemicals. The Hulk was driv- The Hulkbuster’s story: The original en into the tank, but was joined by an Hulkbusters were part of a force drawn unwilling Rick Jones, who was pushed from the U.S. Army and Air Force, under from behind by Thunderbolt Ross. the command of Thunderbolt Ross, and The result was the temporary creation were charged with the task of subduing of a “Teen Hulk” (who was really Rick the Hulk. This group fought the Hulk on a Jones) that greatly resembled the previous number of occasions, but was finally dis- jade-jawed giant, and a reversion of the banded when the then-intelligent Hulk Hulk/Banner persona to its more primitive, received a presidential pardon. weaker, gray-skinned form. This Hulk When Banner and the Hulk were sepa- currently is only active at night and does rated and the Hulk persona escaped, not appear during the day, even when Bruce Banner formed the second team of Banner’s adrenaline levels are raised. Hulkbusters to track down and destroy his The separated Banner, in the meantime, In addition, while the previous Hulks former alter-ego. Saunders, Parmenter, La was organizing his own force to hunt were senseless, stupid, and inadvertently Roquette, Martel, and Takata were all down his former alter-ego. Unlike Samson, violent or resentful, this new gray Hulk brought in to form this specialized team. Bruce planned to kill the monster. Banner has an evil, scheming personality matched Each was an expert in his or her field, but revived the old Gamma Base, once the with a keen, intelligent craftiness. It has their willingness to take risks in dangerous headquarters of Thunderbolt Ross’s Hulk- locked itself into Banner-proof rooms and situations had left them all “Jonahs” — hunting activities, and revived the drunk itself into a stupor to prevent Ban- unable to get funding or support for their Hulkbusters as well (see below). During ner from regaining control of his body. projects. Banner proposed to turn these this separation from the Hulk, Banner SHIELD, Doc Samson, and Rick Jones are five into a fighting team capable of married Betty Ross, daughter of Thunder- all searching for this new evil Hulk, while destroying the Hulk. The new Hulkbus- bolt Ross. Banner tries to control this darker side ters, based in the rebuilt Gamma Base, had

78 AUGUST 1987 at their disposal a number of weapon is a two-legged construct which carries the disruptor weapon of the Walker in the systems, including a Hulklike test robot. jet-powered Flyer until the two are sepa- same fight. The resulting crash of the The group came into conflict with Dot rated for scouting or battle. The vehicles Flyer caused Carolyn Parmenter’s death. Samson at one of these tests, and the have the following statistics: resulting battle between the Hulkbusters Hulkbuster Body Armor: This black and Samson left one of the Hulkbusters, Walker Vehicle metal battlesuit is an apparent variation on Carolyn Parmenter, dead. the Mandroid armor design, upgunned to Maddened by grief, Sam La Roquette Type: Off-road handle the Hulk. swore vengeance on Samson, and he Cost: MN (with Flyer) remains filled with hate and the determi- Control: RM ABILITY MODIFIERS: nation to kill both the Hulk and Doc Sam- Speed: EX son. Martel wishes to capture; not destroy, Body: IN Raises Agility by 1 rank the Hulk, and use the monster for study. Protection: IN (Maximum of EXCELLENT) Saunders seeks to keep La Roquette under Armament: Valence Disruptor (5-area Raises Strength by 2 ranks control, and Takata remains the cool cen- range); can be set for Amazing, Mon- (Maximum of of REMARKABLE) ter of the team, trying to pull all the pieces strous, and Unearthly energy damage. Raises Endurance by 1 rank together. (Maximum of REMARKABLE) With the reintegration of the Hulk and Flyer Vehicle Banner, the Hulkbusters were hired by The armor’s osmium-steel hide provides SHIELD to capture or kill the Hulk. The Type: Air Amazing protection from physical and team failed in combat with the “Teen Cost: MN (with Walker) energy attacks. Most other systems and Hulk,” and most of its members were badly Control: TY sensors have been bypassed to provide an injured. Whether they will remain at Speed: IN Unearthly-strength neuro-stunner, with a Gamma Base to continue their Hulkbusting Body: RM range of two areas, which inflicts full mission is not yet known. Protection: RM energy damage on its target. Armament: Hypersonic Screamers — Hulkbuster equipment: When the 2-area range; inflicts Unearthly sonic Neuro-Neutralizer: This yoke-shaped Hulkbusters go after their prey, only the damage device emits a low-frequency wave which best will do — but even that’s not always neutralizes brain activity with Amazing good enough. The Walker Vehicle, though heavily ability. The being so neutralized must first Walker-Flyer vehicle: This vehicle con- armored, proved ungainly in combat with be subdued and placed into the yoke, sists of two linked battle machines, each Doc Samson; the Flyer Vehicle, more light- which is not the easiest thing to do with a with a two-man crew. The Walker Vehicle ly armored, proved to be vulnerable to the thousand pounds of enraged Hulk.

D RAGON 79

by Jeff Grubb and its strongest member. It has also Byrne, artist/writer/creator of Alpha gained two new members on the team, Flight, and inked by Jeff. This error One of the purposes of this column is to neither one of whom was around when slipped by everyone and was not noticed update the goings-on and memberships I wrote MH-5, Cat’s-Paw, the Alpha until the adventure was in print. Jeff of the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ Flight adventure. This article discusses Butler pointed it out to me, and my face groups we’ve done adventures for. We the two newest members — and the fate went as red as the module’s cover. add new things, make corrections, and of the oldest. Therefore, a clarification: The interi- keep readers current with the ever- A correction that must be made ors of MH-5, Cat‘s-Paw are by John changing Marvel® Universe. Case in involves a glaring error in the Cat's-Paw Byrne, inked by Jeff Butler. My apologies point: Alpha Flight™. credits, where interior illustrations are to John, who also did the cover. We’ll be To say Alpha Flight is a group on the credited to Jeff Butler. Now, there are watching the credit box more closely in move is an understatement. In the 25 Jeff Butler interiors in the module, but the future. issues since its inception, the team has the drawings at the top of each chapter Right. On to the new heroes of Canada lost its government funding, its founder, were penciled by none other than John (and one old one).

All Marvel characters, their likenesses, and MARVEL SUPER HEROES are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. © 1985 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries. All Rights Reserved. DRAGON 77 TALISMAN™ “light show” spell at most. In the pres- the remainder of her youth. In college Elizabeth Twoyoungmen ence of a master sorcerer or a mystical she studied archaeology, and it was on a Archaeology student creature of great power, her abilities dig of old Fort Calgary that her mystical could increase to Unearthly or beyond. powers first became known. Fighting: GOOD (10) In addition, she is immune to all forms Elizabeth discovered a human skull Agility: GOOD (10) of magical attack and is capable of imbued with the powers of one of the Strength: TYPICAL (6) reflecting such an attack back on the Elder Beasts, monstrous supernatural Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) caster (FEAT roll to return). creatures who inhabited Canada before Reason: GOOD (10) She can pierce mystic disguises at will the coming of mankind. Her touching Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) and naturally detects even the weakest the skull broke down the barrier that Psyche: EXCELLENT (20) (See below) form of magery. She is relatively kept the Elder Beast from entering this Health: 56 untrained at present, but she can cast dimension. Despite her dislike for her Karma: 50 mystic bolts and shields at the level of father, she contacted him to seek his aid Popularity: 5 ambient magic. She is under the training as Shaman — another indication of her Resources: TYPICAL of Snowbird™ and her father, Shaman. power. Dr. Twoyoungmen had crafted a spell to conceal his identity, but Eliza- Talents: Talisman™ is familiar with beth easily and unwittingly penetrated archaeology. Known powers: his disguise. With the help of Shaman, Talisman’s story: Talisman is the Snowbird, and Puck™, Elizabeth MAGIC: Elizabeth has magic powers that daughter of Michael Twoyoungmen, defeated the Elder Beast and revealed are very different from those of stand- now known as Shaman™ of Alpha Flight. her true power. She became the Talis- ard magic-wielders such as Shaman™ or When Elizabeth was a child, her mother man, a being foretold in ancient myth Doctor Strange™. Elizabeth’s power rank died despite the best efforts of her phy- who would wield great powers. for magic is the same as the magic used sician father to save her. Elizabeth never Elizabeth has little training in formal within a 2-area radius around her. In a forgave her father for the loss. magic as have other adepts such as “normal” situation she has only Feeble Estranged from her father, Elizabeth Doctor Strange and her father. She is Rank abilities, enough for a harmless stayed with Heather McNeil’s family for still learning to master her powers.

BOX™ Bochs is a integral part of his creation. version, save that it lacked flight capabil- Roger Bochs He can “merge” with his living metal ities and was controlled by a cybernetic Inventor body in a single round, but he can take link to the wheelchair-bound Bochs. As no other action that round. Damage to Box, Bochs rose from Gamma Flight™ [Statistics to the left are for Roger Rochs; Box causes psychic trauma to Bochs and was a member of Beta Flight™ when those to the right are for Box™.] (who feels no real pain) and catastrophic Department H was closed down and the Fighting: POOR (4)/REMARKABLE (30) damage (loss of a limb) will cause uncon- flights disbanded. Agility: POOR (4)/REMARKABLE (30) sciousness (Red Endurance FEAT for Bochs returned to his home in Moose- Strength: TYPICAL (6)/MONSTROUS (75) Bochs to avoid). Finally, if Roger Bochs jaw, Saskatchawan, and went back to his Endurance: GOOD (10)/MONSTROUS remains inside Box too long (make an designs. He was contacted soon after by (75) hourly Endurance FEAT for Bochs after Delphine Courtney, an agent for Jerry Reason: EXCELLENT (20) 3 hours), he will be trapped inside the Jaxon. She attempted to recruit him into Intuition: GOOD (10) creature, fused with the living metal. Omega Flight™, a criminal group set up Psyche: GOOD (10) to counter Hudson and his Alpha Flight. HANDICAP: Roger Bochs has lost both When Bochs resisted, Jaxon took the Health: 24/210 legs above the knee and is normally cybernetic controls of Box himself and Karma: 40 confined to a motorized, three-wheeled led Omega Flight into battle. Box was Resources: EXCELLENT wheelchair of his own design (Feeble destroyed in the battle, but only at the Popularity: 5 Speed, Typical Body, Excellent Control). cost of Guardian’s own life. His company van (Bochs Electronics) is Following the defeat of Omega Flight, also a portable lab and modified to allow Bochs became greatly distressed at the Known powers: him both access into and the ability to damage caused by his creation. He was drive the vehicle. BODY ARMOR: Box’s metal frame is consumed with a desire for revenge on made of “living metal," an invention of Talents: Roger Bochs is an extremely Courtney and Jaxon, who used Box to Roger Bochs’s, and can withstand talented engineer and inventor. He gains kill Guardian. To that end, Bochs Amazing physical and energy damage. an UP ONE shift in Reason when dealing recruited the services of a Mr. Jeffries, a Only Mr. Jeffries™ (see below) can repair with these areas. former member of Gamma Flight. Jef- damage to Box. fries is a natural transmutator, able to B ’S story: Roger Bochs is a paraple- FLIGHT: Box can fly at Excellent speed OX manipulate metal and tools into working gic engineer and inventor who was with normal agility. In addition, he can machinery at a thought. With Jeffrey’s recruited by James MacDonald Hudson use his super-strong metallic muscles to help, Bochs forged a new Box from (Guardian™) into Department H, the “living metal” of his own invention. leap up to 4 stories up and 2 areas away. His bootjets are useful as offensive Canadian super-secret agent program. Box has joined Alpha Flight following weapons, inflicting Remarkable damage With MacDonald’s skill at electronics the death of Sasquatch™ and the depar- giving life to Bochs’s initial design and to a target in the same area with him. ture of Walter Langkowski from the prototype, the pair built the first Box. team. His drive for vengeance is still MERGING: Unlike the previous Box, This Box was similar to the present active and strong. 78 MAY 1985 GUARDIAN™ was unaware that the U.S. military was Marrina™, Puck, Box, and Flashback™. James MacDonald Hudson the sponsor of the project until the Gamma Flight consisted of relative new- (deceased) Army came to claim his prototype, comers: Diamond Lil™, the savage Wild Inventor under the auspices of Jerome Jaxon, Child™, Smart Alec™, and the transmuta- Hudson’s supervisor. tor Jeffries. [Statistics to the left are for James Hudson, distressed that his ideas were After several missions, Department H Hudson; those to the right are for his used to militaristic ends, returned to his was shut down following a change in Guardian ™ suit.] company that evening. He took the suit government and increasing suspicion of Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) and destroyed the only available plans in super-powered beings. Alpha Flight, Agility: GOOD (10)/INCREDIBLE (40) Jaxon’s possession. He then left the suit after defeating one of the Elder Beasts of Strength: GOOD (10)/REMARKABLE (30) on a nearby hillside, taking the helmet the north, decided to remain together as Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) with him. a team, and their numbers were Reason: INCREDIBLE (40) Jobless and expecting quick arrest for increased with the additions of Puck and Intuition: GOOD (10) his actions, Hudson was befriended by Marrina . Psyche: EXCELLENT (20) an Ameri-Can secretary named Heather Meanwhile, Jaxon, Hudson’s former McNeil, who convinced him to take his superior, had been fired from Ameri- Health: 60/110 psycho-cybernetic helmet to the Cana- Can for losing the suit’s helmet, and had Karma: 70 dian Government. The Prime Minister begun a long decline, both physically Resources: TYPICAL was intrigued by Hudson’s talent and the and financially that left him confined to Popularity: 4 (21 in Canada) possibilities of the suit. Pulling a few a wheelchair. Jaxon recognized Guard- ian, leader of Canada’s super-team, as Known powers: strings, the Prime Minister created Department H, an secret arm of the Hudson, and set about to destroy the BODY ARMOR: All of Guardian’s abilities defense department, dedicated to hero and his group and regain the derived from the super-powered suit he research that would eventually band secrets of the suit for Roxxon, his new developed. This suit carried a portable together the first Canadian super-pow- employer. Jaxon collected some of the force-field generator that acted as ered heroes since the Second World former members of Gamma and Beta Amazing Body Armor against physical War. Hudson became head of this opera- Flights, and subtly increasing their and energy attacks. This force was such tion, with Gary Cody as his official liai- anger at Hudson and Department H for that it diffused but did not absorb iner- son. Hudson and Heather eloped, and dumping them, turned them into his tool tia from a blow, so Hudson could still be the pair became the central core of of vengence, Omega Flight. Jaxon lured Slammed but not Stunned while the suit Department H. Heather and James to a deathtrap in was functional. Department H experienced its ups and New York, but there Omega Flight was FLIGHT: Guardian could fly at Incredible downs. Canada’s first super-powered defeated by Alpha Flight. During the speed using his suit’s electromagnetic agent was Wolverine™, a short-tempered battle, Hudson’s suit malfunctioned after projectors. His force field was kept on mutant who soon resigned to join the he was badly beaten by Box. Unable to while he flew to prevent wind damage American X-Men™. Hudson pursued disconnect his suit in time, the leader of to him. Wolverine into America in the first test Alpha Flight was burned to death in the of his battlesuit. Outgunned by the resulting explosion. ENERGY BEAM: The suit could also fire X-Men, Hudson, then called Weapon The remainder of Alpha Flight has beams of pure energy from its gloves, Alpha™, retreated in haste. carried on, having lost its founder and inflicting up to Incredible damage at a Over the next few months, Depart- government support. Heather has taken range of areas. 10 ment H continued training super-pow- the reigns as leader of the team, and TRANSPORT: Guardian’s suit had an ered agents. The super-teams were several members have left and others unusual special movement system. By broken into three groups. Alpha Flight joined. Recently, Heather believes she manipulating gravitons, Hudson ceased consisted of Hudson (then known as has seen James Hudson in a crowd. to move with respect to the rotating Vindicator™, and finally Guardian), Whether it is Guardian returned from Earth below. The sudden “stop" moved Aurora™ and her twin brother beyond, a delusion, or the start of some Guardian rapidly westward at over a Northstar™, Shaman, Snowbird, and sinister plot remains to be seen. thousand miles an hour at the equator; Sasquatch. Beta Flight consisted of he could achieve lesser speeds as he approached the poles. The quickness of the change appeared to be identical to teleportation to the naked eye. Com- puters in the suit returned Guardian to normal movement, and prevented him from slamming into any mountains or trees. Guardian’s story: James MacDonald Hudson was the designer of a super-suit for the Ameri-can Company (a petro- chemical firm). The suit, built to bore into the earth for oil, used several new advances of Hudson’s own design, including a psycho-cybernetic helmet that controlled the suit’s actions. Hudson DRAGON 79 The Marvel-Phile

Alpha and Omega, part I

by Jeff Grubb MARVEL SUPER HEROES campaign. as its armor, physical Strength, and (More than enough to keep me and Endurance. The Fighting and Agility of Before we settle into the first part of our editor Steve Winter busy until next any device created by Madison has a two-part series on Alpha Flight™ and spring.) maximum score of Remarkable Omega Flight™, I’d like to briefly men- We’re shooting for a May release for (Madison's Psyche). tion an upcoming revolution in the this product. Saying something like that In addition, he may repair damage MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ game is usually the kiss of death as far as inflicted upon metal-based individuals, system. schedules go, but we don’t intend to including Box, Iron Man™, and robots The MARVEL SUPER HEROES miss this one! such as Ultron™, restoring up to Advanced Set is coming. The system is Enough to get you interested? Good. Unearthly damage each round. Similarly, expanding, more rules and material are As I move along further in the design, I’ll Jeffries can inflict up to Unearthly dam- on their way, worlds will live, worlds pass along more information. age each round on robotic or metallic will die, and the Multiverse — oops, Now that the plug/warning/public targets, which must fail an Endurance wrong company. service has been dealt with, let’s move FEAT (Red if Endurance is less than As I write this (Thanksgiving of ’85), I on to the entertaining portion of the Unearthly, Yellow if equal, and Green if am hip-deep in rough manuscripts for column. About a year ago (in DRAGON® Endurance is greater than Unearthly). the Advanced Set — an expansion, not a issue #97), I did a column on Talisman™, Jeffries may only use existing metals, revision or rewrite of the game. One of Box™, and Guardian™ of Alpha Flight. since he cannot create them, but his the most frequently made comments I’ve Since that time, Canada’s protectors power is such that he can transform a received is a request to not create a have added another pair of super-pow- standard car into a 9’ tall killer robot. different game system, so that there will ered members: transmutator Madison Madison can talk and move while using be MSH Original Set adventures and Jeffries™ and Heather Hudson™ as the his power, but a serious break in his MSH Advanced Set adventures. These new Vindicator™. While we’re at it, we concentration (such a damage-inducing same requests also asked for more rules, should also note the members of Alpha attack) will cause his creation to freeze more definitions and options, and more Flight’s greatest super-foe team — in its last position. things to do. Delphine Courtney™ Smart Alec™, Talents: Madison served in Vietnam For this reason, the MSH Advanced Set Flashback™, Diamond Lil™, and Wild with the United States Army has a will build on the original game, provid- Child™ of Omega Flight. In this issue and ing more depth to the existing rules — the next, we will deal with Alpha and including, but not limited to: Omega. * Expanded character generation; * More combat options and actions; MADISON JEFFRIES™ * An expanded universal table to handle Transmutator, hero the real heavyweights of the Marvel Fighting: TYPICAL (6) Universe™ (the prototype has a column Agility: TYPICAL (6) labeled “Beyond”); Strength: TYPICAL (6) * More uses for Karma; Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) * Suggestions for setting up your own Reason: GOOD MARVEL SUPER HEROES Campaigns, (10) Intuition: GOOD both inside and outside the Marvel (10) Psyche: REMARKABLE (30) Universe; * More information and rules on Health: 48 Resources and Popularity; and, Karma: 50 * Other neat stuff. Resources: POOR In other words, it will have what Popularity: 0 everyone has been writing in to say that Known powers: they’d like to see in an expansion of the game. We are considering a couple of TRANSMUTATOR: Jeffries has Unearthly 64-page books for the new boxed set, control over all metals in a 2-area range but may have to go to 96 pages each if around him. He may assemble complex there is enough material (and it looks and intricate mechanical and electronic like there is). Plus, there are more maps, devices, and operate them by force of three-dimensional figures, character will. The modified metal retains its origi- cards, and everything you need for a nal material strength, which also serves

78 FEBRUARY 1986 mechanic. He has an Unearthly under- VINDICATOR™ standing of Mechanics (though this is Heather MacNeil Hudson mostly intuitive; he cannot invent new items, but he may create things from All of Heather’s powers derive from other people’s designs), and he has the the Vindicator suit she wears. Statistics Military skill. to the left of a slash represent her nor- mal abilitites; those to the right are her Jeffries’s story: Madison Jeffries has uprated abilities with the suit fully the ability, possibly mutant in origin, to powered. A manipulate metal materials, alloys, and components by force of will. His brother Fighting: TYPICAL (6) Lionel possessed similar powers, only Agility: GOOD (10)/INCREDIBLE (40) his were directed towards organic mat- Strength: TYPICAL (6)/ ter. Madison felt himself an outcast and REMARKABLE (30) did little with his skill, while Lionel used Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) his ability to become a surgeon. Both Reason: GOOD (10) brothers served in Vietnam — Madison Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) as a mechanic, Lionel as a medic. When Psyche: GOOD (10) their squad was wiped out, Lionel went Health: 42/96 mad trying to reassemble and reanimate Karma: 40 the bodies of his dead comrades. Madi- Resources: GOOD (government funding) son subdued his brother using his own Popularity: 4 transmutation power. Lionel, now known as Scramble the Mixed-up Man™, Known powers: was placed in hospital isolation. BODY ARMOR: The steel mesh Vindica- After his return, Lionel drifted, ill-at- tor battlesuit is reinforced by a personal ease with his abilities. James MacDonald force-field generator and provides Hudson, the original Guardian, located Amazing protection from physical Jeffries and recruited him for Depart- attacks, with Incredible protection from ment H. Jeffries was made part of energy attacks. The field dampens Gamma Flight™, the team containing the blows, so the wearer may be Slammed newest recruits, when Department H but not stunned. This protection applies folded. Out of work again, Madison when the field is “on” (as when the suit Jeffries drifted off. is in flight or firing weapons). When the Jeffries returned to Alpha Flight fol- suit is off, it serves as Good protection. lowing the death of James Hudson at the hands of Omega Flight. Roger Bochs’s FLIGHT: Heather can fly at 7 areas per invention, Box, was used by by Jerry round by manipulating electromagnetic Jaxon™ to kill Guardian, and Bochs now Energy through the suit. The force field felt responsible for Hudson’s death. prevents wind injuries to her. Bochs recruited Jeffries to help him build a new, improved Box to hunt ENERGY BEAM: The suit can fire a bolt down Omega Flight. Jeffries agreed, of electromagnetic force once per round mainly because he liked Hudson for from its gloves, with a range of areas, giving him a chance to use his powers in 10 inflicting up to Incredible concussive a positive fashion, and he wanted to (slugfest) damage. bring Omega Flight in as well. Box joined Alpha Flight, but it was Jeffries who defeated Omega Flight. TRANSPORT: There is no indication that Jeffries’ automotive killer-robot creation the recreation of the Vindicator armor killed one of Flashback’s future forms has this function, but this is included in and beat the rest of the group senseless. the event that it has been developed by Jeffries then dismantled the team’s Roger Bochs. This is a special form of robotic leader, Delphine Courtney, in a transport that operates by negating the matter of seconds. wearer’s inertial position with regards to Following the battle with Omega the rotation of the earth. The earth Flight, Jeffries became a de facto mem- rotates beneath the wearer, transporting ber of Alpha Flight. While he doesn’t go her up to a thousand miles west in an into the field with the team, Jeffries hour (at the equator). On-board com- maintains the devices in Alpha Flight’s puters prevent sudden impact with tall headquarters, including its version of structures and will cease movement the “Danger Room.” He also makes should such a structure be encountered. All Marvel Characters, their likenesses, and MARVEL SUPER repairs on the Box armor, and with HEROES are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright Bochs’s help has rebuilt the Guardian/ DIGGING: Hudson’s original design for 1985 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Vindicator armor for Heather. the armor was as a petrochemical explo-

D RAGON 79 ration device. Heather may tunnel at 3 James Hudson’s death left Heather allowed her to mimic others with areas/round, or 2 areas/round if forming emotionally shattered. Picking up the Incredible ability, but it took 1-10 weeks a tunnel for others to crawl through pieces of her life, she decided to keep for her to adopt any given identity. after her. Alpha Flight together, or else all that Delphine Courtney’s story: Delphine Mac had accomplished would be for Courtney was constructed by the Special naught. She stayed with the team as a VISORS: Heather wears a special set of Developments Department of Roxxon non-super-powered leader. Mac then polarized prescription eyeshields which Oil™; she was a highly developed robot reappeared, but this “Guardian” was in protect her from bright lights of up to with artifical intelligence and open- reality the robot Delphine Courtney Remarkable intensity. Without the ended deductive capacity that made her (a.k.a. Dark Guardian™), who (along with eyeshields (or her normal glasses), effectively sentient. She was sent to Omega Flight) sought to rescue Smart Heather is very nearsighted and will not Jerry Jaxon to help him recover the Alec, trapped in the medicine bag of be able to make out objects more than Guardian technology; on Jaxon’s orders, Shaman™. Delphine was destroyed by one area away (Intuition reduced to she gathered together the members of Madison Jeffries, but the components of Poor when without her lenses). Omega Flight and kidnapped Heather the robot’s suit remained. Hudson to lure James Hudson to his Jeffries and Roger Bochs rebuilt the death. Jaxon was apparently slain in the Heather’s story: Heather MacNeil was suit to its present state, which appears battle, but with the defeat of Omega first a secretary with Am-Can Petro- similar to that as developed by James Flight, Delphine escaped with Jaxon’s Chemical™, where she first met James Hudson. After refusing the impulse to body. MacDonald Hudson, “Mac” had devel- follow in her husband’s footsteps, In the time that followed, Courtney oped a super-powered exploration suit Heather donned the suit when it became continued to pursue her programming for the company, but he resigned upon obvious that her lack of super-powers set by Jaxon: to destroy Heather Hudson discovering the suit was to be sold to the made her a liability to a weakened team. and Alpha Flight. To that end, she devel- U.S. military. Hudson then broke into She has sought out the aid of Puck and oped a version of Guardian’s suit and the company and stole his original Wolverine™ to give her the combat train- masqueraded as him, meanwhile regath- designs, created before his employment ing she needs. The above statistics ering the original members of Omega there. Heather resigned as well; upon reflect only her abilities when she first Flight. Defeating Alpha Flight, Courtney discovering that Mac had taken his donned the suit, and they may improve attempted to free Smart Alec from invention back, she encouraged the with further training. unemployed scientist to approach the Shaman’s medicine bag. She instead Canadian government. turned the bag inside out, releasing the At Heather’s urging, the Prime Minis- DELPHINE COURTNEY™ dimension within. Courtney and Omega ter authorized the creation of Depart- Robot villain, destroyed Flight left Alpha Flight to its fate and ment H, a secret government operation fled, only to be stopped by Madison Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) geared towards super-human powers. Jeffries. Agility: EXCELLENT (20) With the historic flight that created the Jeffries proceeded to turn Courtney Strength: EXCELLENT (20) Fantastic Four™, Hudson sought to emu- inside out, presumably ending her crimi- Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) late Reed Richards and formed his own nal career; her components were later Reason: GOOD (10) team of super-powered heroes. Hudson used to build a new suit of Vindicator Intuition: AMAZING (50) continuously refined his suit; under the armor. It is unknown if the creation of Psyche: INCREDIBLE (40) various names of Weapon Alpha™, Delphine Courtney was a singular event Vindicator, and Guardian, he became the Health: 80 or if others of her type exist, nor is it leader of Alpha Flight. Karma: 100 known if Roxxon posesses the Guardian Heather and Mac married, and she Resources: EXCELLENT technology or even if Jaxon may still supported her husband in his super- Popularity: 0 survive in some form. If any of the powered life. Mac became depressed above is true, then Alpha Flight has not Known powers: when the government disbanded seen the last of this menace. Department H, and when Canada was GUARDIAN ARMOR: While masquarad- threatened by an Elder Beast™ known as ing as Guardian, Delphine wore a suit Tundra™, he set out alone to fight it. It that duplicated most of Guardian’s was Heather who called in the rest of powers. This suit became the basis for Alpha Flight, including the most promis- the Vindicator armor that Heather ing members of Beta Flight™ (Puck™ and Hudson now wears. As such, Delphine Marrina™), to aid him. in this form had all the listed abilities for While Alpha Flight fought for Canada, Vindicator above. Hudsons’s former boss, Jerry Jaxon, BODY ARMOR: Delphine’s insulated conspired to get revenge on Hudson and metallic covering provided Excellent his creations. Recruiting outcast mem- protection from all physical and energy bers of Beta and Gamma Flights, Jaxon attacks. formed Omega Flight and lured Heather into a trap. Using Heather as bait, SHAPE-SHIFTING: Delphine had limited Omega Flight ambushed Guardian and shape-shifting ability owing to her con- Next issue: Alpha and Omega con- Alpha Flight. Omega Flight was defeated, struction. As a robot, her body can be cludes with the rest of Omega Flight: but a malfunction in Guardian’s suit rebuilt, her voice changed to mimic Diamond Lil, Flashback, Smart Alec, and destroyed him before Heather’s eyes. another individual, etc. Her builders Wild Child.

80 FEBRUARY 1986 by Jeff Grubb Last month, we dealt with a new mem- ber of Alpha Flight™ (Mr. Jeffries™), an old/new member (Vindicator™), and an old foe (Delphine Courtney™, a.k.a. Dark Guardian™). This month, we finish up with the rest of Courtney's cohorts in Omega Flight™: Smart Alec™, Diamond Lil™, Flashback™, and Wild Child™. While we're at it, here are three other inhabitants of Alpha Flight's comic pages —Scramble™, Deadly Ernest™, and Nemesis™. Have fun!

DRAGON 83 All Marvel characters, their likenesses, and MARVEL SUPER Following the disbanding of Gamma appearance in Gamma Flight. She, too, HEROES are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. ©1985 Flight, Thorne drifted, as did many was cut loose after Department H Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries. All Rights Reserved. members of the team. He regarded most folded, and she was recruited by ordinary work as too tedious or Delphine Courtney into Omega Flight. demeaning to a man of his intelligence. Diamond Lil has no powers other than Eventually, he was recruited by her apparent indestructibility. She is SMART ALEC™ Delphine Courtney into Omega Flight, proud, haughty, and egotistical. She and Alec Thorne and he served as the team’s field leader Madison Jeffries were close when they in their battle against Alpha Flight. were in Gamma Flight, but Jeffries Statistics to the left of the slash are In that battle, Smart Alec stole the turned her over to the authorities after Thorne's natural abilities; those to the medicine bag belonging to Shaman™, defeating Omega Flight. right are his enhanced abilities with the Alpha Flight’s Sarcee mystic. Shaman encephalo-helmet. had been taught by his grandfather Fighting: TYPICAL (6) never to look into the bag, which was a FLASHBACK™ Agility: GOOD (10) gateway into a mystic dimension. Real name unrevealed Strength: POOR (4) Thorne did exactly this, his senses Endurance: GOOD (10) enhanced by the encelphalo-helmet, and Fighting: TYPICAL (6) Reason: INCREDIBLE (40)/AMAZING (50) this action apparently cost Thorne his Agility: TYPICAL (6) Intuition: EXCELLENT (20)/lNCREDIBLE sanity and paralyzed his physical form. Strength: TYPICAL (6) (40) Unable to help the criminal, Shaman Endurance: GOOD (10) Psyche: GOOD (10) reduced Alec’s form and stored it in his Reason: GOOD (10) medicine bag. Intuition: GOOD (10) Health: 30 Delphine Courtney later turned the Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Karma: 70 bag inside out in an attempt to free Resources: TYPICAL Thorne from the bag, breaching the Health: 28 Popularity: 0 dimensional wall between our dimen- Karma: 26 Resources: POOR Known powers: sion and the one within the bag. Shaman and his daughter Talisman™ contained Popularity: -4 COMPUTER INTELLECT Thorne’s natu- the rupture, but it is not known if Known powers: ral powers allow him superior reasoning Thorne’s form is still within the bag. At FUTURE MEN: Flashback can summon and intuitive abilities, and he may present, Shaman, through a crisis of his his own future selves, creating numer- deduce facts and and make projections own confidence, has lost the ability to beyond the scope of most normal indi- draw items from within that realm. ous duplicates of himself with the same viduals. He does this on a successful ability scores and which act under his Reason FEAT, which allows him informa- control. These “future men” cannot tion otherwise not available in the cam- communicate future information to DIAMOND LIL™ paign (such as data on a hero’s secret Flashback, but can fight, move, and act Lillian Crawley identity). In addition, any group under according to his wishes. Each future his tactical leadership gains a one-rank Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) man wears a white-and-black suit similar increase in Intuition for determining Agility: GOOD (10) to that of Flashback, but with the white- initiative. Strength: EXCELLENT (20) and-black areas reversed, so the original Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) is always recognizable in his own ENCEPHALO-HELMET Thorne’s natural Reason: POOR (4) crowd. These future men may appear abilities are further augmented by an Intuition: TYPICAL (6) up to 2 areas away in any direction in encephalo-helmet, a device developed by Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Flashback’s line of sight. The future men Roxxon Oil™, which heightens his Rea- are creations of Flashback’s conscious son and Intuition to the levels listed Health: 150 mind and immediately disappear if he is above. In addition, the helmet extends Karma: 16 knocked unconscious. Flashback has Smart Alec’s vision deep into the infra- Resources: POOR summoned up to 6 of these future men red and ultraviolet spectrums, allowing Popularity: -5 at one time; to get more would require a him to recognize data within those Known powers: Red FEAT roll against his Psyche. spectrums. While it has not been shown, it is INDESTRUCTIBILITY: Crawley has an Smart Alec’s story: Little has been presumed that in the future, Flashback form of body armor that provides revealed of Alec Thorne’s past, save that will disappear for brief periods in order Unearthly protection from physical and be was a member of Department H’s to fulfill his duties in the past. On one of energy attacks. She can still be stunned Gamma Flight™ when that organization these trips, Flashback apparently dies or slammed by attacks of Good strength was shut down. (Quick note: Depart- while shielding Delphine Courtney from or better. Her other bodily parts are ment H of the Canadian Ministry of Madison Jeffries’s killer robot (see similarly indestructible, such that her Defense maintained three teams of below; also see DRAGON® issue #105). nails may rend things of Unearthly heroes: Alpha Flight, which performed Needless to say, this has rattled material strength and her hair may be actions in the field; Beta Flight™, made Flashback’s sanity, as he is unsure when used for Excellent Hack-&Slash damage. up of those whose command of super- he is going to die, though he is positive powers was less refined; and, Gamma Diamond Lil’s story: As with most of the method. In game terms, roll a d10 Flight, which included the newest members of Omega Flight, little is for every week this character is in the recruits.) known of Lillian Crawley until her campaign. On a “0”, the character disap-

84 MARCH 1986 pears (fulfilling a past request). Flash- &-Slash damage and may rend materials Jeffries has the Unearthly ability to back has summoned about a dozen of less than Excellent material strength. manipulate organic matter, He may images in all in the recorded stories of inflict up to Unearthly damage to beings Wild Child’s story: Most of Wild the Alpha Flight series; the last time he made of living tissue and may heal up to Child’s past has yet to be revealed. His returns to the past, he is attacked and Unearthly damage to living things each attitudes, however, have been clearly slain by Jeffries’s robot. Note that future round. He does not kill using these documented. Wild Child is a heartless, images summoned into the past have no powers (possibly as a result of his Hippo- feral, killing machine, as savage as volition of their own; they are controlled cratic oath), but he can twist living Wolverine™ in berserker fury, and has by the Flashback of the past. material around to create human mon- absolutely no restraint as to the taking strosities. Jeffries may even combine of other lives. several beings into one, with powers WILD CHILD™ and Health equal to the total of the com- Real name unrevealed ponent beings’ powers and health. Lionel Jeffries only performs these abili- Fighting: INCREDIBLE (40) SCRAMBLE™ Agility: REMARKABLE (30) ties by touch, and his target(s) may resist Dr. Lionel Jeffries Strength: GOOD (10) the change by making a successful Psyche FEAT for each round in contact Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) Fighting: GOOD (10) with him. Jeffries cannot restore lost Reason: TYPICAL (6) Agility: GOOD (10) Endurance ranks, nor does his power Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Strength: TYPICAL (6) have any effect on unliving beings (i.e., Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Endurance: GOOD (10) robots, androids, or zombies), energy Reason: GOOD (10) Health: 110 beings, or the dead. Intuition: GOOD (10) Karma: 32 Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Talents: Lionel Jeffries is a medic and Resources: POOR surgeon of Excellent ability. He also has Popularity: -5 Health: 36 Military experience. Karma: 26 Known powers: Resources: POOR Scramble’s story: Lionel Jeffries has TEETH AND CLAWS: Wild Child’s teeth Popularity: 0 powers similar to those of his brother are sharpened points, capable of inflict- Madison Jeffries (see DRAGON issue Known powers: ing Good Hack-&Slash damage. His #105), but while Madison’s power affects hands and claws inflict Excellent Hack- ORGANIC MANIPULATION: Lionel metal, Lionel’s affects living matter. At

DRAGON 85 first, Lionel learned to harness his abili- DEATH TOUCH: The touch of St. Ives’s Aurora™ and Northstar™ crossed ties and become a doctor. Both brothers bare hands acted as Class 1000 poison. Ernest’s path when Ernest killed an old served in the Viet Nam war, during Those touched were immediately slain if friend of Northstar’s. Aurora was kid- which their unit suffered heavy losses. a successful Endurance FEAT was not napped; while Northstar pursued, he Lionel, a medic, went mad trying to made, but they could be revived by encountered Nemesis, also intent on restore life to the dead bodies of his magical or technological means. How- defeating Ernest. In a subsequent battle, comrades. Madison had to restrain his ever, the victim’s life energy was stolen Nemesis cut St. Ives into many pieces, brother by using his own matter-affect- by Ernest in succeeding rounds, and the apparently killing him. ing abilities. Following his discharge, victim lost one Endurance rank each Deadly Ernest was made whole and Madison placed Dr. Jeffries, wrapped in round after being touched until irrevo- living again by Scramble the Mixed-Up a body suit and kept in isolation so as cably dead. Ernest had no control over Man, who was on a rampage in the not to touch anyone, in a Montreal this power. hospital where Ernest’s body was being hospital. kept. Nemesis again tracked down her Lionel Jeffries, known as Scramble the Deadly Ernest’s story: According to prey. Aurora, Northstar, and Box™ were Mixed-Up Man™, remained in that hospi- St. Ives, he lay dying in the trenches of slain by Ernest, but they were kept from tal until Heather Hudson™, leader of World War I when Death™ appeared to absolute death by the actions of Alpha Flight, discovered his existence. In him. Despite his pain, St. Ives rejected Nemesis, while Puck™ used the sword of hopes of recruiting a more powerful the grim spectre; this act apparently Nemesis to finally dispatch Deadly member for the team, she used her made him immortal, but it also gave him Ernest. Ernest has apparently found his Alpha Clearance to see Lionel. Lionel a killing touch that slew his wife upon final resting place in the Montreal Sub- attacked and twisted Heather’s body, his return from the war. Since that time, way, but as he was considered dead then went on a rampage in the hospital. St. Ives has operated out of Montreal as once before, this is no guarantee that he The arrival of Madison and Alpha Flight a crime lord. is gone for good. averted total disaster, and Madison helped cure his brother of his madness. Now rational, Scramble returned his twisted victims to normality. He is now NEMESIS™ FLIGHT By using her cape as a glider, seeking to regain his license to practice (First name unrevealed) St. Ives, and with some unrevealed magical or medicine and have a normal life. deceased technologcial support, Nemesis could fly up to 3 areas per round. Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) MAGIC: Nemesis had some limited magi- DEADLY ERNEST™ Agility: REMARKABLE (30) cal abilities, which she used to maintain Ernest St. Ives, deceased Strength: TYPICAL (6) the victims of Deadly Ernest’s touch Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) (Box, Northstar, and Aurora) in a semi- Reason: GOOD (10) Agility: EXCELLENT (20) living state. Her level of Magical ability Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Strength: GOOD (10) was Good. She was also apparently Psyche: REMARKABLE (30) Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) immune to Deadly Ernest’s touch. Reason: GOOD (10) Health: 96 Nemesis’s story: Nemesis was the Intuition: GOOD (10) Karma: 60 daughter of Ernest St. Ives. As a child, Psyche: GOOD (10) Resources: POOR she watched her mother die of Ernest’s Popularity: 0 Health: 150 touch, and she lived since that time only Karma: 30 to gain vengeance on her father. She Resources: EXCELLENT Known powers: used both high technology and the Popularity: -5 occult to create a blade capable of slay- BLADE: Nemesis wielded a blade forged Known powers: ing her father, and used mystic science by a combination of science and sorcery. as well to extend her own life until St. DEATHLESSNESS: This power was not Its blade is a single molecule thick, Ives was irrevocably slain. She first the same as the immortality of such allowing it to slice through Unearthly defeated Deadly Ernest when that crimi- beings as Hercules™ and the Olympian rank material with no effort, merely by nal had kidnapped Aurora, sectioning gods. St. Ives could not be killed in any slicing between the atoms. The blade him into pieces with a series of rapid normal fashion. He was immune to all also has some form of soul-stealing and passes. poisons, gases, and acids, and retained soul-storing abilities. Those slain by this Deadly Ernest still lived, however, and control of his body even when reduced blade will have their life-energies stored was reanimated after his component to many small parts (i.e., a severed hand within. In this fashion, Nemesis could parts were reassembled by Lionel could still move and attack). St. Ives return the life-forces stolen by Deadly Jeffries. Nemesis returned to hunt her could be slammed and stunned, but he Ernest to their proper bodies. With St. old foe, aided by Alpha Flight. Ernest was not effected by Kill results. He Ives’s death, his life force may be killed three of the group. While Nemesis never lost Endurance ranks for any assumed to be in this blade. Finally, the maintained them in a semi-living state, reason, and he still functioned if blade is dedicated to one purpose — Puck destroyed Ernest, and Nemesis reduced to 0 Health or below. It is slaying Ernest St. Ives. It informs its returned the stolen spirits to her assumed that lost portions of his body owner that St. Ives lives again in the father’s victims. Her task done, Nemesis were regenerated over time. He could event this occurs, and leads the bearer crumbled into dust. The blade survived only be permanently slain by the sword to him. Nemesis wielded her blade with her demise and can be assumed to be in of Nemesis (see below). Incredible Fighting ability. Alpha Flight’s possession.

86 MARCH 1986 by Scott Davis and Steven E. Schend

Castaways I: Rookies of the MARVEL UNIVERSE”

The “castaways” columns may yet be- influence and draw power from all people extend into longer campaign goals of un- come an annual event for readers of “The within a two-area radius of her body. covering the city official’s illegal activities MARVEL®Phile,” as we present characters These targets must be willing to support (e.g., the real reason Bandera is after him). who were written up for MU7 The her on some level and cannot be hostile Perhaps the heroes themselves, whether Gamer’s Handbook to the MARVEL UN- toward her in any way. With this popular in civilian identities or in costume, get IVERSE™, 1991 Character Updates, but support, she can perform the following swept up by Bandera’s power and find who just couldn’t be shoe-horned into that power stunts: themselves fighting alongside her against a 128-page product. These characters were —Rally: She can rally the group she is common evil. As stated before, Bandera is set adrift in an editorial life boat, and they with to fight alongside her for her cause, highly enthusiastic and doesn’t always pay just washed up outside our offices at but never simply for her benefit. heed to how much danger she is in; the DRAGON® Magazine. We hereby introduce —Energy Conversion: Bandera can fire a heroes may find themselves saving La them to you now that they’ve dried off bolt of energy from her staff, inflicting Bandera from overwhelming foes. and cleaned themselves up a bit (more force or energy damage equal to the num- characters will appear in later columns). ber of her supporters (e.g., 26 supporters Also, MU7 should be in stores now, so = 26 points of damage), to a maximum of hurry to get your hands on the newest Amazing (50) intensity. update sheets for your MARVEL SUPER —La Bandera’s supporters treat her as if HEROES™ game, including some of the she has a Popularity of 100. Of course, hottest characters of 1990 and 1991 (Ca- popularity doesn’t preclude common ble, Calypso, the Mutant Liberation Front, sense; if the supporters meet some threat and the new Ghost Rider) and some of beyond their ability to fight, they will Marvel’s greatest classic characters (Thor, leave. Mr. Hyde, all the Spider-Slayers, and Odin). This month, we have Bandera (from WEAPONS: Bandera wields a staff, both Wolverine #19-21) and Windshear and as a blunt weapon and as the focus of her Witchfire (from recent issues of Alpha power blasts. Made of Incredible strength Flight), all of them fledgling heroes. Their materials, the staff inflicts Good (10) blunt inexperience makes them unpredictable damage when used as a weapon. and daring against their foes, but it also gets them into trouble that might be more TALENTS: Bandera is a Weapons Special- than they can handle! Will these rookies ist with her staff. Bandera is also an excel- survive to gain the experience to become lent speaker, able to arouse strong major heroes of the 21st century? Pick up emotions from her intended audience. the dice and find out! ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Bandera is a young heroine, prone to exuberance and LA BANDERA™ the mistakes that come with youth. She is Real name unrevealed highly dedicated to a cause once commit- Revolutionary ted to it, and she possesses a strong desire to accomplish the goals she sets for her- F EX(20) Health: 80 self. With her determined sense of right A EX(20) and wrong, this young woman will be S GD(10) Karma: 36 quite a heroine after gaining some needed E RM(30) experience. R Ty (6) Resources: TY (6) In MARVEL SUPER HEROES campaigns, I GD(10) your heroes might be called in by an un- P EX(20) Popularity: 20 (see text) scrupulous city official who wants you to stop this young lady from inciting riots POWERS: among his dock workers or other employ- Leadership: La Bandera has the ees. This problem of not knowing who to Remarkable-rank mutant ability of leader- trust is a standard in comic books, and ship. She harnesses peoples’ beliefs and works quite well in game situations. Play unites them in a common cause, while she upon the heroes’ doubts over who is right gains power from their beliefs. She can and wrong in this case; this can always

DRAGON 79 HISTORY: Bandera’s early history has not has a healing touch) and a reformed vil- WINDSHEAR™ been revealed yet. It is known that her lain, Roughhouse. Again, Bandera split Colin Ashworth Hume father was a “big deal” in Fidel Castro’s with the group to gather factions of her Alpha Flight operative revolution in Cuba, but he became disillu- people together to continue the battle sioned soon after Fidel gained power. He against Caridad. F EX(20) Health 70 fled to Florida, became hooked on drugs, Wolverine and his group were captured A EX(20) and eventually died a junkie. It can be when Sister Salvation betrayed them to S EX(20) Karma: 22 assumed that Bandera’s vehemence and the forces of Caridad. Her son was still E GD(10) determination while fighting the corrupt with the army, and to protect him she R GD(10) Resources: EX(20) w/Alpha ruler of the country of Tierra Verde can turned in her companions. Bandera, with Flight be traced back to her father’s tragic life. her new allies, attacked the complex in I TY (6) Bandera began her public super-hero which Wolverine was being held captive. P TY (6) Popularity: 0 career by taking on the powerful villain This time, her revolution succeeded, but it Tiger Shark in the city of Puerto Verde. forced a creature created by the Deviant POWERS: With the timely assistance of Wolverine, race, Spore, to reveal itself. It had been “Hard Air” Generation and Control: Tiger Shark was driven off. Bandera then hiding in the body of Caridad. Wolverine Windshear can manipulate the properties led a short-lived revolution against Cari- and Bandera fought the Deviant-created of the air molecules around him, giving dad, the corrupt ruler of Tierra Verde. creature but it was ultimately defeated by him the following powers. During this attempt, she crossed paths the healing touch of Sister Salvation. —Flight: By propelling “hard” (com- with Wolverine again. They lost a battle When last seen, Bandera was in meet- pressed) air molecules behind him at a fast against the villains Geist and Tiger Shark, ings with her rebel partners, trying to iron rate, Windshear can fly up to eight areas but managed to escape in a helicopter out the new government—a task that she’s per round (Remarkable air speed). with Sister Salvation (Caridad‘s wife, who not sure she’s capable of. —Explosions: Windshear can compress large amounts of air within his area, then forcibly release all of it at once, causing an explosion of Remarkable (30) force that affects all targets except Windshear within the area. —Force Field: Windshear can erect a hard-air screen that grants him Amazing (50) rank protection against physical at- tacks, and Remarkable (30) protection against energy attacks. This screen can be generated only within two areas of Wind- shear’s position. Windshear can also change the shape of his air screen to form simple geometric shapes like cones, cubes, and globes.

EQUIPMENT: Battle Armor: Windshear still wears a suit of battle armor designed for him while he was a Roxxon “Para-Operative.” The suit provides Excellent (20) protection against physical attacks for Windshear alone.

TALENTS: None known.

ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Windshear is an amateur hero and has had some doubts about his ability to make the grade in the world of costumed heroes. He often acts impulsively due to his inexperience. When he gets nervous or put under stress, his British accent becomes more apparent. Windshear is not easily cowed or fright- ened into inaction, but he is still uncom- fortable in his role as a hero. He constantly looks to others for confirmation that he is doing well at his job, even though he commits himself fully in his heroics. He thought he did his work only for money when he was with Roxxon. Now, as a member of Alpha Flight, Wind- shear is realizing that he is a hero, despite his lack of experience and confidence. In your campaigns, Windshear might still be a confused and naive Roxxon operative, possibly taking orders to hunt down and 80 DECEMBER 1991 capture one of your players’ heroes. An- joined Alpha Flight and fought alongside Spell of Interference: This spell inter- other option might be for Windshear to the group against Headlok. Despite his feres with another spellcaster at a dis- turn to other heroes for help, if Roxxon inexperience, Windshear carried himself tance. If successful, it immediately stops wants his armor back and has deployed the well and was eventually officially named a her opponent’s spell from working. She is Serpent Society or some other villains to member of the team. able to cast this spell at Remarkable range return the armor—his body not included. and level. Alternately, Windshear could appear in your campaign city on a mission for Alpha WITCHFIRE™ EQUIPMENT: Flight. He could seek out your heroes for Ananym (last name unknown) Wands: Witchfire has used three differ- information or assistance, or he could Adventurer ent wands during her short career—a red accidently walk into the middle of a battle cane, a white wand, and a gnarled, wood- between your heroes and their arch-foes. F GD(10) Health: 56 en wand. Any information on the wands is If you have any British heroes, they might A GD(10) pure speculation, as magicians don’t reveal know or even be related to Windshear. S TY (6) Karma: 76 their secrets easily. These wands may be E RM(30) the source of her powers, or they may HISTORY: Alpha Flight’s newest, member, R TY (6) Resources: GD(10) as mem- augment existing magical powers. Windshear, was born in Canada. His moth- ber of Beta Flight er is black, and his father is a white career I RM(30) TALENTS: None known. diplomat from England. When Colin was P IN(40) Popularity: 5 young, his family moved from Toronto to ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Witchfire is England against the wishes of his mother’s POWERS: just a novice adventurer, but that hasn’t father. Nature Magic: Witchfire is a wielder of stopped her from letting people know her Colin was first seen in action when Nature Magic, a form of magic attuned to opinions. She is a forthright character Roxxon’s Denver facility borrowed Wind- the order of the natural world. A key to shear from the Super Human Division, this magic is the belief that all of nature is U.K. Branch of Roxxon to help against a part of a whole, so that everything has a mechanical growth in the lower levels of tangential relationship to everything else. the site. Box and Diamond Lil of Alpha (For more information on this and other Flight were also called in to combat the forms of magic, see MHAC9 Realms of ever-growing machine, which had hooked Magic.) into all electronic networks and had taken Witchfire is young and still learning her control of all the systems in the building, full powers, and she currently uses magic including security. The security weaponry at the Disciple level. Limitations are usu- pulled Madison “Box” Jeffries out of his ally associated with Nature Magic, but armor, though Madison did discover that Witchfire hasn’t exhibited any of these yet. there was a man in the middle of the Her use of wands as a focus for her spells security machine. might be a necessity rather than a choice. Forge of the X-Men was also called in, When Witchfire casts spells, magical fire given his intuitive knowledge and skill dances around her body, a unique mani- with electronics, but the site blew up as festation of her magical potential. Forge arrived to aid them. The explosion The following are the powers that was a result of Roxxon trying to “unplug“ Witchfire has exhibited so far, though she the machine by cutting off all power to the probably can use spells other than these. facility. Unless stated otherwise, Witchfire’s spells With Forge aiding Box, the heroes (and their effects) are cast at Remarkable tapped into the machine and found that rank. the man at the center of it all, the one was causing all the mayhem, was James Mc- Personal Energy: Donald Hudson—also known as Guardian Flight: Witchfire can fly at up to eight or Vindicator, the former leader of Alpha areas per round (Remarkable-rank air Flight. Box phased into the mechanical speed) portion of Hudson and brought out his Sensing Evil: Witchfire can sense evil up human consciousness by focusing on to a Remarkable range (eight areas). This Heather, Hudson’s wife. is not automatic, as is usual with this spell; At the beginning of his first chronicled she has to concentrate for this power to adventure, Windshear worked solely for work. money. During this time, he met and Universal Energy: worked with Forge and other heroes who She can cast a bolt of mys- did these dangerous things because they Eldritch Bolt: tical energy that causes Excellent force or need to be done. Windshear thus began thinking seriously about his motivations energy damage. and how he was using his powers. When Miscellaneous Spells: he found out that an explosion that killed Spell of Attunement: This spell causes many civilians was caused by a Roxxon materials within one area to adhere to employee, Samuel Higgins, Windshear quit other materials of similar composition. Roxxon and flew to Canada with Hudson, The spell affects inorganic materials only. Diamond Lil, and Box. Higgins vowed to For example, when a part of a skyscraper himself that Windshear’s armor would under construction fell, Witchfire cast this somehow be recovered by Roxxon. spell and the falling metal sought other Consequently, Windshear unofficially metal, thus adhering to the building.

DRAGON 81 with a strong will. warned by the Canadian government not Wolverine after a long and bloody chase. In your campaigns, Witchfire might seek to use their powers in public, but Vindica- Gamma Flight stuck together, though, and out any magic-users to learn more magic. tor and Diamond Lil were forced to battle broke Wild Child out of a maximum- Alternatively, she could seek the aid of the Nekra and the Scorpion in Winnipeg, in security cell. Wolverine tracked the mem- heroes to help her regain her wands from order to combat the plans of Llan, the bers of Gamma Flight to a factory, where the Sorcerer or some other magical or Sorcerer. Gamma Flight was duty-bound to he and Vindicator beat the whole team. At Alpha Flight foe (perhaps one who has stop them, but first the villains had to be the end of the fight, the heroes Auric and encountered your players’ heroes in the stopped. Witchfire used a spell to cut Silver left, heading for their homeland, past). Witchfire could also investigate any Llan’s controlling strings to the villains. China; Nemesis and Wild Child were either magic-wielding hero, gathering informa- Gamma Flight then arrested those mem- disintegrated or teleported in a flash of tion for Department H, since she and bers of Alpha Flight who were present, light; and Witchfire asked to join Alpha Shaman are consultants for the Supernatu- and the latter went along peacefully. How- Flight as a trainee. ral Sciences Division there. ever, the members of Alpha Flight who At this time, Witchfire started using a were captured quickly escaped jail to short, white wand with which to focus her HISTORY: Witchfire first appeared as a continue the fight against Llan. Gamma magic. Most recently, she wields a gnarled member of Gamma Flight when they were Flight found out and went after Alpha. wooden wand in battle. It’s unknown called in by the military to investigate a After a short battle, Talisman sent a men- whether these items focus her magic or killing spree in a neighborhood of Montre- tal picture of Llan’s amassing army to whether they are actually a source of al. Gamma Flight had been appointed anyone near Alpha Flight. This convinced some of her magical might. Witchfire Canada’s official superteam, since the the Gamma Flight members that the Al- shared one adventure with Alpha Flight, government was having a difficult time phans weren’t the real enemy, so the two the battle against Headlok, before being controlling Alpha Flight. An evil demon, teams joined together to defeat Llan. assigned primarily to Beta Flight for fur- sent by the Sorcerer, was beaten back by In the wake of defeating Llan, the Cana- ther training. She has also been assigned the combined group of Alphans and dian government both rescinded the ban to Gamma Flight as an advisor on super- Gammas. During this battle, Witchfire that it had placed on Alpha Flight and natural sciences. used a red cane as a focus of her magic recommended that the current version of and first exhibited the mystical fire that Gamma Flight be disbanded. Wild Child The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel surrounds her when she uses her magic, went berserk, thinking that disbanding Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. hence her “professional” name. Gamma would result in throwing the Copyright ©1991 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights When Alpha Flight and Gamma Flight members back onto the street, but she Reserved. next met, they were at odds with each was later captured by Vindicator and other. Alpha Flight’s heroes had been by Jeff Grubb

Thor, hero of the extradimensional realm of Asgard, is unique in that must of The his allies know him as his “heroic” self, as opposed to knowing him only in whatever secret identity he maintains at the time. Marvel®-Phile Spider-Man is a bit of a loner, but his alter- ego Peter Parker has had the Daily Bugle staff, his Aunt May, and a long string of lady-friends culminating in his bride, Mary By the Immeasurable Girth of Jane Watson, as friend and associates. It’s the same with Iron Man, Volstagg! who operates on his own as a hero and with a huge group of friends and allies as the president

88 DRAGON 1988 of Stark Enterprises. Even the Hulk has FANDRAL THE DASHING™ more friends as puny Bruce Banner than TALENTS: Fandral is a master of the as his monstrous self. FINHealth: 195 sword ( +1 CS in combat as noted above) But not Thor. Thor’s old secret identity A RM and has the Horsemanship talent ( +1 on of lame Doctor Don Blake had Jane Foster S AM Karma: 70 FEATS involving riding and dealing with as a friend, but that’s about it. No, Thor’s EMN horses). best supporting-cast members are natives RGDResources: RM of his home, Asgard: Sif, Odin, Heimdall, I EX CONTACTS: As an Asgardian of note, and Balder — and Grim Hogun, Dashing Fan- P IN Popularity: RM in Asgard, a good friend and ally of the mighty Thor, dral, and Volstagg the Enormous. IN with Asgardian women Fandral has the Court of Asgard, its rulers, Fair ladies and noble lords, we present and Thor himself as contacts. He has no the guys who stand at Thor’s side in bat- KNOWN POWERS: real contacts on Earth. tles of Asgard: The Warriors Three. Body Armor: Like all Asgardians, Fandral FANDRAL'S STORY: Fandral is a native has a dense body that provides Good pro- Asgardian who, with Hogun and Volstagg, tection against physical and energy at- helped Thor put down a mutiny inspired HOGUN THE GRIM™ tacks. by Thor’s evil and malicious brother Loki. Fandral’s good looks and courtly manners F AM Health: 205 Fandral’s Sword: Fandral’s sword, like make him the “lady’s man” of the Warriors A RM Hogun’s mace, is not enchanted but is Three. His tendency to court several S AM Karma: 80 made of the strong metals wrought by the young women simultaneously has gotten EMN smiths of Asgard. It is made of Incredible- him into deep trouble, and he has fore- R EX Resources: IN strength material, and Fandral fights at sworn his philandering life for the time I RM the Amazing level when using it. Fandral being. Whether he keeps to this vow when P RM Popularity: EX in Asgard may use both the edge of his sword (for confronted by the comely maidens of edged attacks) and the flat of the blade Asgard remains to be seen. KNOWN POWERS: (for blunt attacks) in combat. Body Armor: The massive cell structure of Asgardians provides Hogun with Good VOLSTAGG THE addition has met and befriended Sunspot protection against physical and energy ENORMOUS™ of the New Mutants and the young group attacks. Power Pack. F RM Health: 250 Hogun’s Mace: Hogun’s mace is made of A EX VOLSTAGG’S STORY: Long ago (by Asgar- Amazing-strength materials, and he wields S AM Karma: 60 dian time; by the way mere mortals figure the weapon with +1 CS on attack rolls. E Shift X time, it was long, long, long ago), Volstagg The weapon is nonmagical, though it was RGDResources: RM was among the most powerful fighters in built using the magic of Asgardian crafts- IGD the land, earning him the title “Lion of men, and has no special powers. PINPopularity: IN in Asgard if Asgard.” Many centuries of feasting and he’s paid his bar bill; RM drinking have spread his waistline, if not TALENTS: Hogun is a master in the use of otherwise his fame, to even greater dimensions. He his mace (as noted above), and in addition still asserts himself to be one of the pre- has the Horsemanship ( +1 CS for all KNOWN POWERS: mier warriors of Asgard, but in combat he FEATS involving horses) and Martial Arts seeks less-strenuous forms of conflict than A talents. Body Armor: Volstagg has the natural body direct attack. When storming a castle, for density of most Asgardians, and in addi- example, his first point of attack is the CONTACTS: Hogun is a member of the tion has much more “body” than usual to larder, to see if any enemies are hiding Court of Asgard and, as a member of the serve as armor. Volstagg’s exact weight is a among the breads, cheeses, and meats. Warriors Three, is a close friend of Thor. tightly held secret in the circles of Asgard, Volstagg is no coward, however, nor is he but may be safely said to be over one ton, unwilling to confront opponents, as many HOGUN’S STORY: Hogun is called “the depending on whether he has just walked a young Asgardian gallant has discovered grim” for his dour attitude and pessimistic away from a big meal or not. His flesh when he challenged the Lion and was sat outlook. He is more of a fighter than a serves as Excellent armor against physical upon after a short scuffle. talker, letting his mace speak volumes in and energy attacks. In a short trip to Earth, Volstagg made combat. Hogun is not a native of Asgard the acquaintance of the children in the proper, but of another land in the Asgar- TALENTS: Volstagg was a mighty swords- Power Pack, and he knows their true dian dimension. He has, however, proved man in his prime, and still has the Swords- identities. He has also adopted into his time and again his loyalty to the throne of man and Wrestling talents. Volstagg uses large and child-filled home two Earth boys Asgard and to Thor, the son of Odin. his incredible girth to his advantage in who lost their mother to an enemy of combat, and a successful wrestling hold Thor. Volstagg has a large family, and usually indicates that the massive Asgar- though he loves each and every one of ©1988 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights dian is sitting on his opponent. them a great deal, he finds that he must Reserved. escape domestic confines in the cause of Marvel, Marvel Universe, Marvel Super Heroes, and CONTACTS: Volstagg maintains the same high adventure. Of course, he must ex- all Marvel character names and likenesses are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. contacts as Fandral and Hogun, and in plain this to his wife upon his return.

D RAGON 89 The MARVEL®-Phile by Jeff Grubb

A quick personal note: The editor of the with lightning bolts of Monstrous stored in cyrogenic sleep. Bill was ARES™ Section of the magazine probably strength. selected from among his people to won’t mention it in his editorial, so I’ll 3. Dimensional Travel. By spin- serve as a guardian and protector of mention it here. Roger and his lovely ning the hammer in a certain fash- his people from a large field of con- wife Georgia are the proud parents of ion, Beta Ray Bill can span the testants by means of grueling mental their first child, John Michael Moore, dimensions, including the dimen- and physical tests. His leaders had born July 19, 1985. (I liked the name sions of Asgard and Olympus, and him mutated and bio-engineered, Pinball Godzilla Ozone Moore myself, can use this power to span great giving him the genetic structure and but only if it was a girl). Congratulations distances of space as well. Bill does traits of the fiercest carnivore in to the new parents! (Do I get paid, now, this with Unearthly ability. their former stellar empire. The Roger?) [No.] 4. Flight. By throwing his hammer result was a creature grotesque by Well, on to business. Dylan Nor- and grabbing the thong, Bill can fly the scientists’ standards but power- mington, of Portland, Ore., and a vast with Amazing speed while carrying ful enough to serve aboard the stel- host of others have put in votes to see as much as he can normally lift. lar warship Scuttlebutt. Sif™ and Beta Ray Bill™. As Odin™ would 5. Shield. By spinning the hammer Bill’s race set out for the stars, but say: SO BE IT! swiftly, Bill can deflect missiles, mag- were set upon by demons, agents of ical bolts, and energy beams of the lord of the Fire Giants, Surtur™, Remarkable strength or less. soon after leaving their homeworld. BETA RAY BILL™ 6. Alter Ego. Bill’s inhuman visage Bill and Scuttlebutt delayed the is the result of biogenetic changes Adventurer, hero to his people demonic hoards, allowing his people made upon him by his race’s scien- to escape. In catching up with his Fighting: UNEARTHLY (100) tists. Odin has passed on an enchant- fleet, Bill and Scuttlebutt entered our Agility: REMARKABLE (30) ment from Thor’s hammer that solar system, where the ship was Strength: UNEARTHLY (100) allows Bill to regain his original boarded by the mighty Thor on an Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) humanoid form. In this orange, investigative mission. Bill mistook Reason: REMARKABLE (30) noseless form, he has the following Thor for one of his demonic foes Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) abilities: and defeated the Thunder God when Psyche: AMAZING (50) F A S E Thor had been without his hammer Health: 330 Exce Exce Exce Exce for one minute and unintentionally Karma: 100 R I P changed into Dr. Donald Blake. Dam- Resources: GOOD Rema Exce Amaz aged, Scuttlebutt crash-landed on Popularity: 30 Health: 80 Karma: 100 Earth, and Bill discovered the power of Dr. Blake’s cane (Mjolnir), trans- SCUTTLEBUTT™: Scuttlebutt is Bill’s Known powers: forming himself into a alien version sentient starship and long-time com- of Thor. Being a worthy and noble DENSE FLESH: Bill’s bio-engineered panion. This huge warship may champion, Bill was able to wield the body provides him with Excellent move at Class 1000 speed through hammer against attacking body armor. space and is armed with numerous S.H.I.E.L.D.™ forces. However, Odin Unearthly-class blasters. Scuttlebutt STORM BREAKER: Bill’s hammer, had need of Thor at that time, and has Incredible Reason, Incredible crafted by Odin and the dwarves of he summoned the false Thor armor, and is self-repairing. The ship Nidavellir, grants Bill several addi- instead, thinking him to be his son. crashed on Earth while being pur- tional abilities. Like Mjolnir, the ham- Odin quickly realized his mistake sued by his race’s demonic enemies, mer of Thor™, Storm Breaker is a and brought his true son to Asgard, but repaired itself within two days. It unique weapon made of Uru metal. where Thor regained his godlike has since fought alongside Lady Sif The hammer has the following form. Thor and Bill fought for the and Beta Ray Bill in later battles. enchantments. hammer Mjolnir in a battle to the 1. Returning. It may be thrown up Beta Ray Bill’s story: Beta Ray Bill is death, and Bill won. But, though he to 10 areas and will return to Bill’s a member of an ancient alien race defeated the Thunder God, Bill could hand the round after it is thrown. that lived in a distant galaxy. Their not bring himself to slay his honor- 2. Weather Control. The wielder civilization was destroyed by an able opponent. In gratitude, Odin of Storm Breaker has Unearthly con- explosion in the galactic core, and restored Mjolnir to Thor and, with trol over weather, and is able to sum- the survivors were forced to flee to a the aid of the dwarves, crafted a mon storms and strike opponents new home in ten thousand starships, second magical hammer, Storm 76 SEPTEMBER 1985 SIF™ Warrior goddess of Asgard Breaker. Odin enchanted it with Bill has since left Asgard to guide powers similar to those of Mjolnir, his people to a new home, accompa- Fighting: MONSTROUS (75) and, in addition, moved the enchant- nied by the Lady Sif, and returned to Agility: REMARKABLE (30) ment from Mjolnir to Storm Breaker aid in the defense of Earth against Strength: INCREDIBLE (40) that allowed Thor to become Dr. Surtur’s demons in New York City. He Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) Blake. Storm Breaker’s enchantment has proven himself to be a noble and Reason: GOOD (10) allowed Bill to regain his old human- dedicated fighter on the level of the Intuition: INCREDIBLE (40) oid form. Thunder God himself. Psyche: AMAZING (50)

D RAGON 77 Health: 245 ure to make the FEAT roll results in Karma: 100 jumping to an undesired dimension Resources: GOOD or to another realm within the Popularity: 15 intended target dimension). The sword is made of Amazing-strength Known powers: material. DENSE FLESH: Like all Asgardians, Sif has Good body armor resulting from the density of her flesh. (She Sif’s story Sif is the sister of weighs 425 lbs.) In addition, she is Heimdall™, the guardian of the Rain- immune to all terrestrial diseases. bow Bridge, and is the betrothed of the Thunder God, Thor. She was SWORDSMANSHIP: Sif is among the trained from an early age to be a greatest sword-wielders in Asgard, Shield Maiden, and is now one of the and receives an up-one shift when most accomplished swordswomen wielding a bladed weapon. in the realm, exceeded in skill only by Brunnhilda (Valkyri™, from ENCHANTED WEAPON: Sif’s normal DRAGON® issue #100). weapon is a sword enchanted by Sif’s dark hair is the result of the Odin. She may inflict Incredible trickery of Loki™. Sif was a playmate Hack & Slash damage with the of both Loki and Thor, but preferred weapon or Monstrous Slugfest dam- Thor to his half-brother. In retribu- age with the flat of the blade. In tion, Loki cut Sif’s golden hair off addition, by spinning the enchanted while she slept. To make amends, sword in a certain pattern, she may Loki went to the trolls to have them bridge the dimensions, allowing her forge artificial hair of gold to replace to travel between Earth and Asgard the lost locks. The future god of with Unearthly ability, and to other mischief cheated the trolls of their dimensions with Good ability. (Fail- payment, but the troll smiths had the last laugh; after Sif donned the hair and it began to grow normally, the tresses turned jet black. Sif was distressed by this turn of events, but has since learned to live with her ebony locks — though she now bears no love for Loki. Though a playmate of Thor, Sif was separated from the Thunder God for some time as Thor adven- tured on Earth and in Asgard. The two met again following the end of Thor’s relationship with Jane Foster and were soon pledged to marry. Thor’s adventuring on and love of Earth (Midgard) postponed the mar- riage, and recent enchantments placed on the Thunder God by Lorelei ™, the younger sister of the Enchantress™, has strained their relationship even further. Sif, meanwhile, has found a close friend and companion in Beta Ray Bill, and fought beside the alien war- rior in his battles against the demons threatening his people. She is very strongly attracted to Bill, and to some degree now understands Thor’s previous affection for mor- tals. How the relationship between Sif, Beta Ray Bill, and Thor will develop remains to be seen.

78 SEPTEMBER 1985 The Marvel®-Phile

by Jeff Grubb Welcome to the first in a series of arti- cles detailing the diverse denizens of the Marvel Universe™ for the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ Role-Playing Game. The fine folks at TSR, Inc., are bringing forth the most up-to-date information on the good guys and bad guys in adven- ture modules and accessories. The Marvel Universe is SO huge, however, that we are opening a branch office in DRAGON® Magazine to provide addi- tional heroes and villains, as well as more detailed backgrounds and histories on those heroes and villains mentioned elsewhere. For the first article, we thought we’d hit several birds with one mallet and take on the Marvel Universe’s mightiest fighter and a few of his foes. Without further ado, we present the Mighty Thor™, the malicious Loki™, and little Ulik™, too (with a tip of the winged helm to Bruce Nesmith, who first penned Thor’s stats for Avengers Assembled.)

THOR™ Norse Thunder God Fighting: UNEARTHLY (100) Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Strength: UNEARTHLY (100) Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) Reason: TYPICAL (6) Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Psyche: AMAZING (50) Health: 320 Karma: 76 Resources: EXCELLENT Popularity: 100 Powers: DENSE FLESH: Asgardians in general have tougher skin than mere mortals,

MARVEL characters illustrated by Walt Simonson ©1984 MARVEL COMICS GROUP, Division of CADENCE Corp. All Rights Reserved. 74 AUGUST 1984 giving them Good Body Armor. Thor is Thor has visited Earth several times in superior to most Asgardians, such that his long life. In the 9th century A.D., his his skin provides Excellent Body Armor. exploits caused him to be worshipped by the Vikings, a practice he encouraged SPECIAL WEAPON: Mjolnir, Thor’s until saddened by the atrocities commit- mystic hammer, is a unique weapon ted in his name by fanatics. During the constructed of the magical material Middle Ages, Odin dispatched Thor to called uru metal, a Class 1000 Material. Earth in mortal guise, where he became When using his hammer, Thor’s fighting the basis for the tales of Siegmund and ability is raised to the Shift X level of the Siegfried. chart. The hammer has been enchanted In the mid-20th century, Odin again by Odin’s magics, allowing Thor the sent Thor to Earth as a mortal, this time following powers: to teach the headstrong youth some 1) Returning: The hammer will always humility. Stripped of his memory and return to the spot from which it was powers, Thor became a lame medical thrown. Thor can throw the hammer student, Donald Blake. For several years ten areas. Blake studied and practiced medicine in 2) Weather Control: By tapping the the New York area; while on vacation in hammer on the ground once, Thor can Norway, Blake discovered the cave summon and control weather at an where he, as Thor, was born. Within the Unearthly level. He may create lightning cave was his uru hammer, disguised as a bolts of Monstrous damage originating walking stick. Striking the stick against from the clouds or his hammer. the ground, Blake became Thor. 3) Dimensional Travel: By spinning the Having learned the lesson of humility, hammer along a predetermined path, Thor has since given up his mortal form Thor can break through dimensional and now uses the secret identity of walls to cross into other dimensions, Sigurd Jarlson — construction worker. including his native Asgard. He retains his godly abilities in this 4) Worthiness: The hammer was secret identity. enchanted by Odin with this magic to For many years Thor has fought prevent it from being used by unjust or against evil on Earth and in Asgard. He malicious beings. Only the pure of heart was a founding member, with the origi- and noble of spirit may wield the ham- nal Ant-man™, Iron Man™, and Wasp™, mer. Other than Thor, the original of the New York-based Avengers, and owner, a being must have at least has always proved a tough match Remarkable Strength and expend 1000 against foes in both worlds. Karma (earned in doing good deeds In the time since Thor reappeared on totally) to wield the hammer. There may Earth, his hammer has lost two of its be only one worthy wielder at a time. original enchantments. The first, an Any artificial device may pick up the ability to travel through time, was hammer if it has Remarkable Strength. removed by Immortus, Lord of Limbo, 5) Flight: Thor “flies” by throwing his to salvage the planet of the Space Phan- hammer and grasping the thong, letting toms. The second, which transformed himself be pulled along by the hammer. Thor into Dr. Blake and back, was He may fly with Amazing Speed, can removed by Odin to be bestowed on an carry as much as he could normally lift alien champion, Beta Ray Bill, who in this fashion. bested Thor in honest combat. 6) Shield: By spinning his hammer swiftly, Thor can deflect all missiles and LOKI™ energy beams (including magical energy) Norse God of Mischief of Remarkable strength or less. This Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) shield will also protect those behind Agility: EXCELLENT (20) him. Strength: AMAZING (50) Talents: Though Thor prefers his ham- Endurance: AMAZING (50) mer, he is trained with the sword and Reason: EXCELLENT (20) receives a column shift to the right Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) when using one. Psyche: MONSTROUS (75) Thor’s Story: Thor is the son of Odin, Health: 150 All-Father of the gods of the dimension Karma: 115 of Asgard, and Jord, one of the guises of Resources: EXCELLENT the elder Earth goddess Gaea. As a Popularity: 25 union of Asgard and Midgard (Earth), Powers: Thor has powers far surpassing those of normal Asgardians. DENSE FLESH: Loki, due to his giantish

DRAGON 75 ULIK™ Leader of the Lost Trolls Fighting: MONSTROUS (75) Agility: GOOD (10) Strength: UNEARTHLY (100) Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) Reason: GOOD (10) Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Psyche: EXCELLENT (20) Health: 285 Karma: 50 Resources: INCREDIBLE Popularity: 20 Powers: DENSE FLESH: Ulik’s orange hide is tough even for a rock troll, and provides him with Monstrous Body Armor. POUNDERS: These unique weapons resemble Asgardian brass knuckles. They do not raise his fighting ability, but heritage, has Excellent Body armor. him to life in the (unlikely) event of his Ulik does 150 points damage when he demise. MAGIC: Loki is a sorcerer of Monstrous hits. In addition, Ulik can use the pound- ability. His spells, however, last only as ers on Earth, setting off earthquakes of Loki’s Story: Loki is the son of Laufey, long he concentrates on them — he must Monstrous damage to everything within King of the Giants of Jotunheim in the make magical talismans to holds spells of three areas, and Remarkable damage to dimension that houses Asgard. Laufey a permanent nature. He can create mys- everything within five areas. was defeated by the forces of Odin, and tic shields and fire bolts of mystic the god-sized child was adopted by the MINIONS: Ulik is commander of his energy for Monstrous effect, though this All-Father and raised in Asgard. As the own small band of warrior trolls. These, weakens his other spells. young Loki matured, his talent for prac- being normal trolls, have the following Loki uses his Personal energies to cast tical jokes earned him the title “God of stats: his thoughts into other minds (but can- Mischief.” One of his favorite targets not read minds), plant hypnotic sugges- (later a major foe) was his half-brother tions, cast his image in other areas, and F A S E R I P Thor, the Thunder-God. As Odin’s blood- see into other places. He may reach into Re Gd Re In Fe Po Po son, Thor was closer in Odin’s heart, other dimensions with these powers. which gave Loki jealous fits and made Loki taps Universal Energies to trans- These trolls have a Health of and his pranks even more malicious. 110 form himself and others into different Good Body Armor. With Thor’s return to Asgard after shapes and guises, enhance another’s learning humility, Loki has continued to Ulik’s Story: Ulik is the largest and power or ability by three ranks, or open plague the Thunder God. Loki was inad- strongest of the Rock Trolls of Gun- a physical portal between the dimen- vertently responsible for the formation dershelm Caverns in Asgard. His early sions (usually Asgard and Earth). of the Avengers, as it was his illusions history is a mystery, for he first comes Loki rarely uses dimensional energies, that caused the Hulk™ to destroy a rail- to the attention of Asgardian chroniclers since the powers he could evoke are road bridge and force the four heroes in his battles with Thor. Although evenly often more dangerous than he is. In together. Loki has tried to blacken matched, the rock troll has lost against general, Loki uses his magic to get oth- Thor’s reputation, has created or Thor repeatedly. By using a tunnel ers to fight for him, rather than taking a enchanced villains such as the between the dimensions, Ulik has direct hand in magical combat. Absorbing Man™ to battle Thor, has invaded Earth twice, only to be repelled LOKI’S TALISMANS: Loki can enchant tried to steal Mjolnir, and has led the by Thor each time. Due to his power- items and increase the abilities of others forces of the giants against Asgard in hungry actions, Ulik has been cast out of permanently by means of talismans. several attempts to cause Ragnarok and the Domain of Trolls by King Geirrodur. Loki can make these talismans using the the twilight of the gods. However, he has assembled his own Building Things section of the Campaign Loki has always been defeated in these group of followers from Gundershelm Book, by utilizing his Psyche score attempts; at various times he has been and other lost troll tribes. instead of Reason. A 50% chance exists turned into a tree, banished from Ulik would be the perfect pawn for that the talisman requires something Asgard, stripped of power and sent to one such as Loki — big, powerful, not- unique (such as a lock of Thor’s hair) Earth, turned to stone, and chained to a too-bright, and with a mighty hatred for that would require the God of Mischief mountain beneath a acid-dripping ser- the Mighty Thor. If Loki could open the to engage in some thievery. Up to five pent. Despite the elaborate nature of tunnel (closed by Thor) from Asgard to separate abilities can be enchanted in Odin’s punishments, Loki has always Earth, Ulik could once again invade one talisman, but no ability or power managed to bounce back with yet Midgard, while Loki would have the can be above Amazing. Loki has hidden another plan to harass Thor and endan- pleasure of bothering his hated half- a Talisman in his castle that will restore ger Asgard. brother again.

76 AUGUST 1984 MARVEL

by William Tracy HE MARVEL-PHILE T Castaways III: A god of lightning and a clone of thunder

Listed here are the last two castaways, classic, for your MARVEL SUPER Isles. The Celtic gods live in an otherdi- Leir and Nobilus, from MU7 The Gamer’s HEROES™ game campaign. It’s so packed, mensional realm known as Avalon. For Handbook of the MARVEL UNIVERSE*, in fact, that these two powerful beings just many centuries, a feud has existed be- 1991 Character Updates. This 128-page wouldn’t fit—broad shoulders, you know. tween the Celtic and Asgardian gods based book is packed with the best and the Since they both asked so nicely, however, on racial tensions and wars between their brightest Marvel characters, both new and we decided to include them in our “casta- worshipers. Recently, the Heliopolitan ways” crew. (How do you refuse a Celtic (Egyptian) god of death, Seth, sent a num- god and a clone of Thor?) ber of large, black-winged lions to ravage For more current Marvel information, the countryside of Avalon. Seth also sent turn to Steven Schend’s “Game Wizards” one of the beasts to Asgard, where it killed column in this issue, and read about the an innocent family. The last dying member new direction we’re taking with the 1992 of this family asked Thor to avenge their product line for the MARVEL SUPER deaths. Thor followed the beast through a HEROES game. dimensional portal into Avalon. Upon arriving, some of the Celtic gods accused Thor of killing a family who had actually LEIR™ been killed by Seth’s beast. Leir arrived on Celtic god of lightning and the spear the scene and began to battle Thor. Thor‘s friend, Hogun the Grim, had F UN(100) Health: 270 followed Thor to Avalon. Just as Hogun A EX(20) arrived, Seth’s beast appeared. Realizing S MN(75) Karma: 42 that the monster was the real killer, Leir E MN(75) helped Thor and Hogun battle the beast. R TY(6) Resources: EX(20) Mortally injured, the beast fled back I TY(6) through the dimensional portal. Thor and P RM(30) Popularity: 0 (50 w/ Hogun followed, to discover that the beast Celtic gods) had finally been killed by Fandral and Volstagg. Feeling that he owed a debt to POWERS: Thor, Leir led a number of Celtic gods into Invulnerability: Like most gods, Leir has Asgard when it was invaded by Seth’s Excellent (20) protection against physical armies. attacks, heat, cold, radiation, poisons, With the aide of the Celtic gods, the aging, and disease. He also has Typical (6) Asgardians were able to beat back the resistance to energy attacks. invasion force. While he was in Asgard, Lightning: Leir can create spears of Leir saw the goddess Sif and fell in love electricity, which he can hurl. These elec- with her. Leir later returned to Asgard trical spears can do up to Unearthly (100) with a friend, Caber, hoping to get Sif to Energy damage and have Unearthly range. marry him. He was able to get to Asgard He can also wield his electrical spears in even though Asgard was at that time float- melee combat. ing in the Negative Zone, and the Rainbow Bridge was broken. (The Celtic god of TALENTS: Leir is a Weapons Specialist druids and wisdom, Dagda, was able to when he is using any kind of spear, includ- locate Asgard and form a gateway from ing his lightning spears. Avalon to Asgard.) Leir found Sif there and asked her to marry him. Sif was intrigued CONTACTS: Leir can depend on support by the fact that Leir was able to enter from most of the Celtic gods. He has also Asgard, even though Asgardians were not aided Asgard in the past and can depend able to leave Asgard. She promised to on the Asgardian gods in times of need. marry Leir if he could get her to Thor, and if Leir could beat her chosen champion in HISTORY: Leir is one of the leaders of combat. Leir agreed and helped her find the Celtic gods, who were worshiped by Thor, who was in the Black Galaxy at the the ancient Celtic people of the British time.

DRAGON 71 MARVEL

Leir then brought them all back to rate of all beings on Earth. The New Men saw, the High Evolutionary had a mental Asgard just as Ragnarok began. Leir of Wundagore contacted Thor and asked breakdown. Nobilus and the other New helped the Asgardians during Ragnarok. him to help rescue Hercules and the High Immortals helped him back to his ship, After Ragnarok was averted by the brav- Evolutionary from the Black Galaxy, a then left the Black Galaxy. Before leaving, ery of Thor, Leir attacked Thor, mistaken- huge stellar mass made of organic materi- Thor and Nobilus came to a silent under- ly believing that he would be Sif’s chosen al. Thor agreed, and they managed to free standing of peace between them. champion. To Leir’s surprise, Sif chose to the two immortals from their imprison- be her own champion. She easily defeated ment (they had been captured by a Red ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Nobilus is a Leir and humiliated him. It is presumed Celestial). During the encounter, the High being constantly at war with himself. He is that the embarrassed god then returned to Evolutionary was able to get a cell sample usually a gentle and noble being, but he Avalon. from Thor. often goes into his berserk rage, making It seems that, during the rescue, Thor him a sincere but unreliable ally at best. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Leir is basically was aged by a strange organism in the a good being, but his arrogance tends to Black Galaxy that caused him to grow a The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel irritate the people around him. Leir thinks beard. Upon arriving back at Wundagore, Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. that he is the best warrior of all the gods Thor used the facilities to shave off his Copyright ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights and that he cannot be beaten. He is also new beard. He cut himself during the Reserved. slightly chauvinistic when it comes to shave, and one of the High Evolutionary’s females. He has not visited Earth in mod- New Men took the razor and got the cell ern times, so he is extremely confused by samples off of it. Unfortunately, at the modern machines and cultures. Leir has a time Thor was infused with the evil es- quick temper that causes him to jump to sences of Loki, which had happened when conclusions at times. Thor, Odin, and Loki protected Asgard from Surtur by themselves. The three gods had to share their essences so that NOBILUS™ they would have enough power to stop New Immortal Surtur. The High Evolutionary returned to the F MN(75) Health: 245 Black Galaxy and began to create a new A EX(20) race of gods. He created Nobilus from S MN(75) Karma: 16 Thor’s cell samples and the biological soup E MN(75) of the Black Galaxy, hoping his creation R TY(6) Resources: FE(2) would become the mightiest of his New I TY(6) Immortals. Unfortunately, Nobilus some- P PR(4) Popularity: 0 times goes into mad, berserk rages, caused by the taint of Loki within him. POWERS: Thor and Hercules arrived on the High Invulnerability: Since Nobilus was cloned Evolutionary’s ship while answering a from a sample of Thor’s skin tissue, he has summons from the Celestials to return to the typical invulnerabilities of a god: Excel- the Black Galaxy. They were followed by lent (20) resistance against physical at- Stellaris, an alien in a armored battle suit tacks, heat, cold, radiation, poisons, aging, who had sworn vengeance on all Celestials and disease, and Typical resistance to for destroying her planet. Stellaris got Energy attacks. aboard the ship and talked Nobilus into Berserker Rage: Nobilus was cloned helping her, then stole data concerning the from a sample of Thor’s skin tissue while location of the Red Celestial in the Black Thor was infused with the essence of the Galaxy and took off with Nobilus. Thor, evil god, Loki. As a result, each round that Hercules, and Juvan (one of the High Evo- Nobilus is in a stressful situation such as lutionary’s New Immortals) followed combat, he must make a Psyche FEAT roll. closely behind. Stellaris and Nobilus ar- If he fails the roll, he goes into a berserk rived and began to observe the Red Celes- rage, adding + 1CS to his Fighting and tial. Thor and the other arrived next. Strength scores. This does not increase his Upon arriving, Hercules was once again Health score, however. He will attack imprisoned in a huge metal box by the Red everyone and everything within reach Celestial. Thor rushed to the attack, as did while he is berserk. This will continue the Celestial-hating Stellaris and Nobilus. until he makes a successful Psyche FEAT The Celestial hit Thor with a beam of roll-check once per round after Nobilus energy that physically separated the latter enters his berserker state. from his other self, Eric Masterson. By this time, the High Evolutionary had arrived TALENTS: None known. with more New Immortals. It was soon revealed that the Black Galaxy was actu- CONTACTS: Nobilus can depend on aid ally the birthplace for a new Celestial. from his creator, the High Evolutionary. Stellaris flung herself at the new Celestial, destroying herself in the attack and pro- HISTORY: Nobilus is the result of one of viding the final energy for the Celestial’s the High Evolutionary’s experiments. Re- birth. Nobilus looked on helplessly during cently, the High Evolutionary and Hercules the new Celestial’s birth. supposedly evolved to a higher state after The High Evolutionary had connected the High Evolutionary’s abortive attempt himself to a special analyzing device dur- to artificially accelerate the evolutionary ing the birth. Overwhelmed by what he

72 FEBRUARY 1992 abilities and personalities Female Bamfs by Jeff Grubb dislike males ones, but they love Nightcrawler. I want the world to know this column is Bamfs were first encountered by Pirate being written under duress. I’ve been hip- Kitty™, but later were rediscovered by deep in the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ Nightcrawler of the Marvel Universe. Advanced Set for some time now, and I They regard the tall Kurt as “Daddy Bamf” strongly considered telling Roger that I because of his size, though no relationship was going to skip a month, so he could run between them has yet been established. a small note in the ARES™ Section saying that I’ve been sent to Xavier’s Home for MEAN™ the Woozy, in Westchester County, New The Fiend With No Name York About the time I reached this conclu- Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) sion, Roger bounced into my office, wear- Agility: REMARKABLE (30) ing his Nightcrawler™ outfit. “Really Strength: GOOD (10) looking forward to this month’s Marvel®- Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) Phile!” he chirped as I reached for my Reason: POOR (4) water pistol. “This is an important one!” Intuition: TYPICAL (6) “Important one?” asked the bleary-eyed Psyche: GOOD (10) designer (That’s me.) Health: 110 “The April Fool’s issue! You’ve got to do BAMFS™ Karma: 20 your Silly Characters of the Marvel Bamfs don’t need no stinkin’ Resources: Beer Universe™ Column!” badges! Popularity: 0 “Sorry,” I said, leaning back “There is nothing silly about the Marvel Universe” Fighting: GOOD (10) Known powers. Agility: GOOD (10) “What about Unlimited Class Wrestling? CLAWS: Mean has extremely strong claws Aunt May™ as the herald of Galactus™? Strength: POOR (4) similar to those used by Wolverine™, Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) and The Thing™ and the Torch™ wearing Bea- he may use them singly or all at once to tles wigs? Assistant Editor’s Month? And Reason: POOR (4) inflict up to Excellent damage on the Hack- where do those cute little ™s come from?” Intuition: GOOD (10) &-Slash column. The material strength of Psyche: TYPICAL (6) The conversation went on in this tone these claws is unknown, but is likely at the until my blue-furred editor spotted the Health: 54 Monstrous level. Nightcrawler Limited Series on my desk Karma: 20 UNDERGROUND TRAVEL: Apparently by “Oh, NEAT!” he cackled, leaping upon the Resources: Not applicable twisting himself around in a rapid fashion, issues and hanging upside down by his tail Popularity: 2 to read them “This would be perfect! How Mean can travel underground at five areas about doing the inhabitants of Kitty’s Known powers: per round. He can only travel through Fairy-Tale Dimension?” normal soil and material of less than Typi- TELEPORT: The Bamf race has the ability (The dimension to which he referred in cal material strength, and it is assumed he to teleport up to a mile in distance with his glee was a parallel universe in which needs a running start to do this. Incredible ability. They normally only modified dopplegangers of the X-Men™ teleport to areas in line of sight or those BEER: Mean always appears with a six- existed in a fantasy setting. Kitty Pryde™ that are known to them. They cannot pack of beer under one arm He does not had described some of those inhabitants carry others with them when they tele- part with it until it is consumed, which he and their adventures in bedtime tales she port, however. Bamfs always have the does by tossing the cans in his mouth and told to the young Illyana Rasputin (later initiative when they teleport, and their crushing them. His Fighting is only Excel- known as Magik™). Years later, ‘porting leaves behind a cloud of foul- lent if hampered by carrying his beer, but Nightcrawler accidentally traveled to that smelling smoke he may spit out the crushed empty cans as dimension, proving the inhabitants were missile weapons with a range of three more than just fairy-tale beings.) The Bamfs’ story: Bamfs are short, cute, areas, firing up to three of them per I shrugged my shoulders. Never argue blue-furred, oversexed natives of a dimen- round and inflicting Good slugfest damage with an editor who can teleport in a sulfu- sion located not far enough away from with each. rous cloud. The characters below our own. The Bamfs are hedonists whose appeared first in X-Men™ #153, and later attraction for the opposite sex is only Mean’s story: The origin of Mean (“I’m became the core of the four-issue matched by their use of the worst make- MEAN!!!“), also known as the Fiend with Nightcrawler Limited Series. Any similar- out lines in their dimension (or any other). No Name, is unknown, but the creature. ity between these characters and a certain There are Cabbage-Patch-sized male made its first appearance in Kitty’s fairy group of mutant heroes is pure and simple Bamfs, and slightly taller and more slender tale when he chanced upon the adventur- coincidence. Really. female Bamfs, but both have the same ers and joined them on a quest. The hero

D RAGON 87 large number of passengers on his back He can also hover in mid-air. FLAMING BREATH: Lockheed has a firey breath that can deliver Monstrous damage up to five areas away. He only uses this breath in emergencies or when prodded (poked hard with a sharp object). Lockheed’s story: Lockheed is the last of the giant supersonic dragons (he resem- bles an SR-71 Blackbird), and he has had several adventures with Pirate Kitty. crawler later encountered Mean in four-masted galleon is capable of making Lockheed is a devout pacifist and usually his travels through that dimension. Mean three areas a round with a good wind and seeks to save his hide if possible. is fouI-tempered but easily cowed by is manned by a trusted crew who can look Lockheed speaks with an Irish accent, and things much larger than he is, and he is a after things when Pirate Kitty is not he negotiates before taking on any riders. lot more bluff and bluster than true men- around Those negotiations usually include a prom- ace. His best-remembered quote is, “I’m ise that he won’t be endangered. This Pirate Kitty’s story: Pirate Kitty is one the BEST at what I do! And what I do Lockheed should not he confused with the of the premier adventurers of her world, BEST is guzzle b—uh, COMMIT small dragon pet of the same name, owned Lighting against injustice, righting wrongs, MAYHEM!” by Kitty Pryde. having adventures, and generally doing that heroic type of stuff. She is aided in SHAGREEN™ PIRATE KITTY™ her adventures by her true love and best Alien wizard Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) friend, Colossus™ (whose stats conform Agility: REMARKABLE (30) exactly to those of the X-Man of the same Fighting: GOOD (10) Strength: TYPICAL (6) name, including his ability to transform Agility: GOOD (10) into osmium steel) Pirate Kitty is similar in Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) Strength: GOOD (10) Reason: EXCELLENT (20) appearance and temperament to the Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) Intuition: GOOD (10) X-Man Shadowcat™, Kitty Pryde, but is Reason: EXCELLENT (20) Psyche: GOOD (10) several years older than her counterpart. Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Psyche: INCREDIBLE (40) LOCKHEED THE DRAGON™ Health: 60 Resources: Excellent Big Lockheed Karma: 80 Popularity: 15 Resources: Good Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) Popularity: -5 Known powers: Pirate Kitty, unlike her Agility: EXCELLENT (20) counterpart, Kitty Pryde, has no super- Strength: INCREDIBLE (40) Known powers: human powers. Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) MAGICAL ABILITIES: Shagreen has nor- Talents: Pirate Kitty is an exceptional Reason: TYPICAL (6) mally Excellent magical powers, but he is swordswoman, and she has a Fighting Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) limited under normal circumstances to level of Incredible with a sword (using the Psyche: GOOD (10) extra-dimensional energies and those flat side of the blade for slugfest damage). Health: 180 requiring rituals. Using those energies, he She is also a skilled acrobat (agility of Karma: 36 has displayed the following powers: Incredible when dodging). She has the Resources: Any that fit within his jaws * Create stone guardians with the follow- services of Lockheed™ the Dragon on call Popularity: 10 ing abilities: (the BIG Lockheed described below). F A S E Known powers: EXCE REMA MONS MONS SAILING SHIP: Kitty’s normal mode of transportation is by means of her pirate FLIGHT: Lockheed can fly up to 15 areas * Summon the Dreadwings, a flock of ship the sea rover Abdul Alhazred. This per round while comfortably carrying a demonic birds with the following stats

88 APRIL 1986 (10-100 appear per spell): F A S E GOOD TYPI TYPI GOOD * Create Dark Bamf: This spell melds the a squid-like balloon ship after a swordfight physical forms of many captive Bamfs into with Nightcrawler. an all-powerful superbamf that is under Nightcrawler soon afterwards fell into [It might interest the readers to know Shagreen’s control Dark Bamf is. . . well, the dimension containing Kitty’s fairy tale, that I did enjoy the Nightcrawler Limited not too bright Dark Bamf’s stats are: where he discovered Shagreen was alive Series, but that I do NOT own a F A S E and well and kidnapping female Bamfs. It Nightcrawler suit It might also interest GOOD GOOD MONS MONS appears that Shagreen has learned to the readers to know that Jeff Grubb R I P teleport in some arcane and unrevealed watches Punky Brewster religiously, and POOR POOR POOR fashion and he was still concentrating on that he refuses to play in any MARVEL * Cast anti-teleport spell By using this gaining greater power through sacrifices. SUPER HEROES game unless he can be the ritual, Shagreen protects an area of about Nightcrawler, aided by Mean, the Bamfs, Beyonder™. Join us next month for one mile in radius from all teleporters. Big Lockheed the Dragon, Pirate Kitty, another edition of The Marvel-Phile. — This is particularly effective against Colossus, and Windrider™ (an extra-dimen- Roger, the Road Editor] Nightcrawler and the Bamfs. No teleporta- sional equivalent of Storm™, with similar tion of less than Unearthly power may powers) put the kibosh on this plan. take place within the area. Shagreen was left in the dimension of Kitty’s fairy tale, under the custody of STAFF OF POWER: All of Shagreen’s long- Pirate Kitty and Windrider. term spells are maintained through his staff of power, and its destruction will result in their negation The staff of power is also either the source of or unique chan- nel for Shagreen’s personal and universal energy powers With this staff, Shagreen can cast up to Amazing-strength mystical bolts to stun his opponents in a three-area range, as well as surround himself with an Amazing-strength mystic shield The power in the staff also allows Shagreen to teleport with Monstrous ability and to take large numbers of beings with him when he does Certain mystical materials are immune to the effects of the staff The Staff is of Poor-strength material. Talents: Shagreen is skilled with sharp weapons like swords, gaining a one- column shift to the right with them. Shagreen’s story: Shagreen is a wizard of an alien dimension, and it is not known if he is unique or it there are others of similar appearance and powers Shagreen looks like a humanoid shark, and his tem- perament befits his appearance. When Shagreen first encountered Nightcrawler, the wizard had two objectives: to gain more power from extra-dimensional beings by sacrificing them (his candidate for the honor was the beautiful Jinjav Sabree, who was rescued by Nightcrawler) and discovering how to teleport. Shagreen apparently tell to his death from the top of Files from the Funhouse of Solitude

You know, I’ve been at TSR for a few years now, and I’m used to the late-night comings and goings of certain pipe-smok- ing wizards, but some really weird stuff keeps showing up around my cubicle when I’m on deadlines. I’m working late one night and I hear some high-pitched “cinema villain” laugh (You know: “Mu-hu- ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!”) just outside. I need a break, so I get up to see what’s so funny that has a co-worker regressing to such depths. The last thing I saw, at the end of a purple and red blur, was the head of a large blue sledgehammer. I woke up a few hours later, only to find my computer screen filled with the infor- mation below. The writing was something that would have failed my high-school English classes, but the content was fun, nonetheless. After much liberal clean-up work (on the text and my office—whoever put the grape jelly on my chair and the glue on my keyboard will pay for the dam- ages!), the secrets of Slapstick”, the hero who laughs at danger, can now be told!

SLAPSTICK™ Steve Harmon High-school class clown

F TY (6) Health: 92 A IN (40) S TY (6) Karma: 34 E IN (40) R PR (4) Resources: FB I GD (10) P Ex (20) Popularity: 2

[The above was all broad-mindedly translated from such material as “Slap- stick’s the worst buttkicker around and nobody can touch him and he’s smarter than the average bear and. . . .” You get the picture. Try to imagine the pain of this for- mer English teacher.]

KNOWN POWERS: [Well, this isn’t nearly as easy to translate. I think I’ll leave the original text in (though I’ll add at least a outta the same stuff that the rest of the plug me in, I get pretty pumped up in a semblance of spelling and grammar), and super-dudes use for costumes—unstable Charles Atlas meets Reddy Kilowatt sort- make my guesses afterwards.] molecules, ‘cept I’m alive and they’re not! of-thing! Anyway, like I said, nothing can hurt me “My four-fingered gloves (aren’t they “OK, lemme see . . . I’m totally inde- because I’m like a toon in that totally cool cool? It’s a pain when you gotta dial the structible, see? I’ve got a bod that’s made movie—pretty righteous, eh? And if you phone, though) now have some

48 FEBRUARY 1993 thingummy in ‘em that helps me out. The rank powers consciously, but he needs to Steve Harmon needs only to speak the left one’s got a button that lets me change make a Yellow Psyche FEAT to do so for words of power (“Klaatu Barada Nikto”) to from my ever-studly he-man self to my one round. become Slapstick! even-more-studly super-hero identity of Leaping: Slapsticks resilient muscula- D. Accidentally falling through an alien Slapstick quicker than the pep squad can ture and unstable body allows him funhouse mirror, Steve’s molecules were faint at the sight of a dissected frog in Biol- Remarkable rank Leaping (30’ leaps). nearly stretched across 3,741 dimensions ogy! The right one is my very own handy, Lightning speed: Slapstick can move at until an extra-dimensional scientist of dandy, ‘bag o’ tricks.’ It stores stuff inside Amazing (50) ground speeds (8 areas/ sparkling wit helped Steve master his awe- it somehow or other, and when I want round) when running normally. If pan- some powers. Steve then used his new- stuff, I wiggle my fingers and presto! icked (failed Psyche FEAT in the face of found powers to free lots of captive Instant access! I keep my hammer in danger), he can attain up to Unearthly Earthlings and fend off an extradimen- there all the time, and a good supply of (100) ground speeds (10 areas/round) for sional invasion of Earth by the evil clowns sodas, chips, and my gym clothes (gotta one round. of Dimension X! remember to let Mom wash those—it’s Energy conversion: Slapstick is affected been six months). All this and more! My cosmetically only by Physical, Force, or bestest ability to confound all evil-doers Energy attacks. However, if exposed to DR. DENTON™ (or at least those that mess with me) is my high-voltage electricity, his body absorbs Oliver Denton charm, my wit, my joie de vivre (that’s up to Unearthly (100) amounts of electric- Future mad scientist French for awesomacious life, dude)! ity per round and expands to a 7’ height Remember, Slapstick’s not in it for with exaggerated muscles (“Hero of the F FB (2) Health: 12 revenge or glory—I’m in it for the yucks!” Beach” model. Slapsticks Strength is A PR (4) increased to the rank of the electrical S FB (2) Karma: 44 Alter Ego: Slapsticks ego is high-school attack, but his Strength maximum is E PR (4) class clown Steve Harmon. They change Amazing (50) rank. This enhanced R RM (30) Resources: PR identities (and the properties of Slappy’s Strength can be maintained for 1-5 (allowance) body) by pressing the “biomagnetic pulse rounds (1d10/2) or for as long as Slapstick I GD (10) activator stud” on his left four-fingered remains exposed to electrical current. P PR (4) Popularity: 0 glove. Electroplasm Body: Slapsticks body is TALENTS: Trivia: B-, C-, and D-grade KNOWN POWERS: composed of “living unstable molecules” SF and horror movies; Smarmy jokes; Oliver is a mutant with enhanced Intelli- collectively called electroplasm. His gloves “Martial arts S” (Unique: +2CS to Fighting gence (Remarkable (30) rank) for his age. contain molecular stabilizers that hold his when resorting to combat tactics of com- All this means is that he’s able to avoid the body at a minimum level of coherence. edy films—eye poking, nose-kissing, etc.); minor troubles that most eight-year-olds This form mimics his human shape, but Hammer (+1CS to Fighting rank when indulge in, and move straight up to exaggerates every action due to its using his special sledgehammer). indulging in the serious, property-damag- remarkable elasticity and pliability. The ing troubles that most parents associate special properties of this electroplasm ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: If you were with teenagers, the X-Men, or Godzilla. body grant Slapstick these powers: the class-clown and were suddenly —Invulnerability: Slapstick is composed endowed with the powers and indestruc- TALENTS: Electronics, Engineering, of Unearthly (100) material strength “elec- tible nature of a cartoon character, how Mechanics, Robotics, and Mad-Scientist troplasm.” This doesn’t give him Body would you act? Rhetoric. Armor or perfect resistance to damage; it’s just next-to-impossible to destroy the HISTORY: How did Steve Harmon ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Despite all little guy! The effects of any attacks are become the most animated hero of the his grand designs, Oliver Denton is still an temporary on Slapstick: If he’s shot, his MARVEL UNIVERSE™? What is the spec- eight-year-old boy with many attitudes, body is riddled with bullet holes; if he’s tacular origin of the awesome vigilante needs, and wants of a typical child that blasted with a flame-thrower, he’s who plays cruel tricks on crime? How did age. Of course, most children can’t con- charred and smoking, but he keeps on he get out of detention long enough to vert their fathers’ cars into particle accel- smiling! Slappy ignores all Battle Effects earn his powers and battle his foes? You erators and giant robots. What does this Table results except Slams and Stuns, be the Judge and pick one below: kid act like? Get some old Universal SF which occur as normal. A. Prolonged exposure to radiation films, and watch the mad scientists. Now, —Elongation, imitation, plasticity, from years of sitting too close to the TV extract puberty, the wild hair, lab coats, shape-shifting: Slapstick has all of these took its toll. Steve Harmon made one of and the hunchbacked assistants (but keep powers due to his unstable body, but he “those weird faces for too long,” and it the maniacal laughter and the over- has no conscious control over them. The stayed that way. That should teach you to wrought, overdone, overbearing attitudes player and Judge can work on strange listen to your mother. and speeches). Dress him in some awful effects and uses of these powers for Slap- B. Midget aliens who sit in judgment outfit only mothers think their children stick, but they only kick in for limited over the universe (and take themselves look good in, and you’ve got Oliver. His amounts of time and only under extreme way too seriously) came down to Earth parents thought he was a normal child stress (stretches an extra foot to reach a and granted Steve his “Magic Four-Fin- until he answered that ad by the Mad bomb, swinging over the city with his gered Gloves of Power,” to protect Earth Thinker—“We’re looking for people who knees behind his head, bouncing upon from evil-doers. like to build androids.” impacts, face changes to famous cartoon C. Granted powers beyond mortal com- characters when in pain, etc.). Slapstick prehension by some old homeless guy can attempt to use these Remarkable (30) who lived beneath Grand Central Station,

DRAGON 49 TEDDY™ servitude, and join our productive work the secret life of the Terrible Techno-Tod- Humongous, unstoppable, rampaging force. Could he have gotten a job with no dler! (Be afraid! Be very afraid! NOT!) Since killer android appreciable skills beyond a dazzling I was leaving the place at a much more smile? I guess we’ll never know. depressed pace than I arrived, I barely F GD (10) Health: 100 noticed when the street lights flickered A GD (10) ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: The one along the entire street, but I heard the S IN (40) Karma: 6 thing you need to understand about woman of my dreams scream! Changing E IN (40) Teddy is his sparkling dialogue (“Teddy go to Slapstick, I stormed the house, ready to R FB (2) Resources: NA on mindless rampage! Teddy win fight, get defend Barb from . . . an eight-year-old kid I FB (2) babes!”). You just can’t buy conversation wearing red and yellow pajamas, a towel P FB (2) Popularity: NA like that anymore. for a cape, and a football helmet. (Sheesh! Even I had better taste in costumes when I KNOWN POWERS: HISTORY: [Once again, we have Slap- was eight.) Just when I figure I’ve gotten Robotic construction: Teddy has Class stick’s words, loosely translated into Eng- the lamest Rogues’ Gallery this side of 1000 Resistance to disease, aging, mind lish.] Squirrel Girl, I got clocked good by a metal control, and powers that affect the human “What’s this kid’s problem? Darned if I fist the size of Toledo! I chose that time to mind and emotions (like “Leave it to know! Geez, all I know is that I finally got fake like I was knocked out so they Beaver” re-runs). Of course, it is subject to the nerve up to call that major babe, Barb wouldn’t bother Barb. Really. I had ‘em attacks that control machinery. Halsey, and she wanted me to meet her at right where I wanted ‘em. Really. Body Armor: Teddy’s metallic hide the Dentons’ place where she was baby- “Ok, so I come to and I’m trapped in granted it Remarkable (30) rank protec- sitting, right? (Can you believe that? Barb what looks like Victor Frankenstein Jr.‘s tion from physical harm. This, of course, Halsey! No, I’m not kidding! I couldn’t room. I goaded him into torturing me to does nothing to protect its poor, artificial believe it either!) Anyways, I took my bike protect Barb, swiftly tricking him into psyche from the damaging psychological over (must have hit somewhere around pumping me full of electricity. Before any- effects of the random acts of senseless vio- Mach three—my ears were ringing, but one could scream ‘It’s alive! Alive, I tell lence visited upon him by a cruel, manip- hey, did my hair look good! So, I go to the you! Alive! Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!‘, I’m more ulative, world. door, expecting Barb to answer the door, pumped up than the Hulk having a bad Weakness: Read the signs, kids! “Don’t when it opens to reveal Vinnie! Yeah, Vin- hair day! Before the midget can blindside feed monkey wrenches to the androids!” nie ‘the living wall’ linebacker of the me with his erector-set-of-doom, I figure school football team! Barb made some I’ll take the controls away from him. TALENTS: None, and isn’t that sad? excuse, but I wasn’t quite listening at that Guess I don’t know my own strength, but I Suppose Teddy had wanted to go out into point. Her loss, right? Yeah, sure. smash the controls. Great—one walking, the real world, leaving behind a life of “Well, where the heck was I? Oh, yeah— talking, bucket-of-bolts giving new mean- ing to the words ‘delinquency, violence, and a general disregard for authority can be traced to heavy metal.’ “Well, the hero wins the day, gets the girl, and doesn’t even get in trouble for the mess he made! What? Oh, okay, so I had some help from the kid! Hey, I had to show Barb what a compassionate guy I am, forgiving mine enemy and all that jazz. So the kid plugs me in and feeds me maximum wattage so’s I can teach his robot a thing or two about mindless rampaging (having been a major fan of it since I was four). Any- way, a few rounds with the hyperthyroid tinkertoy did nothing but move some furni- ture (and some walls), so I took a recipe from Mother’s Delicacies of Destruction: Take one (1) robot/android/synthezoid/ artificial being; insert one (1) wrench in mouth; and bango! Teddy’s tummy got the better of him. Dr. Denton won’t be plaguing anyone with killer androids or death rays anytime soon. He won’t even be sitting down for a while without remembering that you don’t mess with Slapstick! But the best part about it—Barb Halsey has the hot and heavies for me! I mean Slapstick! I mean Aarrgh! This secret identity stuff can be a real drag sometimes.”

The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Enter- tainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1993 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

50 FEBRUARY 1993 MARVEL T HE MARVEL ® - PHILE

Dipped in magic, clothed in science

by Dale A. Donovan

Yes, it’s back. After a year’s absence, the Limitations: Cap’s powers are limited in costume symbolic of his role, and gave column devoted to the best and the bad- that they are directly linked to the mystical him a mystic star-scepter to amplify his dest characters of the Marvel Universe energies inherent in the British Isles. The abilities. again graces the pages of DRAGON® Maga- farther he journeys from his home islands, Cap battled various criminals and super- zine. Why? Simple—I believe it deserves a the weaker he becomes. His current cos- human menaces for a time, then mysteri- spot here. The MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ tume stores these energies within itself, ously disappeared. He was subsequently Advanced Set is one of my favorite game allowing a certain leeway before power found by the Black Knight. A victim of systems, and I always looked forward to degeneration sets in (see “Costume”). amnesia, Cap accompanied the Black the next “Phile” column. Now “The Marvel- Knight on a quest to save Camelot, a jour- Phile” has returned and is here to stay. EQUIPMENT ney that took them across various dimen- What I hope to do is to keep you informed Costume: Cap formerly believed that all sions. During this quest, Merlin returned on the ever-changing characters of the his powers were granted by his red, blue, Cap and his then-companion, the elf Jack- Marvel Universe, with character updates and white costume. He recently discov- daw, to Earth. En route, Merlin trans- and statistics for some of the new or more ered that his suits (he has worn several formed Cap’s star-scepter into a lattice of offbeat individuals that appear in Marvel throughout his career) merely amplified mystical “micro-circuitry” and inlaid that comics. his own intrinsic superhuman abilities. into what was until recently his current To start things off on the proper foot, Each such costume stores the mystical costume. this month I’ll give you an update on Cap- energy that gives Cap his powers. Allow a Once back on Earth, Cap battled an tain Britain, a man who’s learned an awful 6-8 hour lag time before Cap is detrimen- extradimensional madman, Jaspers, and lot about himself lately, and I’ll introduce tally affected by his absence from Britain; his foul machinations. Cap eventually you to Roma, a lady who has been getting after that, decrease Cap’s strength, endur- triumphed, saving the world, although around the Marvel Universe quite a bit ance, force field, and flight by -1CS for part of the price of victory was Jackdaw’s these days. each hour he spends away. It is possible death. Cap returned to England and was for his force field and flight capabilities to soon reunited with his sister, Betsy (Psy- CAPTAIN BRITAIN™ virtually disappear, while his strength and locke, Lady Mandarin). He also met and endurance drop to “normal” levels for a eventually became the lover of the young Brian Braddock man of his build (S: EX (20), E: RM (30)). adventuress Meggan. Soon after that, Cap learned his father F IN (40) Health: 245 SKILLS: Brian Braddock has an Excellent was from Merlin’s home plane, Other- A RE (30) knowledge of physics and of British world, and that his super-powers came S UN (100) Karma: 70 folklore. from within him, not his costume. This E MN (75) allowed him to realize his full potential R GD (10) Resources: GD (10) HISTORY: Brian Braddock was employed and greatly increased the levels of his I IN (40) as a research assistant at the Darkmoor abilities. P EX (20) Popularity: 100 in Britain, 20 Research Centre when a criminal named Meanwhile, the former X-Men elsewhere Reaver attacked. Braddock attempted to Nightcrawler and Shadowcat were recu- escape on a motorcycle, but he ran off a perating on Muir Isle, Scotland, from POWERS: Until recently, Braddock be- cliff and lay near death. In a vision, Merlin injuries suffered in battle, when another lieved his powers were derived from his the Magician and the Goddess of the former X-Man, the second Phoenix, re- costume. This is untrue, as noted in Northern Skies (Roma) appeared to him turned to Earth from extradimensional “Limitations.” and bade him to choose between the two entrapment. Arriving in England, Phoenix Force Field Generation: Captain Britain mystical objects they presented: the Sword was pursued by the Warwolves, agents of (Cap) has Incredible protection versus of Might or the Amulet of Right. Braddock her recent captor, Mojo. Phoenix was also physical, Force, and magical attacks. Cap is chose the amulet and was instantly bom- the target of the villainous mercenary still subject to Slam and Stun effects from barded with the mystical energy that group, the Technet. Cap, Meggan, these attacks. awakened his latent powers. Merlin and Nightcrawler, and Shadowcat aided Phoe- True Flight: Cap can fly at up to Shift-X the Goddess declared that Braddock would nix in fighting off her assailants. speed. be Britain’s champion, garbed him in a Having learned of the X-Men’s apparent

DRAGON 71 MARVEL

deaths (see Roma’s entry for details), these carry on its tradition of battling evil. champion, Captain Marshall, the Queen five heroes decided to join forces in an Recently, when Excalibur was acciden- rewarded Cap for a service he and Excali- attempt to battle evil and live up to the tally transported by Widget (a new “mem- bur had performed by bestowing upon heroic legend of the X-Men. They took the ber” of the team) across dimensions, Cap him Marshall’s costume. This is the cos- group name “Excalibur” from King Arthur was without his costume. In an alternate tume he currently wears. Pendragon’s famous sword, hoping to England that had recently lost its own ROMA™ Guardian of the Multiverse

F GD (10) Health: 80 A EX (20) S GD (10) Karma: 155 E IN (40) R RM (30) Resources: UN (100) I AM (50) P MN (75) Popularity: 5

POWERS: The full extent of Roma’s powers is not known at this time. The following are abilities she has demon- strated in the past; individual Judges must flesh out Roma’s powers. As a cosmic being, she should be a mystery to any heroes who meet her. Keep in mind that Roma must be very powerful to fulfill her role as Guardian of the Multiverse, and should therefore have access to most spells and magical devices in any of a number of dimensions. Roma’s magical powers are given in a form compatible with the MHAC9 Realms of Magic supplement. If you do not use this supplement in your campaign, treat each spell simply as a mystical Power operating at same rank as the spell.

Mastery Level: Master of the Order School of Magic

Personal Astral Projection: Monstrous (75). Foretelling: Monstrous (75). Mental Barrier: Amazing (50). Shield—individual: Amazing (50). Any other personal spells Roma may possess should be ranked from Incredible to Monstrous.

Universal Invisibility to Mechanisms: Monstrous (75). This spell allows the recipient to become totally undetectable by any me- chanical means. Cameras would not regis- ter an image, tape recorders would not record the voice of the recipient, etc. Restore Life: Unearthly (100). Roma can use this spell to restore the vital forces of life to one or more recently deceased beings. Roma has resurrected up to nine people at once. Teleportation: Unearthly (100). Any other Universal spells Roma may possess should be ranked from Incredible to Monstrous.

72 MARCH 1990 MARVEL

Dimensional sion. To maintain the illusion, Roma cast a your comments and requests to: Dimensional Aperture: Unearthly (100). spell on her rescuers, rendering them com- The Marvel-Phile Shape-Shifting —Unlimited: Amazing pletely invisible to all mechanical sensors. c/o DRAGON Magazine (50). She also lent them the use of the Siege Peril- P.O. Box 111 Group Spell-Scrying: Monstrous (50). ous, a mysterious mystical gateway. Lake Geneva WI 53147 Group Spell-Sensing: Incredible (40). U.S.A. Any other Dimensional spells Roma may Well, that’s it for this month. I’d like to Marvel, Marvel Super Heroes, and all Marvel possess should be ranked from Incredible know what you think of “The Marvel- characters, names, and likenesses are trade- to Monstrous. Phile” in general and this column in partic- marks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. ular. I’d also like to know who (or what) Copyright 1990 Marvel Entertainment Group, EQUIPMENT else you’d like to see in these pages. Send Inc. All Rights Reserved. Siege Perilous: This device was in Roma’s possession until recently, when she “loaned” it to the X-Men. Whether it’s a unique device or whether Roma has access to others like it is unknown at this time. This device was apparently destroyed by Donald Pierce, the leader of the evil cy- borg group known as the Reavers. The Siege Perilous, a large red gem in a gold frame, is a mystical gateway that somehow “transforms” anyone who passes though it. The result of the transformation is determined by the life and deeds of the one passing through. Little else about this device is known at this time.

HISTORY: Roma is the daughter of Mer- lin and lived together with him in Other- world, their home dimension and that of Captain Britain’s father. It has not been resolved at this time whether Merlin is the same sorcerer who aided the original Black Knight in King Arthur’s legendary Camelot. Merlin and Roma (in her guise as God- dess of the Northern Skies) played a piv- otal role in the life of Brian Braddock. They acted as Cap’s patrons and advisors in addition to their other duties, such as watching over a number of other uni- verses and each world’s own version of Cap (such as Captain U.K.). Years later, Merlin was killed when his mystical might had been depleted after a fierce magical battle, and Roma succeeded him as Guardian of the Multiverse. She guided Captain U.K. (who had migrated to Marvel Earth) to an alternate Earth that was in need of a champion, and reunited Captain U.K. with her husband, whom Roma had saved from death on their na- tive Earth. More recently, Roma was made a pris- oner in her own Starlight Citadel by the being known as the Adversary. Roma succeeded in contacting Colossus of the X-Men, and the X-Men, plus the inventor/ sorcerer called Forge and then-ally Made- lyne Pryor, eventually defeated the Adversary—though it cost the X-Men, Pryor, and Forge their lives. Free once more, Roma returned her res- cuers to life, a fact unknown to the world that had witnessed their sacrifice on televi-

DRAGON 73 by Steven E. Schend HE MARVEL®-PHILE Crossing the dimensions to bring you new heroes

Color by Steve Sullivan,

TM

After months of leftovers, updates, and F RM(30) Health: 90 reduced by -1CS; Cerise apparently can- various odd bits of trivia here in the ‘Phile, A EX(20) not maintain fields over three areas in we now present two great characters S EX(20) Karma: 60 size, though her versatility in shaping from the EXCALIBUR comic book for your E EX(20) these fields seems limitless. Her standard game universe: Cerise, an alien energy R EX(20) Resources: GD(10) fields are protective force bubbles in wielder; and Kylun, a mutant swordsman I RM(30) which to carry people (apparently as ex- of Ee’Rath. They’re the new allies of the P GD(10) Popularity: 5 tensions of her flight power), walls for British superteam, Excalibur. These two unidirectional protection, tubes, and semi- have only recently been inducted into the POWERS: malleable personal fields to protect and team but have already proven themselves Light Force: Cerise has the Amazing (50) retrieve others. Cerise can generate a field heroes on Earth and other worlds (and rank innate ability to generate and manip- across distances of up to four areas away can soon prove their mettle on the battle- ulate crimson energy fields for a wide from her. fields of your MARVEL SUPER HEROESTM variety of effects, many of which have yet —Flight: Cerise can fly at an Excellent game universe as well). to be revealed. For now, Cerise has exhib- (20) air speed alone; if carrying any pas- ited the following variations of her power: sengers (maximum of 1,000 lbs.) within a —Force Blast: Cerise can generate Force connected force field, she can maintain a CERISE™ bolts of up to Amazing (50) rank and Good (10) air speed. Dimension-crossing alien range. adventurer —Force Fields: Cerise also manipulates EQUIPMENT: First appearance: EXCALIBUR #46 her crimson energy into force fields of Transit Suit: Cerise arrived on Earth (cameo, face unrevealed); EXCALIBUR #47 Incredible (40) rank covering her area. If wearing a beetlelike suit of alien armor her field is extended over an expanse from her home planet. The suit’s capabili- greater than one area, its defensive rank is ties are as follows:

DRAGON 79 —Body Armor: The transit suit is made ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Cerise is an ways with her of unknown materials that afford the extraterrestrial warrior-adventurer, one Though she is not such, Cerise could be wearer Amazing (50) protection from with experience beyond her seemingly perceived as a villain for an adventure or energy attacks and Incredible (40) protec- few years. She is friendly and warm- two. Imagine a beetlelike alien teleporting tion from physical and Force attacks. It mannered to those she meets, but she can into the middle of Times Square, with its also has a life-support system capable of become cold and overly analytical when universal translator damaged. The alien maintaining life for up to two weeks presented with a mystery. Cerise has (Cerise) is confused and disoriented from unaided. traveled the universe seeking excitement her dimensional trip, and she cannot com- —Dimensional Scanner Gloves: Cerise’s and adventure, arriving on Earth by acci- prehend the native language; her appear- gloves (with the main components remov- dent and staying since it seemed she ance and language, of course, do little to able for localized scanning) provide holo- “could have a lot of fun here.” Though she calm the crowds, which promptly panic. If graphic monitors that scan surrounding comes from a technological society far your PC heroes tend toward knee-jerk space and allow the wearer of the suit to more advanced than our own, Cerise reactions, Cerise may find herself hunted navigate hyperspace to reach prepro- seems somewhat naive and innocent on down as a hostile alien until she can fix grammed coordinates. The limited scan- Earth. her translator. Of course, there are many ners contained in Cerise’s gloves have a In your own game campaigns, Cerise who can fix it for her, but what should range of eight areas and can detect en- could just as easily fallen in with the PC happen if she meets a friendly (but always ergy, space, or time fluctuations or abnor- heroes as with Excalibur, so she is quite unctuous) Wizard looking for a new mem- malities with Amazing (50) ability. adaptable to nearly any campaign. Much ber for his latest Frightful Four? Perhaps Dimensional Transit: The transit suit fun role-playing can be had while the PCs others from her world later come to Earth allowed individuals to travel through hyper- acclimate Cerise to the complexities of looking for her; they might assume that space at Shift Y (200) interplanetary speeds. Earth’s culture (try to explain American the PCs are holding Cerise against her will, The suit’s “Dukane Drive” capabilities uti- political systems, television sitcoms, and and they’ll seek to free her from her “cap- lized energy- and space-manipulation prin- hot dogs to someone with no comparable tors? Or, maybe her dimension-hopping ciples totally unknown to current frames of reference). Her powers are quite armor is stolen by one of your campaign’s space-travel theorists of the MARVEL spectacular, so imagine her problems if villains. Cerise and your PC heroes might UNIVERSE™. The drive units on Cerise’s she wishes to work with heroes who rely need to find some other means of crossing armor have burned out and may not be on stealth and subterfuge. As a hero, dimensions to chase him. The opportuni- repairable with current Earth technology. Cerise is quite dependable, and her ties are endless for this naive but powerful dimension-traveling experiences open up alien in your games, so take advantage of TALENTS: Cerise exhibits a wide variety an infinite number of new doors for PC of talents, including Spacecraft Pilot, Bilin- heroes if they wish to explore the space- gual (Native Shaskofrugnonian and En- glish), Astrophysics, Temporal Physics, Electronics, and Martial Arts C.

HISTORY: Very little is known about Cerise’s background. She prides herself on her rank, boldly exclaiming quite often that she is a “warrior of the Grand Jhar, genestock of Subruki, Zarstok, and Kuli Ka.” Whether the latter three are her ancestors or parents is unknown, though some familial relationship is suggested. Cerise arrived on Earth while travelling from her homeworld of Shaskofrugnon (a previously unknown planet). By her mark- ings, she was en route to the Phlegmnon Rim frontier. As she passed through the Quassion Field of Tryar, she encountered extreme turbulence throughout hyper- space and real space (undoubtedly caused by Necrom’s recent attempt at multiversal convergence—see later). A vortex formed, and Cerise’s transit suit burned itself out before she entered a dimensional rift and materialized in the dimensional nexus TM within Excalibur’s lighthouse. TY(6) Resources: GD(10) Cerise’s arrival was timely, as she was KYLUNTM I GD(10) quickly accepted as an ally and member of Colin McKay, mutant revolutionary P RM(30) Popularity: 5; 50 on Excalibur after a minor fracas with the and adventurer Ee’Rath Technet, who were guests of Excalibur at First appearance: EXCALIBUR #2 (as the time. She aided the team in the fight Colin); EXCALIBUR #42 (as Kylun the POWERS: against Necrom and the Anti-Phoenix, and Warrior) Bestial Appearance: Kylun’s mutant both she and Kylun comported themselves physiology grants him catlike eyes that well during the multiversal crisis (detailed F IN(40) Health: 120 allow him Night Vision (no penalties for later). Cerise now resides with the other A RM(30) fighting in normal darkness) and a full- members of Excalibur in Braddock Manor. S EX(20) Karma: 46 body covering of light brown fur that E RM(30) provides a Feeble (2) Resistance to Cold.

80 JULY 1992 swords, damaging one of his eyes, but current bestial appearance as he grew, Sound Duplication: Kylun has the In- Necrom abandoned the battle and fled to and this heightened the stories about this credible (40) rank mutant power to dupli- Otherworld to confront Rachel Summers, cate any sound he hears. He apparently great warrior. Fame, however, mattered the Phoenix. The Phoenix vs. Anti-Phoenix cannot change the tone, pitch, or volume little to Kylun. As he reached the age of battle destroyed an entire solar system of the stimulus, simply reproducing majority, he chose as his symbol an ap- light years away. Necrom was defeated by proximation of Widget’s original form, sounds exactly as he hears them. There is Rachel when she gave him the full power no audible difference between the actual then gained the love of the Princess of the Phoenix. Necrom couldn‘t absorb sounds and those Kylun produces, so voice Sa’Tneen, the heir to the Sisterhoods that much power, and he exploded; Ra- scans do not detect any abnormalities. dynastic rule. The couple’s joy was soon chel’s body teleported back to Otherworld interrupted by the sorcerer Necrom and clad in the green and gold costume of EQUIPMENT: his druids, who conquered Ee’Rath and Earths first Phoenix, Jean Grey. Swords of ZZ’Ria: Kylun’s magical subjugated its peoples. Necrom soon Kylun has been accepted as a member of drained the planet of much of its life in swords are indigenous to Earth 148, Excalibur along with Cerise, and the entire the sorcerer’s relentless quest for more known to its natives as Ee’Rath, and are team now resides in Braddock Manor rare and wondrous artifacts bestowed on power, as he hoped to bring the multiverse following the destruction of the Tower this gifted warrior. The two swords are under his own malevolent rule. that Crosses Time (a.k.a. the Excalibur made of an unknown metal but have Un- Kylun led a revolt against the rule of lighthouse). earthly material strength due to their Necrom, culling an army from the long enchantments. Created by one of Ee’Rath’s suffering natives of Ee’Rath. He saved his ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Kylun is, de- greatest sorcerers, the two swords can cut lover from becoming a sacrifice on Ne- spite his martial talents and fearful looks, through anything but those creatures who crom’s altar, and together they led the a relatively shy and reserved hero. This is are “pure of heart”; in Kylun’s hands, the rebel army to Necrom’s Dark Citadel. all the more remarkable due to his accom- swords each deal out 25 points of Edged Necrom had drained much of the life of plishments as a rebel leader on Ee’Rath. Attacks damage to all inanimate items or the planet into himself, and he prepared to He is quietly confident in his own abilities evil beings. In addition, the swords have go to another Earth through the cross-time and remains calm in any combat situation. the power to cut through and disrupt any chamber in his citadel. He stopped long His leonine features belie a young, fiercely energy barriers (especially magical energy) enough to animate the remains of his loyal heart and slight insecurity over his of less than Unearthly strength. Kylun’s worlds Excalibur team (Captain Britain “insignificant” mutant power. In the short swords, when not in use, are magically 148, Thor, Black Knight, Spider-Man) to time he has been with his teammates, he held in place on the back of his costume. fight Kylun and Princess Sa’Tneen. The has quickly gained their respect and trust, Dagger: Kylun also carries a wide-bladed animated heroes were quickly defeated, things he cherishes all the more because enchanted dagger for use as a missile but the princess was slain before they of his lonely childhood. Most of all, he is weapon (range of two areas) that inflicts could stop Necrom’s entrance into his loyal to Widget, his only friend from his 15 points of Edged damage to its target; it Chamber of Infinity, which would take youth before being teleported to Ee’Rath. him to Earth 616, the prime (Marvel) Earth has an innate Resistance to Magic of Excel- In your game campaigns, Kylun fits lent rank. and current home of the Phoenix. Kylun easily as a trusted ally and skillful warrior, followed Necrom through the chamber, his His use of swords will be hard to explain TALENTS: Kylun has the talent of Weap heart filled only with hate and revenge. to local law-enforcement officials, and it ons Specialist with the Swords of ZZ’Ria Kylun rematerialized inside the light- may easily get him into trouble until the (Monstrous Fighting rank). His other tal- house of Excalibur, mistakenly thinking properties of his swords are discovered. ents include Martial Arts D & E, Thrown Excalibur was responsible for the destruc- Though he is a native of Earth, his mutant Weapons, and Resist Domination. tion of his adopted world. After meeting appearance could be disguised by calling Nightcrawler and ascertaining his hero- him an alien from Ee’Rath (helping his HISTORY: Kylun originally was born ism, Kylun worked alongside Kurt and the Popularity score). He reacts quickly to Colin McKay in our Earths England; his exiled Technet, and was on hand with danger and often leaps into battle regard- catlike eyes marked him as a mutant from Excalibur to see the release of the Anti- less of planning or strategy, unless he is in birth. When he was seven years old, his Phoenix from its prison in County Sligo, command. parents were killed and he was kidnapped Ireland. Necrom, fortified by the absorbed Though initial mistrust of Kylun might power of the Anti-Phoenix, soon made his by the Vixen, Britain’s equivalent of Ameri- come from his appearance, he can become ca’s “Kingpin of Crime.” Colin escaped the presence known in England when he one of the best allies your PC heroes have Vixen and her men, hiding in a derelict slaughtered a contingent of 19 F.I.6 agents met in quite a while. Though he would English factory. The factory’s previous in London, draining their life forces and never fall in with any established super inhabitant had been Tweedledope of the nearly killing a British mutant hero, Micro- villains, he could become a lone vigilante; Crazy Gang, a savant inventor who threw max. Necrom then played his final gambit, as Spider-Man has known for years, the together pieces of scrap metal, a transistor confronting Excalibur and their allies media and public can view him as a men- radio, apple cores, baked beans, a rubber outside the lighthouse. ace regardless of any heroic deeds he Kylun, with Cerise, Micromax, and spider, and other garbage to inadvertently might perform. Once Kylun finds an ally create the artificial life-form now known Feron (a young mystic trained to wield the that he (and his swords) could trust, he as Widget. Widget befriended Colin and Phoenix force); led an attack on Necrom will try to ally with that person for aid kept him company, a fact the lonely Colin while Excalibur quickly repaired the dam- against Necrom (should the latter return) never forgot. When the Vixen and her age Necrom had done to the multiverse or any other evil that makes its presence men came to the factory to recapture the when he attempted to “converge” all the known. boy, Colin escaped through a dimensional various universes. Despite this repairing portal created by Widget and arrived on and strengthening of the dimensional The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive the barren, icy plains of Ee’Rath. walls that separate each universe, the names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Cohn was raised as a warrior, becoming repercussions of such widespread dimen- Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights one of the premier fighters for the Sorcer- sional havoc will occur for years to come. Reserved. ess’ Sisterhood. Kylun’s body took on his Kylun managed to wound Necrom with his

82 JULY 1992 Well, hello again. Last month I extolled the abilities of two he- roes, Captain Britain and Roma, so I thought this month’s column would be a good opportunity to take a look at some of Cap’s villains—and in keeping with this month’s light tone, I hereby present to you the Crazy Gang! The Crazy Gang is a group of five professional (inept, but profes- sional) criminals who all resemble characters from the storybooks most of us read when we were young. They were created by an other-dimensional madman, James Jaspers, as part of his plan to take over his world, designated as Earth 238. (Note: This is also the home dimension of Linda McQuillan, a.k.a. Captain U.K.) The Jas- pers of Earth 238 possessed vast psionic powers and did succeed in dominating his home world. Jaspers was eventually defeated, though, and the Crazy Gang should have ceased to exist, as it was only a construct of Jaspers’

(obviously) deranged mind. But the gang was transported, through unknown means, to Marvel-Earth—more specifically, to England. Once the Gang arrived, it made several abortive efforts at crime, with the Jester acting as de facto leader of this motley crew. The “Orf wiv its ‘ead!” Jester took most of his criminal inspiration from the television, but TV didn’t translate into reality very well. With almost no imagination of their own, the Gang members’ criminal careers by Dale A. Donovan foundered (big surprise). That is, until the Jester put an advertise- ment in a London newspaper, announcing their need for a clever leader. Captain Britain’s foe, Slaymaster, answered their ad and master- minded a series of spectacular crimes, including robberies of the British Museum and the Royal Mint. As Slaymaster expected, this crime spree gained the attention of Captain Britain. Slaymaster and the Crazy Gang subsequently defeated Cap in battle, and Slaymas- ter delivered Cap to his employer, the Vixen. Having achieved his own end, Slaymaster dismissed the Gang from his employ. The Gang has since found a new employer: the assassin Arcade. Recently, Arcade sent the Gang to abduct Courtney Ross, an influ-

48 APRIL 1990 MARVEL ential British banker and an old flame of wielding its axe, and a dogged determina- Cap’s. Excalibur, the team of which Cap is tion in pursuing its intended target. now a member, came to Ross’s aid and did battle with the Gang and Arcade’s many contraptions. At one point in the battle, Tweedledope used a device, which he had apparently invented, that switched the psyches and personalities of the following pairs of combatants: Nightcrawler and the Jester; Cap and Tweedledope; and Meggan and the Knave. Phoenix destroyed the RED QUEEN™ Executioner’s robotic body but was pos- All but useless criminal sessed by its consciousness. Eventually, the mind exchanges were F PR(4) Health: 16 reversed, Phoenix broke free of the Execu- A PR(4) JESTER™ tioner’s possession, Ross was rescued, and S PR(4) Karma: 10 Arcade and the Gang were captured. As of Criminal acrobat (looks scary) E PR(4) this writing, the four surviving members R FB(2) Resources: Feeble of the Crazy Gang are in the custody of F EX(20) Health: 66 I PR(4) the British authorities. A RM(30) P PR(4) Popularity: 0 S TY(6) Karma: 20 E GD(10) POWERS: None. R PR(4) Resources: Feeble I TY(6) EQUIPMENT: The Red Queen usually P GD(10) Popularity: 0 carries a hybrid royal scepter/rolling pin that can inflict Typical damage, plus a POWERS: None. check for possible Stunning.

EQUIPMENT: The Jester normally carries SKILLS: Beyond wielding her “scepter” in no weapons on his person, although he is combat with Typical ability, the Red quite adept at using a sword in combat Queen’s only talent (?) lies in bellowing the (see Skills below). Gang’s battle cry, “Orf wiv its ‘ead!”

EXECUTIONER™ SKILLS: The Jester is by far the most Robot (destroyed) talented member of the group (that’s not saying much, really), in that he has Incred- F GD(10) Health: 54 ible skill in acrobatics, tumbling, juggling, A PR(4) and fencing. S GD(10) Karma: 34 E RM(30) R FB(2) Resources: Feeble I FB(2) P RM(30) Popularity: 0 TWEEDLEDOPE™ Note: At this time, the Executioner has no Savage criminal material body. What happened to its con- sciousness after Phoenix broke its hold on F PR(4) Health: 38 her is unknown. It is possible that the A PR(4) consciousness has ceased to exist, or that S GD(10) Karma: 10 it is searching for (or has found) another KNAVE™ E EX(20) body to possess. The Executioner may be Inept criminal R FB(2) Resources: Feeble working for its compatriots’ freedom even I PR(4) now (no, please). F GD(10) Health: 70 P PR(4) Popularity: 0 A GD(10) POWERS: The only true superpower that S RM(30) Karma: 18 POWERS: Tweedledope is a savant, an the Executioner had thus far displayed E EX(20) individual with otherwise-limited faculties, was the ability to possess another’s body R TY(6) Resources: Feeble but with one uncanny knack. In Tweedle- and control its actions. It did this at I TY(6) dope’s case, this knack is for inventing Amazing level. P TY(6) Popularity: 0 things. His Reason when inventing is Amazing. His surroundings help determine EQUIPMENT: The Executioner wielded a POWERS: Other than his exceptional the finished product’s level of technology. great axe in combat that did 15 points of strength, the Knave’s only other power is For example, when the Gang was holed up damage and attacked on the Edged Attacks his armor, which provides Good protection in an abandoned building, Tweedledope column. It was made of Excellent strength from physical attacks. took some wood, string, hubcaps, and a material. few rats, and constructed a functional rat- EQUIPMENT: None. powered chariot for himself. On another SKILLS: The only skills that the Execu- occasion, he apparently built the dimen- tioner possessed were Excellent skill SKILLS: The Knave knows Martial Arts A. Continued on page 73 DRAGON 49 does require certain hardware. However, most EQUIPMENT: Tweedledope needs few people who own and operate computers already tools when he is inventing; he just invents have that hardware. I have found that a hard any tools he requires. drive is a must for enough memory to load several sequences of drawings and to cut wait- SKILLS: Beyond his savant ability, the ing time. To give you an idea of how effective this only skill he possesses is an Excellent (20) method is, to date I have about five 3½” disk- ability to bite in combat. Treat this as an ettes full of various drawings. I pluck out and attempted hold on the Grappling column. alter the drawings as needed, so that putting If successful, this attack does Excellent together a dungeon is merely a case of plugging damage until the hold is broken. in the right hall or the right room. I have en- closed my address at the end of this letter; Now, despite appearances, this bunch of anyone who wishes more information on this losers could be a viable (if stupid) villain system I have devised can drop me a line with a team if led by a intelligent being. This phone number enclosed, and I’ll be glad to give group stacks up well (believe it or not) a call and explain it in further detail. I would also be more than willing to supply anyone against a lone hero or a few lower- interested with the drawings I have created. powered heroes such as Daredevil, Black However, writers will have to furnish their own Panther, or Henry Pym, The Crazy Gang’s diskettes, naturally. weight of numbers and unique (I’ll say) R. L. Brown abilities make them an interesting—and 4682 Westpoint silly if played with the style these five Dearborn Heights MI 48125 deserve-addition to your campaign. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for “The Marvel-Phile,” mail The Marvel®-Phile them to: The Marvel-Phile, c/o DRAGON® Magazine, P.O. Box 111, Lake Geneva WI Continued from page 49 53147 U.S.A. sional portal/living being known as Wid- get. If Tweedledope has access to advanced Marvel, Marvel Super Heroes, and all Marvel characters, names, and likenesses are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment technology, look out—literally anything Group, Inc. Copyright 1990 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. could happen! All rights resewed. The MARVEL® -Phile All this and World War II!

by Jeff Grubb

Elsewhere in this fine magazine, you’ll to kill freshman senator John F. Raven placed the island of the Bird- find the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ Kennedy. People, himself included, in suspended adventure Sudden Dawn, starring the Jeffrey Mace, the Patriot™, was animation. Red Raven woke from that Liberty Legion™, designed by Trusty inspired by Nasland’s heroism to become suspension twice; on the first occasion, Contributor William Tracy. Since we are the third Captain America, following he battled Angel™ of the X-Men™, and standing (or sitting, or whatever) at the Nasland’s death. Alongside Fred Davis the second time he awoke, Red Raven tail end of 40 years of history since the (the second Bucky™, and later with proved to have gone insane. He now battles recorded there, the question Gwenny Lou Sabuki (Golden Girl™), Cap intended to raise the Bird-People and arises: How have the members of the fought crime in America until he retired attack humanity. Attempting to revive Liberty Legion fared since the end of in 1950. Mace returned to reporting, his adopted people, Red Raven found the war? and recently died of cancer. Steve they had died from a malfunction of the Not well, I’m afraid. Not well at all. Rogers, who had since returned to his suspended animation equipment. Red While the three main Invaders™ have role as Captain America, was at Mace’s Raven then destroyed himself and the survived (Captain America™, Sub- bedside when he died. island. Mariner™, and the android Human Of Thin Man™ and Jack Frost™, noth- Blue Diamond™ is the only member of Torch™, whose body became that of the ing is known of their present activities the Liberty Legion known to be still Vision™), and Nick Fury™ and some of or final fates. Red Raven™ returned to alive. Elton Morrow retired to his stud- his Howling Commandos™ are in the Bird-People™ after the war, only to ies following the war, but was recently S.H.I.E.L.D.™, most of the Liberty Legion discover them preparing to launch an transformed by Stardancer™ into a members have gone to their just attack on the weakened human world. being of living crystal. He has since rewards. Unable to convince them otherwise, Red accompanied Stardancer into the Robert Frank and Madeline Joyce, reaches of deep space. better known as Whizzer™ and Miss But what of Bucky, who brought the America™, joined the All-Winners members of the Liberty Legion together, Squad™ after the war, then retired their led them against the Red Skull™ to res- super-hero identities. They were cue the Invaders, and convinced them to involved in a nuclear accident while stay together as a super-powered team working as security guards at a nuclear of homefront heroes? What happened to facility. Their first child was the radio- Captain America’s sidekick? active mutant known as Nuklo™, who Glad you asked. Presenting Mr. James was until recent years kept in sus- B. Barnes, along with two nefarious, pended animation by the US. govern- nasty Nazis who have since passed on — ment. Madeline later died giving birth to Baron Zemo™ and Baron Strucker™. a stillborn child, in the scientific citadel of Wundagore of Transia, Europe. [Arnim Zola, Baron Zemo II, Nomad, The midwife, a mutated cow named and Red Skull may be found in MH AC 7, Bova™, offered two abandoned infants Concrete Jungle, by Jumpin’ Jeff Grubb. to Robert. However, shattered by the — Editor] death of his wife, he fled the country. Robert believed the children, who BUCKY™ became known as Quicksilver™ and James Buchanan Barnes Scarlet Witch™, were his own. He Adventurer recently died in battle with an old foe named Isbisa™ (who was responsible for Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) the nuclear accident), though in the Agility: GOOD (10) process of the conflict, Nuklo was cured. Strength: GOOD (10) William Nasland, the Spirit of ’76™, Endurance: GOOD (10) took up the name of Captain America Reason: TYPICAL (6) when Steve Rogers, the original Cap, Intuition: GOOD (10) disappeared and was presumed dead at Psyche: GOOD (10) the war’s end. Nasland served as a mem- Health: 50 ber of the All-Winners Squad as Cap, Karma: 26 only to fall in battle with the evil Resources: TYPICAL android Adam II™, who was attempting Popularity: 45

All Marvel Characters, their likenesses, and MARVEL SUPER HEROES are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright 1985 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries Corporation. All Rights Reserved. 82 DECEMBER 1985 Known powers: BARON ZEMO I Baron Heinrich Zemo MARTIAL ARTS. Bucky was trained by Scientist, would-be conqueror the Super Soldier himself, Captain America, in hand-to-hand combat. Bucky Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) can Stun and Slam opponents of greater Agility: GOOD (10) Endurance than his Strength. Strength: TYPICAL (6) Endurance: GOOD (10) Reason: INCREDIBLE (40) Bucky’s story: James “Bucky” Barnes’s Intuition: POOR (4) mother died while he was a child, and Psyche: GOOD (10) his father was the victim of an accident in basic training at Camp Lehigh, Vir- Health: 46 ginia. A ward of the state, Bucky became Karma: 54 the camp mascot. During this time, he Resources: REMARKABLE first met Steve Rogers. Discovering that Popularity: -20 mild-mannered Mr. Rogers was in reality Known powers: Captain America, young Barnes pleaded with the Sentinel of Liberty™ to let him MARTIAL ARTS. Baron Zemo became a help in his campaign against stateside master of karate, following his escape to saboteurs. Cap agreed and, following a South America, and could Stun and Slam period of intense training, made Bucky opponents of greater Endurance than his sidekick. his Strength. Cap and Bucky fought the Nazi men- ace both at home and in Europe. They WEAPONS: Zemo developed a number were founding members of the of weapons for the Third Reich, includ- Invaders, and Bucky left that team only ing the following: briefly to form the Kid Commandos™ * a “death ray” disintegrator — A large with Golden Girl, Toro™, and the Human version of this machine, actually the Top™. Bucky was also responsible for first functional laser, inflicted Amazing forming the Liberty Legion when the damage at a range of ½ mile. A smaller, Invaders had their minds controlled by hand-held version inflicted Excellent the Red Skull. damage at a range of 5 areas. On their final mission together, Bucky * Adhesive X — The ultimate adhesive, and Cap were to prevent Baron Zemo I this paste hardened in one round to Socialist Party early in its history, and from stealing an experimental drone form a bond of Unearthly strength. The became one of Hitler’s top scientists. He plane from Britain. When they were solvent to this glue was developed years developed the first functional laser years defeated by Zemo’s android, the pair later by Peter Petruski (Trapster™). ahead of his compatriots, intending to were bound to the plane, but escaped * androids — Combining talents with use it as a weapon against the Allies. A and pursued the plane, which was tak- Arnim Zola, Zemo produced androids raid by Nick Fury and his Howling ing off over the cliffs of Dover. Both that could shift in height from 10’ to Commandos ruined this plot, but Zemo heroes lept for the plane, but only 10”. These androids had Excellent body later created a hand-held laser for his Bucky found a secure hold. Cap shouted armor and the following stats: own use. Zemo also developed Adhesive X, an for his partner to let go, fearing the F A S E Health unbreakable glue for use against Allied drone was booby-trapped. This warning EXCE GOOD EXCE GOOD 60 came too late, for the plane exploded, ground troops. This plot was foiled by killing Bucky. Cap fell into the ocean, Zemo I’s story: The brilliant physicist Captain America, with the result that where the combination of the Super- Heinrich Zemo joined the National Zemo’s hood was permanently bonded Soldier Serum and the icy waters placed him in suspended animation for the following few decades. Neither Bucky nor Cap’s bodies were found, so the government decided not to admit their deaths, but rather allowed William Nasland and Fred Davis to serve as Cap and Bucky following the war. Davis served both Nasland and Jeff Mace until he was forced to retire from crime-fighting as a result of a bullet wound. A third Bucky, Jack Munroe, served alongside the anti-communist Captain America IV of the 1950s. This Bucky is now the hero Nomad™.

D RAGON 83 to his face. This tragedy twisted Zemo’s BARON STRUCKER™ Strucker’s story: Baron Wolfgang von mind, and he developed an intense Baron Wolfgang von Strucker Strucker was a member of a long line of hatred of the Allies and of Captain Nazi spy, military commander, Prussian military leaders. He was America. Following this encounter, leader of HYDRA™, and recruited by the Nazis in the 1930s as a Baron Zemo ceased to work exclusively would-be conqueror secret agent; with the outbreak of war, in research, and led many sabotage Strucker distinguished himself as a wing Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) missions against the Allies as Hitler’s commander of the infamous Death’s Agility: EXCELLENT (20) agent. This was the province of the Red Head Squadron™. His personal foe in the Strength: GOOD (10) Skull, and an uneasy rivalry existed war was Sgt. Nick Fury, and the two Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) between the two. soldiers battled often during that con- Reason: EXCELLENT (20) Towards the end of the war, Skull flict. At one point, Strucker disobeyed a Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) ordered Zemo to London to steal an direct order from Hitler in order to Psyche: GOOD (10) experimental drone plane. Zemo fol- attempt to defeat his foe. Hitler ordered lowed the order, to get out of Germany Health: 70 Strucker assassinated, but the Baron before the end and in hopes of battling Karma: 50 fled to the Far East with the help of the Captain America. Aided by one of his Resources: INCREDIBLE Red Skull. androids, Zemo defeated Cap and Bucky, Popularity: -20 It was the Skull’s intention to use and tied them to the plane, hoping the Strucker to form a power base in the Known powers: flight to Berlin would slay them. Captain Orient from which to challenge Hitler, America and Bucky escaped, but Bucky MARTIAL ARTS. Baron Strucker may but Strucker soon cut all ties with Red was subsequently killed and Cap was Stun and Slam opponents of greater Skull and set off on his own. Contacting placed in suspended animation. Endurance than his strength. a group of Japanese subversives, Confident that Captain America was Strucker formed HYDRA™, and, upon WEAPONS MASTER. Baron Strucker dead, Zemo retired to South America, slaying the subversive’s leader, became receives a one-column shift to the right where he continued his experiments the Supreme Hydra. HYDRA was on the when fighting with swords, sabres, or and worked towards global domination. verge of developing nuclear weaponry firearms. The three Captain Americas that fol- when it was overun by Captain Simon lowed did not disturb Zemo, but with Savage™, his Leatherneck Raiders™, and the reappearance of the original Cap, Japanese commandos. Though his main Zemo once more set out to destroy his base of Hydra Island was destroyed, foe. Recruiting Melter™, the criminal Strucker survived and quietly rebuilt Black Knight™, the Enchantress™, and HYDRA after the war. the Executioner™, Zemo’s Masters of HYDRA was for a brief time controlled Evil™ battled Captain America and the by another front, called THEM™, which Avengers™ on several occasions. One of was run by Strucker, but the Baron Zemo’s last scientific breakthroughs was returned to control HYDRA directly the creation of Wonder Man™, who was with HYDRA’s initial defeat. HYDRA was first used as a pawn against the also responsible for the creation of Avengers. A.I.M.™ (Advanced Idea Mechanics), a In his final battle with Captain technological division that later became America, Zemo’s laser started a landside an independent force. which killed him. Captain America Once HYDRA had fully resurfaced, it buried the mad scientist’s body himself. came into direct conflict with Zemo has been succeeded in his work S.H.I.E.L.D., under the command of Col. by his son Helmut, who has taken up the Nick Fury, Strucker’s old foe. Strucker name of Baron Zemo. tried to blow up the Heli-Carrier™ with a Death-Spore bomb, which would spread a deadly virus around the globe. Fury found the bomb and took it to the new Hydra Island, where it exploded and sank the island to the bottom of the sea. The spores were contained within the island’s adamantium dome. Before the explosion came, Strucker died in a nuclear reactor chamber while fleeing his own men. Fury escaped. Strucker has apparently been survived by twin children, a girl and a boy named Andrea and Andreas. The two have the mercilessness of their father, and in addition are mutants with great energy powers when in contact with each other. They are collectively known as Fenris™.

84 DECEMBER 1985

After years of loyal and heroic duty, the defense of the ideals of freedom, justice, by Jon D. Martin original Captain America, Steve Rogers, and liberty, becoming a living legend in the had a falling out with the U.S. govern- process. Having a walking, talking symbol ment. The disagreement stemmed from of the ideals upon which the nation was Deadline doom and the need to further his refusal to cooperate with the Commis- founded had become a public-relations research his massive article on the victims sion to Coordinate Super-Human Activities asset that the government found itself of Scourge has led Jeff Grubb to step and his discovery of U.S. Army involve- unwilling to do without. With Rogers down for one more month from “The ment with a known criminal named Cur- gone, someone had to be found who could Marvel-Phile” – but he’ll be back soon tiss Jackson, better known as the Power put forth the proper image for both the with the largest roster of Marvel Super Broker. Heated words were exchanged nation and the office of Captain America. Villains yet published in these pages. between Rogers and members of the Com- Finding a replacement for Rogers was Meanwhile, Jon Martin (who wrote up the mittee. The result of the confrontation made even more difficult by the fact that original Warlock and friends in DRAGON® was that Rogers left his post as Captain any such person would have to be physi- issue #118) presents the current players in America, leaving the government with a cally able to perform like the original the life of Captain America, both friends shield and an empty costume. Captain America. Fortunately, such a man and foes. For decades, Rogers wore his costume in was available at the time!

CAPTAIN AMERICA® John Walker, former member of able blunt or edged damage, as the user as well as to serve his country as an “all- the U.S. Armed Forces, formerly desires. American hero like my brother.” known as the Super-Patriot Following his time in the armed forces, Body Armor: Thanks to the augmentation Walker became involved with the F IN (40) Health: 140 process he underwent prior to becoming California-based criminal organization A EX (20) Super-Patriot, Walker possesses a dense known as Power Broker, Inc. Through the S IN (40) Karma: 22* muscle and bone structure which provides physiological augmentation process per- E IN (40) him with Typical protection from physical fected by Dr. Karl Malus (see below) dur- R TY (6) Resources: EX* * attacks (bullets, knives, fists, and any ing his work for the Power Broker, John I GD (10) parked cars he might be thrown through). Walker gained his superhuman abilities. P TY (6) Popularity: 100 * * * His costume, which includes the original Donning a red, white, and blue costume, Cap’s chain-mail shirt, is Excellent Body Walker began traveling the country under * Reduced to zero following killing of Armor, also lending Typical protection the management of Ethan Thurm. John Anthony Power (see below). against heat, cold, and electricity. took the name of Super-Patriot, using the * * The new Captain America is supported name and his abilities to espouse his own by the U.S. government. TALENTS: Walker has Martial Arts A, B, radical views of patriotism. Part of his * * * People still believe him to be the origi- and E, as well as Acrobatics, Sharp Weap- activities as Super-Patriot included backing nal Captain America, since the fact that he ons, and Thrown Weapons skills. As a gang of augmented thugs called the Bold isn’t has yet to be disclosed to the public. Super-Patriot, he used a short torch sword Urban Commandos – Buckies for short. with an energy blade (Remarkable materi- One of the Buckies was Lemar Hoskins, KNOWN POWERS: al strength and damage) and five-pointed who would go on to serve as Bucky to Unique Weapon: Walker uses the same shuriken (Excellent damage; thrown three John’s rendition of Captain America. shield that Rogers used during his career at a time). He has a + 1 CS (as noted above) John’s career as Super-Patriot ironically as Captain America, though he is not as with his shield. brought him into conflict with the living proficient in its use as Rogers was. The symbol of the values he espoused – the shield is made of a unique adamantium- CONTACTS: As Super-Patriot, John Walk- original Captain America. The two fought vibranium alloy. Its composition renders it er had contacts with the organization on different occasions, with neither claim- immune to harm from all forms of energy called Power Broker, Inc., and (to a lesser ing a decisive victory. During this time, save the psionic or magical. The material extent) the Unlimited Class Wrestling Walker’s attitude toward the original Cap rank of the shield is Class 1000. Federation (UCWF). Since becoming Cap- was one of open contempt, as he believed Used defensively, the shield can absorb tain America, he has gained contacts with Cap was out of touch with the times. up to 90 points of damage in one round, the Commission to Coordinate Super- When Steve Rogers gave up his career as but when the wielder employs it in such Human Activities, most notably with its Captain America, the government went fashion, no attacks are possible during director, Valerie Cooper. The only contacts looking for suitable replacements and that round. If charging and attacking, that he retains from his days as Super- found Walker to be a made-to-order candi- Walker may use his shield to deflect up to Patriot are with his former manager, date for the job. He accepted the offer and Remarkable (30 points) damage. Even Ethan Thurm, and his friend and fellow began a long stretch of intense training when using the shield, Cap is subject to augment Lemar Hoskins, the new Bucky. designed to match his fighting style with specific battle effects such as Slam or that of Rogers as closely as possible. On Stun. Used offensively, the shield can be HISTORY: John Walker grew up on a his first field mission, Walker was sent to hurled in boomerang fashion to make farm near the small town of Custer’s his hometown to infiltrate a radical group multiple attacks, to then return to the Grove, Georgia. Little is known of his early of men who called themselves the Watch- thrower’s hand (an Agility Power Stunt). life, though it seems likely that he was an dogs, who were responsible for various When using the shield in this manner, accomplished athlete in his high-school terrorist acts in Georgia. Once Walker and Walker has Remarkable Agility, thanks to years. After his older brother Mike was Hoskins (as Bucky) dealt with the Watch- training which he received from the killed in Vietnam, Walker joined the dogs, it was revealed that the entire mis- imprisoned Taskmaster, as part of a Armed Forces in his late teens or early sion had been a test of Walker’s fighting sentence-reduction deal made with the twenties, where he met Lemar Hoskins. prowess and his dedication to duty; fight- government. The shield causes Remark- Walker hoped to make a name for himself ing the Watchdogs had meant fighting old

D RAGON 75 friends. The incident set Walker to ques- he is attending classes to obtain a GED CONTACTS: Malus is a well-known figure tioning the ethics of the U.S. government (Graduation Equivalency Diploma), having in the Los Angeles underworld, where his and the ethics of his own past activities. dropped out of high school. services are much sought after. When Though he is somewhat egotistical, John Power Broker, Inc., was in operation, Walker is a man of integrity. He is honest CONTACTS: Not surprisingly, Lemar Malus had close ties with that group, and and has made a vow to himself to live up shares the same contacts as his partner. any members of the organization are to the highest personal standards of moral- likely to remember Malus as a valuable ity and honor in his post as Captain Ameri- HISTORY: Little is known of Hoskins’s employee. In particular, Malus is known to ca. His heart is in the right place, but only past. It is known that he grew up in an Curtiss Jackson, the man behind both time will tell if he lives up to those stand- economically disadvantaged area of a large ards. John Walker is patriotic to the point American city, and he is apparently a high- of fanaticism, a factor in his personality school dropout who served in the Armed which has served as his motivation as both Forces, where he met John Walker. Super-Patriot and Captain America. He Hoskins and Walker have been close also has strong fundamentalist beliefs. His friends for quite some time, Lemar having recent killing of the criminal Anthony worked with John as one of the Buckies (Professor) Power greatly strained his during John’s brief career as Super- sense of morality; he does not wish to be a Patriot. The two men look out for each government executioner, and the strain of other and share many of the same atti- his role is telling on him. Still, he is a fero- tudes, though Hoskins doesn’t seem quite cious and unforgiving fighter. as driven as his partner. He is quick- tempered but possesses enough self- control to keep from getting too far out of BUCKY™ line. Lemar Hoskins; former member of Hoskins’s major motivation at this time is the Armed Forces and of the Bold serving his country, though he doesn’t Urban Commandos (Buckies) mind the media attention he expects to receive or the steady income he is already F RM (30) Health: 130 receiving. He is somewhat unsure of him- A EX (20) self but hopes that he can make good in S IN (40) Karma: 46 his new role. Though prone to act impetu- E IN (40) ously, he is able to deal with any situation R TY (6) Resources: EX* that arises from his actions. He has a more I EX (20) casual attitude about the “fair use” of his P EX (20) Popularity: 50 * * augmented strength against unpowered opponents than does John Walker. * The new Bucky is supported by the U.S. government. * * Again, this is largely due to name asso- ciation, and it will likely change after he DR. KARL MALUS™ receives more public exposure. Karl Malus; creator of super- villains KNOWN POWERS: F PR (4) Health: 24 Shield: The new Bucky was given an A GD (10) Incredible-strength shield by the govern- S TY (6) Karma: 70 ment. This shield, which resembles the E PR (4) one originally used by Captain America R RM (30) Resources: FE/RM* during World War II, cannot be hurled. I EX (20) However, it can be used defensively in the P EX (20) Popularity: – 10 usual manner and also as a smashing weapon ( + 1 CS to Lemar’s Fighting ability * Feeble at present; Remarkable when when using it; Incredible damage). When employed by Power Broker, Inc. not in use, the shield may be slung over Bucky’s back. KNOWN POWERS: None.

Body Armor: Lemar Hoskins underwent TALENTS: Dr. Malus has a doctorate-level the same physiological augmentation proc- degree in biology and has Incredible Rea- ess as John Walker, and as a result was son in that field. He has great knowledge Power Broker, Inc., and the long-defunct granted the same sort of dense bone and in the fields of chemistry and radiology as Corporation. In addition, Malus apparently muscle structure. He has Typical protec- well, and these talents give him Amazing knows at least one good lawyer and a bail- tion from physical attacks, and his cos- Reason when applied to the study of bondsman or two. tume extends that protection to apply superhuman physiology and genetic against heat, cold, and electricity. manipulation techniques, such as those he HISTORY: From the time that he first used to create the augmentation process read of the Fantastic Four in the newspa- TALENTS: Lemar has received combat undergone by Walker, Hoskins, D-Man (see per, Dr. Malus was fascinated by the sub- training which grants him Martial Arts A, below), and many others [see DRAGON ject of superhuman powers. Upon his B, and E, and Acrobatics skill. At present, issue #121, “The Marvel®-Phile”]. graduation from UCLA, Dr. Malus applied to several institutions for funds to finance subsequent attempt to use the Armadillo investigation of that organization, cannot an in-depth study of supernormal capaci- to free Goliath for the purpose of forming be said to have friendly contacts within ties. Failing to achieve his goal through a team of superhuman henchmen led to the company’s personnel. He is on good legal means, Malus turned to the Los his arrest and his second prison term. terms with several of his former fellow Angeles underworld in search of potential While serving time, Malus was contacted UCWF wrestlers, most notably the Thing. investors. In short order, he was set up by Power Broker, Inc., and he agreed to Dennis has become a close friend of Steve with adequate laboratory facilities with work for the company in return for his Rogers as a result of their brief partner- the understanding that his “investors” freedom. While employed by Power Bro- ship during his investigation of the Power would be allowed to exploit the results of ker, Inc., Malus performed the same physi- Broker and, as a result of this association, his work. Those same investors provided ological augmentation process he had used recently met the Falcon, Nomad, and Malus with human test subjects. on Goliath, now augmenting many men, Nomads female companion, Vagabond. None of Malus’s early test subjects sur- most of them members of the UCWF or vived, though his research did lead him to employees of Power Broker, Inc. It should LIMITATION: Dennis Dunphy has had creating a number of chemical-based be noted that Malus still hasn’t perfected severe heart trouble and may reinjure weapons which he sold to Los Angeles his augmentation process, and that rough- himself if strained to his limits. Any criminals such as the Enforcer. His first ly half of those who undergo the treat- attempt at a Red Strength or Endurance major break came when the criminal ment end up brain-damaged or disfigured FEAT causes him to make a second Endur- called the Fly approached him seeking a [as noted in DRAGON issue #121). ance FEAT immediately afterward. Any way to bolster his waning powers. His Malus’s current stay in prison resulted result other than a Red or Yellow result encounter with the Fly led him to a run-in from an investigation by Captain America allows him to perform normally; a Yellow with the original Spider-Woman, which in into the source of Super-Patriot’s superhu- result causes him to rest for 1-10 rounds, turn led Malus to jail following a brief stay man abilities. With the help of Demolition with some chest pain and shortness of in the hospital. Man, a UCWF wrestler who had been breath. A Red result is treated as a Kill Following his short stay in prison, Malus augmented by Malus, Cap located and result with an edged (sharp) weapon, worked free-lance for a time, renewing exposed Malus’s illegal lab. Exactly how requiring immediate hospitalization from a the powers of the original Power Man and long Malus will remain incarcerated is a major heart attack. See the Advanced Set giving him a new name (Goliath) and cos- question for the courts to decide. Players’ Book for the MARVEL SUPER tume. His creation of the Armadillo and HEROES® game, page 29.

HISTORY: Dennis Dunphy is a former DEMOLITION MAN™ professional wrestler who took advantage Dennis “Demolition” Dunphy, alias of the strength-enhancing process offered D-Man; former pro wrestler, now by Power Broker, Inc., to be able to com- crimefighting adventurer pete in the UCWF. Calling himself Demoli- tion Dunphy, he soon became one of the F IN (40) Health: 136 UCWF’s top wrestlers. He enjoyed life as a A TY (6) wrestler and amassed a small fortune in S IN (40) Karma: 36 winnings, building an estate in the Santa E AM (50) Monica Mountains near Los Angeles. R GD (10) Resources: RM The Demolition Man identity was cre- I EX (20) ated by Dunphy to provide him with a P TY (6) Popularity: 20/6 * cover while he aided Captain America in his investigation into the activities of * 20 as Demolition Dunphy, 6 as D-Man (he Power Broker, Inc. In the course of their has yet to make public his identity as an investigation, D-Man was captured by adventurer). several strength-augmented men who worked for the Power Broker. As a captive KNOWN POWERS: of the organization, he was subjected to augmentation to a point that nearly Body Armor: Prior to entering the UCWF, destroyed his muscles; he was then inject- Dunphy underwent the physiological ed with a drug which caused him to go augmentation process employed by Dr. berserk and attack Captain America, who Malus under the auspices of Power Bro- had been locked in an augmentation cham- ker, Inc. The treatment gave him Excellent ber with him. Eventually, Dunphy col- protection from physical attacks and Typi- lapsed from heart failure but was saved by cal resistance to heat and cold. the quick action of Cap and subsequently returned to a stable physiological condi- TALENTS: As a member of the UCWF, tion by Dr. Malus. Dennis trained enough to gain Wrestling Following his recovery and Roger’s talent as well as Martial Arts A and C. He retirement from his post as Captain Ameri- also possesses a fair degree of knowledge ca, Dunphy opted to quit the UCWF and in the area of professional wrestling orga- become a full-time masked adventurer. He nization and management. Dunphy rides a handled the major calls from Cap’s hot line motorcycle as do Nomad and Steve Rogers. service until he, Nomad, Falcon, and Vaga- bond joined forces with Steve Rogers to CONTACTS: Dunphy has had dealings fight crime. Steve Rogers uses a black, with Power Broker, Inc., but because of white, and red uniform designed by Dun- his role in aiding Captain America in his phy, and calls himself simply “Cap.” TM FLAG-SMASHER damage for 1-10 rounds afterward unless es: French, German, Italian, Russian, Real name known to the authori- the flames are extinguished). English, Japanese, and Esperanto. ties hut not publicly revealed; Tear gas gun: This weapon has the fol- former student, now terrorist lowing combat statistics: Good range; one CONTACTS: Flag-Smasher is currently shot per turn; eight-shot magazine; and, affiliated with the terrorist organization F RM (30) Health: 80 fires Remarkable-strength tear gas requir- called ULTIMATUM and can gain any A GD (10) ing an Endurance FEAT to resist its effects manpower that he might need through his S EX (20) Karma: 46 (which last for 1-10 rounds after victims ties to ULTIMATUM. It is apparent that he E EX (20) are removed from exposure to the gas). has access to at least one black-market R GD (10) Resources: FE/IN* Mace: Flag-Smasher’s trademark weapon weapons dealer, and he may have further I RM (30) is a spiked mace made of Incredible- ties in the international underworld. P TY (6) Popularity: – 20 strength steel. He may employ it to inflict either blunt or edged damage, but in HISTORY: The father of the young man * Feeble at present; Incredible with back- either case it inflicts Remarkable damage. who eventually became the Flag-Smasher ing of ULTIMATUM (see below). Flag-Smasher’s Fighting is Incredible when was a wealthy Swiss banker and diplomat. using the mace. He allowed his son to accompany him on KNOWN POWERS: None. Hovercraft: When he first appeared, many of his missions to foreign companies,

Flag-Smasher drove a rocket-propelled, which proved to be a sort of mixed bless- WEAPONS: In the past, Flag-Smasher has ATV-like hovercraft which was severely ing in terms of its influence on the boy’s employed the following weapons and damaged during his first battle with Cap- social development. While he did learn a devices: tain America. The vehicle was equipped lot about foreign cultures and the need to Costume: His costume is made of highly with a remote control (Excellent range) promote international understanding, the resilient fibrous materials, providing him and, when in working order, had the boy often encountered prejudice, which with Good protection from physical following statistics: Excellent control; made him grow introverted and angry. attacks and Typical protection from heat Incredible speed; Incredible body; and, While living in Tokyo, he learned to chan- and cold. The lenses in the mask of his Good armor protection. nel his anger into the practice of the mar- costume give him Excellent resistance to tial arts – shotokan karate-do in light-based blinding attacks. TALENTS: Flag-Smasher is a gifted hand- particular. At the age of 15, he achieved a Flamethrower pistol: Flag-Smasher uses to-hand combatant, with Martial Arts A black belt. At the age of 19, his father was a cut-down version of a standard military and E tucked firmly under his black belt. trampled to death in a protest outside of flamethrower which conforms to the As noted above, he is skilled in the use of the Latverian embassy in New York City. statistics given for such weapons (as per the mace and has Remarkable Agility It was the death of his father which the Advanced Set Players’Book, page 43), when using handguns. Furthermore, he prompted Flag-Smasher to begin his career but with Typical range and Excellent was once a student of international diplo- of terrorism. He felt that his father had damage on the first round (and Typical macy and as such learned several languag- pursued the goals of world peace and unity too passively, so he decided to airline passengers, thus violating one of F EX (20) Health: 50 spread the word using the universal lan- Cap’s most cherished points of honor – A GD (10) guage of violence. He started off by attack- the preservation of human life. Cap has S GD (10) Karma: 22 ing national embassies and symbols of suffered serious repercussions from unfa- E GD (10) nations, decrying nationalism and patriot- vorable media attention as a result (as R TY (6) Resources: TY/IN* ism as dangerous concepts which pro- would be expected with a complete loss of I GD (10) moted world disorder. His first major Karma in game terms); his situation could P TY (6) Popularity: 0/-10* * press coverage came when he attacked be compared in some ways with John Captain America at a press conference in Walker’s following the latter’s killing of * Typical Resources as individuals; Incredi- which Cap was announcing the creation of Professor Power, though in the latter case, ble Resources if backed by ULTIMATUM. his nationwide hot line. Flag-Smasher used Walker lost his temper and could have * * The former statistic applies to individ- the opportunity to present his view of avoided killing his foe. uals normally; the latter applies to those world politics to a captive audience, but acting while wearing ULTIMATUM suits. found his regularly scheduled program ULTIMATUM™ interrupted by a police SWAT team. He Terrorist organization EQUIPMENT: Members of ULTIMATUM was subsequently apprehended by Captain wear black and white uniforms which are America. ULTIMATUM is an acronym which made of ballistic cloth and provide Typical In his second attempt to enlighten the stands for Underground Liberated Totally protection from physical attacks. The world, Flag-Smasher faired no better, in Integrated Mobile Army To Unite Man- goggles of their uniforms grant them Good spite of the aid of several dozen operatives kind. The organization is ideologically protection from light-based blinding of ULTIMATUM. The second attempt opposed to the concepts of nationalism attacks. All soldiers of ULTIMATUM are began with the skyjacking of an American and countries, and its activities are equipped with submachine guns and airliner from London and ended with Cap designed to subvert the governments and knives, the statistics for which can be and the European branch of SHIELD safe- political structures of all nations. The full found respectively on pages 43 and 45 of ly freeing the passengers of the airliner, origins of ULTIMATUM have yet to be the Advanced Set Players' Book. They also capturing Flag-Smasher and his forces. At disclosed, but it is known that the bulk of carry at least one spare clip of ammo for present, Flag-Smasher and a sizable por- its membership is culled from the ranks of the submachine guns. tion of the membership of ULTIMATUM experienced agents of HYDRA who sud- are in SHIELD custody. Steve Rogers is denly found themselves unemployed in TALENTS: Standard-issue ULTIMATUM especially irritated with Flag-Smasher and the wake of the demise of that long-extant troops are trained in Guns and Martial company as Rogers was forced to kill an terrorist group. Agents of ULTIMATUM Arts B talents. Of course, Judges are free ULTIMATUM operative while rescuing the have the following game statistics: to create nonstandard, agents as well.

D RAGON 79

MISS AMERICA™ PATRIOT™ Madeline Joyce, adventuress Jeffrey Mace, reporter and adventurer (identity known to U.S. government) (secret identity) Fighting: GOOD (10) Health: 56 Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) Health: 66 Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Karma: 22 Agility: GOOD (10) Karma: 26 Strength: TYPICAL (6) Resources: EXCELLENT Strength: TYPICAL (6) Resources: EXCELLENT Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) (supported by U.S. government) Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) (supported by U.S. government) Reason: TYPICAL (6) Popularity: 40 Reason: GOOD (10) Popularity: 40 Intuition: GOOD (10) Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Powers Powers LEVITATION: Miss America has the power to levitate by her Patriot has no super powers. mental powers, allowing her to rise into the air as high as Talents: Patriot is skilled in journalism and martial arts. normal breathing would allow (20,000 feet) and to hover in place, staying aloft up to 2 hours. By careful jumps, she can Background: Jeffrey Mace left his career as a reporter for fly at 4 areas per round with Excellent control, though she the New York Daily Bugle at the start of World War II to fight has to land and kick off again to keep going. crime and Nazi espionage in America as a costumed hero. He still makes regular patriotic radio broadcasts from New York None. Talents: City. When the Invaders™ were captured by the Red Skull™, Background: Madeline Joyce was visiting a lighthouse used Patriot joined Bucky Barnes and other heroes to free them, for electrical experiments when a lightning bolt from the becoming a founding member of the Liberty Legion. equipment and an electrical storm struck her. When she recovered from her coma, she found her latent mutant powers had surfaced. She became a costumed crimefighter, and while fighting a Nazi spy ring in New York, she met the Whizzer™. They joined forces to crush the spies and free the Invaders™ from the Red Skull™.

MISS AMERICA and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright ©1985 PATRIOT and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright ©1985 Marvel Marvel Comics Group. All Rights Reserved. Comics Group. All Rights Reserved.

WHIZZERTM SPIRIT OF '76” Robert L. Frank, adventurer William Nasland, adventurer (identity known to U.S. government) (secret identity) Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) Health: 86 Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) Health: 70 Agility: INCREDIBLE (40) Karma: 26 Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Karma: 22 Strength: TYPICAL (6) Resources: EXCELLENT Strength: GOOD (10) Resources: Good Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) (supported by U.S. government) Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) Popularity: 25 Reason: GOOD (10) Popularity: 40 Reason: TYPICAL (6) Intuition: GOOD (10) Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Powers Powers LIGHTNING SPEED: The Whizzer can move up to 10 areas CAPE: Spirit of '76 has no superhuman powers. His cape is per round because of his superhuman metabolism. He has made of a bullet-proof material that provides Typical protec- also developed his fighting skills to compliment his speed, tion against physical attacks made against him from behind. and his Fighting rises to Incredible when he is in motion. He may draw the cape around to protect his front as well. Talents: He can use a special martial arts talent while he is Talents: None in motion, slamming and stunning larger opponents. Background: Spirit of '76 first appeared at the beginning Background: While in Africa with his scientist father, of World War II as a costumed agent of the U.S. government, young Robert was bitten by a cobra. A mongoose killed the fighting Nazi espionage at home. In 1942 he moved to Great cobra, and Dr. Frank injected some of the mongoose’s blood Britain and joined a group of British super heroes called the into Robert. Dr. Frank died of a heart attack, but Robert Crusaders™ . This group discovered that they had been orga- survived and developed superhuman speed. When he grew nized as part of a Nazi plot, but they conquered their back- up, Robert returned to the U.S. as a costumed crimefighter. ers. Spirit of '76 returned to America on occasions to work He was fighting a Nazi spy ring in upstate New York when with the Liberty Legion during the war. contacted by Bucky Barnes™ to help free the Invaders™ from the Red Skull™. On this mission, he met Miss America™, and they were engaged to be married in later years.

WHIZZER and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comb Group. Copyright ©1985 Marvel SPIRIT OF '76 and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright ©1985 Comics Group. All Rights Reserved. Marvel Comics Group. All Rights Reserved. RED RAVEN™ THIN MAN™ Real name unknown, adventurer Bruce Dickson, scientist and adventurer Fighting: GOOD (10) Health: 56 (public identity) Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Karma: 22 Fighting: GOOD (10) Health: 42 Strength: TYPICAL (6) Resources: EXCELLENT Agility: TYPICAL (6) Karma: 26 Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) (supported by U.S. government) Strength: TYPICAL (6) Resources: EXCELLENT Reason: GOOD (10) Popularity: 40 Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) (supported by U.S. government) Intuition: TYPICAL (6) Reason: GOOD (10) Popularity: 40 Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Powers Powers Red Raven wears an anti-gravity suit fitted with a WINGS: BODY PLASTICITY: Thin Man is able to alter and stretch his large pair of birdlike wings. This suit allows him to fly at body to become paper thin or to reach long distances. This Typical speed (up to 140 mph) with Excellent control. If he power is Feeble and can only be used defensively. Anyone makes a successful Agility FEAT, Red Raven can use his wings trying to hit Thin Man with a fist or weapon must make a as a shield to provide Excellent protection from physical two-column shift to the left as Thin Man’s body will absorb attacks and Incredible protection from heat-based attacks. If most of the blow. Thin Man can attack while thinned. he makes a successful flight-control FEAT roll, he is also able to swing his wings with enough force to cause Excellent Talents: Thin Man has an Excellent Reason in chemistry, damage. The wings also contain a built-in blaster which does electronics, aeronautics, piloting, and engineering. Remarkable damage at a range of 6 areas. Background: Bruce Dickson discovered Kalahia, a lost city (in the Himalayas), populated by beings who could flatten Talents: Red Raven has some knowledge of electronics and themselves as thin as paper. The people of Kalahia injected engineering, and his Reason is Excellent in those areas. him with a chemical that gave him his powers. The Thin Background: Red Raven’s parents were killed when their Man has a special aircraft that can only be safely piloted by plane crashed into a floating city which belonged to a him. (All others must make a Reason FEAT to do so, as well winged race of Inhumans™. The child was raised by the as Agility FEATS to avoid crashing.) The plane is a modified Inhumans (the Bird-People) and was given his winged cos- fighter with Good Control, Excellent Speed, and a Typical tume. Red Raven later went to America to join the Liberty Body. The two wing-mounted machine guns will do Remark- Legion™, to fight Nazi aggression in World War II. able Damage to a range of 40 areas.

RED RAVEN and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright ©1985 THIN MAN and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright ©1985 Marvel Marvel Comics Group. All Rights Reserved. Comics Group. All Rights Reserved.

BLUE DIAMOND™ JACK FROST™ Elton T. Morrow, scientist and adventurer Real name unknown, adventurer (secret identity) Fighting: GOOD (10) Health: 76 Fighting: GOOD (10) Health: 70 Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Karma: 26 Agility: GOOD (10) Karma: 26 Strength: TYPICAL (6) Resources: EXCELLENT Strength: INCREDIBLE (40) Resources: EXCELLENT Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) (supported by U.S. government) Endurance: GOOD (10) (supported by U.S. government) Reason: TYPICAL (6) Popularity: 20 Reason: GOOD (10) Popularity: 40 Intuition: GOOD (10) Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: GOOD (10) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Powers Powers COLD POWER: Jack Frost is able to project rays of intense BODY ARMOR: Blue Diamond’s skin is hard enough to pro- cold; anyone struck by such a ray must make an Endurance vide him with Amazing protection against physical attacks FEAT roll and check the stun column of the Battle Effects and Remarkable protection from energy attacks. Table. The victim will be frozen in a sheath of ice (Good material) if the FEAT roll fails. One such ray may be fired per Talents: He has Excellent Reason in Anthropology. round to a maximum range of 6 areas. This power is consid- Background: Elton Morrow was standing near a large ered Amazing. diamond when it exploded, imbedding millions of diamond Jack Frost is also able to manipulate ice and shape it into particles in his skin. This granted him superhuman strength crude shields, which will provide Excellent protection. Jack and invulnerability. Frost has Unearthly resistance to cold attacks, but heat-based attacks gain an UP TWO shift in damage against him. Talents: None Background: Jack Frost’s personal history is unknown at this time to anyone.

BLUE DIAMOND and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Red Skull, Bucky Barnes, the Inhumans, the Invaders, and the Crusaders are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright © JACK FROST and the distinctive likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright ©1985 1985 Marvel Comics Group. All Rights Reserved. Marvel Comics Group. All Right Reserved.

MARVEL

by Steven E. Schend T HE MARVEL®-PHILE You can’t keep a dead man down

Isn’t it amazing just how temporary death is in comic books? Long-dead char- acters simply find their way back through the topsoil, brush themselves off, and continue to astound and aggravate the continuing characters of their respective comic books. Many deaths are pure specu- TM lation, as the hero’s plane blows up in mid- air or the villain’s master weapon explodes with him nearby, and all involved are led to believe the character’s mail should be forwarded to Kingdom Come. Remember, folks, the penultimate rule of comics: If there’s no body, the character might not be dead! It’s a wonderful loophole, and it’s become a tradition (if not a law) to use when resuscitating characters from comic- book limbo. (Anyone believe Bucky Barnes is living in England, playing host to Jim Morrison and Elvis? It could happen—in the comics, that is . . .) Marvel Comics dusted off quite a few deceased yet dignified characters in 1990 and 1991, and these heroes and villains alike are adding new chapters to their once-closed memoirs. Detailed below are two of the meanest, nastiest villains ever to defy the inevitable and cheat death. They have returned from beyond with powers that shadow their former abilities. They are the perennial mutant-hater Com- mander Cameron Hodge and the undead death-dealer himself, the Grim Reaper.

COMMANDER HODGE™ Cameron Hodge, terrorist (Previous published appearance: MU6 The Gamer’s Handbook of the MARVEL UNIVERSE™, 1990 Character Updates)

F EX(20) Health: 120 A EX(20) S IN(40) Karma: 50 E IN(40) R GD(10) Resources: RM(30) I EX(20) P EX(20) Popularity: 0

POWERS: Thanks to a deal he made with a demon, N’astirh, during the “Inferno” story line, Commander Hodge is appar- ently immortal. All of Commander Hodges other powers were a result of his cyber- netic body, which was constructed by the

72 JUNE 1991 MARVEL

Right (see, however, “Weaknesses/ —Spikes: These spikes could be fired ning everything as he saw fit. Hodge be- Limitations”). from mountings on Hodge's underside, gan sending strike forces of Genoshan Immortality: If reduced to 0 Health and causing Good (10) damage on the Throw- “Magistrates” onto U.S. soil to locate and Shift 0 Endurance, Commander Hodge ing Edged column. kidnap mutants for Genosha. One strike does not die but begins healing. His head, —Tentacles: Hodges primary attack force collected Storm, Boom-Boom, Rictor, alone and isolated, has a Health total of 32, mode utilized 1-10 tentacles of Remarkable Wolvesbane, and Warlock after a brief and it regenerates its lost Health with (30) material strength, each able to entan- firefight on the grounds of the ruined Incredible (40) speed (40 Health points in gle up to two targets with Remarkable (30) Xavier‘s School for Gifted Youngsters. one minute). Thus, Hodge's head almost strength. Hodge planned to utilize Warlock’s always remains active and immortal. —Elongation: Hodges tentacles could “transmode-virus,” a genetic virus that Psionic Reflection: Hodge, through un- stretch up to two areas away by using his would allow Hodge to alter his cybernetic known technology or his deal with N’as- Monstrous (75) Elongation power. form into something more human. Before tirh, is effectively immune to psionic he succeeded in this plan, his mutant attacks. He reflects any mental attacks WEAKNESSES/LIMITATIONS: Hodge is hostages escaped, and Warlock died from back upon the attacker with a force equiv- currently immobilized following his sec- lack of energy. The remaining mutants alent to that used against him. ond decapitation. Unless some outside were captured and sentenced to become Cybernetic Body: Commander Hodges force replaces his cybernetic body, Hodge Genoshan mutates, genetically and psychi- cyborg body was shaped like a spider’s, is trapped underneath the ruins of the cally modified to serve the Genoshan state. having eight legs and a low squat body, Genoshan Citadel for the foreseeable The release of this news, in addition to but it also had various other attachments future. that of Warlock’s death, provoked a coali- such as weapons systems and a scorpion- tion invasion of Genosha by X-Factor, the like tail. The cyborg body granted Hodge TALENTS: Hodge formerly had the Lead- New Mutants, and the two splinter-groups the following powers and equipment: ership talent, but his current state of of X-Men, as Hodge himself had planned. —Body Armor: Hodge had Incredible (40) mental instability negates any use of this The Genoshan Magistrates, including a protection against physical and energy talent. He does retain his knowledge of mesmerized Alex Summers (Havok of the attacks. psychiatry and uses that knowledge to X-Men), encountered the invading mutants —Computer Interface: He could directly inflict psychological torture on any whom and were initially defeated. In separate access computers with his cyborg body, he sees as his enemy. groups, all the American mutants pene- granting him a Remarkable (30) ability to trated the Genoshan Citadel, though not in access and receive stored computer infor- HISTORY: Cameron Hodge was formerly time to prevent Wolvesbane’s or Storm’s mation. a normal human with a deep and abiding modifications into Genoshan mutates. —Molecular Adhesive: Hodge could hatred of mutants. He organized the Right, Through the efforts of the Magistrates and spray this on opponents within a one-area a fanatical antimutant terrorist group, Hodge himself, the mutants were captured range; it adhered to them, acting as a with money he embezzled from his form- and stripped of their mutant powers by Remarkable (30) Grappling attack and er friend, Warren Worthington III, and X- the Genoshan Magistrate Wipeout. The negating any standard missile attacks (like Factor. After founding and openly aligning mutants were then turned over to Hodge Archangel’s neural disrupter feathers). himself with the Right, Hodge spent much for experiments. Before Cyclops’s capture, —Phasing: A mechanical unit mounted time discrediting or destroying mutants, he managed to restore Havok’s memory; on the back of his spider body allowed entering into open conflict with X-Factor Havok captured Cyclops and turned him Hodge to phase with Excellent (20) ability. and the New Mutants. During the time of over to Hodge, choosing to hide his re- —Self-Repair Circuts: His mechanical body the “Inferno,” Hodge made a deal with the turned memory and planning to rescue his could repair itself automatically with Incredi- demon lord, N’astirh, for immortality. friends later. ble (40) ability, restoring 40 points of Health Hodge later kidnapped Candy Southern, Hodge previously was a charismatic, to the cyborg body every minute (four the paramour of Warren Worthington, and strong-willed bigot, but his dealings with points per round). It is unknown if this subjected her to experiments that ulti- demons and alteration into a cybernetic ability allowed Hodge to regenerate lost mately killed her. Worthington, now resur- monstrosity unhinged his mind and made Health if his head were removed from the rected in the form of the Archangel, him extremely cruel. He not only wanted body. tracked down and apparently killed Hodge to destroy X-Factor and its mutant allies, Weapon Systems: Hodge's spiderlike by decapitating him with his razor-edged he wanted to torture them, too. Rahne’s body had the following weapons mounted wings. torture took the form of Genoshan slav- on it: For more detailed information on Ca- ery; her normal body was unable to act —Bolas: This weapon counted as an meron Hodge and the beginning of the against the orders of her masters while Excellent (20) strength Grappling attack; Right, consult the “Cameron Hodge and her mind was free in her wolfoid and wolf the bolas were made of Remarkable (30) the Right” entry in TSR’s MU6 Gamer’s forms. Hodge planned the same torture strength metals. Handbook of the MARVEL UNIVERSE™: for Storm, though her mutate-state proved —Laser Blasters: These dealt Remarkable 1990 Character Updates. to be more than Hodge bargained for. (30) Energy damage to their targets. Due to his dealings with N’astirh, Hodge Hodge's insanity and utter disregard for —Legs: Each of his eight legs could in- was not killed by Archangel. His head the carefully balanced order of Genosha flict Excellent (20) Edged Attacks damage. allegedly was recovered by cybernetic turned some highly placed Genoshans —Saw Blade: This circular blade was experts of the Right, and they constructed against him and his plans. Phillip Moreau, capable of reaching any target up to one a powerful mechanical body for Hodges the Genegineer, altered Rahne during her area away and dealing Excellent (20) head. Hodge resurfaced during what has modification process, allowing her auton- Edged Attacks damage. come to be called the “X-Tinction Agenda.” omy when in her wolfoid and wolf forms. —Scorpion Tail: The enormous cybernet- Hodge somehow became the power be- He also mutated Storm into appearing as a ic tail could pin down opponents with hind the leaders of Genosha, a small island mutate, but granting her both eventual Remarkable (30) strength (counts as a nation east of Africa whose prosperity lies freedom and the ability to restore her Grappling attack) and could inflict Incredi- in its mutant-slave population. Hodge fellow mutants’ powers. Chief Magistrate ble (40) Edged Attacks damage with its ensconced himself in the upper echelons Anderson also covertly aided Moreau in pointed tip. of power of the small country, soon run- opposing Hodges plans. Both of these

DRAGON 73 MARVEL

people wanted to save Genosha from utter city, where he could serve as the "brains" the fact that he is dead destruction by destroying Hodge and of some criminal organization. Maybe his Battle Scythe: The scythe is made of removing the now-insane President of head could develop some mental powers. Incredible (40) material-strength steel and Genosha from office. inflicts Excellent (20) Edged damage (or By the efforts of Psylocke, the Genegi- Remarkable (30) Blunt damage when using neer, Chief Magistrate Anderson and GRIM REAPER™ the flat of the blade). The scythe, despite Storm, all the members of the X-Men, New Eric Williams, professional criminal its original construction and material Mutants, and X-Factor escaped Hodge’s (Previous published appearance: MU2 The strength, can now cut into any target clutches. In a series of battles, Hodge's Gamer’s Handbook of the MARVEL UN- having human life-force energy in it. cyborg body was damaged and many of IVERSE™, Volume Two Therefore, natural Body Armor (like the the mutants were injured. Atop the pinna- Thing’s or Colossus’s) is reduced by -2CS, cle of the Genoshan Citadel, Hodge faced F GD(10) Health: 100 while external or separate Body Armor off against Havok and Cyclops. The mutant A EX(20) (like Iron Man’s or the Guardsmen’s) pro- brothers’ powers fueled each other to S RM(30) Karma: 18 tects against the scythe with normal effec- enormous amounts, and they destroyed E IN(40) tiveness. Ultron’s adamantium armor was the top of the Citadel with their force R TY(6) Resources: 0 penetrated by the Reaper’s scythe due to blasts. Hodge was soon reduced to a de- I TY(6) the large amounts of human life-energy capitated head again, and he fell off the P TY(6) Popularity: -15 Ultron was absorbing. The scythe also has side of the 160-story building. Checking to these powers: see his foe’s demise, Havok leaned over the POWERS: Eric Williams gains his powers —Blaster: This does Remarkable (30) edge and was ensnared by Hedge, a metal- from two sources: his battle scythe and Force damage with a range of five areas. lic tentacle projecting from his mouth. Both heroes and Hodge were pulled over the edge of the building and fell to the ground; Cyclops and Havok were saved by Marvel Girl, while Hodges head fell at the feet of Wolvesbane. She threw Hodges head toward the Citadel while Rictor’s mutant power shook the Citadel into rub- ble. Hodges head was apparently buried under the ruins of the building. Hodge’s “X-Tinction Agenda” supposedly was to heighten the world’s perception of Genosha into a world power, responsible for capturing and bringing to justice “mu- tant terrorists.” The agenda, as Hodge saw it, called first for the destruction of X- Factor and all its mutant allies, and finally for the eradication of all mutant life on the Earth. It never progressed further than the alleged death of Warlock, and Hodges agenda is as much rubble as the Genoshan Capitol building. Whether Hodge will be seen again is uncertain; his Immortality should protect him from death, though being buried under tons of rubble with no body will certainly deter him from any plans of death and destruction in the near future.

ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Hodge became more of a monster than any of the mu- tants he claimed were the true monsters facing humanity. Though still quite clever, his plans are pursued with fanatic single- mindedness, and Hodge is manic in his desire to eradicate mutants to the excep- tion of all else. To him, mutants and some humans are but puppets and toys, to be played with and destroyed on his whims. In your campaign, Hodge could be resur- rected by the Right, grafting his head to another body like the one detailed above. Hodge could then begin a methodical campaign to wipe out any mutant heroes in your campaign. He could work behind the scenes, even hiring some of your he- roes’ old foes to kill them. Hodge’s head alone could also appear in your campaign

74 JUNE 1991 MARVEL

—Knock-Out Gas: Excellent (20) intensity more Health than his normal maximum maintaining spell, the Grim Reaper cannot gas fills one area at the Grim Reaper’s Health total. Divide additional absorbed absorb the life-force of Wonder Man (Si- command. amounts of Health by three, and add these mon Williams, the Reaper’s brother). If the —Rotor: The blade can act as a small points to his Health, Strength, and Endur- Grim Reaper’s scythe comes into contact helicopter blade (which allows him to fall ance. These enhanced scores naturally with Wonder Man’s skin, there is an un- through an atmosphere from any height diminish by 10 points every hour until controlled and immediate life-energy drain without harm), a buzz saw doing Excellent reduced to their standard levels (given of Remarkable (30) intensity from the (20) damage, and a shield (it can whirl in previously). The Reaper’s normal Health Reaper. into Wonder Man. front of the Reaper to provide Excellent points also decrease 10 points every hour (20) protection against thrown objects and until reduced to normal, and the Grim TALENTS: As a Weapons Specialist with projectiles, such as bullets). Reaper can maintain his normal Health his Battle Scythe, the Grim Reaper has —Stunner: Finally, the scythe can make a point level for 12 hours without absorbing Remarkable (30) skill with this weapon. Monstrous (75) intensity Stun attack by any life energy. After 12 hours without touch; this can be reversed to cancel the feeding, his Health can wane away to zero HISTORY: The Grim Reaper began as stun effect. at the rate of five Health points every hour Eric Williams, a member of the Las Vegas Zombie Powers: After falling in love until he absorbs enough life-energy to Maggia and brother of Simon Williams, with the living Grim Reaper, Nekra twice return his Health to normal. a.k.a. Wonder Man. Upon hearing of his reanimated the Reaper’s body as a zombie. —Mummifying Touch: As a side-effect of brother’s “death,” Eric vowed to avenge In its first incarnation, the zombie had the the Reaper’s Health draining, his victim’s Simon and held the Avengers responsible, same abilities and ranks of the living Eric body dries up and becomes desiccated. becoming the costumed villain, the Grim Williams, with an additional Body Armor —Invulnerability: The Reaper is unaf- Reaper. For years, he continued his cam- power. Most recently, Nekra reanimated fected by heat, cold, radiation, toxins, and paign of vengeance against the Avengers, the Grim Reaper as a zombie of enhanced disease. and his hatred focused on the Vision (who, Strength and Endurance with the follow- at the time, had Simon’s brain-wave pat- ing additional powers: WEAKNESSES/LIMITATIONS: The Grim tern) and the revived Wonder Man; many —Body Armor: This armor is ranked as Reaper must absorb the life force of at of his plots involved attempts to kill his Excellent (20) vs. physical or energy attacks. least one human (having a minimum of 24 brother’s “imposters.” After he finally —Health-Drain Touch: Eric now does Health points) per day to maintain his realized that Wonder Man was truly Si- Incredible (40) rank absorption of Health undead existence. mon Williams, the Reaper died by falling from living targets. The Reaper can absorb Due to unknown factors in his life- off a high cliff. The Grim Reaper was revived by his lover, Nekra, and became a zombie, al- though he believed himself to still be alive. He died a second time in battle against Wonder Man and Magneto, after finally realizing his state of undeath. Recently, the Grim Reaper was once again brought back to unlife by Nekra; this time, her spell revived his body and made it more powerful, but her spell also de- manded that the Reaper absorb the energy of one living human a day to maintain his current existence. The Grim Reaper claimed Nekra as his first victim, prefer- ring to be under no one’s control and insuring his freedom by killing her. Eric’s slaying of a cult of Sattanish brought him to the attention of Wonder Man and the Avengers West. The Reaper stabbed Simon with his scythe, but found that he couldn’t drain his brother’s life energy. In fact, the Reaper’s absorbed life energy inexplicably drained from him and into Wonder Man. The Grim Reaper fled before he could be apprehended. One night, Wonder Man found the Grim Reaper absorbing the life of a homeless person. After a brief fight, the Grim Reap- er defeated his brother and prepared to collapse a building on top of him when the Reaper was attacked by the Mandrill, Nekra’s brother. The Mandrill was killed before he could be saved by Wonder Man, and the Grim Reaper escaped again. During the Reaper’s killing spree, Ultron- 13 cultivated a plan to turn humans into robots susceptible to control by the “psy- chic currents of my incomparable artificial brain.” Confronting Ultron in his lair be-

76 JUNE 1991 MARVEL

fore three captive Avengers (Hawkeye, Starting this month, “The MARVEL®- rection) and provide new statistics and Tigra, and Quicksilver), the Reaper at- Phile” adds a continuing feature for our powers for heroes and villains alike as tacked the robot in self-defense and man- readers: an up-to-date “bulletin board” of warranted. Now, you can update your aged to sever one of Ultron’s arm tendons. events in the MARVEL UNIVERSE that existing Marvel characters quickly and Ultron fused the battle scythe to the Reap- pertain to your games. This “Bulletin Box” rest assured that your Marvel campaign is er’s arm, making it an extension of his arm features brief notes on major changes in as fast paced and up-to-date as the comics instead of a prosthetic device. The Reaper characters (such as Baron Strucker’s resur- themselves! then temporarily joined forces with Ultron—two mockeries of life, respectively undead and synthetic. MARVEL® Bulletin Box But the Grim Reaper double-crossed Ultron and set up a plan to betray him to Avengers West Coast and control those whom it strikes. If the Wonder Man and the Avengers, provided The Avengers West Coast recently Baron is killed again, the spores will be Simon agreed never to oppose him again. chose its current “Active Membership”: released from his body, “set free from The deal also included the stipulation that Dr. Pym, Hawkeye, Iron Man, Scarlet my control, racing out from my body to the Reaper would never kill more than Witch, Tigra, Wonder Man, and the revenge me on my killers-and everyone one person a day. Simon agreed to the deal Wasp. This membership has been amend- else.” This new power is as follows: and Eric directed him to Ultron’s blimp ed with the addition of Spider-Woman II —Plague/Disease Control: The Baron’s headquarters where the robot planned to into the Avengers’ ranks, as well as the Death Spore virus can be released at will, spray the Rose Bowl Parade crowd with announced resignations of Dr. Pym and causing Amazing (50) intensity damage to his spray to turn them all into robots. the Wasp. The modified list then is: any living target(s) within one area. Once aboard, the Reaper attacked Ultron Hawkeye, Wonder Man, Iron Man, Scar- Unless immune to disease or in posses- and absorbed all the life energy from the let Witch, Tigra, and Spider-Woman II. sion of an antidote, victims continue to adamantine robot. Having defeated Ultron, The West Coast Reserve consists of the take damage from the virus for 1-10 the Reaper turned on Wonder Man. Human Torch I, Machine Man, Mocking rounds or until dead. Ultron-13 recovered, though, and re- bird, and Quicksilver, though which sumed his attack on the Reaper, interrupt- member will fill the remaining opening Vindicator ed by the entrance of Hawkeye (who had left by the resigning founders is unre- James MacDonald Hudson is back and been enslaved by Ultron; see “The vealed. sporting some new powers along with MARVEL-Phile," DRAGON® issue #168). some cybernetic implants. He wields all Hawkeye attempted to attack Ultron, his his old powers (see Gamer’s Handbook of will freed from Ultron’s robotization and Baron Wolfgang Von Strucker the MARVEL UNIVERSE™: Volume Two, control; but his attack was thwarted by The Baron died in the destruction of under “Guardian”) as well as the follow- the Grim Reaper. The archer was attacked Hydra Island by the Death Spore virus ing new powers: on both sides by the robot and the Reaper, bomb years ago. He was recently resur- —Computer Links: RM (30) (mental both villains attempting to absorb Hawk- rected by isolated agents of Hydra, and connection and communication with eye’s life energy. Wonder Man pulled he is currently purging the ranks of computer systems) Hawkeye away, and both villains collided Hydra of those “unfit for duty” and is —Energy Detection: AM (50) (detection, with each other in a burst of energy, scouring Hydra bases world-wide “to identification, and tracking of any elec- knocking each other out. offer my hand to those who will take it— tromagnetic energy at any wavelength No record of his arrest has been re- and to those worthy enough to stand by within 20 areas) corded, but it can be assumed that the my side.” —Mechanical Override: MN (75) (take- Grim Reaper is currently being held in His body now contains an irradiated over and control of any external mechan- maximum security at the Vault. form of the Death Spore virus that ani- ical, electrical, or cybernetic systems mates and preserves his previously unliv- within two areas with a FEAT roll against ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Eric Williams ing body. He can release the virus at will the complexity of the target system). was a psychotic villain when he was sim- ply a normal man wielding a prosthetic The MARVEL-Phile's Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likeneeees thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1991 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. scythe. His bigotries and obsessions ruled All Rights Reserved. his life until he died. After death, Eric has simply become even more psychotic, though no less cunning, and his only ob- session is killing for his survival. Now in his undead state, he is the embodiment of his name: the Grim Reaper. The Grim Reaper could wreak much havoc in your campaign city. Since his abilities mimic, to a degree, those of a vampire, your heroes could be mislead into thinking there’s some blood-sucking fiend abroad. Undoubtedly, they’ll stock up on stakes, garlic, and religious items, only to find they have no effect on old Eric. The Reaper could also become a hired assassin, working for anyone who doesn’t mind a corpse on the payroll.

78 JUNE 1991 The MARVEL®-Phile

by Jeff Grubb

First, an apology. Because of my work at Ben Grimm™ outright; Ben’s hide is too Strength FEAT to rip it up. Wolverine the GEN CON® 17 Convention, my own tough for an instant kill. could then do damage to the suit’s vacation, and putting the finishing An exception to this rule (which wearer on the following rounds (if he touches on the Alpha Flight™ module, I brought up the whole discussion) con- hits the suit in the same location). missed a deadline. No nasty notes to the cerns Body Armor in the form of a bat- On to business. The first two magazine staff, please! tle suit or metal plate, such as that used MARVEL-Philes concerned princely Someone asked me a question at the by a Soviet Super-Trooper™ or a beings: Thor™, prince of Asgard, and convention about claws and body armor. Sentinel™. Wolverine’s claws could not Namor™, former prince of Atlantis. Let’s Body armor subtracts from claw dam- hurt the occupant or damage the inter- move to the other side of the spectrum age; if the rank of body armor is greater nal circuits of a Super-Trooper suit, but to two denizens of the city: the mysteri- than the claw damage, no damage is he could shred the metal in the first ous Cloak™, the beautiful Dagger™, and done and the defender cannot be round of combat. It would require a some notes on alcohol and drug abuse in stunned or slain. Wolverine™ cannot slay Fighting FEAT to hit the armor and a the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ game.

CLOAK™ Tyrone Johnson, Runaway

Fighting: TYPICAL (6) Agility: GOOD (10) Strength: EXCELLENT (20) Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) Reason: TYPICAL (6) Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Psyche: GOOD (10) Health: 76 Karma: 36 Resources: POOR Popularity: 3

POWERS:

THE DARK DIMENSION: Cloak’s body serves as an open- ing into the Dark Dimension, a region of cold, inky black- ness. This darkness serves as MONSTROUS Body Armor. It also lowers all battle effects against Cloak by one color; Green becomes White, Yellow becomes Green, and Red becomes Yellow. Cloak is therefore immune from a “kill“ result from knives or a “slam” in a slugfest. Anyone caught within the folds of Cloak’s cape (which requires Cloak to make a Wrestling FEAT) loses one rank of Endurance for each round he remains within. When Endurance reaches zero, the character is unconscious. A victim’s Health is also lowered one rank per round, and Cloak may use the “light” he has taken from the victim to increase his Health up to his listed maximum. Cloak’s darkness feeds off “living light,” either Dagger’s or the light of living creatures. “Living light” is the lumi- nous body energy shared by all living things in the MARVEL® Universe. Cloak must make a Yellow Psyche FEAT in order for him to give up someone he has “swal- lowed,” but he receives 20 Karma points for doing so.

All Marvel characters and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. MARVEL SUPER HEROES and MARVEL SUPER VILLAINS are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright ©1984 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

76 NOVEMBER 1984 DARKNESS GENERATION: Cloak can whose light staves off darkness. a synthetic substitute for heroin. The release an inky blackness (covering up other runaways perished in the experi- to three areas) from his cape. No being Cloak’s Story: Tyrone Johnson was born ments, but the drug reacted with can see within this blackness, save for in South Boston, and was a good student Tyrone’s and Tandy’s systems, turning light-generating beings such as Dazzler™ despite an incapacitating stutter. He and Tyrone into a creature of living dark- and Dagger. All characters caught in the his friend Billy became witnesses to a ness. Upon their escape he became blackness are DOWN THREE to hit. robbery and murder; terrified, Billy ran, known as Cloak. and Tyrone’s speech defect prevented Cloak is a changed individual, not at all TELEPORT: Cloak can fully enter the him from stopping a police officer from like Tyrone Johnson. His stutter has Dark Dimension and move instantane- shooting Billy. Holding himself responsi- been replaced by a base, rumbling voice. ously to another location. His current ble for his friend’s death, Tyrone fled to He is driven by a hunger for light; Dag- maximum range is one-half mile. He may New York City. ger’s light can sustain him, but he often take others into the Dark Dimension In New York, he met Tandy Bowen, resists feeding upon it, feeling like a with him, making an Endurance FEAT also a runaway. The pair was quickly set parasite. He has no sympathy for those roll to do so. If he fails, the Teleport still upon by a street gang that preyed on who prey on the weak, and in particular works, but Cloak is Stunned for 1-10 young arrivals to the city. Tyrone and he hates drug dealers, addicts, and those rounds. Any characters so Teleported Tandy were kidnapped and were taken who harm young people. The referee suffer the effects of being in the Dark to Ellis Island along with other young should consider reducing the full Karma Dimension (losing Endurance, see runaways. There a mob chemist named loss for deaths caused by Cloak involv- above), unless accompanied by Dagger, Simon Marshall was experimenting with ing evil criminals.

DAGGER™ Tandy Bowen, Runaway

Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Strength: TYPICAL (6) Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) Reason: GOOD (10) Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: GOOD (10) Health: 76 Karma: 30 Resources: POOR Popularity: 7

POWERS: LIGHT GENERATION: Dagger can illuminate up to two areas with a glow radiating from her body. She can use this to Stun her opponents for 1 round; an Endurance FEAT roll is required to avoid this effect.

DAGGERS: Dagger can hurl daggers made of light from her fingertips. These daggers do EXCELLENT damage, and can penetrate up to TYPICAL Body Armor. Anyone hit with one of these daggers has his system purged of foreign substances (including poisons, alcohol, and ail drugs). The victim must make an Endurance FEAT roll, failure indicating loss of three ranks of Endurance for 24 hours and paralysis for 1-100 rounds. If Endurance drops below FEEBLE, the character will perish. Success indicates unconsciousness for 1-10 rounds, and all foreign substances are banished from the person’s system. Individuals who have been affected by powerful, long- term influences on their systems, including super-soldier serums and radiation, will not have these effects nullified by Dagger’s powers.

ACROBATICS: Dagger was a student of dance before her transformation, and she has converted her talent into a unique, dangerous fighting style. Her Agility is considered REMARKABLE when she performs a Dodge action in combat.

DRAGON 77 Dagger’s Story: Tandy Bowen grew up in (loss of Endurance), but at the end of Shaker Heights, Ohio, a rich girl ignored each day he makes a Psyche FEAT roll. by her “fashionable” parents. Feeling Success indicates the loss of Endurance unloved and alone, she headed for New stops there; failure indicates that the York, hoping to be successful in dancing. Endurance loss continues into the next In New York she met Tyrone Johnson, day with another Psyche FEAT roll at another runaway who saved her from a H the end, combined with an overwhelm- robbery. The pair was subsequently e has no ing desire for the drug. If two Psyche kidnapped by a gang preying upon run- roils in a row fail, the character will aways, and the pair was shipped to Ellis sympathy for become violent and will continue losing Island. The mob was conducting chemi- Endurance ranks. Roll for each day until cal experiments on Ellis Island to find a those who prey a full week of not using the drug or synthetic form of heroin. Tyrone, Tandy, on the weak, alcohol has passed. The character can be and the other runaways were their considered “clean” at the week’s end. guinea pigs. and in particular Going cold turkey purges the body of The other runaways perished from its poisons, as does a hit from one of the experimental drug, but Tandy and he hates drug Dagger’s light-missiles. Being hit by one Tyrone survived and escaped, their of her missiles has the same effect as bodies mutating under the drug’s dealers, addicts going cold turkey, but involves a great effects. Tandy gained her light-based risk to the person affected (see the powers and deadly, cleansing missiles, and those who description of Dagger given above). and became the vigilante Dagger. A character who has kicked the habit Dagger generates luminous energy harm young has a good chance of backsliding even that can purge others of foreign sub- people. after he has stopped using drugs or stances. She can heal, but the shock of alcohol. Each week the “clean” character the sudden change can kill. She is more makes a Psyche FEAT roll. One failure sympathetic to the victims of drug addic- indicates some backsliding, while two in tion than her compatriot Cloak, but joins violent if denied his fix. The only way to a row indicates a return to the addicted him in a war against drug dealers and break the habit is by going cold turkey stage, with all the penalties of the origi- manufacturers. Award Karma points to (see below). nal state. The Judge may modify the Dagger for healing addicts, but give her FEAT roll according to the immediate full penalties for killing anyone. ALCOHOL: Alcohol is called “courage in situation (business pressure, personal a bottle,” and this is its effect in the loss, or seeking help). Karma may be Notes on Drugs and Alcohol game. Raise Fighting one rank for a added to any of these rolls. character who has been drinking. How- HARD DRUGS: In the MARVEL SUPER ever, lower the Agility and Intuition of KARMA AND DRUGS: Drug use and HEROES™ game, a hard drug is defined drinking characters (including super- drug abuse are illegal in most states. as any addictive drug that is hazardous heroes) two ranks, to a minimum of Heroes will lose 40 Karma for dealing in to the user’s mental and physical health. POOR. hard drugs, 40 for using hard drugs Such drugs often block the awareness of Alcohol also has a nasty aftereffect, themselves, and all Karma if someone’s pain, so that they have the short-term the hangover. Make a Yellow Endurance death results from these actions. Alcohol affect of raising Endurance one rank (to FEAT (or Red, at the Judge’s option), or is slightly more acceptable; heroes lose 5 a maximum of EXCELLENT) for 2-20 suffer from a shift DOWN ONE in ail Karma points for every alcoholic drink rounds. After that time, Endurance is actions the next morning. Another drink taken or 30 for each night of drunken- lowered one rank from the original will allow a second FEAT roll. This opens ness. Friends of an alcoholic or drug score for the next twenty-four hours. the door to . . . abuser lose 5-20 Karma points for not During this period, drugs also lower . . . Alcohol abuse, which is as deadly helping a friend in need. Villains suffer Reason and Intuition by two ranks each as drug abuse. NPCs can be determined similar losses as heroes, but receive a 10 (to a minimum of FEEBLE). by the judge to be alcoholic or not. Karma bonus for selling drugs, only if Regular, uncontrolled abuse of drugs Player characters use a similar method they follow up with another sale within can lead to addiction. The Judge may to that given for drugs. If a character is the week. The super-criminal Kingpin™ call for a Psyche FEAT roil at the end of drinking alcohol more than three times will not traffic in drugs, because they any week in which a character has used a week, make a Psyche FEAT. Effects of are a deadly habit for villains as well as drugs more than twice. Shift DOWN success and failure are as for drugs, heroes. ONE for every week of continued use. A with the loss of Endurance (and result- successful Psyche FEAT means the char- ing Health) if kept from drinking. Endur- A final note: The above rules are sim- acter is still in control of his drug use. ance cannot drop below FEEBLE. plified for use in the game, and are Failure means the character is hooked optional. These rules were developed on the drug and craves more of it. COLD TURKEY: This is the popular especially for this article, since drugs Drug addiction can be an ugly thing. name for deliberately going without are a central part of Cloak and Daggers The user needs daily dosages of his something — in this case, drugs — in background. To exclude reference to drug, failure resulting in a one-rank loss order to break a habit. The addicted drug and alcohol abuse would be to of Endurance and Intuition per day character stops taking the drug to which exclude some of the realism of the without the drug, to a minimum of FEE- he is addicted and “guts it out.” He will MARVEL® Universe from which these BLE. In NPCs, the character will become suffer the effects of not using the drug two superheroes came.

78 NOVEMBER 1984 Caught in the Crossfire™ team of bad-guys — guys who would give individual must make another Psyche Cap™ or Hawkeye™ a hard time, maybe FEAT to maintain control). The range of even Spider-Man™. They first appeared as this device is only two areas, however, as a team rescuing a CIA-agent-turned- it is still in prototype form. criminal named Crossfire™. Crossfire had a plot to turn heroes against each other by TALENTS: Crossfire has Martial Arts B a type of sonic hypnotism.” and E, and is a skilled Marksmen. He also “Sounds interesting,” says Roger, clean- has the Detective/Espionage talent and the ing his Rambo water pistol. “You give me skills of Computers and Ultrasonics. Crossfire, I’ll let you throw in the Death- Throws™ as well.” CONTACTS: Crossfire has a number of And there you have it. Are decisions at contacts in the criminal and espionage General Motors made like this? fields. He also has contacts with a group of scientists specializing in brainwashing and mind control. CROSSFIRE™ William Cross Crossfire’s story: William Cross became an agent of the CIA with an eye toward F RM (30) Health: 90 using his training to his own eventual A RM (30) benefit. He specialized in information S GD (10) Karma: 60 gathering and mind control, using ultra- E EX (20) sonic devices. He left the agency and, as R EX (20) Resources: TY (6) Crossfire, began forming his own merce- I EX (20) nary agency. An explosion planned by a P EX (20) Popularity: -3 rival group cost him his sight in one eye and most of his hearing, but Cross re- KNOWN POWERS: placed these lost senses with cybernetic improvements and took revenge on his Enhanced Senses: Crossfire lost his left eye attackers. and ear, and 85% of the hearing in his Soon, Crossfire became concerned with right ear, as the result of an explosion. He the potential threat of powerful heroes, has since replaced his lost sight by an and began to research methods to elimi- infrared imaging device that allows him nate that threat. Refining the methods he Excellent normal vision and Excellent- helped develop at the CIA, Crossfire cre- intensity night vision. He also wears an ated a prototype brainwashing device audio sensor that provides Incredible-rank which would cause the super-human hero hearing; the sensor may be turned down community to destroy itself. This proto- to provide Incredible resistance to sonic type was itself destroyed by the Thing™ and sound-based attacks. and Moon Knight™. by Jeff Grubb To build his second prototype, Cross Uniform: Crossfire’s uniform provides used components from his cousin Darren’s A question that often comes up is how Good protection from physical attacks and company, Cross Technologies™, where the it’s determined who goes into this column. Excellent protection from heat and energy hero Hawkeye was employed at the time. In general, the heroes chosen are individ- attacks. The outfit has a number of Considering Hawkeye a weak link in the uals who are interesting, unique, and not pouches and compartments containing heroic community, Cross kidnapped him known from any existing MSH projects. items like gas masks, surveillance bugs, and the former S.H.I.E.L.D.™ agent That’s why the Inhumans™ finally showed and single-shot weapons (treat as cheap Mockingbird™ and subjected them to the up a few issues back, then Terminus™. handguns). sonics, forcing them to fight. Hawkeye Most of the time I go through the pile of sustained a permanent hearing loss during correspondence, listening to the voice of Mind-Control Equipment: Crossfire has this battle. The pair escaped, destroyed the people, and then make a suggestion to developed a form of mind-control device Cross’s machine, and placed Cross under Roger Moore. that relies on applied ultrasonics, sound arrest. At the suggestion for this ’phile, Roger waves of frequencies above normal detec- Cross was rescued from police custody Moore (the real one) looked up at me in tion (Remarkable or better rank in hearing by the Death-Throws, a group of criminal mild surprise. “Killer Jugglers?” he asked, or detection required to perceive). These jugglers. Two of the groups members “I thought the April Fool’s issue was sonics have Monstrous mind-control (Oddball™ and Bombshell™) had previously months off.” power and fill listeners with intense ha- worked for Cross, and the group agreed to “You wanted the Unlimited Class tred and violence. Those that fail a Psyche break Cross out in return for a sizable fee. Wrestling Federation™ for that issue,” said FEAT against this barrage will attack When the group discovered Cross had no I, collapsing into a comfy chair in his audi- everyone within range until the device is cash (his machines were impounded and ence hall. “No, I’m talking about a serious shut off (if the device is reactivated, the his ties with Cross Technologies cut), they

80 DECEMBER 1986 decided to use Cross as bait to lure Hawkeye and Captain America™ into a trap. Cross and the Death-Throws are currently in police custody. THE DEATH THROWS™ Total Karma Pool: 212

RINGLEADER™ Charles Last

F GD (10) Health: 56 A RM (30) S TY (6) Karma: 40 E GD (10) R GD (10) Resources: Good (10) I EX (20) P GD (10) Popularity: -2

ODDBALL™ Elton Healey

F TY (6) Health: 52 A RM (30) S TY (6) Karma: 46 BOMBSHELL™ E GD (10) Wendy Conrad R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) I EX (20) F GD (10) Health: 50 P EX (20) Popularity: -2 A EX (20) S GD (10) Karma: 36 TENPIN™ E GD (10) Alvin Healey R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) I EX (20) Health: 56 F GD (10) P GD (10) Popularity: -3 A RM (30) S TY (6) Karma: 36 E GD (10) R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) I GD (10) KNICKKNACK™ P EX (20) Popularity: -2 Nick Grossman

F EX (20) Health: 66 A RM (30) S TY (6) Karma: 26 E GD (10) R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) I GD (10) P GD (10) POWERS: lit, Excellent fire damage. The clubs have team rescued Cross from the authorities, Typical material strength. then discovered that Cross had no money Ultimate Skill — Juggling: (Okay, stop Bombshell specialized in explosives to pay for his rescue. After a debate, the laughing, this is serious.) All of the Death- before joining the Death-Throws, and she group decided to use him as bait to lure Throws are expert jugglers — all FEATS receives a + 1CS when creating, rigging, Hawkeye and Captain America into a trap, involving juggling are at the Unearthly or defusing explosive objects. She packs afterwards ransoming the heroes. The rank. This includes the ability to throw wrist-firing stun-bolts of Excellent- Living Legend and Battling Bowman dealt weapons and catch objects as well. intensity stunning. She normally juggles with the team and the latter, along with Each member of the Death-Throws has armed explosives, such as grenades of Cross, are in police custody. his or her own special preference for Typical to Incredible damage; she pulls the The Death-Throws stress teamwork juggled objects: pin on grenades in the last toss before more than any other villainous team, and Ringleader is a master with the razor- throwing them. maintain a snappy dialog with each other sharp rings he carries on his belt. These Knickknack juggles objects of dissimilar to go with their smooth movements. They rings inflict Good Throwing Edged Dam- shapes, such as a bowling ball, tomato, and are continually honing their skills as jug- age. Ringleader also has Leadership ability meat cleaver, though he is equally good glers and more than willing to perform and is the team’s leader and spokesman. with a lead pipe, orange, and activated criminal acts for a price. Oddball’s specialty is juggling spheres, chain saw. His weapons inflict damage as and normally he carries a small arsenal of Throwing Edged or Blunt weapons, ac- hollow balls. These include: cording to type (a thrown chain saw in- * Smoke balls (treat as smoke grenades); flicts Excellent Edged attack damage). * Knock-out gas balls of Incredible intensity; Death-Throws’ story: Little of the * Acid balls of Excellent intensity; origin of this group of costumed criminal NEXT: “So,” says Roger, laying back on his * Solid rubber balls that do Good Blunt jugglers has been revealed. The original sofa as his assistant editor peeled grapes throwing damage; group included organizer Ringleader, for him. “What next month — Mimes of * Spiked spheres inflicting Typical Edged Oddball, Oddball’s brother Tenpin, and the Marvel Universe®?” throwing damage; and, Knickknack. While working separately for “We did Black Bolt™ two months ago.” * Fire balls doing Good fire damage. Crossfire, Oddball met Bombshell, found “Then what?” Tenpin’s specialty is with specially her a natural talent for the craft, and “How about the Marauders™, straight weighted bowling pins, normally worn on recruited her into the team. from the Mutant Massacre?” a special backpack. These weighted pins The Death-Throws were soon contacted Roger choked on his grape. inflict Good Throwing Blunt damage or, if by Crossfire to spring him from jail. The See you in thirty.

Copyright ©1986. Marvel Comics Group. All rights reserved. Marvel, Marvel Universe, and all Marvel characters and the likeness thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group and are used with permission.

82 DECEMBER 1986 “I love leftovers!”

By now, you’ve all gone out and pur- chased the MU6 Gamer’s Handbook of the MARVEL UNIVERSE™ 1990 Character Updates book. This 256-page compendium contains a myriad of Marvel characters never before put into the game’s statistics, plus important updates on your favorite characters, like Spider-Man’s Captain Universe powers. The designers, however, had more characters than they had room for in the book, so DRAGON® Magazine has grabbed up four of the characters that didn’t make the final cut. We present two heroes this month and will publish two villains in November tissue #163). Also look for a special Halloween “MARVEL- Phile” next month by Dale A. Donovan. Special thanks to Steven Schend, Judy Gifford, Peggy Cooper, and Barb Nish for their assistance in compiling this column.

DRAGON 55 MARVELMARVEL

BACKGROUND across most of Europe, North was cap- quarterstaff with which he could do Good Real Name: Dakota North tured by Bheik along with her brother and damage. When fighting with the staff, his Occupation: Private investigator an associate, Amos. In escaping, North lost Fighting rank was considered to be Un- Legal Status: U.S. citizen with no crimi- the pen to Bheik, who subsequently acci- earthly. Stick could use his staff to deflect nal record dentally released its deadly contents. Bheik arrows and thrown weapons such as Identity: Publicly known and his men were killed. shurikens. This action requires a success- Place of Birth: Unrevealed A subsequent case of North’s involved the ful Agility FEAT roll. Marital Status: Single pre-teen super hero group, Power Pack, Talents: Stick was a martial-arts master Known Relatives: Samuel “S. J.,” father; and the vigilante known as the Punisher. and knew all five types of Martial Arts (A Richard, brother through E). He was also a Weapons Master Base of Operations: Mobile, with and a Weapons Specialist with his “stick” branch offices in New York City; Paris, (quarterstaff). He had the Trance and First France; Rome, Italy; and Tokyo, Japan Aid talents. Past Group Affiliations: Head of Da- Contacts: Stick was the leader of a group kota North Investigations STICK™ of six other marital-arts masters. He Present Group Affiliation: None helped Daredevil when the latter was F AM(50) learning how to use his radar sense. Stick KNOWN POWERS A RM(30) also knew Black Widow, and he taught Talents: Dakota North has Martial Arts E, S GD(10) some skills to Elektra. Guns, and Marksman skills. Her Reason is E RM(30) Remarkable as a Detective. She gets a R TY(6) ROLE-PLAYING NOTES + 1CS to her Agility rank when perform- I UN(100) Stick was a taciturn, stern fellow. He ing gymnastic maneuvers. P MN(75) was a harsh taskmaster when training Contacts: Through her dad, Dakota has Health: 120 someone, crankily pointing out a person’s connections with the CIA. The interna- Karma: 181 mistakes no matter how well that person tional scope of her business has also led to Resources: PR(4) did. But he was also a brave and generous her cooperation with Interpol. She knows Popularity: 0 (25 to martial-arts experts) man who was willing to give up his life to the Punisher and the pre-teen super hero save his friends. group, Power Pack. BACKGROUND In your campaign, Stick might have been Real Name: Unknown the trainer of any martial artist or ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Occupation: Leader of order of martial weapon-using hero or any hero with prox- Dakota North is a determined young artists, sensei, pool hustler imity sense or heightened senses. Al- woman with good business sense and Legal Status: Unknown though he died in the comics, he could still superb detective skills. Because of her Aliases: Master be alive in a game-campaign world. He many talents and successful exploits, Identity: The general public was un- could act as a counselor for heroes, guid- North has gained world fame as a private aware of Stick’s fighting abilities. ing them and occasionally providing them investigator. Place of Birth: Unknown with important information. He and his North could be encountered when she Marital Status: Unknown group of martial-arts masters could also opens an office in your campaign’s major Known Relatives: None provide a great place in which injured or city. She could meet your heroes while Base of Operations: New York City and hunted heroes or NPCs could hide. working on the same case, or she could be atop a mountain at an unknown location hired by the heroes to do some investiga- Past Group Affiliations: Unnamed HISTORY tive legwork that they cannot perform order of martial-arts masters Nothing is really known about Stick’s themselves. North could—unknowingly- Present Group Affiliations: None early life before he befriended Matt Mur- accept a case from a nondescript villain to dock (Daredevil). Stick was a blind man investigate the civilian identity of one or KNOWN POWERS who had somehow developed a special more of your campaign‘s heroes, Proximity Sense. Unearthly rank combat “proximity sense” and enhanced his re- sense. Stick could not be blindsided, and maining senses. These abilities allowed HISTORY this ability worked even in darkness. him to sense far more than a normal hu- Dakota North is the daughter of Samuel Enhanced Senses. Applied to taste, touch, man could. J. North, a retired agent of the CIA. Little hearing, and smell (Stick was blind); Stick became the leader of an elite group is known of Dakota’s early life other than Amazing power rank of warriors based on the top of an un- at a relatively young age, she chose a Telepathy. Excellent power rank named mountain. Stick was a master of career as a freelance private investigator. Bio-Energy Drain. Amazing power rank, martial arts and was especially adept in Her business is apparently quite successful three area radius. By mentally linking with using a long stick in combat, from which in that it currently supports four branch another member of his martial-arts group, he took his name. The members of the offices around the world. Stick and his fellow member could drain order developed a number of mental In North’s earliest recorded case, she 50 Health points each, per round, from powers that were either psionic or mysti- was hired by Major George C. Cooper, a every enemy within three areas. After cal in nature. Each member of the order former intelligence agent and associate of draining 1,000 points of bio-energy, the was required to rid himself of all destruc- North’s father, to protect Cooper from the drainer’s body exploded. Stick and his tive emotions. operatives of an international arms dealer, partner could do nothing else while drain- Stick’s group spent many years fighting Sheik Ibn Bheik. Fearing for his safety, ing life energy. If less than 1,000 Health the Hand, a Japanese-based group of Cooper passed a cartridge of experimental points were drained, Stick and his helper ninjas who hired themselves out as merce- quickly dissipating nerve gas hidden inside each made an Endurance check on the naries and assassins. The members of the a pen case to North’s younger brother, Stun column. Hand served a demonic entity known as Ricky. After chasing her wayward brother Weapons: Stick’s weapon of choice was a the Beast.

56 SEPTEMBER 1990 Long ago in New York City, a young man named Matt Murdock was accidentally struck in the face by a canister containing radioactive waste. The radiation blinded him but also provided him with a unique “radar sense.” After leaving the hospital, Matt was found by Stick, who taught Matt how to use his new radar sense, which was similar to Stick’s proximity sense. Stick also taught Matt various methods of hand-to-hand combat. Later, while enrolled at Columbia Uni- versity, Matt met Elektra Natchios and fell in love with her. After Elektra’s father, a Greek Ambassador, was killed by terror- ists, Elektra left Matt and the United States, going to Japan. There she was trained under a sensei who had been thrown out of Stick’s order because he had not been able to completely rid him- self of all his destructive emotions. Elektra reached a high level of martial prowess, but she was still filled with hate because of the death of her father. Elektra’s sensei told her about Stick’s order, hoping that it could teach Elektra to achieve inner peace. Stick accepted Elektra as a pupil and trained her for one year. She became even better at combat and began to develop the mental powers that the members of the order possessed. Stick eventually had to expel her as she had still not been able to rid herself of her hatred. Elektra joined the Hand for a time, then became a freelance assassin. Years later, Matt Murdock (as Daredevil) met Elektra again. Shortly after that, Mur- dock lost his radar sense after being caught in the concussive force of a bomb blast. Murdock found Stick, who was pool- hustling in New York City, and Stick helped Matt develop his radar sense again. A while after that, the Hand began a campaign to kill all the members of Stick’s secret order, which at that time had only seven members, including Stick. After Stick was attacked by four Hand assassins in New York City, he summoned the other members there. Only three other mem- bers arrived: Claw, Shaft, and Stone (the other members had apparently already been killed). Stick and his fellow members were able to kill Kirgi, the Hand’s deadliest warrior. Later that night, a horde of Hand assassins attacked Stick and his friends at Matt Murdock’s apartment. Daredevil and the Black Widow were also involved in the battle. Claw was killed during, the fight. Stick and Shaft then joined hands to drain the life force of the remaining Hand mem- bers. Stick ordered Stone to help Dare- devil and the Black Widow escape. Stone fled with his two charges, reluctantly leaving Stick and Shaft behind. The bodies of Stick and Shaft exploded shortly there- after, having been filled with more life energy than they could contain.

DRAGON 57 by Stephen E. Schend HE MARVEL®-PHILE

TM Along came the spiders

The Avengers West Coast have not had a moment’s rest since returning from Opera- tion: Galactic Storm, due to this nasty bunch—Deathweb! Despite their previous- ly unknown status, this trio managed to stalemate eight Avengers (yes, everyone’s favorite arachnid, Spider-Man, was also on hand for this case). This should give you the idea that Deathweb’s not a group to be ignored or taken lightly. ANTRO™ F EX(20) Health: 120 A RM(30) S IN(40) Karma: 22 E RM(30) R TY(6) Resources: EX (20) I TY(6) P GD(10) Popularity: –10

KNOWN POWERS: Arachnid Armor: All evidence seems to suggest that Antro’s powers are derived from his armor. Though all its abilities may not have been exhibited, the armor is equipped with these known abilities: —Acid jets: With a range of three areas, Antro can “spit” Remarkable (30) strength acid from the mandibles on his helmet. —Body armor: Antro’s armor provides him with Remarkable (30) protection from physical and Force attacks and gives Excel- lent (20) protection from energy attacks. —Teleportation “Trapdoor effect”: Antro is able to generate Amazing (50) rank teleportation fields with his armor that can cover up to one entire area, teleport- ing everything within that area to a men- tally chosen location within 20 areas. He also can choose to isolate his “trapdoors” around himself or a single target, teleport- ing the target to desired locations. —Wall-crawling: Antro’s armor contains microsuction pads on the hands and feet, allowing him to stick to vertical surfaces with Excellent (20) ability. —Web-shooting: Antro’s wrist cannons shoot webbing to a range of three areas; Color by Stephen Sullivan DRAGON 71 the webbing has Excellent (20) material durance ranks need a Yellow result; and the initiative, but is content to wait for strength and sticks to targets and surfaces those with Endurance ranks below Re- orders and directions from his allies and with an Excellent (20) strength adhesive. markable require a Red result to avoid employers. He has a brutal fighting style, paralysis and death in 1d4 +2 rounds. more like a barroom brawler than a train- TALENTS: None revealed. ed fighter. TALENTS: Martial Arts A and B, As with the others, Therak is employ- ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Leadership. able as a part of Deathweb, but he can be Given the amazing abilities of his armor, altered slightly within game campaigns. Antro is rather arrogant and overconfi- ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Given his similarities to Wonder Man’s dent in combat. However, he loses control Arachne is a woman with an attitude. powers (ionic energy), Therak could be set of a situation (and his temper) quickly if She is focused on her targets, shows no up as a henchman for Baron Zemo II, bested and is quick to blame others for his remorse in killing, and enjoys taunting her having been changed along with Vermin to mistakes. He’s the perfect bully—tough enemies and prolonging their suffering. become one of the newest Masters of Evil and brave when he has the upper hand, Cool but vicious, she’s the unofficial field or something similar. (There’s no proof, but quick to lose his nerve when the battle leader of Deathweb. but the Baron could have easily designed starts to turn. This Chinese-American the rest of Deathweb’s equipment, given supervillain and the rest of Deathweb THERAK™ his penchant for technology and mayhem. seem to operate on a freelance basis, and F EX(20) Health: 176 Besides, both Barons Zemo liked nothing as such are available for hire by the arch- A TY(6) more than to frustrate the Avengers, no nemesis of any given MARVEL SUPER S MN(75) Karma: 18 matter what coast they were on!) HEROES™ (MSH) game heroes. E MN(75) R TY(6) Resources: EX(20) HISTORY: ARACHNE™ I TY(6) Soon after the announcement by New F RM(30) Health: 80 P TY(6) Popularity: –10 York’s Globe-Recorder newspaper that A EX(20) they would expose one of the presidential S GD(10) Karma: 26 KNOWN POWERS: candidates as having ties with organized E EX(20) Hybrid form: Of all the members of crime, people began to show up dead. R TY(6) Resources: EX (20) Deathweb, Therak is the most spiderlike. Henry Drummond, the lawyer for the I GD(10) His body is covered in a chitinous cara- Globe, was murdered in his west coast P GD(10) Popularity: –10 pace that resembles the shell-like skin of office; his neck was broken, and he was some spiders; his eight limbs (two legs, six stuck to the wall with what appeared to be KNOWN POWERS: arms) have also changed to less human a spider’s web. The next day, just as a None; Arachne’s abilities seem to be proportions, with the arms ending in four- press conference to reveal the candidate’s equipment-oriented or derived from tal- digit grasping claws and his feet growing name was starting, Walt Weston, the pa- ents such as martial arts. two toe claws for grip and stability. per’s source of the information, died from Therak’s head has also become spiderlike, an injection of poisonous spider-venom EQUIPMENT: and his eyes glow an opaque red that hints into his neck. Peter Parker was present at Arm spikes: Arachne wears an Excellent at his powers being ionic in nature. the conference, having been flown out to (20) material-strength arm spike on each Therak’s powerful body provides him with the west coast to follow up on the story. arm that is connected to supplemental the following powers: The Liberty Party’s presidential nomina- cartridges to provide the following effects: —Additional limbs (arms): Therak has six tion convention was heavily attended due Venom injections: Arachne’s spikes can arms capable of attacking opponents, to the furor over the murders, and the deliver direct injections of poisonous ven- though he cannot attack more than two Avengers West Coast were on hand for om into a victim’s body. Her venom injec- targets at once. Separate attacks (and added protection for the candidate, one tions are of Incredible (40) intensity and separate damage) are not rolled, but Michael Galvan. As Galvan took the podi- can kill anyone in three to six (1d4 +2) Therak’s Fighting score increases by +1CS um, the lights went out. After a minor rounds who fails an Endurance FEAT roll. for each arm beyond one for an attack on fracas with Spider-Man, the Avengers Those victims with Amazing or greater a character (to a maximum of Incredible). came into conflict with Deathweb. Despite Endurance need a green Endurance FEAT Therak’s altered body structure only al- being outnumbered two-to-one, Deathweb roll; those with Endurance ranks of In- lows a maximum of four arms to be used fought ferociously and managed to injure credible need a Yellow result; and those against one target. If two targets are at- both the U.S. Agent and Hawkeye seri- with Endurance ranks below Incredible tacked at once, Therak’s Fighting score has ously. With the impromptu appearance of need a Red result to take only 10 points of a maximum of Excellent for either attack. Rachel, Spider-Woman’s daughter, damage. Failure indicates death in the time —Body armor: Therak’s chitinous cover- Deathweb kidnapped her as a hostage and noted unless other measures are taken ing provides Amazing (50) protection from made good their escape. (healing powers, antidote, etc.). The ven- physical or Force attacks and Incredible In order to find her daughter, Spider- om causes severe swelling of the tissues at (40) protection from energy attacks. Woman got in touch with Mike Clemson, the injection point. her government contact. Clemson work- Venom webs: Arachne also can shoot TALENTS: None revealed. ing in secret with a mysterious power venom-coated webbing up to two areas group known as the Conclave, was secret- away. The web venom is a paralytic agent ROLE-PLAYING NOTES ly in league with the Manipulator and of Remarkable (30) rank that can kill by Therak only whispers when he speaks: Deathweb. When Spider-Woman found paralyzing all the victim’s muscles if the due to the radical changes in his body Clemson, she also found Deathweb and victim fails an Endurance FEAT roll (heart structure, it may be too difficult or too the Manipulator. Spider-Man followed her and respiratory failure are the causes of painful for him to speak in a normal voice. to this location, but found himself in a death). Those victims with Endurance What little he has said indicates he is a fight for his life—Spider-Woman was ranks of Incredible or greater need a very bitter, angry person who takes out forced to attack him to save Rachel as the Green result; those with Remarkable En- his pain on others. He is not one to take girl was Arachne’s hostage.

72 NOVEMBER 1992 Deathweb fled the warehouse where the stage and under guard by the Avengers, The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel two arachnid-based heroes were fighting he called for an end to the “fear and Entertainment Group. Inc. and are used with permission. as the place was about to explode. Mike lawless terror we witnessed here tonight: Copyright ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Clemson also escaped, vowing vengeance then called for the immediate execution of on Spider-Woman before disappearing into Deathweb. Lambert even went so far as to the night. Spider-Man and Spider-Woman order the Avengers to “be the Avengers escaped from the rubble of the warehouse you are in name and let swift justice be and freed Rachel, who was left locked up done to these butchers!” Despite his claim in a trailer park. They arrived at the Lib- that he wasn’t afraid of Deathweb, Lam- erty Party’s convention that night in time bert faltered when Arachne told the to turn Rachel over to her father, Larry crowd that their orders were to kill Carpenter, and to see Deathweb teleport Galvan and anyone else in the way but onto the stage and murder Galvan. The they were strictly told not to hurt Lam- disguised Avengers, not showing them- bert. Lambert’s nervous, cagey response selves until Rachel was safe, quickly dis- provided all the answers the crowd need- patched Deathweb. While the Manipulator ed. Despite his denial, Lambert’s appear- made his getaway, he encountered Rachel ance of guilt buried him politically. and Carpenter; seeking to prevent the Deathweb’s current status is unknown, girl’s kidnapping, Larry resisted the Ma- but it is assumed they are currently being nipulator and was killed by the villain. held for trial on at least three counts of Spider-Woman stopped the Manipulator murder. Therak should be held in the from taking Rachel, but he escaped. Vault, and Arachne’s and Antro’s equip- Does your computer Inside the Hollywood Bowl at the con- ment most likely has been confiscated by ever byte back? vention, Galvan’s running mate, the unas- the authorities. The Manipulator is cur- suming and unknown Wilson Lambert, rently at large, as are the Conclave and To learn more about the hottest fantasy took the podium and began to talk to the Mike Clemson. Whether they will be seen and science-fiction computer games, crowd of “law and order,” using Galvan’s anytime soon depends on Marvel Comics turn to “The Role of Computers” in this minutes-old murder to accentuate his or your MSH campaign Judge! issue! points. With Deathweb still tied up on

74 NOVEMBER 1992 The MARVEL®-Phile by Jeff Grubb

Defenders™ Ensemble!

All Marvel characters, their likenesses, and MARVEL SUPER HEROES are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. © 1985 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries. All Rights Reserved. For the 100th issue of DRAGON® Maga- Defenders have eluded us to date. Moondragon appear in MHAC-2, zine, let’s correct an old oversight and The current team of Angel™, Iceman™, Avengers Assembled!. But, to date, we deal with one of the groups most Beast™, leader Candy Southern™, haven’t talked about Cloud, Gargoyle, requested by the readers of this column, Moondragon™, Gargoyle™, Cloud™ and and Valkyrie. This is a serious oversight the Defenders™. We have, in other Valkyrie™ have only been mentioned in and, of course, our purpose in these products, described the Fantastic Four™, bits and pieces. The first four listed take columns is to correct oversights (heh, the X-Men™, Alpha Flight™, and the their bows in MHAC-5, Project heh, heh). So set your sights on these Avengers™ (both coasts). But the Wideawake, while Beast and sites, the rest of the Defenders!

GARGOYLE™ force that powers his flight lets Gargoyle removed from his Health as were used Isaac Christians regenerate damage at an Amazing rate. in the bolt attack. This loss of Health will In addition, he may regain lost body last for 2 rounds. Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) parts through regeneration, and he is Agility: POOR (4) ANTIMAGICAL FORCE FIELD. Isaac may immune to the effects of disease and Strength: REMARKABLE (30) also manipulate his personal life force to normal aging. Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) project a force field giving him protec- Reason: GOOD (10) BIO-MYSTICAL LIFE FORCE CONTROL. tion from magical energies and attacks. Intuition: TYPICAL (6) Gargoyle can manipulate the bio-mysti- This force field functions at the Mon- Psyche: GOOD (10) cal life force of others, allowing him to strous level and costs 10 of Isaac’s Health remove up to an Incredible amount of points for each round of operation. Health: 94 Health from a target on touch. This loss Health lost by using the force field may Karma: 26 of Health lasts only 2 rounds, being only be healed in the normal manner. Resources: POOR quickly regenerated, but if a victim’s Popularity: 4 Gargoyle’s story: Isaac Christians was Health drops below 0 as a result of such the mayor of the small Virginia town of Known powers: an attack, the victim will die (with resul- Christiansboro, a town founded by his tant Karma losses for Gargoyle). BODY ARMOR. Isaac’s thick hide gives family. Distressed by the decline of his Gargoyle can control how much Health him Excellent protection from physical town and the rise of local poverty, Chris- he will take from a victim, but must damage. tians began to seriously explore the dark announce before the attack the amount arts he had encountered in his travels FLIGHT. While the small wings on his of Health to be taken (e.g., a Typical following the First World War. Christians back are not powerful enough to grant attack would remove 6 points of Health). contacted the extra-dimensional crea- him true flight, Gargoyle can still fly by FORCE BOLTS. Gargoyle can also redi- ture known as Avarrish, and he offered manipulating bio-mystical energies, rect his own bio-mystical life force into the self-proclaimed demon his service in letting him move 3 areas per round. force bolts that can do up to Incredible return for a solution to his town’s ills. REGENERATION. The same bio-mystical damage, but as many points will be The demon agreed and traded Chris-

D RAGON 83 tians’s life spirit with that of a gargoyle LIGHTNING. When in cloud form, Cloud or up to Amazing damage on the Slug- animated years before, one that had can fire lightning bolts of up to Remark- fest column by using the flat of the been captured and enslaved by Avarrish able damage, directed at targets up to 3 blade. (She will use the latter attack to and his allies. areas away. avoid slaying her opponents). As the Gargoyle, Christians kidnapped Cloud’s story: Very little is known WEAPON: IRON SPEAR. Valkyrie also Patsy (Hellcat™) Walker on orders from about Cloud; at the time of this writing, wields an iron spear which can inflict his master, but he rebelled when he mysteries are accumulating with regard Amazing hack-&-slash damage and can learned that Walker and her fellow to her/his true origins. The Defenders be thrown up to 10 areas for Incredible Defenders were marked for death by first encountered Cloud in female form damage. the demons. Gargoyle and the Defenders as an operative for Professor Power™, a defeated the demonic alliance, but at a MOUNT ARAGORN. Formerly the world-beating madman who had reor- price: Christians was trapped in his mount of the Black Knight™, this snow- ganized the Secret Empire™. Cloud and gargoyle form. white Pegasus was given by the Knight other operatives tried to capture the Christians has remained with the to Valkyrie and is faithful to his mistress. android Vision™ but were thwarted by Defenders since that time. He has Aragorn can run at 5 areas per round, the Defenders. Cloud left the Secret helped save his home town from the fly at 10 areas per round, and has the Empire after suddenly experiencing new revenge of his former demonic allies, following stats: memories that seemed to show that had his demonic body controlled by a Power killed Cloud’s parents. (These hostile mage, and has met and defeated F A S E Health memories, however, may be false ones the original Gargoyle, who was trapped GOOD EXCE REMA INCR 100 implanted by Power or another source.) in (and perished in) Christians’s human Cloud fled to the Defenders, and after a Talents: Valkyrie is skilled at martial form. As the oldest mortal member of battle between the team and the Secret arts, sharp weapons (swords), and the Defenders, Gargoyle is often the Empire, Cloud joined the group as a full thrown weapons. voice of patience and reason. member. Throughout this period, Cloud Valkyrie’s story: The Asgardian CLOUD™ appeared to be either a cloud or a 17- Brunnhilda was chosen by Odin™ to lead Real name unrevealed year-old woman. Soon after joining the the Valkyrior, a group of nine goddesses Fighting: GOOD (10) Defenders, Cloud fell in love with who brought the souls of the honored Agility: GOOD (10) Moondragon. Unable to resolve these dead from the battlefield to ValhalIa. She Strength: TYPICAL (6) feelings toward the female telepath, performed well until Odin ceased all Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) Cloud changed sex to a young man. dealings with Earth around A.D. 1000. Reason: TYPICAL (6) Since that time, Cloud has shifted At that time, the Valkyrior were dis- Intuition: GOOD (10) between the two forms, but her/his true banded, and Brunnhilda roamed Asgard Psyche: GOOD (10) origins remain a mystery. looking for adventure. Brunnhilda finally encountered Amora Health: 56 the Enchantress™, but the life of adven- VALKYRIE™ Karma: 26 ture that Amora offered was dishonor- Resources: POOR Brunnhilda of the Valkyrior able, and the leader of the Valkyrior Popularity: 6 Fighting: MONSTROUS (75) rebelled. The Enchantress ensorcelled Known powers: Agility: REMARKABLE (30) Brunnhilda, keeping her body in sus- Strength: AMAZING (50) pended animation while bestowing ALTERNATE FORMS. Cloud can take Endurance: AMAZING (50) Brunnhilda’s powers on herself or oth- three forms: one as a young woman Reason: TYPICAL (6) ers. In this fashion, Amora led an all- wrapped in mist, the second as a young Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) female group of super-powered man similarly wrapped in mist, and Psyche: GOOD (10) individuals against the Avengers, but she lastly as an amorphous, gaseous cloud. was defeated. Health: 205 Which of these three incarnations are While serving as a temporary ally of Karma: 36 her/his true form is unknown at this the early Defenders, Amora granted the Resources: TYPICAL writing. All of Cloud’s powers are usable Valkyrie’s powers and consciousness to a Popularity: 15 only in her/his cloud form. mortal madwoman named Barbara CLOUD FORM. Cloud can become a Known powers: Norriss. Valkyrie fought beside the Defenders for several years in her mor- small cloud about four feet in diameter. BODY ARMOR. Like all Asgardians, tal body before regaining her immortal This cloud is made up of various gases Valkyrie has Good protection from all form. She has decided to remain with excluding oxygen. In cloud form, she/ physical attacks. he can surround a single air-breathing the Defenders and was chosen by Odin target and attempt to smother it (requir- WEAPON: DRAGONFANG. Carved from to watch and guard Moondragon, in ing an Endurance FEAT roll for the the tooth of an extra-dimensional dragon hopes of teaching the telepath humility target, or it will be rendered uncon- by an Oriental wizard, Valkyrie’s sword and to guard humanity from the powers scious for 1-10 rounds). Cloud may fly Dragonfang was given to her by Doctor of Moondragon’s darker side. Valkyrie up to 3 areas per round while in cloud Strange™. The blade is made of material bears some hard feelings toward Odin form and can move through narrow with Unearthly strength, and when for disbanding the Valkyrior and for cracks and openings. She/he communi- wielding it Valkyrie attacks on the ignoring her plight as a captive of the cates telepathically to others when in Unearthly column. She can inflict Mon- Enchantress, and she would rather this state. strous damage on the hack-&-slash table remain on Earth than return to Asgard.

84 AUGUST 1985 MARVEL

by Dale A. Donovan and Steven E. Schend HE MARVEL®-PHILE Building better mousetraps—or better villains

Yes, it’s time now for those dastardly for the four heroes. What makes the new- get snickers from your players the first denizens of the MARVEL UNIVERSE™ to er villains—or heroes, for that matter— time they encounter these ultra-criminals. step forward and be counted! Time for the better than those who have come and Aside from suggesting the simplest idea downtrodden and somewhat dated villains gone before them? It’s simply all a matter in the world for increasing power (namely, to take a stand in the light! That’s what of perception. team up with others!), we can put forward we’re here to discuss: Hack villains and some basic principles in creating villains what you can do with them, today in “The that gain the respect of their superhuman MARVEL-Phile”! P.R. for villains peers. For years, Marvel Comics has been cre- No matter how powerful a villain is, if —Find a gimmick that’s quick, effective, ating super villains to pit against their people aren’t afraid of him, he’s doing and memorable. People remember Mr. heroes, and many of those villains are something wrong. Many powerful Marvel Fear’s fear gas. Giving a villain powers nasty or tragic or downright disgusting. villains have more than enough power to united by a strong theme helps him stick Some of them, however, verge on being face the Avengers and escape without in your players’ minds. laughable in the light of the modern day. needing major dental work, but few have —Have the villain keep in good physical Today, the Fantastic Four battles against the public perception that they could fight shape and learn some basic fighting tech- Terrax and the Super Skrull, both of the Avengers and hope for a measure of niques if he’s out tussling with the heroes. whom are great villains. In the early days, success. These villains need some help if —Find a distinctive name and look for the Wizard and Paste Pot Pete (a.k.a. the you, as a Judge, intend to use them in the the crook that people will remember and Trapster) were almost as formidable a pair MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ game and not respect. Doctor Doom’s armor demands attention from its sinister simplicity. Keeping all this in mind, we’d like to MARVEL discuss a few villains and what you can do the years? The Wizard’s antigravity discs POWERS: Alter Ego: An Orion Sentinel is in your campaigns to make them more and power gloves are great, but the hel- capable of changing between two basic formidable against your campaign’s met could be miniaturized into something modes, Covert and Battle. The Covert heroes. a little more dignified. Give this man a mode appears as a normal human of ei- Invincible Man: This villain has noth- tougher suit of armor for the ’90s a few ther sex, while the Battle mode exhibits ing more than a battlesuit of olive green more offensive and defensive devices for gender-neutral armored plates and various with yellow boots, gloves, and belt, and a that armor, and the Wizard steps back into visible weaponry. An Orion can change pink hood with goggles. Appearing only the light as a major villain. How about a modes with Excellent ability, accomplish- three times (Fantastic Four #32, #196, and spray of miniaturized antigrav discs that ing a switch in one full round (no other #287), this suit of microcircuitry and metal can’t be removed easily, or some shock actions are allowed). can project Incredible (40) Force bolts field generated by the power gloves in An Orion unit can be detected easily if it from its goggles and gloves, fly at Good addition to the armor’s force field? is damaged. Damage of more than 20% of (10) speed, and levitate objects of Remark- Rocket Racer and the Leapfrog: its total Health in either mode disables its able (30) weight. The only existing cos- Okay, some villains are so strange that voice modulator and makes its voice sound tume is in the Latverian Embassy in New there’s no hope of them ever making it big hollow and mechanical. Damage of more York City; given some slight alterations to in the bad-guy business. These two took than 60% to its Battle mode disrupts its its looks, Doctor Doom could have an the best route left to them: They became shape-shifting ability so that its armor excellent supplementary suit of armor heroes! Yes, this is the last refuge of villain- cannot later be folded into Covert mode worthy of any villain. The name’s also a ous incompetents, but they don’t get ar- without repairs. little dated, but changing the look can rested nearly as much. Learning Program: This programming allow any name change desired as well. allows an Orion Sentinel to gain a +2CS Also, remember that New York has its Villains from surplus against an opponent in all combat FEAT share of criminals and super villains, so Now that we’ve worked on improving rolls after fighting that opponent for at the armor could be stolen (which would existing villains, we’d like to show you that least two rounds. This adaptability pro- probably irritate a certain Latverian mon- a “garage sale” of lost or forgotten technol- gram stores a mutant’s fighting style and arch as well as your heroes). ogy in the MARVEL UNIVERSE might be power uses, and this information can be Porcupine: One of Dr. Henry Pym’s the best thing ever to happen to any up- transferred into a database to be shared oldest foes from his days as Giant-Man, the and-coming villain. There is so much pow- by all Sentinels when the Orion returns to Porcupine struck bottom a few years back erful technology within reach that nearly base; this transfer must occur at central after he attempted to sell his quill-shooting any person could become the terror of his computers at Project: Wideawake and armor to other villains and found no buy- hometown. Your authors decided to test cannot be relayed through any other ers. All told, the Porcupine armor was this by scrounging up available technolo- means. This information allows for modifi- very powerful indeed (see MU3, Gamer’s gies that aren’t getting much use in the cation and upgrading of all Sentinels to Handbook of the MARVEL UNIVERSE), but MARVEL UNIVERSE these days, and we counteract the powers of a target mutant. Alexander Gentry wasn’t a very good each created a new villain from those Robotic Construction: An Orion Sentinel villain. In your own game, someone much technologies. Thanks to Mark Gruenwald is a sophisticated artificial life form, sub- more ruthless may have adopted the Por- and his Scourge killings in the Captain ject to powers that affect or control ma- cupine’s armor and can try to use it for his America comic a few years back, there’s chinery. Use the Orion’s Endurance of its own ends. Now, if the villain takes a slight- lots of technology just lying around and current mode to resist attempts to control ly better name (such as Spike or even waiting for us to use. We must also ac- it. It is immune to disease, poisons, gas, or Quill) that fits the suit’s powers, he has a knowledge all the other characters who powers that affect the human mind or better chance of becoming a feared name were left out to dry by Marvel writers and emotions. among the super hero community. The editors over the years. Self-Repair Systems: Self-repair systems armor is currently interred within Aveng- Keep in mind that the characters we’ve restore an Orion’s lost Health with Poor (4) ers Mansion in New York City to honor created are only examples of what you ability. This system only works if at least their dead foe. What if a duo of aspiring and your players could create in your own 25% of the Orion Sentinel (one-quarter New York villains managed to steal the MARVEL SUPER HEROES game cam- normal Health points for the Orion’s cur- Porcupine armor and the Invincible Man paigns. Give it a try! Also remember that rent mode) is still intact. battlesuit? Sounds like instant trouble for these two characters are not part of the Note that the following abilities given for your heroes! MARVEL UNIVERSE and have no place in each mode are specific to those modes, so Trapster: He learned the power of a official Marvel Comics’ continuity. that a Covert-mode power cannot be used name change early on; he used to call when an Orion is in Battle mode, though himself Paste Pot Pete. With all his gim- an Orion in either mode can use those micks and expertise with locks, traps, and SENTINEL, ORION CLASS™ powers given previously. technology, the Trapster could be one of the greatest thieves ever. By reworking his Covert Battle paste-shooters to add a wider variety of mode mode Covert mode materials, Pete could improve his high- F EX(20) RM(30) Gamma Energy Detection: An Orion can velocity arsenal with acids, mists or gases, A EX(20) RM(30) detect, identify, and trace all forms of and other materials (like Mr. Fear’s fear S EX(20) IN(40) gamma radiation at Monstrous ability and gas, or something simpler-like napalm). E IN(40) MN(75) range. This is included as a subordinate The material’s all there to make Trapster a R EX(20) EX(20) system to track the Hulk and other major villain; you just have to work it into I RM(30) RM(30) gamma-irradiated beings. your games. P TY(6) TY(6) Infravision: An Orion Sentinel can see in Wizard: Like his erstwhile partner total darkness up to a distance of five above, the Wizard has some heavy-duty Health 100 175 areas using infrared-imaging techniques. technology at his disposal and can certain- Karma 56 56 Leaping: An Orion can leap with Re- ly invent more. If this villain’s so smart, Resources n/a n/a markable ability, clearing 30’. why hasn’t he improved his armor over Popularity n/a n/a Mutant Detection and Tracking: An

48 MARCH 1992 MARVEL

Orion can detect, identify, and track any and need a successful Psyche FEAT roll to assimilation into the new Orion Sentinels. mutants within a two-mile range with use their powers at the reduced rank. Through various go-betweens, the Project Unearthly ability. The tracking systems are Note that cumulative inhibitor rings have a gave Herman Schultz, the Shocker, a com- triggered by the use of mutant powers, cumulative inhibiting effect on mutant muted sentence for his existing vibro- and use of any power for more than three powers, so two inhibitor rings project an shock gauntlets and plans. From govern- rounds allows an Orion to lock onto that Unearthly inhibitor field. The rings are ment warehouses and stockpiles came a mutant and track its movements whether made of Incredible-strength material. number of old SHIELD Life Model Decoys its powers are subsequently used or not. —Shock Blasts: An Orion Sentinel can (LMDs), various Sentinel systems for mu- Resistance to Energy: An Orion Sentinel emit vibration-shock Force blasts of Re- tant detection, and the impounded equip- has Excellent resistance to all forms of markable (30) rank from its hands. The ment of the recently slain villain Ringer. nonmystical energy (heat, cold, electricity, blasts have a range of two areas. Dr. Rheros adapted the LMD technology etc.), reducing all nonmystical Energy —Shock Touch: The gloves of an Orion to accept a wide number of mechanical damage by 20 points. Sentinel can maintain a high-intensity upgrades and adaptations while still allow- Scanning Shields: Remarkable-level vibration pulse that is released on contact ing it to maintain its human appearance. shielding allows an Orion to masquerade with a target (Fighting FEAT roll needed). Hoping to avoid the amount of attention as a human and avoid detection by any The shock touch releases Amazing (50) that Sentinels usually drew, Orion units scanners (X-rays, metal detectors, etc.) of Force damage and can destroy inanimate are designed to function as unobtrusive less than Remarkable rank. material of up to Incredible strength mate- covert agents that easily mix into a crowd rial. This shock touch can be used once under normal circumstances. If forced Battle mode every other round, needing the interim to into battle, Orion Sentinels can comport Body Armor: A Battle-mode Orion has build up the vibrations. themselves as well as, if not better than, metallic blue plate armor that provides —Heat Beams: These heat beams issue their gargantuan predecessors. Mutants: Incredible protection from Energy attacks from an Orion Sentinel’s eyes, dealing Be alert, for a hunter may now be any- and Remarkable protection from physical Remarkable rank Energy (heat) damage to where, keeping its eyes on you. and Force attacks. its target. The beams have a range of eight Flight: An Orion Sentinel flies using boot areas. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Orion Sentinels jets at Excellent speed (10 areas per are generally programmed to act like round). TALENTS: An Orion Sentinel can be normal humans. Their actual behavior Weapons Systems: An Orion Sentinel’s programmed with any noncombat- depends on who they are disguised as in arsenal of weaponry is hidden within its oriented skills to aid it in masquerading as Covert mode. The first three Orions are azure armor, the most common ports for a normal human. designed to look like an African-American weapons coming from the forearms, male, an Asian male, and a Caucasian hands, and eyes. These weapons include HISTORY: With the repeal of the Mutant female in Covert modes. They dress and all of the following weapons: Registration Act by the U.S. Supreme act as very strict, prim-and-proper govern- —Gas Jets: Remarkable-intensity knock- Court, elements of the United States gov- ment agents (dark suits and glasses), but out gas can be emitted from the palms of ernment still wanted a check in the system their individual personality programs an Orion Sentinel to cover an area up to against the often-uncontrolled mutant should allow for some differences after two areas away. populace and the danger that mutants their installation. Their voice modulators —Grapple Rings: These large rings are might present to people in general. Recent- allow them human-sounding voices, but fired from an Orion’s left forearm, and ly, the covert and highly classified mutant their actual voices are hollow and mechan- each Orion has 10 such constricting rings. surveillance and detainment branch of the ical. Their primary programming, as with The rings can be fired one per round up National Security Council, known as Pro- all Sentinels, is to track down and capture to three areas away and tightly wrap ject: Wideawake, was brought back into mutants. around any target (of up to 12’ in diame- full operational status. With Henry Peter ter) upon contact, constricting with up to Gyrich as its acting head, this technically Incredible (40) strength, depending on the illegal government agency answers only to HURRICANE™ strength of resistance. The rings are of the President. Roger Philip Banks Incredible material-strength metals. These With the new Project: Wideawake ap- Criminal mercenary rings are not lethal weapons, being re- propriating large amounts of funds for its straint devices instead. comeback, its first act was to rethink its Armor- —Inhibitor Rings: These large rings are strategy in producing Sentinels. The Mark Normal enhanced fired from an Orion unit’s right forearm V series had not performed up to expecta- F GD(10) EX(20) and are capable of wrapping around tar- tions, and the Project needed more reli- A GD(10) EX(20) gets of up to 10’ in diameter. Armed with able agents to detain the growing number S GD(10) RM(30) five rings, an Orion can fire one a round of dangerous mutant groups. Not willing E EX(20) IN(40) up to three areas away and entrap single to risk human agents, armored suits like R EX(20) EX(20) targets with Excellent strength. Once in the Guardsmen and the Mandroids were I GD(l0) GD(10) contact with a mutant (or within 2” of a dropped from consideration. Then a Dr. P GD(10) GD(10) mutant’s skin), the Amazing-rank inhibitor Isaac Rheros came up with a plan to amal- negates any mental or psionic powers as gamate numerous cybernetic and electron- Health 50 110 well as enhanced physical powers like ic systems into artificially created androids Karma 40 40 Colossus’s strength and armor. It does not or robots. Resources GD(10) GD(10) affect or negate blatant physical mutations Following that line of thinking, Dr. Popularity 0 -2 such as Nightcrawler’s tail and fur, or Rheros was placed in charge of developing Angel’s original wings; it simply blocks the the Orion-class Sentinel, named after the POWERS: All of Hurricane’s powers neurological signals that allow their effec- mythical hunter. Using information gath- originate from his battlesuit. These abili- tive use. ered from Ryker’s Island, the Vault, and ties include: Any targets with powers stronger than old Avengers’ case files and security scans, Body Armor: His reinforced battlesuit Amazing rank are reduced by 50 points Rheros gathered potential technologies for provides Hurricane with Excellent (20)

DRAGON 49 MARVEL protection from physical and Force attacks variable-setting energy projector from his Once he had this information, Banks did and Good (10) protection from Energy suit’s helmet. This beam can inflict up to his best to electronically cover his tracks. attacks. The suit also enhances Banks’ Incredible (40) Energy damage at Remark- In this, he was less successful. Computer physical abilities (FASE) as noted. able range. He calls this weapon the “Eye Security personnel discovered the data Wind control: Hurricane’s suit gives him of the Hurricane.” break-in but could not determine the the power to control wind and air pat- identity of the thief. Banks soon quit Stark terns with Amazing (50) ability within his TALENTS: Banks has the Engineering, International and moved away with his own area and up to one area away in Computers, Electronics, and Repair/ illicit information, assembling his suit from every direction. Hurricane is immune to Tinkering skills. components stolen from Stark Internation- the effects of his own winds. This power al. The company later discovered the grants him the following Power Stunts: CONTACTS: Hurricane has no current missing equipment and discerned that —Air Shield: Hurricane can swirl his contacts, though he is seeking some in Banks was the thief; it reported the theft winds closely about him, which creates an organized-crime and super-villain merce- to the authorities and left it at that. The Amazing-rank shield vs. physical attacks. nary circles. Banks knows a few people company was unaware that Banks planned —Flight: Hurricane can fly at Good (10) employed by Stark International, but they to turn the stolen components into a func- air speed, eight areas per round. are not considered to be contacts as they tioning battlesuit. —Flight disruption: Using his wind- are disinclined to be on friendly terms Recently, Hurricane completed his suit control power, Hurricane can disrupt with Banks (see “History” below). and has been committing crimes (bank and other flying or gliding characters. Flying armored-car robberies, wanton public characters must make an Agility FEAT roll HISTORY: Roger P. Banks was an electri- displays of his wind-controlling powers, vs. Amazing intensity to avoid being buf- cal engineer by trade and a computer destruction of property, etc.) in an effort feted by winds (see next Power Stunt) and hacker by hobby. He filled his free time by to attract the attention of those who might moved about through the air at Hurri- doing his best to break into computers be interested in hiring superpowered cane’s bidding. Gliding characters must illegally. Until recently, Banks was a mid- muscle or an assassin. He has had little always get a red FEAT result to avoid level engineer for Stark International. He success so far. He has neither encountered falling under Hurricane’s control. stayed late after work one evening to test any super-heroic resistance nor received —Buffeting: Airborne characters who a new hacking program he had been de- any offers of employment from normal fall under Hurricane‘s control suffer an veloping. Curiosity and greed drove him to criminals or super villains. Whether this Amazing-rank attack due to wind buffet- try breaking into some of Stark Interna- changes in the future is up to you. ing. This buffeting attack can inflict up to tional’s restricted files, something he had Remarkable (30) Blunt Attacks damage, been unable to do before. He hoped this ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Roger P. Banks and victims can be Slammed or Stunned. new program would crack the security of is a greedy man. Born and raised in lower- —Lifting: Hurricane can use his winds to restricted areas of the main-frame com- middle-class family, he grew to resent lift unanchored people or objects off the puter. Banks had some success, managing those who possessed more than he. As a ground. Hurricane‘s winds lift objects with to access and download low-clearance files teenager, his family noticed his talent for Amazing (50) strength. Characters must on one of Stark’s inventions, the Guards- electronics and his fascination with com- make a successful Strength or Agility FEAT man armor. He also broke into some mid- puters. Banks’ parents encouraged him to roll (whichever is better) vs. Amazing level security-clearance Research & turn these abilities into his career, and intensity to avoid leaving the ground. Development files concerning two they put him through college. Banks did Hurricane can control the movements technology-based villains. well and got an entry-level job at Stark through the air of those who fail the roll, Banks found some files concerning the International after graduation. Over the and he can inflict buffeting damage, as power horn of one of Iron Man’s old foes, next few years, he did good work and was noted earlier. Characters who make the the Unicorn. Iron Man had once captured promoted twice. This, however, was not FEAT roll and remain grounded can still Unicorn, only to find the man inside the enough for Banks; although he enjoyed his take up to Excellent (20) buffeting damage, Unicorn suit was seriously ill. Tony Stark work, he came to resent Tony Stark, the but cannot be Slammed or Stunned (they (Iron Man) devised a special bath treat- wealthy owner of Stark International, for are assumed to be avoiding the worst ment in which Unicorn’s suit and helmet the latter’s material wealth. This resent- effects of the winds by getting under were removed and the villain was placed ment grew over time until Banks became cover, holding onto anchored objects, etc.). in the treatment bath. Some of Stark’s bitter. The bitterness (and his hobby of Hurricane is also fond of lifting powerful, technicians analyzed the power horn, hacking) was what led to him breaking nonflying opponents high off the ground, though little was done with the informa- into Stark’s files. buffeting them, then dropping them to tion gained. Stark International kept this In your campaign, Hurricane can appear cause even more damage to the hapless information after Unicorn left and subse- as a thug for a criminal mastermind or as victim (see “Downward Movement: quently disappeared. It was these files and a super villain. Due to the nature of his Advanced Set, Players’ Book, page 21). partial plans that Banks discovered. powers, Hurricane will work most effec- —Vacuum: Hurricane can create a small, Banks also came across some files con- tively when he works alone. Hurricane partial vacuum around a single target. cerning the battlesuit of a deceased villain, would also gladly work as an assassin, as Victims of this attack must make an En- Cyclone. (After Cyclone and so many oth- long as he was very well paid for the act. durance FEAT roll vs. Amazing intensity or ers were killed in “The Bar with No Name” He does have a penchant for destroying be forced to roll on the Stun table. by Scourge a few years back, some of the property, seeing this as another way of Limitation: Hurricane’s powers affect technology that Scourge did not com- harming those who have more than he by everyone in an area, with Hurricane him- pletely destroy was sent by the authorities destroying what he feels “they” possess. self being the only exception. Hurricane to Stark International for testing.) Banks The main thing to remember about can control the amount of buffeting dam- found virtually complete plans for the Hurricane is his greed, his prime motiva- age taken by victims, but all victims in an wind-controlling suit, and he decided to tion. For example, Hurricane would not be area take the same amount of damage. make that suit the basis of his new identi- above stealing from the home of someone Energy Beam: Hurricane can fire this ty: Hurricane! who he was contracted to assassinate.

The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copy- right ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

50 MARCH 1992 Marvel, Marvel Universe, Marvel Super Heroes, and all Marvel character likenesses are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc.

the hands of Doctor Strange. Without vampire, the victim remained weak (-1CS by Jeff Grubb further ado, here is the worst of the vam- on all FEATS) until an Endurance FEAT pires — Vlad Dracula, best known as Drac- was made, checked once each week. Dur- Elsewhere in this issue, you can find the ula. Note that what follows will not ing this time, the vampire had a limited AD&D® game statistics of the Lord of the precisely match the information published hypnotic control over the victim, so that Vampires, that sterling member of the for the AD&D game. The latter article any FEATs against that control could not undead: Dracula. His Undeadliness has draws from classical sources, while this add Karma. also had a long and checkered career in article is from Dracula’s experiences in the the Marvel Universe as well, a series of Marvel Universe. A fine difference, but a Regeneration: Dracula had Excellent deaths and resurrections that has only difference nonetheless. regenerative abilities. recently been put to a permanent end at LIMITATIONS: Dracula and other vam- pires were unstoppable if opponents used DRACULA™ most normal weapons and attacks. A num- Vlad Dracula (destroyed) having bite attacks (Good damage) and the ber of attack forms and weaknesses did Ruler of Earth’s vampires ability to fly at 6 areas/round; inflict damage to a vampire: * A wolf with Dracula’s normal intelli- * Blood Dependency. Vampires needed gence, having the abilities to bite (Remark- human blood to survive. Voluntary or F RM (30) Health: 210 able damage), move at 3 areas/round, and involuntary deprivation of blood resulted A AM (50) use its Intuition at +1CS to reflect its in weakness (-1CS on all stats for every S RM (30) Karma: 110 enhanced senses; and, two days without blood) and an over- E UN (100) * A man-sized bat capable of flying at 4 whelming desire for blood. A Psyche FEAT R GD (10) Resources: RM areas/round, with claw and biting attacks put off that desire for one day, but the I AM (50) (for Excellent damage each). need remained. P AM (50) Popularity: -30 * Soil Dependency. Vampires could not go Summoning and Controlling: Dracula had 100 miles beyond their places of human KNOWN POWERS: a number of summoning and controlling birth without taking a pound of soil with powers, given below: them. This soil, usually used to line a Vampirism: All of Dracula’s abilities * Animal control allowed him to summon coffin, offset the negative effects of the stemmed from his identities as a vampire up to his Psyche in number of bats, rats, sun (see below). and as king of the vampires. These abilities and wolves. * Direct Sunlight. The rays of the sun exceeded the levels of “ordinary” vampires * Summoning thunderstorms required a caused Amazing damage per round to (see below) because of Dracula’s many Red Psyche FEAT roll that left Dracula vampires. If reduced to zero Health points, centuries of existence and absorption of unable to use other vampiric abilities for a vampire dehydrated and turned to pow- the powers of the last Atlantean vampire. 1-10 hours. der. Sunlight also caused vampires not * As Lord of the Vampires, Dracula could under its effects to become comatose Resistances: Under normal circumstances, control the actions of another vampire by unless in contact with native soil. Energy vampires did not age. They could be poi- making a Psyche FEAT against the other attacks which duplicated solar radiation soned, though not killed by poison (ignor- vampire’s Psyche. (such as the new Captain Marvel’s powers) ing all “Kill” results). They could not be * Dracula had the ability to hypnotize could affect vampires. damaged by most physical attacks, though ordinary humans, even if he had caught * Garlic Plants. A vampire could not they could be affected by Stuns and Slams the victim’s eye for only three seconds. directly attack a victim wearing a clove of (and, in some cases, “Kills”). Most energy * Dracula could communicate telepathical- garlic (the vampire could push a wall over attacks had similar limitations. See below ly with any individual from whom he had on the garlic-wearer, though, or perform for those attacks which specifically affect- drained blood, anywhere in the world. similar actions). Further, a vampire’s trans- ed vampires. formation abilities could not function Vampire Bite: Dracula’s canines were within 1 area of garlic. Transformation: Dracula could, at will, enlarged so that he could deliver the clas- * Religious Objects. Vampires had an aller- transform himself into a number of differ- sic “vampire bite.” This bite inflicted 6 gy of sorts to objects of religious faith, ent shapes, each taking but a single round points of damage per turn. If the victim such that any religious symbol (such as the to assume. These included: was killed in the attack, an enzyme in the cross or the Star of David) held by some- * A mistlike cloud which allowed him vampire’s saliva caused the body to pro- one who had great faith in that symbol passage through tight spaces and allowed duce a greenish ichor which replaced its would keep a vampire at bay. Such a sym- him to fly at 1 area/round (he could not be blood. In three days, sufficient ichor exist- bol inflicted normal damage (as a club, harmed by physical attacks in this form); ed to turn the victim’s body into a vam- sword, or shuriken) to the vampire. * A bat with Dracula’s normal intelligence, pire. If the victim was not slain by the * Mirrors. Vampires did not reflect an

70 OCTOBER 1987 image in mirrors, nor show up on photo- graphic plates or similar mediums. * Houses. Most vampires were bound by a code that prevented them from entering a dwelling unless freely invited. Dracula could counter that by making a Psyche FEAT roll. * Silver. Silver weaponry could inflict normal damage on and could even “kill vampire. * Wood. A wooden stake through the heart produced an automatic "kill" result against a vampire. Of course, this meant holding the vampire down and getting a "Red" result with the attack. A wood stake or silver blade through the heart caused a vampire to decay into dust, but the dust reassembled and the vampire started to heal as soon as the stake or blade was removed. * Permanent Destruction. All vampires had a tendency to regenerate lost damage over time, even if chopped into tiny piec- es. Three methods of slaying a vampire were known to "kill" it forever: 1. Exposure to sunlight until the vampire becomes dust, followed by scattering the ashes. 2. Piercing the heart of and beheading the vampire, burning the head and body in two separate pyres, then scattering the behind a store of dark lore and magic, name Vlad “the Impaler” from his habit of ashes. which was gathered together and is now skewering his foes. During this time, he 3. Using the Montesi Formula. This last known as the Darkhold. The Darkhold married the Hungarian noblewoman Zofia, method was how Dracula was finally found its way to Atlantis before that conti- and they had a daughter. Vlad later dis- destroyed. nent’s destruction, where a sect of evil solved the marriage and sent Zofia away. magicians discovered in its text a method His daughter in time became a vampire as TALENTS: Dracula was a trained swords- of reviving the dead as blood-drinking bat well — Lilith, one of Dracula’s long-time man and had Martial Arts A and B. He warriors. These Atlantean Darkholders foes. Vlad later married a woman named amassed a large quantity of mystic lore in created the first vampires, who promptly Maria, and through this line the descen- his travels, and could be said to have slew their creators and escaped Atlantis. dants of Dracula came. occult lore from first-hand encounters. The vampires spread over the Earth in In a battle with a Turkish warlord, Vlad the next 15,000 years, working their way was mortally wounded and Castle Dracula CONTACTS: Dracula was Lord of the into the mythos of mankind long before was taken. The warlord took Vlad to a Vampires and could use his rulership to the coming of Dracula. They had a loose gypsy healer to recover, but the gypsy was command other vampires, whether they organization run by a self-styled king who, a vampire and killed Vlad, turning him were “his” or not. at the time of Dracula, was Nimrod the into a vampire. The warlord killed the First. gypsy, but was in turn slain and trans- IMPORTANT NOTE: Vampires were Vlad Dracula was the second son of a- formed into a vampire by Dracula. undead, and as such were not living crea- Transylvanian nobleman. Vlad and his Dracula’s ascent to the top of vampire tures. No Karma was lost by killing a younger brother were captured by invad- hierarchy was swift. He defeated the vampire. ing Turks, and the latter died in their current king of the vampires, Nimrod, and hands. Vlad learned much from this expe- soon afterwards absorbed the power of DRACULA’S STORY: Long ago, powerful rience in the ways of power and of the Varnae, who by that time was the sole proto-deities roamed the surface of the inhumanity of humanity. survivor of the original Atlantean vam- cooling Earth. Most of these were forced Dracula eventually retook his father’s pires. This absorption of powers gave into other dimensions, but one, Cthon, left throne and fought the Turks, earning the Dracula a number of abilities over and A Marvel® Monster-Phile A Halloween treat or three from the Marvel Universe®

by Douglas Lent

As a bonus for all Marvel-fans, we however: Just because something present three well-known faces from looks like a monster doesn't mean that both legend and comics appropriate to it's evil. . . . a Halloween encounter. One warning,

Yellow. He is therefore immune to “Kill” FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER™ century. Victor experimented with the results from knives or bullets, and to reanimation of dead tissue as a key to No name results in a slugfest. immortality and succeeded in assembling a Fugitive artificial being large humanoid using parts from several Rapid Healing: The monster can heal from fresh corpses. Frankenstein also found a F RM (30) Health: 120 wounds at a much faster rate than way to overcome deterioration and tissue A GD (10) ordinary humans. He can regain his rejection of organs from different bodies, S RM (30) Karma: 30 Endurance rank in Health points once making this work possible. Then, using a E AM (50) every hour insteadof only once a day. special process of his own invention, R GD (10) Resources: None Frankenstein brought his creation to life. I GD (10) Suspended Animation: Whenever the However, the sight of the monster terrified P GD (10) Popularity: 0 monster is subjected to cold of at least him so much that he abandoned the KNOWN POWERS: Remarkable intensity, he enters a state of creature, hoping his creation would perish suspended animation until he is revived, when left unprotected. Body Armor: The monster has a thick skin taking no damage from the chill. An However, although the monster was as that serves as Good body armor against Endurance FEAT is required to avoid this ignorant as an infant, he was also highly physical attacks. Also, due to his unusual event. intelligent and quickly learned how to physical resilience, all physical combat survive by secretly observing humans. effects against him are reduced by one THE MONSTER’S STORY: Baron Victor Within a few months, the monster could color. Thus, Green results become White, Frankenstein was a brilliant Swiss biology speak and function as well as any normal Yellow becomes Green, and Red becomes and chemistry student in the late 18th human. He then began plotting his

74 OCTOBER 1987 revenge on his creator for deserting him. chords were injured, rendering him mute. with the Thing and Iron Man, and The monster killed Victor’s brother Wil- He was then again entombed in ice and current whereabouts or activities are liam, then struck a deal with Victor by was revived again only recently. Veronica unknown. It should be noted that the promising to leave the baron’s life forever Frankenstein, a descendent of the baron, creature is often wrongly referred to as if Victor would create a mate for the mon- operated on the monster’s larynx, and he “Frankenstein,” though this is really the ster. Victor went back on the deal, destroy can again speak, though with some diffi- name of its creator. ing the female monster, and the monster culty. The creature most recently clashed killed his creator’s best friend and wife, then fled into the Arctic. Frankenstein gave chase but died of exposure shortly LIVING MUMMY™ after relating his tale to sea captain Robert N’Kantu KNOWN POWERS: Walton. Meanwhile, the creature lay in Altered and immortal human hibernation after being trapped in the ice, Body Armor: The process that made filled with regret for his deeds. Writer N’Kantu a mummy also gave him super- Mary Shelley published Walton’s account F EX (20) Health: 129 tough skin that acts as Remarkable body of Frankenstein’s story but the public A PR (4) armor. considers it a work of fiction. S RM (30) Karma: 22 In 1898, Walton’s great-grandson found E MN (75) Environmental Independence: Sustained the monster, who had since thawed out of R TY (6) Resources: None completely by the life-preserving fluid in his icy prison. The creature soon had a I TY (6) his veins, the Living Mummy no longer clash with Dracula, during which his vocal P GD (10) Popularity: 0 needs to eat, drink, breathe, or sleep. He

D RAGON 75 could easily survive in many places where North Africa over three thousand years beneath the sand, still conscious but com- an ordinary human would be killed ago, when they were enslaved by the pletely immobile. instantly, He no longer ages. Egyptians: Bound in chains, N’Kantu and There N’Kantu remained until recent his people were forced to build a temple years when the paralysis effect wore off LIMITATIONS: Because of N’Kantu’s for the reigning pharaoh, Aram-Set. N’Kan- and he could at last move. Unfortunately, dependence on the special fluid that sub- tu obeyed his captors, all the while plot- the three millenia he spent confined stitutes for his blood, any damage he takes ting rebellion against them. When word of beneath the desert rendered him totally from heat or fire gains a + 1CS due to the his plans reached Aram-Set and the high insane. Digging free of his tomb, N’Kantu effects of dehydration on the fluid. It is priest, Nephrus, they decided to have the went on a rampage which finally ended in not yet known if N’Kantu could be killed slaves killed upon the temple’s completion. the streets of Cairo. N’Kantu grabbed a by such attacks or would simply remain But N’Kantu and his followers struck telephone pole to use as a weapon and unconscious until the fluid had regener- before then and were able to slay the was electrocuted by a dangling power line. ated itself. N’Kantu can speak only with pharaoh himself before being subdued. To This left him in a comalike state for sev- great difficulty since his throat is com- punish N’Kantu for his crime, Nephrus eral weeks; upon awakening, his sanity pletely dry. drained the Swarili chieftain’s blood and had returned. Immortal, N’Kantu now replaced it with a special preservative wanders across Egypt and North Africa, THE LIVING MUMMY’S STORY: N’Kan- fluid. He was then bound head to toe in seeking some purpose to his life. tu was a chieftain of the Swarili tribe of bandages and entombed in a sarcophagus

WEREWOLF™ Jack Russell Additionally, although Russell has gained years, Russell rampaged throughout the Altered human the ability to change into Werewolf at will Los Angeles area on the nights of the full while still retaining his full intellect, the moon whenever his efforts to confine F RM(30) Health: 120 original curse over him is still in effect. On himself failed. Then the mystical extradi- A EX(20) the three nights of the full moon, Russell mensional beings known only as “The S RM(30) Karma: 91 automatically changes but has his Reason Three Who Are All” gave him the power E IN(40) reduced to Feeble; his nature also becomes to control his changes while keeping his R TY(6) Resources: EX that of a savage beast. human intelligence. However, he still I MN(75) Except for the curse, all the powers regressed when the full moon shone. P GD(10) Popularity: 20 listed above are only for Russell’s Were- Russell has since built a virtually escape- wolf form. When human, his stats are as proof cell to isolate himself during such KNOWN POWERS: given below: times. Russell recently sought scientific help Claws: Werewolf has razor-sharp claws F AS E for his problem. Unfortunately, he turned and teeth and can inflict up to Remarkable TY TY TY GD to an unscrupulous scientist (Doctor Karl edged-attack damage with them. R I P Malus) who tried to make him a mindless TY GD GD slave instead. Although Russell was able to Infravision: Werewolf’s sight extends into Health: 28 Karma: 26 thwart these plans, the treatments he the infrared, allowing him to see in the Resources: EX Popularity: 6 received caused him to lose control of his dark by detecting heat emissions. changes once more, and his wereform WEREWOLF’S STORY: Jack Russell was became even more lupine in appearance. Extraordinary Senses: Werewolf’s senses born Jacob Russoff, son of Transylvanian He has since recovered and is now an of sight, hearing, and smell are all nobleman Gregory Russoff and his Ameri- occasional crimefighter, sometimes even Amazing. He can detect sensations far can wife, Laura. A scholar interested in meeting and working with heroes like Iron beyond the normal human range by mak- the occult, Gregory was unaware of a Man and the original Spider-Woman. At ing an Intuition FEAT roll. He can track by dormant family curse from an ancestor present, Werewolf is a member of Night smell and remember scents previously who had been bitten by a werewolf. This Shift, a team of super-powered villains and encountered. He can hear a heartbeat at a would have mattered little had he not outcasts led by Shroud (see DRAGON® one-area range and smell an approaching acquired a copy of the Darkhold, an issue #93 for his statistics). being within a three-area range. arcane tome of evil magics created by the demon Chthon. Among the various frag- Running: Werewolf can move at a rate of ments of occult lore contained within the two areas per round for up to half an books covers was a detailed account of hour a day. the origin of lycanthropy. Reading this section triggered Russoff’s latent curse, Invulnerability: As a supernatural crea- and with the next full moon he was trans- Guidelines ture, Werewolf has Amazing resistance to formed into a werewolf. For several all forms of physical damage except that months afterward he terrorized the local If you’re interested in contributing caused by silver weapons. Werewolf, if countryside during the three nights of the an article to DRAGON® Magazine, injured, cannot have his Endurance full moon until he was killed by an angry the first thing you need is a copy of reduced below Feeble except by silver mob of townsfolk. our guidelines for writers. Send a weapons. Shortly before his death, Russoff sent his self-addressed, stamped envelope to wife and their two young children to her “Writer’s guidelines,” c/o DRAGON LIMITATIONS: As mentioned above, silver native America for their own safety. When Magazine, P.O. Box 110, Lake Geneva weapons are the only ones unaffected by she learned of Gregory’s death, Laura WI 53147; and we’ll send you back a Werewolf’s invulnerability and are one of Russoff moved to Los Angeles and later sheet with all the basic information the few things that can kill him. Each hit by married Philip Russell to give her children you need to make sure your manu- a silver weapon causes all of Werewolf’s a father. Jacob (now Jack) Russell and his script-has the best possible chance of physical abilities to make a -1CS. A Red or sister, Lissa, did well until Jack reached his being accepted. Yellow result from a silver edged or missile eighteenth birthday and inherited his weapon is treated as a “kill” family’s now-active curse. For the next two

76 OCTOBER 1987 above those that were standard for “nor- In the early 20th century, Dracula killed because he had never taken human blood, mal” vampires. Lord John Falsworth of England, turning and a complete blood transfusion replaced Dracula had a number of adventures him into a vampire that would soon the ichor in his veins. recorded in the Marvel Universe over the become Baron Blood [see “Sudden Dawn,” The Montesi Formula destroyed all vam- next 500 years, including the following: by William Tracy, in DRAGON® issue #104 pires on Earths dimension, and not only * Two run-ins in the 16th century with the for details.] In recent years, Dracula’s chief prevents the creation of new vampires, Puritan Solomon Kane. Kane was the first opponents were Quincy Harker, descen- but the entrance into this dimension by person reported to have killed (however dant of Jonathan Harker, and a number of vampiric beings from other dimensions. temporarily) the vampire Dracula. other vampire hunters, including the The magic of the Darkhold may be able to * Battles in the 18th century with the Indian Taj Nitai, the American named reverse the formula, but that book is sorcerer Cagliostro in France, though Blade (an expert at throwing wooden currently in the hands of the alien sorcer- Dracula fled the nation during the French stakes), Rachel Van Helsing, Frank Drake er Urthona. Revolution. (Dracula’s one living descendant), and * A battle with Baron Russoff soon after Hannibal King, a vampire and detective. leaving France. Russoff killed Dracula, but Harker killed Dracula at the cost of his Vampires in the Marvel Universe he was in turn wounded by a werewolf. own life, but Dracula was soon brought Not all vampires had the power of Drac- The present-day descendant of Russoff is a back yet again. Dracula battled a number ula, though most such creatures had abili- werewolf as a result. [See “A Marvel® of supernatural and super-powered foes as ties over and above those of normal Monster-Phile,” by Douglas Lent, in this well, including the demon Mephisto, the mortals. Conversion into a vampire modi- issue.] disembodied brain called Doctor Sun, the fied one’s abilities as follows: * Several battles with Abraham Van Hels- Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange, and the Agility: + 1CS (maximum Remarkable), ing in the 19th century. X-Men. Strength: + 1CS (maximum Remarkable); * An encounter in which he was slain by A group of mystics devoted to the Endurance: + 2CS (maximum Amazing); an American using silver buckshot in the Darkhold found mystic means of further and, late 19th century. increasing Dracula’s power in recent Health: modified accordingly. * Battles with Van Helsing, aided by Jona- years, eliminating his vulnerabilities to A vampire in the Marvel Universe had than Harker, which were later described silver, garlic, and religious artifacts. Soon the ability to transform as noted for Drac- by Bram Stoker in his book Dracula, afterward, however, Doctor Strange, aided ula, and gained Typical regenerative abili- which is believed by most people to be a by King, Blade, and Drake (Van Helsing ties. It suffered all the effects noted above work of fiction. Soon after the events was turned into a vampire by Dracula and under Limitations. It could also be con- recorded in that book, Dracula was again killed by Wolverine), recovered the trolled by the vampire who bit (and cre- revived and slain by Frankenstein’s Mon- Darkhold and, from Castle Mordo, ated) it, should the victim fail a Psyche ster [Again, see “A Marvel Monster-Phile” destroyed both Dracula and all other in this issue.] vampires on Earth. King was spared

72 O CTOBER 1987 LILITH™ Daughter of Dracula

F EX (20) Health: 186 “Hi. My dad’s Vlad.” A IN (40) S RM (26) Karma: 96 E UN (100) by Dale A. Donovan R GD (10) Resources: GD (10) I IN (40) P AM (46) Popularity: - 20

POWERS: All of Lilith’s vampiric powers If you haven’t been following the latest stemmed from a spell cast on her by a story line in Marvels Doctor Strange comic, gypsy when Lilith was a normal child (see you might not know that the spell Doc “History”). Lilith possessed all of the stand- Strange cast awhile back that wiped out ard abilities of a vampire, almost none of vampires on Earth (the Montesi Formula) the limitations, and one extra power. Due has been invalidated, and vampires are to the spell, Lilith’s vampiric powers ex- back in the MARVEL UNIVERSE®. In brief, ceeded the levels of all other vampires, here’s how it happened: with the possible exception of her father, Many years ago, when Stephen Strange Resistances: Lilith could not be perma- was a mere apprentice to his mentor, the nently harmed by most physical or energy Ancient One, Strange cast a spell he was attacks. She could be poisoned but could not familiar with (the Vampiric Verses) in not die from poison. (Ignore Kill results order to save his dying brother, Victor. against her, but Lilith can be Slammed and Victor’s life was saved, but he was trans- Stunned. For specific weaknesses, see formed into a vampire. Using his medical “Limitations” below.) expertise, Strange had Victor put into Transformation: Lilith could change her suspended animation for safekeeping and shape to any of the following forms in one stored him in an empty warehouse that round, with Amazing ability: Strange owned. —A visible cloud of mist that could pass It was after this point that Doc Strange through very small cracks and openings. cast the Montesi Formula from the Lilith could fly at Feeble airspeed in this Darkhold (a book of “black magic”), ban- form and was immune to physical attacks. ishing all vampires from Earth. This spell She could transform discrete portions of did not affect Victor Strange, however, as her body into mist as well. being in suspended animation apparently —A normal-size bat that retained Lilith’s protected him. intellect. In this form, she could fly at Poor More recently, after Doc Strange’s appar- airspeed and attacked on the Edged At- ent death, his associate Sara Wolfe sold the tacks column, doing Poor damage (but land on which the warehouse was built. couldn’t score any Kill results). See page 58 When the empty warehouse was torn of the MARVEL SUPER HEROES Advanced down, the suspended animation equip- Set Judge’s Book for more on bats. ment was damaged, and Victor revived. Vampire’s Bite: Although Lilith did not This event, and those that followed, have need to ingest blood to survive (see “Limi- seemingly “broken” the Montesi Formula, tations”), she did savor the taste and would opening the door for vampires to again often bite the neck of a victim to obtain it. plague the mortals of Earth. Her bite did Typical (6) damage per round. This month, I’ll give the statistics for my As she fed, Lilith also injected an enzyme favorite MARVEL UNIVERSE vamp, Lilith, into her victim’s body that would add to and discuss using vampires in your Marvel his weakness (due to blood loss) and make campaign. For more information on him susceptible to Lilith’s hypnotic com- MARVEL UNIVERSE vampires, see Dracu- mands, even over long distances (see la’s statistics in either DRAGON® issue “Summoning and Controlling” and “Lim- #126 or the Gamer’s Handbook of the ited Telepathy” below). If the victim died MARVEL UNIVERSE®, Vol. I, and see from blood loss, the enzyme would cause DRAGON issue #104 for the MARVEL him to arise three nights later as a normal SUPER HEROES™ module, Sudden Dawn, vampire. This vampire would have all the which details the Nazi vampire, Baron traditional weaknesses of vampires (sun- Blood. light, garlic, holy symbols, etc.) even

The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1990 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DRAGON 71 MARVELMARVEL though Lilith did not. have contacts with Dracula (as a nemesis, body completely, even to the point of Summoning and Controlling: Lilith had not an ally) and Doctor Strange, as she making it look like Lilith’s original body. several powers in these areas: was present when he cast the Montesi Angel had no memories of these episodes, —Lilith could summon and control up to Formula. although she realized she was experienc- her Psyche number in rats, mice, bats, ing “blackouts.” dogs, or wolves with a successful Psyche NOTE: It is important to remember that Bored with the British Isles, Lilith co- FEAT roll. The type of animals summoned Lilith is a member of the undead, and erced Angel into moving to New York City, depended upon the environment in which there is no Karma loss for destroying her. where Angel met, fell in love with, and Lilith was encountered. If Lilith is inhabiting a “captured” body, lived with a man called Martin Gold. Lilith —She also had the ability to hypnotize however, the PCs should be awarded extra soon wearied of having to share a body, so an ordinary mortal when she caught the Karma if they attempt to remove Lilith she sought out Victor Benzel, a descendent victim’s eye, even for a few seconds (one from the body she’s inhabiting, rather of the gypsy, Gretchin. Benzel, who had round). Lilith could then command suc- than just killing Lilith outright. inherited much of Gretchin’s mystic lore, performed mystical ceremonies that re- cessfully hypnotized victims into perform- HISTORY: Lilith was the daughter of Vlad ing virtually any act short of outright Dracula and his first wife, a Hungarian moved Lilith from Angel’s body and pro- murder or suicide. Lilith could perform no noblewoman, Zofia. After Lilith was born, vided a duplicate of Lilith’s own for her. other actions in the round she attempted Dracula drove her and her mother away; Angel returned to her life under a spell so to hypnotize. Lilith was given to an old gypsy woman that she would never remember any part —Lilith could control the weather with a named Gretchin, and her mother commit- of her life and dealings with Lilith. red Psyche FEAT roll. The effects varied ted suicide. A few years later, Dracula Lilith now sought out her father for a final confrontation. She found him at from thick fog to powerful rain, snow, himself was mortally wounded in battle wind, or electrical storms, all equal to and was taken to a gypsy healer who was Castle Dracula, where they battled. Drac- Lilith’s Psyche in strength. This act actually a vampire. The healer killed Vlad ula finally bared his chest to Lilith and drained Lilith, however, and left her un- and transformed him into a vampire. As a dared her to drive a stake into his heart. Lilith found that she could not do it. Drac- able to use any other vampiric abilities for result of this treachery, the now-undead 1-10 hours. Vlad Dracula went on a rampage, killing ula taunted her, saying that as a part of the spell that changed Lilith, Gretchin had Immortality: Even if Lilith’s body was all the gypsies he could find. destroyed, her spirit would escape and The vengeful mother of one of the gyp- made Lilith incapable of killing Dracula, which would then end Lilith’s own exist- eventually enter the body of an innocent sies Dracula killed, Gretchin, cast a spell woman who wished her own father dead. on Dracula’s daughter, Lilith. This spell ence. Lilith doubted this reasoning, but Lilith could then, using certain mystic transformed the child into an adult vam- they parted soon after. It remains unclear rituals, transform her “new” body into a pire. Certain properties of this spell gave whether Dracula’s reasoning was true or whether he was exerting some kind of duplicate of her own. Lilith could not be Lilith both the vampiric and unique abili- permanently destroyed as long as her ties she possessed and granted her the control over his daughter. father, Dracula, existed. Lilith also pos- status of Dracula’s eternal foe. Lilith would Lilith lost track of Dracula after this. sessed Excellent (20) regenerative abilities exist, moving from body to body as each Although she still longed to destroy Drac- ula should she ever find him, Lilith began in any body she inhabited. died, as long as Dracula roamed the Earth. Limited Telepathy: Lilith could telepathi- At first, Lilith attacked humans indis- to live an independent lifestyle. She even- cally command any person anywhere on criminately to feed her vampiric tastes. tually came to live in a villa in southern Earth from whom she had drained blood, She eventually learned to control her France, after adopting the surname Drake (the form the family name Dracula evolved whether that victim was still alive or had bloodlust, only attacking those whom she died and arisen as a vampire himself. considered evil. She also came to the real- into). She was present when Doctor Strange and his allies cast the Montesi LIMITATIONS: Because Lilith’s vampir- ization that she didn’t need blood to sur- ism was due to the spell cast upon her, she vive, thanks to Gretchin’s spell. Formula that ended her existence and her was immune to most of the traditional Lilith wanted to punish Dracula for all father’s. banes of vampires. Lilith did not need to the evil and suffering he had created in ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Since vampires rest during the daylight hours, had no the world. After battling her father for can again exist on Earth, it is possible for dependence on her native soil, and could centuries, the two eventually came to a Lilith (and other vampires, including her withstand direct sunlight. She also did not truce, vowing never to meet again. They father) to appear in your campaign. She need blood to sustain herself (but she did did not see each other until about 30 years could be searching for her father, perhaps enjoy the taste). She was not repulsed or ago. On the estate of Quincy Harker— aware of his (recent or impending) arrival harmed by religious objects, and she could Dracula’s longtime nemesis—Harker’s wife in your campaign city. If so, she might use them against other vampires. She was died from fear of Dracula. Harker took his even be inclined to work with the heroes also immune to the effects of garlic. revenge by killing Lilith. to help eliminate her father’s threat. She Lilith was not totally invulnerable, how- Lilith’s spirit wandered the British Isles would, of course, do her best to keep her ever. Her body could be killed by driving a for three decades searching for an inno- identity and powers secret—at least until wooden stake through her heart. This cent woman who wished her father dead. the right moment. would require restraining Lilith (getting at She finally found such a woman in North- Lilith need not be linked to her father, least a Partial Hold), and getting a Red ern Ireland. A girl named Angel O’Brien, a however. She could also come back as a result for the staking attack. Also, success- Catholic, had married and become preg- ravening monster, worse than her father, fully attacking Lilith with silver weapons nant by a Protestant man named Ted Han- if her “death” by the Montesi Formula did normal damage to her. nigan. Upon hearing this, Angel’s father drove her mad. Lilith would be an ex- TALENTS: Lilith had considerable knowl- attacked both Angel and Ted. Ted was tremely dangerous foe, given that she has edge about the occult, mystic lore, vam- felled by the blow, struck his head, and so few weaknesses common to other vam- pires in general, and her father in died. At that moment Angel felt a murder- pires and is immortal. particular. Treat her Reason as Excellent ous hatred for her father, and Lilith en- (20) in these areas. tered her body. OTHER VAMPIRES: Vast possibilities Angel/Lilith killed Angel’s father (he did exist for encounters and even full cam- CONTACTS: Lilith had few contacts in not become a vampire) and began a dual paigns featuring vampires. If vampires the world of mortals, although she could existence. Lilith often took over Angel’s infest your city, your heroes could become modern-day vampire-hunters, carrying around hammers and wooden stakes along with their splurge-guns and wakka-wakka devices. Imagine your players’ faces the first time their characters encounter a vampire attacking some poor soul. They’ll charge to the rescue, only to discover this being is no ordinary mugger! For those Judges devilish enough to incorporate vampires into their cam- paigns, a brief conversion system is of- fered to transform characters into the vile, blood-sucking fiends we all love so much. Remember that very few vampires would have abilities at Lilith’s level. She was definitely an exception to the rule. (Thanks to Jeff Grubb for the original conversion guidelines in DRAGON #126.) Agility: +1CS (maximum Remarkable); Strength: +1CS (maximum Remarkable); Endurance: +2CS (maximum Amazing); Health: modified accordingly. A “normal” vampire can: transform into mist and at least one animal form; climb sheer surfaces (wall-crawling); use Typical (6) or better Regeneration; command certain animals; and control any vampire it creates if the target vampire fails a Psyche FEAT roll. It also has all weak- nesses normally associated with vampires. Feel free to adapt these conversions to fit the power level of your campaign and heroes. Just remember that vampires are some of the most dangerous beings in the MARVEL UNIVERSE, and any encounter with one should be extremely challenging for your heroes. One more thing to remember about Lilith in particular, and MARVEL UNI- VERSE vampires in general, is that through biting (but not killing) a victim, a vampire can control the victim’s actions. This includes most PC heroes. Although Lilith certainly could attack and control one of your PCs, I personally don’t recom- mend it. The heroes are really the “stars” of the campaign, and taking the control of a character from the player is a very tricky situation at best. To me, taking a character away from the player, especially in a super-hero game where the PCs have powers “beyond the ken of mortal men,” just isn’t right. If you decide to do this, do it very carefully. NPCs are another matter entirely. If a vampire attacks and controls an important NPC, maybe even a loved one of the hero(es), many interesting role- playing situations can develop. That’s it for now. Next month, look for “Leftovers II: The Villains,” and I’ll be back in issue #165. Send any comments or questions to: The MARVEL-Phile, DRAGON Magazine, P.O. Box 111, Lake Geneva WI 53147, U.S.A.

DRAGON 73 by James Lewder

Creatures on the prowl

After the downfall of the EC-style horror a while provides a great change of pace to will be free to pursue his own nefarious comic of the 1950s, chock full of entertain- the standard super standoffs. Scenarios plans. ing but gruesome deaths and decaying involving these titanic beasts can be re- A light touch is important when running zombies with various body parts missing solved easily in a single game session; the adventures with creatures such as Zzutak the comic-book industry scrambled for a typical plot noted above can be worked and Groot, especially if you want the less shocking type of monster to fill its into any locale. Used creatively, these games to resemble the Lee-Kirby monster rosters. So it was that magazines like creatures can be a challenge to even the epics in the original comics. The evil beast- Strange Tales, in the days before Doctor most powerful super teams. ies tend to threaten humans, but generally Strange and the Human Torch, and Jour- In an extended campaign against a spe- don’t go out of their way to kill them. ney Into Mystery, before the arrival of a cific villain, a monster can play the impor- They will wipe out any tanks and planes certain hammer-toting thunder god, came tant role of minion. If, for example, the the Army or Air Force tosses against them, to be home for creatures of astounding Red Ghost wants to distract a nosy group but are never surprised when the soldiers size and even more astounding names— of heroes who are hot on his trail, he escape from the burning wreckage. In monsters like Kraa the Unhuman; Sporr, might resurrect the Glop and set him on a fact, Marvel monsters are prone to enjoy the Thing That Could Not Die; Grottu, rampage throughout eastern Europe. the sight of fleeing humans. It gives them King of the Insects; and, of course, the While the heroes save lives and prevent the chance to laugh maniacally and bellow ever-popular Fin Fang Foom. the Glop from crushing Ukraine even such classic lines as: “I am Googam— These mammoth menaces proved so flatter than it already is, the Red Ghost and I am power!!” or “Tremble, mor- successful that Marvel launched two more tals, before the awesome comics in 1959 to showcase them— Tales of might of Gomdulla!” Suspense and Tales to Astonish. Soon, these books would become the stomping ground for super heroes like Iron Man, Ant-Man, and the Hulk. For a time in the early 1960s though, their pages trembled under the tread of giant feet and echoed with the clatter of crumbling buildings. As you might suspect, these yarns share a great deal with the “guys-in-rubber- monster-suits” school of Japanese cinema, as well as the radiation-enlarged-insect movies of the 1950s. The standard story involves a gigantic creature either landing on earth if it’s an alien beastie, or being awakened by an overly inquisitive explorer or scientist if it’s a more local menace. After some prerequisite stomping of the land- scape in New York or a small village in eastern Europe, the monster’s secret weak- ness is uncovered. That’s part of the Mon- ster’s Guild by-laws, it seems: All monsters over 20’ tall must have a debilitating Achil- les heel that allows the puny humans of Earth to defeat it. Under no circumstances, though, should this weakness be anything so obvious that it can be uncovered before said monster gets to crush some masonry and maybe even chuck around a car or two—after all, fair’s fair.

Monsters on the loose Releasing a towering mass of scales, claws, and muscle into your MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ campaign every once in Color by Steve Sullivan DRAGON 71 GOMDULLA™ seems more likely that the alien adopted For modern-day campaigns, you might The Living Pharaoh the bandages upon reaching Egypt, intent assume the following to be true: Since his on hiding his unearthly origins and ex- defeat in the sixties, Gomdulla has been F EX(20) Health: 255 ploiting the beliefs of the locals. It’s also passed from Interpol to SHIELD to more A GD(10) possible that, once they had defeated mundane scientific operations, but no one S MN(75) Karma: 100 Gomdulla, the freedom fighters covered has been able to uncover the alien’s origin. E ShX(150) the pretender to the pharaoh’s throne in The most prevalent theory supported by R AM(50) Resources: EX(20) the traditional funeral wrappings. these groups claims that Gomdulla is some I GD(10) What is clear is Gomdulla was swathed sort of renegade super-robot, though the P IN(40) Popularity: 0 in bandages when archaeologists uncover- alien technology that created him remains ed him in the early part of the twentieth elusive. Some even posit Gomdulla is noth- century. Presumably the wrappings had ing more than a more advanced model of POWERS: fused somehow with the alien’s skin, for Rama-Tut’s robot warriors. Gomdulla was Body armor: Gomdulla’s skin, possibly in scientists were unable to discover the true recently returned to the Egyptian govern- conjunction with the seemingly indestruc- nature of the 30’-tall mummy. Gomdulla ment, which considers the dormant “Liv- tible mummy wrappings he wears, grants was dismissed as a hoax by some, dis- ing Pharaoh” a national treasure of sorts. him Amazing (50) protection from physi- cussed as a true mystery by others; in the cal, Force, and Energy attacks. small museum in Egypt that was his home, GROOT™ Levitation: Gomdulla can levitate at will however, Gomdulla soon became just The Monster from Planet X with Incredible (40) power. another dusty fragment of history. Earth control: Though only able to affect For at least 40 years, Gomdulla stood F EX(20) Health: 330 stone, Gomdulla has Amazing (50) power motionless in the museum. Finally, in the A GD(10) in causing stones to move or even fly at early 1960s, two small boys playing S ShY(200) Karma: 120 his command. around the giant’s feet fell against the stud E UN(100) Hibernation: When the stud on Gomdul- and awoke the sleeping alien. Waiting for R AM(50) Resources: UN(100) la’s right foot is pressed, he goes into a night to fall and the museum to empty, I RM(30) sort of suspended animation. During this Gomdulla smashed through the museum’s P IN(40) Popularity: 0 time, he does not age. Any examinations thick stone wall and escaped into the (even psi-probes) conducted on the Living darkness. POWERS: Pharaoh while he is hibernating will reveal It didn’t take long for the giant to resur- Body armor: Groot’s thick, barklike skin nothing of his nature. rect the Cult of Gomdulla in the backwater provides Remarkable (30) protection area of Egypt, and within weeks he had against physical, Force, and Energy at- taken control of the pyramid once more. tacks. This armor provides Groot no pro- TALENTS: Gomdulla is fluent in at least His agents began to gather treasure for tection from attacks of normal-sized two human languages: English and Egyp- the newly risen demigod. That Gomdulla, insects, such as ants or termites, which tian (both ancient and modern). now called the Living Pharaoh, quickly can easily penetrate the fibers and damage gathered epithets like “the Cruel” and “the his pulpy interior. This vulnerability also CONTACTS: The Cult of Gomdulla re- Merciless” are testament enough to the includes characters who can shrink to the mains as a very small organization type of organization he was building. size of a small insect. throughout Egypt. It is particularly active The semi-secret Cult of Gomdulla soon Flight: Groot can travel through space at outside the major cities. The members are came to the attention of Interpol, which Unearthly (100) speeds, during which time drawn largely from the criminal popula- assigned an agent to discover the identity he is sheathed in a specialized force field tion, but they are extremely loyal to the of its leaders. The agent got quite a sur- that protects him from the rigors of outer Living Pharaoh and provide him with prise when he found that the missing giant space (no additional life support neces- substantial wealth. mummy was the cult’s focus. In the battle sary). This force field provides no other that followed, the Interpol agent escaped protection and appears as a brilliant yel- death at the alien’s hands thanks to the low luminescence, which sometimes sur- HISTORY: In ancient Egypt, during the intervention of the cult’s high priest. A rounds Groot for days after he lands on a reign of the pharaohs, a powerful alien descendant of the freedom fighters who planet. landed near the Nile river. This alien, had dealt with Gomdulla when he first Growth: Groot can alter his size by known only as Gomdulla, set about terror- landed in Egypt, the high priest was him- absorbing wood. His initial size will be izing the small community around one of self a spy for the forces aligned against the Incredible (20’ tall), and for each turn he is the lesser pyramids. While most of the Living Pharaoh. He knew to press the stud allowed to draw wooden objects into his Egyptians rejected Gomdulla’s demands hidden by the wrappings on the alien’s body, he will grow one rank in height, up for wealth and power, some fell at the foot, once again sending Gomdulla into to Shift Y (50’ tall). The process can be alien’s feet, proclaiming him the true ruler hibernation. reversed, though no wood is expelled from of the Nile basin. his body in shrinking back to his starting The alien’s reign of terror lasted only a ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Gomdulla is height. very short time. Freedom fighters infil- content with his guise as an Egyptian Plant control: Groot exerts Shift X (150) trated the Cult of Gomdulla centered in demigod and will do all he can to hide his control over all trees and woody flora, a the lesser pyramid, which was unfinished extraterrestrial nature. He is cruel and power that functions like the more com- at the time, and discovered his weakness— quite a braggart. He will rarely confront mon form of the Animate objects power. a stud on the top of his right foot. Pressing foes without proclaiming dire fates for any He can command timber to accelerate its the stud immobilized the alien, sending who dare oppose him. Overly fond of growth, as well as move like animated him into deep hibernation. showing off his powers, Gomdulla will servants. Trees will obey his commands It remains unclear when Gomdulla was never try to hide his strengths. His goals without pause, despite biological limita- fitted with the mummylike wrappings he are simple: the collection of wealth and tions to the contrary (i.e., pines that walk wears in modern appearances. Perhaps absolute power over as great an area as he around to do Groot’s bidding will not die they are common garb on his planet. It can manage. from lack of water, etc.).

72 OCTOBER 1992 Resistance to fire and heat: Groot, like all chance and won’t shy away from direct Immortality: The Thing That Shouldn’t inhabitants of Planet X, has this power at conflict with heroes. If the battle begins to Exist cannot be destroyed, only rendered the Remarkable (30) level. turn against him, though, he will quickly immobile. summon trees to fight for him. TALENTS: From Planet X, Groot studied Groot’s plans for stealing a small town or TALENTS: None. the Earth, giving him knowledge of En- village for scientific experiment on Planet glish. He also has Amazing (50) talent in X provide a great springboard for future HISTORY: When a tall, mysterious stran- biology and Incredible (40) talent in space adventures. Even though the overlord was ger arrived on the doorstep of comic-book sciences. defeated by Leslie Evans in the early artist Frank Johnson, little did he suspect 1960s, his successor on Planet X might he was dealing with the leader of a dan- HISTORY: Returning home from a party, come to Earth to kidnap another village. gerous group of Aztec revolutionaries. Alice and Leslie Evans witnessed a strange With all the resources of Planet X behind The man claimed to be a fan of the mon- glowing object crash on the outskirts of him, the new monarch might even be sters Johnson painted for comic books the small town in which they lived. Be- equipped with modified armor that cannot such as Strange Tales. To help the talented cause it was late, they decided not to in- be breached by insects and other small artist achieve true greatness, the stranger vestigate. For the next few days, though, weapons so easily. gave him a set of wondrous “three- the weird occurrence plagued Leslie, dimensional” paints, intended to give his despite his efforts to throw himself into ZZUTAK™ work a more lifelike quality. his work as a research biologist. The Thing That Shouldn’t Exist The paints certainly proved to have Only when trees, fences, and other incredible powers. Whatever Johnson wooden objects began to disappear around F AM(50) Health: 404 depicted with the oils quickly moved away town did Leslie give in to his suspicions A PR(4) from the canvas and became real. Using and go out to investigate the crash site. In S ShX(150) Karma: 6 the paints was not without its dangers, the forest, he discovered a glowing wood- E ShY(200) though, as the artist soon discovered. en giant, 20’ tall and shaped roughly like a R FB(2) Resources: None Viewing even the tiniest bit of enchanted huge tree. This monstrous creature was I FB(2) paint caused Johnson to succumb to the absorbing all the wood he could gather— P FB(2) Popularity: 0 subliminal suggestions the stranger had the trees, the missing fence, barrels, implanted in the weird gift. brooms, and even doghouses. And with POWERS: Johnson found himself setting off for each bit of wood he absorbed, the crea- Body armor: Zzutak’s unusual nature Mexico, very much against his will. He ture grew larger. grants him Monstrous protection from trekked for quite some time into the Sierra Evans rushed to warn the town, but it physical and Force attacks, as well as Class Madre Mountains. In a remote valley wasn’t long before the alien, now 50’ tall, 1000 protection from cold, heat, fire, and there, he came upon a perfectly preserved lumbered out of the forest. He announced corrosives. Aztec temple—and the stranger who had himself as Groot, monarch of Planet X and overlord of all timber in the galaxy. The plan he had come to institute was simple, but astounding: Groot would command the nearby trees to form a wall around the town, then expand their roots to weave a net beneath it. When that root-net was complete, Groot would order the trees to carry the town into space, out of the solar system, and into the waiting labs on Planet X, where the earthlings would provide ample test subjects for the alien scientists. Though Groot never revealed how he could make the trees fly into space, the power he exhibited over the local pines and oaks seemed to prove he wasn’t bluff- ing. Under the overlord’s command, the trees surrounded the town and their roots started to grow into a net. The town tried to stop Groot—with bullets and even fire— but nothing worked. Fortunately, Evans thought to confront Groot with a less obvious weapon. Whereas bullets could not penetrate the alien’s bark and fire had no effect upon him whatsoever, the special termites Evans bred in his lab made short work of the 50’ tree. With Groot gone, the town hailed Evans as a hero and started the long process of cleaning up after the rampaging flora.

ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Groot is ex- tremely confident of his abilities—to the point of being smug and reckless. He will boastfully reveal his plans if given the TM DRAGON 73 first given him the paints. It was only then The artist knew he was the only person the editor of Strange Tales. Though he that he learned the reason he had received who could prevent the death and destruc- balked at the creature, which was just too the dangerous present. tion a monster army would bring down fantastic to be believable, the editor al- The stranger, like all the residents of the upon Mexico. With little more than hope lowed the artist to finish the painting. If valley, was a descendant of a group of driving him on, Johnson began to chant the numbering of the comic universe’s Aztecs that had fled the Spanish conquista- softly to the creature he was painting: Strange Tales runs parallel to that in the dors. The Aztecs managed to hide in the “Zzutak is your enemy—you must destroy real world, Johnson’s rendition of Zzutak, valley for centuries, maintaining their him!” The desperate ploy worked. When the Thing That Shouldn’t Exist, appeared culture. In that time, they worked to per- the second monster stepped from the on Strange Tales #88, released in 1961. fect the three-dimensional paints. With the canvas, it immediately set upon Zzutak. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Zzutak is a paints—and the help of a talented fantasy Locked in combat, the evenly matched slow-moving, awkward, and almost- artist like Johnson—the Aztecs hoped to foes moved into the Aztec temple. Their mindless pawn of the person in control of brawl brought the ancient structure crash- create an army of monsters, then sweep the Aztec revolutionaries who first created ing down around them, burying them out of the valley and retake Mexico. the mystic paints. He will do as his master Though he tried to fight the lure of the both beneath tons of stone and earth. commands, but will fight savagely to pro- Unable to move the rubble, caught in paints, Johnson was compelled to com- tect himself even without someone direct- unending conflict with his equally power- plete the first stage of the revolutionaries’ ing him. ful foe, Zzutak was trapped. plan: a painting of Zzutak, the Thing That Many possibilities exist for working In the collapse of the temple, a stone Shouldn’t Exist. As with the other, less Zzutak into campaign play. A villain could struck the Aztec elder, wiping out his fantastic objects Johnson had created with revive the fanatic Aztec organization that memory of the planned overthrow of the paints, Zzutak stepped away from the first created the mystic paints and the Mexico. Deprived of their temple, their canvas as a living thing. A creature of monster. Rescuing the somewhat hapless leader, and their monster army, the other great size and strength, Zzutak was at the beast from the ruins of the Aztec temple revolutionaries wandered out of the valley, command of the leader of the Aztecs. And should prove relatively easy for any evil- defeated. Before leaving, Johnson de- as the Thing That Shouldn’t Exist was put doer with access to money or construction stroyed the remaining paints. to work sealing the valley so the monster equipment. army could be created in complete secre- On returning to New York, Johnson tried to sell a mundane rendering of Zzutak to Though Johnson destroyed the paints cy, Johnson started painting another beast. the Aztec high priest gave him, the formu- la for the fantastic three-dimensional paints surely exist somewhere in the hid- den valley. Without the guidance of the Aztec high priest, the paints confer the Animate Drawings power to the user at Amazing (50) intensity. The person pos- sessing the paints can only animate objects that he can draw. Where more monsters dwell Looking for more inspiration? The origi- nal comics featuring the Stan Lee-scripted, Jack Kirby-rendered monster bashes cost quite a bit these days on the comic book back-issue market. However many of the reprint titles Marvel issued in the 1970s are still affordable, if you can find them. Titles like Monsters on the Prowl, Crea- tures on the Loose, and Where Monsters Dwell can often be spied in bargain bins at comic shops. Recently Marvel released a trade paperback called Monster Master- works, that collects some of the best crea- ture feature stories and sports a great Walt Simonson cover. On the film front, any of the giant insect flicks of the 1950s— Them!, Beginning of the End, or Tarantula, to name a few—as well as American creature stomps like The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms or Q, can provide great material for monster-based adven- tures. The Japanese Godzilla series, especial- ly the multi-beastie epic Destroy All Monsters, should serve as primary inspira- tions. For the best in super-hero/monster clashes, though, you can’t beat any of the myriad incarnations of Ultraman. For more than two decades, this Japanese hero has been saving the Earth from just the sorts of menaces you’re about to unleash upon your campaign world. TM The MARVEL-Phile's Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission Copyright ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved HE MARVEL®-PHILE T by James Lowder early villains—Giganto and Dormammu, good enough to steal the cover of FF #1 Monsters on the for example-sound a lot like those of the from Reed Richards and crew, they’re creatures that rampaged through the old good enough to toss around tanks—and loose—again! Atlas titles. So if you scoff at the idea of heroes—in your campaign, too. introducing such monsters as Goom, Dia- blo, and Sporr into your MARVEL SUPER- Groot update In their heyday, giant monsters domi- HEROES™ (MSH) game campaign, keep In the previous “creature-feature” install- nated eight titles published by Atlas their origins and their influence in mind. ment of the MARVEL®-Phile (DRAGON® comics—the company that would mutate If one of these battling behemoths was issue #186), I noted that Groot was defeat- into the Marvel house of super heroes we know today. Beginning in late 1958, Xom, Monsteroso, Fin Fang Foom, Gorgilla, TM Gorgolla, and all their gargantuan pals rumbled through the pages of Amazing Adventures, Amazing Adult Fantasy, Jour- ney into Mystery, Strange Tales, Tales of Suspense, Tales to Astonish, and World of Fantasy. Rendered with skill and excite- ment by Jack Kirby, these behemoths spent their brief lives spreading gleeful chaos and shouting threats that usually ended with multiple exclamation points. The publication of Fantastic Four #1 in August, 1961 signaled the beginning of the end for the Marvel monster corps. After that momentous event, super heroes be- gan to usurp the comic-book spotlight from the behemoths. But that isn’t to say the monsters disappeared from the MARVEL UNIVERSE™ quietly or even quickly. The real center of attention on the cover of FF #1 is the Mole Man’s gargan- tuan minion, not the fledgling super-team. And in the course of that same first issue, the FF journey to Monster Isle to battle the Mole Man and his monster horde. Over the next few years, the Fantastic Four would be pitted against foes that would most certainly be at home in a monster comic: Giganto, the whalelike beast the Sub-Mariner commands against the sur- face world; the Mad Thinker’s weird, faceless android (who looks a lot like the aliens from “A Martian Walks Among Us”), the huge “Monster from Mars” statue animated by the Miracle Man; and even the shape-shifting Skrulls, who share powers with the Kirby-creature from the story “What was X, the Thing that Lived?!” The Marvel monsters made their pres- ence felt in other early super-hero titles as well: Don Blake is fleeing Gorr and the Stone Men of Saturn when he discovers the hammer of Thor in Journey into Mys- tery #83. The Hulk and the Thing resem- ble other beasties from the pre-hero monster comics. Even the names of some

DRAGON 31 ed in the early 1960s by scientist Leslie Life support: The Nightmare Creature the stories about Gregg were true. Evans. That wasn’t the last time the tree has this power at Shift Z (500). He can ago, he’d learned that the Great Wall of tyrant from Planet X threatened Earth, survive in hostile environments indefi- China had been built to repel dragon though. Groot—or, more precisely, an nitely without food, air, or water. creatures such as Grogg. The villagers’ tale exact replica of the power-mad alien— Hibernation: If Grogg is completely told him that just such a dragon was in battled the Hulk in 1976. Xemnu the Living immobilized (buried under a collapsed hibernation near the test site. In encourag- Titan recreated Groot and five other long— skyscraper or frozen by some sort of high- ing Vorcutsky to proceed with the tomb forgotten monsters, then sent them one by tech device, for example), he goes into test, Kozlov had hoped to unleash the one to destroy the green gladiator. Unsur- suspended animation. He will remain in monster so that it could spread terror prisingly, the Hulk made short work of the this state, immune to the effects of aging, behind the Iron Curtain. He succeeded, Groot-replica, ultimately battering the until an opportunity for escape arises (i.e., but little did he suspect that he would monster to splinters. In this battle, Groot a bomb uncovers his resting place or again cross paths with the Nightmare used his plant-control ability to ensnare someone turns off the device holding him Creature from the Black Pit. Some time the Hulk, and his body armor shielded him motionless). after his arrival in the United States, for a time from the hero’s blows. Groot Kozlov was sent on a reconnaissance mis- also exhibited a power he did not utilize in TALENTS: Gregg seems to comprehend sion back to his home country. The his first appearance: the ability to fire most human languages, though only at a physicist-turned-spy soon joined forces thorns from his hands. Since Xemnu very basic level. However, he has never with Ivan Grotsky, a tyranny-hating claimed to have recreated Groot without expressed himself in anything other than farmer, and the two traveled north to modifications, this power should be added grunts and roars. learn the purpose of a secret army base. to the tree tyrant’s already impressive list: They encountered Grogg near the base, Projectile missile: Groot can fire volleys CONTACTS: None. but what they uncovered at the secret of wooden darts from either hand. The 3- installation was even more frightening— inch-long darts—known as Groot’s Invinci- HISTORY: In April, 1961, the leaders of the military had constructed a huge rock- ble Thorns—have Excellent (20) accuracy, a small dictatorship in central Europe et, which they intended to launch to Mars. a range of one area, and do Excellent (20) stayed freedom-fighter Michael Kozlov’s On the red planet, the soldiers would Shooting damage. Groot can launch Invin- execution when they realized he was also construct a base and threaten the free cible Thorns from only one hand at a time. a talented physicist. Kozlov was then put nations of the world with nuclear missiles He may fire four volleys of missiles in any under the watchful eye of Colonel Karl if they did not accede to their govern- 24-hour period. Vorcutsky and sent off to a secret nuclear ment’s demands. Again Kozlov turned the test sight in Asia. There, it was hoped, dictatorship’s scientific striving against GROGG™ Kozlov would aid the dictator’s troops in them. As Ivan created a diversion, Kozlov The Nightmare Creature from the conducting underground bomb tests. lured Grogg into the rocket and lauched Black Pit While the soldiers were setting up the it to Mars. Kozlov knew that he could not bomb site, a group of locals came to plead stop the government’s plans to send an F AM (50) Health: 240 with Vorcutsky. They claimed that any army to Mars, but with a vengeance- A IN (40) explosion would awaken Grogg, a beast craving Nightmare Creature awaiting the S AM (50) Karma: 8 that slept below the ground near their soldiers on the red planet, they would find E UN (100) village. Vorcutsky dismissed the claims as building any base rather difficult. R FB (2) Resources: None superstition and, surprisingly, Kozlov I PR (4) agreed with him. This sudden callousness ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Grogg is not P FB (2) Popularity: 0 ( -10 in quieted the colonel’s suspicions about the the brightest of beasts and is motivated eastern Europe) physicist’s loyalty. Vorcutsky’s trust would almost purely by a lust for vengeance. He soon prove misplaced. will attack the most obvious cause for his POWERS: The explosion did uncover Grogg, the discomfort at any given moment— which Body armor: Grogg’s thick, leathery skin Nightmare Creature from the Black Pit, often means whomever or whatever is provides protection of Remarkable (30) and the huge beast immediately turned his closest. Though no one has spotted him power versus physical and Force attacks, attention to flattening the locals’ village. A since the early 1960s, Grogg is probably Combat tail: The Nightmare Creature’s tribal chief braved the monster’s wrath to still loitering on Mars, looking for someone spiky tail isn’t useful for climbing, but may explain that the soldiers had disturbed to stomp. He could easily be turned be used in combat for Monstrous (75) Grogg’s slumber, not the farmers he was against the United States if someone both- damage. It also serves as a rudder during stomping into dust. Vorcutsky and his men ered to visit Mars and convince the Night- flight. tried to flee in a jet, but Grogg took to the mare Creature from the Black Pit that he Horns: The four largest horns atop air in pursuit and forced them to crash- was duped by an American spy. Grogg’s head are considered Edged Attack land in the mountains. Trapped in a cave weapons, with a Material Strength Rank of by the seemingly tireless gargantua, the TABOOTM Excellent (20). They do Remarkable (30) few remaining soldiers quickly grew des- The Thing from the Murky Swamp damage. perate. Vorcutsky ordered Kozlov out of Fire generation: Grogg can breathe jets F IN (40) Health: 290 the cave, hoping that this sacrifice would of flame from his nostrils. This flame does A MN (75) appease the Nightmare Creature. But Monstrous (75) Energy damage against S UN (100) Karma: 46 when Grogg attacked, Kozlov blinded him flammable targets, and Good (10) damage E MN (75) with a cleverly created smoke screen and against nonflammable targets. R GD (10) Resources: None escaped. Flight: Grogg’s wings allow him to fly at I TY (6) Dr. Kozlov was rescued from the moun- Unearthly (100) speeds in atmospheric P RM (30) Popularity: 0 tain by a passing American plane, but few conditions, but only at Typical (6) speeds believed his fantastic story when he tried through space. to tell it. From the start Kozlov had known 32 OCTOBER 1993 POWERS: HISTORY: Lewis Conrad was an explor- he remained a prisoner of the Murky Life support: Taboo has this power at er and best-selling author of true-life ad- Swamp. Conrad, convinced of Taboo’s Shift Z (500). He can survive in hostile venture books. In the Amazon country of sincerity, offered to muster the world to environments indefinitely without requir- Brazil, he uncovered rumors of a “forbid- aid the stranded alien. The explorer jour- ing food, air, or water. den swamp,” the domain of a “swamp neyed to New York, where he addressed Flight: Taboo can travel through space at demon” named Taboo. Conrad was skepti- the United Nations. The world’s scientific Shift X (150) speeds. In atmospheric condi- cal, but went to investigate anyway. To the community quickly banded together and tions, he travels at Monstrous (75) speeds. explorer’s surprise, Taboo proved to be created a device that would aid Taboo in Telepathy: Taboo communicates through real, though he seemed to be anything but returning home. But when the Thing from the use of his telepathic ability, which has a demon. Through his telepathic powers, the Murky Swamp was given the device, the rank of Excellent (20) in sending Taboo revealed that he was an alien whose he revealed his true nature. Taboo’s space- thoughts, but only Good (10) in reading the spacecraft had crashed into the Brazilian ship hadn’t crash-landed. In fact, he didn’t surface thoughts of those he communi- swamp. napped by Earth’s atmosphere, need a spaceship to travel the universe at cates with. Plasticity: Taboo’s mudlike body gives him the following powers at Unearthly (100) intensity: —Body armor that provides Unearthly (100) protection against physical and Force attacks. —Taboo can also hide in swampy or muddy areas with Unearthly (100) ability. Characters must make an Intuition FEAT roll versus this rank to detect Taboo. Mud-slinging: Taboo can throw blobs of his own mudlike body with Amazing (50) accuracy, up to two areas. The mud acts as a Grappling attack of Monstrous (75) strength. The mud hardens to rocklike consistency within five seconds (Material Strength Rank of Incredible (40)). Taboo has also been known to simply slap the mud on a target during a brawl rather than throw it. Immortality: Taboo cannot be killed. If his Endurance reaches Shift 0, additional damage will simply blow his malleable body into a number of smaller parts (one part for each point of damage that gets past his body armor). These separate pieces of ooze have Reason and Intuition of Feeble (2); an Endurance of Good (10); and Fighting skill of Typical (6). They retain Taboo’s original Agility, Strength, and Psyche. The separate parts will move as quickly as possible to reform Taboo.

TALENTS: Taboo has enough acting talent to convince some people that his intentions are peaceful. He also possesses a good understanding of many human languages, including English and Portu- guese, through his telepathy.

CONTACTS: Subsequent to Taboo’s first encounter with Lewis Conrad, the mon- ster had high-level contacts in the United Nations and the world’s science commu- nity. These contacts became adversaries as soon as Taboo revealed his intentions regarding the Earth. Taboo has no friendly contacts on his home world, where they consider him deranged and dangerous. A Taboo-replica is a former ally of Xemnu the Living Titan.

DRAGON 33 tan, the gentle spacefarers repaired all POWERS: damage done by Taboo before leaving with Life support: In stone statue form, the the renegade in their custody. In 1976, Glop has this power at Shift Z (500). As a Xemnu the Living Titan recreated Taboo statue, the Glop is immobile, but is com- and five other long-forgotten monsters, pletely aware of his surroundings and can then sent them one by one to battle the survive indefinitely without food, air, or Hulk. The Taboo-replica fought the Hulk to water. Once he has been covered with his a standstill, until the hero punched a hole oozing, paintlike skin, he is subject to in a riverbed, thus creating a powerful hunger and thirst. whirlpool that sucked the muck-creature Body armor: The Glop’s weird, paintlike into the earth. skin acts as body armor. This armor pro- vides Incredible (40) protection against ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Taboo is a physical, Force, and Energy attacks. Un- dangerous adversary, not only because of derstandably, the paintlike armor provides his incredible powers, but because of his no protection from turpentine-based diseased mind. He is prone to scheming attacks. and will use human agents as frequently all. He was on Earth to gather information as possible to further his plans to conquer TALENTS: As a scout observing human- about the worlds scientific prowess. Now Earth. Despite his craftiness, though, kind for possible conquest, the Glop has that he had the perfect example of Earth’s Taboo is rather easy to fool (as the scien- gained an understanding of his surround- technological might, he flew off, threaten- tists did in secreting an H-bomb in the ings. Because the Glop was stationed in a ing to return at the head of a conquering device). While the original Taboo was remote Transylvanian keep, this knowl- army. Fortunately for the peoples of the taken from Earth by his fellow space- edge is limited to what he has overheard Earth, the world leaders were not as gulli- farers, the Taboo-replica remains. The about life in the village below the castle ble as Lewis Conrad. When Taboo got Hulk defeated the ersatz Thing from the during his centuries-long watch. The Glop beyond Earth’s atmosphere, the scientists Murky Swamp, but the whirlpool the hero also has an understanding of a number of detonated an H-bomb they had secreted created could hardly have destroyed a human languages, including English, Hun- inside the device. Taboo was blown into creature that survived at the heart of an garian, and Romanian. thousands of muddy blobs and scattered H- bomb explosion. If Xemnu regroups his over the western hemisphere, but he did “monster squad” any time in the future, CONTACTS: The Glop is a scout from not die. Over the next few days, the sepa- Taboo will likely be the first monster he an alien race and supposedly has the sup- rate, sentient pieces of the Thing from the revives. port of that advanced civilization. How- Murky Swamp headed for New York City, ever, since he does not possess the means specifically Central Park. There, Taboo THE GLOPTM to contact his home planet, his resources was reborn. Resistance seemed futile. The Monster Without a Scary rate only at Feeble. If his allies ever return Taboo wrecked Manhattan and was on his Appellation to Earth, the Glop’s resources will immedi- way to stomping out all opposition in the ately rise to the rank of Unearthly (100). F RM (30) Health: 340 city when a gigantic spacecraft appeared A GD (10) over New York. The Thing from the HISTORY: When a painter of apart- S Sh Y (200) Karma: 70 Murky Swamp welcomed the newcomers, ments and furniture was approached by a E UN (100) fellow creatures from his planet, but they strange old man to paint a statue, he R IN (40) Resources: FE (2) soon proved to be his enemies, not his balked. When the painter discovered that I EX (20) allies. The spacefarers explained that the statue was located in a Transylvanian P GD (10) Popularity: 0 they’d been searching for Taboo for ages, castle, a great deal of money had to pass that he was ill and needed treatment for hands before he accepted the job. Still, the some undisclosed-though obviously deal was made, and the painter traveled to mental-infirmity. Fortunately for Manhat- the remote keep. The statue he painted— or rather covered in an oozing, paintlike substance—was huge and grotesque. But the painter followed the orders he’d been given, despite the monstrous appearance of the statue. He was trying to carry out his final command—leave the castle before midnight—when a tremor shook the castle and he was trapped beneath a fallen beam. And as the castle clock struck twelve, the hapless painter learned why the old man had wanted him to leave quickly after finishing the job: the statue came to life! Fortunately, the painter managed to elude the Glop. But his escape also allowed the monster to turn his sights on the vil- lage below the keep. Starving after his long hibernation, the creature stormed Continued on page 39 34 OCTOBER 1993 Beyond the Grave Continued from page 29 death. Vartha do share one personality trait: They are all highly motivated, even driven, whatever their purpose. The MARVEL®-Phile Rewriting history Continued from page 34 In his search for foes worthy of battling the Hulk, Xemnu the Living Titan uncover- down from the mountain in search of Summoning/controlling ed a conspiracy. The American govern- undead food. While the Glop rampaged through ment, Xemnu claimed, was covering up the town, the painter encountered the old The summoning and controlling of cer- the multitudinous invasions that plagued tain types of very powerful undead, par- man at the castle and demanded an expla- the world in the late 1950s and early nation. The old guy admitted that he was a ticularly mummies, is a common theme in 196Os, blotting out the names of Diablo, literature and movies. The DM may wish scientist. He discovered the statue and the Groot, and the Blip from the history paints in the castle, along with a parch- to allow evil (and some neutral) clerics to books. I don’t know about that, but summon some kinds of special undead ment that revealed their unearthly origin scholars of the Marvel age of monsters from afar, then control them. The power and the method for reviving the alien should note that some of the towering would require a special ceremony and beast. The scientist hoped to uncover the titans have undergone subtle changes would depend on the availability of the Glop’s motives before the monster’s “com- since their first appearances. For example, proper kind of undead. Finally, the cleric rades” arrived to wake him themselves. in his original outing, the Glop was known would have to maintain concentration to The Glop returned to the keep at that as the Glob. And the living alien statue on control the undead similar to a mage con- moment, trapping the two humans inside. Easter Island was known as Thorr, not trolling an elemental. In a fit of braggadocio, the alien boasted Thorg. Apart from the trademark reasons, It is suggested that the cleric gain the that he was an advance scout from a war- I suppose the name changes make some power only when his 1d20 roll to turn the like race, sent to Earth to spy on the in- continuity sense too. “What’s that?” says appropriate kind of undead becomes less habitants. In time, his fellows would arrive Spider-Man. “There’s a battle in Central than 10. Some appropriate kinds of un- and revive him. Much to his chagrin, Park between Thor and Magneto? Or is dead, and the clerical level at which they though, the humans had already done that that Thorr and Magneto? And which Mag- could be summoned and controlled, would and now his mission was ruined. As the neto is it, anyway—the guy with the buck- be: skleros* (8), angreden (5), callicant- Glop prepared to ground the meddling et on his head or the old monster?” zari* * (5), skotos* * (6), mummy (8), lesser mortals into bone dust, the painter hit The most interesting of these updates colossus* * (8), vrykolakas* * * (8), vartha upon a desperate plan. He hurled a large has resulted in the birth of a new hero, a (9), ch’ing shih* * * (9), and ka (14). can of turpentine at the Glop, which wash- guy who is still popping up in comics ed away the alien’s oozing skin and re- regularly: Doctor Druid. The origin of this * See “Out of the Shadows,” in DRAGON turned him to his statuelike state once occult master, printed in Weird Wonder more. There wasn’t time for congratula- issue #162. Tales #19, is actually a slightly redrawn * * See “The Ungrateful Dead” in DRAGON tions, though. The villagers, enraged by origin story for an old character named the monster’s attack (and toting torches issue #138. Dr. Droom! Then, two issues of WWT * * * See “Hearts of Darkness” in DRAGON and pitchforks, as outlined in the Com- later, Dr. Druid tells a tale in which he issue #126. plete Transylvanian Peasants’ Handbook), discovers Gorgilla, the Monster of Mid- stormed the castle and blew it up. The night Mountain, but that, too, is a re- Glop and the unusual paints were buried touched story (with Dr. Droom’s, er, beneath the shattered keep. Bibliography Druids head replacing that of the tale’s Briggs, Katherine Mary. An Encyclopedia true hero, a blond scientist named Scotty). ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: The Glop is of Fairies. New York; Pantheon Books, Hmmm. short on subtlety, but long on rage. He will 1976. Maybe Xemnu was right after all. Could Hight, George Ainslie, translator. The Saga wade into a fight with little provocation, Goom and his dreaded son Googam be attempting to crush whatever obstacles of Grettir the Strong. New York: E. P working through the government to blot Dutton & Co., 1913. the despised mortals set in his path. He is out the memories of their monstrous prone to throwing large objects, and Simpson, Jacqualine, trans. The Northmen rivals? What about the Living Colossus and Talk: A Choice of Tales from Iceland. Judges working him into a scenario should Fin Fang Foom? Why have they escaped be familiar with the rules for Blunt Madison: The University of Wisconsin this revision of history with reputations Press, 1965. Throwing attacks detailed in the MSH intact? I’d say it’s time for you to mobilize Advanced Set’s Players’ Book. Spencer, A. J. Death in Ancient Egypt. New all truth-loving heroes in your campaign so York: Penguin Books, 1982. Since the castle’s destruction in the early they can restore the real history of the 1960s, no one has bothered to sift through MARVEL UNIVERSE—or at least slug it out the ruins to confirm the Glop’s demise. with a giant slime beast or two. Because the body was never seen, it would be safe to assume he survived somehow and Changing your address? If so, tell us is ready to be unleashed upon the hapless immediately. The Post Office will not denizens of the MARVEL UNIVERSE once The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the forward second-class mail without more. Moreover, the Glop’s comrades have distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trade- prior notice, and we cannot replace yet to make their appearance on Earth, so a marks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are issues that are lost in this manner. scenario centering on their arrival would be used with permission. Copyright ©1993 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Please send us your address change a natural; explaining why these higher be- as soon as possible (with your most ings left an immobile scout/observer in an recent mailing label) so that you won’t isolated Transylvanian castle is optional. miss any issues!

DRAGON 39 I’d never thought I’d grow nostalgic over Lesser lights, part 1: A villain for all seasons some of my old comic books so soon. Believe it or not, I miss the “old days” of Marvel Comics when I was growing up. I miss the strange, convoluted adjectives; everything was uncanny, stellar, stupen- dous, or gregarious. I miss the subtitles the villains and heroes used to accentuate their identities; wasn’t it terrifying to face off against Krakoa, the Island That Walked Like a Man? Anyone remember when Kang was “the Conqueror” and not just one of a tribunal of beings in time-travel gear? And I miss Medusa being “the most fabulous super-powered glamazon in the history of comicdom!” The times have changed, and we’ve all changed with them. Marvel Comics and the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ role- playing game are still lots of fun, but something is different. The villains are harsher, the heroes less confident of their morality, and many mysteries have been uncovered. One of the great mysteries was what Captain America’s shield was made of, and I enjoyed it when we didn’t know who the Hobgoblin was. (We still haven‘t seen the face of Dr. Doom, and they ha- ven’t named the Nameless Ones yet.) In honor of days gone by, “The MARVEL®-Phile” begins a short trip down memory lane, knee-deep in nostalgia (the menace that lurks beneath the dust). This month we present Equinox, the Thermo- dynamic Man! (Doesn’t that name strike deadly fear into your heart?) His only appearances were in Marvel Team-Up issues #23, #59, and #60, the last pub- lished in 1977. Even without hundreds of appearances, he’s a wonderful villain with lots of potential, so blow the dust off him and put him into the game. Only your players’ heroes will regret it.

EQUINOX™ Terry Sorenson, criminal

F GD(10) Health: 80 A GD(10) S IN(40) Karma: 42 E EX(20) R TY(6) Resources: PR(4) I TY(6) P RM(30) Popularity: 0

DRAGON 31 MARVELMARVEL

POWERS: ics. He began taking out his frustrations on stored excess energy caused an explosion. Body Armor: Equinox’s altered and con- his wife, physically abusing her. Margay All that remained was his package—an densed body tissue grants him Excellent (20) soon left her husband and son to escape atomic clock used to regulate time resistance to physical damage, and Good (10) the abuse. intervals—and a crater in the street lead- resistance to energy damage. David began drinking in his basement ing to the sewers. Equinox was presumed Thermodynamic Flux: Equinox’s body is lab, its confines filled with makeshift com- dead, but he actually escaped through the in a constant state of thermodynamic flux. puters and jury-rigged systems to test his sewers to safety. Theoretically, his body is constantly ab- theories. Margay returned in time to see Months later, Spider-Man was attacked sorbing and expelling heat energy in mas- an entire wall of the house shatter from over the Queensborough Bridge by a blast sive amounts, resulting in coruscating an explosion. Making their way to the of fire that changed to ice as it traveled flame and ice over his body. While his basement, Terry and Margay found the lab toward him. The blast of fire/ice was torso is covered in flames, Equinox fires engulfed in flames and David pinned un- spotted from a nearby apartment by Hank ice bolts from his hands; the flames show der fallen equipment, his leg broken. Terry and Janet Pym, a.k.a. Yellowjacket and the that his body is absorbing the heat around rushed in to help his father when uniden- Wasp. Yellowjacket rescued the uncon- him to reflexively create ice. When cov- tified energy beams erupted from David’s scious Spider-Man from the East River, and ered in ice, he fires bolts of fire; he is damaged equipment. The energy killed the couple brought him to their home. expelling all the heat within his body David but transformed Terry into the Spider-Man was revived and deduced his through his flame blasts. The thermic being who would soon be called Equinox. assailant’s identity as Equinox. The villain changes and fluxes within Equinox’s body Dr. Sorenson took a leave of absence to soon attacked the trio at the apartment. have affected his mind, making him unsta- care for her son and to search for a cure The battle destroyed much of the Pyms’ ble, relatively amoral, and hostile. for his condition. She had to reconstruct penthouse, and the resulting rubble and These thermal changes grant him the David’s notes and teach herself a new commotion caused a massive traffic jam on following powers: physical science from the ground up. One the streets below. Yellowjacket used his —Flame/Ice Corona: The rippling fire of her early attempts to cure Terry was “improved disruptor stings” to blast Equi- and ice coverings that appear during Equi- the creation of his “protective shielding nox out the window. The Thermodynamic nox’s thermal changes grant him Class suit.” But soon her money reserves ran Man created an ice slide to break his fall 1000 resistance to fire/heat and ice/cold out, and Terry began to steal the equip- and brought the fight down to the street. attacks. He is not resistant to the physical ment they needed for his cure. As the heroes pursued Equinox and effects of solid ice (such as the loss of The Human Torch, acting on a tip from continued the battle, Dr. Sorenson arrived traction), but normal temperatures and Spider-Man, was inspecting Faversham’s with her latest invention, intending to stop hot or cold energy attacks have little effect Jewelry Store when he found a patch of Terry’s mad rampage. Equinox responded on him. However, if attacked by Excellent ice that hadn’t melted in the heat of the by throwing a car at her in an attempt to or greater intensity fire and ice simultane- day. The Torch was then blindsided by an kill her. She was pulled from its path by ously, Equinox’s thermodynamic energy ice bolt, and his assailant escaped. Spider-Man, but its gas tank exploded, and erupts in a Remarkable-force explosion Acting on the evidence he’d gathered, the the Wasp was knocked unconscious from that affects everything in Equinox’s area. Torch confronted Iceman, convinced he’d the blast. The flame corona melts any material in been the one who robbed Faversham’s Fighting Equinox alone, Yellowjacket contact with it of less than Excellent mate- store. After a minor battle between the managed to move the fight away from rial strength. Torch and Iceman was broken up by the much of the traffic and his injured wife. —Fire & Ice Generation: Equinox gener- original X-Men, the pair teamed up to solve Equinox blasted a nearby fuel truck with a ates Remarkable-intensity fire and ice with the mystery. fire blast, and the truck exploded. Equinox a range of two areas. The only power Returning to the jewelry store, they survived, but it appeared that Yellowjacket stunts Equinox has developed are to use arrived to see a blast demolish one wall of had died in the explosion. ice to create slides and entangle foes. the store. Entering through the hole, they Dr. Sorenson used her latest invention— found its edges were hot and smooth, as if a thermic stabilizer gun—to attempt to EQUIPMENT: someone had melted through the wall. In cure Equinox, but the gun’s energy had no Shielding Suit: Equinox formerly wore a the darkened store, the two heroes were effect on him at all. The heroes and the “protective shielding suit” made of an simultaneously hit by bolts of fire and ice doctor left Equinox and went to the Baxter unknown metal. Presumably, this full-body fired by Equinox. Building to use the Fantastic Four’s labora- suit contained and controlled Equinox’s As Equinox attempted to flee with a tory to attempt to discover a better cure temperature fluxes and thus kept him package of stolen goods, Iceman felled him for Equinox. mentally stable. The only times Equinox with an ice blast that tore his protective The fight in midtown caused a power was capable of firing both fire and ice suit. Apparently, the suit regulated Terry’s surge and outage throughout Manhattan, bolts at once was while wearing this suit. temperature changes, and the tear can- but power was soon restored. Unfortu- Unless he comes into possession of an- celed that property of the suit. As his nately, the heroes were inside the Baxter other such suit, he is incapable of firing temperature changes returned, the Building, and the surge caused the secu- both types of bolts at once. The suit was changes caused him to become more ag- rity computers to see them as a threat. made of Good-rank materials but did not gressive and hostile; before the suit was Spider-Man and Dr. Sorenson made it grant more protection from attacks. damaged, Terry just wanted to get away safely to the lab, while the Wasp was with his package and work on a cure for trapped in the ventilation shafts. She TALENTS: None known. his condition. Equinox ripped off the re- quickly made her way to the control cen- mainder of his shielding suit and battled ter and shut off the security systems be- HISTORY: Equinox was born Terrance the Torch and Iceman. fore the building was flooded with gas. “Terry” Sorenson, the son of Drs. David Equinox managed to escape with his Spider-Man managed to jury-rig Dr. and Margay Sorenson. While Terry grew package, but the two heroes caught up Sorenson’s gun with a harness to increase up, his mother became a famous figure in with him later. Simultaneously firing blasts the effectiveness of the thermic stabilizing the natural science division at Bard College of ice and fire, Iceman and Torch hit Equi- energy. Equinox attacked the lab (with no in New York. His father, however, did not nox (quote) “at the precise moment of his resistance from the disabled security gain the same fame his wife did, due to his molecular change.” This temporarily halted systems) and was on the verge of defeating unconventional theories on thermodynam- Equinox’s internal fluctuations, and his Spider-Man when Yellowjacket appeared.

32 OCTOBER 1991 MARVEL

Yellowjacket’s “death” and reappearance changes affected his mind, and he became Evil or the Kingpin, for example) or, if his caused the Wasp to produce adrenalin, the cruel, vindictive, amoral, and generally mind is returned to normal, a hero (per- final ingredient needed to complete some hostile. Any frustrations or feelings of haps by the New Warriors or your own adaptations Yellowjacket had made to her defeat are attacked with ferocity, including players’ hero team). powers. These events triggered her in- his own mother’s attempts to cure him. creased powers, a birthday gift from her In your campaigns, Equinox might still husband, and she used her more powerful not be cured, and he might escape to rob “wasp’s sting” to nearly knock out Equi- various establishments for the electronics nox. Yellowjacket placed the stabilizer he needs to cure his condition. This sce- Free Catalog! harness on the stunned Equinox, which nario makes him a desperate villain with temporarily neutralized his powers. much to lose if he is arrested by your Write for your free catalog of Equinox was last seen being taken to heroes. A slightly different option is that games and gaming supplies! In the police headquarters by the Pyms and his Terry was at least temporarily cured of his United States and Canada, write to: mother. It has been a number of years in condition, which explains his absence TSR Mail Order Hobby Shop, c/o Marvel time since he has been seen, cured from the comics. Only recently has he or not. Equinox’s current condition and reverted to being the Thermodynamic TSR, Inc., PO. Box 756, Lake Geneva whereabouts are unknown. Man. In this state, he could be quite des- WI 53147, U.S.A. In Europe, write perate or even paranoid. It will be up to to: TSR Mail Order Catalogue, TSR ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Equinox gener- your heroes to either try to help him or Ltd, 120 Church End, Cherry Hin- ally acts likes a typical, megalomaniacal just treat him like a common thug and ton, Cambridge CB1 3LB, United supervillain, lashing out forcefully and beat the tar out of him. Kingdom. Our catalog is free — dangerously at anything in his path. He is Another scenario is that Equinox’s mind send for it today! in his late teens or early twenties, and he has further deteriorated from his still- is becoming insane. His speech patterns occurring changes, and he is a powerful, frequently switch from a sophisticated mindless menace loose in your heroes’ city. adult to a slang-using teenager. Early in his A fourth option is that Terry has managed career as Equinox, Terrry simply wanted to to gain control over his changes. He could be cured of his condition. His constant be recruited as a villain (by the Masters of

The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1991 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DRAGON 33

MARVELMARVEL

The Amazing Spider-Man® was the first comic book I ever read and collected on a regular basis. Of course, after a while, my interests changed and I stopped reading about Spidey’s exploits. That was over 10 years ago, but recently, Jeff Grubb dropped a copy of The Amazing Spider- Man #340 on my desk and said the lady villains therein would make a great “MARVEL-Phile.” I read through it and found myself caught up in the life of Peter Parker again, just like I was years ago. Jeff was right, of course. The “Femme Fatales” really gave Spidey a run for his money in that issue, and now they can keep vour campaign’s heroes on their toes

WHIPLASH™ Criminal (mercenary)

F GD(10) Health: 56 A EX(20) S TY(6) Karma: 22 E EX(20) R TY(6) Resources: Typical I TY(6) P GD(10) Popularity: – 2

POWERS: Whiplash has no known powers of her own. Her costume contains three retractable steel whips (Incredible (40) Material Strength) in each arm. In MINDBLAST™ combat, they do Remarkable (30) Blunt Telekinetic criminal (mercenary) Attacks damage. The whips are apparently stored in her gauntlets when not in use. F TY(6) Health: 28 Her padded costume also provides Good A TY(6) (10) body armor from physical attacks. S TY(6) Karma: 61 KNOCKOUT™ E GD(10) TALENTS: Whiplash is a Weapon Special- R GD(10) Resources: Typical Leader of the Femme Fatales ist with her whips. I TY(6) P IN(45) Popularity: – 3 F EX(20) Health: 110 A GD(10) The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive POWERS: Mindblast’s lone power is Tele- S IN(40) Karma: 40 names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of the Marvel kinesis. Her rank for this power is Incredi- E IN(40) Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1990 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc All Rights ble (451, but she has not (as of this writing) R EX(20) Resources: Good Reserved. used it to directly attack a foe. It is proba- I GD(l0) ble that she has not yet developed that P GD(10) Popularity: – 2 Power Stunt. She does possess the follow- ing Power Stunts, however: Other than her strength, POWERS: —Flight for herself only at Typical (6) Knockout has no discernable powers. She airspeed; and does however, wear a suit of metallic —A coruscating energy shield that sur- armor that acts as Excellent (20) body rounds her body and provides her with armor against physical attacks. Good (10) protection from physical and energy attacks. TALENTS: Knockout has the Martial Arts A and Leadership skills. TALENTS: Mindblast has displayed no 72 JANUARY 1991 particular talents. MARVELMARVEL

HISTORY: As this is the first appearance with Mindblast are suggested pairings). If of the Femme Fatales as a team, they have your heroes mess up or underestimate only a brief history to report. these ladies, be sure that the Femme Fa- Recently, Spider-Man was asked to at- tales make them pay the price. These tend a public ceremony welcoming an villains use their brains, not just their ambassador from an Eastern European brawn. country. The Femme Fatales attacked The Femme Fatales might appear in Spidey at the airport. They directed a feint your campaign as hired muscle on any of a toward the ambassador, but their true number of missions. Perhaps the local target was Spider-Man. The Web-slinger Maggia boss has someone—probably your fought them to a standstill, but as police heroes—that he wants taken out of the reinforcements arrived, the Femme Fa- picture. Maybe a mastermind villain is tales fled the scene. It is a safe bet, how- looking for some super-powered muscle to ever, that the Femme Fatales and protect him or to help him wipe out those Spider-Man will meet again. pesky heroes who keep cropping up at all More information will doubtlessly be the worst times. Or maybe the Femme revealed about the Femme Fatales and Fatales just arrived in your heroes’ town their powers as time and plots move along. and want to show everyone just what they For more information on Whiplash and can do. And what better way than by Bloodlust, see Marvel Comics Presents #49. trashing the local heroes?

ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: In their battle A note to those of you who have written against the Web-slinger, the Femme Fatales to me requesting stats on all the amazing showed sound tactics. Bloodlust and Whip- mutants hopping around the MARVEL lash kept Spidey off guard and didn’t allow UNIVERSE™ these days: Pick up The Un- him to take the offensive. Meanwhile, canny X-MEN™ Special! boxed set (TSR Knockout and Mindblast prepared to Product No. 6896) by Jeff Grubb. In it, administer the coup de grace. They also you’ll find a Roster Book full of up-to-date BLOODLUST™ took advantage of the situation, using the stats on everyone from the Mutant Libera- Criminal (mercenary) ambassador’s arrival to cover up their true tion Front, the Brood Mutants, and the motive—attacking Spider-Man. Mindblast Resistants to the X-Men, X-Factor, and the F EX(20) Health: 92 even attempted to roast Spidey by tele- Reavers. Also included is a campaign book A RM(30) kinetically holding him above the ambassa- for running your own all-mutant cam- S GD(12) Karma: 34 dor’s plane, which was leaking fuel, while paign, an adventure book containing the E RM(30) Knockout tossed a lit cigarette lighter into adventure “School’s Out,” by Rick Swan, R PR(4) Resources: Typical the pools of fuel. plus four full-color maps of such legend- I EX(20) In your campaign, the Femme Fatales ary locations as the X-Men’s Mansion, P GD(10) Popularity: – 5 should use similar techniques to beat your Excalibur’s lighthouse, and more! heroes. They work together very well and Send any comments or questions to: The POWERS: Bloodlust’s only power is her pair up to take on foes they outnumber MARVEL-Phile, DRAGON® Magazine, P.O. Excellent (20) Material Strength claws. In (Bloodlust with Whiplash and Knockout Box 111, Lake Geneva WI 53147, U.S.A. combat, Bloodlust inflicts Excellent (20) Edged Attacks damage. Also, Bloodlust’s costume has enough padding to give her Typical (6) protection from physical attacks.

TALENTS: Bloodlust is a Weapon Special- ist with her claws, and she possesses the Martial Arts E and Acrobatics skills.

FEMME FATALES™

CONTACTS: At the time of this writing, the only contact revealed for the Femme Fatales is a mysterious scientist named Dr. Turner. He employed the Femme Fatales to harass Spider-Man, so that Spidey would return to Turner’s lab. Turner’s plans for the Web-slinger are unrevealed.

DRAGON 73 MARVELMARVEL

The lads from Liverpool

by Steven E. Schend

In DRAGON® issue #165, “The MARVEL®-Phile” gave you a look at some of Spider-Man’s latest foes, the Femme Fatales. This month we’re continuing the trend with more new Spider-foes. In the summer of 1990, Spider-Man had a rough time in England with two gangland enforc- ers of extraordinary power: Knight Fogg. These two are currently based in England, but they have accepted contracts in America; perh aps they’ll be hired to track down hero es in your campaign.

KNIGHT™ Malcolm Knight, enforcer (Statistics given after slashes are for Knight’s armored form.)

F EX(20) Health: 80/110 A GD(10) S EX(20)/IN(40) Karma: 16 E RM(30)/IN(40) R PR (4) Resources: GD(10) ing in the left forearm. The sword is of Fogg. Malcolm Knight’s only friend was I TY (6) Unearthly (100) material and inflicts Re- Edgar’s son, Thomas Fogg, and the two P TY (6) Popularity: 0 markable (30) edged damage on living and were bullies in their younger days. While nonliving targets. Malcolm tried to maintain a certain level POWERS: As Malcolm Knight, this villain of propriety around Evelyn Fogg, Tho- has no powers. Only when he transforms WEAKNESSES/LIMITATIONS: Knight’s mas’s sister, he was a lonely boy and to into his alter ego are any metahuman armor is vulnerable to electricity; attacks him his friendship with Thomas mattered abilities exhibited. of this sort add +2CS against him. Also, more than anything else. Alter Ego/Armored Form: Knight can when Knight is unconscious or sleeping, The pair grew older and became con- instantly change his skin and clothes into a he automatically reverts to his normal tract killers for a Liverpudlian mobster. suit of heavy armor that provides him human form. Knight and Fogg accepted a contract on with Incredible (40) protection from physi- Professor Henry Lewis, a prize-winning cal attacks. His armored form also grants TALENTS: Knight is skilled in the use of physicist whose love for gambling and him the following powers and equipment: his sword in combat, giving him a +1CS horseracing led to mounting debts. At the —Growth: Knight’s armored form has an when using it. North Umbrage Energy Research Labora- uncontrolled Feeble growth power, mak- tory, Knight and Fogg cornered the profes- ing him 8’ tall while armored. HISTORY: Malcolm Knight and his sor late one night. When Lewis was shot —Sword: Knight’s golden sword is built brother, Leo, were orphans raised in Liv- by Fogg, he fell back against his equip- into his armor, snapping out from a hous- erpool, adopted by an old alcoholic, Edgar ment, disturbing the delicate machinery

DRAGON 71 MARVELMARVEL and causing a wild, stray power to be of the elusive Fogg; Knight was about to FOGG™ released. Fogg and Knight were caught in kill Spider-Man when Evelyn Fogg hap- Thomas Fogg, enforcer the energy backlash and were allegedly pened upon the scene and begged Knight reduced to their quantum structures by not to kill him. Knight hurled Spider-Man F GD(10) Health: 70 Professor Lewis’s particle cannon. The into the river, where Spidey hit his head, A RM(30) powerful release of energies caused the causing him to lose his memory. S GD(10) Karma: 22 laboratory to explode, yet Knight and Fogg Spider-Man was pulled from the water E EX(20) walked out of the ruins, alive but now and attended by Leo Knight, Malcolm’s R TY (6) Resources: GD(10) more than human. brother. Stripping Peter Parker of his I GD(10) Knight and Fogg allegedly became what costume, Leo hoped to prevent any harm P TY (6) Popularity: 0 they each were in their minds’ eyes. from coming to his brother by keeping Malcolm Knight now could become a Peter from remembering who he was; he POWERS: Fogg, like Knight, exhibits no knight in shining armor, and Thomas Fogg later changed his mind and attempted to powers in his normal, human form. was now as slippery and elusive as the trigger Peter’s memory by returning the Alter Ego/Gaseous Form: Fogg can in- mists that regularly shroud London. These costume to him. stantly alter his body into a green, semi- powers made them quite valuable to their After a number of mishaps, Fogg solid mist. His gaseous form grants him employers, from whom they kept no guessed that Leo’s amnesiac friend was the following powers and equipment: secret of their new-found powers. Spider-Man and made plans to finish the —Density Manipulation—Self: Fogg can Recently, Knight and Fogg were con- job of killing him. Fogg tracked Spider- manipulate his density with a Good ability, tracted by the Kingpin to eliminate the Man down at Leo Knight’s house and changing his density from Shift 0 to normal Arranger, the Kingpin’s former right-hand attacked them both, throwing Spider-Man body density. This density power allows man. The Arranger asked Spider-Man for outside and strangling Leo. During the Fogg to solidify his hands and face while help but was refused because Spider-Man fight, Knight’s and Fogg’s powered identi- maintaining his body in its misty form. thought it was a trap. After Fogg mur- ties were revealed to their families. Leo —Elongation: Fogg has the ability to dered the Arranger, Spider-Man arrived was thought to be dead, and Knight mis- allow his misty form (either his whole and fought the pair, meeting defeat. takenly blamed Spider-Man for the mur- body or only parts of it) to stretch up to Using his contact with Thomas Fireheart der. After it was revealed that Fogg had one area away. This Incredible rank power (a.k.a. Puma), Spider-Man flew to England attacked Leo, Knight attacked his former allows him to attack characters in adjacent to pursue Knight and Fogg and bring them partner in a rage, but Spider-Man knocked areas, with strangulation being his stand- to justice. Tracking the pair to Liverpool, them both out with an exposed electric ard mode of attack. A victim of such an Spider-Man again met defeat at the grasp power cable. attack must make a successful Endurance Knight and Fogg are currently under FEAT roll vs. Fogg’s strength to remain arrest and possibly in prison in England conscious; treat failure as an automatic for their crimes, though it is quite possible Stun. Remember that Fogg inflicts normal that they can escape, given their powers. Strength damage in addition to the above. Because of Fogg’s attack on Leo, it is —Vision Restriction: While Fogg is elon- doubtful that these two villains are still gating his misty form, the normal vision of partners in crime. anyone surrounded or attacked by him is restricted to that person’s area alone, due to Fogg’s opaque form. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Knight, despite his questionable occupation, sees himself —Flight: While in gaseous form, Fogg as an honorable man. He is a no-nonsense can fly at Poor rank. This allows an air speed of 4 areas/round. person, living by his word or by the exact wording of the contract under which he is Weakness/Limitation: When Fogg is currently working. His world is divided unconscious or sleeping, he automatically into two parts: Fogg’s world of killing, and reverts to his normal human form. For his own world of peace in his home of unknown reasons, Fogg is vulnerable to Liverpool. He suppresses many of his electricity; attacks of this sort add +2CS emotions on a mission and simply “follows against him. the contract.” TALENTS: Fogg has the Crime and Wres- In your campaigns, Knight can still be a tling ( +2CS to choking attacks) talents. contract killer, perhaps signing on with the Kingpin to avoid connections with his HISTORY: See the notes given for Knight. old partner or signing on with someone ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Thomas Fogg is else to hunt down your heroes and elimi- an unscrupulous, cruel psychopath. He nate them. He might become an anti-hero, enjoys killing and takes great enjoyment in ruthlessly hunting down Fogg; the two of taunting and scaring his targets. He is them would leave much destruction in totally ruthless, killing for the fun (and their wake. Knight might also try to make profit) of it. up for his past by becoming a hero. If he is Fogg is still a reliable contract killer for already established as a villain, this could your campaigns, though his partnership make the next meeting of Knight and your with Knight has soured. Fogg will proba- heroes very interesting. bly work for any established crimelords or even some super villains. How Fogg may change from the loss of his only friend is The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive up to the Judge; Fogg can bitterly hunt names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Knight down to kill him, or can avoid all Copyright ©1991 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All contact whatsoever with the “traitor.” Rights Reserved.

72 MARCH 1991 The MARVEL™-Phile

Unfriendly neighborhood Spider-foes by Jeff Grubb

Last month, we revealed the first-place here is the correct one — Editor.] Would you like to see an “Advanced winner of the “Overwhelming Readers’ Before pressing on, there’s a debate MARVEL SUPER HEROES” book? If so, Response Survey” by publishing the going on here regarding the future of what would you like to see in it? Drop abilities and history of the mysterious the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ game. us a line (and mention which heroes Mockingbird™. Now it’s the bad guys’ We’ve gotten a lot of positive mail con- you’d like to see in future editions of the turn, and the three most-requested pests cerning the game, and many gamers MARVEL-Phile, while you’re at it). Roger are all enemies of your friendly neigh- want to see a more intense treatment of Moore forwards all the Marvel Mail to borhood Spider-Man™: Hobgoblin™, the game in terms of subjects (other my cubicle (usually cackling gleefully Kingpin™, and Spider-Man’s own mali- dimensions, time travel, and new while he’s at it). cious (former) Suit. [Kingpin is described worlds) and rules (an advanced magic Without any further editorializing, briefly in Bruce Nesmith’s module, MH-4 system, a more complicated combat let’s bring on the bad guys: Hobgoblin, Lone Wolves; the Karma score given table, and individual Karma awards). Kingpin, and Spidey’s Suit!

HOBGOBLIN™ Real name as yet unrevealed

Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) Agility: REMARKABLE (30) Strength: INCREDIBLE (40) Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) Reason: EXCELLENT (20) Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: EXCELLENT (20)

Health: 130 Karma: 50 Resources: EXCELLENT Popularity: -20

Powers:

BODY ARMOR. Hobgoblin’s outfit con- sists of small-weave, insulated chain mail that provides Excellent protection from physical attacks and Remarkable protec- tion from electrical attacks.

ELECTRICAL BLASTERS. Hobgoblin’s gloves are equipped with power-conducting microfilaments that enable him to project Incredible electri- cal damage up to one area away.

GLIDER. One of Norman (original Green Goblin™) Osborn’s inventions, this one- man, turbo-powered glider has the fol- lowing stats: Incredible Control, Good Speed, and Excellent Body (but offers no protection to the rider). The Glider can HOBGOBLIN™ carry up to 400 pounds, but it is DOWN TWO on Speed and Control if carrying more than the Hobgoblin’s own weight.

BATTLE VAN. A complete mobile weap- All Marvel characters and the distinctive likenesses thereof are the trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group, ons system devised by Osborn but never MARVEL SUPER HEROES is a trademark of the Marvel Comics Group. © 1985 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries. All Rights Reserved. used in his career as the Green Goblin,

72 FEBRUARY 1985

the Battle Van has Incredible Control, and took control of the business. Among in a bomb explosion, but Harry has since Remarkable Speed, and Incredible Body. his former partner’s notes, Osborn dis- made a full recovery and is now presi- It has a full communications and com- covered a formula to increase the user’s dent of Osborn Industries, Inc. puter setup and can be operated by intelligence and strength. Osborn began Neither Harry Osborn nor Dr. Hamil- remote control or on its own auto-pilot to experiment with the formula but was ton found the large number of weapons (which has Remarkable Control). The caught in a chemical explosion. Expo- caches and secret hideouts that the Battle Van possesses a top-mounted sure to the formula made Osborn original Green Goblin maintained concussion gun turrent doing Remark- stronger, but the chemical drove him throughout the city, usually in secret able Damage with a range of 7 areas. insane as well. Taking the identity of the rooms in Osborn Industries plants and The van was partially destroyed in a Green Goblin, Norman Osborn set about warehouses. A bank robber named high-speed chase that left it in the East to slay Spider-Man and establish himself George Hill found one of these hideouts River, but Hobgoblin has reclaimed the as a New York crime-lord. while fleeing from Spider-Man. Hill van and is rebuilding it. His genius boosted by the formula, brought his discovery to the attention of Osborn built most of the devices that the another as yet unidentified man, who THROWING BLADES. Hobgoblin packs a Hobgoblin would later use, though as promptly killed Hill and used the recov- set of throwing knives carved in bat- the Green Goblin he was continually ered equipment and Osborn’s notes to wing shapes. Each razor-sharp blade defeated by Spider-Man. On several become the Hobgoblin. does Good Damage on the Hack 'n Slash occasions, Osborn was believed to have At first, Hobgoblin had the technology table. Hobgoblin throws 1-5 of these been cured of his madness, but he of his namesake, but not the increased blades at a time, usually to prevent pur- would soon have a relapse and adopt his strength, endurance, or intelligence. He suit. Shift DOWN ONE to hit for every criminal ways. During his final relapse, refined Osborn’s formula and, after blade cast beyond the first. Hobgoblin the Green Goblin killed Gwen Stacy, using a hireling as a guinea pig, placed carries 6-15 of these blades. Peter Parker’s girlfriend, and was killed himself under the drug’s influence. He himself by being impaled on his own jet remained too long affected by the chem- PUMPKIN BOMBS. Hobgoblin’s explosive glider. ical, and this may have had a serious bombs are shaped charges having the Since Norman Osborn’s demise, two affect on his mental stability. form of jack-o’lanterns. He can throw others have taken up the identity of the Hobgoblin is using all of Osborn’s them out to a range of 3 areas, and the Green Goblin. Norman’s son Harry, under hidden lairs and diaries to firmly estab- bombs can have a timed-delay burst of the influence of drugs, stole his father’s lish his power where the original Goblin up to two rounds. When exploded, the old costume and sought revenge on Spi- failed. Hobgoblin, with the aid of a bombs cause 20 points of damage and der-Man for his father’s death. Harry was crime-lord named the Rose™, wishes to force a victim to make an Endurance defeated and placed under psychiatric build a crime syndicate rivaling that of FEAT to avoid being knocked out by the treatment. Unfortunately, his psychia- the Kingpin. Like the Goblin, Hobgoblin concussion. Hobgoblin carries 1-10 of trist, Dr. Barton Hamilton, took up the desires the death of Spider-Man, who these devices. Goblin’s persona. Hamilton was killed has foiled several of his plots.

WRAITH BOMBS. Hobgoblin’s smoke THE KINGPIN OF CRIME™ wrestler who works out daily, Kingpin and gas grenades have clear plastic cases Wilson Fisk, “Humble Dealer in receives an UP ONE shift to the right resembling wraiths. Their usual effects Spices” when Grappling. are as per the smoke and gas grenades on page 17 of the Campaign Book, but Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) WALKING STICK. Kingpin’s walking stick both operate at Incredible potency. In Agility: GOOD (10) conceals a three-shot, high-energy laser. addition, Hobgoblin has rediscovered Strength: EXCELLENT (20) This laser has a range of two areas and Osborn’s formula for a gas that weakens Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) does Excellent Damage. The stick also Spider-Man’s Spider-sense if he is Reason: GOOD (10) carries two doses of Amazing-potency exposed to it (and fails to make a FEAT Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) sleep gas that requires a yellow Endur- roll). He makes use of this chemical Psyche: GOOD (10) ance FEAT roll or else the victim falls whenever he anticipates meeting his asleep for 1-10 hours. The stick is made wall-crawling foe. This gas deprives Health: 100 of Remarkable material. Spider-Man of his Spider-sense and Karma: 40 reduces his Intuition to Typical. Resources: INCREDIBLE STICKPIN. Kingpin also packs a dose of Hobgoblin’s satchel carries up to ten Popularity: 31 his sleep gas in his diamond stickpin. He bombs, and any that are not explosive may only use it in a slugfest against jack-o’lanterns will be wraith bombs. Powers: opponents who are in front of him.

Hobgoblin’s story: The Hobgoblin’s BODY ARMOR. Through his fighting THUGS. Kingpin rarely travels alone, true identity has not been revealed, yet disciplines, Fisk has developed Poor and although his daily fighting regimen certain parts of his history are known. Body Armor. makes him the superior of most “body- His story begins with that of his prede- guards” in his employ, he maintains a cessor, the Green Goblin. MARTIAL ARTS. Fisk is a master of judo small private army of goons to protect Norman Osborn was co-owner of a and oriental boxing. He may Stun and his headquarters and prevent unneces- chemical company with subsidiaries Slam opponents of higher Endurance sary interruptions. Kingpin will always involved in robotics and electronics than his strength would normally allow. have 4-13 thugs no more than a door Osborn, ever greedy for more power, away to deal with intruders and test the had his partner arrested for embezzling WRESTLING. An experienced sumo mettle of his opponents.

74 FEBRUARY 1985 The Kingpin’s story: Wilson Fisk through his son Richard, of the Las to remove Vanessa permanently, to force claims to make his living as a “humble Vegas branch of HYDRA™ and planned his former employer to regain his posi- dealer of spices,” and is the wealthy to take control of America and the tion in the underworld. owner of several companies. He is less world through that group. However, the Vanessa disappeared in an explosion, publicly known as the Kingpin of Crime Kingpin turned against HYDRA upon but she was rescued from the New York and is the leader of the largest non- learning that the Red Skull™ was the sewers by the hero Daredevil™, her Maggia criminal organization in actual leader of the Las Vegas organiza- physical and mental health destroyed. America. tion. He has since had nothing to do Fisk, anguished first by the loss of his Little is known of Kingpin’s back- with HYDRA or its new incarnations. beloved Vanessa and later by her shat- ground, save that he became interested Kingpin’s one weak spot is his family. tered state, has retaken control of his in body-building early in his life. He now His son Richard took on the costumed old organization and eliminated those maintains a physical training schedule identity of the Schemer™ in order to who threaten his criminal empire. that makes him a superior fighter ruin his father. His wife Vanessa, a lovely Kingpin has battled both Spider-Man despite his apparent bulk. His other lady of New York society who supported and Daredevil over the years, but he keen interest was political science, and Fisk through years of power struggles, sometimes maintains a standing truce he used these theories in forming his finally convinced the Kingpin to give up with them, providing aid to both when it own criminal empire. He has been care- his criminal activities. Fisk retired to the is in his best interests to do so. (He res- ful not to be directly involved with the Orient until Vanessa persuaded him to cued Spider-Man from Hobgoblin at one criminal activities he promotes, so he testify against his former criminal com- point because he was concerned about has no criminal record. rades. Upon his return to the states, one the latter’s motives.) Fisk has hired At one time, Fisk was the leader, of Kingpin’s old “soldiers” sought to super-powered agents as agents and bodyguards, and the respectable posi- tion of Kingpin’s assassin has gone to the best in the field, including Bullseye™ and Electra™. Kingpin controls a criminal empire made up of East Coast gangs that, while not in the Maggia’s class, is more power- ful than any single Maggia family in New York. His limitations are few in regards to morals. He only rarely deals in drugs, nor does he encourage his associates to do so. He is a man of his word and will honor it, letting foes go free when they have done him a great service. Finally, he is so fiercely devoted to his family, in particular to bed-ridden Vanessa, that he had one of his henchmen turn down the office of the Mayor of New York City in order to insure his wife’s safe return.

SPIDER-MAN™’S SUIT Alien symbiote

Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) Agility: AMAZING (50) Strength: INCREDIBLE (40) Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) Reason: GOOD (10) Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Psyche: MONSTROUS (75)

Health: 160 Karma: 105 Resources: None Popularity: Not applicable

Powers:

SYMBIOTIC NATURE. The Suit survives KINGPIN™ by feeding off a host creature’s power. In its most recent incarnation, the Suit has acted as the costume of Peter

D RAGON 75 Parker, the Amazing Spider-Man™. This has no effect on the Body Armor of any- Ed], the Suit quickly began to feed off its symbiosis has several effects: one wearing it. Its structure is such that it host’s energy. It took command of Parker’s 1) The Suit may be commanded to transmits the force of a physical blow to sleeping body during the night, forcing change shape or color by its host to a its host. him to sleep-walk (or, more correctly, variety of forms, and can create holding sleep-websling) through the city in order pouches or similar adornments. WEB SHOOTERS. In duplicating Spider- to get its sustenance. Peter Parker got no 2) The Suit, with long use, can duplicate Man’s original costume, the Suit also dupli- real rest, and a general deterioration of the physical powers of its wearer. The cated his web-shooters. The Suit can fire Spidey’s Health set in. above stats are duplicates of the physical Monstrously strong webbing up to 2 areas After several weeks of increasingly abilities of its last host, Spider-Man. away and can use it for swing-lines, nets, strange problems and effects, Spider-Man 3) The Suit can control its host, forcing and entrapment devices. contacted Reed Richards of the Fantastic him to conduct actions against his will. Its Four™ to analyse the Suit. Richards discov- ability to control the bodies of others is at The Suit’s story: The creature known as ered the organic and symbiotic nature of a Monstrous level, and it shifts DOWN Spider-Man’s Suit is a parasitic symbiote, a the Suit, but the Suit itself resisted any ONE for each level of Psyche of its target. being that feeds off the mental and physi- attempt to be removed from its host. Unaware or sleeping targets are easier to cal energy of its host. It was a native of a Richards finally separated the Suit from control, such that the shift is only DOWN world used by the Beyonder™ to construct Parker by subjecting it to ultra-sonic TWO at most. his battleplanet in the Secret Wars™. The waves. The Suit was then placed in a 4) The Suit feeds off energy from its creature took refuge in the complex com- glassed-in environment for study. host, leaving him weak and sluggish. The mandeered by Doctor Doom™ and his The Suit displayed its animal craftiness referee should secretly halve the Health bench-villains. in its many attempts to escape, but it was rating of any hero under the influence of Spider-Man found the creature’s lair finally released by a exploration probe the Suit for as long as he wears it. while trying to locate a machine to repair under the control of an unseen foe of the 5) The Suit does not wish to be sepa- his own badly-damaged costume. Using a Fantastic Four. The Suit escaped into New rated from its host and will, therefore, likely looking device, Spider-Man “sum- York City, and, after possessing a number tighten over the host’s body, crushing it in moned” the Suit from its hiding space. The of bodies, sought out its former host once an unescapable grappling attack, if an Suit spread over Spider-Man’s body, subtly again. attempt is made to remove it. In this case contacting his mind and reading his In the battle with Spider-Man that fol- any damage taken from an outside attack thoughts, and became Spider-Man’s new lowed, the Suit was apparently destroyed. is absorbed by the Suit first, then by the costume. It should be noted, however, that no trace hero wearing it (see below). Returning to Earth with Spider-Man [the of the alien symbiote was found after the 6) Other than as noted above, the Suit Invasion of the Body Stocking? -Texan final battle.

SPIDER-MAN's™ SUIT

76 FEBRUARY 1985 MARVEL

by Dale A. Donovan

Two ghosts with the most

As those by-line readers out there al- whether or not any individual can react in grenades capable of inflicting Amazing (46) ready know, the two most recent the same round as a surprise attack.) The Force damage to everyone in the area “MARVEL®-Phile” columns were written Ghost’s suit gives him the powers noted where a grenade explodes. The Ghost also not by me, but by Steven E. Schend, an here. Unless otherwise noted, the powers carries “Anson grenades” doing Amazing editor in TSR’s Games Department. Steven below all operate at the Amazing (46) (46) Force damage, but which also fly in was the in-house editor on MU6 The rank. random directions with Feeble (2) air Gamer’s Handbook of the MARVEL UNI- —Phasing: Circuitry in his suit allows the speed. He can release three of these flying VERSE™, 1990 Character Updates and will Ghost to become intangible by putting his grenades in one round if he takes one perform the same duties on this year’s body slightly out of phase with this dimen- round beforehand to prepare them (no MU7, which is due to hit your stores in sion. These circuits cannot operate at the other actions allowed). Otherwise, he can late November. same time as the suit’s Invisibility circuits only release one per combat round. In From here on, Steven and I will share do, so the Ghost cannot be both immateri- addition, the Ghost possesses bombs the writing duties for this column, and I al and invisible in the same round. An evil (Amazing (46) Force damage) that can be think we’ll make a pretty good team. businessman, Justin Hammer, has devel- activated by sound waves, and portable Steven knows the vast MARVEL UNI- oped a synthetic material (perhaps a form versions of his intangibility circuits that he VERSE better than I do, but I am more of vibranium) that the Ghost cannot yet can attach to people or objects. familiar with the game system than he is; pass through. When the Ghost is immateri- we should compliment each other well. al, he is transparent. (See following note.) NOTE: Phasing and Invisibility are diffi- This month, I’ll detail one spooky guy— —Invisibility: Certain circuits in his suit cult to judge with the power rank system the Ghost, a foe of Iron Man—and update allow the Ghost to become invisible at will. in the MARVEL SUPER HEROES game. Is you on the new Ghost Rider. I was tempt- The Ghost can easily switch between his the Ghost, with Amazing (46) Invisibility ed to wait until the Halloween issue to invisibility and intangibility powers from more invisible than an individual with write up these two guys, but you have round to round, but he can never have Typical (6) Invisibility? Is the old Red Ghost been clamoring for the Ghost Rider up- both sets of circuitry operating at the with Unearthly (100) Phasing less tangible date, so here you go. Have fun! same time. The Ghost can turn other than the Ghost with Amazing (46) Phasing? objects invisible also, as long as he is in Well, yes and no. In my own campaign, contact with the object. Note that the here’s how I handled powers like these. GHOST™ Ghost has improved these circuits to ren- An invisible person is just that—invisible Industrial Saboteur der himself invisible to most mechanical to other people’s eyes. The rank only and electronic sensors. Have the Ghost comes into play against other kinds of F GD(10) Health: 70 make a FEAT roll using his power rank of sensors (mechanical equipment, animal A EX(20) Amazing (46) versus the rank of the sen- senses, etc.). Have the invisible person S GD(10) Karma: 66 sor. A successful roll means the Ghost has make a FEAT roll versus the rank of the E RM(30) avoided being detected by that sensor. For sensor, with the following strictures. If the R IN(36) Resources: EX(20) example, in his last meeting with Iron sensor’s rank is lower than the invisibility I GD(10) Man, the Ghost was completely invisible to rank number of the person’s power, a P EX(20) Popularity: 0 all the sensors in Iron Man’s armor. (See green result will mean the sensor does not following note.) detect the invisible person. For sensors POWERS: The brown-haired, blue-eyed —Computer control: Circuits in the that are the same rank number as the man who is the Ghost has no powers of Ghost’s suit allow him to control and re- person’s power, a yellow result is needed his own. All of his super-human abilities program computers by touching the com- for the person to remain undetected. And stem from his electrically powered battle- puters or the equipment that contains the if the sensor’s rank is higher than the suit. Cybernetic circuitry in the suit’s hood computers, with a successful FEAT roll invisibility rank number, the invisible enables the Ghost to utilize his suit’s vari- against the rank of the computer. person needs a red result to not be detect- ous capabilities by mental commands. As a Weapons and equipment: The Ghost also ed by the sensor. result, the Ghost must be able to concen- uses personal weapons that are not parts Phasing or intangibility works similarly. trate to activate any of his suit’s abilities, of his suit. He carries handguns that can Compare the rank number of the power and he can be surprised normally. (I rec- inflict Incredible (36) Force or Energy with the material strength rank number of ommend an Intuition check to determine damage with a range of four areas, and the substance to be passed through, then

DRAGON 55 MARVEL make a FEAT roll. If the phasing rank penny he and his company had, but Stark both escape from Iron Man. They fled number is higher, a green result means thought that the beta particle generator through a wall. While Spymaster was still the person can pass through the material. that Accutech was developing could be- passing through the wall, the Ghost re- If the rank numbers are the same, a yel- come a tremendous source of cheap, clean moved the circuit panel. The shock to low result is necessary to pass through the energy. No sooner had Stark signed the Spymaster’s system, due to his body mate- material. If the material‘s rank number is final purchase papers than the Ghost rializing within a solid substance, was higher than that of the person’s power, attacked. Stark, as Iron Man, forced the instantly fatal. The Ghost escaped again. then a red result is required for the per- Ghost to flee, but as he was escaping, the Finally, the Ghost returned, this time son to pass through the substance. Ghost vowed to kill the man he believed to determined to kill Stark and destroy the I use this system any time the game calls be Iron Man’s employer, Tony Stark. prototype beta particle generator that had for a “FEAT roll versus” a certain rank. Pax was displeased that the Ghost had prompted Stark to purchase Accutech in deviated from his mission of destroying the first place. If successful, this attack TALENTS: The Ghost has the Business/ Accutech by taking up a personal vendetta would have driven both Accutech and Finance, Engineering, Computers, and against Stark. Pax fired the Ghost and gave Stark Enterprises into bankruptcy. Stark Electronics skills. He also possesses a Dem- another operative, the Spymaster (see anticipated this, however, and set a trap olitions talent that gives him a +1CS for MU4 for his statistics) the mission to stop for the Ghost. Stark knew that the genera- constructing and dealing with explosive the Ghost and to destroy Accutech. This tor gave off an intense energy field that devices. act enraged the Ghost and only made him overloaded any electrical systems within more determined to kill Stark and destroy 100 yards of it. As the human brain oper- HISTORY: Almost nothing is known Accutech on his own. ates on electrical impulses, this field could about the man who is the industrial sabo- The Ghost invaded Stark Enterprises and prove dangerous (or even fatal) to people teur called the Ghost (see “Role-playing shot a man he thought to be Stark in exposed to the field for long periods of notes”). He was something of a legend in Stark’s office, but his victim was Spymas- time. Iron Man warned the Ghost of the the electronics industry, but few who ter, impersonating Stark. Spymaster at- danger, but the fanatically driven Ghost heard the story, including Anthony Stark tached an energy siphon to the Ghost’s entered the field anyway. Iron Man real- (Iron Man), believed it—no one, that is, battlesuit, draining his circuits of the ized that he could save the Ghost’s life by until Carrington Pax, a Roxxon Oil Corpo- power to operate. Spymaster was about to turning off the generator. But if he did, the ration executive, hired the Ghost to drive kill the now-powerless Ghost but was Ghost would destroy it, Stark Enterprises Accutech Research and Development, an stopped by Tony Stark, who shot the gun would go bankrupt, and all its employees electronics firm in financial trouble, into out of Spymaster’s hand. The Ghost ac- would be out of work. After considering bankruptcy. Roxxon had attempted to cessed an electrical power supply, burned this and the fact that the Ghost was a cold- purchase Accutech, but that firm’s execu- out the siphon, recharged his circuits, and blooded murderer, Iron Man decided to tives wanted nothing to do with the disre- tried to escape. Spymaster gave chase, as not turn off the machine. Before the Ghost putable Roxxon. Pax hoped that the did Stark in his Iron Man armor. Stark, as reached the generator, the overloading weaken the Ghost did would further dam- Iron Man, saved the Ghost’s life again circuits in his suit melted the floor under age Accutech’s financial standing, with a repulsor blast that struck Spy- him. When Iron Man went down to exam- making it more amenable to master, who was still trying to ine the remains, all he found were bits and Roxxon's next offer of purchase. kill the Ghost. Recovering, the pieces of melted plastic and circuitry. The Accutech was indeed going Ghost placed a circuit panel on Ghost was nowhere to be found. bankrupt but had just been spymaster that rendered him As it turns out, the Ghost had escaped bought by Stark Enterprises, intangible. The Ghost said that (of course) to plague Iron Man again. After Anthony Stark's own electronics this way they could destroying two more firms, the Ghost set firm. It had cost Stark every his sights on Electronica Fabrizzi, an Ital- ian company owned by the corrupt busi- nessman and employer of super villains, Justin Hammer. Hammer knew that Stark wanted to rehabilitate one of Hammer’s super-powered operatives, namely Donald Gill, the second Blizzard. Hammer offered to turn over Gill and have nothing further to do with him if Stark agreed to send Iron Man to help Hammer combat the Ghost. Stark agreed. Iron Man and the Ghost clashed. In the fight, the Ghost attached one of his porta- ble intangibility circuits to Iron Man. Now, only the Ghost, with special circuitry in his suit, could touch the intangible circuit panel and Iron Man. The Ghost intended to let Iron Man slowly die of starvation and thirst, but Iron Man managed to es- cape by generating an electromagnetic pulse that dampened all electrical circuits nearby. This included his armor and the Ghost’s intangibility circuit. Stark’s associ- ate, James Rhodes, then shot the panel off Iron Man’s armor. Knowing they would clash again, Ham- MARVEL

mer sent Blizzard, the Beetle, and Black- ing to super villains that the police don’t F TY(6)/EX(20) Health: 32/190 lash (statistics for these villains appear in feel safe guarding, steal some of the he- A GD(10)/RM(30) MU1) to observe the next battle between roes’ personal effects or weapons, or just S TY(6)/IN(40) Karma: 40/80 Iron Man and the Ghost. They were in- plant enough bombs to blow the place to E GD(10)/UN(100) structed to aid whomever was losing the Greenland. R GD(10)/GD(10) Resources: PR(4) battle. At first, these three aided Iron Man I GD(10)/EX(20) and Rhodes against the Ghost, but soon P EX(20)/AM(50) Popularity: 0 switched sides. Iron Man and Rhodes GHOST RIDER™ managed to defeat Hammer’s operatives, The Spirit of Vengeance POWERS: All of the following powers are but the Ghost planted some bombs and (The statistics to the left of the slashes usable only by this hero’s Ghost Rider tried to activate them as he escaped in his represent Daniel Ketch, the young man form, with the possible exception of Mo- intangible form. Iron Man produced an- whose body the Ghost Rider currently torcycle Control. On at least one occasion, other electromagnetic pulse that damp- inhabits.) the cycle moved without assistance to ened the bombs’ circuits long enough for Dan’s location. Iron Man and Rhodes to get Hammer’s operatives and themselves to safety. The bombs then exploded, destroying the Electronica Fabrizzi complex where the battle had taken place. The Ghost then tried to infiltrate Ham- mer’s office to gloat over his accomplish- ment, only to discover that Hammer had lined his office walls with some synthetic material that the Ghost could not, at that time, pass through. The Ghost still man- aged to escape by blasting his way out, and has now sworn to kill both Hammer and Stark.

ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: The Ghost is a brilliant inventor who, for reasons un- known, attempts to destroy various high- tech electronics corporations. He appears to be motivated by vengeance, but what the electronics industry did to him to cause this feeling is not known. He has referred to the fact that he once was a business executive, and says that all such executives lie to people, but there are no other present leads pointing to why he acts in this manner. He is willing to de- stroy firms without financial compensa- tion, but he does hire himself out to people or firms who wish to sabotage rival corporations. In your campaign, the Ghost could at- tempt to sabotage some important local business or industry. He could also try to commit sabotage against local, state, or Federal law-enforcement agencies, or even SHIELD (if a version of that agency ap- pears in your campaign). The Ghost could be hired by some villain to retrieve some well-guarded incriminating evidence or to kill a person currently in the hands of the law. Of course, your heroes are asked to protect that evidence or person. The Ghost could also be hired to steal some important new technological or electronic widget or weapon. With his portable in- tangibility circuits, the Ghost could be a very successful thief. If you are feeling particularly nasty, have the Ghost learn the location of your heroes’ headquarters. The Ghost could access valuable personal information about the heroes via any computers they have, recover any items formerly belong- MARVEL

Alter Ego: Ghost Rider physically trans- TALENTS: Dan Ketch is skilled in riding sual hero with unusual powers that easily forms the body of young Dan Ketch into motorcycles. Give him a + 1CS to his Agili- lend themselves to abuse. Unless there’s a the flaming-skulled avenger of innocents ty for controlling any cycle. Ghost Rider player you believe can role-play him well that we all know and love. The transfor- has mystic control over his cycle (see and fairly, keep Ghost Rider in the GM’s mation is triggered when the mysterious above) that essentially replaces Ketch’s hands. There are many things an imagina- emblem on the gas cap of the motorcycle talent. The previous incarnation of Ghost tive GM could come up with to bring Dan found glows and Dan touches it. Rider possessed the Occult Lore and Mys- Ghost Rider into a campaign. —Motorcycle Control: Ghost Rider seems tic Background talents; if this is the same Ghost Rider is a great anti-hero who just to have psychic control over his motorcy- Ghost Rider, he may have these talents, doesn’t care about most things heroic. His cle. Use Ghost Rider’s Amazing (50) Psyche although he now seems to suffering from “Penance Stare” is not a normal heroic rank to determine the success of any amnesia. attack where the hero pounds the bad attempted special maneuver with the guy; this mystical attack is nasty. Also, motorcycle, or when Dan feels that he HISTORY: For the history of Ghost Ghost Rider has no compunction about needs to transform into Ghost Rider but Rider’s previous appearances inhabiting killing. He’s killed several minor bad guys he, for some reason, cannot physically the body of Johnny Blaze, see the “Ghost already, including several “ninja” employed reach the cycle. Rider III” entry in MU2, or “The MARVEL- by Deathwatch. Use Ghost Rider in ways —Body Armor: Ghost Rider’s mystical Phile” in DRAGON® issue #110. A brief that point out these philosophical differ- hellfire body is resistant to most forms of summary of the current Ghost Rider’s ences with most heroes. Ghost Rider may injury. He has Amazing (50) protection history is as follows. wish to kill a minor villain that your he- from physical attacks and Class 1000 pro- Dan Ketch found his mystical motorcy- roes want alive, which could lead to an tection from fire, heat, poisons, and radia- cle in a junkyard, and he transformed into interesting confrontation. Since Ghost tion. Ghost Rider is also immune to any Ghost Rider for the first time when his Rider often appears as a reaction to other attack that affects a human (living) soul. sister and some friends confronted a vil- events, he could show up to save your —Hellfire: Called his “Penance Stare” by lain, Deathwatch. Deathwatch was seeking heroes’ bacon. How would your heroes the Ghost Rider and usable only when in three canisters of a virulent biotoxin that like owing their lives to a flaming-skulled physical contact with the target, this mys- could kill vast numbers of people. Ghost demon? tic energy inflicts no physical damage. Rider prevented him from finding the However, the victim of this attack suffers canisters, although Ketch’s sister was A note to those who read or collected emotional pain equal to the most severe seriously wounded by Deathwatch. Ghost the old Official Handbook of the MARVEL pain he has caused others and must make Rider subsequently battled Blackout II, a UNIVERSE series. Marvel has begun a new a Psyche FEAT roll or lose one rank off his partner of Deathwatch, who later killed version, out for several months now, Psyche score. This is a permanent loss, Ketch’s wounded sister. Other foes that called The Master’s Edition. It has a new although the Psyche can be raised by Ghost Rider has fought in his current format: one character per three-hole- spending Karma (as found in the “Ad- incarnation are Scarecrow, Flag-Smasher, punched page, with color “three-view” art vancement” section in the MARVEL SUPER Zodiak, and Mr. Hyde. Ghost Rider has also on one side and character information on HEROES™ Advanced Set Player’s Book). In appeared as a “guest-ghost” in many popu- the other. Although the art is high quality, addition, the victim must make an Endur- lar MARVEL comic books. I believe the “three-view” style to be a ance FEAT roll versus Amazing (50) inten- Recently, Dan Ketch learned of the ori- waste of space. But the character informa- sity or pass out from the trauma of the gin of Zarathos, the demon who was the tion is, for the most part, outstanding. attack. If a victim’s Psyche is reduced to Ghost Rider of Johnny Blaze, from Night- Marvel has quantified its characters’ physi- Shift 0, the person dies and his soul is mare, Lord of Dream Dimension. No defi- cal attributes, as well as giving more bio- irretrievably lost. nite link between that Ghost Rider and the graphical data and notes on any weapons Weapons and equipment: Ghost Rider current one have been made at the time of or paraphernalia the character uses. uses a length of heavy metallic chain with this writing. I’m personally willing to bet, All these changes have a price, however. weighted ends and magical properties, though, that this demonic Spirit of Venge- The detailed “History” section for each wielding it as an entangling weapon. Treat ance is Zarathos. (How many flaming- character is gone, replaced with a func- the chain as Amazing (50) material skulled motorcyclists can there be?) tional but less usable bibliography section. strength; Ghost Rider uses that rank to Personally, I felt that the History section attack on the Grappling or Grabbing ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Ghost Rider is was one of the most important sections of columns. The chain can reach anywhere motivated by a desire to avenge wrongs the old Handbook series. The reason I in the area that Ghost Rider occupies. The done to innocent people. How a demon bought the Handbooks was because I chain’s links can also separate and trans- came to have this particular motivation is wanted to learn about these characters form into throwing stars. These stars have not known, as demons are not noted for without having to find and buy every issue a range of three areas and do Remarkable caring about innocents. The Ghost Rider the character appeared in. I can no longer (30) Throwing Edged damage with a one- often appears as a reaction to some attack do that, and I am disappointed. I appreci- area range. After reaching their target, the against innocents, be it from a super vil- ate the fact that Marvel is committed stars return to Ghost Rider and reform lain or common muggers. It is interesting enough to its readers to publish the Hand- into the chain. The chain may have other to speculate on whether or not Ghost book series and that it is working to im- abilities that are unknown at this time. Rider would appear, for example, to get a prove it. I merely think it dropped the ball The Ghost Rider rides a large black kitten out of a tree—something most he- this time. If you are interested in some motorcycle that has tires of flame. For roes would be reluctant to perform. The stats for your favorite heroes, I heartily information on cycles, see the Advanced other times that this Ghost Rider has ap- recommend this series. Marvel is also Set Player’s Book under “Vehicles.” Note peared to is combat some foe who escaped selling a three-ring binder to hold the that the cycle is needed for Dan to become his vengeance in the past. pages of the new Handbook. Ghost Rider, and it may have other mystic I’d recommend that, in your campaign, properties unknown as of this writing. Ghost Rider remain an NPC. He’s an unu-

The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1991 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

58 MAY 1991 The Marvel® - Phile

Riders on the storm

by Jeff Grubb

What’s in a name? Follow this logic and see western hero appeared. This was Health: 46 what we come up with. Hamilton Slade, great-great-grandson of Karma: 36 Once upon a time in the Old West, there Lincoln Slade, who was possessed by the Resources: Typical (for 1870-1890) was a crusading hero, dressed in pale, spirit of his ancestor. This Ghost Rider was Popularity: 20 (from 1870-1890) glowing garb, who rode a white horse. known as Night Rider” until recently, Known powers: Neither of the Slade This was Carter Slade, the original Ghost when the freeing of Johnny Blaze from his brothers had any known super-human Rider’“. When Carter was slain by outlaws, curse left the name open, and Night Rider powers. Carter’s brother Lincoln took up the cos- became Ghost Rider. tume and continued the tradition. Eventu- All clear? I thought not. Here, then, are Talents: ally, the Ghost Rider retired from his all the men who possessed the name, crusades against gunslinging desperadoes mantle, or both, of the Ghost Rider. MARKSMANSHIP: Both brothers were as the west grew more civilized. expert marksmen. Their Agility was Remarkable with all forms of guns, but the A century later, a motorcycle stuntman TM GHOST RIDER I and II preferred weapon of the Ghost Rider was named Johnny Blaze’“, messing with occult Carter and Lincoln Slade forces best left alone, had his soul bonded a Navy Colt .44 6-shot cap-and-ball (The abilities of these two men were revolver (treat as a normal handgun). to an evil extradimensional creature identical.) named Zarathos™. This dual being, also HORSEMANSHIP: Both brothers were known as Ghost Rider, served both good Fighting: GOOD (10) expert horsemen. Their Agilities were and evil until Blaze broke loose of his Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Remarkable when performing FEATS with personal demon and Zarathos was impris- Strength: TYPICAL (6) horses, and their horses’ Agilities were oned (until his recent reprieve by the Endurance: GOOD (10) raised by one column for FEATS as well. Beyonder™ — but that is another story). Reason: TYPICAL (6) While this Ghost Rider was still active, a Intuition: GOOD (10) hero wearing the costume of the original Psyche: EXCELLENT (20)

All Marvel characters and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. MARVEL SUPER HEROES and MARVEL SUPER VILLAINS are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. Copyright © 1986 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

84 J UNE 1986 LAW ENFORCEMENT: (Lincoln only) cycle in a single turn. This cycle had Lincoln Slade was a United States Marshal, Amazing Speed, Incredible Body, and and had authorization in his civilian iden- Incredible Control. It never required fuel, tity to make arrests in the southwest terri- and could defy gravity for one turn, riding tories of the United States. up vertical surfaces, making stunning The Slade brothers’ stories: Carter leaps, etc. Slade was a school master in the South- * Create walls of flame encircling a single west, during its early days of settlement. area; the flame was of up to Amazing Gunned down by outlaws, Carter was intensity found by a friendly band of Comanche * Throw fireballs of Amazing fire damage, Indians, whose medicine man, Flaming up to four areas away. Star, nursed him back to health. Flaming * Use a form of cold hellfire that would Star had received a mystic vision from the affect the human spirit This cold hellfire Comanche sky-spirit, a vision which identi- inflicted no physical damage, but for each fied Slade as a champion for justice. Carter turn of use, the target made an Endurance was healed and given a chalk-white cos- FEAT or else permanently lost one rank of tume of a ghostly cowboy, impregnated Psyche. This magical attack was of with glowing dust that Flaming Star found Amazing intensity If the victim’s Psyche in an meteorite. As Ghost Rider, Carter was brought below Feeble, its spirit was became a legend in the Southwest as a lost and the irretrievable (in game terms, champion for justice, until his death at the the character ceased to have any control hands of outlaws. over his actions and was retired from With Carter Slade’s death, his brother, active play). U.S. Marshal Lincoln Slade, took up the BODY ARMOR: Zarathos/Blaze’s body was costume and continued the legend of the semi-tangible, such that most damage did Ghost Rider until his retirement. Slade and not affect him This provided Amazing another hero of the old west, the Two-Gun protection from physical attacks, and Class Kid’“, encountered Hawkeye™ the Archer 1000 protection against fire, heat, and on one of the latter’s trips into the past. radiation.

Talents: GHOST RIDER’” III CYCLIST: Blaze’s Agility is considered to be Johnny Blaze one column higher for FEATs involving Fighting: GOOD (10)/REMARKABLE motorcycles. (30) OCCULT LORE: Blaze has made an exten- Agility: EXCELLENT (20)/REMARKABLE sive study of the occult, in addition to his (30) first-hand experience. His Reason is one Strength: TYPICAL (6)/INCREDIBLE (40) column higher in matters of the occult. He Endurance: EXCELLENT (20)/AMAZING has forsworn the active use of this knowl- (50) edge following his experiences with Reason: TYPICAL (6)/GOOD (10) Zarathos. Intuition: TYPICAL (6)/EXCELLENT (20) before he grafted the spirit of Zarathos to Psyche: REMARKABLE (30)/REMARKABLE Blaze’s story: Zarathos is one of the Blaze's own spirit. (30) extradimensional beings known as The relationship between Blaze and demons, powerful entities that prey on Zarathos developed over time. and the start, Health: 56/150 Zarathos had no memory of his past, and Karma: 42/60 human spirits and souls. Zarathos ruled a powerful empire of his worshipers in the Blaze assumed that the flaming wraith was Resources: Poor a manifestation of his own evil. Later, Popularity: 5/-10 prehistoric Southwest, until he was defeated and imprisoned by another Blaze developed command of his demonic Known powers: demon known as Mephisto™. Mephisto form, and during this time he served with kept Zarathos’s spirit as a plaything and the Champions of Los Angeles™. At the ALTER EGO: The abilities listed to the left used him as a servant to harvest souls in end of their relationship, Zarathos was of the slash are for Johnny Blaze in his this dimension. dominating Blaze's body at will, and it took normal human form. The abilities to the Meanwhile, Johnny Blaze, a stunt cyclist, all of Blaze's will power to restrain the right of the slash are for the Zarathos/ discovered his stepfather Crash Simpson, creature. Blaze composite being. All of Ghost Rider’s star attraction of Crash Simpson’s Dare- Blaze was finally freed of his evil alter- known powers belonged to this composite devil Cycle Show, was dying of an ego in an encounter with Centurious™, an form. Ghost Rider’s talents apply to the unnamed blood disease. The young Blaze immortal Indian who was used as a pawn human Blaze form alone. Blaze could used his occult knowledge to summon by Mephisto to topple Zarathos's early transform from one form to another, with Mephisto, and offered his soul in return empire. In the battle between Blaze and no carryover of damage, but Blaze found for curing his stepfather of the disease. Centurious, Blaze regained his own soul, this a painful experience (Endurance FEAT Mephisto agreed, but Crash soon died and the spirits of Zarathos and Centurious required on returning to human state, or while attempting a dangerous stunt. were entrapped in a mystic crystal. unconsciousness for 1-10 turns results). (Mephisto had only promised protection Despite time off for good behavior pro- HELLFIRE: This is a mystic form of fire against the disease.) Mephisto came to vided by the Beyonder, Zarathos is used by Ghost Rider. Using this hellfire, collect his due, but was driven off by believed to still be in that crystal. Blaze has Ghost Rider could perform several power Blaze’s stepsister, Roxanne Simpson, who retired from active performing, and is stunts: banished the creature using a spell from currently touring America with Roxanne *Create a fully functional flaming motor- Blaze’s occult books. Mephisto fled, but not Simpson.

D RAGON 8585 MYSTIC SIX-SHOOTER: Ghost Rider carries a ghostly version of the Navy Colt, which fires an unlimited supply of phan- tom bullets. These bullets inflict no physi- cal damage, but a victim of the bullets must make an Endurance FEAT (against Incredible-strength stunning) or be knocked out for 1-10 turns. These bullets are intangible as well, and may be fired through solid objects. The range of these bullets is three areas. MYSTIC LARIAT Ghost Rider may throw his lariat one area, and cause it to become intangible and pass through solid objects. The lariat is considered a grappling attack of Amazing strength, and is made of Amazing-strength mystic material. BANSHEE: Ghost Rider’s horse, Banshee, appears upon command, and has similar powers of intangibility. The horse never tires, and it may move three areas per turn. Ghost Rider’s story: Archeologist Hamilton Slade, great-great-grandson of Lincoln Slade, the second Ghost Rider, was exploring a cave beneath a Comanche burial mound when he was startled by the glowing form of the original Ghost Rider’s garb rising from a burial urn. The spirit of the Ghost Rider took possession of Slade’s body and, accompanied by Banshee, rode off to rescue Johnny Blaze, as Ghost Rider, from the magician Moondark™. Since that time, the existence of strong evil in Slade’s vicinity induces the mystic transformation. Taking the name of Night Rider, the possessed Slade was one of five heroes who answered the distress call of Rick Jones™, and aided him against the Corruptor™. These five, including Shooting Star™, Texas TwisterT, Red Wolf™, and Firebird’“, tried to form the super-pow- ered team called the Rangers to protect GHOST RIDER™ IV the Southwest, but the mystic influences Hamilton Slade 1000 protection from physical and energy of Shooting Star, who was in reality a attacks, though not from magical attacks. demon from another plane, prevented Fighting: TYPICAL (6) Ghost Rider apparently has to breathe, so them from remaining together long. Night Agility: GOOD (10)/EXCELLENT (20) gas attacks affect him, and his phasing Rider, now taking the Ghost Rider name Strength: EXCELLENT (20) may only last as long as he holds his back with the retirement of Johnny Blaze, Endurance: GOOD (10)/INCREDIBLE (40) breath. This phasing allows him to walk answered Firebird’s call to discover Reason: GOOD (10) on air, much in the same way the mutant Shooting Star’s true identity, and came into Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Shadowcat™ does. conflict with the West Coast AvengersTM. Psyche: TYPICAL (6)/REMARKABLE (30) INVISIBILITY: Ghost Rider may make Ghost Rider was bested by Hawkeye the Health: 46/86 himself invisible in whole or in part. This Archer, and it was revealed that the Karma: 36/60 invisibility is of Incredible power, and is demon that was Shooting Star had con- Resources: Typical not detectable in the infrared and ultra- trolled their minds. Firebird remained Popularity: 5 violet ranges with the West Cost team for a short while, and the remaining three Rangers returned Known powers: DETECTION OF EVIL: Ghost Rider is called to their own pursuits. To date, Hamilton into being by the presence of evil nearby. ALTER EGO: The abilities listed to the left Slade is not aware of his dual personality, The precise mechanism of this ability is of the slash are for Hamilton Slade in his and has no explanation for his memory unknown and is unreliable as well. (One of normal form. The abilities to the right of lapses. Ghost Rider’s fellow RangersTM turned out the slash are for Slade when he is the to be an evil demonic creature.) Upon Ghost Rider. Hamilton only possesses detection of this “evil,” the spirit of the Next time, we introduce a new method super powers in his Ghost Rider form Ghost Rider possesses Hamilton Slade, of presenting heroes, move into the Advanced Set, and take a long shot in “Oh PHASING: As Ghost Rider, Slade may converting him into the Ghost Rider. The Lucky Man!” become intangible and pass through solid duration of this conversion is about six objects While in this state, he has Class hours.

86 JUNE 1986

trolled the Solar System for several years until a band of super-powered beings rallied the remaining humans and successfully pushed the aliens off Earth. Several more years were spent in attacking Badoon posts still in the sys- tem; then, the Guardians, with the aid of the time-traveling Defenders™, were able to drive the Badoon completely out of solar space. After ensuring that Earth was safe, the Guardians set off to give aid to any in the Milky Way Galaxy who needed it, using their starship Freedom’s Lady. Since then, the Guardians have made two trips to our current time, one of which caused the divergence of the time streams mentioned above. Two separate Popularity scores are given, The first is the characters’ Popu- larity in twentieth-century Earth, and DEFENDERS the second is their Popularity in their future alternate universe. [Statistics for the alien Badoon will be given in a OF THE future article. —Editor] VANCE ASTRO™ Vance Astrovik, Major U.S.A.F. Ex-astronaut, now adventurer FUTURE Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Strength: TYPICAL (6) Endurance: GOOD (10) Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy™ Reason: EXCELLENT (20) Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: GOOD (10) Health: 56 Karma: 40 Resources: EXCELLENT Popularity: 5/100 Powers: TELEKINESIS. Vance has a limited teleki- netic ability that allows him to project beams of force. His power is only able to affect those within the area he occupies. The force beams can do up to Incredible damage if focused on one target, or can do Excellent damage to everyone around him. Vance is not able to produce other telekinetic powers. This power has an Incredible rating.

All Marvel characters, their likenesses, and MARVEL SUPER HEROES are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. SPECIAL BODY SUIT. Vance was given a © 1985 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries. AU Rights Reserved. special body suit to keep him alive on his first interstellar voyage. It is made of a by William Tracy Remarkable material. If the suit is hit with any one attack that does more than Over the years, the Marvel Universe™ Twentieth Century, when a Guardian 30 points of damage, the suit will tear has expanded to include various dimen- affected the life of his past counterpart. and Vance’s body will be instantly sions and alternate universes. The In this alternate future, the Earth is destroyed. Guardians of the Galaxy™ come from an successfully invaded and taken over by alternate future of the Marvel Universe, an alien race, the Badoon™, in the thirty- Talents: Vance Astro is able to fIy any albeit one that diverged in the mid- first century. The Badoon empire con- space vehicle and can pilot or drive

80 AUGUST 1985 almost any other type of vehicle. Being Health: 90 engineering, physics, and electronics. an astronaut, Vance was also trained in Karma: 22 His Reason is Remarkable in these areas. physics, astronomy, electronics, engi- Resources: EXCELLENT Background: Martinex was born in Popularity: 0/l00 neering, and chemistry; his Reason is A.D. 2986, the son of two professional Remarkable in those areas. Vance was Powers: technicians on the Earth colony on trained in martial arts in the Air Force. Pluto. Like all colonists of Pluto, BODY ARMOR. Charlie-27’s dense skin Martinex was bio-engineered to with- Background: Vance Astrovik was the gives him Typical protection against only son of a small-town butcher, and he stand the local low temperatures and physical attacks. joined the Air Force at the age of 18. poisonous atmosphere. When the Three years later, Vance became the Talents: Charlie-27 was a space soldier, Badoon invaded, the planet was evacu- youngest person to ever join the U.S. trained with guns, blunt and sharp ated while Martinex stayed behind to astronaut-training program. In 1988, weapons, wrestling, first aid, and destroy Pluto’s advanced industrial com- Vance volunteered for the first U.S. related military matters. plexes. Martinex was rescued by Charlie-27 and eventually became a manned interstellar mission to the Alpha Background: Charlie-27 was born on member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Centauri system. His ship, Odysseus I, Jupiter in A.D. 2981, the son of two was not able to travel faster than light, mine workers. Like all Earth colonists so he was provided with a special body- YONDU™ on Jupiter, Charlie-27 was bio-engi- suit, described above, to preserve his Yondu Udonta neered to withstand the high gravity of body for the thousand-year trip. During Adventurer the planet. The process made his body the journey, he was placed in suspended massive compared to the human norm. Fighting: GOOD (10) animation; as a result, his latent psionic At age 16, Charlie enlisted in the space Agility: GOOD (10) abilities surfaced. militia of the United Lands of Earth. In Strength: GOOD (10) Upon reaching the Centauri system, A.D. 3007, when the Badoon invaded, Endurance: GOOD (10) he discovered that Earth ships had Charlie became the only survivor of the Reason: TYPICAL (6) reached the system 200 years earlier, Jupiter colony. He went on to become a Intuition: INCREDIBLE (40) thanks to the invention of a faster-than- member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Psyche: REMARKABLE (30) light drive. Humans had been unable to intercept Vance’s flight path. Upon Health: 40 MARTINEX™ reaching Centauri IV, Vance was given a Karma: 76 Martinex hero’s welcome. Resources: EXCELLENT Former space technician, now A few days later, Centauri IV, along Popularity: 0/100 adventurer with other interstellar Earth colonies Powers: and the Earth itself, was invaded by the Fighting: GOOD (10) Badoon. Vance joined with several other Agility: GOOD (10) MYSTIC EMPATHY. Yondu is a mystic heroes to drive the Badoon from Earth, Strength: REMARKABLE (30) who is able to sense and form a rapport and he went on to become the leader of Endurance: GOOD (10) with local animals and plant life. Using the Guardians of the Galaxy. Reason: EXCELLENT (20) this ability in the wilderness, he is able While visiting the twentieth century Intuition: TYPICAL (6) to sense objects and life forms that are on a time-traveling mission, Vance Psyche: TYPICAL (6) not a part of the natural ecology of the sought out his teenage self and tried to area. He is also able to find specific ele- Health: 60 convince him not to become an astro- ments within the area, such as a specific Karma: 32 plant or animal. Yondu is able to sense naut, so that he would not have to expe- Resources: EXCELLENT rience his own future. The meeting of and pinpoint mystical, psychic, and Popularity: 0/100 these two minds caused psychic feed- magical forces and beings, and he can back which brought the younger Astro’s Powers: sense their presence and activities auto- psionic abilities to the surface years matically. These powers are Unearthly COLD AND HEAT PROJECTION. before they were supposed to arise. This in nature and range. Martinex is able to generate beams of caused a divergence of the timestream, intense heat from his right hand and UNIQUE WEAPON. Yondu uses a bow so the future of the original Vance Astro beams of frigid cold from his left hand. and a quiver of arrows, the arrows is not that of the current Marvel These beams can do up to Shift X dam- being made of yaka, a sound-sensitive Universe. age, but he can only use them four times metal only found on Yondu’s planet, each per day, due to the fact that the Centauri IV. By whistling, Yondu is able CHARLIE-27™ energy for the beams is taken from his to control the direction of the arrow‘s Charlie-27 body. Martinex can project the beams flight after he has shot it. Unless Yondu Ex-space soldier, now with Excellent Agility within a one-area is unable to whistle, each arrow has an adventurer range. This power is Unearthly. Incredible Control rank and can even be made to return to him. Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) BODY ARMOR. Most of Martinex’s body Agility: GOOD (10) is composed of silicon, providing him Talents: Yondu is a trained woodsman Strength: REMARKABLE (30) with Unearthly protection against fire- and is an expert with bows. Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) based and cold-based attacks. Reason: GOOD (10) Background: Yondu’s people were Intuition: TYPICAL (6) TaIents: Martinex went to the Pluvian characterized by blue skin and a red Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Technical Institute and was trained in dorsal fin on their heads. Yondu was in

D RAGON 81 the wilderness, undergoing his ritual of power is Class 1000 in nature and range. Unearthly protection against attacks manhood ordeal, when the Badoon using ultraviolet radiation and Talents: Starhawk is an expert in destroyed the Earth colony on the Monstrous protection against heat-based almost all sciences and is a scholar. planet and then destroyed all other and infrared-energy attacks. natives. Yondu was able to escape with Background: In the early twentieth PROTECTED SENSES. Nikki’s eyes have the aid of Vance Astro, and he became century, a great war began on the planet been altered so that they have Incredi- one of the Guardians of the Galaxy after Arcturus IV between two factions, one ble protection from blinding light. liberating Earth. wanting natural childbirth and the other believing that babies should be bio- Talents: Nikki is a marksman and STARHAWK™ engineered in the laboratory. The war weapons master. She is trained to be an Stakar and Aleta ended in a nuclear catastrophe. expert with guns, thrown weapons, and Adventurer More of the laboratory-bred natives blunt and sharp-edged weapons. She is survived than the natural Arcturians. also skilled in martial arts. Fighting: GOOD (10) The laboratory-bred ones mutated into Agility: GOOD (10) Nikki usually carries two horrible creatures, and the surviving Weapons: Strength: REMARKABLE (30) weapons: a neuronic-frequency stunner natural Arcturians formed bands called Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) and a pulsed, high-powered, green laser Reavers, whose main task was to Reason: AMAZING (50) pistol. The laser pistol does Remarkable destroy the mutants. On the raid in Intuition: UNEARTHLY (100) which the last of the mutants were damage and has Typical range. Its Psyche: MONSTROUS (75) power clip contains enough energy for destroyed, a Reaver named Ogord™ 10 shots. Anyone hit by the stunner Health: 80 found a baby male mutant who looked must make an Endurance FEAT roll in Karma: 225 normal. Ogord received permission to the yellow area of the column. If they Resources: EXCELLENT raise the baby as his own; the child, fail the roll, they will be paralyzed and Popularity: 0/100 whom Ogord named Stakar, grew close stunned for 100 rounds minus their to his step-sister Aleta as the years Powers: Endurance rank number. The stunner passed. has Typical range and has a power clip RESISTANCE TO POISON. Starhawk has In time, Stakar and Aleta entered some that has enough energy for 10 shots. Monstrous immunity to most diseases, ancient ruins and discovered a learning poisons, and illnesses caused by helmet. They both struggled for the Background: Nikki was the only radiation. helmet and it malfunctioned, converting daughter of two administrators of the Aleta into energy. She entered into a LIGHT CONTROL. Starhawk is able to mining colony on the planet Mercury, religious idol of a hawk-god, animated it, and was born in A.D. 2997. Like all manipulate light energy from any and began attacking the bands of Reav- source, changing it into energy that he/ colonists on Mercury, Nikki was bio- ers looking for her and her brother. she can use to perform superhuman engineered to withstand high tempera- Stakar used the helmet to form a tele- tures and ultraviolet radiation. The feats. He/she can project beams of heat pathic link with her and then somehow or force, create temporary bridges of process gave her very dark skin and merged his being with hers. The result- specialized eyes. When Nikki was a solid light, and penetrate energy fields ing being left the world and roamed the by jamming their wavelengths. This child, the Badoon invaded the Solar universe. After several centuries, power is Unearthly in nature, though System and killed all other Mercury Starhawk met the Guardians of the the strength of particular powers used colonists. Nikki managed to escape in a Galaxy and helped them chase the spaceship, but she soon ran out of food. is directly proportional to the ambient Badoon from Earth’s solar system. light energy within Starhawk’s area. Luckily, she discovered an abandoned Thus, a Good-intensity light (normal cargo ship and boarded it. For the next seven years, she lived alone on the cargo daylight) would allow Starhawk to shoot NIKKI™ ship, whose life-support system worked force bolts at Good range doing Good Nikki but whose communicators and engines damage, create light bridges lasting 10 Adventurer minutes, or penetrate Good-intensity did not. She was rescued by the Fighting: GOOD (10) energy fields. Guardians of the Galaxy, who had driven Agility: EXCELLENT (20) the Badoon out of the Solar System, and FLIGHT. Starhawk is able to fly using Strength: TYPICAL (6) she has stayed on as a team member. his/her light control ability, reaching Endurance: GOOD (10) Unearthly speeds in space and Mon- Reason: GOOD (10) Freedom’s Lady strous speeds in a planet’s atmosphere. Intuition: GOOD (10) Freedom’s Lady is an Annihilator-class Starhawk’s suit contains a life-support Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Earth battleship, owned and operated system that can work indefinitely, and it Health: 46 will deploy winglike structures to catch by the Guardians of the Galaxy. The ship Karma: 26 and use the solar wind. Starhawk’s Agil- has Unearthly speed, Amazing control, Resources: EXCELLENT ity increases to levels equal to his speed and a Remarkable body. It is protected Popularity: 0/100 when he flies, with a minimum Agility by an almost invulnerable defense shield, that provides the ship with Shift rating of Good. Powers: X protection. The ship has five laser MENTAL POWER. Starhawk is able to SPECIAL RESISTANCE. Nikki’s skin cannons (Damage: Incredible, Range: sense abnormal concentrations and contains a large amount of a specially Monstrous) and two torpedo launchers expenditures of energy and disruptions mutated form of melanin. This and (Body: Good, Control: Incredible, Speed: in the space-time continuum. This several other mutations give Nikki Incredible, Damage: Monstrous).

82 AUGUST 1985 DRAGON 69 The MARVEL®-Phile The Heralds of GALACTUS™! by Jeff Grubb

NOVA™

TERRAX™

SILVER SURFER™

76 DECEMBER 1984 First, thanks to everyone for the Marvel Superstars appear in the new didn’t care for this kind of existence, response to the early Marvel®-Philes. module The Secret Wars, based on the prefering a life of quest, adventure, and We’ve gotten a lot of letters on the hit comic book series!) exploration. series, and a few true believers have So it was when Galactus’s ship arrived sent in requests for enough heroes to at Zenn-la. While the others of his race keep me here in the ARES™ Section of prepared to meet their end (they had no DRAGON® Magazine for some time. space navy that could challenge the A few of the letters brought up the SILVER SURFER™ mighty Galactus), Norrin took a hastily- matter of Thor’s™ Intuition. The Thun- Norrin Radd, native of Zenn-la constructed spacecraft to meet with the der God was listed here (and in altered alien Eater of Worlds. Avengers™ Assembled) as having an Galactus granted an audience to Norrin Intuition of Excellent. This is pretty nice Fighting: AMAZING (50) Radd and explained that, had he a scout for a Norse deity, but it was listed in the Agility: MONSTROUS (75) who would find more suitable worlds for MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ Campaign Strength: UNEARTHLY (100) him, he would not be forced to consume Book as merely Good. Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) planets which were home to sentient life. What happened is that in the time Reason: EXCELLENT (20) Norrin volunteered to become such a between last November (when the Cam- Intuition: MONSTROUS (75) scout if Galactus would spare Zenn-la. paign Book was penned) and June (when Psyche: INCREDIBLE (40) Galactus accepted the offer and used his the first Marvel-Phile appeared), Thor’s powers to restructure Norrin Radd’s body actions in his comic series meritted a Health: 325 into a form suitable for his new task. So higher Intuition rank. He’s literally more Karma: 135 was created the Silver Surfer, first Herald on the ball now than he was then. Resources: POOR of Galactus. ® The Surfer, acting as Herald, discov- The members of the Marvel Universe Popularity: 17 are not fixed and unchanging like flies in ered Earth at a time that Galactus’s hun- amber, but develop and grow as do Powers: ger was great. The Surfer penetrated the normal people. The Hulk™ has gone Watcher’s™ attempt to cloak the planet from raging beast to green-skinned POWER COSMIC. Galactus has granted from his detection abilities, and he soon scientist and back. Professor X™ can Norrin Radd the ability to channel ambi- came into conflict with the Fantastic walk and now leads his team into battle. ent cosmic energy at will. This gives Four™. During this confrontation, the Even Spider-Man™ altered his powers Norrin Radd the ability to fire cosmic Surfer met blind sculptress Alicia Mas- with his new suit for a short time. Just bolts of Unearthly power and damage ters, who showed him the courage and as the Marvel Universe is changing, so from his hands. Instead of firing bolts, beauty of the human spirit and convinced too will characters in the game change. Norrin may channel his power into his him to turn against his master. I’ve had players inform me that a partic- Agility (raising it to Unearthly) or The Surfer, with the help of the ular hero was faster, stronger, or Strength (raising it to Shift X). Finally, his Fantastic Four and the Ultimate smarter than I had rated them; and, on power allows him to heal up to Nullifier™, turned Galactus away from a few occasions (after checking recent Unearthly damage in a single round. the Earth. Before departing, however, appearances in their books), I have This healing is subtracted directly from Galactus erected a barrier around the agreed. the Silver Surfer’s own Health, but may Earth keyed to prevent the Silver Surfer The upshot of all this is that we are be regained in 1-10 rounds. from escaping into space. Since that time, making every attempt to be current the Silver Surfer has been exiled on Earth with the Marvel Universe. Sometimes BODY ARMOR. The Surfer has Mon- and has aided several super-powered this involves modifying the listed abili- strous body armor against physical dam- groups in their times of need, including ties of a character in the campaign book. age and Unearthly body armor against the Fantastic Four, Avengers™, and Either version is correct; the only differ- all forms of Energy attack. He is unaf- Defenders™. ence is that material presented here and fected by the rigors of space travel and in future products will be current with has no need to eat or breath. He can still the Marvel Universe at time of release. If be Slammed by lesser beings while he is there are minor changes in a character, airborne. NOVA™ they will be recorded. If there are major Frankie Raye, native of Earth changes, we will again report them and FLIGHT. The Surfer uses a device altered human the reason for the change. shaped like an earthly surfboard in Alright, then, this month’s request order to fly. The “surfboard” is made of Fighting: AMAZING (50) comes from a Mr. B. Grimm of the Bax- Class 1000 material and responds to Agility: UNEARTHLY (100) ter Building (well, the letter was post- Norrin’s mental commands at an unlim- Strength: AMAZING (50) marked El Paso, Texas, but he could ited range. This device flies with Class Endurance: UNEARTHLY (100) have had stationery in the Fantasticar™ 1000 speed, but it is restricted to Mon- Reason: GOOD (10) for that sentinel of the skyways, the strous speed in the Earth’s atmosphere. Intuition: AMAZING (50) Silver Surfer™ Not wanting to disap- Psyche: AMAZING (50) point a fan with Monstrous strength, The Silver Surfer’s story: Norrin Radd here is not only Norrin Radd but also was a member of a humanoid race of the Health: 300 Galactus’s™ present Herald, Nova™, and planet Zenn-la. Zenn-la was a utopia, Karma: 110 his previous one, the late Terrax™. (The with most social ills fully removed and its Resources: UNEARTHLY “Big G” himself and a roster of other people leading peaceful lives. Norrin Popularity: 0

D RAGON 77 Powers: Nova’s story: Frankie Raye’s stepfather finally gave way. Frankie gained full use was Thomas Raye, alias Phineas T. Hor- of her powers, which were similar to GENERATE/CONTROL FLAME. Nova can ton. Horton was the creator of the origi- Johnny’s, and served with Fantastic Four generate a huge amount of flame, doing nal Human Torch™, a synthetic android as the Third Human Torch. up to 150 points damage in a single that fought criminals and Nazis in the This situation was changed by the round to one area with a range of sev- ’40s and ’50s. (This Human Torch was arrival of Galactus, the Eater of Worlds. eral hundred miles. By properly chan- deactivated and revived years later, Galactus was pursuing his errant Herald neling her cosmic energy (requiring an becoming the Vision”). With the debut of Terrax to Earth, and was intent on con- Endurance FEAT), she can raise this to the Fantastic Four, Horton became angry suming Earth to recharge his dwindling 500 points damage. This flame has no at the idea of another individual taking on reserves. Frankie Raye, motivated by a effect on Galactus. the name and abilities of his Human desire for adventure and exploration, Torch. He resolved to create another volunteered to be Galactus’s new Herald BODY ARMOR. Nova has Unearthly android Torch, and he enlisted the aid of in exchange for the safety of Earth, much body armor and is immune (Class 1000 his stepdaughter Frankie. During their as Norrin Radd had done many years resistance) to heat and cold. Items with work, Frankie was engulfed in an acci- previously. The Eater of Worlds aug- less than Amazing material strength will dental chemical explosion. Rather than mented Frankie’s powers to their present melt on contact with her body, and killing her, the chemicals reacted state, and she left Earth with him, break- individuals who attack her will suffer mutangenically with the cells of her body, ing Johnny Storm’s heart in the process. Amazing damage unless protected from giving her the abilities of the original Since that time, Nova has become very heat. Nova requires neither air nor food, Human Torch. attached to Galactus and has served him nor is she subject to disease. She can still Horton was frightened by this change, well. Unlike the Surfer, she has fewer be Slammed when in flight. and hypnotized Frankie Raye to forget qualms about the destruction of alien life the experience. He also provided her with and has in the recent past led Galactus to FLIGHT. Nova can fly at up to Class 1000 a costume to inhibit her new abilities and the throneworld of the Skrulls™. speeds, and she travels faster than light instilled in her a deep-seated fear of when using self-created stargates. When flame. This fear lasted until Frankie confined to earthlike planets, she moves began dating Johnny Storm, the second TERRAX™ no faster than Monstrous speed. Human Torch, when the hypnotic block Tyros of Birj, tyrant (now deceased) altered alien

Fighting: UNEARTHLY (100) Agility: AMAZING (50) Strength: MONSTROUS (75) Endurance: MONSTROUS (75) Reason: GOOD (10) Intuition: MONSTROUS (75) Psyche: AMAZING (50)

Health: 300 Karma: 135 Reason: POOR Psyche: 50

Powers:

CONTROL OVER EARTH. Terrax had Unearthly control over rock and earth, and was able to affect an area over 100 miles in diameter, shifting tectonic plates, creating earthquakes, and using rocks as missiles and transportation (all with Unearthly damage and effect). Once he took the entire island of Man- hattan from Earth into outer space.

FLIGHT. Terrax flew by riding on a piece of earth that he controlled by levitation, using it as a flying platform much as the Silver Surfer flies using his “surfboard.” He could fly in this manner at Class 1000 and could enter hyperwarps for inter- planetary travel. On planets, Terrax could fly at Monstrous speed.

78 DECEMBER 1984 BODY ARMOR. Terrax had Unearthly help to defeat a menace to Earth, to bring kept from his “ally.” body armor and had Class 1000 protec- Tyros to him. This the super-powered Terrax performed admirably, dispatch- tion from the effects of heat and cold. group did. ing three of the Fantastic Four. He then He could be Slammed while flying unless Galactus augmented Tyros’s mutant turned on Doom, immobilizing Latveria’s he was riding one of his earth-bases for ability and renamed him Terrax the ruler in his own armor. In his moment of transportation. Tamer. Given great power, this Herald triumph, Terrax was attacked by the created nothing but problems for his Silver Surfer, coming to aid the FF. COSMIC AXE. A gift from Galactus, master. Terrax sought to defeat Galactus, Terrax pushed his artificial limits to the Terrax’s Axe could do Unearthly damage hid from him, and attempted to set up his maximum, but was no match for a true on the Slugfest column (due to the con- own empire. Finally, Terrax held the possessor of the Power Cosmic. Terrax cussive nature of the blow), and he island of Manhattan hostage to force the was completely consumed by his own could also project a Monstrous strength FF to fight the Eater of Worlds. This plan energies in a fireball that engulfed Surfer force field. Terrax wielded his axe in the ended in defeat as Galactus drained all of and the immobilized Doom. The Surfer Shift X column. Terrax’s power from him, sending him to walked away from the explosion. All that certain death as he plummeted off one of remained of Doom was his mask. Terrax Terrax’s story: Terrax was originally the World Trade Center towers. perished in the blast. Tyros, the petty dictator of the the city of Terrax, robbed of his powers, still man- Lanlak on the planet Birj, a satellite of the aged to survive the fall. A passerby dis- gas giant Marman. Tyros had the mutant covered him, and the former Herald of ability to control stone and rock, and he Galactus, having lost his memory, was A final note: All the Heralds of used it to enslave the local populace. He taken to a local hospital. Galactus have the ability to detect energy was a violent man and a ruthless ruler. Terrax was taken from the hospital by at the Class 1000 level. This is how they Tyros’s very amoral nature brought Dr. Doom™, monarch of Latveria and search out planets for consumption by him to the attention of Galactus, the long-time foe of the Fantastic Four. Doom their master. In addition, as they have Eater of Worlds. Galactus had twice been used Terrax as a pawn in his scheme to been granted powers by Galactus, so too betrayed by Heralds who let their moral destroy the FF, and to that end he may they be deprived of them if Galactus compunctions get in the way of their returned to Terrax a portion of his former so desires. This requires a Psyche FEAT duties, and he sought a Herald who Power Cosmic. Doom had once stolen the by Galactus; if successful, the Herald is would have no qualms in seeking out power of the Silver Surfer himself, and he returned to his original abilities (such as inhabited worlds for Galactus to con- endowed Terrax with a synthetic version Terrax was), and the difference in Health sume. To that end, Galactus dispatched of these powers, The artificial powers between the two states is added to the Fantastic Four, who needed Galactus’s were short-lived, however, a fact Doom Galactus’s Health.

80 DECEMBER 1984 Before plunging into the matter at hand, I’ve gotten some letters over the past are not only for Scourge (who appeared in it’s time for yet another general-interest few months requesting Scourge, a vigilan- MA2, Avengers™ Coast-to-Coast), but for all question. In the past, such questions have te who went around popping off the the people he’s bumped off. A lot of these brought forth a huge amount of mail on majority of the third-banana villains (and a latter individuals are minor characters various subjects; so — not learning from couple of important ones as well) in the who, all together, had only a handful of our mistakes — I’m going to do it again. Marvel Universe. However, these requests appearances and are unlikely to receive

72 JULY 1987 mention in any upcoming TSR product. “Justice Is Served” Moore. While you’re at AIR-WALKER™ it, include any other individuals you want The rub is that there are almost 30 of Gabriel Lan of Xandar these ex-villains, ranging from such long- to see in this column (we’ve covered a lot of them, but there are a lot more left). standing foes as Miracle Man, the Melter, F AM (50) Health: 275 and Hammer and Anvil to lesser lights Okay, then, on to new business. As A MN (75) such as Turner D. Century and Megatak. shown above, being dead does not neces- S AM (50) Karma: 155 If we are to do the rogue’s gallery of all sarily prevent a hero or villain from being E UN (100) covered in the Marvel®-Phile. Back in the of Scourge‘s victims, it will have to be a R RM (30) Resources: n/a major section in DRAGON® Magazine — a early history of this column, in DRAGON® I MN (75) total of 12- or 16-pages, possibly run in issue #92, we covered three of the recog- P AM (50) Popularity: 0 two or three issues. Whether we do this nized Heralds of Galactus — one of whom, or not depends entirely on your feedback. Terrax, is among the deceased. Now, we If you want to see it, send in your mail, finally get to handle the other half of the Known Powers: care of DRAGON Magazine (P.O. Box 110, group. Power Cosmic: Air-Walker had the ability Lake Geneva, WI 53147), to me or Roger to gather, channel, and manipulate vast quantities of cosmic energy with Mon- strous ability, within a range of 2,000 miles. Air-Walker could perform the fol- lowing power stunts with this power: * Create energy attacks of Monstrous force; * Generate heat, magnetism, and electrici- ty of Monstrous levels; and, * Enhance any one of his personal abilities to the Unearthly rank, once per day, for 1-10 rounds. Air-Walker was capable of manipulating matter at the molecular level, as Silver Surfer can, but it is not known if he was as proficient at this as the Silver Surfer is. Air-Walker would manifest this Power Cosmic as a set of crimson and gold “wings” issuing from his back. Flight: Air-Walker could move between the stars at Class 5000 speeds, but usually curtailed his movement within planetary atmospheres. He could also hover in place. Unlike Terrax, Firelord, or the Surfer, Air- Walker required no additional parapher- nalia in order to fly. Body Armor: Air-Walker had Amazing protection from energy and physical attacks, which he could boost to Mon- strous levels for 1-10 rounds. He was invulnerable to heat and cold (with Class 1000 resistance) and could survive in space for extended periods of time with- out need of food or air. Horn of Galactus: Both the original Air- Walker™ and his robotic replacement were provided with a golden, trumpetlike device which issued a hyper-space signal. Both used the trumpet to summon Galac- tus to planets which looked suitable for Galactus’s “dinner.” The Air-Walker Robot: After the death of Gabriel Lan, Galactus built a robot, then DESTROYER™ invested it with the Power Cosmic and the remains of Lan’s personality. This robot had statistics similar to those of the origi-

Marvel, Marvel Universe, and all Marvel characters and character likenesses are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. ©1987 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. DRAGON 73 nal Air-Walker, and in addition had repair Gabriel’s consciousness into a robotic nately, the Machinesmith could not under- circuitry allowing it to heal as a living duplicate. While this duplicate served stand the Air-Walker Robot’s alien wiring. creature. The source of the robot’s power admirably, it lacked the curiosity and drive The Machinesmith did manage to activate was its winglike “cloak,” which gathered of the original Gabriel Lan, so that Galac- the self-repair circuitry in the ex-Herald, cosmic energy. The Air-Walker Robot was tus finally dispatched it to Earth to however, allowing Air- Walker to rebuild - 1CS in all of its abilities if unable to use retrieve the then-imprisoned Silver Surfer. itself. Seeking vengeance against the Silver the cloak. This attempt to recover the former Herald Surfer, Air-Walker instead encountered met with failure, resulting in the destruc- and fought Thor, who destroyed it and Air-Walker’s story: Gabriel Lan was a tion of the bulk of the Air-Walker Robot, apparently ruined its repair circuitry. The native of the now-destroyed world of leaving Galactus without a Herald again. robotic remains of the Air-Walker were Xandar, and was the captain of the space The Air-Walker Robot was retrieved by taken into space by the former Herald ship Way-Opener The Way-Opener made the robotic servants of the Machinesmith, Firelord, who buried them on an asteroid contact with Galactus’s ship when the a human/robot villain, who sought to use in the Xandar system. Eater of Worlds was seeking a replace- the powerful robot as a servant. Unfortu- ment for his first Herald, the Silver Surfer. Sensing Lan’s spirit, Galactus teleported him into his presence and offered him the Pyreus Kril of Xandar Power Cosmic. Given the opportunity to powers, but within inhabited solar sys- explore the universe as Galactus’s Herald, tems he restricts himself to the Unearthly F MN (75) Health: 325 Gabriel accepted and was invested with ranks. In addition, by using the Power A UN (100) the Power Cosmic. Cosmic, he may project and control light, Gabriel Lan served Galactus faithfully S AM (50) Karma: 110 E UN (100) sound, gravity, and radio as power stunts. for several years until he returned from a He may be able to use the healing and R RM (30) Resources: n/a new-found planet suitable for Galactus’s matter-manipulation ability of the Silver I AM (50) needs and encountered a fleet of Ovoid Surfer, but he has never demonstrated P RM (30) Popularity: 0 warships. The fleet had been on patrol them (treat these abilities as first-time and was aware of Galactus’s presence in Known Powers: power stunts, if used). The fire-based their part of the galaxy; they were also manifestations of the Power Cosmic, carrying weaponry which was designed to including Firelord’s flaming hair, cannot be Firelord has the Power slay Galactus. They fired at Air-Walker Power Cosmic: smothered by water, though a sufficient instead, killing him. Cosmic of Unearthly rank, and he usually chooses to channel it into the form of fiery amount of water or flame retardant may Galactus found his dying Herald, but had reduce their effects. no available power to save Air-Walker’s effects. In deep space, Firelord has Class life. Instead, he transferred the bulk of 1000 flame-generation and fire-control Body Armor: Firelord has Amazing body armor against physical attacks and may superheat his body (as a power stunt) so that normal weapons and materials vapor- ize on contact with him, leaving him unharmed. Firelord is immune to disease, aging, and the effects of starvation and vacuum. Firelord cannot be slain save by the complete scattering of his molecules (apparently a new power common to Heralds since the death of Air-Walker). Flight: Like all Heralds of Galactus, Fire- lord can fly at Class 1000 speeds and enter hyperspace at will. In planetary atmo- spheres, he flies at Unearthly speeds. Firelord’s Staff: Firelord can wield his fire- generating power through a 5’-long staff, allowing him a + 1 CS to hit targets. This staff is made of Class 1000 materials and may be used as a striking weapon, inflict- ing Monstrous damage in Firelord’s hands. Firelord’s story: Pyreus Kril was the first officer on the Way-Opener, under the command of Gabriel Lan (Air-Walker). Captain Lan was teleported away from the ship into Galactus’s presence, and Pyreus and his crew followed to retrieve their captain. Pyreus caught up with Galactus after the destruction of the Air-Walker Robot, and the Eater of Worlds volun- teered to reveal the fate of Gabriel Lan if Pyreus would agree to serve as his Herald. Pyreus did so and was transformed into Firelord. Firelord served Galactus for a short time, until Thor had him released from service by exchanging the Asgardian con-

74 JULY 1987 struct known as the Destroyer for Kril’s elements and molecules, as well as to alter with both Odin and Thor. Thor, unaware freedom. Firelord retired to Earth, the site densities of substances, at Class 1000 of Odin’s true purpose in creating the of the Air-Walker Robot’s death. Following power; and, Destroyer armor, eventually bartered it to Thor’s battle with the reactivated Air- * A disintegrator beam that takes two Galactus in exchange for Firelord’s free- Walker Robot, Firelord took that con- rounds to charge, but once activated, fires dom. The Eater of Worlds accepted, but struct’s remains and buried them in the a beam of pure disintegrating force with a the need to animate the armor fully and Xandar system. Firelord wandered exten- 5-area range and Class 1000 power. Inani- its overly destructive tendencies caused sively, but following the destruction of mate items of less than Class 1000 material Galactus to place the armor aside — at Xandar by the mercenary Nebula, joined strength are immediately destroyed, while which point, Loki stole it back for yet the former Avenger Starfox to hunt for living beings must make an Endurance another plot against Asgard. this space marauder. FEAT against the intensity of the blast to With the arrival of the Celestial Fourth avoid a similar fate. Host, Odin summoned the life-forces of all the gods of Asgard (except Thor) into the The Destroyer’s story: The enchanted Destroyer and, wielding the Odinsword, DESTROYER™ Destroyer armor was created by Odin’s took on the Celestials. The Destroyer was Construct of Odin finest craftsmen from an unknown Asgar- quickly beaten by the Celestial Host, but dian element stronger than Adamantium something as invulnerable as the F UN (100) Health: 3,275 or Uru, and was further enchanted by Destroyer was not entirely destroyed, and A MN (75) Odin and the other leading “gods” of vari- its form was (again) located and rescued S UN (100) Karma: 0 ous pantheons with its present powers. by Loki. On this occasion, Loki gave over E CL 3000 The Destroyer was built by these entities the Destroyer armor to Thor during a R n/a Resources: n/a as a trump card in the eventuality of war squabble with Loki’s daughter, Hela. The I n/a with the Celestials, a race of space-gods Thor-powered Destroyer demolished a P MN (100) Popularity: - 100 whose powers equalled or exceeded those large section of Hela’s realm before the of Odin, Zeus, and the other deities. The Norse death-goddess surrendered. As a Known Powers: Destroyer was created only to destroy, last act, Thor used the armor’s matter- and those who are absorbed into the manipulating abilities to encase itself in a The Destroyer is an enchanted Animation: armor eventually become killing machines thick prism of unbreakable (Class 5000) suit of armor which may capture the devoid of any other desire. crystal, as a monument to Hela’s folly. consciousness of its user in order to gain Odin hid the Destroyer armor in an The Destroyer was the only one of movement and direction. Such a con- underground temple in Indochina, where Galactus’s official Heralds that was an sciousness may be a willing entity within it was located in later years by Loki. The unliving thing, and thus did not agree with 10’ of the empty armor, an unwilling enti- God of Mischief used the Destroyer on its transformation into a Herald. As such, ty who touches the armor and fails a several occasions as a pawn in his battles it never wielded the Power Cosmic. Psyche FEAT of Monstrous rank, or a willing and powerful entity with magical abilities who can project his astral form into the armor. In any case, the body of the consciousness occupying the armor remains inactive until the spirit leaves the Destroyer armor and returns to its origi- nal body (which does not need to be in contact to make the switch). Anyone occupying the Destroyer armor gains the attributes listed above, adding his own Reason and Intuition scores to the appropriate areas. He must make a Psyche FEAT against the Destroyer’s own Mon- strous Psyche each time he uses one of the construct’s powers or makes a FEAT roll using the armor. The failure of this FEAT means the user’s personality is consumed by the Destroyer’s own will, and the Destroyer becomes a juggernaut of destructive power. Body Armor: The Destroyer is made of metal enchanted beyond the levels of Adamantium itself, making it Class 3000 protection against all forms of attack, including physical, energy, force, mental, and magical powers. Its “wearer” has no need to breathe, eat, or sleep. Weaponry: In addition to its powerful attributes and near-invulnerability, the Destroyer has a number of powerful, inherent weapon systems, including: * Energy bolts of Shift Z power; * Force bolts of Shift Z power; * Flame generation of Shift Z power; * Magnetic generation of Shift Y power; * The ability to transmute and arrange

DRAGON 75 by Steven E. Schend T HE MARVEL®-PHILE Heirs to the fallen empire With the recent detonation of the Nega- R GD(10) Resources: FB(2) DOCTOR MINERVA™ Bomb by the Shi’ar and the apparent death I GD(10) F EX(20) Health: 130 of the Supreme Intelligence during Opera- P EX(20) Popularity: 20 (Kree Empire) A EX(20) tion: Galactic Storm, the once-powerful S AM(50) Karma: 60 interstellar empire of the Kree has been KNOWN POWERS: E IN(40) driven to its knees. Its mighty armies and Empathic link: Captain Atlas shared an R RM(30) Resources: FB(2) legions of Accusers are gone. Only a select empathic link with Doctor Minerva of I GD(10) few have lived through the galaxy-wide Shift X (150) rank. This link was set up to P EX(20) Popularity: 15 (Kree Empire) devastation. Thanks to the machinations of better tie Atlas with his “fated” mate for the Supreme Intelligence, these few are the betterment of the Kree. KNOWN POWERS: destined to become a new breed, freed Flight: Captain Atlas could fly at Good air Through the use of the outlawed from the evolutionary dead-end that had speed (8 areas/round). Psyche-Magnetron, Dr. Minerva altered halted the Kree race’s advancement for her form and inherited powers similar to the past millennia. EQUIPMENT: those of the original Ms. Marvel. They Currently, the Kree Empire is under the Energy blaster: Captain Atlas sometimes were as follows: rulership of Deathbird for her sister, Lilan- carried a Kree military-issue energy blast- Body armor: Dr. Minerva’s tough skin dra Neramani, Majestrix Shi’ar. Deathbird er. This weapon had Amazing range (20 gave her Remarkable (30) protection has collected the remaining members of areas) and dealt Excellent (20) Energy against physical and Force attacks and the Kree Starforce as her elite guard. damage to one target. Excellent (20) protection against Energy Originally collected by the Supreme Intelli- Uniform: The Kree military uniform attacks. gence as his superhuman strike force worn by Atlas provided him with the Combat sense: In combat situations or against the Shi’ar Imperial Guard and the following systems: when Dr. Minerva was actively searching Earth-based Avengers, the Starforce was —Ability enhancement: The armored for something, this Incredible (40) rank to help him regain the rulership of the suit boosts Atlas’ abilities to their listed power was used instead of her Intuition. Kree, a post he had held for 11,000 years levels above; without the suit, his Agility, Flight: She could fly at Excellent air before his most recent ouster. Strength, and Endurance were reduced by speed (10 areas/round). With the Supreme Intelligence’s alleged -1CS each. Metabolic resistance: Dr. Minerva’s body death following the destruction of 90% of —Body armor: The uniform provided had an Amazing (50) rank resistance to the Empire’s people, Deathbird was cho- Atlas with Excellent (20) protection from any diseases, poisons, and toxins. sen to reconstruct the throneworld, Hala, physical, Force, and Energy attacks. and the empire under Shi’ar rule with the —Communicator: The helmet contained ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Starforce at her side. a subspace radio with Monstrous range Dr. Minerva was a scientist intent on Below are the statistics and gaming (40 areas); it could be boosted by supple- improving the genetic stock of the blue- information for the members of the Kree mental systems for better range, but it skinned Kree and freeing it from its evolu- Starforce. Of the six members fully de- was used primarily for communication tionary dead-end. Her monomania drove tailed below, only three are known to be during combat. her to genetically alter herself to gain living still: Shatterax, Ultimus, and Korath —Self-destruct mechanism: Captain Atlas some of the powers of the first Ms. the Pursuer. Supremor, Dr. Minerva, and could set his armored uniform for self- Marvel. As the leading scientist on the Captain Atlas all have allegedly died in the destruction; after a build-up of energy that Starforce, she was the only member privy aftermath of the Nega-Bomb. Statistics for lasted five rounds, the suit could detonate to the Supreme Intelligence’s plan to deto- Deathbird, Ronan the Accuser, and the in a one-area radius, causing Unearthly nate the Nega-Bomb and jumpstart the Supreme Intelligence can be found in their (100) Energy damage to all within the blast genetic makeup of the Kree. respective entries in the Gamer’s Hand- radius. Atlas apparently destroyed himself In pursuit of a goal, Minerva was manic books to the MARVEL UNIVERSE™, Vol- and Dr. Minerva this way, though evidence in intensity but was always under control. umes One, Three, and Four. suggests that the two Kree were teleport- Her techniques were always methodical Deathbird currently resides on Hala, the ed away rather than destroyed. and systematic, and she would do nearly capital of the decimated Kree Empire, and anything for the advancement of the Kree is attempting to oversee the fragmented ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: race, especially if it put her in a position of and crippled empire as Regent for her Captain Atlas, like so many other Kree power. sister. She also acts as the Praetor of the before him, was a career military man. His If she is alive in your game campaign, Starforce. prowess in battle and his honor in uphold- Dr. Minerva could be hunting the player Though Deathbird is often unpredictable ing the codes and ideals of the Kree Em- characters, hoping to use their genetic and savage in battle, her time as Majestrix pire were always utmost in his mind-that material to better the Kree race. Her initial Shi’ar has tempered her passions and is, until he met Doctor Minerva. From his forays against the original Captain Marvel given her the insight needed to rule an initial meeting with her, he was head-over- involved her wanting him to father chil- intergalactic empire. Deathbird seems to heels in love with her, and she became a dren of enhanced genetic potential; at the be taking her responsibilities to heart, driving force in his life, as was planned by time of her apparent demise, she felt that though her subjects are not of her own the Supreme Intelligence. Captain Atlas was her fated mate and they people; whether or not she will manage to Despite his Kree prejudices and an as- would be the progenitors of the new Kree pull the Kree people together as a unified tonishingly rigid code of behavior, Atlas race. empire is unknown, though she is attempt- was quite honorable—the proverbial good ing to restore order to Hala and its imme- soldier. His tactical skills are second only KORATH THE PURSUER™ diate bordering worlds. to his attraction to Minerva. If used in a F GD(10) Health: 100 game campaign, the word of Captain Atlas A GD(10) CAPTAIN ATLAS™ could be trusted, especially if Atlas’s oppo- S RM(30) Karma: 40 F RM(30) Health: 140 nent has proven himself honorable as E AM(50) A EX(20) well. R EX(20) Resources: EX(20) S IN(40) Karma: 40 I GD(10) E AM(50) P GD(10) Popularity: 10 (on Hala)

72 SEPTEMBER 1992 KNOWN POWERS: terax was a blue Kree soldier who was variety of sensors he could rely upon for Pursuer cybernetic enhancements: cybernetically altered and fitted with analysis, detection, and recording pur- Korath was the only recipient of the cy- various technologies to replace parts of his poses. All the following sensor systems bernetic implants designated for Pursuer own body. As part of the Kree military, he operated with Incredible (40) rank: energy, security forces (to replace the centuries- volunteered to be the first of the new heat, radar, radiation, sonar, and ultra- old Accusers). His entire body has been “technowarriors” fitted with artificial sound. Shatterax also had Incredible (40) impregnated with circuitry and power limbs loaded with weapons systems. His rank Life Detection. He could alter his cells to grant him these powers: abilities included: visual sensors to adapt to up to Remark- —Beta batons: Korath’s main weapons —Body armor: Shatterax’s armor and able (30) rank darkness by adapting infra- were his beta batons. Constructed of Re- artificial implants were made of Incredible red or ultraviolet vision. markable (30) strength metals, the batons (40) strength materials, and they granted allowed him to channel energy from his the Kree warrior Remarkable (30) protec- ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: body to “charge” them for the following tion from Energy attacks and Incredi- Shatterax was even more of a career melee combat effects: Monstrous (75) ble(40) protection from physical and Force soldier than Captain Atlas. He volunteered Blunt damage; Amazing (50) Energy dam- attacks. for the extensive cybernetic changes de- age; or Monstrous (75) Stun attack. If —Capture globes: Shatterax’s armor spite the personal cost simply to become a Korath did not “charge” his batons, he contained two of these devices, and they better soldier. He spoke seldom, other than could still inflict Incredible (40) Blunt could be fired from his arms with a range to narrate his findings (in combat and damage with his batons. of four areas. Each globe would expand exploration) to his superiors, with whom The batons channeled energy only and and harden around a given target in less he stayed in constant contact. He rarely were thus useful only to Korath. The than one round, becoming a globe of Re- communicated directly with his foe but energy of the batons could temporarily markable (30) material strength with Good always spoke in tactical and analytical overload and disrupt other cybernetic (10) Levitation capabilities (the globe floats terms to detail the combat action for his systems such as Korath’s boot jets. off the ground and hovers in place) and a commanders. —Body armor: Korath had armor perma- maximum size of 8’ in diameter. Shatterax’s lack of interpersonal skills nently grafted onto his body that provides —Computer link: Shatterax had direct may have stemmed from his lost humani- Remarkable (30) physical, Force, and En- cybernetic links with an internal computer ty; he was, for all intents and purposes, ergy protection. system that monitored his lifesigns and his more machine than man and was perma- —Flight: Korath’s boots had retractable verbal and nonverbal commands for his nently trapped in his armor. Despite the jets that gave him an Excellent (20) air armaments. The computer allowed him power he wielded, he was still a firm speed (10 areas/round). the ability to record all visual and oral believer in the military chain of command —Sensor arrays: Korath’s sensors were information within a range of four areas as well as the Kree chain of authority—the primarily enhanced visual sensors and for up to 12 hours. He could also tap into military is always subordinate to the civil- allowed him Amazing (50) rank Energy external computers of Kree design with ian Accusers. Detection, and they also allowed him to Remarkable (30) ease and Kree communi- Shatterax poses some interesting possi- gauge the power types and power levels of cations systems with Amazing (50) ability bilities for game campaigns. While he superhuman foes. and range. would never come to Earth without orders —Energy generation (“Anti-Neutron to do so, what would happen to this sol- ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Wave Barrage”): This was Shatterax’s most dier if he came to Earth on a mission but Korath was a bitter scientist who potent weapon. This Monstrous (75) rank couldn’t maintain contact with his superi- refused to obey a mandate from the Kree Energy discharge took three rounds to ors? Too little is known of his personality leadership to abandon his Pursuer cy- fully activate as his cyborg body generated to predict the effects of having this power- berwarrior projects. His determination to the energy and channeled it to the surface ful soldier on his own on Earth, but what- prove the worth of his ideas drove him to of his armor. In the first round, Shatterax’s ever happens, Shatterax will certainly experiment on himself, changing him into armor gained a Remarkable (30) Energy cause a stir in the name of the Kree Em- the cyborg he is now. field that lasted until the barrage was pire. Despite his zeal to fight for the Kree, released. This energy field afforded Shat- Korath had been a scientist most of his terax no extra protection, but contact with SUPREMOR™ life. He had studied fighting, but he had Shatterax dealt Remarkable(30) Energy F EX(20) Health: 215 yet to master combat and had a slow reac- damage to the attacker. The full effect of A EX(20) tion time in crisis situations. the energy barrage was only felt when the S MN(75) Karma: 14 In your game campaigns, Korath might energy was fully released. When activated, E UN(100) be sent to Earth “in pursuit” of some of the energy was released as a wave that R TY(6) Resources: N/A the Avengers for their parts in the Kree- radiates out from Shatterax, affecting all I PR(4) Shi’ar war, or he might be hunting your targets within a two-area radius with P PR(4) Popularity: 0 characters for Deathbird, his new mis- Monstrous (75) Energy damage. For pur- tress, if she is an old foe of your heroes. poses of Slams and Stuns, the barrage is considered an Incredible (40) Force attack F EX(20) Health: 215 SHATTERAX™ to all targets as well. A EX(20) F EX(20) Health: 150 —Flight: Shatterax could fly by means of S MN(75) Karma: 275 A RM(30) artificial legs with rockets in them, grant- E UN(100) S AM(50) Karma: 50 ing him Incredible (40) air speed (20 areas/ R UN(100) Resources: N/A E AM(50) round). I MN(75) R GD(10) Resources: EX(20) —Force generation (“Charged Particle P UN(100) Popularity: 0 I EX(20) Beam”): Shatterax’s primary weapon sys- P EX(20) Popularity: 20 (on Hala) tem was his “charged particle beam” that KNOWN POWERS: dealt Incredible (40) Force damage to one Android body: Supremor was an an- KNOWN POWERS: target within a range of 11 areas. droid built to allow the Supreme Intelli- Cybernetic body("Technowarrior”): Shat- —Sensor arrays: Shatterax had a wide gence mobility and physical action. Up to

DRAGON 73 three of these androids could be active at Sentry, though it relays information only Druid” powers are listed here. any given time; the first set of statistics to the Supreme Intelligence’s cybernetic —Energy manipulation: Demon Druid listed above are the default settings for the think tank. With the links at the tank could tap up to Unearthly (100) rank android when given autonomy by the severed upon the alleged death of the power from a variety of sources, whether Supreme Intelligence, and the second set Supreme Intelligence, it seems unlikely mystical or scientific in origin. He could are the ranks when the android was un- that Supremor will be seen in action any absorb, reflect, and project energy for a der the Supreme Intelligence’s direct con- time soon. variety of effects including his other abili- trol. These androids were altered to have ties below. the appearance of the Supreme Intelli- ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: —Matter transformation: Demon Druid gence; any surviving models of Supremor Supremor shared the same behavioral could transform people into stone obelisks androids have these abilities: characteristics of the Supreme Intelli- akin to those at Stonehenge with Mon- —Body armor: Supremor was construct- gence, with a few subtle differences. strous (75) ability (make a Psyche FEAT roll ed of an unknown material that simulated While the Intelligence was a planner and a to resist). He could also transform energy organic tissue yet provided Incredible (40) manipulator, Supremor acted to help the into matter and alter its form into large protection from all physical, Force, and plans toward their goals. Supremor could towers of stone, creating up to Monstrous Energy attacks. be very arrogant and overestimate his (75) rank materials. —Communications: Supremor had a power and control of a situation, and it Class 5000 transmission and reception was nowhere near as omniscient as it “Kree Eternal body:” Proclaimed an array for communications, but standard believed itself to be. Supremor tended to Eternal of the Kree race by the Supreme communications to Kree outposts, etc., be very aggressive in battle, possibly due Intelligence, this being became known as were limited to light-speed transmissions. to the lack of physical activity of its Ultimus and joined the Kree Starforce However, communications between the motivator. As the only physical input for during the Kree/Shi’ar war. He apparently Supremor android and the Supreme Intel- the Supreme Intelligence, Supremor lived abandoned the abilities listed above, only ligence were instantaneous, as the Su- to explore, investigate, and, most of all, utilizing the following powers: preme Intelligence operated Supremor experience the raw physical nature of life. Body armor: Ultimus’ dense body provid- through with a constant communication In your game campaign, a Supremor ed him with Incredible (40) protection beam. android could easily be animated on Earth, from physical and Force attacks and —Elongation: Supremor’s head had a whether controlled by the Supreme Intelli- Amazing (50) protection from Energy number of tentacles similar in appearance gence or not. Perhaps another powerful attacks. to those on the Supreme Intelligence. being’s mind animates it, or it is working —Energy bolts: Ultimus could shoot These tentacles, used for power absorp- off pre-existing programming. The android energy from his hands, projecting it as tion, could also elongate with Feeble (2) could run amok, absorbing peoples’ minds Incredible (40) rank Stun blasts that affect ability, and they allowed Supremor to and becoming a gestalt mind independent all targets within one area, or as Amazing reach any target within its area. of the Supreme Intelligence. If heroes fall (50) rank Force or Energy blasts with a —Mind transference: Supremor was victim to it, the situation could lead to range of 20 areas. animated by the Supreme Intelligence, and involved role-playing adventures as your —Flight: Ultimus could fly at Incredible up to three can be animated at once. How- heroes attempt to free their comrades’ air speed (20 areas/round). ever, only one android could be controlled minds from this ugly android form. Of directly by the Intelligence (using the course, Supremor could become a parallel ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: second, higher set of mental stats listed of the Wonder Man/Vision conundrum, Ultimus was an extremely obsessive above), effectively becoming the vessel for with his absorbed mind(s) adapting to a individual, choosing to focus all his ener- the minds of the Supreme Intelligence. new body and new experiences. Of all the gies on a single goal and tenaciously pur- —Power absorption: The tentacles on Starforce (despite his current defunct sue it to its end. Once he believed the head of Supremor allowed it to simul- status), Supremor offers the most variety something to be true, he ignored any taneously drain the memories and the for role-playing campaigns. evidence that might shake his beliefs. If Health of a victim. With a successful Fight- calm, Ultimus could be reasoned with and ing FEAT, Supremor could attach at least ULTIMUS™ was quite rational as well as noble. Despite four tentacles to its victim, allowing it to F EX(20) Health: 140 his reason and his nobility, he was also drain the victim’s memory. To determine A EX(20) easily manipulated. For example, he imme- how long it would take to absorb some- S AM(50) Karma: 40 diately believed the Supreme Intelligence’s one’s memory, this Good (10) rank power E AM(50) claim that he was an Eternal of the Kree drained 10 points of Reason per round R GD(10) Resources: EX (20) race (though this should be impossible until a character’s Reason was temporarily I GD(10) with the Kree at an evolutionary dead- at zero—if Supremor continued to drain P EX(20) Popularity: 20 (on Hala) end). psionic energy and memories after its In game campaigns, Ultimus can be the victim’s Reason is at zero, there was a KNOWN POWERS: foremost emissary for the Kree Empire, cumulative 20% chance per round of “Demon Druid” abilities: For his since he has some degree of decorum as permanent brain damage to the victim centuries-long exile on Earth, this being well as the power to protect himself. Alter- ( -1CS on Reason and Intuition). was colloquially known as the Demon nate game universes might see Ultimus as —Repair systems: Supremor’s internal Druid, and clashed with Thor and Excali- having been manipulated by a number of systems had an Excellent (20) rank self- bur. Through the use of his energy and others into working for them rather than repair function that operated as a Regen- matter manipulation powers, Demon the Kree. eration power of the same rank. Druid sought to create an energy matrix Limitation: Supremor was dependant within a configuration akin to Stonehenge The MARVEL-Phile's Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel on the animating influence of the Supreme that would teleport him home, a task he Entertainment Group, Inc. end are used with permission. Intelligence. Without its will within the accomplished with the help of Excalibur. Copyright ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All android, Supremor was only a machine. It His powers may have been more exten- Rights Reserved. had rudimentary logic systems and pro- sive, but he used them solely to gain a gramming that allow it to function as a means of teleporting home. His “Demon

74 SEPTEMBER 1992 assumed names. He is then captured by the dreaded Doctor Doom and, his mind by Jeff Grubb altered by the Power Cosmic, joins Hydra, the Masters of Evil, Heavy Metal, the Ser- Looks very much like pent Society, AIM, Freedom Force, and the Irving Forbush Fan Club, again using assumed names! [Jeff, wait a sec.] Then, when all the societies and groups have a sock hop on the same night, Rocket suffers an identity crisis and a complete mental collapse. In a soul-inspiring rewrit- ing of his origins, Rocket retreats to the Savage Land near the South Pole, where only the mighty Wolverine (aided by Katey Power) can bring him to his senses. [Jeff? This isn’t in the—] The Life and Times of Rocket Raccoon is no ordinary story, and it’s now available in a 50-issue limited series, each with a flex- idisk centerfold containing that great Beatles hit, “Rock— [Yo, Jeff!] Yes, Roger? [Is this April Fool stuff, or what?] Well, now that you mention it, yes. [Wonderful, wonderful. Very good. Now let’s see the character.] Uh, yeah. Okay, ladies and gents, here’s the Animal Hero of the Marvel Universe: Rocket Raccoon (no joke).

ROCKET RACCOON™

F IN Health: 110 A RM S GD Karma: 50 E RM R GD Popularity: 40 (on Halfworld) I RM P GD Resources: EX

KNOWN POWERS:

Acute sense: Like the Earthly mammal he resembles, Rocket has Excellent senses of smell and vision, including night (light- intensifying) sight.

Weapons: Rocket has a number of weap- ons and weapon systems available to him, but usually packs a laser pistol that does Animal crackers Remarkable-rank force damage (Remark- able energy damage to robots) and has a range of three areas. Hey, True Believers: I want to take this begins as Young Rocket, jettisoned from opportunity to introduce the latest, great- his dying planet, lands on Earth and is Flight: Rocket wears a set of rocket- est, and overrated-est character to come adopted as the kid brother Spider-Man powered jets on his feet that allow him to down from the House of Ideas in a long never knew he had. Developing powers move at Excellent speed (10 areas/round). time! It’s got passion, it’s got power, it’s got over and above those of normal raccoons, legs. It’s The Life and Times of Rocket he is branded a mutant and persecuted. TALENTS: Marksmanship, Martial Arts A, Raccoon! Rocket, in a series of Annuals over the Piloting, Acrobatics. Yes, I know you’ve all been waiting for next two years, joins the X-Men, X-Factor, this classic Copper Age character to return the New Mutants, the Avengers, the West CONTACTS: The Loonies (human natives to the pages of the Mighty Marvel Uni- Coast Avengers, the Rangers, the Champi- of Halfworld), robots of Halfworld, most of verse, and here’s his complete story. It ons, SHIELD, and Power Pack, using the animal population of Halfworld, and the Incredible Hulk.

©1988 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Marvel, Marvel Universe, Marvel Super Heroes, and all Marvel character names and likenesses are trademarks of ROCKET’S STORY: Rocket Raccoon is a Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. native of Halfworld, an odd planet in the

78 APRIL 1988 distant section of space known as the robots left Keystone Quadrant, searching bombs (Remarkable damage), electrified Keystone Quadrant. Halfworld was origi- for new adventures. hammers (Remarkable damage), and other nally settled by human or humanoid deadly but funny-looking weapons. Their beings, who established the colony as an Typical Halfworld robot statistics were: asylum for its mentally unbalanced mem- F A S E R I P F A S E bers. These unbalanced humans, or Loo- TY TY EX EX GD TY TY EX GD GD GD nies, were to be cared for by robots while * Prank Tanks: These clown-headed tanks other humans sought a cure for their Typical Halfworld human (uncured) fired Incredible-strength force beams, problems. Animals were brought to the F A S E R I P used Incredible-strength armor, took 40 planet as pets for the patients. PR GD TY TY FE FE FE points of damage before destroyed, and The “sane” human doctors were recalled “Cured” humans have Typical Reason, moved three areas per turn. to their home planet by a cut in their Intuition, and Psyche. * Drakillers: These mutated flying beasts funding, but they left behind the robots had the following statistics: and an impenetrable force field around Typical Halfworld animal F A S E R I P the section of space containing Halfworld. F A S E R I P GD GD GD GD PR PR PR All this is recorded in the Halfworld Bible, TY GD PR GD TY TY TY Drakillers had claws and teeth, and flew the logbook of the SS Gideon, the starship at Excellent speeds. that brought the human colonists. The log Wal Russ (genetically altered walrus) survived through the ages to become a F A S E R I P holy tome — the “Gideon’s Bible” of the TY GD TY EX GD TY TY Lord Dyvyne (genetically altered lizard) land. Some time after the doctors depart- Rocket’s pal, Wal, has a number of pros- F A S E R I P ed, a nearby supernova caused the robots thetic tusks that can serve as tools, hands, TY PR TY TY RM EX TY to achieve a degree of sentience. Chaffing and weapons (firing force or energy bolts Jakes’ lizardlike competitor, Dyvyne, was at their chores as watchmen for the of Remarkable damage). just as merciless as his opponent, and let human Loonies, they in turn genetically nothing get in the way of his power. His manipulated the animal stock, gave them Uncle Pyko (genetically altered tortoise) more dangerous toys and allies included: prosthetic devices, and turned them into F A S E R I P * Ape Guards: Armed with Remarkable- the Loonies’ keepers. The robots then PR TY TY EX IN GD GD strength force lasers, apes made up the retired to the far side of the globe, strip- The greatest animal mind on Halfworld, bulk of Dyvyne’s forces, as the robotic ping its natural resources to produce a Pyko translated the bulk of the Halfworld clowns did for Jakes. mammoth factory complex. The complex Bible, in addition to once being Jake’s chief * Chimp Blimp: An airborne dreadnaught then produced toys to keep the human toy designer. He has a laser (Remarkable of the Dyvyne forces, this airship had patients amused, as well as a gigantic, range and damage) built into his shell, Typical control, Excellent speed, and Good human-shaped ship. The robotic activity along with wheels for his armored cara- body and protection. The simian sentries produced the “half-world” feature of the pace (Excellent ground speed). The shell on board dropped banana bombs planet: Half is a green and pleasant home itself provides Good protection. (Incredible-strength force damage) on to the animal and human population, and their foes. half is a wasteland. Judson Jakes (genetically altered mole) * Red Breath: The last invention of one of Ranger Rocket Raccoon, whose ances- F A S E R I P Dyvyne’s toy-makers, this mutated, mysti- tors were manipulated by the robots, rose PR TY TY EX EX GD GD cal creature was a red cloud that was in rank to become the chief law officer of Jakes was the owner and operator of immune to normal physical or energy Halfworld and protector of its human Mayhem Mekaniks, one of the two major attacks. Those swallowed by the cloud population. His chief opponent in these toy companies on Halfworld — now made an Endurance FEAT or were matters was Judson Jakes, a mole who defunct. (With the human population “erased” forever. Dispersing the cloud took over the main toy-manufacturing cured now, the demand for entertaining (with vacuum cleaners or strong winds) operation for the planet. Jakes conspired toys has been drastically reduced.) Jakes caused it to be destroyed, bringing back on a number of occasions to steal Gideon’s and his competitor Dyvyne were insane those who had been erased. Bible and use the knowledge within it to and dreamed of ruling all the factions of rule the world. Rocky’s allies included his Halfworld. His malicious toys included: Next time: The return of the Complete friend Wal Russ (a walrus with prosthetic * Killer Clowns: Robots with deadly dispo- Marvel-Phile Index for the Marvel Uni- tusks that could be used as weapons), the sitions, killer clowns carried juggling-ball verse. And that’s no joke. Lady Lylla (an otter), Pyko (a tortoise who served as Jake’s chief toy designer), and the Incredible Hulk, who was in the neigh- borhood at the time. The final confrontation on Halfworld resulted from a conflict between Jakes and Lord Dyvyne, a lizardlike rival toyma- ker. The two battled over control of Halfworld, its toy industry, and the Lady Lylla, and were only defeated when Rock- et, working in conjunction with the robots of the metallic half of Halfworld, deci- phered Gideon’s Bible and devised a cure for the human inhabitants. The fully- cognizant humans, robots, and good ani- mals defeated the combined armies controlled by Jake and Dyvyne, who were killed in a fall afterward. The animals and robots then left the humans to settle Halfworld, their task done. Using the huge, man-shaped rocket, the animals and

D RAGON 79 by William Tracy swore to battle the Dire Wraiths anywhere in the galaxy until the last of them had been hurled into Limbo with the neutralizer guns In another area of the Milky Way galaxy, far from Earth, flour- of the Galadorians. ished the civilization of Galador. The inhabitants of Galador were a A special Galadorian space probe eventually detected Wraith highly advanced and peaceful race, and spread their philosophy activity on Earth and relayed the information back to Galador. across the stars. About 200 Terran years ago, the Galadorian Rom volunteered to go to Earth, and upon his arrival he learned exploration fleet entered an area known as the Dark Nebula and that Earth’s society had already been infiltrated by the shape- encountered the nebula’s inhabitants, an alien race known as the changing aliens. The Wraiths usually took over a world by killing Dire Wraiths™. These hostile shape-changers were experts in and assuming the identities of their victims, who were often technology and sorcery. Summoning a birdlike monster known as important members of society. Deathwing, the Dire Wraiths ambushed and destroyed the At first, Rom was hunted by the legal authorities for murder. Galadorian space fleet. When Rom used his neutralizer on the disguised Dire Wraiths to The Prime Director of Galador, after receiving the last message cast them into Limbo, it looked like he was killing human beings. from the doomed fleet, asked for volunteers from the populace to Eventually, the population of Clairton, West Virginia, discovered participate in a special program. The volunteers’ bodies would be that Rom’s story was true after being shown the powers of the placed in suspended animation while their brains and nervous Dire Wraiths. Clairton then aided Rom whenever possible, even systems would be grafted into a special suit of cybernetic armor. protecting him from federal authorities after he used his neutral- The mission of these volunteers, who were known as izer on some high officials of the Pentagon who were actually Dire Spaceknights, was to defeat the Dire Wraiths before their evil Wraiths. could reach other civilizations. Rom™ was the first volunteer for While in Clairton, Rom met and fell in love with a human this program. woman named Brandy Clark™, who in turn fell in love with the The Spaceknights were provided with special weapons, space dedicated alien. Rom was soon joined by a fellow Spaceknight, his flight capability, and superhuman strength. Though the Galadorian fiance Starshine™. When Starshine was killed by the Spaceknights destroyed most of the Dire Wraith space fleet and Dire Wraiths and removed from her armor, Brandy Clark was the demon Deathwing, many Dire Wraiths escaped, and their forts placed in Starshine’s armor by magical means as part of a scheme were believed to exist in other sections of the galaxy. The location to destroy Rom. The plot failed and Brandy fought alongside Rom of the Wraith homeworld was unknown as well. The Spaceknights in Starshine armor. Much later, Brandy was removed from the armor by the evil sorcery of Hybrid”, the offspring of a human and a great portion of the Wraiths’ power, since it was the source and a Dire Wraith. of their sorcerous energy. With the power of the Wraiths broken, When Rom was away from Clairton, it was protected by Brock mopping-up operations finished off the remainder of the alien Jones, the Torpedo™. Brock had come upon the original builder invaders. and wearer of the Torpedo armor suit, who had been critically In time, Rom left Earth to return to Galador, accompanied by injured in an unplanned battle with Daredevil™. The man told several of his fellow Spaceknights. They discovered that Galador, Brock that his name was Michael Stivak. Before Michael died, he which had been transferred to a new galaxy by Galactus™, had told Brock about his suit and background. Michael was a Yugosla- been ravaged by second-generation Spaceknights who were to vian scientist who had been brought to America by his uncle, have defended the world. All the Galadorians were soon slain by Senator Eugene Stivak. The Senator hired Michael to build and the rouge Spaceknights, who were in turn defeated by Rom and design a battle-suit for the American government, but Michael his allies. Brandy Clark, who had been sent to Galador by the later found out that his uncle was working for some unknown and Beyonder™, helped the remaining Spaceknights find the means to unfriendly organization. turn Rom back into his original human form. His mission com- Michael was trying to destroy the plans for the battle-suit when pleted, Rom retired with Brandy to spend their days on Galador he had his accidental fight with Daredevil. Before Michael died, he and rebuild its civilization, protected by the surviving made Brock promise to destroy the plans; Brock donned the suit Spaceknights. and quickly did so. For the next few months, he acted as a part- Several characters described in the Rom saga have already time super hero, fighting a group called the Rocketeers™ several appeared in modules and supplements published by TSR, Inc. The times. These men, hired by Senator Stivak, wore weaker proto- Torpedo armor was described in MHAC-8, Weapons Locker, and types of Torpedo’s battle-suit. Peter Gyrich and Forge were described in MHAC-5, Project: The Rocketeers soon discovered Brock’s secret identity, forcing Wideawake™. S.H.I.E.L.D. appeared in MHAC-2, Avengers™ Assem- him to move his family to another city, which happened to be bled!, as did Rick Jones™. The other important heroes and villains Clairton. There he met Rom and became his ally. Later they found of this saga are given below. that Torpedo’s battle-suit had actually been financed by the Dire Wraiths, who had been looking for a new weapon to use against Rom. Rom made Torpedo a special pair of goggles that enabled him to see Dire Wraiths, no matter what form they were in. ROM™ROM™ Meanwhile, a shake-up in the Dire Wraith chain of command Spaceknight of Galador (Inactive) had occurred. So far, the Dire Wraiths on Earth had consisted of Fighting: INCREDIBLE (40) the males, who were experts in technology. The female Wraiths Agility: EXCELLENT (20) were experts in sorcery and were the leaders of the race. The Strength: INCREDIBLE (40) females decided that the males weren’t doing a very good job of Endurance: MONSTROUS (75) world-conquering, so they took over all Earth operations and Reason: EXCELLENT (20) killed all the males present. Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Then, while Rom was away from Clairton, the female Wraiths Psyche: GOOD (10) took over the town while magically clouding Torpedo’s mind so that he wouldn’t notice anything. Eventually, everybody in Clair- Health: 175 ton was dead and had been replaced by Wraiths. Torpedo died Karma: 50 fighting Wraiths in his burning house. The Torpedo battle-suit was Resources: Amazing (government backed) apparently destroyed in the fire. Rom and Starshine II swore to Popularity: 20 avenge the people of Clairton and the courageous Torpedo. By this time, the government had discovered that Rom was not a Talents: Rom had no special talents. homicidal alien, but a benevolent being trying to save Earth from Known Powers: the Dire Wraiths. The government placed S.H.I.E.L.D.™ and its psionic division in control of Wraith-destroying missions and FLIGHT. Rom’s armor was provided with twin rocket pods (electri- enlisted the help of various super heroes, including the cally powered, low-density plasma engines) which enabled him to X-Men™ and Alpha Flight™. Eventually, a special branch of fly at Unearthly speed in the vacuum of space or at Monstrous S.H.I.E.L.D. known as the Wraith-Hunter Rangers was formed to speeds in an atmosphere. Rom also possessed special sensors that deal with the problem. enable him to locate space warps with Monstrous ability and Rom soon gained two new allies: Rick Jones™ and a little girl range, allowing “shortcuts” through space with Class 1000 range. named Cindy Adams™. Rick Jones, who has been involved with BODY ARMOR. Rom’s suit of armor provided him with Incredible many super heroes, became one of Rom’s closest friends and allies protection against all physical, radiation, heat-based, and cold- even though he was in love with Brandy Clark. Rick discovered based attacks. He could survive in deep space indefinitely. that he was dying of an incurable form of cancer, the same cancer that killed Captain Marvel™ some time before. Cindy Adams was a REGENERATION. Rom’s armor had built-in microfactories able to normal child until she was attacked by a Dire Wraith. The Wraith repair damaged circuitry, providing him with Good regeneration. was killed just as it had begun to absorb her memories. Because of Equipment Weapons: The following equipment was kept in a this, a part of the Wraith’s consciousness was lodged in her mind, fold in hyperspace and could be mentally summoned and used in and at times Cindy could guess what the Wraiths were planning. one turn. Unfortunately, a government agent named Peter Gyrich™ was assigned to the Dire Wraith branch. Gyrich, who had worked with ENERGY ANALYZER. This item’s main function was to emit ultra- super heroes before, was apparently paranoid when it came to high frequency waves that scanned a being’s molecular structure. super beings. He caused many problems for Rom and his newest The waves caused certain rare earth elements in the Dire Wraiths’ ally, the mutant known as Forge”. bodies to emit special radio waves which were visible to Rom’s After fighting a losing battle on Earth, the Wraiths decided on visor sensors, enabling him to see the Dire Wraiths as they truly one final plan. They prepared to use their magic to teleport their were, no matter what form they took. The analyzer could also homeworld to Earth’s solar system, destroying the Earth and scan other items and beings, and inform Rom of the object’s or putting the homeworld in the Earth’s orbit. Luckily, Forge was being’s power potential. The analyzer could trace the energy trails able to build a larger prototype of Rom’s neutralizer and have it of powerful beings or objects. The analyzer had no attack abilities, placed in orbit around the Earth. Powered by Rom’s neutralizer, it though it bathed the subject in a red energy field that could was aimed and fired at the Wraithworld, destroying the planet frighten the victim.

82 AUGUST 1986 STARSHINE™ I and II Landra (I) and Brandy Clark (II) Spaceknights of Galador I II (Deceased) (Inactive) Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) EXCELLENT (20) Agility: INCREDIBLE (40) INCREDIBLE (40) Strength: INCREDIBLE (40) INCREDIBLE (40) Endurance: MONSTROUS (75) MONSTROUS (75) Reason: EXCELLENT (20) TYPICAL (6) Intuition: GOOD (10) TYPICAL (6) Psyche: GOOD (10) TYPICAL (6) Health: 185 175 Karma: 40 18 Resources: AMAZING AMAZING Popularity: 10 10 Talents: Starshine (II or II) had no special talents.

TRANSLATOR. This special micro-computer was able to translate any language it heard for at least six consecutive turns. It then fed the information into Rom’s memory banks, enabling him to speak that lan- guage at will. NEUTRALIZER. This was Rom’s only actual weapon. Its main function was to neutralize any energy fields it encountered. When fired at a Dire Wraith, it neutralized the energy field surrounding the alien, causing a rift between the dimension of Limbo and this dimension. The rift hurled the Dire Wraith into Limbo without killing it. The neutralizer could kill a person when fired at full power, but Rom would have lost all Karma points for killing anyone, even Dire Wraiths. Rom could automatically determine the power level of the weapon. Dire Wraiths taken to Limbo were unable to escape from it. At its lowest setting, the neutralizer could neutralize radiation poisoning in organic beings. At its highest setting, it neutralized the life-force of a being, killing it instantly. A human could not be transported into Limbo because a human could not survive the trip or a direct hit from the neutralizer set at that power level. Anyone trying to use the neutralizer, except Rom, took Mon- strous damage; no damage was taken by just touching the weapon. Brandy Clark, in human form, once used the neutralizer without dying, though she was badly injured. At the time, she was psionically protected by Charles Xavier™.

DRAGON 83 Known Powers: The Beyonder removed all traces of Dire Wraith influence on Cindy’s mind at the end of the Rom saga and resurrected her FLIGHT. Starshine, like Rom, had Unearthly flight ability. parents as well. Cindy’s statistics may be used for a child in a similar predicament if desired. BODY ARMOR. Starshine had Rom’s Incredible body armor and could survive in deep space indefinitely. REGENERATION. Starshine had Good regeneration abilities. ROCKETEERS™ Real names unknown LIGHT POWERS. Starshine used a form of energy known as the “living light” of Galador. She could project beams of this light from Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) her eyes, doing concussive damage of up to Unearthly levels, and Agility: GOOD (10) she can control the power level to do less damage as well She was Strength: GOOD (10) also able to use this power to emit normal light. Endurance: GOOD (10) Reason: TYPICAL (6) CINDY ADAMS™ Intuition: TYPICAL (6) Orphan Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Fighting: POOR (4) Health: 50 Agility: TYPICAL (6) Karma: 18 Strength: FEEBLE (2) Known Powers: Endurance: POOR (4) Reason: TYPICAL (6) BATTLE-SUIT. The Rocketeers wore special battle-suits which had Intuition: GOOD (10) rocket backpacks, enabling them to fly at Good speed and provid- Psyche: REMARKABLE (30) ing them with Good protection against physical attacks. Health: 16 RANGED WEAPON. The Rocketeers carried special portable Karma: 46 rocket launchers which had a four-area range and did Incredible damage, They each carried a maximum of five rockets at a time. Known Powers: Special note: The original Rocketeers were human (from which SPECIAL INTUITION. A Dire Wraith was killed while it was drain- the statistics above are derived). Later on, the Rocketeers were ing Cindy’s memories, leaving a residue of the Wraith’s conscious- replaced by Dire Wraiths in human form. ness in her mind. If she could make a successful Yellow Psyche FEAT roll, she could guess what the Dire Wraiths are up to if she had enough clues. The referee should decide how much she is able to guess.

DIRE WRAITHS™ Fighting: GOOD (10) Agility: POOR (4) Strength: REMARKABLE (30) Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) Reason: REMARKABLE (30) Intuition: TYPICAL (6) Psyche: GOOD (10) Health: 74 Karma: 46 Resources : AMAZING Known Powers: SHAPE-SHIFTING. The Dire Wraiths most important power was their uncanny shape-shifting abilities, When faced with physical combat, the Dire Wraiths could change into the form of some alien beast more suitable for combat. The Dire Wraiths often took the form of the Deathwing: F AS E R I P Go Ex Ty Re Re Ty Go Health: 66 Karma: 46

In Deathwing form, a Dire Wraith could fly at Typical speed and The tongue had range of one area. To successfully use the breathe fire one per turn for Incredible damage with Typical tongue, a Dire Wraith had to completely surprise a victim from range. behind or grapple an opponent and roll a hold result, indicating SPECIAL ATTACK. The Dire Wraith’s most insidious form of attack that the Wraith held the victim in front of itself. was its barbed tongue, which also secreted a powerful acid. The The referee should allow a victim a dodge roll or escape roll tongue instantly penetrated an unprotected human skull. If the before the Wraith’s attack, because a successful hit indicates skull was armored, the acid secretion and barbs of the tongue did instant death to the victim. Right after the tongue hits, the victim’s Excellent damage to the armor each turn. Any item made of Mon- body turns into dust. The Wraith gains all the knowledge and strous material or better could not be pierced by the tongue. memories of the victim, and the Wraith is now able to become a

84 AUGUST 1986 perfect duplicate of the victim, down to the victim’s voice. After MAGIC. Hybrid had powerful magical abilities, using Personal and taking a new form, the Wraith’s physical abilities become those of Universal energies with Remarkable skill. the form taken. The Wraith loses all normal abilities and vulnera- bilities except for its shape-changing power. If more damage is Background: Hybrid was the first offspring of a human and a taken than its new form can withstand, it is forced to return to its Dire Wraith, and was a sworn enemy of Rom. true shape, and the previously taken damage is retained. HEAT RESISTANCE. The Wraiths originated from a planet with a great deal of volcanic activity. They took half damage from fire- Spaceknight character generation and heat-based attacks. At the same time, they took double damage from cold-based attacks. Though most players may want to play Rom or Starshine in a MARVEL SUPER HEROES campaign, some players might want to MAGIC. The Dire Wraith species consisted of two branches: the create their own Spaceknight characters. This section helps play- males, who were experts in advanced technology, and the females, ers do this. First of all, the procedure for rolling a hero’s abilities is who were spell-casters. Female Wraiths had Monstrous Psyches changed as follows: and Good Reason scores (see pages 10 and 32 of the Campaign Fighting. Roll on the following table: Book for rules concerning magic). Die roll Fighting score HELL HOUNDS™ 01-60 Excellent 61-80 Remarkable Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) 81-96 Incredible Agility: EXCELLENT (20) 97-99 Amazing Strength: GOOD (10) 00 Monstrous Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) Reason: FEEBLE (2) Agility and Strength. Roll on the following table: Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: POOR (4) Die roll Ability score 01-10 Excellent Health: 80 11-30 Remarkable Karma: 16 31-70 Incredible Known Powers: 71-90 Amazing 91-00 Monstrous PHASING. The Hellhounds had a phasing power similar to that of Shadowcat™. Any machinery a Hellhound phases through must make an Endurance FEAT roll or be scrambled and inoperative. Endurance. Roll on the following table: Machinery without an Endurance score is scrambled automati- Die roll Endurance score tally. Mechanical beings take Incredible damage, while battle suits 01-30 Amazing and other machinery is made inoperative for 10 turns. 31-90 Monstrous The Hellhounds attack with their phasing ability, using a Fight- 91-00 Unearthly ing FEAT roll to determine success. A success roll indicates that the Hellhound has phased through the person, causing Remark- Note that Endurance scores refer only to the need for rest, as able damage. Also, the victim must make a yellow Endurance Spaceknights could withstand exposure to deep space indefinitely. FEAT roll or fall unconscious for 1-10 turns. Reason and Intuition. Roll as per the rules in the Campaign Background: When the Dire Wraiths first arrived on Earth, they Book, but shift the results two ranks to the right, to represent the used their advanced technology to mutate ordinary dogs into fact that the characters come from an advanced race. The charac- these powerful creatures. ters have been fighting the Wraiths for a long time, too, which would increase their scores in general. Psyche, Roll as per the normal Campaign Book rules. HYBRID™ All Spaceknight characters have the same flight, body armor, Fighting: GOOD (10) and regeneration abilities possessed by Rom and Starshine. In Agility: EXCELLENT (20) addition, each Spaceknight character may roll randomly for 1-2 Strength: GOOD (10) extra powers using the hero-creation section in the Campaign Endurance: MONSTROUS (75) Book, Some variations should be made to the powers, as noted Reason: EXCELLENT (20) below. Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Resistances and Senses: Protected Senses, Extraordinary Psyche: UNEARTHLY (100) Senses, and Infravision are possible. Movement: Lightning Speed and Teleportation are possible. Health: 115 Nature Control: Not possible. Karma: 140 Energy Control: All powers are possible. Known Powers: Body Control: All powers are possible except Plasticity, Shape- shifting, and Body Transformation. FLIGHT. Hybrid was able to fly at Typical speeds using his mental Distance Attacks: All are possible. abilities. Mental Powers: All are possible. MENTAL ATTACK. Hybrid was able to project mental blasts which Body Alteration (offensive): All are possible. could do up to Unearthly damage. Body Alteration (Defensive): All are possible. Weapons: Only Unique Weapon are possible. MENTAL POWERS. Hybrid had the powers of telepathy, image Keep in mind that these super powers are produced and made generation, telekinesis, and mind control at Unearthly levels. possible by the Spaceknights’ advanced battle suits. The power BODY ARMOR. Hybrid’s skin provided him with Excellent protec- ranks of their powers, after being randomly rolled, should be shifted to the right one column to indicate they have been created tion against all physical attacks. by an advanced technology. A power’s rank should have a maxi- SHAPE-SHIFTING. Hybrid had a Monstrous shape-shifting ability. mum of Monstrous.

86 AUGUST 1986 The Warlock™ Redux

Adam Warlock™ and friends from the Marvel Universe™

by Jon D. Martin

In addition to his popular work on the Captain Marvel™ comic, Marvel’s own Jim Starlin developed the Adam Warlock™ series, which found an extremely loyal following of its own. Warlock became an important part of the Marvel Universe™, and his comic remains one of the best of the past decade (in this writer’s opinion, of course). If you liked the comic, you have some serious reading to do!

ADAM WARLOCK™ Him™ Artificial being created by the Enclave™

F In (40) Health: 160 A In (40) S Rm (30) Karma: 60 E Am (50) R Gd (10) Resources: Fb (2) I Ex (20) P Rm (30) Popularity: 10

KNOWN POWERS:

Body Armor: Adam Warlock possessed Good body armor against all physical and energy-based attacks because of his dense body and bone structure.

Force Bolt: Warlock could generate a beam of concussive force with Incredible range and damage by manipulating cosmic energy through the cells of his body.

Flight: Warlock’s cosmic energy-enhanced speed could reach Class 1000 in space (using natural space warps) or Shift X in atmospheres. If Warlock made a Red power stunt with this power, he could increase his speed to Class 3000 for brief periods.

Life Support: Warlock could survive in the vacuum of space with Class 1000 ability by manipulating cosmic energy.

Protective Cocoon: Warlock could spin a cocoon about himself in seconds at will, though he did so infrequently. The cocoon

78 FEBRUARY 1987 was of Incredible material strength and noted that Adam resisted being cast in the pose that he sought, and the Soul-Gem. granted him Monstrous recovery powers. role of a leader in the past and would Adam Warlock became the defender of Often, Adam underwent considerable likely do so again if brought back to life. Counter-Earth with that world’s Doctor growth in terms of physical and mental Doom™, who was a hero, and opposed the maturity within the cocoon. CONTACTS: Warlock’s last friendly con- evil designs of the Man-Beast™. Warlock tacts were with Pip™ and Gamora™. In the was slain in the course of the battle with Ability Enhancement: Warlock could gain past, he was on friendly terms with the the Man-Beast, but death did not hold him a +2 CS to either Strength or Endurance Avengers™, but the line-up of that team for long. He returned from the grave and for five rounds by manipulating cosmic today is drastically different from the used the power of the Soul-Gem to defeat energy. At his maximum Strength level, he team with which he had dealings. Still, the Man-Beast and his New Men™ once could press 40 tons (his normal strength Moondragon™, Thor™, Captain America™, and for all. allowed him to lift 4 tons). This ability the Vision™, the original Iron Man™, and For a time, Adam wandered the galaxy enhancement could be done once per Spider-Man™ could be considered contacts. aimlessly. His wandering ended when he day, and it granted him no increase in He was also on good terms with the origi- encountered the forces of the Church of Health. nal Fantastic Four™ and the High Universal Truth™, an oppressive religious Evolutionary, but he is no longer on good order founded by his own future self, the Soul-Gem: Originally a gift from the High terms with the Enclave (to put it mildly). Magus™. The Magus was worshipped as a Evolutionary™, this jade gem was one of god by the Universal Church, and his six such gems scattered throughout the LIMITATIONS: In the past, Warlock had frequent displays of power helped to universe. Each of the gems was an item of an adversary relationship with his Soul- insure both belief and loyalty on the part vast power, and together their power Gem, which stemmed from his misunder- of his worshipers. Warlock fought his way could shatter stars. Thanos™ destroyed the standing of the gem’s true nature. A across the galaxy through armies of these other five gems in the process of draining revived Warlock would know the truth followers to confront his future self. With- their power, in his quest to destroy the about the gem and would most likely have out the invention of Thanos of Titan, stars as a love offering to Death”. fewer reservations about using the gem’s Warlock’s cause would have been lost. Warlock’s gem had the following powers: powers in combat. To discourage this Using the same Time Probe that he had De-evolution — With this Amazing- behavior, Warlock should be required to used to recruit Gamora, Thanos allowed strength power, Warlock could return make a Psyche check at some point during Adam to confront his life’s destiny directly beings which had been augmented in size a battle to avoid using the gem’s powers to and choose the path that his life would and abilities to their original stock. defeat foes. If he fails, the gem does its take. To complicate matters further, the Communication — When necessary, the duty and Warlock loses 30 Karma. If Adam Magus had summoned the In-Betweener™, gem acted as a translator of Unearthly deliberately uses the gem to drain an the being who had caused/would cause power and range, allowing Adam to opponent’s soul, the Karma loss is raised to Adam’s transformation into the Magus. communicate with other beings. 50 points. Conversely, he should receive a Warlock managed to purify and destroy Soul Absorption — Power Stunts were 30-point Karma award for using the gem the path that led to the creation of the required for the use of this Unearthly in a constructive or merciful way, includ- Magus, but he had little time to choose a power, with the intensity equalling the ing the absorption of the souls of dying new path. He leapt onto the nearest path, Psyche of the intended victim(s). A + 1 CS people ( + 1 CS Power FEAT). the shortest path, and journeyed to its end was applied to the intensity for each per- to absorb his own dying soul so that he son beyond five people to be affected. PERSONALITY: Adam Warlock was a could be certain that he did not become Furthermore, this power could not affect champion of life in all of its forms. He the Magus in his new life as well. more than two people with Amazing or possessed a strong sense of justice which After a series of relatively minor adven- better Psyche or one person with an Un- did not allow him to stand idle in the face tures, Adam once more found himself earthly Psyche at a given time. In no case of oppression. Warlock was also extremely involved with Thanos. This time, Adam could the Soul-Gem affect any being with a honest to himself and others, finding it realized Thanos’s true nature as the cham- Class 1000 or better Psyche. difficult to lie even if given good cause. pion of Death when he encountered the When the gem drained a person’s soul, Wanderlust was another of his traits, and dying Gamora on a remote asteroid. She Warlock gained access to the memories of he literally crossed the galaxy in search of told him of Thanos’s mad plan of stellar the victim, granting him the benefits of evil to fight or something interesting to do. genocide, destroying the stars as a love any talents that the poor soul might have More often than not, evil found him. In offering to Death. Warlock used his Soul- had. This may no longer be the case, for any event, Warlock should have no trouble Gem to absorb Gamora’s essence and Warlock himself is currently imprisoned in keeping himself occupied if returned to wasted no time in alerting the Avengers, the gem. life. If nothing else, Pip can get into trou- Captain Marvel, the Kree™, and Sentience — The Soul-Gem has a mind of ble while Gamora and Adam are otherwise Moondragon to the cosmic threat. To- its own, and it is a world within itself. For occupied. gether, they attacked Thanos but were the purposes of mental combat, the gem defeated by him. Warlock was killed by has the following statistics: BACKGROUND: Originally, Adam Thanos during the battle. R I P Warlock was called Him. Him was created However, Thanos imprisoned the In MO Un as a weapon by a group of criminal scien- Avengers instead of just killing them. In dire emergencies, the gem may substi- tists called the Enclave. Unfortunately for The imprisoned Moondragon managed to tute one of these attributes for Warlock’s the Enclave, Him realized their scheme send a telepathic distress call to Spider- attribute of the same name for a duration and destroyed their operations rather Man, who sought out the aid of the of one round, allowing him to detect an than become a part of it. For a period of Thing™. The two of them fared no better otherwise lethal danger, puzzle out a years, Him wandered space, learning and than the Avengers had against Thanos, but complex problem, or resist a devastating maturing. After an encounter with Thor, Spider-Man was able to free the Avengers mental attack. This, too, may have he decided to return to his cocoon and from their prison. Their combined might changed as a result of Warlock’s stay in contemplate his hitherto useless existence. was still not enough to insure victory over the Soul-Gem. The dormant Warlock was discovered by the mad demi-god. Spider-Man came the High Evolutionary, creator of Counter- through once more, knocking over a crys- TALENTS: Aerial Combat; Martial Arts A, Earth™. tal globe in which Thanos had placed B, C, D, E; Thrown Objects; and, Space- Upon his emergence from his cocoon, Warlock’s Soul-Gem. Adam Warlock was craft Pilot and Navigation. It should be Him acquired his present name, the pur- freed from the gem and fulfilled the pur-

D RAGON 79 pose he had sought in life by defeating the course of its travels, the Great Divide She was calm, professional, and deadly to Thanos and turning him into stone with added Adam Warlock to its list of pris- a fault. At the time of her death, she had the power of the gem. oners. Pip and Warlock became fast begun to develop an attraction to Adam Warlock’s spirit returned to the gem, friends, and Pip aided Adam in the libera- Warlock, a feeling that was mutual. If where it resides with the souls of Gamora, tion of the ship. Pip continued to travel revived, she may continue to have these Pip, and others who were affected by the with Warlock, joining him in his struggle feelings — particularly since they’ve been gem’s power. The gem itself is currently against the Magus. He later met his end at together in the Soul-Gem for so long. held by an Elder of the Universe™ known the hands of his “pal” Thanos while as the Gardener™. Adam’s body was in- searching for Warlock. At present, his soul CONTACTS: Warlock and Pip are terred on Counter-Earth, which was later is contained in Warlock’s Soul-Gem, along Gamora’s only present friendly contacts. pulled from its orbit on the far side of the with those of Gamora, Warlock himself, For several years she served the deceased sun and dropped into a museum (!) by a and many others. Thanos of Titan, and beings who have race of beings known as the Beyonders™ knowledge of Thanos may know of —no relation to the Beyonde™ of Secret Gamora by association. Wars™ fame, but unbelievably powerful nonetheless.

PIP™ Prince Gofern Alien (Laxidazian Troll)

F Ty (6) Health: 42 A Gd (10) S Ty (6) Karma: 24 E Ex (20) R Gd (10) Resources: Typical I Cd (10) P Pr (4) Popularity: -10

KNOWN POWERS: Pip possessed no known super powers.

TALENTS: Larceny ( +2 CS to Resource checks, failure indicating that he’s run afoul of the local law); Guns; Painting; and, Intoxication Liquors ( + 1 CS to Reason and Endurance).

PERSONALITY: Pip was degenerate, cowardly, obnoxious, and depraved. He was a likable chap! Pip was also loyal and could muster up what little courage that he had when he saw his friends in danger. Though a Troll by nature, Pip was a hero TM at heart. His optimism and humor served GAMORA Alien (Xen Whoberis) to counterbalance Warlock’s brooding fatalism. F In (40) Health: 140 A Am (50) CONTACTS: Pip’s only friendly contacts Karma: 70 were Warlock, Gamora, and numerous S Cd (10) E In (40) bartenders scattered across the galaxy. He has many unfriendly contacts in the form R Gd (10) Resources: Ty I In (40) of law enforcement officials on most of P Ex (20) Popularity: -20 those same planets.

BACKGROUND: Pip was originally KNOWN POWERS: Gamora’s natural Prince Gofern of the Laxidazian race (two- abilities were raised to superhuman levels hundred and sixtieth in the line of succes- by Thanos so that she would be able to sion). His encounter with a group of kill the Magus. She possessed no other LIMITATIONS: Gamora was created to Laxidazian Trolls changed that, and led super powers. kill the Magus. Thanos altered her moral him to discover firsthand that the liquor perceptions so that she would have no which the Trolls drank had properties that TALENTS: Martial Arts A, B, C, E; qualms about slaying anyone who inter- transformed the imbiber into a Troll. Pip Weapon Specialist (dagger); Acrobatics; fered with her mission. Her stay in the was ostracized from mainstream Laxida- Tumbling; Stealth ( - 2 CS to opponent’s Soul-Gem has probably changed this. If so, zian society and wandered the galaxy, Intuition checks); and, Spacecraft Pilot and she incurs normal Karma loss from killing. setting new standards for the Troll reputa- Navigation. If not, she suffers no loss from directly tion for decadence as he did so. killing a victim, but loses double the listed Eventually, Pip was arrested and placed PERSONALITY: Gamora feared nothing, Karma penalty for noble deaths, mysteri- aboard the prison ship Great Divide by the but she did have the common sense to ous deaths, and self-destructions that she forces of the Church of Universal Truth. In realize when a fight was out of her league. allows to occur.

80 FEBRUARY 1987 BACKGROUND: In what has become an Of course, reviving Adam Warlock alternate future timeline, Gamora was one would entail retrieving both his body (on of a peace-loving race that opposed the the missing Counter-Earth) and his soul (in Magus and his Church of Universal Truth. the gem on Gardener’s forehead) — and The penalty for such opposition was anni- the Gardener’s current whereabouts are hilation, and the Xen Whoberis did not unknown. . . . resist. Thanos saved Gamora from the [Editor’s note: Those readers interested in holocaust and focused her newfound adding Her (once known as Paragon”) to hatred of the Magus in intense physical your campaign may use the statistics given and mental training. The purpose of the below, adapted from the newly released training was to make her able as well as accessory MA2, Avengers™ Coast-To-Coast, willing to kill the Magus, Warlock’s future by Edward G. Sollers.] self. To make her more able to carry out her task, the deranged Titan enhanced her natural abilities to superhuman levels. Gamora fought alongside Thanos, HER™ Warlock, and Pip against the Magus. After Paragon™ the Magus was defeated, Gamora was Artificial being created by the ordered by Thanos to seek out and protect Enclave™ Adam Warlock because of his importance to Thanos’s future plans. Before she could F Rm (30) Health: 210 locate Adam, she herself was located by A Rm (30) Drax the Destroyer™, a being who had S Mn (75) Karma: 50 been created to destroy Thanos. Drax E Mn (75) attacked her on the basis of her associa- R Gd (10) Resources: Fb (2) tion with Thanos. Gamora survived and I Gd (10) returned to the starship Sanctuary II P Rm (30) Popularity: 0 (Sanctuary I was destroyed in the battle with the Magus) to confront her master KNOWN POWERS: with new doubts that she felt about his purpose in seeking Warlock. She over- Warlock’s Powers: Paragon possesses the heard him planning to build his star- body armor, force bolt, flight, life support, destroying weapon using the power of the and protective cocoon powers of Adam six Soul-Gems. Gamora attacked Thanos, Warlock. In addition, she can utilize cos- hoping to end his madness with his life. mic energy to rearrange the molecules She failed. within a small area (three cubic feet), Warlock found the dying Gamora on a though with sufficient power to do remote asteroid. With her last few breaths Amazing damage to anything within that she told of her master’s mad plan. Before vicinity. She can also project her cosmic she died, her spirit was absorbed by the life force in such a way as to reanimate Soul-Gem. dead beings, but this cannot restore a being’s soul — the being is merely a zom- The Warlock Revived bielike construct. This latter talent suc- A few suggestions about the use of ceeds with a Psyche FEAT on Her’s part, Adam Warlock in MARVEL SUPER and restores the Agility, Strength, and HEROES™ game campaigns follow. Endurance scores of the reanimated being 1. One of the major elements of the to their former level. However, Fighting, Warlock series was Adam’s search for a Reason, Intuition, and Psyche are at Feeble purpose in life. If the campaign is to re- levels. flect the tone of the series, this element must be preserved. No matter how the TALENTS: Her has no known talents. Judge explains Warlock’s return to life, he should have a good reason for it. CONTACTS: Her has had few contacts 2. Do not carry the above statement to with other super-beings and agencies, save an extreme. A campaign in which some for the Enclave (which she attacked). She prophecy of cosmic gloom and doom dom- is on good terms with the Thing, the High inates the player characters’ every action Evolutionary, and Starhawk™, however. is little or no fun to all involved. Pip is presented in this article for a reason — BACKGROUND: Her was the second (and comic relief. last) artificial being created by the Enclave. 3. Be creative; there are a number of Like her predecessor, she rebelled against possible adventures for Warlock in the the Enclave’s control of her life and de- Marvel Universe. The Cult of Thanos still stroyed much of the Enclave’s power. exists and could pose a threat to the gal- Retreating into a cocoon to consider her axy. Warlock’s “mate,” Paragon™ (also existence, she emerged on a search for known as Her™ — bet you’d never have Him — only to discover that Him had died guessed), is wandering the cosmos and as Adam Warlock. She attempted to resur- would likely track Adam down if she rect his body but without success, as she Copyright ©1987 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All lacked the Soul-Gem with his spirit. After- learned of his return to life. Might she Rights Reserved. Marvel, Marvel Universe, and all become a female version of the Magus? Marvel characters and character likenesses are wards, she went into space and was not The possibilities are limitless! Use a few of trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. heard from until recently, when she was them. seen to be heading back to Earth again.

DRAGON 87 sided); and, on Earth. The Atomic Steed of the Black by Jeff Grubb * The High Evolutionary cannot remove Knight is one of the few pieces of that his armor or return to “mortal” form. If technology which remain. When the High In the MARVEL SUPER HEROES® separated from his armor, the armor’s self- Evolutionary left Earth, he took most of Advanced Set, Karen Martin and I strove contained preservation devices bring him the Citadel with him as a spaceship. From to include as many heroes and villains of back under its control in 1-100 weeks. this bastion, the High Evolutionary and his the Marvel Universe in its pages as we minions defended themselves against the could manage, but we ran out of space in Psionic abilities. The High Evolutionary sorcerous native power of Wundagore one particular area: the “Entities of Great has one of most highly developed minds in mountain, the “demon“ Chthon. Chthon Power” Section (originally titled “Big the Marvel Universe, and he represents had used Wundagore as a base, and he Guns”). These are the guys who are a cut the height of human mental potential. He provided the magical powers of both the above the standard fare of the Fantastic can perform all abilities of the “Mental Scarlet Witch and the clay used by the Four or Doctor Doom — fellows like Galac- Powers” section in the Advanced Set (or Puppet Master. At present, the citadel of tus, Mephisto, the Shaper of Worlds, and the Matter Creation and Mental Enhance- Wundagore is a shattered ruin of twisted the Watcher. To make everything fit, we ment sections of MA3, The Ultimate metal, guarded by one of the High Evolu- dropped one of my favorite “Big Guns,” a Powers Book) with Shift X ability. He may tionary’s minions, the cow-woman Bova. power who has remained dormant for the manipulate nonliving matter with Class The High Evolutionary’s second great past few years and deserves a return: the 1000 ability and living tissue with Unearth- achievement was the creation of a race of High Evolutionary. ly ability. evolved beasts known as the New Men (see the Advanced Set Judge’s Book, page 62). HIGH EVOLUTIONARY™ TALENTS: The High Evolutionary, before Bova was the first of these New Men, and Herbert Edgar Wyndham his transmutation, was a respected geneti- she chose to remain behind when the cist and inventor. These talents are height- majority of the race, raised on the high F Rm (30) Health: 3080 ened to the Class 5000 level by his own ideals of chivalric knighthood, left Earth. A Rm (30) evolutionary modifications upon himself. The New Men have colonized a planet in S Ex (20) Karma: 5000 the Sirius system, named (aptly enough) E Cl 3000 CONTACTS: Many of the High Evolution- Wundagore II. Bova served as the midwife R Cl 1000 Resources: Cl 1000 ary’s allies no longer live, including Adam at the birth of Scarlet Witch and Quicksil- I Cl 1000 Warlock and the inhabitants of Counter- ver, and is currently tending to the mind- P Cl 3000 Popularity: 0 Earth. Other (living) contacts include the shattered Modred the Mystic, who was (100 on New Wundagore) Fantastic Four and Thor, who have often used by Chthon as a pawn. Bova’s stats are aided him. given below: KNOWN POWERS: THE HIGH EVOLUTIONARY’S STORY: F Pr (4) Health: 40 Body armor The High Evolutionary is Herbert Edgar Wyndham first developed a A Ty (6) usually garbed in his distinctive crimson genetic acceleration device at Oxford in S Gd (10) Karma: 30 and silver armor, which combines a num- the 1330s, though his successes were E Ex (20) ber of special features: greeted with anger from those who felt R Gd (10) Resources: Pr * It provides Unearthly protection against Wyndham was meddling in the matters I Gd (10) physical attack; beyond man’s role. Retreating to Wunda- P Gd (10) Popularity: 0 * It provides Shift Z protection against all gore Mountain in the Balkan nation of forms of energy attack, including magical Transia with another scientist, Jonathan The High Evolutionary’s third feat was and psionic energies; Drew (father of Jessica Drew, the first his greatest: the creation of a duplicate * It provides Unearthly regenerative Spider-Woman), Wyndham further planet Earth. This was achieved using powers both for its wearer and the armor improved his genetic accelerator. He then material from the asteroid belt, and as itself, allowing it to “heal” damage inflicted used the accelerator on himself, increasing such the creation was basically unstable, on itself and, if need be, to reconstruct the his abilities to the present level, and but the fact that the High Evolutionary wearer from any remaining genetic code; forged his present suit of armor. could manipulate such large amounts of * Its micro-circuitry automatically spends The High Evolutionary made several matter is a testimony to the power his Karma to prolong and protect the life of landmark achievements in the course of highly evolved form now wields. This its wearer, spending this Karma whether his career. The first was the building of Counter-Earth was placed in orbit at the the wearer wishes it or not (preventing the Citadel of Wundagore, a scientific far side of Earth’s orbit, where it remained the High Evolutionary from being blind- castle of technology unmatched anywhere hidden from most earthly observers. The

Marvel, Marvel Universe, Marvel Super Heroes, and all Marvel characters and character likenesses are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. ©1987 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

72 JUNE 1987 High Evolutionary populated Counter- Earth with duplicate humans, including a Doctor Doom who eventually came to serve good, and a Reed Richards who was transmuted by his rocket flight into an evil, malicious Brute. The hero Adam Warlock (DRAGON® issue #118) served as the High Evolutionary’s minion and ser- vant on Counter-Earth for several years before pursuing his own destiny. While the High Evolutionary was outside his physical form in a godlike trance, Counter-Earth was stolen from its orbit (!) by a group of aliens known as the Pegasu- sians, who were employed by another, greater group of aliens called the Beyond- ers (not to be confused with you-know- who from the Secret Wars). The High Evolutionary, the space-spanning Starhawk, the Thing, Moondragon, and the being known as Her pursued the Pega- susians to stop the theft, but the High Evolutionary, upon learning that the Beyonders were interested in examining his work, agreed to accompany them to their destination with the planet in stasis (including the physical form of the deceased Adam Warlock). The High Evolutionary undoubtedly expected to be greeted as a great and powerful creator by these Beyonders, the high point of human evolution and creativ- ity. Instead, Counter-Earth was placed in an exhibit of “local talent.” Crushed by his inferiority, the High Evolutionary went mad and attempted to commit suicide. His armor, however, had been crafted too well, and it would not let the super- evolved being perish. Finally, the High Evolutionary enraged the Hulk, encourag- ing the green giant to attack him with a strength sufficient to severely damage the repair circuits and letting the High Evolu- tionary decay into a mass of one-celled creatures. The demolition of the High Evolution ary’s armor was not complete, however, and given the restructuring abilities of the suit and the fact it has the High Evolution- ary’s genetic plan, he can eventually be reconstructed. Whether his madness will be cured after this long reflection as a simpler organism or whether Herbert Wyndham will be driven further into madness is as yet unknown.

D RAGON 73 The Marvel®-Phile

To the Moon!

by Jeff Grubb

the are the MARVRL VILLAINS are the ©1986 Group, Industries MEDUSA™

64 OCTOBER 1986 Best-Laid Plans of Mice and Men Depart- characters (in general) will work in your the players of these characters. ment: Three issues back, I penned a de- basic game. A new addition is Contacts. These are scription of the new Advanced Set of the The Basic Abilities are the same as be- people the hero can trust and depend on MARVEL SUPER HEROES® game for inclu- fore, only presented in a tighter fashion for aid, equipment, and money. Contacts sion in this column, which editor Roger and noting in all cases the initial power are always friendly to the hero. For exam- Moore dropped for lack of space. Then I rank number. In the Advanced game, ple, Captain America® does not need to be promptly went on vacation for two weeks advancement and development of the rich if he can call up his friend Nick Fury™ without leaving a column behind, leaving character is more defined and rapid, and to borrow a S.H.I.E.L.D.™ jet-copter. the question hanging for another 30 days. the power rank number reflects that That, in a nutshell, is the sum total of Now, finally, the missing text may be re- definition. obvious differences in the new format. vealed — the explanation behind the The Secondary Abilities are similar. The Advanced Set adds a LOT more in the Advanced method of character presenta- Health and Karma are the summation of way of character generation, new combat, tion (better late than never, but better the physical (FASE) and mental power (RIP) and HQ construction, but that does not never late). rank numbers. Popularity is a number affect the purpose of this column — to At first glance, there is not a lot of dif- value to reflect the popularity of the char- expand the list of heroes and villains for ference between the characteristics of the acter in the Marvel Universe at the time of use in the MARVEL SUPER HEROES game. Original Set and those of the Advanced this writing. Resources has a rank and Now, to tie up another loose end. I’ve Set. This is intentional. In the past few rank number used in Resource FEATS to been promising this particular column to years, the Humble(?) Writer has defined a purchase items. Roger for over a year now; it ties in with pack of the most prominent figures in the Powers and Talents are as before. In the “lunar” series of articles run in the old Marvel Universe®. With new figures ap- addition, Powers may have Power Stunts ARES™ Section two years ago. Since Uatu pearing all the time, old ones changing and listed in their section. A Power Stunt is the Watcher™ is touched on in the growing, and more input becoming availa- made when a hero uses a listed power in a Advanced Set (along some other early ble on existing characters, I have enough new and interesting fashion, such as when lunar visitors — Red Ghost™ and the to keep me and a lot of others busy for Magneto™ uses his magnetic manipulation Fantastic Four®), we’ll delve into the some time. One thing I did not wish to do abilities to control weather to a limited moon’s other “natives” who only recently was to start all over again and retailor degree. Rarely seen Power Stunts, such as arrived there — introducing, for the first everyone we’ve done so far for a new when Angel™ uses the backwash of his time anywhere, the. Uncanny Inhumans™! system. Your Original Set characters will wings to blast a band of Morlocks™, are work in Advanced Set, and your Advanced not listed and are left to be developed by

BOLT™ against physical and energy attacks; CONTACTS: Black Bolt is the ruler of the Blackgar Boltagon l Solidifying particles to form solid ob- Inhumans of Attilan™, presently located in Monarch of the Inhumans jects of up to Monstrous material the Blue Area of the Moon. He is a stead- strength (these constructs have a dura- fast ally of the Fantastic Four as well, and tion of only 1-10 rounds, and Black Bolt has often turned to them for help. F EX (20) Health: 130 will not be able to use his manipulative A IN (40) powers for 1-10 rounds afterwards); BACKGROUND: Blackagar Boltagon is

S RM (30) Karma: 60 l Detecting electromagnetic signals with the son of two of Attilan’s top geneticists, E IN (40) Monstrous ability; Agon and Rynda, and was subjected to

R EX (20) Resources: MN (75) l Using ECMs (Electronic Counter-Mea- Terrigen Mists as an embryo (most I EX (20) sures) with Monstrous ability and range; Inhumans are exposed to the gas as chil- P EX (20) Popularity: 15 (95 and, dren, or do not take the mist until they among Inhumans) l Flying at Monstrous speeds (450 mph, reach the age of majority — 31). The muta- or 30 areas in a single round in clear genic chemicals of the gas gave Blackagar KNOWN POWERS: space, 9 areas per round in areas filled powers far beyond the norm of most with buildings). Inhumans, but with those powers came Particle Manipulation: Black Bolt’s super- his uncontrollable sonic scream. Kept in human powers derive from his ability to LIMITATION: Black Bolt’s energy powers soundproof isolation to protect the com- harness, control, and manipulate ambient are tied to his brain’s speech center and munity, Black Bolt was taught to control electron particles. This ability originates in his vocal chords. This has unpleasant side his powers, and joined Attilan society only the speech center of Black Bolt’s brain (see effects in that his merest whisper has the when he was 19. limitations below). The manipulation is at effect of a Shift Y force attack on every- Upon earning his freedom, Black Bolt the Unearthly rank. Black Bolt has used thing within 10 areas, speaking conversa- discovered his brother Maximus™ was this manipulation ability in a number of tionally results in a Shift Z attack within betraying his race to the alien Kree™ . In discrete Power Stunts, including: 20 areas, and screaming causes a Class stopping the Kree with his sonic powers, l Enhancing his own strength to the 1000 force attack affecting everything Black Bolt caused a Kree ship to crash into Monstrous level (this has no effect on within a 50-area radius centered on Black Attilan’s parliament building, killing his Health, and Black Bolt may engage in no Bolt. A player running Black Bolt may parents. His voice’s powers affected his other manipulative abilities while doing therefore not communicate with other brother Maximus as well. Despite silent so); players (which would have disastrous protests, Black Bolt accepted leadership of l Channeling all energy into a “Master results in a city), but may indicate actions the Inhumans. Blow,” which inflicts Unearthly damage normally to the Judge (which should not During Black Bolt’s rule, Attilan has been but leaves Black Bolt unable to use any trigger this limitation, unless those actions moved twice, finally being relocated on manipulative abilities for 1-10 rounds involve verbal communication from Black the Moon. Black Bolt has led his people in afterwards; bolt). See the notes under Medusa™ , numerous battles against the Kree, his l Firing bolts of electron force of up to below. mad younger brother, and other foes. Monstrous damage and range; After a traditionally lengthy period of l Projecting a force field up to one area in TALENTS: Black Bolt has the Leadership betrothal, Black Bolt married Medusalith size, of Monstrous rank protection Talent. Amaquelin™, better known as Medusa.

DRAGON 65 which applies to her use of her hair as crash. Her super-human powers were MEDUSA™ well as standard combat. She communi- noted by the criminal known as the Medusalith Amaquelin cates with Black Bolt by means of a special Wizard™, who recruited “Madam Medusa” Queen of Attilan sign language the two of them have devel- with Sandman™ and Paste-Pot Pete” (later oped. (In game terms, this means the Black known as Trapster™) to form the Frightful F RM (30) Health: 110 Bolt may communicate with other charac- Four. As a member of the Frightful Four, A RM (30) ters if Medusa is present, at a delay of one Medusa fought the Fantastic Four on a S EX (20) Karma: 70 round.) number of occasions. Finally, Black Bolt E RM (30) found Medusa and restored her memory, R GD (10) Resources: EX (20) CONTACTS: Medusa is Queen of the and she left her criminal companions. I RM (30) Inhumans of Attilan. She is a former mem- Since that time, Medusa has served P RM (30) Popularity 15 (90 among ber in good standing of the Fantastic Four, alongside her liege, save for two occasions: Inhumans) and a former member, not in good stand- once when filling in for the Invisible Girl™ ing, of the Frightful Four™ (this is a former in the Fantastic Four, and once when KNOWN POWERS: Contact that no longer applies to current kidnapped by the criminal Enclave™. She campaigns). recently wed Black Bolt, and the couple is Manipulative Hair: Medusa has the ability expecting a child at this writing. to psychokincically manipulate the BACKGROUND: Medusalith Amaquelin is strands of her hair. This hair is far the daughter of Inhuman nutritionists stronger than normal hair and is treated Quelin and Amber, and is second cousin to as Incredible material strength. Using her Black Bolt; therefore, she was considered MAXIMUS™ hair, Medusa may perform the following one of the Royal Family before her mar- Real name unrevealed FEATS: riage to him. Medusa’s parents elected to l Manipulate objects at a distance of up to expose her to Terrigen Mist while she was F GD (10) Health: 70 12’ with Incredible Agility; still an infant, with the resulting alteration A GD (10) l Lift objects with Remarkable Strength; to her hair and addition of mental abilities S EX (20) Karma: 80 l Bind opponents (with Remarkable to control it. When young, she began E RM (30) Strength) as a grappling attack; visiting the young Black Bolt in his confine- R IN (40) Resources: IN (40) l Strike out as a whip for Excellent dam- ment, and it was at this time the two de- I GD (10) age, up to 12’ away; veloped their special sign language. P RM (30) Popularity: -20 l Rotate as a fan to generate winds of Following his release into Attilan society Excellent intensity; and, and his rise to the throne, Medusa served KNOWN POWERS: l Climb surfaces with sufficient hand- as Royal Interpreter. holds at a rate of 2 areas/round. When Maximus overthrew Black Bolt in Mental Domination: Maximus possesses Attilan’s first civil war in millenia, Medusa the ability to override the thought proc- TALENTS: Medusa has Martial Arts C, fled the city but lost her memory in an air esses of other minds around him. The

BLACK BOLT™ MAXIMUS™ CRYSTALTM

66 OCTOBER 1986 level of this ability has varied over the l An “Atmo-Gun” designed to wipe hu- is driven by a desire to rule the Inhumans, years and is presently set at the Incredible manity off the face of the Earth (it did a hatred of his brother, and a frustrated rank. Maximus has used his power in the not work), now modified to surround love for Medusa, his brother’s wife. He is following FEATS: Attilan with a Shift X force field; currently in solitary confinement in Atti- l Numbing the minds of others to his l Hypno-potions and a hypno-gun that lan, planning his sixth attempt to take the presence, allowing him to be “invisible” deaden the will of targets by up to four throne away from his elder brother. to organic minds (range of one area); ranks reduction in Psyche (Psyches l Inflicting amnesia on one target (must dropped below Feeble cause the victim get a red result); to be subject to verbal control without CRYSTAL™ l Commanding all minds in a single area use of mental domination powers); Crystalia Amaquelin Maximoff (this may only be a simple command, l An Android (Omega™) powered by the and only one command may be made at collective guilt felt by the Inhumans for F GD (10) Health: 60 a time); their Alpha Primitive slaves; and, A EX (20) l Commanding a single mind in this fash- l Meteoroid launchers on the Moon S GD (10) Karma: 26 ion, up to one area away; and, (aided by the Enclave) to be used to E EX (20) l Switching consciousnesses (as in the blackmail Earth. R GD (10) Resources: EX (20) Transferral power). I GD (10) The duration of most of these effects are BACK GROUND: Maximus is the younger P TY (6) Popularity: 15 (80 for as long as Maximus concentrates on brother of Black Bolt and was exposed to among Inhuman) them. The effects of the amnesia are for Terrigen Mists as an infant. The mist had l-10 days after the effect, and may be no visible effect, but gifted Maximus with KNOWN POWERS: removed by sudden trauma or familiar powers of mental domination. Jealous of surroundings. his brother, Maximus conspired with the Elemental Control: Crystal can mentally alien Kree to deliver the Inhumans into control the four classical “elements” (fire, CONTACTS: Maximus has often sought their hands. In stopping the Kree ship, water, earth, and air) by manipulating the out support from others, including the Black Bolt used, his quasi-sonic powers, molecules of those “elements.” She does alien Kree and the human criminal scien- inadvertently slaying his parents and this with Monstrous power-rank ability tists known as the Enclave. driving Maximus insane, suppressing his and can maintain a particular effect for up mental abilities. to an hour before mental fatigue forces TALENTS: Maximus is a genius, with skill In the time since Black Bolt became ruler her to stop. Crystal has used her power to in genetics, physics, and engineering. He of Attilan, Maximus has usurped the generate a number of Power Stunts, in- has created a number of devices and be- power of the throne no less than five cluding: ings, including: times, ruling from several years to only a l Generating fire within five areas, of l The three energy beings known as the few days each time. Maximus has sought Excellent intensity;

Trikon™, from the Alpha Primitive™ allies among Inhumans, human, and alien l Dousing fires within five areas with slaves of the Inhumans; criminals in order to carry out his plan. He Remarkable ability;

GORGON™ KARNAK™ TRITON™

DRAGON 67 ● Maintaining Remarkable weather con- with Storm, eventually marrying Quicksil- CONTACTS: Gorgon is a member of the trol, being able to generate rain, fog, ver. Royal Family of Attilan, in addition to and heat at the Remarkable level; With the Inhumans’ move to the moon, being that city’s administrator.

● Moving up to one area of water up to Crystal gave birth to Luna™, a child with 20’ deep one area per turn, up to six no apparent mutant or Inhuman traits. BACKGROUND: Gorgon, as was common areas away; Despite the birth of their child, Quicksilver in the present generation of the Royal

● Moving earth with Monstrous ability, and Crystal’s marriage began to deterio- Family, was exposed to Terrigen Mists at creating earthquakes of Monstrous rate, completely disintegrating when an early age, giving him his present ap- intensity, setting up Tremors of up to Crystal had a love affair with ‘a human pearance and powers. He was forced to Amazing intensity, and causing the who was a neighbor of the Vision and flee Attilan when Maximus plunged the ground to shatter, firing stones as mis- Scarlet Witch. Once the affair was ex- Inhumans into civil war, a war that sile weapons for Incredible damage up posed, Quicksilver’s mind went over the claimed the lives of both Gorgon’s parents. to 10 areas away; edge, and he is seeking revenge against all With the rest of the Inhuman Royal Family

● Generating winds of up to Remarkable of those that he feels have wronged him. in exile, he sought out Medusa, and, once intensity; and, Crystal is recovering on the Moon from reunited, returned to Attilan with the FF

● Generating a firestorm of up to six areas prolonged exposure to Earthly pollutants and restored his cousin Black Bolt to the across and Amazing damage. at this writing. throne. Gorgon is sometimes impulsive, strong-willed, and bull-headed, but is one of Black Bolt’s most valuable and trusted LIMITATION: All Inhumans are to some GORGON™ advisors. degree vulnerable to air pollution, Crystal Real name unrevealed more so than most. To make matters worse, she has built up an immunity to the F RM (30) Health: 120 drug that allowed Inhumans to journey A GD (10) KARNAK™ into the polluted world. When on Earth, S RM (30) Karma: 26 Real name unrevealed Crystal must make a daily Endurance E AM (50) FEAT for the effects of pollution — green R TY (6) Resources: EX (20) F AM (50) Health: 130 for the first week, yellow for the second, I GD (10) A EX (20) and red for all succeeding weeks. This P GD (10) Popularity: 6 (80 among S RM (30) Karma: 60 assumes the medication is used; otherwise, Inhumans) E RM (30) red FEATS are required. For every failed R GD (10) Resources: EX (20) FEAT, Crystal’s physical abilities are KNOWN POWERS: I RM (30) dropped by one rank. Should any ability P EX (20) Popularity: 9 (80 among drop beneath Feeble, she will collapse. Mutated legs and feet: Gorgon’s super- Inhumans) Exposure to pure air allows her to regain human powers involve the Terrigen-pro- lost Endurance ranks at normal time (this duced mutation of his lower body. KNOWN POWERS: includes the air within the Blue Area of Gorgon’s legs are heavily muscled, and the Moon). instead of feet the Inhuman has hooves. Body Control: Karnak has conditioned his His legs are further mutated so that he already superior physical form to its ulti- TALENTS: Crystal’s ability with First Aid may generate an intense pulse of kinetic mate Inhuman levels. He has voluntary has been noted in her attempts to nurse energy. This pulse must be consciously control over the involuntary bodily sys- sick heroes back to health. willed, and takes place the round after it is tems, and can regulate his heartbeat, called upon. The pulse must be used once breathing, and rate of bleeding with In- CONTACTS: Crystal is a member of the it is invoked (there may be cases in which credible ability. He gains a + 1 CS in all Royal Family of the Inhumans, and a Gorgon’s strike takes place after the time Endurance FEATS involving poisons and former member of the Fantastic Four. She at which it would do the most good). The knock-out gases, and heals at a rate of one is not, at this writing, on good terms with effects of this mutation in game terms are Endurance rank higher than normal. her husband Quicksilver™ nor with her as follows: Finally, Karnak‘s hands and feet are tough husbands family (Scarlet Witch™, Vision™, l Gorgon is treated as if he has Monstrous enough to allow him to rend up to and Magneto). Endurance for purposes of slams, stuns, Amazing material strengths. or being knocked off his feet in combat.

BACKGROUND: Crystal is the younger l Gorgon has a specialized form of body Detect Weakness: Through mental disci- sister of Medusa, and was exposed to armor when falls are concerned. If pline, Karnak can trace the stress points in Terrigen Mists when a child. She went into Gorgon lands on his feet — the usual structures and weak points in the anatomy exile with the rest of the Royal Family case unless restrained, as he has a low of living beings. This gives him the follow- when Maximus first took over Attilan and center of gravity — treat Gorgon as ing powers: joined her kinsmen in searching for the having Amazing body armor. Those l Karnak may affect materials of up to missing Medusa, finally finding her with carried by Gorgon in such a fall are Unearthly material strength, provided the Fantastic Four. In that reunion, Crystal similarly protected. he makes a successful Psyche FEAT roll met Johnny Storm™, the Human Torch™, l Gorgon’s strength is Amazing when and studies the area for at least one and began a romantic relationship with using his kinetic pulse generation, ei- round. Any attacks on such material are the young hero. ther against a material strength (such as resolved on the Unearthly column. Crystal served as a member of the FF a door) or as a shockwave attack (with a l Karnak may stun and slam opponents of when Sue Richards™ left the team to give range of two areas. Note that no dam- greater Endurance than his Strength, birth to Franklin, but was forced to return age is inflicted by a shockwave attack, and may ignore the effects of the Body to Attilan when she was found to suffer though stun and slam effects still take Armor, if a similar Psyche FEAT is made. from the polluted urban air. It was en effect. route to her home that Crystal encoun- TALENTS: Karnak has Martial Arts A, B, tered the wounded mutant known as TALENTS: Despite his burley appearance, C, D, and E. He may enter a Trance state, Quicksilver and brought him back to Atti- Gorgon is the Royal Administrator of and he lists his occupation as philosopher, lan. The mutant and Inhuman fell in love, Attilan. His Reason is Good in dealing with being extremely knowledgeable in fighting and Crystal broke off her relationship all bureaucracies. techniques.

68 OCTOBER 1986 CONTACTS: Karnak is a member of the KNOWN POWERS: Water-Breathing Harness: This device Royal Family of the Inhumans. allows Triton to breath in air with no ill Underwater adaptations: Triton has a effects, by pumping condensed moisture BACKGROUND: Of the Inhumans listed number of adaptations that aid in his over his gills. This device has Good mate- here, Karnak is the only one who has not underwater life, including: rial strength. been exposed to the Terrigen Mists. He is l Water breathing (Triton can breath the brother of Triton, and after seeing the water indefinitely, but see the limitation TALENTS: Triton is a master of underwa- effects of the mist on his brother, Karnak’s below); ter combat, and suffers no negative shifts parents decided to raise their second son l Swimming (Triton can maintain a maxi- from fighting underwater. without benefit of the mist. mum speed of 40 mph — Typical speed, As a result, Karnak has endeavored to 3 areas/round — without checking for CONTACTS: Triton is a member of the raise his own abilities through study, medi- exhaustion); Royal Family of Attilan. tation, and practice. He has often worried l Good-intensity Resistance to Cold, allow- about his ability to carry his share of the ing him to withstand the ocean depths; BACKGROUND: Triton is the elder weight around the other Inhumans, de- and, brother of Karnak, and was exposed to the spite his incredible powers. Karnak is l Unlimited vision underwater. Terrigen Mists at an early age. Due to his often found in the company of his cousin limitations, he was employed as a scout Gorgon. LIMITATION: Triton must have water to when Attilan was still located in the Atlan- breathe. Out of water and without his tic Ocean, but is more restricted now that breathing harness, Triton can only stand the Inhuman’s city is located on the Moon 15 rounds before making an Endurance (there are waterways in the Blue Area of FEAT to remain conscious. Each round the Moon built by the Kree). Triton has TRITON™ afterwards, the Inhuman must make an- often had adventures outside the Royal Real name unrevealed other FEAT to remain conscious. Circum- Family, owing to his radically different stances determine the intensity of this requirements. F GD (10) Health: 110 FEAT; being trapped under sun lamps A RM (30) would be a Red FEAT, walking in a foggy S RM (30) Karma: 30 evening a Green FEAT, and having normal Final notes E IN (40) condition a Yellow FEAT In addition, Tri- As noted in Crystal’s entry, Inhumans R GD (10) Resources: EX (20) ton loses a point of Health for every round are more vulnerable to disease and its I GD (10) he spends out of water. This damage is effects than ordinary humans. All FEATS P GD (10) Popularity: 6 (80 among healed upon re-entering water or restor- made by Inhuman characters against Inhumans) ing his harness. disease are at -2 CS for resolving effects.

likenesses the 1986

70 OCTOBER 1986 All Marvel characters, their likenesses, and MARVEL SUPER HEROES are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Group. ©1985 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries. All Rights Reserved. About a month back I received a letter time fans of the golden avenger know Space Armor, the Stealth Armor, and the from Mr. David D’Agnolo of that Iron Man has often pulled quite a new/old suit that Tony has recently Nacogdoches, Texas. David sent in a few technological rabbits out of his hat come up with. To make a long matter battery of questions on his favorite over the years, functions of the armor short, I ended up with much more mate- armored hero, Iron Man™, noting vari- that have never been mentioned until rial than Roger had room. For this rea- ous issues where Shell-head used some they are needed on a mission. Some are son, I’ve broken the article down into device that was not listed in our official armor modifications that have since two smaller ones. The first article pro- stats. been removed to make room for newer vides the stats for the two current occu- This got me to thinking. To date, our modifications, while other devices have pants of the armor, Tony Stark and Jim descriptions of Iron Man have been been retained for long periods of time. Rhodes, and the “full” stats on the Iron limited by the space available in the Since I am an Iron Man fan, I sat down Man suit with which most people are modules (MH-Special, Secret Wars™, and with my back issues (by no means a full familiar. The next article will cover the ever-popular MH AC 2, Avengers™ set) and dug into Iron Man’s past, find- Tony’s new armor, such variations as the Assembled!), and have been based upon ing all the major equipment he has used Stealth and Space Armors, and the story Shell-head’s entry in the Official Hand- on more than one occasion. I also behind the Iron Man armor itself. book of the Marvel Universe™. Long- located information on other suits: the Ladies and gents, the Invincible Iron Man.

D RAGON 77 JAMES “RHODEY” RHODES™ Soldier, pilot, mercenary Fighting: GOOD (10) Agility: GOOD (10) Strength: TYPICAL (6) Endurance: TYPICAL (6) Reason: GOOD (10) Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Health: 32 Karma: 36 Resources: TYPICAL Popularity: 5 Talents: Pilot and navigation Rhodey was given the Iron Man armor by Tony, and is the current possessor of the gold and red suit listed below.

TONY STARK™ Inventor, businessman Fighting: TYPICAL (6) Agility: TYPICAL (6) Strength: POOR (4) Endurance: TYPICAL (6) Reason: INCREDIBLE (40) Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) Health: 22 Karma: 66 Resources: GOOD Popularity: 19 Talents: Engineering, business, and electronics Tony is the original inventor of the Iron Man armor, and served as Iron Man for several years before passing on the suit to James Rhodes. He is a reformed alcoholic and is subject to the rules on FLIGHT: The suit is equipped with gyro- alcohol and drug abuse given in the stabilized boot-jets and can reach Mon- Marvel-Phile in DRAGON® Magazine strous speeds. The boot-jets have been issue #91. used in the past as weapons, doing Incredible slugfest damage to one target in the same area as the wearer. IRON MAN™ ARMOR REPULSORS: The main weaponry in As worn by James Rhodes Iron Man’s arsenal, these medium- density plasma projectors can inflict, Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) within a range of 10 areas, up to Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Amazing damage. The repulsors may be Strength: INCREDIBLE (40) fired at separate targets (requiring a Endurance: MONSTROUS (75) Yellow Agility FEAT to hit), but if both Reason: GOOD (10) are directed at one target, they may not Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) inflict more than Amazing damage. Psyche: TYPICAL (6) UNIBEAM: The high-intensity lamp Health: 155 mounted in the center of Iron Man’s Unearthly resistance to radiation and chest allows Iron Man to illuminate an Known Powers: Remarkable resistance to heat, cold, and area up to three areas away in normal BODY ARMOR: Rhodey’s suit provides acid. The armor also has Unearthly darkness. The light can also blind an Amazing protection from physical dam- resistance to electrical attacks and can unsuspecting opponent for 1-10 rounds. age and most energy attacks; and it has absorb them (see below). (The target must make a successful

78 MARCH 1985 Endurance FEAT to avoid blindness.) Amazing damage to everyone within modification made soon after Justin Finally, the beam can be narrowed to those areas (requiring an Endurance Hammer overrode Stark’s control and create a laser capable of inflicting FEAT to avoid being Stunned for 1-10 caused the suit to kill an innocent Incredible damage with a 3-area range. rounds; allow column shifts for charac- bystander. In this mode, it is used as a backup for ters with proper protection or who are his repulsors. The Unibeam also can also hearing-impaired, such as Hawkeye™). REVERSE MAGNETISM: The oldest of project ultraviolet and infrared light. Iron Man’s tricks, it is not used as often TRACTOR BEAM: The armor has a small now as it was earlier in his career. Iron AIR SUPPLY: When sealed, the armor tractor beam capable of lifting objects Man has such Incredible control over contains enough air for 2 hours either up to 400 lbs. (Good Strength) at a range magnetism that he can pull guns out of underwater or in total vacuum. of 1 area. people’s hands or reverse the course of thrown metallic objects. (Treat the FIRE EXTINGUISHER: The armor can NIGHTVISION LENS: A recent addition, reversed object as a thrown object, spray foam within one area. This foam the nightvision lens allows Iron Man to using Iron Man’s Agility.) reduces fire damage by a Remarkable see in normal darkness up to three areas degree. away. ROLLER SKATES: Iron Man can reach Excellent speeds by means of a set of ENERGY ABSORPTION: The armor can SENSORS: Rhodey’s suit is equipped with skates that he uses in level, enclosed absorb up to an Unearthly amount of combined radar, sonar, and heat detec- areas. electrical energy in one round, with no tors that allow him to detect invisible or ill effect on the wearer. The storage camouflaged opponents up to ten areas EYE PROTECTION: The suit has polar- pods in the suit will function for three away. In addition, Iron Man can track ized eye-shields that provide Monstrous rounds while absorbing such Unearthly individuals by their vital life signs and protection from being blinded. These energies before overloading and explod- unusual energy readings up to ten miles shields drop into place should the ambi- ing for Monstrous damage. The electri- away. ent light level rise to a damaging level. cal energy can be redirected through FREON TABLETS: Mounted in each This sudden polarization does cause 1 the repulsors, inflicting up to Monstrous epaulet of Iron Man’s armor are dis- round of blindness for the wearer, until damage in this manner. The armor is not pensers of super-cooled tablets of freon his eyes have adjusted to the sudden designed to absorb other forms of gas. These tablets have such a short darkness. energy, but can be modified to do so. range that they are only effective in IMAGE PROJECTOR: The armor can (This requires a Reason of Incredible to close contact (i.e., when Iron Man has perform the modifications.) create as many as a dozen visual dupli- his opponent in a wrestling hold). The cates of Iron Man at one time. All images OVERRIDE: Iron Man can remove the tablets do Monstrous cold damage to the are perfect visual matches: their actions armor’s safety interfaces to channel all target. Tony has in the past used these will duplicate those of the true Iron his power into giving him Unearthly tablets on non-living attackers, as they Man, and Iron Man’s voice will seem to strength or Unearthly repulsor damage. freeze robotic machinery. (An Endur- come from all of them. Any ranged Following each round that he does this, ance FEAT is required to avoid this.) attacks directed against him will hit however, make a Yellow FEAT roll on the MULTI-BAND RADIO: Mounted inside either Iron Man or an illusionary target Shift 0 column, with failure indicating Iron Man’s helmet, this radio allows him (chosen at random). Only after the tar- that the armor is immobilized by fused to monitor AM/FM, short save, CB, and get is hit can it be seen as an illusion. circuitry and must be repaired. navigation bands within a 200-mile area, Radar, scent, or detection of life energies as well as contact his support team will reveal the true Iron Man. ENERGY PODS: Iron Man stores his excess energy in two disc-like pods, one (Morely and Cly) on a private wave- DIGGING ABILITY: Iron Man has used on either side of his waist. These pods length that is known to S.H.I.E.L.D.™ several earth-moving attachments over (See the article on this organization in can be detached, though they are still ® the years, including rotating-stud gloves connected to the armor by their cables. DRAGON issue #94.) The radio can also and a hand-held, earth-boring device. They can be used to create a broad- tie in with satellite and computer net- These devices allow Iron Man to move works, and has an emergency beeper spectrum induction field that acts as a through the earth at Good speed. that can be tracked within 200 miles. Remarkable-strength force field within Rhodey’s suit has these modifications, his area, and they can also overload SONIC DISTORTER: This mechanism, but he has not used them to date. electronic machinery with their variable installed in the helmet, cuts out the high BRIEFCASE: This suit of armor can be fields. Iron Man can overload normal and low frequencies of the wearer’s folded to fit conveniently into a specially electronics by making a Green FEAT roll. voice, distorting the user’s voice suffi- constructed briefcase when not in use. Machinery with an endurance rank ciently to make other people unaware of The case itself in made of Incredible (including robots and battle suits) must who is occupying the armor. (This is strength material, with thumbprint make an Endurance FEAT. Finally, the why even close friends of Iron Man such locks (keyed to Stark and Rhodes) of pods may be fully disconnected from the as the Avengers™ were unaware of the Amazing complexity. Failure to use the armor and thrown for up to five areas, change from Tony to Rhodey.) locks properly will result in the case exploding for Amazing damage. For exploding for Amazing damage in one each of the two pods thrown, Iron Man’s ELECTRONIC COUNTER MEASURES (ECM): The standard suit possesses such area, destroying the interior circuits of Strength, Endurance, and Damage from the armor and rendering it useless. other attacks drop one rank until the Good quality ECM that standard radar pods are replaced. will not usually detect Iron Man when the system is engaged. In addition, his Next time: Space Armor, Stealth SONIC ATTACK: Iron Man can project circuitry has Monstrous protection from Armor, the newest Iron Man, and Iron sound waves up to 3 areas, inflicting being overidden by external signals — a Man’s story.

80 MARCH 1985 by Steven E. Schend T HE MARVEL®-PHILE From within the lands of Doom

By now, the Lands of DR. DOOM™ boxed set for the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ game should be out on the shelves at your local game and comic-book stores. As with many of our projects, there is not always room for every last little detail that we’d like to put into our products; there’s only so much we can fit into a box! This month, I’ve compiled material I had to edit out of this boxed set for space considerations—a few random bits of technology that wouldn’t fit into the catalog of Doom’s gadgets—and now present it to you, the readers of DRAGON® Magazine. Even though Dr. Doom made these gad- gets, and the “Availability” section with each item tells you where the item can be found and in what quantities, there is no reason you can’t pick up these items and use them for your own high-tech villains. Even better, perhaps the villains in your campaign gained the items by stealing them from Dr. Doom himself. This could lead to interesting encounters if your master villains come to the players’ heroes for protection from the Lord of Latveria.

Anesthetic nose plugs These small devices are very basic in design and equally so in effect. When inserted in the nasal passages of a human or other oxygen-breathing creature, the plugs allow air to pass through them but introduce a strong knock-out gas into the air flow, keeping the victim unconscious. Powers: Knock-Out Gas. The nose plugs release an Incredible (40) Intensity knock- out drug into the nasal passages of the victim. When first inserted, a conscious victim can make an Endurance FEAT roll against the intensity of the gas to resist its effects, continuing the Endurance FEAT rolls each round until failure indicates unconsciousness. The victim will awaken 1-3 rounds after the plugs are removed. First appearance: FANTASTIC FOUR #352. Material strength: Poor (4). Tech rank: Incredible (40). Availability: It is very likely that Doctor Doom has at least 10 functional sets of these nose plugs within Castle Doom. TM Color by Stephen D. Sullivan DRAGON 81 Deflection staff rapidly fluctuating in size or shape as their armor. Extremely effective against cyborgs This 6’-long metal quarterstaff is filled powers are scrambled for 4-40 rounds. and robots, the condenser (incorporated with circuitry allowing it to absorb the Endurance FEAT rolls can be made against into one of Doom’s gauntlets) uses metal most punishing blow without breaking. It the Amazing Intensity of the energy, and and electrical systems against its victims, has never been used by Dr. Doom, though success allows the player to reduce the causing extreme pain and disruption. its capabilities as a defensive weapon are time of the effect by 1d10 rounds (mini- Powers: Quark Destabilizing Pulse. By tremendous. mum of one round of effect). somehow harnessing a fraction of the Powers: Force Absorption/Deflection. First appearance: FANTASTIC FOUR #352. binding energies of atomic nuclei and any The staff is designed to absorb up to an Material strength: Excellent (20). free energies around or in the target, this Unearthly (100) amount of physical or Tech rank: Monstrous (75). weapon causes variable damage to its Force damage directed against it, deflect- Availability: Doom has tried to use this targets. Against normal, nonpowered ing such damage away from the wielder of item on only one occasion, but he has beings, this beam causes Amazing (50) the staff. If the wielder can succeed at an constructed three working models. One Energy damage. Any targets with innate Agility FEAT roll (Yellow or Red result model of the entropic inducer is kept in physical (but not mental) powers must add needed), he can also successfully deflect a each of his castles (Castle Doom in Doom- their highest power rank to the Amazing distance Force attack. The staff itself is stadt, the capital of Latveria; the Citadel of damage. For example, the pulse adds Un- powerless, fueling its circuitry by absorb- Doom in southeastern Latveria; and the earthly damage to this amount (Shift X ing the kinetic energy directed against it. Fortress of Doom in New York state). (150) total) when used against the Hulk by Limitation: Due to the kinetic energy harnessing some of the energy from the absorbing properties of its circuitry and Null-time sequencer Hulks strength. For any armored, robotic, makeup, the deflection staff is useless as Though Dr. Doom has developed his or cybernetic target, add the highest an offensive weapon. It absorbs any dam- own methods and mechanisms for time power rank to the damage as above, but a age it might do to an opponent, dealing travel, the null-time sequencer is the de- Red Endurance FEAT roll is needed to only Feeble (2) Blunt damage regardless of sign of some other inventor from outside prevent paralysis of the mechanical sys- the strength of the wielder. the known universe. During Dr. Doom’s tems for 2-20 rounds (White or Green First appearance: FANTASTIC FOUR #352. undocumented jaunts through other di- results on this FEAT roll signify permanent Material strength: Incredible (40). mensions and times, he “acquired” these dysfunction or destruction of specific Tech rank: Monstrous (75). mechanisms to study. Used for a short system; Yellow or Red results equal suc- Availability: The only working model of length of time in a duel against Mister cess). Iron Man’s armor would take Shift X this item exists in Dr. Doom’s personal Fantastic, the null-time sequencers (150) damage from the pulse, and he armory in Castle Doom. There are rumors brought Doom to the attention of the Time would need to make the Endurance FEAT that Doom is adapting the design of the Variance Authority (TVA). roll to save his armor from destruction. staff, allowing it to absorb force and redi- Powers: Time Travel. A null-time se- First appearance: FANTASTIC FOUR #352. rect it on contact with a target, though quencer allows the wearer to shift Material strength: Incredible (40). this is idle speculation. through time and temporarily inhabit Tech rank: Shift Y (300). space “outside” of time. The sequencers Availability: There was only one working Entropic inducer operate at Amazing (50) efficiency, allow- model of the condenser, and it was placed Developed recently during Dr. Doom’s ing the wearer up to five rounds of activi- in the mock-up promethium armor worn exile, this bulky pistol resembles the stand- ty outside of the current flow of time. The by Kristoff at the end of Doom’s time-duel. ard blaster Doom carries in his belt hol- longest jump through time allowable with Planning to sacrifice Kristoff and the ar- ster. Its ability to scramble nervous-system a null-time sequencer is a little over one mor to the TVA, Doom certainly has blue- impulses is effective against nearly any hour into the past or the future. Note that prints for the construction of another living creature, though its most lethal uses the null-time sequencers do not move the (though whether this is one of his own are saved for the hated Reed Richards’ wearer through space, only time; wielders designs or something stolen from another elastic form (“My entropic inducer will seem to teleport by shifting outside time time or place is unknown) hidden in his rearrange your body structure to a state and moving to the desired location (seem- library or lab in Castle Doom. of maximum disorganization!“). ingly instantaneously). Powers: Nerve Scramble Effect. With a First appearance: FANTASTIC FOUR #352. Next month, I’ll cover yet another corner range of four areas, the entropic inducer Material strength: Excellent (20). of the MARVEL UNIVERSE™, but I’ll con- shoots a blast that effectively overloads Tech rank: Shift Y (200). tinue to add in bits and pieces of Dr. the victim’s nervous system. The highly Availability: Doom used a pair of null- Doom’s technology and other sundries to specialized energy beam acts as an time sequencers in his duel against Reed spice up everyone’s game campaigns. Keep Amazing (50) Energy attack in terms of Richards, though Doom’s was worn at the sending your comments to: The MARVEL- body armor or energy resistances, and it end of the battle by a disguised Kristoff. Phile, DRAGON Magazine, P.O. Box 111, cannot be absorbed by artificial or natural The sequencer worn by Mister Fantastic Lake Geneva WI 53147, U.S.A. We’d like to powers without taking effect (e.g., Iron was impounded by the TVA. Doom de- know your thoughts on the current direc- Man cannot absorb this energy to power stroyed the only remaining time sequencer tion of the column and the MARVEL his armor without scrambling his armor’s to avoid detection and interference by the SUPER HEROES game line in general. circuits.). TVA. It is highly probable that Doom at The energy causes the victim to suffer least created a set of blueprints or plans to The MARVEL-Phile's Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Incredible (40) Energy damage and to lose gain knowledge of alternate time-travel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. control over all voluntary muscles, making technology. Copyright ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights him fall and be effectively immobilized. Reserved. Due to the nerve scrambling, the victim’s Quark instability condenser muscles are overloaded with stimuli and Touted by Doom as his promethium do not respond to normal control for 2-20 armor’s most powerful weapon, the quark rounds. Victims with any Elongation or instability condenser was developed after Size Manipulation powers find their bodies Doom left Otherplace with his magic-based

82 JUNE 1992 by Warren Spector

Everybody loves the ever-lovin’, blue- eyed Thing, also known as Benjamin J. Grimm, Bashful Benjamin, or good ol’ Benji. He was one of Marvel Comics’ first and best characters, introduced back in the good ol’ Stan and Jack days as one of the strongest creatures ever to walk the face of the Earth. But, like every other memorable Marvel character since, his superpowers never overshadowed his basic humanity. He may have been a rocky, orange-skinned nightmare creature, but he was always, above all, a man. For years, the best writers in comics plumbed the depths of Ben Grimm’s soul, poking, probing, investigating this man CopyrIght ©1987 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Marvel, and all Marvel characters’ names and trapped in the body of a monster. The likenesses, are trademarks of the Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. Thing appeared in book after book, story

82 N OVEMBER 1987 epiphanic moment — all the Thing could star of a different sort. A real egghead, do was punch. I was trying to come up Ben called him; a stick-in-the-mud. Despite with a brilliant, daring new story about a their differences, Ben and Reed became character who doesn’t think (much), the best of friends. One day, Reed told doesn’t use weapons or equipment (which Grimm his greatest dream — he wanted to would have lent a little variety to the build a spaceship capable of taking man- inevitable fight scenes), and has no arch- kind to the stars. Ben jokingly offered to villains to call his own. pilot the ship for him. As an adventure gamebook hero, the After graduation, Grimm became an Air Thing was shaping up to be a bust. Then, Force fighter pilot, then an ace test pilot. it hit me: The Thing as we knew him, in Reed became a research scientist, working this world, was one-dimensional, but the to make his dream of spaceflight a reality. character always seemed to to have hid- Finally, the dream came true. Reed had den depths. Why, for example, did he act developed a rocket ship capable of travel- like an idiot all the time? Here’s a college ing through outer space and, remember- graduate, ace test pilot, and rocket jockey ing Ben’s promise, asked him to pilot the talking like a grade-school dropout. How ship on its maiden flight. That’s when come? Were there circumstances that things got complicated. The government could force Ben Grimm to use his head wouldn’t allow Reed to go up in the ship rather than his muscles? he had designed, so Reed planned a secret And that was just the beginning. I got to test flight of his own. thinking about how Ben Grimm’s life might It was a fateful decision — one that have changed if fate had dealt him a slight- changed the course of Ben Grimm’s life ly different hand. Before I knew it, I was and, some would say, of human history. playing “What If?” in the finest Marvel One night, Grimm, Reed Richards, Sue Comics tradition. Not long after, with some Storm (soon to become Reed’s wife), and help from Allen Varney and my wife, Johnny Storm (Sue’s teenaged brother) Caroline, I had my adventure gamebook, crept aboard the spaceship and took off! One Thing After Another, plotted out. All went well for a time, but then the ship To find out exactly what happens, you’ll was bombarded by unexpectedly high have to read One Thing After Another, but levels of cosmic radiation. The rays sliced it isn’t giving too much away to say the through the ship’s untested shields, expos- plot involves travel to other dimensions ing the crew to the unknown effects of the and encounters with Things (and Ben mysterious radiation. One effect was obvi- Grimms) that you — and our own beloved ous: The ship went out of control and Thing — never dreamed of. plummeted earthward. Only Ben Grimm’s What does all of this have to do with piloting skill managed to prevent a disas- The Marvel-Phile? We’re getting there. It trous crash. The spaceship was demol- was right about the time I finished the ished, but the passengers were unhurt. Thing gamebook that Roger Moore, the Unhurt, yes, but changed, both by the esteemed editor of this publication, asked experience and by exposure to cosmic me if I’d be interested in writing a Marvel- rays. The rays gave Reed Richards the after story, his popularity increasing all Phile article. Being steeped in Thing-lore at ability to stretch his body into fantastic the time. Nobody seemed to notice just the time, I naturally mentioned all my shapes. Sue Storm found that she could how one-dimensional a character he was, “What If?” Things and asked if he’d be become invisible and project impenetrable is, and probably always will be. interested in game statistics for them. force fields. The cosmic rays gave Johnny I can hear the screams of protest Being weird by nature, Roger said, “Sure, I Storm the ability to burst into flame; in his already, but it’s true — for all the years of love ‘What If?’ stories.” So that’s why flame-form, he could even fly! character “development,” Ben Grimm you’re about to read an article about Grimm was the most changed of all, remains today what he was when he first Things you’ve never heard of before. though. He turned into a 500-pound, appeared — a guy who beats up foes and First, let’s go over the basics on our orange-colored, rocky-skinned monster, then broods about being a monster. (I Thing, the one we all know and love (trust capable of uprooting trees and lifting cars guess beating and brooding makes him me; things get weirder as we go along). as if they were toys. In fact, he is now two-dimensional — so sue me!) Born as Benjamin J. Grimm, the world capable of lifting up to 85 tons! If you’re getting the idea I don’t like the knows him as the Thing, one of Earth’s That day, Reed Richards became Mr. Thing, you’re wrong. Dead wrong. I love mightiest heroes and a member of the Fantastic, Sue Storm became the Invisible the big orange gorilla. And when I got the renowned supergroup, the Fantastic Four. Woman, Johnny Storm became the Human chance to write a MARVEL SUPER He grew up on Yancy Street, one of New Torch, and Ben became the everlovin’, HEROES® adventure gamebook, there was York’s worst slums, a place were alcoholics blue-eyed Thing. Together, they formed no other character (with the possible (like his father) end up, a place where the Fantastic Four, and they’ve been fight- exception of Iron Man) I was as hot to gang members (like his brother) often die ing evil and injustice ever since. That’s the tackle as the Thing. I leaped at the chance, violently in battles over “turf.” For a while, way historians of the Marvel Universe tell signed the contract, and reread every it looked as if Ben would come to a bad the story — but what if things had gone Thing adventure I could get my hands on. end, too, but then his Uncle Jake stepped differently? That, in large part, is what Then, with visions of the Thing, his pals in. With Jake’s support and encourage- One Thing After Another is all about. in the Fantastic Four, the Inhumans, and ment, Ben got into a good high school and For example, imagine a world in which the Unlimited Class Wrestlers dancing in found that he had a brain in his head. Ben Reed Richards bowed to the government’s my brain, I sat down at my computer, also found that he was a pretty good foot- wishes and didn’t go up in his spaceship, a waiting for the Muse to strike. I waited . . . ball player — good enough to get a schol- world in which Sue and Johnny Storm and waited . . . and waited. For weeks, arship to Empire State College. died in the ship’s crash — but Ben survived nothing resembling a plot came to mind. At State, Grimm became a gridiron star. as the Thing, with no control over his After what seemed like forever, I had an His roommate — Reed Richards — was a fury. That would have left a rampaging

D RAGON 83 Thing with no one around to calm him CONTACTS: None. CONTACTS: The Thingpin has friends in down. This Thing might have become the high places everywhere: politicians, con- monster everyone expects a rocky, orange- Continuing our whirlwind tour of the tractors, and movie stars all flock to him skinned horror to be. Anyone who’s read dimensions, we come upon one in which because not doing so can be disastrous. He Fantastic Four #1 knows how crazed the the Thing, perhaps driven slightly insane knows everybody and pulls just about Thing was right after the crash. What if by his outer-space experience, returns to everybody’s strings. Those who don’t give he never calmed down? The Hulk might behavioral patterns established during his in to his subtle pressures find themselves have had some competition for most out- childhood days on Yancy Street. Ben face to face with members of his personal of-control, superstrong freak the world’s Grimm, the punk kid and gang fighter army of thugs. ever seen! grows up to become a super-strong crime From there, it was easy to imagine that boss. The last Thing we’ll meet may be the the “normal” Reed Richards would devote The streetwise Ben Grimm of this world oddest – he’s not rocky, or orange, or his life to curing his old friend. What if used his great strength not for good, but super-strong at all, but he may be my one of the attempted “cures” backfired, to forge a criminal empire second only to favorite “alternate Thing” of all. Imagine exposing the Thing to further doses of the Kingpin’s. Reed, Sue, and Johnny (per- an alternate world just like the Marvel cosmic radiation? The result might be an haps with Spider-Man providing a little Universe, with a Fantastic Four and a even stronger, more monstrous Thing help) are the Thingpin’s bitterest enemies. Thing like the ones we know – but this about 40’ tall: a Thing Kong! The Thing of our world arrives in this Thing used Doctor Doom’s time machine This Thing Kong is even stronger than alternate dimension to find the to go back in time to the night before the everybody’s favorite rocky, orange super- “Thingpin’s” criminal headquarters in a fateful rocket flight that created the hero, and he’s got the brain of a five-year- skyscraper on Yancy Street. A gang war Fantastic Four. Imagine the Thing prevent- old. It’s not that he’s a villain – he just between Kingpin and Thingpin is about to ing his younger, human self from going on doesn’t know his own strength (sort of like start, and all New York quakes in fear. that flight. All it would take would be a tap Dragon Man, only bigger and stronger). Alicia Masters has been kidnapped – the on the jaw, and Ben Grimm would be out Like all Things everywhere, he’s got a first casualty in the bloody war to come. like a light; Reed, Sue, and Johnny would thing for Alicia Masters – he’ll do any- It’s a mess only the Thing can put right. either go up in the ship and return as the thing to get his paws on her, up to and The Thingpin is orange, rocky, and Fantastic Three (the Terrific Trio?) or call including climbing the Empire State Build- strong, but he’s gotten a little soft. Not off the flight because they didn’t have a ing! (This fixation with Alicia can be a being the sort to go off saving the world pilot. In either event, Ben Grimm would good way to introduce the brute into your and fighting bad guys, he’s built an army never become the Thing, and would never campaign.) to do the real work of running a criminal worry about being a monster ever again. In addition to a 40’ Thing, there are empire. He’s a little out of shape, a little Well, the plan sounds good on paper, but some other oddities about this alternate soft around the edges, but has a mind in One Thing After Another, it has some world: Dr. Doom is a good guy, and the honed to a keen, cruel, criminal edge. He’s unexpected side effects. Without a quali- VVD (Victor Von Doom) Enterprises build- bad news! fied pilot, the ship crashed, killing Reed, ing is on the site of 4 Freedoms Plaza – Sue, and Johnny! Obviously, Ben Grimm but you’ll have to read the book for more couldn’t become the Thing if he didn’t go about that. Here are the Advanced THINGPINTM up in the ship. Imagine, then, a world MARVEL SUPER HEROES game statistics Divergent universe villain without a Fantastic Four or a Thing, a for Thing Kong: world in which a lonely Ben Grimm had to F RM (30) Health: 164 survive on his wits and natural talents, A GD (8) rather than on his cosmic-ray enhanced THING KONG™ S MN (63) Karma: 76 muscles. Divergent universe menace E MN (63) Such a man might drift from job to job, R EX (20) Resources:RM (35) trying out as a professional football player F IN (40) Health: 222 I RM (26) or giving thought to a career as a military A TY (7) P RM (30) Popularity: 0 fighter jock. What would happen, though, S UN (100) Karma: 18 if he ended up working as a test pilot for a E MN (75) KNOWN POWERS: private firm – like Stark Enterprises? R PR (4) Resources: 0 A man like Ben Grimm – strong, I PR (4) Body Armor: Like the Thing of our world, streetwise, intelligent, an ace pilot – might P GD (10) Popularity: 0 the Thingpin has dense, rocky armor, and become Tony Stark’s right-hand man. He it’s every bit as effective as the Thing’s might fly his boss to Southeast Asia, might KNOWN POWERS: own – Incredible protection against physi- watch his boss die of shrapnel wounds to cal attacks and Excellent protection the heart. He might find himself captured Body Armor: Thing Kong’s hide is even against energy attacks, with Incredible by the Communists and thrown into a cell denser and more protective than the resistance to fire. with a brilliant research scientist who Thing's. It provides Amazing protection creates a suit of powered armor. Ben against physical attacks, Remarkable pro- Protected Senses: The Thingpin’s senses Grimm might become the Iron Man of tection against energy attacks, and has equal our Thing’s, giving him Remarkable such a world! Amazing protection against fire. protection against sonic attacks. Using the powered armor, the Ben Grimm of this world returned home to Protected Senses: Thing Kong has the TALENTS: The Thingpin was a pilot once, become the head of Stark Enterprises. same basic physical makeup as the Thing long enough ago to have lost the keen Working with Stark Enterprises’ research- we all know and love, but like a child, he edge necessary to be more than a fair jet ers, he improved the armor’s basic design tends to be sensitive to loud noises – or jockey (he now has underlings to do his and changed its outer form. Wanting sonic attacks. He has only Excellent protec- flying for him). The same is true of his something that would strike fear into the tion from sonic attacks. fighting abilities: The Thingpin had mili- hearts of evildoers, he’d naturally emulate tary training in his youth, but his tenden- the form of the person (or Thing) which TALENTS: None (aside from wreaking cy to let others do his fighting has made terrified him the most: the form of the Hulklike havoc and climbing tall buildings him a less effective martial artist than the orange-skinned, rocky creature that had with beautiful women in his paws). Thing of our world. stopped him from going up in the rocket

84 N OVEMBER 1987 ship with Reed Richards years before! KNOWN POWERS: him far different powers – anything in Thus, Ben Grimm became an armored Iron Man’s arsenal (and a couple of things Thing – a high-tech, one-man army, com- Body Armor: The Thing Armor used by Tony Stark never imagined) is possible! plete with repulsor rays, rocket-powered Doctor Grimm provides Amazing protec- roller skates, gas defenses, and, of course, tion from physical attacks, as well as from TALENTS: In addition to Ben Grimm’s great strength. heat and cold. Its resistance to corrosives natural abilities as a pilot, the Ben Grimm The Ben Grimm of this world is a great is Incredible. The armor provides Mon- of this world is skilled in electronics and hero and a brilliant man, but he is not strous protection from energy attacks, business. without troubles. Remember, his best radiation, and electricity. Without the friends died in an accident he could have Thing Armor, Doctor Grimm’s FASE scores CONTACTS: Ben Grimm has good connec- prevented, if the Thing of his future are all Good (10). tions with the government and the mili- hadn’t prevented him from being on tary. He often does research and design Reed’s ship. He watched as Tony Stark died Repulsors: These rays emanate from work for the S.H.I.E.L.D. of this world. at the hands of the Communists. His whole gloves of the Thing Armor and can do life is built on the deaths of others, and Amazing damage at a range of 10 areas. There you have it: three of the Things that’s driven him a little over the edge. you can encounter in One Thing After The Ben Grimm of this world is a little bit Roller Skates: Rocket-powered roller-skate Another. Incorporating them into your of a fruitcake, but that only makes him wheels can be lowered from the Thing campaign isn’t as hard as you might think more interesting. Armor’s foot-shaped boots. These allow – the Marvel Universe is chockful of him to move at Excellent speeds (up to 10 interdimensional travel devices, and time areas per turn). Note that the Thing machines are a dime a dozen. DOCTOR GRIMMTM Armor of this world is too bulky to fly like And if you don’t like my Things, you can Divergent universe hero the Iron Man of our world – this is the always do your own Thing. You can send trade-off for the Thing’s terrifying visage. your characters back in time to see if they F EX (25) Health: 180 can prevent Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben A RM (30) Gas Defenses: If anyone tries to remove from going up in the ship without suffer- S AM (50) Karma: 86 the Thing Armor from its wearer, the suit ing the consequences I’ve proposed. You E MN (75) emits a knock-out gas of Remarkable can think up alternate versions of other R IN (36) Resources: EX (20) intensity. Marvel heroes. Or, you can throw your I EX (20) characters into an alternate dimension P RM (30) Popularity: RM (35) NOTE: These are the powers possessed (like our own, but subtly different), and by the suit of Thing Armor in One Thing watch as they come to grips with the After Another. Doctor Grimm has other differences and try to figure out (ahem) suits of armor available which may give how Things came to be as they are.

86 N OVEMBER 1987 The ® by Jeff Grubb I tell you. You miss a few installments, Marvel -Phile and everyone writes in. . . . I realize I’ve been remiss in these entries into the Marvel Universe as of late, and I have been both surprised and pleased by the letters requesting (nay, demanding) this column’s return. Thanks to all and sundry, but I must assure you that it was no Latverian-conceived plot to keep me from these pages, but rather other obliga- tions and work on new products (which have been mentioned elsewhere in the pages of this magazine and need no further huckstering here). About a month ago, Roger and I talked about getting together to do the Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation for the April Fool’s issue. It seemed an April Foolish kinda thing to do. Any wrestling organiza- tion that would let the Thing and the Beyonder into the same state (let alone the same ring) seemed ripe for lampooning. The trouble is, amidst all this wrestle- mania, there were a few very good, very serious characters and interesting things that developed: Specifically, Ms. Marvel — the NEW Ms. Marvel — and the augmenta- tion process, which provides an entirely new breed of thug for heroes to battle. For those who arrived late, the OLD Ms. Marvel was Carol Danvers — newshound, spy, and NASA security chief — who gained superhuman powers from the Kree Captain Marvel (not to be confused with the NEW Captain Marvel, leader of the Avengers). Carol lost her powers and her memory to Rogue of the X-Men (when Rogue was still a villainess), but was fur- ther modified by the alien Brood into her present incarnation as Binary. She has since forsaken Earth and is hanging out with Corsair (Cyclops’s dad) and the Starjammers. It’s interesting to grab one aspect in the Marvel Universe and see how many links can be made with the rest of the Universe. Anyway, that’s the OLD Ms. Marvel. Who is this NEW Ms. Marvel? Would you believe she’s a member of the Fantastic Four?

MS. MARVEL™ Sharon Ventura™

F RM (30) Health: 150 A RM (30) S IN (40) Karma: 40 E AM (50) R GD (10) Resources: GD I EX (20) P GD (10) Popularity: 10 The return of Ms. Marvel® KNOWN POWERS: Body Armor: The enhancement process gives Ms. Marvel Typical protection from Marvel, Marvel Universe, and all Marvel characters and characterlikenesses are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. physical damage. ©1987 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

64 MAY 1987 Speed: Due to the enhancement process, Now enhanced by Malus’s system, and success). This failure usually results in a Ms. Marvel can move 3 areas/round for an without the need for the drug, Ms. Marvel gross mutation of the body, and the reduc- hour before suffering the effects of took the stage-name of Ms. Marvel and tion of abilities as follows: exhaustion. joined the UCWF’s female contingent, The Psyche is reduced by as many ranks as Grapplers. The Power Broker sent his own Strength is increased; TALENTS: Ms. Marvel has Martial Arts agents to retrieve her, and Sharon was Intuition is reduced by as many ranks as A, B, D, and E, and is skilled as a stunt- finally captured after several failed at- Agility is increased; and, woman, scuba diver, and motorcycle tempts and returned to Malus’s lab. Both Reason is reduced by as many ranks as daredevil. she and another “traitor” to the Power Endurance is increased. Broker, Demolition Dunphy (also known as Reduction of any of these abilities down CONTACTS: Ms. Marvel tends to be a D-Man, Captain America’s partner) were to the Feeble level leaves the test subject a loner. She retains good contacts with vari- placed in the enhancement device as invol- mindless brute. Player characters thus ous members of the Unlimited Class untary experimental subjects. D-Man and become NPCs controlled by the Judge. Wrestling Federation, though the organiza- Ms. Marvel were rescued by Captain Karl Malus disposed of his lab failures by tion itself (in particular the Power Broker) America. Insane with pain, D-Man gained putting them in the sewers beneath Los is a sworn enemy. Sharon also has the strength over and above his enhanced Angeles. A large number of them still live friendship of Ben Grimm, the Thing, who level for a short time before collapsing of a there, though some have been rescued by has a crush on her. heart attack, but the effects the experi- the Shroud and his criminal Night Shift. ment had on Ms. Marvel (if any) have not Typical stats for such creatures follow: SHARON’S STORY: Sharon Ventura is a yet been revealed. woman driven to be the best in whatever Following her release from the hospital, F TY (6) Health: 96 she attempts. The only daughter of a U.S. Ms. Marvel was offered a position in the A RM (30) Army officer, she was continually driven Fantastic Four, to fill one of the two slots S RM (30) Karma: 6 to live up to his high expectations and was left vacant by the retirement of Reed and E RM (30) cruelly rejected when she failed. Father Sue Richards. The new team consists of R FB (2) Resources: None and daughter finally split when Sharon, Team Leader Ben Grimm, Johnny Storm I FB (2) enrolled in military academy, was expelled (the Human Torch), Crystal the Inhuman P FB (2) Popularity: 0 for refusing to testify against a fellow (previously described in DRAGON® issue classmate. Sharon and her father never #114), and Ms. Marvel. Typical successful “Augments” (such as reconciled, and General Ventura died a super-powered wrestlers or augmented year later of a heart attack. soldiers) have the following stats: Following the death of her father, Sharon began to seek out dangerous The augmentation process F GD (10) Health: 100 sports and occupations, seeking to master The process of developing super- A RM (30) them and in doing so prove to herself her powered agents and soldiers has been a S RM (30) Karma: 26 own worth. She soon developed a reputa- desire of many organizations since World E RM (30) tion as a lion-tamer, scuba diver, motorcy- War II, but — with the exception of a few, R TY (6) Resources: Gd cle performer, mountain climber, and such as the Super-Soldier Project — most I GD (10) stuntwoman. Eventually, she found work experiments of this type have ended in P GD (10) Popularity: 10 as a member of the Thunderiders, a group disaster. The Power Broker’s augmentation of mutant motorcycle stuntmen. process is the most recent and most There may be literally hundreds of Sharon was with the Thunderiders successful of these processes. augmented individuals in the world at when many heroes of Earth were kid- To develop the process, the Power present, and as many failures in the napped by the Beyonder and forced to Broker has made use of the talents of the sewers beneath Los Angeles. participate in the first Secret Wars. Ben criminal scientist Karl Malus, whose pre- Malus’s process was apparently a three- Grimm of the Fantastic Four remained vious successes included the creation of stage process. Captain America underwent behind on the Battleplanet created by the the criminal Goliath and the Armadillo (see the first part briefly, and Ms. Marvel Beyonder, where he met his “dream DRAGON issue #103). Funded by grants underwent the first and second stages. woman” — a woman who greatly resem- from secret illegal operations within the First Stage: Initial Augmentation. The bled Sharon. Upon his return to Earth, U.S. Government and by outside aid from subject’s cells are bombarded and en- Ben encountered Sharon and fell for her groups such as the UCWF Malus made hanced. At this point, success is deter- immediately, an affection that Sharon did several prototypes of his equipment mined. Success grants the levels rolled on not return to the same degree. before arriving at his present design. the Augmentation Results Table for 1-100 Sharon and Ben both drifted into the The augmentation process modifies the hours. Failure results in the immediate Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation, a test subject’s Strength, Agility, and Endur- effects listed above (including the RIP sports group which featured matches ance, increasing each to various degrees changes), which are permanent. between super-powered and augmented according to the test subject’s normal Second Stage: Fixing the Augmentation. individuals. Sharon was approached by metabolism. Given normal human test For beneficial augmentations, this makes agents of the Power Broker, who — subjects, the success rate is 50% — failure the change permanent. through his scientist, Karl Malus — was indicates disaster. Using the Augmentation Third Stage: Addiction. Used in connec- augmenting a number of individuals for Process Results table, roll separately for tion with the wrestler-augmentation pro- both private and personal gain. each ability to determine the number of gram for the Unlimited Class Wrestling Sharon Ventura underwent part of the ranks that the ability is increased. Such Federation, the target subject is injected process, but, feeling that artificial en- enhancements will always have at least the with a highly addictive drug, which the hancement was cheating, escaped before minimum value listed, and each will never Power Broker provides to keep a close the full treatment was applied. What was be greater than the maximum listed rank. rein on his workers. It is possible to break not known to Ventura at the time was that For Advanced Set characters, abilities so the hold of the drug (as explained in the initial stages of the treatment were raised are placed at the lowest possible DRAGON issue #91, page 78); D-Man and already completed, and the final stages of rank number for that rank. the other wrestlers did so after the Power the “treatment” involved the administra- Health is adjusted to the new levels. As Broker’s initial plans were exposed by Ms. tion of an addictive drug, which the Power previously noted, there is a 50% chance of Marvel and the Thing. Broker used to keep his agents in line. failure for normal humans (01-50 indicates The above effects are noted only for

D RAGON 65 Augmentation Process Results (roll for Agility, Strength, and Endurance)

Dice Augmentation Minimum Maximum roll effect rank value rank value 01-50 +1 Rank GD (10) RM (30) 51-70 +2 Ranks EX (20) IN (40) 71-99 +3 Ranks RM (30) AM (50) 00 +4 Ranks IN (40) MN (75)

“normal” humans, and the effects on mu- Aliens: 1-100% chance of failure (per tants and mutated humans are as yet not species); and, fully investigated (though Malus is proba- Robots: No effect, unless the robot’s bly champing at the bit for subjects). Cap- construction closely parallels human tis- tain America was enhanced by the process sue, in which case there is a 1-100% temporarily, but he did not choose to chance of failure (per individual). finish the process. Judges may use augmented thugs for As a rule of thumb, use the following their own adventures, but keep in mind randomly determined rates for determin- that heroes will have a tendency to seek ing success or failure of the augmentation out those who create such individuals and process on unusual subjects: stop them. The Power Broker, who is in Mutated Humans (including those al- reality a criminal named Curtiss Jackson, ready augmented by the process): 52-70% is currently free on bond and awaiting (50 +2d10) chance of failure; trial, but is still in the business of Mutants: 10-60% chance of failure; augmenting humans.

66 MAY 1987 The Marvel®-Phile

by Jeff Grubb All Marvel character and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of ability, such that he may understand the the Marvel Comics Group. MARVEL SUPER HEROES and MARVEL SUPER thoughts of those that have handled or VILLAINS are trademarks of the Marvel comics Group. Copyright ©1986 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries Corporation. All will (in the future) handle the object. The Rights Reserved. auras of those with the strongest emotions (fear, anger, etc.) will be read best. In game Jeff Grubb had a marvelously written terms, Longshot is able to discern the introduction to this article, all of which thoughts of some who will handle the was cut so this would fit in an issue object only if the Judge has defined plans already crammed with super-powered for the object in the future; otherwise, he heroes. He introduced the basic mechanics reads auras in the past, and only reads the of the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ thoughts the character had while holding Advanced Set, which should be in your the object. Failure of a power rank FEAT stores about now, and announced that the will indicate no auras are discernable, the Marvel®-Phile will be presented in image is blurred from multiple images of Advanced Set format from this day for- equal intensity, or some outside force ward. Sorry, Jeff. At least the long shot prevents the reading. Only one attempt came in. — Editor. may be made per object.

TALENTS: Longshot is a stuntman in his LONGSHOT™ own world, and as such has Acrobatics Real name unrevealed and Tumbling skills. He has Martial Arts A F RM 30 Health: 90 and E, and is skilled in the tossing of A RM 30 cleaverlike blades that inflict Good damage S GD 10 Karma: 66 ( + 1 CS to agility FEATS to hit). He is also E EX 20 skilled in the use of jetpacks (allow Flight R TY 6 Resources: Fe (2) at Excellent air speeds (six areas/round), I EX 20 Agility FEATS to steer). P RM 30 Popularity: 0

KNOWN POWERS: CONTACTS: Longshot’s experiences on Earth have been limited, but he has been Probability Manipulation: Longshot has befriended by Doctor Strange® and a the ability to unconsciously manipulate stuntwoman named Ricochet Rita™. In his probability fields. Any percentile roil made own dimension, he is the leader of a rebel by a player running Longshot is read with organization with Excellent resources. the “high” number as the “tens,” regardless of which die is thrown first. If a 1 and a 9 BACKGROUND: The being called Longshot are rolled, the result is 91, not 19. An 11 was created in another dimension as a or any other doubles remain as rolled. slave for a race known as the Spineless Each time the hero rolls a “0” (zero) on one Ones™. Longshot was endowed with of the two die, the judge rolls a single 10- super-human abilities, and used them to sided die secretly. That d10 roll indicates lead a rebellion against the his masters. which upcoming die roll will be inverted (a The rebellion was crushed and Longshot stroke of “bad luck,” meaning a roll of 9 was given amnesia. He fled from his cap- and 1 would be a 19) for Longshot or his tors, stumbling into a interdimensional allies. If the player rolled a “0” and a “2”, portal and ending up on our Earth. Given the Judge would roll a die in private, say, the name Longshot as a result of his getting a "3." Thus, the third roll after that manipulation of probability to make particular FEAT will have reversed num- unlikely attempts come true, Longshot bers, indicating a stroke of bad luck. No battled his pursuers, his owner Mojo™, further checks for bad luck should be and Spider-Man® and She-Hulk®, who made until the first bad luck occurrence is thought him a criminal. With the aid of resolved, so bad die rolls are not cumula- Doctor Strange, Ricochet Rita, and tive. The Judge should not inform the Quark™, another former slave, Longshot player that the particular roll is for “good” defeated Mojo and forced the Spineless luck or “bad” until after the decision to One back into his own dimension. Long- spend Karma to alter the die roll is made. shot followed him to lead a new uprising This sudden occurrence of bad luck among the people enslaved by the applies to Longshot’s allies as well as Long- Spineless Ones. O, Lucky Man! shot himself. Longshot’s opponents never While Longshot appears humanoid, he is suffer from this good luck/bad luck power. a genetic construct modeled after There is no power rank for this power. “demons” in the Spineless One’s mythol- Aura Reading: Longshot may read the ogy. He has only three fingers and a psychic aura of an object with Incredible thumb on each hand.

88 JULY 1986 TALENTS: Betsy Bradock has Martial Arts A and E. She has no weapon skills.

CONTACTS: Psylocke’s brother is the English hero Captain Britain™. In the past, she has served both for a British division of S.H.I.E.L.D.™ and for the British govern- ment. She currently is a member of the X-Men.

PSYLOCKE’S STORY: Elizabeth Brad- dock is the twin sister of Brian Braddock, by Jeff Grubb better known as Captain Britain. Their father is a native of Otherworld™, an extradimensional world that houses the Thanks to the Mutant Massacre (the being known as Merlin™ and the realm of Marauders™ responsible were detailed in Camelot (whether this Merlin and Camelot DRAGON® issue #117), the team of mutant are the same as in this world’s legends has heroes known as the X-Men™ lost several yet to be revealed). of their members and gained four new Betsy and Brian were born to wealth teammates. Three of these heroes have and inherited Braddock Manor on their been discussed elsewhere — Dazzler™ and parent’s death. Betsy was a fashion model Havok™ in MA1, Children of the Atom, and (her hair is dyed purple), until her mutant the alien Longshot™ in DRAGON issue powers surfaced when she was recruited #111. The remaining “new” X-Man had a into the PSI division of S.T.R.I.K.E.™, a career as a hero in Britain before she British operation with close ties to came over to the States. We now present S.H.I.E.L.D. It was then that Betsy learned the life and times of Betsy Braddock™, most of her combat skills. better known as Psylocke™. After leaving S.T.R.I.K.E., Betsy was recruited by another organization operat- ing within the British government: the PSYLOCKE™ Resources Control Executive (RCX), which Elizabeth “Betsy” Braddock took over Braddock Manor as a base. RCX convinced Betsy to take up the costume F EX (20) Health: 90 and abilities of Captain Britain when Brian A GD (10) quit the field. S EX (20) Karma: 80 As the new Captain Britain, Betsy was E RM (30) moderately successful. However, in com- R GD (10) Resources: Incredible bat with Slaymaster™, an old foe of her I RM (30) brother, Betsy was severely beaten and P AM (50) Popularity: 10 blinded. Brian returned to his role as a hero and avenged his sister. Betsy retired KNOWN POWERS: from heroics at this time, using her tele- Telepathy: Psylocke is a mutant with men- pathic powers to offset her handicap. tal abilities of the Incredible rank. She has While recuperating in Switzerland, she used these telepathic powers in the follow- was ambushed by Mojo and his assassin ing manner: Spiral™, who made her into their mental * Creating Mind Links of Incredible slave. Mojo gave her the cybernetic eyes strength, allowing her to communicate she now has and used her powers to ma- with others up to several miles distant and victim, Psylocke does not use it unless her nipulate the minds of children through a read their surface thoughts (only possible life is threatened. She uses the Incredible television show called “Wildways.” Doug with willing targets); column to hit with these attacks. Psylocke Ramsey™, Brian Braddock, and the New * Performing Telepathic Projection (again, may be able to develop other telepathic or Mutants™ broke Mojo’s hold on Betsy, who over a range of several miles), allowing mental-power stunts similar to those of retained the name Psylocke (given her by her to telepathically “see” items in the Marvel Girl™ and Professor X™, but she Mojo). surrounding area (the Mind Link and has not yet done so. Psylocke remained at X-Men Mansion Telepathic Projection each manifests itself and joined the X-Men during the Mutant as a glowing butterfly-shaped set of eyes); Bionic Eyes: Psylocke is blind, her eyes Massacre, when she successfully fought * Perform a Mental Probe of Incredible having been replaced by bionic implants off the attacks of the mutant Sabertooth. strength, allowing Psylocke to read any created by the extradimensional tyrant She has not told anyone about the nature deep or hidden thoughts of a live victim Mojo™. These new eyes function as normal of her eyes and is unaware that they (the intensity of the FEAT is determined by ones, except that they also reach partially broadcast everything back to Mojo. Only the target’s Psyche, and Psylocke cannot into the infrared and ultraviolet spec- Doug Rasmsey and Warlock are aware of read the minds of those with Psyches of trums, allowing her to see in the dark. the artificial nature of those eyes. higher than Amazing or breach protective Devices which may overide or cloak items Psylocke is quite beautiful, and that shields of those levels); and, from machinery and scanners will not be beauty is often mistaken for softness or * Fire bolts of telepathic energy with a noticed by Psylocke. Her eyes have an weakness. In truth, she is a stern-willed range of two areas and Incredible additional power unknown to Betsy; they individual with extensive previous training strength. These bolts are of two sorts. Psi- are linked to Mojo’s dimension and serve both as a hero and an agent, and is willing bolts are force attacks, while the Psycho- as cameras for Mojo, so that the adven- to place herself or others at risk for the blast is an energy attack. As the tures of the X-Men are fodder for Mojo’s good of all. To this degree, she can be as Psycho-blast has the potential for slaying a movies. cold-hearted and ruthless as Wolverine™

82 MARCH 1987 by Scott Davis and Steven E. Schend

Castaways II: Women, wicked and wily

I warned Dale, but he wasn’t prepared. Talents: Madame Hydra has an Excellent His ordeal is over now, and our kind read- rank in marksmanship, as well as being a ers have three more fantastic MARVEL Weapons Specialist with a scimitar. SUPER HEROES” characters to add to their games. Unfortunately, it will take HISTORY: The only fact known about Dale’s nerves a few weeks to settle down Madame Hydra’s history is that she pro- after editing this month’s column. gressed through the ranks of HYDRA You see, the three ladies herein were rapidly and was promoted to the position quite miffed when they didn’t appear in of Madame Hydra because of her fanatical MU7 The Gamer’s Handbook of the devotion to HYDRA’s cause. She is the sixth MARVEL UNlVERSE™, 1991 Character person to be called Madame Hydra. Updates. No one was around to warn me One of her first major missions as Ma- when they paid a visit to my office late dame Hydra was to capture Nick Fury of one night. We have problems enough SHIELD for the Deltites, a faction of around here with nosy wizards smoking advanced artificial lifeforms who wanted odious pipes, but try playing reluctant the leader of SHIELD so they could dupli- host to women wielding katanas or cyber- cate the Infinity Formula from his body netic claws! They expressed their disap- (see “Marvel bulletins”). After failing in her proval over their plight, and I promised mission to deliver Fury and discovering they’d be appearing in the pages of this that the Deltites had been manipulating magazine. This seemed to calm them her, she temporarily allied herself with slightly, but they vowed to check on this SHIELD. During her temporary alliance, later. Afterward, I told Dale to watch it she continually badgered and bantered while he edited these entries, but he didn’t with Alexander Pierce, a SHIELD agent, believe me. It’s amazing what kind of ultimately coming to regard him as a fel- haircut you can get with foot-long, razor- low warrior. sharp blades. I think the slashes and After defeating the Deltites on SHIELD’s scorches in the carpet can be fixed. Some satellite, Madame Hydra was found to be characters just don’t take well to being criminally insane and was remanded to edited! the Tyler Foundation for the Criminally Insane to undergo psychiatric treatment. Her time at the sanitorium was spent MADAME HYDRA” writing notes to Pierce, on whom she was Real name unknown fixated as her true love. An old woman, pretending to be a F RM(30) Health: 80 nurse, teleported both herself and Ma- A EX(20) dame Hydra out of the institution, to an S GD(10) Karma: 50 island in the China Sea. Madame Hydra’s E EX(20) battle prowess was immediately tested R GD(10) Popularity: -5 when she was attacked by a group of men. I EX(20) She easily defeated them, passing the test. P EX(20) Resources: MN(75) w/HYDRA She then reclaimed her title and status as Madame Hydra. POWERS: None. Meanwhile, Nick Fury and his agents were alerted to Madame Hydra’s escape. EQUIPMENT: They quickly tracked her general location Scimitar: Madame Hydra carries a scimi- and headed out in pursuit. Madame Hydra tar of Excellent material strength that the sled and a movable one on the railing. was in a meditative trance, awaiting the inflicts Good (10) Edged Attacks damage. The skysled has the following statistics: arrival of her new master, when the group Skysled: The skysled is a two-person Control—RM(30), Air Speed—RM(30) and arrived on the island. The SHIELD agents vehicle capable of flying 50 miles before Body—RM(30). The three lasers each cause were ambushed and defeated by the ser- refuelling. The weapon systems consist of Remarkable (30) damage at a range of vants of Madame Hydra’s new master, the two fixed lasers mounted in the front of eight areas. Yellow Claw. They took Alexander Pierce

DRAGON 79 and left the rest of their foes unconscious, LADY DEATHSTRIKE™ TALENTS: Lady Deathstrike possesses the to be conquered again in the future. Yuriko Oyama Oriental Weapons and Martial Arts A, C, Madame Hydra brainwashed Pierce into Cybernetically enhanced mercenary and E skills. being her consort. In a climactic battle with Fury, Pierce broke free of Madame F IN(40) Health: 100 HISTORY: Growing up as the daughter of Hydra’s influence and struck her down A EX(20) Kenji Oyama, alias Lord Dark Wind, was just as she was about to kill SHIELD agent S GD(10) Karma: 46 not easy for the young Yuriko. Her father Kate Neville. Madame Hydra was captured E RM(30) was a kamikaze pilot who, during World once again, but she managed to cause a R TY(6) Popularity: - 10 War II, survived an assault on an Ameri- disturbance that allowed her a chance at I EX(20) can battleship. He felt ashamed that he yet escape. Pierce followed her, and Madame P EX(20) Resources: EX(20) lived; his face was scarred during the Hydra was forced to break open a capsule attack, reminding him of his “failure.” He that exploded in a green cloud of gas. POWERS: Lady Deathstrike’s body has scarred the faces of his children to resem- Whether she managed to pull off another been cybernetically modified in Spiral’s ble his own disfigurement. escape or was killed in the explosion hasn’t Body Shoppes. This body has a number of Lord Dark Wind discovered a process by been determined yet—though she is cur- cybernetic enhancements, including: which human bone could be bonded with rently listed as being dead. The lack of a —Incredible (40) material-strength claws, adamantium. He intended to create an body, however, prevents confirmation of capable of causing Remarkable (30) Edged army of super-soldiers for Japan, but his this theory. Attack damage; and notes were stolen before accomplishing —Remarkable (30) protection against his goal, and it took years for him to recre- ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Madame Hydra physical damage and Incredible protection ate them. is exceedingly ruthless and revels in death (40) against energy attacks. In Lord Dark Wind’s eyes, Japan had and destruction. She treats other warriors become weak in the years after the war. with respect only after they have proven He brought the assassin Bullseye to Japan themselves in her eyes. Anyone not strong and repaired his damaged bones with enough to fight is not worthy of her atten- adamantium substitutes, hoping that tion except perhaps to be killed. Bullseye would assassinate the Japanese Minister of Trade for him. However, Dare- devil had followed his sworn enemy, Bullseye, to Japan to bring him to justice. Once there, Daredevil encountered Yuriko, who was intent upon exacting revenge on her father for her disfigured face and for the death of her bothers, who had died in the service of Lord Dark Wind. The young man Yuriko loved, Kira, was in the service of her father, and she didn’t want him to be hurt. Yuriko led Daredevil to her fa- ther’s private island, where Daredevil fought Bullseye again. The assassin eluded capture and escaped from the island. Yuriko killed her father just as he was about to kill Daredevil. Kira, upon hearing of his lords death, committed suicide in despair. This event changed Yuriko’s outlook on life, and she came to see things more as her father had. She became convinced that Wolverine had gained his own adamantium-laced bones by the process that had been stolen from her father. She donned the garb of a samu- rai, called herself Lady Deathstrike, and led a group of her father’s warriors to regain what had been stolen from her family—namely, Wolverine’s bones. Wol- verine and Vindicator (Heather Hudson) fought off Lady Deathstrike and her min- ions. During the battle, Lady Deathstrike wielded a sword that emitted destructive energy. It was destroyed when the energy shield of Vindicator’s suit caused the sword to shatter. Later, Lady Deathstrike was trans- formed into a cyborg by the otherdimen- sional being known as Spiral. She then led Macon, Cole, and Reese—former Hellfire Club enforcers who had also been trans- formed into cyborgs—against Wolverine, but again Wolverine emerged victorious. Donald Pierce, a cyborg himself, reor-

80 JANUARY 1992 ganized the splintered group of villains Captain Britain, Meggan, Shadowcat, and “Ross” has also said that she is going to called the Reavers by adding Lady Death- Nightcrawler joined together to save Phoe- gain the powers of Phoenix and Shadow- strike and her cyborg cohorts; this gave nix, then decided to stay together as a cat. What she exactly meant by this and him another chance to strike at Wolverine. team: Excalibur. how she proposes to accomplish this are The new group ambushed the mutant Soon after the founding of Excalibur, still unknown. hero at the X-Men’s Australian base and Courtney Ross was attacked and overcome Recently, she befriended Kitty Pryde and crucified him on two large stumps. With in her apartment by an exact double; sponsored her education at St. Cyril’s the aid of the youthful Jubilee, Wolverine whether this is an other-dimensional ver- School for Young Ladies while Excalibur managed to escape the cyborg group. Lady sion of Saturnyne or some other being was still traveling between dimensions. Deathstrike had the opportunity to kill hasn’t been established yet. After the What she intended to accomplish by this is Wolverine from a distance. She stayed her transfer, Brian visited the woman he unknown, as Kitty and Excalibur were hand though, as she wanted to defeat him thought was Courtney and noticed a defi- eventually reunited successfully. face-to-face in honorable combat. nite change of personality. This woman’s Before being reunited with Kitty Pryde, Lady Deathstrike also participated in the true identity hasn’t been revealed yet. though, Excalibur caused so much disrup- Reavers’ attack upon Muir Island, but they Later, “Ross” played a card game with tion to the omniversal continuum with its were repelled by the mutant defenders of her employee Nigel Frobisher at the Lon- jaunting through dimensions that Opal that isle. Recently, the teleporter Gateway don branch of the Hellfire Club. He lost Luna Saturnyne had the group transmit- sent Lady Deathstrike to Wolverine’s loca- one million pounds—which he didn’t have. ted to the Hub, her base of operations. tion in Canada, but some sort of energy “Ross” has since forced Nigel into perform- The Hub is a world where power abounds storm threw her, Wolverine, and Puck ing certain tasks for her, such as acting as and people possessing superpowers are back in time and space to Spain in 1937. her liaison between the Technet and its commonplace. Saturnyne had placed a Deathstrike allied herself with the Nazis to leader, Gatecrasher. “Ross” put an earring bounty on Phoenix’s head, as she consid- get within striking distance of Wolverine, into Nigel’s left ear, warning him never to ered the Phoenix entity a threat to reality. but during her battle with him, her part- take it out or else suffer dire conse- Excalibur escaped the Hub after fighting ners ran over her hand with a tank. At quences. Nigel bargained with Gatecrasher many superpowered foes and by disguis- that point, the energy storm returned and on behalf of “Ross” in order to rescue ing Phoenix as Kitty Pryde. Saturnyne swept them back to the present. Lady Brian Braddock’s brother, Jamie, from his actually aided them along the way, giving Deathstrike has not yet gained her “venge- captor, Joshua N’Dingi (alias Doc Croc). ance” on Wolverine. Jamie was freed and brought to London. Continued on page 95 ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Yuriko is ob- sessed with getting back Wolverine’s ada- mantium bones; this will, in her eyes, restore her family’s lost honor. She will not ambush Wolverine, as she feels the ada- mantium must be recovered honorably for her family’s honor to be restored.

SATURNYNE™ Opal Luna Saturnyne Omniversal Majestrix

F TY(6) Health: 32 A GD(10) S GD(10) Karma: 70 E TY(6) R EX(20) Popularity: 0 I EX(20) P RM(30) Resources: MN(75)

POWERS: None exhibited.

TALENTS: Monstrous rank ability in Governmental and Leadership skills.

HISTORY: Opal Luna Saturnyne holds the title of Omniversal Majestrix. This title, she claims, gives her total responsibility for the maintenance of order and reality of the multiverse that includes Marvel-Earth. Saturnyne seems to have many counter- parts in the multiverse, the most prominent being a woman, Courtney Ross, who is a vice-president of Fraser’s Bank in London. She was the college girlfriend of Brian Brad- dock, Excalibur’s Captain Britain. Saturnyne hired the Technet to capture Phoenix, alias Rachel Summers, because Saturnyne believes that Phoenix is a threat to all reality due to her great powers. T.M. DRAGON 81 The MARVEL®-Phile Continued from page 81 them the correct coordinates for their the emotional conflicts the memories team was off Earth in the first Secret Wars home dimension, just to get them to where incurred) have caused him to have a ner- campaign, and she naturally fell in love they belonged. vous breakdown. Harry’s breakdown with Johnny while Ben stayed on the Other versions of Saturnyne that Excali- restored his full memory—including his Beyonder’s planet. When her ploy was bur has encountered include an older identity as the second Green Goblin and discovered, she confessed and led the version of her who rules the Great Britain his knowledge that Peter Parker, his best team to where Paibok the Power Skrull of an alternate dimension. On another friend, was Spider-Man! Green Goblin II and his legions were holding Alicia. During such alternate earth, Captain Briton met confronted Spider-Man recently, but, the battle against Paibok, Lyja sacrificed Opal Lun Sat-yr-nin, Majestrix of the Em- meeting little resistance from Peter, the her life to save Johnny from being shot by pire of True Briton. She was a ruler of a Goblin couldn’t kill him. The Green Goblin a Skrull. Alicia Masters is now freed from fascist nation and was the lover of the fled and has been missing for some time; suspended animation and is attempting to hero called Kaptain Briton. This counter- at the time of this writing, Harry’s wife Liz adapt to months of lost time while the part bears the greatest resemblance to the hasn’t been notified of Harry’s regression quintet tries to return to Earth. woman who attacked the real Courtney to his villainous alter-ego. Terrax: Terrax has possessed the hu- Ross. Hobgoblin: Hobgoblin’s demonic na- man form of Harmon Furmintz, the direc- ture has driven him utterly insane (Reason tor of Genetech. Terrax’s personality ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Saturnyne is a of Poor), and he acts as if his human side apparently eradicated Mr. Furmintz’s mysterious character with a lot of author- and his Hobgoblin identity are separate mind, and his new body has both stabi- ity. How she became the Omniversal Ma- people or personalities. The Hobgoblin lized the cosmic energy and soil particles jestrix and how she continues to hold that considers himself an agent on Earth for that comprised Terrax’s former form and position are unknown. There is at least good, stopping evil ones from corrupting incorporated them into a new permanent one characteristic shared among all of her the innocent by killing them, while his form. His powers are approximately the other-dimensional counterparts: All “Sa- human side wants to return to the relative same as before, though he can no longer turnynes” are fond of (at the very least) normalcy of his mercenary life. The Hob- travel off-planet without aid of some kind. Captain Britain or Brian Braddock, his goblin’s body has not totally accepted his Thanks to the Silver Surfer, ‘Ierrax was civilian identity. metamorphosis, and his face switches at removed from Earth and marooned on times from his demonic goblin face to his Pluraris VI, a relatively new planet light Marvel bulletins normal human features. This change years from Earth with no native sentient Demonica: This new “continent” was occurs randomly (roll 1d10 every round; if life forms, raised from the ocean floor between Ha- a 10 is rolled, he changes form), and Hob- waii and California by Dr. Demonicus and goblin must make an Incredible intensity That’s it for this month. Stay tuned as his Pacific Overlords. It has been granted Endurance FEAT when it occurs or else we continue our “Castaways” feature next admission into the United Nations, but its collapse. The pain subsides after one month! political, social, and economic organization round, and for 1d10 - 5 rounds (minimum has yet to be determined. Demonica’s of one round) he remains human and effects on shipping are currently un- relatively coherent. The Hobgoblin has Marvel characters appearing in “The MARVEL-Phile” and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of known as well. Its foreign policies are become one of the most unstable and Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permis- vague, but it is known that the Avengers unpredictable villains active today, as can sion. Copyright ©1991 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All West Coast branch is not welcome on be attested by recent foes like Moon Rights Reserved. Demonica, having fought its ruler while Knight, the Ghost Rider, and Spider-Man. the continent was being created. Kingpin: Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, was Fury, Nick: It hasn’t been an easy year finally defeated by the one foe he thought for this former Howling Commando. crushed long ago. Through Daredevil’s About 2,500 new recruits for SHIELD various manipulations (with indirect aid by were killed in an explosion at SHIELD SHIELD), all of the Kingpin’s holdings, Central in New York. These deaths and legitimate or illegal, were destroyed by LOOKING FOR subsequent others were caused by the HYDRA. This loss directly caused Fisk to MORE GAMERS? newly resurrected and thoroughly evil lose control of his organization, and his You may think you’d have to travel HYDRA, led by Fury’s long-time foe, Baron status as the crimelord of New York fell to another planet to find a game Wolfgang von Strucker. Given all the stress until he became just a homeless killer on convention. Finding friends who and the pain of those losses, Nick had been the streets. He has survived, however, and on the verge of insanity, but he has recov- it is unknown just how far he will go to are also gamers can be a problem, ered his strength of will. Unfortunately, a regain his power. too. Put your scoutsuit away and conspiracy has kept him from receiving Outlaws: Silver Sable has officially turn to the Convention Calendar in his dosages of the Infinity Formula, a sanctioned and collected a semi-permanent this magazine. There may be a serum that has retarded his aging since quick-strike team of superhuman and game convention closer to your World War II, and Fury’s years are quickly highly skilled operatives called the Out- home than you think — and conven- catching up to him. In game effects, Nick laws. Team members include Sable as the tions are a great place to find is losing - 1CS of Fighting, Strength, En- leader, with the Prowler, Rocket Racer, the friends who share your interests. durance, and Agility every four days until Will-o-the-Wisp, and a some-time member, Whether you like board games, his actual age (approximately 70-80 years) the Sandman. role-playing games, miniature war manifests itself, leaving him with Feeble Storm, Alicia Masters: She is not! Yes, scores in all those abilities. retroactive continuity strikes again, as the games, or just browsing around, a Green Goblin II: Once again, Harry blind sculptress who married Johnny game convention can be all you’ve Osborn has been under a lot of pressure, Storm (the Human Torch) was a Skrull spy hoped for. Plan to attend one soon. and memories of his abusive father (and named Lyja. She replaced Alicia while the

DRAGON 95 The Marvel®-Phile

Day of the Marauders™! by Jeff Grubb TALENTS: Scalphunter is a Weapons Body armor: The silver suit that Arclight Specialist with weapons he has created wears provides Good protection from They are murderers, stone-cold killers from his uniform, giving him a +2CS to physical and energy attacks. with powers beyond those of normal hit and increasing his initiative when using humans. Gathered together by a mysteri- these weapons by 1. He is also skilled in TALENTS: Arclight has military skill. ous master, they were turned loose in the edged weapons and has Leadership Skill. Other skills and talents have yet to be tunnels beneath New York City, where the revealed. misshapen mutants called the Morlocks™ CONTACTS: Scalphunter is leader of the made their homes. The result was the Marauders, a band of mutant outlaws CONTACTS: Phillipa Sontag might retain death of nearly all the Morlocks, as these working for the mysterious Mister her military contacts. She is a member of killers cut through them like wolves Sinister™. Other contacts he has are the Marauders. among sheep. Heroes like the X-Men™, unrevealed. X-Factor™, and Thor™ battled these in- BACKGROUND: Phillipa Sontag served vaders, and casualties were high on all BACKGROUND: Little has been revealed with the American ground forces in Viet- sides. Most of these killers are still at large. about Scalphunter’s origins or back- nam, and the memories of those days still They are the Marauders™. ground. What is obvious through his lead- haunt her. She has redirected her anger ership of the Marauders is that and rage into body building, which she Scalphunter is a cold-blooded murdering uses to supplement her mutant ability. She SCALPHUNTER™ machine who kills his victims only because uses her military background in her mis- Real name unrevealed he does not know how NOT to kill in com- sions with the Marauders, and the clearing bat. Using his weapons, he always chooses of the Morlock tunnels is little different in F IN (40) Health: 120 a weapon and ammo of sufficient force to her mind from the pacification of an A RM (30) guarantee a kill against his target(s). The insurgent-harboring village. She prefers a S EX (20) Karma: 60 restrictions placed upon him by the limits challenge in combat, and would rather E RM (30) of his weapons, plus the fact that he must duke it out with an established hero than R GD (10) Resources: Good (10) break down and rebuild his guns to han- destroy less powerful creatures. I EX (20) dle more powerful opponents, puts him P RM (30) Popularity: -10 alongside his fellow Marauders in combat, as opposed to working on his own. HARPOON™ KNOWN POWERS: Real name unrevealed

Body armor/weapons: The true nature of ARCLIGHT™ F EX (20) Health: 110 Scalphunter’s mutant abilities has yet to be Phillipa Sontag A IN (40) fully revealed, but may be connected in S EX (20) Karma: 22 some way with the uniform he wears. F RM (30) Health: 120 E RM (30) This body suit is laced with holsters, clips, A EX (20) R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) and pockets which hold all sorts of gun S RM (30) Karma: 46 I TY (6) parts and ammunition. Using this suit, E IN (40) P GD (10) Popularity: -10 Scalphunter gains the following powers: R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) * Good protection from physical and I EX (20) KNOWN POWERS: energy attacks; P EX (20) Popularity: -10 * Camouflage, (all attempts to detect him Imbue energy: Harpoon may charge ob- visually are at -2CS to the die roll); KNOWN POWERS: jects with energy so that they release that * The ability to assemble the pieces of his energy on contact for additional damage. guns into a variety of firearms with a Shockwave attack: Arclight’s mutant To date, this ability has been limited to his number of uses (in effect, Scalphunter power allows her to direct a concentrated harpoons as his main weapon, and to the may create any one-handed and two- blast of kinetic energy at will by striking a following energies: electricity, concussive handed shooting weapon from pages 42-43 victim with either her hands or her feet. force, or stunning force. Other objects and of the Advanced Set Players Book, except This has the effect of a Shockwave attack other energies may be so imbued, with the bows. He may fire two-handed weapons at all targets up to three areas away, doing following effects: using one hand without penalty); and, Amazing damage. All targets (and she may * An object may be imbued with energy of * The ability to use any of the ammunition be selective among those targets as a up to Remarkable intensity if Harpoon types listed on page 44 of the Advanced power stunt) are affected as if by a blast of focuses on it for a single round. For each Set Players Book, regardless of the weapon Amazing intensity. No damage is done per additional turn spent charging an object, a for which that type of shot was designed se, but targets may be slammed or one-level increase in energy is imbued. (Scalphunter prefers armor-piercing (AP) stunned by the attack. Arclight may direct The limitation of the energy imbued varies and explosive shot over mercy and rubber her attacks against living and nonliving with the size of the missile. Doubling the shot, as the latter two have a distressing targets. Against living targets, she inflicts mass of the missile over harpoon size habit of leaving the victim alive). Incredible Blunt damage; against nonliving increases the maximum energy limit by Scalphunter’s uniform also contains a targets, she inflicts destruction of Amazing one positive shift. Reducing the mass by back-mounted sheath for his sword. intensity. half would reduce it by one column shift

68 JANUARY 1986 for each time it is so reduced. (If Harpoon ful, shuts that power off, removing its it appears, and wishes to look “cool” (and could imbue a telephone pole with energy benefits. presumably normal). Scrambler works and use it as a weapon, it would have Shift best alongside the other Marauders, re- Z Intensity — about the same as a tactical Body armor: Scrambler disdains the stand- ducing opponents’ protective abilities and nuclear weapon.) Imbuing items other ard body armor of the Marauders for a attack capabilities so they are easy prey than his harpoons is a power stunt. lighter version worn under his street for his teammates. * Harpoon may imbue items with other clothes. This armor provides Typical pro- types of energy (such as light, radiation, or tection from energy and physical attack. exotic substances such as the Darkforce) as a power stunt. Harpoon’s ability to TALENTS: None of Scrambler’s talents or RIPTIDE™ endow items with this energy is Remark- skills have been revealed. Janos Quested (deceased) able in intensity. CONTACTS: Scrambler is a member of F GD (10) Health: 70 Slayspears: Harpoon’s weapon of choice in the Marauders. A IN (40) combat is his namesake harpoon, a 5’-long S GD (10) Karma: 26 weapon with a barbed head and weight of BACKGROUND: Little has been revealed E GD (10) 20 pounds. He may imbue these weapons of Scrambler’s background, save that he is R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) with Incredible intensity energy, in addi- of Korean heritage and the youngest of I GD (10) tion inflicting Good edged attack or edged the Marauders. Scrambler is a bit of a P GD (10) Popularity: -10 throwing damage. He carries these har- fashion plate, following each new trend as poons in a back-mounted quiver which holds up to 20 such projectiles.

Body armor: Harpoon’s body uniform provides Good protection from physical and energy attacks.

TALENTS: Harpoon is a Weapon Specialist with the harpoon.

CONTACTS: Harpoon is a member of the Marauders.

BACKGROUND: Harpoon’s full back- ground has yet to be revealed. He is appar- ently an Inuit Eskimo in his mid-20s and is greatly impressed by the lights and fast times of Manhattan. This does not prevent him from being a cold-blooded murderer like the rest of the Marauders.

SCRAMBLER™ Kim Il Sung

F GD (10) Health: 46 A GD (10) S TY (6) Karma: 40 E EX (20) R GD (10) Resources: Good (10) I GD (10) P EX (20) Popularity: -10

KNOWN POWERS:

Disruption: Kim has the power to disrupt at will other systems on touch, including electrical and mechanical systems, as well as human physiological and mutant abili- ties. He does this with Monstrous ability, though he must touch flesh against flesh for the disruption to function. Scrambler can use his ability to stun or kill an oppo- nent on touch (target must make an En- durance FEAT against Monstrous intensity). If used to disrupt mutant abili- ties, the target must make a Power FEAT against the Monstrous intensity attack using the strongest mutant power rank. (Scrambler may also selectively disrupt particular powers, leaving others unaf- fected.) Scrambler’s disruption, if success-

D RAGON 69 KNOWN POWERS:

Tornado spin: Riptide’s power was similar in nature to another mutant, Whirlwind™, in his ability to spin his body at super- human speeds. Unlike Whirlwind, Riptide never learned true flight from his abilities, but the young Greek developed his own deadly attack form using his powers, owing to his fascination with sharp objects. Riptide carried a number of sharp blades and throwing stars (shurikens) on him at all times. In his tornado state, Riptide attacked in melee combat for Re- markable edged attack damage, though he could power stunt up to Incredible dam- age for brief periods (1-4 turns). In addi- tion, he could throw his shurikens at high velocity; each inflicted Typical damage, but struck body armor as if from an Amazing-Strength attack. Riptide could cast up to 10 of these in a turn at up to 10 different targets.

TALENTS: Riptide had no revealed talents.

CONTACTS: Riptide was a member of the Marauders.

BACKGROUND: Janos Quested’s back- ground has yet to be revealed. The silver- haired man whirled with a grace unmatched by great dancers, but was devoted to his own evil ends. Riptide was one of the members of the Marauders who invaded the Morlock tunnels, and his attacks were responsible for the death of many. In the end, he was killed by Colossus™ of the X-Men.

VERTIGO™ Real name unrevealed

F GD (10) Health: 46 A GD (10) S TY (6) Karma: 56 E EX (20) R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) I GD (10) P IN (40) Popularity: -10

KNOWN POWERS:

Equilibrium distortion: Vertigo has the power to psionically disrupt a target’s sense of equilibrium, rendering him (or them) nearly helpless. She does this with Unearthly ability to a single target or Amazing ability to a group of victims in the same area, up to three areas away. Targets must make a Psyche FEAT roll against this ability or be knocked to the ground, unable to move or attack. Contin- ued exposure results in unconsciousness for 1-10 rounds. Her distortion powers are negated if she is knocked out.

TALENTS: Vertigo has no revealed talents.

70 JANUARY 1986 CONTACTS: Veritgo is a current member material strength. Using these claws, Foreigner™. In his known career, Saber- of the Marauders, and was a former mem- Sabertooth may inflict up to Remarkable tooth has fought Power Man™, Iron First™, ber of the Savage Land Mutates™. edged attack damage. If grappling an Spider-Man, the Black Cat™, Daredevil™, Whether this group survived the destruc- opponent for one round, Sabertooth may and Wolverine, and is considered by some tion of the Savage Land™ by Terminus™ is also bite for Remarkable damage. the latter’s equal — his size, strength, and currently unknown. berserker fury offsetting the X-Man’s Healing factor: Sabertooth may regain 2 adamantium claws. The two are familiar BACKGROUND: Vertigo is not a mutant, points of Health per turn, and may re- with each other, and they have fought one like the other Marauders, but rather a cover one lost Endurance rank per day. another savagely in the past. mutate — a human endowed with super- Sabertooth may negate the effects of Sabertooth has always mixed his work human powers through induced mutation drugs or poisons by making a successful assignments as an assassin with the plea- or modification. Vertigo was one of the Endurance FEAT Roll. sure of the hunt and kill. In this way, primitive Swamp People of the Savage Sabertooth is very catlike, given over to Land, an Atlantean-created jungle located TALENTS: Sabertooth has Martial Arts A, unreasoning animal behavior. As a mem- in the cold wastes of Antarctica. Vertigo B, C, D, and E, as well as Espionage skill. ber of the Marauders in their recent at- was given her superhuman powers by tack on the Morlock tunnels, Sabertooth another Mutate, Brainchild™, who in turn CONTACTS: Sabertooth is a borderline worked alone, eventually tangling with had been mutated by Magneto™. Though member of the Marauders. He also has Wolverine. Sabertooth’s bloodlust got the defeated by Ka-Zar™, Spider-Man™, and contacts in the normal criminal commu- better of him; the villain attacked the the X-Men, and reduced to their brutish nity, owing to his reputation as a one-man X-Men Mansion, overpowering most of the origins, Vertigo and possibly her fellow killing machine. team before being defeated by Wolverine. tribesmen returned to their superhuman Sabertooth escaped from that defeat and states over time. BACKGROUND: Sabertooth’s origins are has not been seen since. Following her return to intelligence and unknown, but he has developed an exten- This version of Sabertooth has been superhuman ability, Vertigo left the Savage sive reputation as an assassin, and was at updated from the version that appeared in Land. Whether any of the other Savage one time a pupil of a master killer named module MH-4, Lone Wolves. Land Mutates left with her is as yet unre- vealed, though any that remained in that hidden land would have perished when the Savage Land was destroyed by Terminus (see DRAGON® Magazine issue MALICE™ so that the target may doubt his or her #115 for details). Real name unrevealed sanity, or come to think of Malice as the Vertigo came to America and joined the bad side of his or her consciousness. Marauders. No longer a jungle waif follow- F FE (2) Health: 106 Should the target fall prey to the desires ing the instructions of a villain such as A FE (2) Malice offers as bait, the mental attack is Brainchild, Vertigo is fluent in west-coast S FE (2) Karma: 170 considered a blindsiding attack, and no American slang and grammar, and E UN (100) Karma may be added to the Intuition FEAT matches her fellow Marauders in their R EX (20) Resources: Not applicable to avoid it. Malice is telepathic at the cruelty and love of making others suffer. I MN (75) Remarkable rank, and uses the knowledge P MN (75) Popularity: 0 picked up in this fashion to tempt potential victims. KNOWN POWERS: Malice’s targets are physically un- SABERTOOTH™ changed by the possession, though all Real name unrevealed Energy being: Malice is an energy con- wear a choker-style collar (Malice’s “signa- struct without physical form. In energy ture”). Malice may use the possessed tar- F IN (40) Health: 120 form, Malice cannot be hurt by physical get’s memories, abilities, and superhuman A RM (30) attacks, nor by energy other than the type powers as desired. Malice feeds (gaining in S EX (20) Karma: 32 of which Malice is composed (discovery of Health and Karma) by having the host E RM (30) the energy type of Malice’s body would be body perform evil actions. Malice gains an R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) a power stunt of Monstrous intensity for equal number of points of Health or I EX (20) an energy manipulator such as Captain Karma as are lost by the character’s P TY (6) Popularity: -10 Marvel™ or a scientist such as Reed actions for performing evil actions. Malice Richards™). Malice may walk through does not kill unless in danger of losing the KNOWN POWERS: physical objects, and has no need to eat, host body, as such a great gain in Karma breath, or sleep. Malice cannot pick up would not be assimilated by the energy Senses: Sabertooth’s senses of smell, taste, physical objects nor make physical attacks, body. Malice remains with the host body and hearing have been raised to the except by possessing another individual. until that body is drained of Karma (and Amazing level, with the following effects: Malice may be attacked by mental means, usually exhausted), then departs. * Sabertooth only sees the world in black and this form of attack may drive the and white (having no color sight, similar to construct out of a host body. TALENTS: Malice has no revealed talents. a cat’s vision); Having access to the knowledge of the * Sabertooth has Remarkable infravision; Possession: Malice has the ability to pos- host body, Malice may use any of the * Sabertooth can track with Amazing sess the body of a human victim, forcing host’s talents. ability; and, that victim’s original persona into uncon- * Sabertooth can use his sensory abilities scious submission. Malice does this with a CONTACTS: Malice is a member of the to identify poisons, illusions, and hidden mental attack of Monstrous intensity, and Marauders. or invisible creatures one area away (the the target must make an Intuition (not range of his senses at their highest). Psyche) FEAT to avoid the assault. Malice’s BACKGROUND: Malice’s true name, usual habit is to appear to the target (in background, and even sex are unknown, Claws and teeth: Sabertooth’s claws are a mirrors, reflections, etc.) and offer a bet- as he/she/it is an energy construct without part of his body (unlike the adamantium ter life to the victim through evil or selfish physical form. Malice’s first appearance set of Wolverine™), and have Incredible ends. Malice appears to the target alone, was as a member of the Marauders, but,

D RAGON 71 unlike the others of that team, Malice had CONTACTS: Blockbuster was a member attacked Thor by surprise as the Thunder a particular target: the mutant Alison of the Marauders and a former member of God was escorting the wounded hero Blaire, better known as the Dazzler™. a West German terrorist group known as Angel™ out of the tunnels, and broke Tempting Dazzler with her possible life as the Fist of Victory. Thor’s arm in the attack — but the en- a star, Malice possessed her mind and used raged Thor struck Blockbuster in the face the knowledge gained to infiltrate the BACKGROUND: Michael Baer chose life with Mjolnir, apparently killing the X-Men. Malice was defeated after captur- as an expatriate American in Europe as mutant. ing several more minds in succession. Her opposed to testifying against a fellow present whereabouts are unknown. criminal in his teens. Baer’s mutant abili- ties surfaced while the young man was in PRISM™ Europe, and the American soaked up a Real name unrevealed (deceased) great deal of philosophy and radical ideal- BLOCKBUSTER™ ism while working as a bouncer in Berlin F GD (10) Health: 40 Michael Baer (deceased) bars and as the muscle for street gangs in A GD (10) Paris. His idealism, temperament, and S GD (10) Karma: 22 F IN (40) Health: 175 power found him a temporary position as E GD (10) A GD (10) the sole mutant member of the Fist of R TY (6) Resources: Good (10) S AM (50) Karma: 26 Victory. This small and fanatical organiza- I GD (10) E MN (75) tion was destroyed in a shoot-out with P TY (6) Popularity: -10 R GD (10) Resources: Good (10) police, leaving Baer the sole survivor. I TY (6) Wanted in Europe, Baer returned to KNOWN POWERS: P GD (10) Popularity: -10 America, where he was contacted by agents of Mister Sinister and recruited Glass body: Prism’s body was made of KNOWN POWERS: into the Marauders as the resident brittle glasslike material that gave him strongman of the team. Baer’s fighting several powers and disadvantages: Body armor: Blockbuster’s thick hide pro- fury paled compared to that of his team- * Prism had Unearthly protection from vided him with Excellent protection members Arclight, Sabertooth, and light-based, radiation, and other energy against physical and energy attacks. Harpoon, and he was often regarded by attacks; the others as slow, plodding, and stupid. * Prism could reflect energy attacks at TALENTS: Blockbuster had Martial Arts A He sought to prove himself to his team by victims up to three areas away, increasing and wrestling skill. taking on the Avenger™ Thor. Blockbuster the damage inflicted by one rank (maxi- mum of Shift X damage). In this reflection, Prism could compress the wavelengths of the energy, allowing his reflected energies to affect individuals normally invulnerable to such energies (for example, the optic blasts of Cyclops™). * Prism, as a power stunt, could reflect the ambient light into a blinding flash of up to Monstrous intensity over a range of three areas (he could direct this flash in any direction); * Prism could hold the light reflected up to five turns before releasing it, and could contain up to 200 points of such energy (in combined intensity) before releasing it; and, * Prism’s crystalline form was extremely susceptible to physical damage, so that all physical damage was doubled (if Prism reached 0 Health through physical damage and failed an Endurance FEAT, he shattered).

TALENTS: Prism had no revealed talents.

CONTACTS: Prism had no known contacts outside of the Marauders.

BACKGROUND: Little is known of Prism’s background before joining the Marauders, but he did join shortly before the Marauders’ assault on the Morlock tunnels. In battle with X-Factor, Prism reflected Cyclops’s optic blasts back at him, severely injuring him. Marvel Girl™ witnessed Prism’s attack and used her telekinetic powers to slam Prism into an steel pylon, shattering him. If the force of the blow did not kill Prism, the later plasma-firing of the tunnels by Thor most likely did so.

72 JANUARY 1986 The MARVEL®-Phile The Avengers™, Part II by Jeff Grubb

Alright, everyone, I’ve gotten a lot of not yet established. Small changes were Therefore, the MARVEL-Phile brings mail requesting your favorite heroes and made in the supplement before it went you Mockingbird and, as an added villains, and the most-requested hero of to press, noting that Hawkeye™, Wonder bonus, an individual who has fought the past few months has been Man™, Tigra™, and Iron Man™ were with alongside the West Coast Avengers, the MOCKINGBIRD™! the new team, but we had no time to mysterious Shroud™. (Special thanks to Where has she been? Well, when add the beautiful Bobbi Morse. We Kim Eastland for Mockingbird’s statistics Bruce Nesmith assembled the Avengers™ heard from Bobbi’s avid fans, however, and abilities.) Assembled! supplement, the West Coast who sent a ton of requests to correct franchise of the mighty Avengers was this oversight in the roster. MOCKINGBIRD™ Barbara “Bobbi” Morse Barton Professional adventurer, formerly a physicist and S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) Health: 56 Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Karma: 32 Strength: TYPICAL (6) Resources: TYPICAL Endurance: GOOD (10) Popularity: 50 Reason: EXCELLENT (20) Intuition: TYPICAL (6) Psyche: TYPICAL (6)

Powers: BODY ARMOR. Mockingbird wears a protective suit made of Kelvar and woven Beta cloth. This suit provides Remarkable protection against physical damage and Excellent protection against fire. BATTLE STAVES. Mockingbird’s chief weapon consists of two hollow steel-alloy poles (Remarkable material) fitted into holsters on her fore- arms. She handles these poles with Remarkable Agility, and can use them in a number of different ways: 1) Fitted together, the battle staves form a javelin which can inflict Remarkable damage when hurled at a target within 4 areas. 2) Spring mechanisms in her forearm holsters allow her to fire the staves at targets up to 3 areas away, doing Excellent damage. Her skill in firing these staves permits her to angle shots so that the staves bounce back in her general direction. She can catch them in the air on the rebound by making a Agility FEAT. 3) Connected and telescoped to full length, the staves form a vaulting pole 8’ long. The pole allows Mockingbird to clear the roof of a one- story structure with little effort. ACROBATICS. Mockingbird receives an UP ONE column shift in her agility (to Remarkable) when Dodging. Talents: Mockingbird has had extensive experience in the fields of biology, law enforcement, and espionage. Her Reason is Remarkable in these areas. In addition, Mockingbird has an exceptional reputation among law-enforcement agencies. Treat her Popularity as Monstrous with regards to S.H.I.E.L.D, Interpol, and government security agen- cies. Mockingbird’s story: Bobbi Morse began her career as a member of the team attempting to rediscover the “Super-Soldier” formula that gave Captain America™ his powers. Her achievements came to the

All Marvel characters and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks at the Marvel Comics Group. MARVEL SUPER HEROES and MARVEL SUPER VILLAINS are trademarks of the Marvel Comics Croup Copy- right © 1985 Marvel Comics Group, a division of Cadence Industries Corporation. All Rights Reserved

D RAGON 71 attention of S.H.I.E.L.D., who recruited code name of a CIA mission Nick Fury Mockingbird went freelance. One of her her into their organization and provided aided in). As Mockingbird, Bobbi looted investigations involved illegal dealings by her with espionage training. As a mem- computer banks and collected incrimi- Cross Technological Enterprises; while ber of S.H.I.E.L.D., Bobbi fought along- nating data on a number of S.H.I.E.L.D. gathering evidence in this case, she side director Nick Fury and Ka-Zar, Lord administrators. broke into the CTE complex where the of the Savage Land; she also tangled Bobbi Morse went to New York to Avenger Hawkeye was employed as with A.I.M. (Advanced Idea Mechanics) present her findings to Nick Fury, dog- security chief. The two battled until and the mindless Man-Thing™. ged by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents (under the Mockingbird convinced Hawkeye of Following the assassination of a gov- command of the corrupt administrators CTE’s illegal actions. The two became a ernment witness she was assigned to as well as by Spider-Man™, who was fighting team thereafter, fell in love, and protect, Bobbi Morse suspected corrup- duped into fighting her. Though the married. Hawkeye and Mockingbird tion within her own organization. Drop- evidence was destroyed, Bobbi did alert soon formed the core of the West Coast ping out of S.H.I.E.L.D., Bobbi tracked Nick Fury to the treason of his subordi- Avengers. Her common sense and espio- down subversives under the costumed nates, resulting in a major house clean- nage training have taken the edge off identities of the Huntress™ and Mocking- ing in the organization. Hawkeye’s hot temper and quick judge- bird (the latter name taken from the Following the cleanup of S.H.I.E.L.D., ments.

SHROUD™ Powers: reputed to have mystic powers. He Real name unrevealed joined the cult and soon gained great DARKFORCE GENERATION. Much like Undercover crimefighter and knowledge of their martial arts and Cloak™ (see the MARVEL®-Phile in criminal mystical disciplines. DRAGON® issue #91), the Shroud can After seven years of study, his masters tap the Dark Dimension and use the Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) decided he had advanced as far as they Darkforce. Shroud cannot use the Agility: EXCELLENT (20) could take him. They branded his face Darkforce for teleportation, but he can Strength: GOOD (10) with “the Kiss of Kali,” a hot iron in the draw its inky blackness into our dimen- Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) shape of the multi-armed goddess. sion. Shroud can darken one area per Reason: GOOD (10) Blinded, the man who would become round, up to a maximum of five areas at Intuition: INCREDIBLE (40) the Shroud fled into the wilderness, any one time. This darkness is more Psyche: EXCELLENT (20) where he discovered his lost sight had than a mere absence of light; it also been replaced by a mystic sense that negates all light of less than Amazing Health: 80 allowed him to perceive his surround- potency. Those caught in the darkness Karma: 70 ings. Unable to relocate the temple, he are DOWN THREE on all combat and Resources: GOOD returned to America and adopted the FEAT rolls. Shroud can also form the Popularity: -10 identity of the Shroud. Darkforce into flat black shapes (such as To establish himself firmly as a crime- false shadows or silhouettes) that he fighter, Shroud decided to go after the uses as decoys. master criminal Doctor Doom™. Instead, MYSTIC PERCEPTION. The Shroud is he fought alongside the Latverian mon- blind, but he possesses mystic senses arch to defeat the Red Skull™ in a plot that permit him to perceive his sur- involving an orbiting “Hypno-Ray.” roundings even when enveloped in his Shroud stopped the satellite by absorb- own darkness. This ability reaches into ing the effects of the ray into himself, areas immediately adjacent to his own and his body was rescued from space by and passes through walls and other solid Captain America, objects. He cannot perceive objects Following his recovery, Shroud discov- beyond this one-area range. ered that the ray had triggered his latent power to control a force of abso- Talents: Shroud’s Reason is Excellent lute darkness. Shroud then went under- when dealing with law, criminology, and ground, planning to work within the the criminal underworld. His sources on criminal community to destroy it. He set the street will usually inform him if up his own gang and built a reputation something “big” is happening. Shroud as a powerful crime lord. He is currently also has the Martial Arts talent. wanted by several law enforcement agencies for questioning. Despite his Shroud’s story: Shroud was orphaned current activities, Shroud gets NO as a boy when his parents were slain in Karma for his criminal acts, and he loses a holdup. The embittered youth dedi- it like any other hero performing cated his life to fighting crime; to that crimes. end he studied law and criminology, and Because of the vivid scar of Kali on his he built up his body to peak physical upper face, the Shroud almost always condition. wears his costume. He uses his darkness Following graduation from college, tricks to escape from the scene of his Shroud journeyed to the Far East on a crimes and to cover his sabotage of the search for the Cult of Kali, a group activities of other criminals.

72 JANUARY 1985 The MARVEL®-Phile by Jeff Grubb

Welcome back to the MARVEL-Phile, Namor’s physiology gives him EXCEL- sion in water automatically restores DRAGON® Magazine’s continuing com- LENT resistance to cold. Health lost through dehydration and pendium of caped cut-ups and costumed brings the Sub-Mariner’s stats to normal. MOVEMENT — Namor can move 3 areas crusaders! As the phile grows, we’ll try per turn on land, but in the water can RULERSHIP — Until recently, Namor to cover many of the heroes that are not swim at TYPICAL speed (6 areas per was ruler of Atlantis, an undersea king- yet detailed in upcoming modules and round). In addition, Namor can fly (using dom in the North Atlantic. The paren- rosters. If we have a module starring the the wings attached to his ankles) at thetical numbers with Resources and current team of X-Men™, for example, POOR speed (4 areas per round). Popularity refer to his abilities as mon- you shall not see them here. (You might, arch of Atlantis. however, see the original team, or mem- WEAKNESS ON SURFACE — The above bers that have left or passed on). statistics concern Namor when he is The Sub-Mariner’s Story: Long ago We are open for suggestions on what underwater, or at least partially wet. there existed in the North Atlantic YOU want to see within these pages. Long existence out of water is harmful Ocean the continent of Atlantis, which Heroes from the Second World War? to the Sub-Mariner. For every hour sank beneath the sea in a firey cata- Creatures of the street, such as Cloak™ spent out of water, Namor loses one clysm. The Olympian god Poseidon, also and Dagger™? The New Mutants™? Rank of his Fighting, Strength, and called Neptune, used his arcane powers X-Men™ of the past? Heroes mentioned Endurance, until they drop to TYPICAL to convert a group of his Atlantean fol- elsewhere, but with more detail? Send levels. His health is unaffected. Should lowers into water-breathers, granting in your votes now! he be totally deprived of water, Namor them super-human stamina, gills, eyes In keeping with the spirit of producing will take 30 points damage per day and that could see in the ocean depths, and those heroes not detailed elsewhere, we be unable to recover lost Health. Immer- blue skin. This was the creation of have this month’s offering. MH-3, Mur- Homo mermanus, a subspecies of the derworld,stars the Fantastic Four™, yet main Homo sapiensline. A wandering missing from the proceedings is one of people, the Atlanteans claimed large the FF’s early foes, who later became a areas of the Atlantic floor in both north- staunch ally. Direct from the briny deep, ern and southern hemispheres. we present the former lord of Atlantis, Namor is the son of Princess Fen of Namor the First, the SUB-MARINER™! So the Atlanteans and Leonard MacKenzie, he won’t be lonely, we’re including an the American captain of the icebreaker old nemesis of Subby known as TIGER Oracle. When explosive charges from SHARK™! the Oracle damaged an Atlantean city, Fen was sent to investigate. She boarded SUB-MARINER™ the ship, revealed for the first time the Namor, Former Monarch of Atlantis existence of the Atlantean civilization, and soon become enamored of Captain Fighting: INCREDIBLE (40) MacKenzie. The two were wed, but Agility: REMARKABLE (30) were soon separated when an Atlantean Strength: MONSTROUS (75) rescue party boarded the ship and Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) recaptured the princess. Namor, whose Reason: TYPICAL (6) name means “Avenging Son,” was born Intuition: REMARKABLE (30) soon after. Psyche: INCREDIBLE (40) Though of mixed parentage and pos- Health: 185 sessing atypical white skin among the Karma: 76 blue-skinned Atlanteans, Namor was Resources: GOOD (MONSTROUS) accepted as a Prince of Atlantis and Popularity: 5 on the surface world grew up with a hostile attitude towards (85 with other Atlanteans) surface-dwelling air-breathers. He used his super-powers to harass and antago- Powers: nize the surface dwellers. During the AMPHIBIOUS NATURE — Namor can Second World War, the Sub-Mariner put breath both air and water, due to his aside his hostility towards all surface- mixed heritage. His body can withstand men to side with the Allies. During this great pressure changes, and his eyes are period he became a member of the very sensitive to the green portion of Invaders™, fighting alongside Captain the spectrum, allowing him to see in the America™, Bucky, and the original murky ocean depths. In addition, Human Torch. DRAGON 77 Following the war, Namor returned to and attacks in this fashion are resolved Atlantis to serve as champion of his on the Hack and Slash table. undersea city. At this time Atlantis was SWIMMING — Tiger Shark can swim 6 destroyed and its people disbanded by areas in a round. His prowess is aug- the actions of an evil surface-dweller mented by the design of his suit, pos- named Destiny. Destiny used an ancient sessing a large sharklike fin down his power object known as the Serpent back. Crown to destroy Atlantis and strike Namor down with amnesia. Destiny WEAKNESS ON THE SURFACE — Like then left Namor to wander the surface Namor, Tiger Shark suffers from being world as a mindless outcast. exposed to air, losing one rank for every It was the second Human Torch™, hour he is above the surface until his Johnny Storm of the Fantastic Four, who Strength, Endurance, and Fighting are discovered the Sub-Mariner, at this point all POOR. Total deprivation from water little more than a derelict in a flop- would cause Arliss to further weaken house. Johnny helped Namor recover and perish. Tiger Shark’s suit, however, most of his memories by sudden immer- bathes him with a thin layer of water; sion in water (he dropped him in New unless the suit is damaged, it will pre- York Harbor). Blaming the surface-world vent any loss of ability regardless of the for the destruction of his home, the re- time spent on land. awakened Namor made several attacks on the air-breathers. During this time he Tiger Shark’s Story: Todd Arliss was a fought several super-human champions, rising star, an Olympic athelete who set primarily the Fantastic Four. new swimming records in the games. He As the years passed, Namor’s attitude had a bright future as well, amassing a toward air-breathers mellowed. He has half-million dollars in advances for the found the disbanded people of Atlantis, time when he turned professional. This who, desperate for leadership, made TIGER SHARK™ bright future was shattered when Todd, him their ruler. Since that time, Namor Todd Arliss, Criminal in rescuing a man overboard from a has served both as a champion and ruler pleasure boat, was severly injured. The Fighting: AMAZING (50) of the undersea kingdom of Atlantis, and injury did not affect Arliss’ normal Agility: EXCELLENT (20) as a champion of the surface world, movements, but guaranteed he would Strength: MONSTROUS (75) allying when necessary with Doctor never compete again. Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) Strange™ and the Defenders™. When Arliss spent most of his advance Reason: TYPICAL (6) serving with his air-breathing comrades, money seeking medical help. Toward the Intuition: REMARKABLE (30) Namor shirked “official” duties as end of that time Arliss met the evil Doc- Psyche: EXCELLENT (20) Monarch. tor Dorcas, a criminal marine biologist, In his personal life, Namor has had Health: 175 who proposed a radical solution to his much heartbreak. After a brief, unsuc- Karma: 46 problems. Working in his secret under- cessful romance with Sue Storm, the Resources: TYPICAL sea lab, Dorcas used Arliss as a test Invisible Girl™, Namor began a long Popularity: 2 subject for his “morphotron,” a device courtship with the Lady Dorma, a full- that could imprint a set of genetic pat- Powers: blooded Atlantean noblewoman. Follow- terns on a radically different being. ing the ceremony, however, Dorma was AMPHIBIOUS NATURE — The mutagenic Dorcas first imprinted the genetic struc- captured and slain by Llyra, another changes in Arliss’ body gave him many ture of a tiger shark on Arliss, then homo sapiens/homo mermanushybrid of the attributes of Namor, including the followed with the genetic imprint of who possessed shape-shifting abilities. ability to withstand the rigors of the Namor, whom Dorcas had captured. The Following Dorma’s death, Namor formed ocean. Tiger Shark’s body can withstand combined imprinting gave Arliss the no deep attachments for some time. great ocean depths, his eyes are more strengths of both the shark and Namor, Most recently he has courted Marrina™ attuned to the green part of the spec- but also affected his mind, turning the of Alpha Flight, an amphibious alien, but trum, allowing him to peer through the would-be Olympic champion to criminal that relationship has ended as well. murkey ocean depths, and his blood activity. Namor has always been torn between circulation gives him EXCELLENT resis- In their first contest, Tiger Shark his sense of duty to his people and his tance to cold. bested Namor and declared himself loyal devotion to those he loves. Impor- ruler of Atlantis, but Namor recovered BODY ARMOR — The process that tant matters of state would often take a quickly and returned to defeat and changed Arliss into Tiger Shark also back seat to his own adventures, and on imprison Arliss. Since that time Tiger gave him many shark-like abilities, occasion the Sub-Mariner would return Shark has remained an enemy of Namor including a tough hide. Treat this as from a mission to find the capital in and the people of Atlantis. Most EXCELLENT Body Armor. ruins from some attack by Atlantean recently, Arliss joined Radioactive Man™, barbarians or an aquatic villain. Finally TEETH — In addition to the dense hide, Beetle™, and others to form the third cast out by his mother’s people, Namor Arliss gained a set of razor-sharp, Masters of Evil. Tiger Shark has left is a free agent, now unshackled by pointed teeth. He can bite for EXCEL- most of his humanity behind, and kingly responsibilities and duties. LENT damage against a held opponent, remains a vicious and dangerous foe.

78 SEPTEMBER 1984 MARVELMARVEL

by David E. Martin, Chris Mortika, Scott Davis, and William Tracy Leftovers II: The Villains

This month we’ll take a look at two KNOWN POWERS MARVEL UNIVERSE™ villains who didn’t Biospheric Energy Manipulation. Nebulon make the final cut to appear in MU6, could manipulate the biospheric energy of Gamer’s Handbook of the MARVEL UNI- planets at Unearthly rank. His power VERSE 1990 Character Updates book: stunts included: Nebulon and Solarr. Enjoy! —Energy Bolts: Nebulon could project Special thanks to Barb Nish, Peggy energy blasts of Amazing intensity with a Cooper, Judy Gifford, and Steven Schend range of five areas. for their assistance in compiling this —Defensive Shield: Nebulon could create a column. protective energy shield at Incredible rank against all attacks. —Force Bolts: Nebulon could project con- NEBULON™ cussive force bolts at Shift X rank. Nebu- lon’s force bolts had a range of 10 areas, F GD(10) Shape-Shifting. Nebulon had the ability to A GD(10) shape-change at Monstrous Rank into any S MN(75) form. The transformation process was E UN(100) very strenuous, though, requiring an R IN(40) Endurance FEAT roll to remain conscious, I TY(6) so Nebulon did not undertake it often. Any P MN(75) time Nebulon’s Health dropped by more than 50 points in a single combat round, Health: 195 he had to make an Endurance FEAT roll or Karma: 121 revert to his natural form. Resources: EX(20) Teleportation. Nebulon could teleport with Popularity: - 10* Monstrous rank ability for a variety of * Nebulon had Monstrous worldwide effects. His power stunts included: popularity while head of the Celestial —Teleport Self: Nebulon could teleport Mind Control Movement. anywhere on the surface of a planet, —Dimensional Travel: Nebulon could BACKGROUND travel to alternate worlds in parallel di- Real Name: Unknown mensions Occupation: Prospector, guru, would-b —Teleport Others: Nebulon could transport conqueror others either across the planet or across the Legal Status: Citizen of Ul’lula dimensions with a Psyche FEAT roll. Place of Birth: Planet Ul’lula, Ul system, Weakness. If Nebulon were to go without Milky Way galaxy contact with a biosphere long enough, his Marital Status: Married power level would be no more than that of Known Relatives: Supernalia (wife, a normal human being deceased) Base of Operations: Ul’lula, later Earth ROLE-PLAYING NOTES Past Group Affiliations: Leader of the Nebulon was a powerful, shape-changing Celestial Mind Control movement alien initially intent on finding a mineral- Present Group Affiliation: None rich world for his starving people to ex- ploit. The very survival of his race depended on his success and that of others like him. However, Nebulon fell in with a lot of super criminals and soon forgot the dire straits of ™ his homeworld in pursuit of personal gain,

DRAGON 71 MARVELMARVEL

If you want to use Nebulon in your gage the Squadron in battle. In the course his biospheric power, entrapped within his campaign, you will need to come up with of events, Nebulon expended so much humanoid form, and exiled on Earth. The an explanation of his “exaggerated energy that he lost control of his human- Tribunal suggested to Nebulon that he death”—but in comics that’s not a big oid form and allowed his allies and ene- commit suicide, the honorable alternative problem. A resurrected Nebulon is power- mies to see his true self—a sight that to disgrace according to his culture, but ful enough to seriously threaten your dismayed even his allies. Nighthawk seized Nebulon flatly refused. Learning of Nebu- heroes and their world. Perhaps he has this moment of confusion to train the laser lon’s dishonor, Nebulon’s wife Supernalia returned to complete his original mission cannon on Nebulon, who seemingly im- traveled to Earth to force him to take the of trying to make Earth suitable for his ploded, taking along his three Squadron honorable action. race to colonize (see “History”), or maybe accomplices. Nebulon had, in the meantime, made his he just wants Earth for himself. He could In actuality, Nebulon dispatched himself way into the ranks of the Avengers with organize a team of lesser villains to sup- to the aquatic extradimensional world of the hidden goal of using his technology to port him (this is great for bringing back Zaar, inhabited by a race of philosophers siphon power from them to replace that old, hated enemies of the heroes). His called the Ludberites. The Ludberites which he had lost. Supernalia enlisted the teleportation ability is a built-in escape explained to Nebulon the essence of their aid of the Defenders, and soon the two route. Your heroes finally manage to get philosophy—that it is the obligation of teams of champions were manipulated Nebulon just where they want him and— higher beings to improve the lot of their into battle. By the time Nebulon’s motives BING! He’s gone! inferiors. For unknown reasons, Nebulon were revealed, the Earth heroes were took this philosophy to heart, severed his already being drained of their energies. HISTORY loyalties to his people, and abandoned his Supernalia was made to realize that her Nebulon was a member of the alien original mission to instead save the beings actions on Earth also constituted a viola- Ul’lula’ns, a race of six-tentacled, finned, of Earth from their own innate foibles. tion of her people’s ethics, so she chose to water-breathing non-humanoids, who had Returning to Earth, Nebulon assumed a commit suicide. In trying to stop her, begun to deplete the mineral resources of less-imposing human guise than before Nebulon fell victim to the same energy- their homeworld. To remedy the situation, and started a movement called Celestial draining ray that was killing his wife. As the Ul’lula’n High Tribunal dispatched an Mind Control that promised to liberate the Nebulon died, he admitted that at last he undisclosed number of prospectors to powers of the human mind but that actu- was acting honorably. The Avengers and locate and secure worlds with the appro- ally robbed its participants of free will. Defenders buried the aliens where they priate mineral resources for the race’s As Nebulon spread his movement across died, in the snowy Himalayan mountains. survival. the world, the Defenders eventually tried Possessing vast biosphere-tapping power to thwart him. In defense, Nebulon dis- and the ability to assume other forms, patched some of the Defenders to another SOLARR™ Nebulon took a glistening golden human- dimension to prevent their interference. oid form when he neared star systems At the same time, the Headmen, a group of F TY(6) with humanoid populations. He was not, renegade scientists, undertook their own A GD(10) however, particularly successful at pros- scheme to gain worldwide political power. S TY(6) pecting. Unexpectedly, Nebulon came in Soon Nebulon and the Headmen found E GD(10) contact with the misanthropic Hyperion of themselves working at cross purposes. R TY(6) the Squadron Sinister, who had been im- After months of effort, the Defenders I TY(6) prisoned by the thunder god Thor in a managed to expose the Headmen’s political P TY(6) glass sphere floating in space. Upon rescu- machinations and to convince Nebulon it ing him, Nebulon told Hyperion of his was a hopeless task to force humanity to Health: 32 mission. better itself. Nebulon abandoned his mass Karma:. 18 Hyperion was seeking vengeance against movement and disappeared. Resources: TY(6) the people of Earth for the imagined de- When the Tribunal of Ul’lula learned of Popularity: - 10 struction of his world, and he offered to Nebulon’s interference in Earth culture let Nebulon have Earth. Unaware of the and abandonment of his mission, it tried BACKGROUND alien’s true form, Hyperion directed the and convicted Nebulon for treason against Real Name: Silas King Ul’lula’n to Earth to reorganize Hyperion’s his race. But before he could be taken Occupation: Professional criminal one-time comrades, the Squadron Sinister. captive, Nebulon fled into Earth’s ocean Legal Status: U.S. citizen with a criminal Nebulon wished to take custody of the where he used his shape-changing abilities record world with all of its land masses com- to assume the form of Lady Dorma, the Identity: Publicly known pletely submerged under water. To effect deceased bride of the Sub-Mariner. Con- Place of Birth: Carson City, Nevada this, the Squadron members pooled their vincing the Atlanteans that Dorma had Marital Status: Single resources to create a powerful laser can- survived, Nebulon used her popularity as Known Relatives: None non capable of melting Earth’s icecaps. well as his own powers to convince the Base of Operations: Mobile; later Pro- The Squadron member Nighthawk was an Atlanteans to attack London. The De- ject: Pegasus complex unwilling accomplice to the proceedings, fenders then got involved since the Sub- Past Group Affiliations: Former mem- however, and took the first opportunity to Mariner was one of their original ber of Egghead’s Emissaries of Evil, former summon help. members and uncovered Nebulon’s decep- ally of Klaw Contacting the Defenders, Nighthawk tion. Soon afterward, an Ul’lula’n starcraft Present Group Affiliation: None outlined the nature of the crisis and they appeared and took custody of Nebulon, swiftly traveled to the North Pole to en- who was sentenced to be stripped of half

72 NOVEMBER 1990 MARVEL

KNOWN POWERS After recuperating, King made his way has anything to do with Khonshu or his Manipulate Light Energy. Solarr was a to New York City to take up a criminal paraphernalia, but his Health is the same mutant with the Unearthly ability to ab- career. He named himself “Solarr” and as listed and his current primary weapon sorb, store, and manipulate large amounts initially used his superhuman powers to is nunchakus. Current statistics for Moon of energy from light, especially direct rob banks. His criminal career brought Knight do appear in MLA2 Night Moves, sunlight. This energy he then used for the him into partnership with Klaw and mem- by Anthony Herring. following power stunt: bership in the Emissaries of Evil, led by MARVEL SUPER HEROES is a trademark of the Marvel —Heat Blast: Solarr could project a blast of the criminal mastermind Egghead. How- Entertainment Group, Inc. All Marvel characters, names, and ever, Solarr repeatedly met defeat at the the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of the heat energy that would do Incredible Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. ©1990 Marvel damage and had a range of three areas. hands of such crimefighters as the Aveng- Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. After 10 turns of continuous blasting, ers, Captain America, Spider-Man, and the Solarr had to recharge for 45 minutes. Thing. Eventually, the captured Solarr was Heat Resistance. Solarr’s mutation made imprisoned at the Project: Pegasus com- him highly resistant to heat attacks. Heat plex, a federal energy research center, in attacks are reduced - 3CS versus Solarr, New York State. There his ability to store and then a Red FEAT roll was required to and discharge solar energy was studied by actually injure him. Project scientists. Supplemental Power Source. Egghead Another captive and subject for study at once designed for Solarr an auxiliary the Project was Bres, a member of the power supply that allowed him to operate superhuman other dimensional race at full power at night. known as the Fomor. Bres was held pow- erless by electromagnetic shackles that ROLE-PLAYING NOTES were fed a continual stream of charged Silas King was a no-good drug-smuggling particles that somehow neutralized his lowlife who unfortunately developed a ability to employ his magical powers. As a mutant power and turned to crime. result of a series of power failures at the Solarr, if alive in your campaign, is a complex, the flow of particles was inter- simple, straightforward villain. He could rupted long enough for Bres to stop it be a wonderful nemesis for a lone hero or altogether without any Project personnel a small number of low-powered good becoming aware that he had done so. Bres guys. Since he is so simple, he also makes then secretly used his powers to try and a wonderful “soldier” for a major villain take control of the minds of various per- (maybe even Nebulon). His heat-generating sons at the complex by giving them mental abilities could be in high demand among visions in which each was forced to con- criminal masterminds; just think of all the front the evil side of his personality. One safes, vaults, armored cars, etc., that he of Bres’ victims, a guard named Harry could melt. If Solarr develops a few more Winslow, suffered heart failure as a result power stunts (light or heat-related; look to of his vision. Bres animated Winslow’s the Human Torch for ideas) and gets his corpse from afar to use it to commit mur- hands on another supplemental power ders at the complex. source, he could be quite nasty. To add to the confusion at the Project, Bres used his magical powers to free So- HISTORY larr from his cell. Solarr hated Winslow, Silas King was born with latent mutant and upon finding his unmoving corpse, powers that might have remained dor- incinerated it using his powers. But then mant if he had not been exposed to pro- the charred corpse rose, animated by Bres’ longed solar radiation. A former smuggler magic. Solarr fled in panic but could not of illicit narcotics, King was making one of escape the walking corpse that caught up his frequent runs from Los Angeles to with him and killed him. The costumed New York City when his van broke down crimefighter Iron Fist soon defeated Bres, in the Mojave Desert. King spent several who was once again rendered powerless days in the desert trying to make his way by the electromagnetic shackles. back to civilization, marginally surviving Winslow’s corpse was safely buried. on cactus pulp. The several days’ exposure to the desert sun catalyzed the latent Those of you who have purchased MU6 mutation within his body that enabled have noticed by now that Moon Knight’s certain of his cells to store solar energy. updated statistics are not included, as the When King eventually reached civilization back covers claims. Marc Spector was he was immediately hospitalized for sun- bumped from MU6 at the last minute, too stroke and dehydration. While recovering, late to change the back cover. You can find he accidentally discovered he could dis- statistics on Moon Knight in MU3. All you charge the solar energy he had stored as need to note is that he no longer possesses heat blasts. the Power Boost ability, and he no longer ™

DRAGON 73 MARVEL

by Steven E. Schend T HE MARVEL®-PHILE Be careful what you wish for

TM This month, “The MARVEL®-Phile” takes a look at the newest hero on the block: Darkhawk. He is the latest of Marvel’s inner-city heroes, taking on local crime lords for justice (and just a little revenge). He’s attracted the attention of the Hobgob- lin and Spider-Man with his powers and deeds, and both are trying to decide which side he’s on. Darkhawk’s a mystery to the citizens and law enforcers of New York, but he‘s just as much a mystery to himself!

DARKHAWK™

Chris Powell/ Darkhawk F PR (4)/TY (6) Health: 22/96 A TY (6)/RM (30) S TY (6)/RM (30) Karma: 30 E TY (6)/RM (30) R PR (4)/PR (4) Resc.: GD (10) I TY (6)/TY (6) P EX (20)/EX (20) Pop.: 0

POWERS: Chris Powell has no super powers, but his alter ego Darkhawk does. Alter Ego: When Chris Powell grasps his mysterious amulet and wills it, his body transforms into a super-powered alter ego, Darkhawk. The two bodies seem wholly distinct and separate, as one body can be injured while the other is unharmed, but both bodies have the mind of Chris Powell. Darkhawk’s costume seems to be part of his body, and the amulet becomes a chest emblem, though various costume parts (such as his helmet and his retractable glider wings) can be removed. At present, Chris Powell has just recently seen Darkhawk’s face under the helmet, but what lies under the helmet, however target. He cannot fire blasts while his —Gliding: Darkhawk has Typical (6) air shocking, is yet a mystery to readers. The shield is functioning. speed when his glider wings are extended, powers that follow are for Chris’s Dark- —Force Field: When Darkhawk wishes allowing him up to six areas per round of hawk persona. for protection, a red energy shield emerg- gliding. —Power Blasts: Darkhawk has the ability es from the amulet. The shield offers —Grappling Hook: On Darkhawk’s right to fire Remarkable (30) strength blue force Incredible (40) physical protection and wrist is mounted a grappling hook and blasts from the amulet on his chest. The Remarkable (30) energy protection. It can firing mechanism. Darkhawk can fire this beam presently has a wide focus and affect only one area, and it exclusively with Incredible (40) accuracy (see “Tal- affects a one-quarter-area-diameter cone protects Darkhawk’s front. A Psyche FEAT ents”), and its clawlike hook can inflict with a two-area range. With a Yellow must be made every round to maintain Good (10) Edged damage. It can grasp Psyche FEAT roll, Darkhawk should be this protective shield. It cannot be main- small objects or entangle larger objects on able to limit the blasts to one particular tained if Darkhawk fires a force blast. an Agility FEAT roll. The hidden mecha-

DRAGON 31 MARVEL

nisms within Darkhawk’s forearm housing TALENTS: Darkhawk has the Marksman the electrical cable he was holding came allow the hook to be fired at will, and it talent with his grappling hook (Incredible into contact with the voltage box. Chris can rewind itself almost immediately. (40) accuracy with the hook). No further got his little brothers out safely, but his —Elongation: The grappling hook can talents have been revealed for either form. father left abruptly after being caught “on stretch its cable to allow Poor (4) elonga- the take.” tion, granting Darkhawk a range of two HISTORY: Darkhawk’s history begins In his short career, Darkhawk has made areas with his grappling hook. recently when Christopher Powell, the some very powerful enemies. After his —Telescopic Vision: Darkhawk has ex- eldest son of an attorney and a policeman, first encounter with the hit men, hibited a Good (10) range Enhanced Vision was in the abandoned funhouse of the Darkhawk has shadowed many of Bazin’s power that he has used in targeting his Wonderland Amusement Park in Queens, illegal operations, doing everything he can claw-cable (+1CS to attacks and grapples). New York, searching for his two little to destroy the man’s criminal empire. It allows him to fire his hook without brothers. The three of them discovered Darkhawk has even personally threatened range penalties. For other purposes, con- their policeman father receiving money Bazin and doesn’t seem to care about the sider this power to allow him to see ob- from Phillippe Bazin, a local criminal. The consequences. jects or people two areas closer than they boys rushed to protect their father after Darkhawk’s most deadly foe is the Hob- truly are (e.g., Darkhawk could see a he was beaten by Bazin’s goons, and they goblin, the demonic mercenary currently person three areas away as if the person quickly became targets, too. on Bazin’s payroll. Hobgoblin is searching were only one area distant, and could see Fleeing the goons, Chris secured the for an “object of power,” and he believes an open book two areas away as if he boys in a closet and delayed Bazin’s hit- Darkhawk’s amulet to be it. They have were holding it in his hand). men with by throwing everything he clashed twice, but Spider-Man has inter- —Regeneration: When Darkhawk trans- could find at them. While clearing away fered in both fights, and the confronta- forms back into Chris Powell, a hidden shelves, he came across a diamond-shaped tions ended in stalemates. Darkhawk regeneration power activates, healing any amulet. Grasping the amulet, he thought nearly choked Hobgoblin to death with his injuries to his body with Incredible ability. of needing “an edge” and the power to claw-cable in their last encounter, but Within three rounds, Darkhawk’s body is defeat the hoods. Suddenly, Chris trans- Spider-Man let Hobgoblin get away alive healed of any injuries sustained during formed into the form now known as and rebuked Darkhawk for using such combat. This ability apparently does not Darkhawk. unnecessary force. apply to Chris Powell’s body while in He speedily defeated Bazin’s men, Chris is now worried about his use of Darkhawk form, nor does it occur while though one of them died when the goon force, since he lost his temper against Darkhawk is active. attempted to electrocute Darkhawk but Savage Steel, an armored vigilante work- ing with some policemen. Chris is trying to control himself when in his alter ego, but he has not shared his secret identity with anyone yet. Christopher Powell was a normal teen- ager, raised with a strong belief in the law and the feeling that the forces of good needed an edge against crime. When he gained the power of the Darkhawk, his wish for an edge came true. Unfortu- nately, the power came with costs. Chris has alienated his friends and is now much more short-tempered. His nerves are further stretched by the threats of the Bazin mob and by ominous phone calls and notes that indicate someone knows his secret identity and wants him to retire Darkhawk quickly. Finally, there are the appearances of Saint Johnny, a homeless man, around the old Wonderland property; he was around the first night Chris became Darkhawk and actually suggested the name to him— Chris had initially introduced himself as the Edge-Man, but luckily abandoned this name quickly. The vagrant seems to know more about Darkhawk than Chris does, though his connection is unrevealed.

ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Chris Powell is a typical New York adolescent in a very atypical situation. He is brave and a quick thinker under pressure, but he is prone to making rash and sometimes careless deci- sions. After seeing his policeman father on the payroll of a local criminal, Chris is disheartened by the law enforcement and

32 JULY 1991 MARVEL

legal system and works as a vigilante. He “Role-playing Notes” section of Ghost strongly believes in the fight of justice MARVEL BULLETIN BOX Rider’s entry. The sentence that begins, “It against criminals (his most common is interesting to speculate . . .” should read, phrase is “Justice needs a razor-sharp Puck “It is interesting to speculate on whether edge”), but he is unsure as to where the Alpha Flight’s dwarf gymnast has or not Ghost Rider would appear, for line between justice and vengeance is new powers due to the genetic manipu- example, to get a kitten out of a tree— drawn. Darkhawk tends to use excessive lations of the Master. Puck now has something most heroes would not be force, but Chris is trying to keep his tem- Remarkable (30) Strength, Amazing (50) reluctant to perform.” per and thirst for revenge in check. Endurance, and Excellent (20) strength Now you can put away your red pens Darkhawk could appear in your cam- Body Armor vs. physical damage. and get back to enjoying the magazine. paign while trailing Bazin or some of his men. Your heroes could intercede in a conflict between them and would then Super-errors have to decide who is the villain: a normal- Two errors crept into “The MARVEL®- looking man or the dark-costumed man Phile” in DRAGON® issue #169. In the first roughing him up. If the Hobgoblin is in paragraph of the Ghost’s History section, your campaign, perhaps Darkhawk comes there’s a sentence that begins, “Pax hoped hunting for him, or perhaps the Hobgoblin that . . .” In that sentence, the words captures Darkhawk in an attempt to wrest “weaken” and “damage” were reversed. the amulet from him. If your heroes are The sentence should read, “Pax hoped that well respected (have high Popularity the damage the Ghost did would further scores), perhaps Darkhawk will come to weaken Accutech’s financial standing, them for training and help in controlling making it more amenable to Roxxon’s next his temper. offer of purchase.” Also, the word “not” was dropped from a sentence in the first paragraph of the

The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1991 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DRAGON 33 The by Jeff Grubb

® The results are in on our informal poll on whether or not to do all of the victims Marvel -Phile of the recent slayer of Marvel Super Vil- lains: Scourge. The readers made two points: First, the majority of people said “Yes, let’s see everyone that Scourge has Justice is served! (Part 1) bumped off.” Apparently, being dead doesn’t count against your popularity in the Marvel Universe. But strongly voiced, too, was: “Don’t take up too much room, or use multiple 'Marvel-Philes,' in order to do it." [We had to split this into two parts. The list was too long! — Editor] Hmm. What follows is the first part of “The Marvel®-Phile’s Two-Minute Drill," in which I cram as much as I can into as small a space as possible. If we’ve covered a particular victim elsewhere in a MARVEL SUPER HEROES® game product, the reference is mentioned. Here, then, are the known victims of the Scourge of the Underworld — and (in the next issue) Scourge as well.

ENFORCER™ Charles L. Delazny, Jr. F A S E R I P EX GD GD EX GD GD EX Health: 60 Karma: 30 Resources: TY Popularity: -10 KNOWN POWERS: Body Armor: EX rank, with silver- nitrate-covered vest for werewolves (see DRAGON® issue #126, page 76). Infravision: RM intensity. Weapons: Two .45 caliber guns with special ammo: * Ordinary bullets (TY damage); * Silver bullets (TY damage, for were- wolves); * Tranquilizer pellets (IN intensity); * Pyrogranulate capsules (RM-intensity fire damage); and, * IN-intensity “Tingler” that changes the victim’s metabolism, causing the victim to burst into flame (IN intensity) by post-hypnotic command. Disintegrator Amulet: Later a ring, lost before the Enforcer’s death (IN intensity, 1-area range). TALENTS: Handguns, Martial Arts A, and Hypnotism. CONTACTS: No major contacts. HIS LIFE: A criminal mercenary, the Enforcer fought the Ghost Rider, Spider- Woman, Spider-Man, and Werewolf, oper- ating primarily on the West Coast. HIS DEATH: On assignment to kill an- other criminal (the Termite), the Enforcer was shot by Scourge, who was disguised as a bag lady. MIRACLE MAN™ Name unknown MEGATAK™ Gregory Nettles TITANIA™ Davida DeVito F A S E R I P F A S E R I P F A S E R I P PR GD TY TY EX EX UN EX EX RM AM TY TY TY RM EX RM EX TY TY TY Health: 26 Karma: 160 Health: 130 Karma: 18 Health: 100 Karma: 18 Resources: PR Popularity: -30 Resources: TY Popularity: 0 Resources: GD Popularity: 5 KNOWN POWERS: KNOWN POWERS: KNOWN POWERS: None. Mass Hypnotism: UN intensity; required Electrical Power: MN intensity; could TALENTS: Martial Arts A, B, C, and E. eye contact to maintain and worked over create video images in 3D, which could CONTACTS: The Power Broker, the TV screens; mildly telepathic in nature. then attack (RM material strength and UCWF’s Grapplers, and Roxxon Oil. Psionic Powers: Powers taught to damage); could also inflict MN electrical HER LIFE: A mercenary and former Miracle Man by Cheemuzwa Indians: damage on touch or up to 1 area away. wrestler turned criminal agent for Rox- * Increase his Strength to the MN rank; TALENTS: Espionage. xon, Titania fought the Thing, Giant-Man, * Produce power blasts of AM energy or CONTACTS: None. Quasar, and Dazzler before going straight force; and, HIS LIFE: An industrial spy, Nettles was and joining the Unlimited Class Wrestling * Rearrange nonliving matter with AM inside an experimental video display and Federation with her former teammates. ability. thus gained his powers. He was defeated HER DEATH: Titania was killed in the LIMITATION: These psionic powers had by Thor and Sif. shower by Scourge, who was disguised as the negative effect of reducing the stability HIS DEATH: It is unknown if Megatak another female wrestler named Golddig- of Earths radioactive materials, such that regained his electrical abilities, which ger. This hit lends support to the possibil- those materials within 50 miles were were drained by Thor. As soon as he reap- ity that there were multiple Scourges, at +1CS in damage and -1CS in stability per peared in New York, he was gunned down least one of whom was a woman. hour of exposure. by Scourge. TALENTS: None. CONTACTS: No major contacts. HIS LIFE: An egotistical world conqueror, Miracle Man used his hypnotic powers to fight the Fantastic Four. He gained psionic abilities from an ancient Indian tribe and battled the Thing, Ghost Rider, and the Defenders. HIS DEATH: Miracle Man was shot by Scourge, who was disguised as a fellow bus passenger, after causing a battle be- tween the Thing and the Rhino. MELTER™ Bruno Horgan MORE INFO: MA4 The Fantastic Four™ F A S E R I P Compendium. GD TY TY GD EX TY TY Health: 32 Karma: 32 Resources: EX Popularity: -20 BASILISK™ Basil Elks KNOWN POWERS: F A S E R I P Melting Ray: Microwave device which TY GD EX RM GD TY TY could “melt” (actually liquify) stone, wood, Health: 66 Karma: 18 metal, and flesh on the separate settings, Resources: PR Popularity: -5 with RM effects and range; more powerful KNOWN POWERS: version of this ray rumored to exist. Body Armor: GD rank. TALENTS: Engineering, Repair/Tinkering, Resistance to Heat: AM intensity. and Business/Finance. Force Blasts: MN intensity force. CONTACTS: Masters of Evil I and II, and Heat Blasts: AM intensity energy. Justin Hammer. Ice Blasts: IN intensity, GD Strength ice HATE-MONGER III™ “H.M. Unger” HIS LIFE: A madman inventor, the Melter (all “blasts” came from Basilisk’s eyes). Flight: Shift Z rank. F A S E R I P was a former competitor of Tony Stark TALENTS: None. TY TY TY GD PR PR MN who usually fought Iron Man and the CONTACTS: None. Health: 28 Karma: 83 Avengers. He became quite infamous as a HIS LIFE: A former burglar given special Resources: NA Popularity: -40 result. abilities by the Kree Alpha-Stone and KNOWN POWERS: HIS DEATH: The Melter was slain by Omega-Stone, Basilisk fought Spider-Man, Emotion Control: Hate generation in Scourge, disguised as a lab assistant, on the Thing, Captain Mar-Vell, and Mr. others, at a range of 2 areas (AM intensity) the eve of the Melter’s latest plot against or on touch (UN intensity). the Avengers. His latest Melter device was Fantastic. HIS DEATH: Basilisk found his way into Shape Changing: IN rank. destroyed by Scourge. The Melter was the subbasement of the FF’s new HQ, but TALENTS: None. probably Scourge’s most important victim. was killed in the building by Scourge, who CONTACTS: Psycho-Man. MORE INFO: MA2 Avengers™ Coast-to- was disguised as a construction worker. HIS LIFE: Created by the Psycho-Man as Coast. his agent in creating havoc in our dimen- sion by stirring up hate, Hate-Monger fought the Fantastic Four. Note that Hate- Monger I was a clone of Adolf Hitler, and Hate-Monger II was the Man-Beast, a crea- ture from Counter-Earth. HIS DEATH: The Hate-Monger was killed from the shadows by Scourge after being abandoned by his master. MORE INFO: MHSP2 Secret Wars™ II.

D RAGON 79 HAMMER™ Leroy Jackson DEATH ADDER™ Roland Burroughs ANVIL™ John Anvil F A S E R I P F A S E R I P RM GD RM GD TY GD TY RM EX EX RM PR TY TY Health: 80 Karma: 22 RM EX EX RM PR TY TY Resources: GD Popularity: -5 Health: 100 each, 200 combined KNOWN POWERS: Karma: 16 each Popularity: -5 Body Armor: EX rank. Resources: PR Gills: Could breath water. KNOWN POWERS: Swimming: 4 areas/turn. Synthecon: This was an alien device that Bionic Tail: Fully functional fifth limb linked the two men at the wrist, allowing that could inflict IN damage. them to absorb physical (slugfest or force) Poison: On claws, AM intensity. damage without harm, and to use that LIMITATION: Death Adder was mute. rank of Strength for the next 10 turns. TALENTS: None. Those coming in contact with the device CONTACTS: Roxxon Oil and the Serpent (other than Hammer and Anvil) took that Society. strength rank of energy damage. Energy HIS LIFE: Created by Roxxon Oil to be a and missile attacks were unaffected by member of the Serpent Squad, Burroughs this protection. fought the Thing, Stingray, and Captain TALENTS: None. America. He later joined the independent CONTACTS: Deterrence Research Corpo- Serpent Society. ration. HIS DEATH: His “Serpent Saucer” dam- THEIR LIVES: Chain-gang prisoners who aged, Death Adder was forced to take a escaped and inadvertently rescued an cab. Scourge was the cabbie. Following the alien who gave them the Synthecon de- recovery of Death Adder’s body from a vice, Hammer and Anvil usually fought the police morgue, the Serpent Society did all Hulk, but also fought Spider-Man, Spider- in its power to find and slay Scourge. Woman, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. MORE INFO: MHAC7 Concrete Jungle. WRAITH™ Brian DeWolff THEIR DEATHS: Lured into the desert to F A S E R I P fight the Hulk, Hammer was shot by GD GD GD GD GD EX IN Scourge, disguised as an Indian shaman. Health: 40 Karma: 70 Linked by the Synthecon to his dead ally, Resources: TY Popularity: 0 Anvil died soon afterward. KNOWN POWERS: Thought Reading: AM intensity. Image Projection: MN intensity, 3-area range; used to make himself invisible and undetectable as a power stunt. Telekinesis: AM intensity. Mental Attack: 2-area range, MN inten- sity, affected Health without harming someone’s physical body. Mind Control: MN intensity. TALENTS: Law Enforcement and Hand- guns. CONTACTS: Tony Stark/Iron Man and the BLUE STREAK™ NYPD. F A S E R I P HIS LIFE: Patrolman Brian DeWolff was TY EX TY GD TY TY TY shot by criminals and rescued by his fa- Health: 42 Karma: 18 ther, who used experimental technologies Resources: TY Popularity: 0 to restore Brian’s health and to give him KNOWN POWERS: both psionic abilities and a link with his FLY™ Richard Deacon Rocket Skates: AM ground speed, for- father’s mind. Controlled by his father, F A S E R I P ward and backward, allowing GD leaping. Brian killed several criminals and fought EX IN RM IN PR M N GD Body Armor: GD rank. Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Doctor Health: 130 Karma: 91 Lasers: Mounted on arms of suit, doing Strange. Brian was found innocent of the Resources: PR Popularity: -5 IN damage. crimes, but his father was sent to prison. KNOWN POWERS: Caltrops: Used to puncture tires of pur- The Wraith became a costumed adven- Flight: EX (10 areas/turn). suing cars. turer and an ally of the original Iron Man. Wall Crawling: RM intensity. TALENTS: Espionage. HIS DEATH: Driven mad by the murder TALENTS: None. CONTACTS: The Corporation. of his sister Jean, the Wraith returned to CONTACTS: None. HIS LIFE: A foreign spy who infiltrated New York to attack the New York Police HIS LIFE: Given his abilities by a criminal the SHIELD “super-agents” program, Blue Department. He arrived at a station house scientist who merged Deacon’s genetic Streak pursued a career as a freelance as Scourge was leaving (having failed to makeup with that of a fly, Deacon killed criminal in the Midwest after his prison kill Flash Thompson, believed by Scourge the scientist but discovered that his own term. He usually fought Captain America to be the Hobgoblin). Scourge shot down personality was being taken over by flylike and once worked with Vamp (see next Wraith down instead. While Wraith had behavior. In his last few months of life, he month’s “The Marvel-Phile”). criminal intent when Scourge shot him, was a mad man-monster. HIS DEATH: After a battle with Cap, one Brian DeWolff had no criminal record. HIS DEATH: The Fly escaped from con- of Blue Streaks rocket skates was dam- finement and was immediately slain by aged. Hitching a ride with a trucker, Blue Next month, we visit the “bar with no Scourge. Streak found out too late that the trucker name” — and say good-bye to more Marvel MORE INFO: MHAC7 Concrete Jungle. was Scourge. Super Villains.

80 JANUARY 1988 believe in the values of the early 20th century, and he sought to force those values on the modern world, first trying to “clean up.” San Francisco, then attempting to kill everyone under the age of 65 in New York with his “Time Horn,” which failed to perform as he hoped. He was defeated in the first case by Spider- Woman, and later by Spider-Man and Dominic Fortune. Justice is served! HIS DEATH: Turner D. Century, mentally unstable but branded a criminal, was a (Part 2) victim at the “bar with no name” massacre that claimed Bird-Man and many others.

The CHEETAH™ Esteban Carracus F A S E R I P RM RM IN RM TY EX GD Health: 140 Karma: 36 Resources: TY Popularity: – 6 Marvel-Phile KNOWN POWERS: Superhuman Abilities: The above stats are for Cheetah at his most powerful, as an agent of the Kree race. At the time of Mark Gruenwald, the writer/producer of his death, each of Cheetahs FASE abilities by Jeff Grubb The Official Handbook of the Marvel Uni- were EX (Health: 80). verse. Thanks also go to The Turning Page Claws: RM material strength, both when Well, I’m steamed. After all my work to comics shop in Milwaukee, and to the superpowered and later as part of his put everything on Scourge under one roof, Tomorrow is Yesterday and Toad Hall costume. the editor of this fine magazine, Roger of shops in Rockford, Ill., for their help in Speed: EX (5 areas/turn) as an agent of the Retreating Hairline [Ouch!], cut it into locating many of the long-forgotten back the Kree. two parts. Even “The Marvel®-Phile” has issues in which these particular ex-villains TALENTS: None. its limitations. Our apologies to all and first appeared. CONTACTS: Ronan the Accuser and the sundry. And now, the final selection of Scourge’s Kree. In any event, this second section does villains, featuring the victims of the “bar HIS LIFE: A petty thief, Carracus was allow me the chance to extend thank-yous with no name” massacre – and Scourge endowed with superhuman powers by a to people who have helped me put this himself. Kree Sentry, and was used as a pawn in sucker together. Special thanks go to combat between Ronan the Accuser and the original Captain Mar-Vell. His powers were destroyed with the Kree Sentry, but he retained his name and costume. HIS DEATH: The nonpowered Cheetah was killed in the “bar with no name” mas- sacre mentioned above.

BIRD-MAN II™ Achille DiBacco F A S E R I P EX EX GD GD TY TY TY Health: 60 Karma: 18 Resources: PR Popularity: – 4 KNOWN POWERS: Flight: EX (10 areas/turn). Blaster: RM intensity force, Z-area range. TALENTS: None. TURNER D. CENTURY TM CONTACTS: None. Clifford F. Michaels HIS LIFE: The original Ani-Men (and the F A S E R I P original Bird-Man) were killed in a battle PR TY TY TY GD TY PR between Count Nefaria and Iron Man. The Health: 20 Karma: 20 COMMANDER KRAKEN™ second Bird-Man, Cat-Man, and Ape-Man Resources: IN Popularity: – 1 Name unknown were recruited by Death-Stalker, a foe of KNOWN POWERS: F A S E R I P Daredevil. All were normal humans with Flamethrower Umbrella: EX flame dam- RM GD GD TY GD GD TY superpowered costumes. Ape-Man and age, l-area range. Health: 56 Karma: 26 Cat-Man were killed by Death-Stalker, but Flying Bicycle Built For Two: EX speed. Resources: GD Popularity: 0 Bird-Man, defeated earlier by Black Time Horn: Device intended to kill those KNOWN POWERS: Widow, escaped. under age 65 by ultrasonic waves, but Bionic Left Hand: Originally a hook HIS DEATH: Bird-Man was among the instead induced unconsciousness within capable of emitting a RM-intensity electri- many villains who attended a meeting 10-area radius, affecting same victim type; cal shock; replaced by HYDRA with a hosted by Gary Gilbert at the criminal “bar MN intensity. functional bionic hand of RM strength. with no name” (see Firebrand for details). TALENTS: History and Invention. Bionic Left Leg: Functioned as normal He was slain there by Scourge in a massa- CONTACTS: None. leg; allowed flight at TY speed (6 areas/ cre of 17 criminals. HIS LIFE: Clifford Michaels was raised to turn).

80 FEBRUARY 1988 Electro-Sword: Device capable of firing GD and his Health 50. The suit gave him HELLRAZOR™ Name unknown AM-intensity electricity (3-area range); MN resistance to Fire. F A S E R I P could reflect up to AM-intensity force and Flamethrowers: One mounted on each RM EX GD RM TY PR TY energy attacks. wrist; projected AM-intensity heat and Health: 90 Karma: 16 Sea Vessels: Squid-shaped submarines flame at 3-area range. Resources: PR Popularity: – 2 which fired shells of AM damage, and had Flight: GD (8 areas/turn). KNOWN POWERS: TALENTS: Physics and Invention. tentacles of AM material strength. Other Wrist Blades: Hellrazor’s primary stats: watercraft, Control EX, Speed RM (6 CONTACTS: None. weapon; IN material strength bracelets areas/turn), Body AM, Protection AM. HIS LIFE: A radical agitator who used his which had sharpened edges, inflicting IN TALENTS: Handguns and Edged talents to further criminal ends, Firebrand edged-attack damage; could also fire a Weapons. was a longtime foe of Iron Man. stream of sharp razors, IN damage, with CONTACTS: HYDRA. HIS DEATH: Gilbert retired his costumed Z-area range. HIS LIFE: A modern-day pirate who sold identity to become a business agent for TALENTS: Martial Arts B and E. his services to HYDRA, Commander other criminals, usually meeting them at CONTACTS: Roxxon Oil. Kraken fought and lost against Sub- an abandoned bar in Medina County, Ohio, HIS LIFE: An agent of Roxxon Oil hired to Mariner and Iron Man. known only as the “bar with no name” As defame and kill the Black Panther, he was HIS DEATH: Unable to rebuild his seago- Scourge had already made early successes defeated (once deprived of his wrist- ing ships after his last defeat by Iron Man, against low-level criminals such as Gilbert weapons) by T’Challa and Spider-Man. Commander Kraken retired to commit and his clients, Gary called a meeting of HIS DEATH: Caught without his weap- smaller crimes in the Midwest. He was criminals to discuss the problem. Seven- ons, Hellrazor was killed at the “bar with slain in the “bar with no name” by teen other criminals made the meeting no name.” Scourge. (Water Wizard was late with a flat tire, which saved his life). All weapons were checked at the door, but Scourge infil- CYCLONE™ Name unknown trated the meeting disguised as the bar- F A S E R I P tender. Gilbert and the other 17 were shot GD GD TY EX GD GD TY down by Scourge, wielding a cut-down .50 Health: 46 Karma: 16 machine gun in each hand. Resources: GD Popularity: – 5 KNOWN POWERS: Wind Control: Cyclone’s sole power GRAPPLER™ Name unknown derived from the costume he wore, which FASERIP allowed him to control air with AM ability. RM GD TY GD GD GD TY He could perform the following power Health: 56 Karma: 26 stunts: Resources: RM Popularity: 0 * Fly at GD speed (8 areas/turn); KNOWN POWERS: * Disrupt other fliers (AM intensity); Battle Staff: A flexible steel rod of EX * Lift others into air (AM intensity); material strength, used as a battle staff * Attack all in one area for RM damage and wielded with IN ability to inflict RM from wind blasts; and, damage. Blunt end of the staff contained a * Create vacuum around one target (AM coil of RM-strength cable, which could be intensity). fired with 2-area range to either entangle TALENTS: Engineering and Invention. an opponent or serve as a cable, to be HIJACKERTM Name unknown CONTACTS: The Maggia. reeled in. F A S E R I P HIS LIFE: A NATO engineer, Cyclone Radio-Controlled Plane: As private plane TY GD TY GD RM GD GD turned his invention of a wind-controlling in Advanced Set MARVEL SUPER Health: 32 Karma: 50 device into a tool for the Maggia. Cyclone HEROES® rules book, with IN control. Resources: GD Popularity: 0 fought and lost to both Spider-Man and TALENTS: Martial Arts A, C, and E; KNOWN POWERS: Moon Knight. Finances; and, Boxing. Body Suit: Hijacker had no superhuman HIS DEATH: Unable to use his device, CONTACTS: None. powers, instead gaining his abilities from Cyclone died in the “bar with no name” HIS LIFE: Advised as a youth to study his heavy body-suit, which provided the massacre. “leverage,” the Grappler became a master power for his weapons. His heavy, brown, MORE INFO: MHAC6 New York, New at the idea, both in a physical and financial reinforced fabric suit provided RM protec- York. sense. His single attempt to put “leverage” tion against physical, energy, heat, fire, to criminal use by stealing an armored car and cold attacks. When sealed with his filled with gold was halted by She-Hulk. odd-looking helmet, Hijacker had his own HIS DEATH: Grappler was a victim of the 4-hour oxygen supply and was immune to “bar with no name” massacre. gases. Vario-Blaster: Hijacker’s main weapon was a multifunction gun attached to the belt of his outfit by a cable. With this 2- area-range weapon, Hijacker could fire: * “Nuclear flame” for AM fire damage; * Knock-out nerve gas of IN intensity; FIREBRAND™ Gary Gilbert * Projectiles for RM damage; F A S E R I P * “Ionic blasts” for RM energy damage; GD GD IN EX EX GD TY and, Health: 80 Karma: 36 * An “Activator Beam” of IN intensity, Resources: TY Popularity: – 12 which activated any nearby machinery. KNOWN POWERS: Crime-Tank: A heavily armored fort on Costume: Firebrand’s suit gave him his treads, Hijacker’s mobile base was an off- high strength. Without it, his Strength was road vehicle with EX control, TY speed,

D RAGON 81 AM body, and IN protection. Its spiked HER DEATH: Letha attended the meeting * Use invisibility; and, treads inflicted IN damage, and it had at the “bar with no name” in order to find * Project multiple images (up to 8) electromagnets of AM intensity with a 4- Titania’s killer. She succeeded and paid for within l-area range. area range. This tank was destroyed by that information with her life (see last TALENTS: Handguns (often carried one). the Thing and Black Goliath. months “The Marvel-Phile” for informa- CONTACTS: None. TALENTS: EX Agility with Vario-Blaster. tion on Titania). HIS LIFE: A holography technician with CONTACTS: None. delusions of criminal success, Mirage was HIS LIFE: A gimmick-laden villain who defeated by Spider-Man and Daredevil on specialized in stealing technology for later MIND-WAVE™ Name unknown separate occasions. resale in criminal auctions, Hijacker was FASERIP HIS DEATH: Mirage attended the “bar first defeated by Ant-Man, and later by TY TY TY TY EX GD RM with no name” at the time of the massacre. Black Goliath and the Thing. He was good Health: 24 Karma: 60 Though a victim, he was reported to have at last-moment “rabbits out of the hat” Resources: EX Popularity: – 8 survived as part of a ploy to lure Scourge tricks that no one expected. KNOWN POWERS: into a trap. Dressed as Mirage, Captain HIS DEATH: Hijacker unfortunately Psionic Powers: Mind-Wave’s natural America captured Scourge, who was then attended the “bar with no name” massa- mind powers were boosted by a helmet of shot to death by another mysterious assail- cre. Without his gimmicks and protection, his own design, which gave him the fol- ant, who may be yet another Scourge. he proved easy prey for Scourge. lowing abilities: * ESP, with which he could blindside a nontelepathic opponent at will; and RAPIERTM Dominic Tyrone JAGUAR™ Ramon De Rico * Mental communication with others F A S E R I P F A S E R I P wearing similar helmets, his “think tank,” IN EX GD GD GD TY GD RM RM EX EX TY EX TY or with other ESPers. Health: 80 Karma: 26 Health: 100 Karma: 32 Think Tank: A large, heavily armed Resources: EX Popularity: 6 Resources: TY Popularity: – 6 vehicle controlled by Mind-Wave’s mental KNOWN POWERS: KNOWN POWERS: powers, and used to rob banks. The vehi- Electro-Stun Sword: Delivered EX- Infravision: RM intensity. cle had AM control, EX speed, EX body, intensity electrical shock that caused un- Claws: Worn on gloves; inflicted RM and had GD armor. It had heat-ray can- consciousness; l-area range. edged attack damage, and were used to nons which inflicted IN damage at a 3-area TALENTS: Fencing and Martial Arts A. scale buildings (1 floor/turn). range. CONTACTS: None. TALENTS: Martial Arts A and C. Heat Ray: Hand-held version; inflicted HIS LIFE: A former partner of Silver- CONTACTS: HYDRA. RM damage at a 2-area range. mane, Tyrone achieved recognition as the HIS LIFE: Head of the Commando Divi- TALENTS: None. heroic Rapier while planning revenge sion of HYDRA under Silvermane, El Jag- CONTACTS: None. against his crime-boss partner. He fought uar was a devoted leader who took pride HIS LIFE: A criminal possessing mental Spider-Man inconclusively. in leading his crack troops into battle, abilities heightened by his own inventions, HIS DEATH: Like so many others, he died until his defeat by Daredevil and Nick the megalomaniac Mind- Wave robbed at the “bar with no name.” Fury’s SHIELD forces. banks in Europe and America until HIS DEATH: El Jaguar was just one more stopped by Daredevil and Uri Geller. tombstone outside the “bar with no name.” HIS DEATH: Mind-Wave’s mental abilities failed to warn him about Scourge, He died in the “bar with no name” massacre.

RINGER™ Anthony Davis F A S E R I P LETHA™ Hellen Feliciano GD GD GD TY GD TY TY F A S E R I P Health: 36 Karma: 22 RM EX RM EX TY TY TY Resources: GD Popularity: – 4 Health: 100 Karma: 18 KNOWN POWERS: Resources: GD Popularity: 5 Rings: Devices on Ringer’s wrist fired a KNOWN POWERS: None. variety of rings, including: Explosive Rings TALENTS: Wrestling, and Martial Arts A, of RM damage; Freezing Rings of RM cold; C, and E. and, Constriction Rings of IN material CONTACTS: Roxxon, the Power Broker, MIRAGE I™ Desmond Charne strength and damage. In later versions of and the UCWF’s Grapplers. FASERIP his suits, he had a “particulate-matter HER LIFE: Female wrestlers recruited by GD TY GD TY EX TY GD condenser,” which could form rings of IN Roxxon to break into Project Pegasus, Health: 32 Karma: 36 strength from soot in the air. Letha and Titania were stopped and Resources: TY Popularity: – 3 TALENTS: None. served time in prison before going KNOWN POWERS: CONTACTS: None. straight. Letha’s strength was boosted by Image Generation: Mirage’s suit allowed HIS LIFE: Ringer made his entry into the the Power Broker, and she and her co- him to produce several MN-rank Power criminal life by battling with Nighthawk of horts, the Grapplers (not to be confused Stunts involving illusion. He could: the Defenders. Severely beaten, he vowed with the Grappler, above) joined the * Disguise himself and others within a never to fight again, but he was later UCWF. l-area range; captured by the Beetle and forced to fight

82 FEBRUARY 1988 Spider-Man. Afterwards, he moved to the VAMP™ Name unknown Midwest. F A S E R I P HIS DEATH: Believing he had finally hit RM EX GD GD GD GD RM the big time, Ringer was instead shot to Health: 70 Karma: 50 death at the “bar with no name.” Resources: GD Popularity: – 4 KNOWN POWERS: A SHIELD device which M Absorbo-belt: SHELLSHOCK™ Name unknown permitted Vamp to duplicate the physical F A S E R I P non-superhuman abilities of other individ- GD EX TY TY GD TY TY uals within 1 area of her. These included: Health: 42 Karma: 22 * Duplication of Strength, up to RM Resources: TY Popularity: – 4 rank, with no effect on Health; and KNOWN POWERS: * Duplication of Fighting and Weapon Special Handgun: RM material strength, Talents. 3-area range, fired assorted projectiles Telepatby: Vamp had EX telepathy. (including IN explosive projectiles, IN heat- ALTER EGO: Vamp was a superpowered seeking and guided projectiles, and an villain who actually had another super- expanding yeast-putty of AM strength powered villain identity as her alter ego: which entangled opponents). the Animus, a huge-headed primitive with TALENTS: Handguns. great powers: CONTACTS: Psycho-Man. FASERIP HIS LIFE: A former flunky of Psycho- RM RM IN IN RM EX IN Man, Shellshock kept the weapon designed Health: 140 Karma: 90 for him and teamed up with Livewire The powers of Animus once included the (another former flunky) to steal Alicia following: Master’s statues. They were defeated by Mental Bolts: IN-damage force; the Thing. Crystal Club: EX material strength; if HIS DEATH: Shellshock was present at used as a focus for mental abilities, it the “bar with no name,” and there met his raised them by one rank; end, thanks to Scourge. Telekinesis: IN rank. Animate Objects: IN intensity. The Transformation from Vamp to Animus was remote-controlled by a device held by the criminal Corporation. All damage taken in one form did not carry over to the other, though long-term effects (Stun, Slam, or Kill) did. TALENTS: Espionage. CONTACTS: The Corporation, Blue Streak, SHIELD (temporarily). HER LIFE: Vamp and Blue Streak were double agents for the Corporation who infiltrated the SHIELD “super-agent” pro- gram. Vamp battled Captain America both as Vamp and Animus, but lost. HER DEATH: Without her absorbo-belt (confiscated by SHIELD), and being either unable to use or lacking the control device to become Animus, Vamp died at the “bar STEEPLEJACK II™ Maxwell Plumm with no name.” F A S E R I P GD EX GD GD GD TY GD Health: 50 Karma: 26 Resources: GD Popularity: – 3 KNOWN POWERS: Body Suit: RM protection from physical attack. Acetylene Gun: A multipurpose weapon SCOURGE™ Name unknown that could fire: F A S E R I P * RM-damage force; TY EX TY EX TY RM GD * RM-damage energy; Health: 52 Karma: 46 * Wire slipknot of RM strength; and, Resources: EX Popularity: – 5 * Heat and light of RM intensity. KNOWN POWERS: TALENTS: None. Scourge’s Gun: One shot did EX damage; CONTACTS: None. 5-shot burst, RM damage; 5-area range, EX HIS LIFE: Taking the designs and outfit of material strength. Fired an explosive bullet the first Steeplejack (Jake Mallard, who that lowered an opponent’s physical pro- died fighting Power Man), Max Plumm tection by – 2CS. Scourge preferred to use fought Ms. Marvel – and lost. this weapon at point-blank range, and HIS DEATH: Steeplejack attended the could use one such weapon in either or final bash at the “bar with no name.” both hands with perfect facility. Weapon

D RAGON 83 was easily concealed .50-cal. Thompson for help. Cap took the costume of the machine gun with sawed-off barrel and deceased Mirage to set a trap for Scourge, stock (folding wire stock used). A 5-round and he managed to capture the murderer clip was used; extra clips probably kept on – but Scourge was shot by an unknown Scourge’s person. assailant in the shadows, using a gun Scourge’s Van: Control TY, speed EX, similar to Scourge’s and calling out the body GD, armor GD. Carried spare weap- same “Justice is served!” cry. Before he ons, ammo, disguises, computerized crime was shot, Scourge made a confession of file, television communications gear. his origins – but his story has since TALENTS: Weapon Specialist with own proved to be false. The true origins of gun (In Agility), Criminology, Disguise, and Scourge, and whether there are others of Marksman. his ilk, are unknown. CONTACTS: Domino, a masked detective who had MN contacts in the criminal 101 uses for a dead villain underworld. Scourge’s victims were generally (though HIS LIFE: Appearing out of nowhere to not always) individuals who derived their eliminate the Enforcer, Scourge cut a wide abilities from high technology, which swath through the criminal ranks of the granted them powers or enhanced already Marvel Universe. He concentrated on existing abilities. Scourge destroyed these active costumed criminals of medium-to- items when possible, but criminals tend to low power, keying on many lesser-known leave multiple caches of equipment or villains whose abilities were based more plans. Many items were confiscated from on devices than natural or artificial muta- slain villains by Ohio police following the tions. Blindsiding nearly all of his victims massacre at the “bar with no name.” Cer- and allowing for no warning at all, he was Diamondback (missed fuel tank on their tain slain criminals may have left relatives startlingly successful before either the ship), and Water Wizard (see Firebrand, or criminal allies who will take up their criminal community or any heroes caught above). It is possible that there were or are identities and causes in the future. It is on to his activity. His few “missed opportu- multiple Scourges on the loose (see text possible in gaming campaigns for a “new” nities” included failed attacks against Con- below and entry on Titania in last months Firebrand or Blue Streak to appear and strictor (foiled by Captain America), “The Marvel-Phile”). bedevil your heroes. By the same token, Kraven (accidentally foiled by Tigra), Hob- HIS DEATH: Following the massacre at Scourge (or someone like him) may return goblin (foiled by Spider-Man, but Scourge the “bar with no name,” Water Wizard – a to bump off more criminals in your killed Wraith instead), Cobra and late arrival – contacted Captain America Marvel Universe.

84 FEBRUARY 1988

by Jeff Grubb completes our collection of the bad guys All Marvel Characters, their likenesses, and MAR of the Serpent Society. SUPER HEROES are trademarks of the Marvel Comics A few months ago, I gushed about the Group. Copyright 1985 Marvel Comics Group, a divi- Thanks, Mark. Nothing is better than sion of Cadence Industries Corporation. All Rights efforts of Mr. Peter Sanderson. In addi- getting a full set of serpents. Reserved. tion to being the writer of the Marvel Saga™ and co-writer of the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe™, Pete BUSHMASTER™ his shoulders and a 14’-long snakelike came to GENCON® 18 to help out. Now Real name unrevealed tail instead of legs. These modifications give Bushmaster the stats listed above, it’s Mark Gruenwald’s turn. Mark Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) as well as the abilities to move at 4 areas Gruenwald is the other co-writer of the Agility: EXCELLENT (20) per round and to spring up to 1 area Official Handbook of the Marvel Strength: EXCELLENT (20) away (or 2 stories straight up). If using Universe, as well as the writer of the Endurance: GOOD (10) his tail in wrestling combat, Bushmaster Squadron Supreme™ Limited Series and Reason: GOOD (10) may exert Remarkable constricting one of my favorite books, Captain Intuition: GOOD (10) strength on his target. America™. Psyche: TYPICAL (6) In MHAC-7, Concrete Jungle, we laid CLAWS. Bushmaster’s bionic arms each Health: 90 out the existing members of the Serpent include two 6-inch “fangs.” These claws Karma: 26 Squad™, which recently tripled in size are made of Remarkable-strength mate- Resources: GOOD and became the Serpent Society™, rial, inflict Remarkable damage on the Popularity: -7 including some new, never-seen-before Hack-&-Slash chart, and are tipped with members. Enter Mr. Gruenwald, who Excellent-intensity snake poison. (Those sent me the information on Rattler™; failing an Endurance FEAT will be Known powers: coupled with his entries on knocked unconscious and will lose Bushmaster™, Diamondback™, Asp™, and BIONIC LIMBS. Bushmaster is a quadri- Endurance ranks if a second Endurance Cottonmouth™ from OHOTMU, this plegic who has bionic arms attached to FEAT is failed.)

COTTONMOUTH™ ASP™ remains in the same area with her for Quincy McIver Real name unrevealed an hour; prolonged contact with Asp is Fighting: GOOD (10) fatal. She may direct this energy into a Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) Agility: REMARKABLE (30) single bolt of bio-energy, striking a tar- Agility: GOOD (10) Strength: TYPICAL (6) get in the same area with her. This bolt Strength: TYPICAL (6) Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) inflicts Remarkable damage to living Endurance: GOOD (10) Reason: TYPICAL (6) creatures, and those hit must make an Reason: TYPICAL (6) Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Endurance FEAT against the Remark- Intuition: GOOD (10) Psyche: TYPICAL (6) able-intensity bolt or be stunned for 1-10 Psyche: TYPICAL (6) rounds. Upon firing this bolt, Asp can- Health: 46 Health: 66 not fire another until recharged. This Karma: 22 Karma: 32 takes a half-hour, but if engaged in Resources: GOOD Resources: GOOD strenuous activity (such as belly-dancing, Popularity: -3 Popularity: -5 which she enjoys), she may recharge fully in 10 minutes. Known powers: Known powers: DANCER. Asp has excellent control of BIONIC JAWS. McIver’s mouth and jaws VENOM BLASTS. Asp radiates an her arms, legs, and torso muscles, since have been bionically enhanced. His teeth unknown form of paralytic energy that she is an accomplished dancer. Her agil- were replaced with Incredible-strength inflicts Feeble damage on anyone who ity is Incredible when dodging. steel, and his jaws were strengthened

74 JANUARY 1986 and hinged like a snake’s. Cottonmouth Known powers: refused their offer, as did Constrictor™ uses his jaws as a does a snake, inflicting (who then attempted to betray the BIONIC TAIL: Rattler’s tail is an artificial Remarkable Hack-&-Slash damage to an group to the authorities). bionic implant of unknown origin, and it opponent. (He hits on the Incredible The Serpent Society’s purpose is to has several super-powered abilities. The column if in wrestling combat with his form a union of serpent-named and tail may lift with Remarkable strength. If victim.) His jaws close with Remarkable snakelike villains to serve as an orga- used as a weapon, it strikes for Remark- strength and are capable of surrounding nized negotiating tool with such major able damage. In addition, it may gener- and crushing a normal-sized cinder criminal powers as A.I.M.™, Hydra™, ate sonic vibration waves of up to block. The Secret Empire™, and Kingpin™. In Remarkable intensity. Used offensively, the past, these larger groups would hire the vibrations strike with Remarkable super-powered mercenaries, but usually DIAMONDBACK™ force, breaking down materials of lesser with little trust, considering them Rachel Leighton material strength. The vibrations may expendable in combat. The Serpent disrupt mechanical devices and cause Fighting: REMARKABLE (30) Society is essentially a “villains’ union” nausea in living creatures. (Living tar- Agility: REMARKABLE (30) that negotiates for jobs with these orga- gets make an Endurance FEAT or are Strength: GOOD (10) nizations, with set fees and guaranteed stunned from 1-10 rounds.) The tail may Endurance: GOOD (10) satisfaction (or their money cheerfully also set up a vibrational shockwave in Reason: GOOD (10) refunded). The members of the society the air that will deflect bullets and other Intuition: GOOD (10) retain a portion of the fee for any job physical missile weapons, but it will not Psyche: EXCELLENT (20) they perform, but the majority of the affect energy beams. The range of this funds are invested into dummy corpora- Health: 80 omnidirectional force field is 2 areas. Karma: 40 tions and retirement funds for the mem- bers. Resources: GOOD The Serpent Society’s story: Not In addition, Sidewinder does not Popularity: -1 much is known of the lives of these new accompany the group on their missions, members of the Serpent Society before Known powers: remaining behind to serve as a rescue they joined that team. All that can be force, if need be. If the members of the THROWING DIAMONDS: Diamondback’s said is that they were active as super- society are threatened with capture, preferred weapons are a set of throwing powered criminals before they were they may surrender. He will then use his spikes constructed of carbon tool-steel recruited. teleporting ability to break them out of with collapsible hard rubber vanes. She The Serpent Society is a descendant of jail in quick fashion. (Sidewinder has throws these diamond-shaped spikes the second Serpent Squad™. The original also put some of their funds into retain- with Incredible Agility for a range of 3 Serpent Squad consisted of Viper™, ing a good lawyer, just in case the cap- areas. The effects of a spike depend on Cobra™, Eel™, and Princess Python™; it tured villains are put into an area into the type of head used with it; the follow- was broken up by Captain America which he cannot teleport.) ing are examples. during its attempt to capture Finally, as members of a tight criminal Needle — Inflicts Good Hack-&-Slash the Serpent Crown™. The second Ser- group, these villains may form a Karma damage. pent Squad was funded by Roxxon™ Pool, just like organized hero groups. Venom — Does damage as Needle, with through its mutagenic division, the They will chiefly use this pool for escap- Excellent-intensity poison. Brand ing from heroes, but they significantly Explosive — Explodes in a single area Corporation™. This group consisted of improve their chances of survival as a for Remarkable damage to all within team leader Sidewinder™, Anaconda™, team. that area. Black Mamba™, and Death Adder™, and The Serpent Society’s most successful Acid — Contains Remarkable-strength it succeeded in capturing the Serpent mission to date has been the capture corrosives that inflict Excellent damage Crown for Roxxon. Sidewinder deserted and neutralization of MODOK™ on the to living targets. his teammates to make the delivery, behalf of A.I.M. Their reputation as an Narcotic — Contains a Remarkable- then went underground while his ex- organized team has grown, despite their intensity sleep-drug. If the target fails an partners searched for him and their losing battles with Captain America. Endurance FEAT, the target will be share of the reward. unconscious for 1-10 hours. They located Sidewinder in New York City, where the super-criminal was liv- Bullpen note: A long while back, I RATTLER™ ing comfortably on his gains. Sidewinder introduced the idea of an “advanced” set Gustav Krueger escaped doom at the hands of his of rules for the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ game. The response was phe- Fighting: GOOD (10) former comrades by giving them their nomenal, ranging from words of encour- Agility: GOOD (10) intended rewards, with additional inter- agement to suggestions for new rules Strength: EXCELLENT (20) est. (Sidewinder had been a financial and rule expansions. After wading Endurance: EXCELLENT (20) analyst before becoming a costumed through the mail, I said that, as a result Reason: GOOD (10) criminal, and he had wisely invested the of the large number of letters, the Intuition: TYPICAL (6) money.) Sidewinder recruited the three Advanced Set was “under consideration.” Psyche: TYPICAL (6) to form the bedrock of his new Serpent Society. The group soon recruited Rat- Well, it’s no longer just under consid- Health: 60 tler, eration. It’s coming, and I’ll talk more Karma: 22 Diamondback, Cobra, Princess Python, about it next month, as we return to the Popularity: -3 Asp, Cottonmoth, and Great White North for Alpha and Resources: GOOD Bushmaster into their ranks. Viper Omega.

D RAGON 75 by Steven E. Schend

Super-Agents for super-campaigns

A few months ago, Dale came into my cubicle with an odd look in his eye. “Steven,” he said, “I’ve got a bunch of great characters for you to work into the ‘MARVEL-Phile’! Do the SHIELD Super- Agents for this month.” Now, even though his Nick Fury disguise was impressive, I couldn’t simply write up the agents imme- diately. Little did Dale know that there was almost no information on these char- acters, and it took six months of waiting for more comic appearances before I began this month’s column. Thanks to Barry Dutter of Marvel Comics and Scott Lobdell, the creator of the new Super- Agents, for providing the necessary infor- mation to allow us to present the SHIELD agents for the 1990s.

IVORY™

F EX(20) Health: 56 A EX(20) S TY(6) Karma: 30 E GD(10) R GD(10) Resources: EX(20) I GD(10) P GD(10) Popularity: 0

KNOWN POWERS: Kinetic energy control: Ivory has the Unearthly (100) ability to absorb, project, and redirect kinetic energy due to her Vibranium-saturated body. Within a range of five areas, Ivory can manipulate kinetic energy in a variety of ways, and she may be able to expand her powers in your game world (flight, enhanced hearing, silence field, body armor, etc., are all possi- Color by Steve Sullivan ble). Her current powers are: —Absorption: Ivory can absorb up to Unearthly (100) Force attacks, reduce the of up to Monstrous (75) intensity. shattering lesser rank materials around speed of missiles and projectiles by Un- —Force blast: Ivory can release absorbed them. Constructed items, like weapons, earthly rank, and reduce sound and other kinetic energy as a Force blast (range of tend to shake themselves into their compo- vibratory attacks with Unearthly skill. She five areas) of Incredible (40) rank. nents whereas whole items like steel doors can retain the absorbed energy for 10 —Force field: Ivory is able to project a break along stress fractures; vehicles must rounds, using it to fuel her Force and field of fluctuating kinetic energy that make a Body roll to stay in one piece. shattering attacks, and it is harmlessly provides Unearthly (100) protection from Other items must roll their material dissipated by her Vibranium body struc- physical and Force attacks and Amazing strength versus Ivory’s Remarkable (30) ture. (50) protection from Energy attacks. attack or suffer Remarkable (30) damage. —Feedback: Ivory can wrap her oppo- —Shatter bolts: Ivory can induce Re- Ivory can apply her power in this way nents in an invisible vibratory field that markable (30) rank vibrations within the within a range of three areas. causes immediate feedback of any Force-, molecular structure of materials, causing vibratory-, or sonic-based attacks, subject- lesser material strength items to shatter TALENTS: Electronics, Physics, Language ing the wielder of said attacks to his own under the strain, and those of greater (Wakandan), Martial Arts B and D. powers. Ivory can cause power feedbacks material strength begin to vibrate, possibly

DRAGON 87 ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: KNOCKABOUT™ telling so many stories for so long even he Ivory is a mulatto native of Wakanda, is not-perfectly sure where the lies end the African nation ruled by the Black F RM(30) Health: 120 and the truth begins). Though he passes Panther and home to the rare substance A GD (10) himself off as simple and naive, he is called Vibranium. Throughout her forma- S IN(40) Karma: 46 crafty enough to weave complex stories tive years, she was called Ivory as a slur E IN(40) and tales without getting caught in a lie; if against her mixed parentage and she was R TY(6) Resources: EX(20) alone, he might tell someone his origin, often considered an outsider. This treat- I GD(10) but give someone else another story. ment fostered a deep resentment against P RM(30) Popularity: 0 Knockabout revels in combat, always her fellow Wakandans, but she grew into a treating a fight like a game He doesn’t stable, compassionate young woman de- KNOWN POWERS: succumb to berserk rages or fury when spite such treatment. As a college research Dreamtime energy absorption: Knock-battling, but he often barrels into a fight assistant, Ivory was on hand during an about gains his powers and abilities by with no coordination or strategy He is a experiment using Vibranium. Something telling stories and weaving tales, using the brawler with an effective “bull-in-a-china went wrong, and Ivory’s body became energy of his storytelling (and, subliminal- shop” method If he uses any strategic permeated with Vibranium. While she was ly, the psionic energy of those who listen thinking at all, he works with what imple- recovering in the hospital, she was ap- to and even partially believe his story) to ments are at hand, using cars or machin- proached by Angar the Screamer, who tap into the Dreamtime and use the en- ery as bludgeons or throwing people over used her resentment against the prejudice ergy there to enhance his physical struc- crevasses His fighting generates a lot of she felt in Wakanda to recruit her for his ture. He must tell at least one tall tale a damage and noise, the more the better as cadre of super-terrorists. Feeling just as day to maintain his power levels If he is it will eventually be turned into a tale of out-of-place in their ranks, her good na- somehow prevented from doing so, his ever-increasing magnitudes ture surfaced when faced with Timothy powers are each reduced by one rank per In MSH campaigns, Knockabout’s player “Dum-Dum” Dugan’s bravery and Nick day until reaching Shift 0, reducing him to should generate a number of stories to Fury’s heroics (see “Group History”); she a normal human tone tale restores a rank keep on hand, ready to toss them out helped them defeat Angar and was induct- of any one power at a time if reduced to whenever there’s a lull in conversation, ed into the Super-Agents program under less than Good (10) ranks). role-playing, or action. Knockabout should the tutelage of Fury. Knockabout can manipulate his ab- always be quick with a joke or story, pref- Ivory is a young woman of deep emotion sorbed dream energy with the following erably ones tied to the Australian outback. and empathy capable of much compassion effects: No matter what the situation, Knockabout and goodness. She exhibits very proper —Body armor: Knockabout’s skin and will never reveal his true name or the speech patterns and is highly educated in musculature are hardened, providing source of his powers for fear of losing the scientific research of her native Wa- Incredible (40) rank physical and Force them. He most often tells the truth on kanda. Despite her beginnings with protection and Remarkable (30) rank En- facts that cannot be disputed, but then Angar’s super-terrorists, Ivory is the ergy protection. tangles them in half-truths that can con- Super-Agent most dedicated to the ideals —Enhanced abilities: Knockabout’s fuse the listener into doubting the facts. of SHIELD. She has a low tolerance for Strength and Endurance are both en- Knockabout is most effective either as a prejudice, having been subject to much hanced to Incredible (40) levels; if de- SHIELD agent assigned to work with other discrimination in her native Wakanda. prived of this power, his Strength and PC superheroes, or he could be encoun- Having been treated as an outsider for Endurance both slip to Excellent (20) tered as a free agent wandering the out- years, she has taken to the Super-Agents —Growth: When powered up, Knock- back. As always, he will not tell the details and Nick Fury as her extended family, about can increase his size with Feeble of his power, allowing people to assume relying on them for companionship and ability, allowing him to reach up to eight he’s a mutant or an altered human. support. feet in height with no marked increase in In MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ (MSH) Strength. His normal height is 6’ 6”. PSI-BORG™ game campaigns, Ivory can expand on her —Leapmg: Knockabout’s great strength powers and become one of the best, and allows him to leap with Monstrous ability, F EX(20) Health: 76 certainly one of the most powerful, clearing 75 feet or live areas with a jump. A RM(30) SHIELD agents in history. Ivory’s power is —Regeneration: Knockabout’s amplified S TY(6) Karma: 60 something that SHIELD technologists physical structure heals more efficiently E EX(20) would love to study; it is up to the GM than a normal human’s, operating at R EX(20) Resources: EX(20) whether Wakanda will allow such infor- Amazing (50) rank. At this rank, he re- I EX(20) mation of national security to be revealed stores 50 Health points per minute of rest. P EX(20) Popularity: 0 (T’Challa might even request that she return home to the defense of her home- TALENTS: Wilderness survival (Austra- KNOWN POWERS: land.). Unhampered by psychological lian outback), Martial Arts B and D. “Psibernetlc Circuitry”: Psi-borg has difficulties or drawbacks due to her extensive cybernetic implants within her powers, Ivory has the most potential of ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: arms, skull, and all along her spinal these Agents to graduate beyond her Nothing is known about Knockabout’s column The microcircuitry is made of status with SHIELD and join the ranks of true background and it is doubtful any complex polymers of Arnim Zola’s design independent superhumans such as the facts will be forthcoming. Knockabout is a that act as metals and standard circuitry Avengers. If she goes solo, Wakandan pathological liar, though few know it since but do not register on metal detectors or agents, with advanced native technology at they are taken in by his seeming naivete run a risk of implant rejection. Only X-ray their disposal, might be dispatched to An Australian native, Knockabout is jovial, machines and other scanners of Amazing secure her return, unless she joined the very friendly and outgoing, and boisterous (50) rank or greater can detect the im- Avengers with T’Challa’s blessing. to an extreme (this is all part and parcel of plants due to their size, widespread orga- his power, allowing his loquaciousness to nization, and unique construction. fuel his enhanced abilities, but he has been Psi-borg’s artificially-induced powers

88 DECEMBER 1992 include: mation unless absolutely necessary She is —Air control: Psi-borg can psionically very secretive and protective of her pri- manipulate gasses with Incredible (40) vacy, a learned response from having effect. Her power stunts include maintain- grown up in Latveria under the ever- ing a localized atmospheric pressure re- present eyes of Doom. She IS deadly seri- gardless of external air pressures (similar ous in combat and acquits herself equally to pressurizing airplane cabins) and con- well in the use of her powers and in hand- densing and containing expanding gases to to-hand combat Given her propensity for a limited area (“bottling” harmful gases secrets and her sometimes extreme emo- before they affect others). tional responses, many people wonder —Flight: Psi-borg has a Poor (4) rank how much of her behavior is dictated by Flight power, allowing her an aerial move- her and how much is controlled by her ment speed of four areas per round. cybernetic implants. —Invisibility: Psi-borg can psionically In MSH game campaigns, Psi-borg can be mask her presence from the eyes of senti- both heroine and villainess; her freedom ent beings with Amazing (50) ability, ren- could easily be an illusion; either Zola or dering herself invisible to organic visual Dr. Doom (using Zola as an ally/agent) sensors. She can expand the influence of could be manipulating her from afar, using her masking field up to one full area, her to test the implants’ effectiveness making a number of persons invisible as Assuming some hidden mechanisms are well; this stunt reduces the power rank to within her body, Psi-borg could be a mole Incredible (40) but accomplishes the same for the master villains, recording or relay- effect. ing (without her knowledge) SHIELD and — Mental bolts: Psi-borg projects mental world government secrets. If the heroes bolts through artificial circuits in her choose to have her as an ally, there is hands at a single target. The target must much adventure potential in freeing Psi- make a Psyche FEAT roll against an In- borg from the overriding influence of her credible (40) intensity mental bolt or be implants, perhaps even uncovering a total- knocked unconscious for 1-10 rounds. ly different personality. Psi-borg is a ci- —Telepathy: Psi-borg has a low-level pher for the Judge to use to his purpose: telepathic ability; she cannot initiate mind- Psi-borg’s memory could be implanted to-mind contact or communicate mentally, (look at Wolverine for another example) so but she uses this power to locate a per- she could be molded into the ultimate son’s brain patterns like telepathic homing psionic warrior for good or ill signals. If she knows a person and has learned to recognize his brain pattern, Psi- VIOLENCE™ borg can locate him with Remarkable (30) ability. For unknown persons, she can F EX(20) Health: 66 detect brain patterns and psionic activity A RM(30) with Excellent (20) ability. Her range for S TY(6) Karma: 30 this power is Shift Z (500) (i.e., 400 areas E GD(10) or 10 miles). R GD(10) Resources: EX(20) I GD(10) TALENTS: Language (Latverian), Martial P GD(10) Popularity: 0 Arts B and D. KNOWN POWERS: ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: None; all of Violence’s abilities are a A native of Latveria, Psi-borg spent her result of physical training or equipment. life in the idyllic Balkan country trying to lead a simple life but finding her drive EQUIPMENT? leading her to callings beyond those of a As a SHIELD operative, Violence has mere peasant girl. As did all the natives of access to the following SHIELD equipment Latveria, Psi-borg made sure either to and weaponry: please the Master (Dr. Victor Von Doom) or Plasma beam handgun: With a range of to avoid his anger. In an attempt to gain three areas, the handgun can shoot In- his favor and attentions, she somehow credible (40) rank energy. Its battery packs escaped Latveria and approached Arnim give it a capacity of six shots before the Zola, the Swiss biochemist famed for ge- pack needs replacing. These handguns can netic reconstruction. He grafted unique be reduced in intensity for stunning oppo- circuitry into her body to grant her psi- nents rather than killing them If a target onic powers. The details of her attempt to is hit by this weapon, he must roll on become Doom’s most-favored agent are either the Energy or Stun tables, depend- unknown, though she is one of the few ing on the weapon’s setting. Latverians who seems to be allowed free Machine pistol: This gun shoots .30- reign and apparently has no allegiance to caliber armor-piercing shells at variable Doom. rates of fire and damage: single shot (1 Psi-borg is a relatively unemotional shot/round; Good (10) Shooting damage), young woman who yields very little infor- burst (3 shots/round; Excellent (20) dam-

DRAGON 89 age), and auto-fire (10 shots/round; Re- TALENTS: Pilot—Air and Land craft, misunderstanding and scuffle with Nick, markable (30) damage). The range of the Marksman, Martial Arts B and D. the Super-Agents, Bridge, and Fury man- machine pistol is six areas, and each am- aged to release the HeliCarrier from the munition clip holds 60 rounds. ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: clutches of Angar the Screamer and his Uniform: The SHIELD Kevlar-lined jump- Violence, also known as Violet Pinker- superhuman terrorists. One of the terror- suit Violence wears provides Good (10) ton, is a emotionally troubled woman from ists, a Wakandan named Ivory, chose to protection against physical and Force England. She holds a personal grudge betray her employer and side with attacks and Poor (4) protection against against Nick Fury. Her grandfather, Per- SHIELD after witnessing Nick’s and Dum- Energy attacks. cival “Pinky” Pinkerton, was tried years Dum’s willingness to throw down their SHIELD experimental equipment: De- ago for alleged war crimes while a mem- lives for the ideals of SHIELD; she passed spite her access to standard SHIELD weap- ber of Nick Fury’s Howling Commandoes; the needed security clearances and joined onry, Violence tends to use equipment though he did not blame Nick for this, the team. beyond the range of standard equipment Violet holds him responsible for this blot After their initial mission, Nick Fury normally issued to SHIELD agents. Given against her grandfather. Initially rejected resigned as Director of SHIELD to take her status as a Super-Agent and her fear- for entrance into SHIELD due to psycho- over the training of this quartet of undisci- lessness, she is one of the few agents other logical problems (labelled as suicidal, she plined agents. Their powers and skills than Nick Fury who tests new technology was declared unfit for duty due to disre- make them a valuable combat unit, but for SHIELD. Her standard weaponry in gard for her own safety and that of oth- their inability to follow procedure and current use is as follows: ers), Violet was accepted by G.W. Bridge their recklessness could be tamed only by Combination handgun: Violence’s large into the Super-Agents program. Bridge’s Colonel Fury. Their enthusiasm and afore- pistol combines a plasma beam handgun initiative was to provide the best and most mentioned qualities reminded many peo- with a flame-thrower and a projectile powerful SHIELD agents; though Violet, ple, especially Nick, of the old Howling pistol. The statistics for each of the set- now aptly code-named Violence, was a Commandoes of World War II Given their tings are below: danger to those around her, she would be actions in reclaiming the HeliCarrier and —Flame-thrower: The gun can shoot an extremely able (though undisciplined) on subsequent missions, the SHIELD Excellent (20) intensity flames up to a agent and would do the least harm to Super-Agents could certainly become the range of one area; it has enough fuel for superhuman teammates. It was also Howlers for the ’90s. 10 blasts or a constant medium flame of deemed necessary, by Bridge’s initiative, to Good (10) intensity of three minutes’ dura- keep her in SHIELD simply so she The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive tion. names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel wouldn’t join HYDRA. Entertainment Group, Inc. and are used with permission. —Pistol: The gun can fire explosive Violence is one of the angriest people Copyright ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights projectiles to a range of six areas. The your player characters could ever meet in Reserved. projectiles explode on contact with Re- a MSH game campaign. A member of markable (30) Force. The gun contains Britain’s growing numbers of disaffected four explosive rounds before needing to youths, Violet is excessively violent in reload. dealing with obstacles and problems; her —Plasma beam: This gun has a number outlook is borderline suicidal and she is of improvements over the SHIELD totally fearless due to her instability. She is standard-issue plasma gun. Its range is furious at Nick and at the world, and all increased to four areas and it conserves her negative emotions are focused in her energy, allowing 10 shots before needed a fighting. She charges into combat situa- new battery. It still fires an Incredible (40) tions with little regard for her safety and rank Energy charge. that of her allies. Her casual disregard for Reinforced uniform: Violence’s uniform authority, especially Nick’s, could easily is an experimental weave of Kevlar and cause more trouble than it’s worth for metallic fibers that still maintain the flexi- anyone working with her. Used as either a bility of cloth. It provides Excellent (20) hero or a villain, Violence is the epitome of protection from physical and Force attacks a “battle-happy” personality; she is only and Good (10) protection against energy. happy when she is in combat and gives SHIELD flying motorcycle: Violence rides every battle her all. Her only redeeming the prototype SHIELD flying motorcycle. It quality is her noble quest (of sorts) to clear has the same electronic intelligence, com- her grandfather’s name by serving with munications, and reconnaissance equip- Fury and getting him to pay for Pinky’s ment as the SHIELD flying cars and shame. No matter what side of the law she performs with Incredible (40) Control (due works on, Violence will always work with to its smaller size and reduced weight). It the most destructive and lethal weapons provides Poor (4) Body protection to its available, regardless of personal risk. rider (or maximum of two riders). Its top land and air speeds are Remarkable (six GROUP HISTORY: areas per round on land, 15 areas per The SHIELD Super-Agents program was round in the air). Violence’s motorcycle founded by G. W. Bridge after the restruc- also has rear-mounted machine guns that turing of SHIELD following the Deltite fires armor-piercing bullets at a combined Affair. Working independently of Nick rate of 20 shots/round for Incredible (40) Fury’s cadre of agents, Bridge recruited Shooting damage (use Violence’s Agility for three promising candidates in Knockabout the guns). The guns’ clips are contained in Psi-Borg, and Violence. Their first mission the cycle seat and contain 200 rounds was to rescue the SHIELD HeliCarrier each. from the hands of terrorists. After a minor

90 DECEMBER 1992

The MARVEL®-Phile

These articles start in the oddest places. that previously battled the Hulk™ and the article and flexed his eyebrows. Last month, we ran an index of all the Ram™. A footnote spelled out the differ- “Gee,” said the Noble Editor, “why heroes we’ve published so far for the ence between the Soviet Super-Troopers haven’t you said anything about the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ game. and the Soviet Super-Soldiers™, a team heroes of the Soviet Union?“ (or words Among the listed characters were the of super-powered Soviet heroes who to that effect). Soviet Super-Troopers™, a brigade of hadn’t yet been published. Hence this month’s article. Footnotes crack Russian troops in powered armor ARES™ editor Roger Moore read over can get you in all sorts of trouble.

VANGUARD™ can defend himself against attacks of up his hand (requiring an Agility FEAT to to Monstrous rank. All reflected attacks catch it). Nicolai Krylenko return to the attacker, inflicting one less Fighting: EXCELLENT (20) rank of damage. (For example, an DARKSTAR™ Agility: EXCELLENT (20) attacker using an Incredible-rank laser Laynia Petrovna Strength: EXCELLENT (20) will take Remarkable damage from the Endurance: INCREDIBLE (40) reflected attack.) Such reflected attacks Fighting: GOOD (10) Reason: GOOD (10) hit on the Good column — unless Agility: EXCELLENT (20) Intuition: GOOD (10) reflected through Vanguard’s foci, in Strength: GOOD (10) Psyche: GOOD (10) which case they hit on the Remarkable Endurance: AMAZING (50 attack column. Reason: GOOD (10) Health: 100 Intuition: EXCELLENT (20) Karma: 30 WEAPONS. Vanguard carries a hammer Psyche: INCREDIBLE (40) Resources: GOOD and sickle, symbols of his government, Popularity: 5 (65 in the Soviet Union) to focus his reflective powers. In addi- Health: 90 tion, he may attack with the hammer Karma: 70 Known powers: and sickle at the Remarkable Fighting Resources: GOOD FORCE FIELD. Vanguard has the mutant rank, inflicting Remarkable slugfest Popularity: 5 (50 in the Soviet Union) ability to repel any form of energy, damage with the hammer and Remark- Known powers: including physical attacks, gunfire, and able hack ‘n slash damage with the energy weapons. He does so naturally at sickle. Finally, Vangaurd’s hammer con- DARKFORCE MANIPULATION. Laynia the Amazing rank, ignoring all damage tains electronic guidance devices and has the ability to wield a form of extra- for that rank and lower ones. If concen- gyro-stabilizers that allow him to throw dimensional energy known as the trating on his foci (see below), Vanguard it up to three areas and have it return to Darkforce. The Darkforce is a heavy, 80 JULY 1985 black material that may be related to the Any damage inflicted to Mikhail in bear down. Ursa Major, Darkstar, and black energy used by Shroud™ and form comes from the additional 60 Vanguard were the only survivors of Cloak™. Darkstar can form simple points difference in Health between Phobos’s school. shapes such as spheres, columns, and human and bear forms first, then from Vanguard and Ursa Major entered the rings by mental command. She can Mikhail’s original health. No apparent army, while Darkstar accompanied the affect up to 2 areas at any time, and limit exists on the amount of time Crimson Dynamo™ to America. This increase the density of the Darkforce to Mikhail can remain a bear. American mission was aborted, but Amazing material strength. If using Darkstar remained in the United States Darkforce material as a weapon, Dark- GREMLIN™ for some time after that, joining the star can inflict up to Incredible damage. Real name unrevealed super-powered team known as the Finally, the Darkforce can be used to Fighting: TYPICAL (6) Champions of Los Angeles™ (which support structures as if they were com- Agility: GOOD (10) included Iceman™, Angel™, Ghost posed of Incredible strength material. Strength: POOR (4) Rider™, Hercules™, and the former Soviet agent Black Widow”). With the TELEPORTATION. Darkstar can enter Endurance: REMARKABLE (30) folding of that team, Darkstar returned the Darkforce and use it to teleport Reason: INCREDIBLE (40) to her native land. across small distances (12 areas) with Intuition: GOOD (10) The twin’s father, Sergei, had mean- Remarkable accuracy. She may take up Psyche: REMARKABLE (30) to three individuals with her on a tele- while conducted research in the Forbid- Health: 50 port. Anyone using this form of telepor- den Zone, a region of the central plains Karma: 80 tation may not perform any other action that was the site of many failed atomic Resources: GOOD during the round when teleportation and genetic experiments. Sergei Krylov Popularity: 5 occurs, as transit in this fashion is disori- had become the super-human Presence™ through his research. When he discov- enting (even for Darkstar herself). Known powers: ered that his children still lived, he FLIGHT. Darkstar can also manipulate INVENTION. Gremlin is a brilliant scien- turned against the state. Vanguard, the Darkforce to partially neutralize the tist and has, in addition to his super- Darkstar, and Ursa Major were dis- effects of gravity, allowing her to fly at 8 human intellect, a natural ability patched, under false orders and the areas per round. She cannot carry any towards invention. Gremlin is well- leadership of the Crimson Dynamo, to additional weight while flying, as such versed in electronics, physics, genetics, battle the Presence. They were told that weight will break her concentration and and medicine; his Reason is Amazing in Sergei wished to expand the Forbidden force her to land immediately. those areas. Zone across Asia, but the Super-Soldiers discovered that their former mentor, URSA MAJOR™ Phobos, was the one attempting to Mikhail (Urlokovitch) Ursus The Soviet Super-Soldiers: Official expand the zone. The team also discov- policy on mutants in the Soviet Union ered their true parentage and learned [Statistics to the left are for Mikhail had been immediate euthanasia for any that the Crimson Dynamo was a KGB Ursus in human form; those to the right child showing mutant powers. This plant. These discoveries caused the are for Ursa Major in bear form.] policy continued until the government, expulsion of the Crimson Dynamo from Fighting: GOOD (10)/REMARKABLE (30) concerned with the growing number of the team and led Darkstar, Vanguard, Agility: EXCELLENT (20)/ powerful American mutants, reversed and Ursa Major to dissolve their ties EXCELLENT (20) that decision and set up the Soviet with the government in Moscow. Strength: GOOD (10)/INCREDIBLE (40) Super-Soldier School under the auspices Operating as free agents within the Endurance: REMARAKBLE (30)/ of the Dr. Piotr Phobos™. Soviet state, the three heroes were INCREDIBLE (40) Vanguard and Darkstar are the twin joined by Gremlin, a super-intelligent Reason: TYPICAL (6) children of nuclear physicist Sergei dwarf with grossly distorted features. Intuition: GOOD (10) Krylov, who was irradiated, along with Gremlin was the son of the original Psyche: EXCELLENT (20) his wife, in a nuclear accident. As it was Gargoyle™, a Soviet scientist trans- likely his children would be mutants, the formed by a gamma bomb explosion in Health: 70/130 twins were abducted by the KGB at much the same way as the Incredible Karma: 36 birth and placed in Dr. Phobos’s care; Hulk had been transformed. Gremlin, Resources: GOOD their mother died at childbirth. Krylov too, served for the good of the state, Popularity: 10 (60 in the Soviet Union) was informed that his children were lending his intellect to many projects, Known powers: dead. At the school, the children were until he realized that the government joined by Ursa Major and other young had been responsible for his father‘s TRANSFORMATION. Ursus can trans- Soviet mutants. death. He turned against the state and form himself into a large brown bear. Unfortunately, Phobos was not inter- joined the Soviet super-team. This transformation takes a single round ested in raising mutants for the Soviet Though operating apart from the and gives Mikhail the alternate abilities state. Instead, he drained their energies Soviet government, the Soviet Super- and Health above. In addition, Ursa to give himself super-human powers. Soldiers act for the good of their people, Major has Good Body Armor in bear The siphoning process killed the sub- protecting their nation from internal form, may attack on the hack ‘n slash jects, but those deaths were reported as and external threats in much the same column, can walk upright, and retains training accidents. Phobos’s plans were way as the American Avengers™ and his human intelligence and ability to exposed by the Soviet hero Red Canadian Alpha Flight™ protect their speak when transformed into a bear. Guardian™, and the school was closed countries. DRAGON 81 TERMINUS™ The F UN (100) Health: 4200 A UN (100) S CL 1000 Karma: 250 E CL 3000 Marvel®-Phile R MN (75) Resources: CL 3000 I MN (75) P UN (100) Popularity: -500 (where known)

The above statistics and the powers And now, Terminus™. . . . listed below are for Terminus in his giant robot armor. Terminus’s statistics, if deprived of this armor, are as follows:

F A S E R I P GD GD AM CL 1000 MN MN UN

KNOWN POWERS:

Body Armor: Terminus’s robotic body is 150’ tall and made of a resilient, Unearthly-strength material an average of 12” in thickness. This armor provides Shift Y protection from physical and en- ergy attacks, and Class 1000 protection from radiation, heat, and cold, allowing him to travel through space and make planetfall without harm. Terminus’s ro- botic body can travel through space at Class 1000 speeds, but it is not known if it may travel through hyperspace.

Energy Lance: Terminus carries a 240’ lance that fires bolts of Class 3000 energy with interstellar range (he inscribed his “claim” to Earth from another solar sys- tem, accurately writing across the United States with a beam a half-mile across). Terminus uses this lance to ignite a storm of atomic energy that surrounds his ro- botic form; the storm extends up to 10 miles from his body. This atomic storm is of Class 1000 strength and reduces the molecules in his immediate vicinity to their component atoms, creating an area of Monstrous intensity radiation and Un- earthly heat in the process. Terminus may summon his energy lance from any distance, as long as it may reach him physically.

TALENTS: None revealed, though it may be deduced he has Business Skill on an interstellar scale.

CONTACTS: None revealed. Though it may be surmised that Terminus has “buy- ers” for his plundered resources, his rela- tionship with them has not been revealed. by Jeff Grubb may need a little more to challenge them than the likes of Scorpion™ or Rocket BACKGROUND: Terminus’s origins have The Marvel Universe® has an amazing Racer™. It’s for that latter group of more yet to be revealed. His first appearance on range of powerful inhabitants, from wall- powerful heroes that the following villain Earth followed his claiming of the planet, crawling wonders to thunder gods. While is intended. Let him into your campaigns scrawling across North America with his there are a large number of low-powered at your own risk; fighting him is the equiv- lance: “I claim this world—Terminus.” He villains to match against wall-crawlers, alent of inviting Galactus™ over for landed soon after and declared his inten- heroes with Unearthly-and-up abilities brunch. tion to sell Earths technology, enslave its people, strip its resources, and reduce its Copyright ©1986 Marvel Comics Group All Rights Reserved Marvel, Marvel Universe, and all Marvel characters and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Comics mass to its component elements. This Group and are used with permission. seems to be standard procedure for this

D RAGON 89 interplanetary scavenger, and he has de- stroyed a number of planets in this fashion. Terminus was directed to Earth by an alien scientist that Terminus enslaved after destroying the scientist’s world. Knowing something of Earth’s potential to produce supremely powerful beings (the planet had repulsed the attacks of Galactus several times), the scientist directed Terminus to Earth. On his arrival, Terminus was less than pleased with Earths bounty (he landed in a southwestern desert of the United States) and flung the scientist to his death. them. Lord Kazar™ and Sheena™ were may have some sort of rescue plan, The dying scientist told the Fantastic among the few survivors of the destruc- though he had never before met resis- Four™, who were on the scene investigat- tion of the Savage Land. tance such as he encountered on Earth. It ing the writing, about Terminus and his The Avengers™ fought Terminus, though should be noted that the Savage Land and intention to destroy the Earth. Reed they arrived too late to prevent the de- Pangea were maintained as tropical oases Richards™ was able to delay Terminus by struction of the Savage Land. At this time, by ancient Atlantean technology, some of using an invention that halted the in- it was discovered that Terminus’s body which may still survive Terminus’s ram- vader’s motion relative to the Earth, driv- was a robotic transport for a smaller being page. Finally, it should be noted that sev- ing Terminus into the planet’s mantle near in the robot’s head. The Black Knight™ eral terran criminal and scientific the core. Terminus was separated from his severed the arm of the robot with his organizations, such as A.I.M.™, are aware lance in this battle, and he had to spend ebon blade, depriving the creature of his of the existence of the Savage Land, and some time digging himself out. lance. Hercules™ then attacked the armor may discover and revive Terminus to fit Upon reaching the surface again, be- itself, ripping it apart to reveal the helpless their own ends. neath the South Atlantic, Terminus sum- alien beneath. Hercules left the dying alien Should Terminus return, his very exis- moned his lance and resumed his in the gathering blizzards that were al- tence poses a threat to every living being investigation of his new planet. He encoun- ready reducing the once-tropical Pangea to on this planet, which Terminus considers tered the Antarctic havens of Pangea™ and an Antarctic waste. his conquered property. Unlike Galactus, the Savage Land™, and soon ignited his Terminus’s physiology, however, might who destroys planets out of a need to atomic storm, destroying the habitats and allow the creature to survive the killing maintain his own existence, Terminus environmental machinery that maintained temperatures. Furthermore, Terminus eradicates life solely out of greed.

90 NOVEMBER 1986 By Steven E. Schend

The coming of the GATHERERS™!

Well, it’s been only a few months since the release of MHR3 AVENGERS™ Archives, and already it’s in need of updating! Are we ever going to be able to keep up with the changes in the MARVEL UNIVERSE™? The newest villains on the block are by far the most dangerous foes the assembled Avengers have ever faced—for many of their numbers were once Avengers them- selves! Intrigued? Me, too! So, to satisfy everyone’s curiosity, I present to you the vengeful Proctor and his Gatherers, ene- mies from other worlds!

PROCTOR™

F EX (20) Health: 80 A EX (20) S EX (20) Karma: 70 E EX (20) R RM (30) Resources: Monstrous (75) I GD (10) P RM (30) Popularity: 0

KNOWN POWERS: Like Magdalene below, it is uncertain whether Proctor’s powers are natural or artificial. He does not have any immedi- ately apparent focus for his power like Magdalene, but his armored breastplate and gauntlets contain what appear to be cybernetic implants. Given the lack of obvious technological support, Proctor’s powers must be currently considered as innate and natural.

Body armor: Proctor has Incredible (40) Resistance to energy attacks and Remark- able (30) resistance to physical and Force attacks. “Chemical control”: Proctor claims to be able to “realign chemical imbalances within the brain” of people from alternate timelines. Consider this a Remarkable (30) level power to relieve the pain felt by alter- nate-world heroes transported to the game world. Due to inconsistencies in who needs this treatment and how it is used, this may be nothing more than a panacea used by Proctor to manipulate his Gatherers, and his “realignment” a

DRAGON 47 simple disguise for his mental manipula- Citadel. It is probable that Proctor’s to the above damage, Cassandra’s power tion of a pawn. advanced technology has been gained affects living beings’ brains and central Energy bolts: Proctor can project Amaz- from his relationship with Ute. nervous systems as well, causing victims to ing 150) rank Energy or Force bolts Not prone to melodrama, Proctor is a suffer as if hit by both Energy and Force through his eyes and hands. cold and calculating character who does attacks. Use the Battle Effects Table to Psionics: Proctor exhibits a wide variety not disclose any information that he does determine the possible special effects of of advanced psionic powers, the exact not wish revealed. The only time he loses this attack. For example, if Cassandra’s number currently unknown. Powers he his formidable temper is over Sersi and attack roll was a yellow result, her victim has exhibited thus far are the following: his implications regarding her alternate- would need to check for a Slam (from the *Mental control: Proctor can control the timeline counterparts’ destruction of their Force column) and a Stun (from the minds of living beings with Excellent (20) worlds, the worlds from which Proctor Energy column). After exposure to Cassan- rank ability. He generally uses this power has recruited his Gatherers. dra’s psionic eyebeams, a victim’s physical to cloud the memories and minds of his In the MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ game, attributes (FASE) are reduced by -1CS pawns, disguising the true nature of his Proctor would be a great crossover villain, (-2CS if an Endurance FEAT roll is failed) Gatherings and making the Gatherers eas- sending his Gatherers to your game world for 1-10 turns; nonhuman characters ier to manipulate. to attack that world’s Avengers or any rea- (Olympians, Eternals, artificial beings) do *Neural disruption: With a touch, Proc- sonable facsimile thereof—they could not incur these effects of Cassandra’s tor can inflict Amazing (50) rank damage attack your heroes! If any of your cam- power. Cassandra can focus this attack directly into a being’s nervous system. paign’s former PCs were slain in battle, against a single individual or she can This power bypasses all standard types of Proctor would be likely to use an other- cause it to fire widely, affecting all targets natural body armor, directly stimulating worldly analogue of the dead character to in her area and one adjacent area of her the nerves. However, artificial and inde- confuse and torment your heroes. choice at -2CS. pendent armors (like Iron Man’s armor or Given the activity surrounding Marvel even the Black Knight’s light chain mail) Earth and the fun he’s had in the past ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: and any defenses against mental attacks with the Avengers, that Elder of the Uni- Cassandra is the most bitter, ruthless, serve to protect from the effects of this verse, the Grandmaster, might want to and cruel of the Gatherers. A wizened old power. recruit your heroes! to fight the Gatherers crone, she appears to be a small and weak *Telepathic rapport: Proctor shares a and aid the Avengers. When crossing old woman, but her aged body is incredi- Good (10) rank telepathic rapport with dimensions and timelines, anything’s pos- bly powerful. She wields immense power Cassandra. None of the other Gatherers sible especially with Proctor running with abandon, enjoying the pain and suf- are aware of this link. Proctor uses this the show! fering it inflicts on her victims. She link to communicate hidden agendas to appears to delight in finding out hidden, Cassandra which she reinforces during a CASSANDRA™ ugly secrets, using her telepathy. She Gathering without exposing any of Proc- seems to have been a Gatherer the tor’s hidden plans. F PR (4) Health: 36 longest, and assumes the role of tactical *Telepathy: Proctor has an Excellent (20) A TY (6) leader when on a Gathering. rank ability to read thoughts and memo- S TY (6) Karma: 70 Though Cassandra does not have an ries, though he has Shift 0 range and must E EX (20) analogue on Marvel Earth, she could eas- be in physical contact with a target to use R GD (10) Resources: Unknown ily have a younger analogue on your cam- this ability. I EX (20) paign world. To add some spice to the P IN (40) Popularity: 0 role-playing, have your heroes go up ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: against the Gatherers as they try to elimi- Proctor is a master planner and manip- KNOWN POWERS: nate Cassandra’s doppelganger at age 14 ulator, who pulls the strings of pawns Telepathic suggestions: Cassandra has before her powers emerge (this is assum- from across dozens of worlds. From his an Excellent (20) rank telepathic power ing she’s a mutant)! Again, Cassandra’s citadel hidden in the Andes mountains, that makes her opponents underestimate greatest asset is letting people underesti- Proctor enjoys deceiving everyone, includ- her (any susceptible mind within one area mate her; if role-played well, this Gatherer ing his own Gatherers when it suits his that fails a Psyche FEAT against her will get the drop on the heroes every time! purpose. He has been playing these games power’s rank). This typically manifests for years, it appears, and no one ever itself with a bit of role-playing on Cassan- MAGDALENE™ knows the true extent of his reach. Even dra’s part, when people believe she is no his most trusted ally, Cassandra, is power- more than a harmless old woman. F GD (10) Health: 135 less to determine when Proctor is being Telepathy: Cassandra has an Excellent A EX (20) truthful or lying. (20) rank telepathic power to read peo- S MN (75) Karma: 22 Regardless of his motivation, Proctor is ples’ memories. She can also use this E RM (30) supremely confident in his position as mental power in ways similar to Proctor’s R TY (6) Resources: Unknown leader of the Gatherers; despite their for- “Chemical Control” power. I TY (6) midable powers, Proctor rules them with Eye blasts: Cassandra’s most potent P GD (10) Popularity: 0 superiority and not a little fear. Despite his power is her psionic eyebeams, usually claims of ultimate authority, he is in a kept hidden behind a wide red visor. With KNOWN POWERS: partnership with Ute, a crippled Watcher a range of two areas, her eyebeams cause There is not enough evidence to prove from an alternate timeline who dwells in Amazing (50) rank Force damage to sur- whether Magdalene’s powers are natural secret chambers in or beneath Proctor’s rounding areas and materials. In addition or artificial at the current time. Based on

48 JULY 1993 the circumstantial data collected to this lene’s power is directed through her KNOWN POWERS: point, it seems more likely that Magda- lance. If she were to be separated from Bestial appearance: Sloth appears to lene’s powers are artificial, and they are her lance, it is possible that her offensive permanently be transformed into a large, defined as such below. capabilities would be reduced (her Energy brown-furred creature nine feet in height, shield, Force bolt, Shock pulse, and Tele- though he always slouches under a metal- EQUIPMENT: portation abilities are lost along with the lic harness, bringing his height to about Cybernetic armor & power lance: Magda- lance.). It may even cause a reduction in seven feet. (Consider Sloth’s appearance as lene wears a silver and gold modular suit of her physical statistics (-1CS to Agility, -2CS linked, permanent versions of the advanced technological armor and wields a to Endurance and Strength). Shapechange and Size alteration-Growth large lance of similar technologies. powers.) Together, they seem to be the focus of Mag- ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: Claws: Sloth’s inhuman form grants him dalene’s power. The capabilities of Magda- Magdalene is a fiercely passionate Incredible (40) material strength foot and lene’s armor and lance are as follows: woman, furious in battle and obsessive in hand claws that, when coupled with his Body armor: Magdalene’s armor pro- love. She is, by far, the most versatile of the strength, can inflict up to his maximum of vides her with Remarkable (30) protection Gatherers, but she is easily distracted by Incredible (40) Edged Attacks damage. from physical, Force, and Energy attacks. any harm to her lover, the Swordsman. Energy shield: Magdalene can erect a Her counterpart on Marvel Earth, the fash- ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: l-area diameter wall of energy that pro- ion model Marissa Darrow, had no powers Sloth is a large, powerful humanoid vides Monstrous (75) protection against all but was just as forceful a personality beast with fur and claws. He speaks with a physical, Force, and Energy attacks from Despite her aggressive nature, Proctor slight accent, suggesting a Scottish or Irish one direction. The shifting energy pulses holds her in his control with reminders of background. He seems congenial and that make up this shield effectively act as a their lost love and his saving her life in the polite, with a kind but loyal manner that force screen to equally repel any objects past. When she learned that Proctor had belies his bestial appearance. He does not or people away from the field. sent an alternate timeline Vision (see fight in anger, but with calculation and Force bolt: Magdalene’s force bolts are Group history below) to kill the Swords- skill, using just enough force to get the job projected through her lance. Her Amazing man, however, Magdalene lashed out and done. He also seems to have close bonds (50) rank Force bolts have a range of eight struck Proctor with a Force bolt. Proctor’s with Cassandra, due to their long relation- areas. degree of future control of Magdalene is ship with the Gatherers. Though he “Living circuitry”: In some unknown now in doubt. doesn’t exist in the current Marvel Earth, way, Magdalene’s body, power, and equip- The origin of her power is unknown, Sloth’s joking, easy-going manners and ment are intimately linked in such a way though Magdalene’s constant exclama- powers fit within his team as the Beast did as to preclude any external manipulation. tions of “By the Seventh Ring!” and other within the Avengers several few years ago. This gives Magdalene’s armor and lance rings circumstantially suggest ties with the As with Cassandra, Sloth’s analogue may Monstrous (75) resistance to attacks which rings of Saturn. This could be some false exist on your campaign’s Earth. If you affect machines or inanimate matter; this memories or psychological imprinting, or have a hero with similar animal-based includes any manipulations on a molecu- a manner of mind control by Proctor, powers, perhaps he is Sloth’s counterpart lar level. This effectively counters the mat- whose technology is certainly capable of and only has to wait for some terrible acci- ter-manipulating powers of Avengers like creating Magdalene’s armor and lance. dent that boosts or changes his powers to Sersi or Dr. Pym. (Or, if Magdalene’s powers are indeed this powerful beast-form. Sensor array: Magdalene’s armor con- internal, not artificial, this exclamation tains some portable sensor arrays that may indicate some relation to the Eternals TABULA™ detect the following energies with Excel- of Saturn’s moon, Titan.) lent (20) ability: heat, kinetic (movement), In your game world, Magdalene is a for- F GD (10) Health: 60 and life. midable foe no matter who her allies are. A EX (20) Shock pulse: On contact with her tar- Her teleportation power negates any sense S GD (10) Karma: 50 get, Magdalene can release a Monstrous of security the heroes might have in their E EX (20) (75) burst of energy through her lance. “impregnable” headquarters. If given a R GD (10) Resources: Unknown Her gloves (or some unknown cybernetics) reason to attack, Magdalene’s rage backed I EX (20) insulate her from the effects of the energy. by her power is more than a match for P EX (20) Popularity: 0 It is unknown if this can be generated many heroes. Given her ties to Proctor, along the surface of her armor, or though, she is best used in conjunction KNOWN POWERS: whether she can release such energy with- with any of his schemes. Artificial construction: Tabula appears to out the lance. be an artificial being, closer to a Life “Slashway” teleportation: This power SLOTH™ Model Decoy or the original Adaptoid than generates a Shift X (150) rank teleportation an independent artificial lifeform. Its base field. She controls the destination of the F RM (30) Health: 195 form has no identifiable features, being a “slashway” and she partially controls its A IN (40) blank humanoid shape with no face or duration; with a Green Psyche FEAT roll, S AM (50) Karma: 26 secondary characteristics. It is unknown Magdalene can maintain or instantly shut E MN (75) whether Tabula is susceptible to mental down a slashway. R TY (6) Resources: Unknown attacks. I GD (10) Blending: Tabula can alter its surface WEAKNESS: P GD (10) Popularity: 0 coloration to blend in to an area with It presently seems that much of Magda- Excellent (20) ability; if Tabula does not

DRAGON 49 move, this power acts as Excellent rank team to Avengers’ Mansion, hoping to find Proctor has been at work for years, “gath- Invisibility. this world’s counterpart to the wounded ering” his allies from other timelines. Elongation: Tabula possesses Excellent Coal Tiger. After infiltrating the headquar- Though perceived as villains by the (20) rank stretching power. In addition, ters and finding the analogue was Avengers, the Gatherers may not be evil by Tabula gains a + 1CS on its Strength score T’Challa of Wakanda, the Black Panther, nature, though Proctor fits the descrip- when engaged in Grappling combat. the Gatherers engaged the now-prepared tion. Proctor recruits his Gatherers from Imitation: Tabula’s primary power is its Avengers. They quickly defeated the dying worlds to allegedly keep other Incredible (40) rank Imitation power, heroes and fled to Wakanda, hoping to kill worlds from dying in a like manner; all which allows it to alter its own body to the Black Panther to allow the Coal Tiger their worlds were destroyed by some appear to be someone else. Tabula can to live on this world. The Avengers fol- unknown action or inaction of the alter its body size by up to 30% when using lowed and, with the help of the Wakandan Avengers. The destruction of these many this power, but cannot change to any body Air Forces, stopped the Gatherers; sur- Earths are related to Proctor’s obsessive structure other than that of a bipedal prisingly, the Swordsman saved the life of fury regarding Sersi. He has asserted that humanoid. the Black Panther by turning against Cas- he is her one true love, and she will sandra. He had been fighting his con- destroy the world if she’s not stopped. The ROLE-PLAYING NOTES: science for months, vaguely remembering only ties that hold the Gatherers together By its own nature, Tabula’s character is his status as a hero but now being forced are their fear or respect for Proctor and what it needs to be for the shape it is to act as a villain. In the fight, the villains hatred for the Avengers. wearing. It acts almost flawlessly like the were separated, and the Swordsman was Using his mental powers, Proctor often person it imitates, fooling all but the most captured before he could flee with the supplants his agents’ normal thoughts perceptive of observers. Its base personal- others. with his own hatreds to make them more ity has a few discernible traits, such as an As a captive of the Avengers, the effective against the Avengers. Because of insatiable curiosity and a subsequent dis- Swordsman’s recurring headaches grew these hatreds and the extreme natures of regard for Proctor’s authority. Tabula was less frequent and his memory slowly many of the Gatherers, the team is aston- only recently released from stasis, a pun- returned, both perhaps side effects of ishingly brutal and forceful during its mis- ishment meted out by Proctor for some being separated from Proctor’s power. sions but lacks any measured amount of past transgression. Still, despite its chas- With his returning memory came an teamwork and cooperation. tisement, Tabula may be a weak link in intense hatred of the Vision, whom the Much of Proctor’s hatred stems from Proctor’s Gatherers. Swordsman swore destroyed the Avengers some guilt and pain regarding some Tabula is easily inserted into any game on his world. His memories showed sub- romantic relationships and Sersi. He campaign as the ultimate deep cover tle differences from what Marvel Earth’s refers to himself as “her one true Gann agent, as it so easily mimics and maintains Avengers knew, such as his mistaking a Josin,” an Eternal term and state that is an the appearances of anyone. If you choose hologram of Moondragon for his lost love, intimate mental union between two peo- to bring the Gatherers into your cam- Mantis. He eventually came to terms with ple, a joining that makes them lifelong paign, use Tabula to its best advantage: If his status and grew to befriend this soulmates. Whether he gained part of a player is absent from the game, have his world’s Vision. He also became more Sersi’s power along with this linking, or her character still arrive to play. Few active with the Avengers, coming to their Proctor’s extreme emotions mimic Sersi’s need know that Tabula is in the hero’s aid on a few occasions. recent uncontrolled mood swings. Based place for now. The final assault on the Avengers on his references to unrequited or lost involved Proctor’s recruitment of a highly love and a hatred of being manipulated by GROUP HISTORY: emotional (if not totally insane) Vision Sersi, Proctor could be an otherworldly The Avengers’ first encountered Magda- from a dying timeline. Capturing Marvel analogue of this Earth’s Black Knight. lene and the Swordsman during the Gath- Earth’s Vision, Proctor supplanted his erers’ initial ambush. Though the heroes brain into the doppelganger’s body and The MARVEL-Phlle’s Marvel characters and the insisted he was dead in this timeline, the placed the Gatherer/Vision’s brain into the distinctive names and likenesses thereof are Swordsman refused to accept that, not original Vision’s body. Returned to trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group. Inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1993 Marvel realizing then his otherworldly origins. Avengers’ Mansion, the Gatherer/Vision Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Proctor was clouding his mind about his stopped Sersi’s rampage against her fel- previous existence in another timeline. low Avengers. The Gatherer/Vision stayed Forced to flee in defeat, Magdalene and undercover unnoticed, primarily due to the Swordsman have met the Avengers on the upsets over Sersi’s destabilizing men- a number of occasions since then, accom- tal condition. Eventually, the Gatherer What’s your opinion? panied by the other Gatherers. During made his move and did Proctor’s will by these missions, the Swordsman was sub- attempting to assassinate the Swordsman. What is the future direction of role- ject to painful headaches, allegedly due to He then approached Crystal, hoping to playing games? What problems do you his problems assimilating to a different gain her affections here where he failed have with your role-playing campaign? Earth. Of the Gatherers’ strike force, he on his world. This simply brought his sta- Turn to this issue’s “Forum” and see was the only one whose counterpart was tus as a Gatherer to the fore, and he was what others think—then tell us what an Avenger on this world (Marvel Earth) neutralized by Sersi. you think! as on his own. Little conclusive is known about the After “gathering” another lone survivor mysterious Gatherers and their equally of a destroyed world, Proctor sent his enigmatic leader, Proctor. Apparently,

50 JULY 1993 MARVEL

An empath and an apprentice

by Dale A. Donovan

I’m baaaack. The first thing I must do this month is to thank everyone who wrote in with comments and suggestions for the new “MARVEL-Phile.” The amount of mail I received forced me to roll on the Stun table, but I made my roll. Thank you all for your input. You will be seeing some of your suggestions in upcoming months. There are two areas on which I received quite a few questions, so I thought I’d take the time to address them now. Several peo- ple asked why there was no “MARVEL-Phile” in issues #157 or #158, and just how often would the column appear in the future? In May, I decided to take the month off from doing the column, and this column was originally slated to appear in the June issue, but a lack of time on my part and space in the magazine pushed

T HE MARVEL®-PHILE the column back to this issue. I plan for the column to appear bi-monthly, so you can look for another one in issue #161. I also received quite a bit of mail from those who disagreed with some of my ideas on attributes and Powers. The perfect example of this is Captain Britain. The Official Handbook of the MARVEL UNIVERSE®, Update ‘89, stated that Cap was able to press 90 tons. In the game, that qualifies as Unearthly Strength, so that is the rank I gave him. I do use the Handbook as well as the comics themselves for my sources, so I have reasons for assigning the ranks I do. But if you disagree with my decisions on Cap or any character, that’s okay. If you want Cap to only have Incredible Strength in your campaign, go ahead. It is your game, after all. This month, I’ll discuss two of Doctor Strange’s right-hand beings: the empath Topaz, and Doc’s current apprentice, Rintrah.

DRAGON 71 MARVEL

Telepathy: Topaz can perform the Men- into a trance and removed the “dark side” tal Probe Power Stunt as well as normal of her soul. Topaz fainted, but later recov- Telepathy. ered to the point where at least some of Psionic Attack: Topaz possesses this her abilities returned. Glitternight took his power at Incredible rank for range and portion of Topaz’s soul and infused it with intensity. black magical energy from his own body, Empathy: Topaz is also an empath, able then transformed the whole into a beast to read the emotions of others. that would do his bidding. Topaz returned Emotion Control: Topaz can instill or to California with Glitternight’s monster drain emotions from people. Although she trailing her. Upon discovering it, Jack can influence multiple targets (in the same Russell changed into his werewolf shape area she is in), she can work with only one to fight and destroy the beast. emotion at a time. Still later, Glitternight returned and Telekinesis: Topaz is also able to use this transformed Topaz into a winged harpy- power at Incredible range and intensity. like being under his control. Topaz’s true Healing: Topaz can heal damage to her- personality reasserted itself, though, and self and others, using her Psyche score to she returned to her human form. Glit- replace the subject’s Endurance. She can ternight later vanished as a result of a heal any number of subjects once per day. mystical battle with another being. Her abilities are such that she can even Many months later, the demon Mephisto reunite a person’s soul with his body, if the transported Topaz to his dimension and two should become separated. informed her that on her upcoming 21st birthday her powers would reach their peak. She would be so powerful, he told HISTORY: Topaz has no knowledge of her, that she would even be able to de- her parents or even if Topaz is her real stroy Mephisto himself. As Mephisto tried name. Her first memories are of growing to kill her, Topaz gained full control over up as a street urchin in India. When war her powers and unleashed energy that broke out, she was placed in a prison ripped Mephisto apart. camp where she met the sorcerer, Taboo. Mephisto eventually reformed himself It was under Taboo’s tutelage that Topaz and sent his demonic minions after Topaz. discovered her powers, and she subse- They overpowered her and cast a spell quently used them to help Taboo and upon her that would remove the portion herself escape from the camp. of her soul that contained her powers, As Topaz grew to adulthood, she acted were she ever to escape. The demons then as a familiar for Taboo and his sorcery. placed her within bedrock to imprison her They eventually moved to take up resi- physical body. It was here that she spent dence in southern California. At one point, her 21st birthday. Taboo tried to force Jack Russell (the Later, Topaz’s physical body was re- Werewolf; see DRAGON® issue #126, “A leased by an energy outburst from an- MARVEL® Monster-Phile”) to hand over to other of Mephisto’s captives, Franklin Taboo a book of black magic known as the Richards. The now rock-encrusted form of Darkhold (see issue #126, “The MARVEL- Topaz made its way to Earth, where it Phile”). Neither Russell nor his family battled Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor possessed the book, and Taboo ordered Strange. Realizing that a human was Topaz to kill Jack Russell. Sensing the trapped within this form, Strange released goodness within Jack, Topaz refused. Topaz and brought her to his home in New TOPAZ™ Taboo then ordered Russell and Topaz out York City, but she was now missing the Empath of his home. empathic portion of her soul, as per the Topaz was soon attacked by Taboo, who demons’ spell. Topaz had trouble control- F TY (6) Health: 42 stole a portion of her soul for arcane ling her own emotions as well, and her A GD (10) purposes. Taboo was killed soon there- sanity suffered. (It is unclear whether the S TY (6) Karma: 90 after, and the missing portion of Topaz’s missing portion of her soul was the same E EX (20) soul returned to her. She subsequently portion that Glitternight stole. There is no R GD (10) Resources: TY (6) moved in with Russell and his family, and clear evidence that Topaz regained the I IN (40) she and Jack fell in love, but neither ever portion that Glitternight stole, even after P IN (40) Popularity: 3 acknowledged the extent of their feelings. Jack Russell destroyed the beast that Glit- It was not long thereafter that Topaz and ternight created with it.) POWERS: Topaz has numerous psychic Russell traveled to Transylvania to visit The alien sorcerer, Urthona, captured powers, the full extent of which are not one of Russell’s relatives, and they came the missing portion of her soul and sought known at this time. She has the potential into conflict with the master vampire to use it and Topaz as part of his scheme to be one of the most powerful psychics himself, Dracula (see issue #126, “The to kill Doctor Strange and become the on Earth, and has demonstrated extraordi- MARVEL-Phile”). Sorcerer Supreme himself. To this end, he nary abilities in times of crisis during her Topaz’s powers began to fade after this, contacted Topaz, showed her what he life. As all of her abilities are psychic, they and she returned to India in an attempt to possessed, and offered to return her soul utilize Topaz’s Incredible Psyche as their restore them. There she encountered a to her if she betrayed Doctor Strange. In Power rank. sorcerer, Doctor Glitternight, who put her her unstable frame of mind, Topaz agreed,

72 JULY 1990 MARVEL

allowing Urthona to transport Strange’s Mastery Level: Disciple of the Order home and all his mystical talismans to School of Magic Urthona’s home planet. There, Urthona took both Topaz and Strange’s servant, Personal Wong, prisoner. Alteration—Appearance: Remarkable Strange, who was wounded in one of (30). Urthona’s attacks, now shared the body of Astral Projection: Good (10). the being known as Rintrah (see below) Shield—Individual: Excellent (20). and journeyed to Urthona’s planet. During the ensuing mystical battle, the bottle Universal containing Topaz’s lost soul was broken, Eldritch Bolts (Bolt of Bedevilment): and Topaz’s powers returned to her in full. Excellent (20). Urthona was defeated, and Strange, Rin- trah, Wong, and Topaz returned to Earth. Dimensional More recently, Topaz traveled to Britain Dimensional Aperture: Excellent (20). and became involved with the mystic Sisters of Glastonbury Tor, the descen- dants of those women who had cared for HISTORY: Rintrah is a sentient, other- King Arthur after his final confrontation dimensional being who is sensitive to the with Modred. The Sisters tried to instruct presence of magical forces and has the Topaz in the use of her great powers. potential to become a powerful sorcerer. Topaz has subsequently returned to New Through unknown circumstances, Rintrah York, the outcome of her instruction un- became the apprentice of the other dimen- known. Whole once more, Topaz con- sional sorcerer known as Enitharmon the tinues to be a staunch ally of Doctor Weaver. It was during this time that Doc- Strange, Wong, and Rintrah. tor Strange first encountered Rintrah. Strange took his magical Cloak of Levita- tion, which had been damaged in battle, to Role-playing Notes: In your campaign, be repaired by Enitharmon. After the Topaz might appear when she is on an errand or mission for Doctor Strange. repairs were made, Enitharmon bade Despite her powers, Strange would not Rintrah to return Strange’s cloak to him, send her on what he considered to be an back on Earth. overly dangerous mission. Topaz is not a Rintrah encountered Strange not long hero in the typical sense; she does not put after Strange’s body had been gravely on a costume and fight villains. She is a wounded by a servant of the alien sor- background character, using her mental cerer, Urthona. Rintrah returned the cloak abilities and her healing to help others and gave his permission for Strange’s (heroes included). She could appear and astral form (as per the spell) to enter his save a dying hero, then ask for his help body. The two consciousnesses now shar- with her mission. ing Rintrah’s body took Strange’s own healing body, borrowed a starship from Reed Richards, and traveled to Urthona’s planet. Here, Rintrah/Strange battled and RINTRAHTM defeated Urthona, thereby releasing his Apprentice captives, Wong and Topaz. They all then returned to Earth. F GD (10) Health: 80 Rintrah subsequently accompanied A GD (10) Strange on a few of his exploits, then S RM (30) Karma: 60 returned to Enitharmon. Recently, how- E RM (30) ever, Rintrah has returned to Earth and One other item of interest is the fact that R GD (10) Resources: PR (4) has asked Strange to take him on as an The Gamer’s Handbook to the MARVEL I EX (20) apprentice. Strange agreed, and Rintrah UNIVERSE, Vol. 6, should be in your stores P RM (30) Popularity: 0 has taken up residence in Strange’s home by the time you read this. Pick it up and in New York City. get lots of new characters and updates of POWERS: At present, Rintrah has the some of your old favorites. ability to perform only a handful of magi- That’s it for now. If you have any com- cal feats. He does qualify as a Disciple of Role-playing Notes: Rintrah would ments or suggestions for this column, send the Order School of Magic, and he has the most likely appear in a campaign accompa- them to: The MARVEL-Phile, DRAGON potential to become a great sorcerer, espe- nied by Doctor Strange or while on a Magazine, P.O. Box 111, Lake Geneva WI cially if he remains a student of the Sor- mission for his mentor. Rintrah is the type 53147, U.S.A. cerer Supreme, Doctor Strange. of being who might well bite off more As with Roma (issue #155), Rintrah’s than he could chew with regard to villains. magical powers are given in a format Somewhat headstrong, he could get him- MARVEL SUPER HEROES is a trademark of the compatible with MHAC9, Realms of Magic. self into a situation where he might need Marvel Entertainment Group, inc. All Marvel charac- If you do not own this supplement, simply help from the heroes. He’s not afraid to ters, names, and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of the Marvel Entertainment Group, treat each spell as a mystical Power oper- mix it up in melee; his Strength serves him Inc. ©1990 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc. All ating at the same rank. well in this instance. Rights Reserved.

DRAGON 73 MARVEL

by Steven Schend

The times, they are a-changing....

Despite the recent overflow of new headquarters on the site of the old died on national television while fighting characters in the MARVEL UNIVERSE®, mansion—then the U.S. government re- the Adversary in Dallas, but they were all the creators of these comics continually voked their charter! The Avengers need brought back to life by Roma. The X-Men change their existing characters, as I not have worried; the United Nations then operated out of the Australian out- found when I looked through my binders quickly reinstated the Avengers’ charter back for a number of months, returning to of the Gamer’s Handbooks of the MARVEL with a few revisions, and the Avengers are New York for the Inferno and reuniting UNIVERSE. Many characters have had now a branch of the U.N. peacekeeping with their allies in X-Factor. minor and major changes take place since forces worldwide. After Wolverine and Longshot left the they appeared in “The MARVEL-Phile” or All past and present members retain team, and Rogue was pulled through the any of the Gamer’s Handbooks. These Avengers’ membership and some benefits, Siege Perilous by Master Mold, and Storm changes would not merit a new Handbook but the structure and coordination of the was “accidentally killed” by Havok, Psy- page, nor are they enough to devote an team has been changed. The “primary locke sent what remained of the X-Men entire ’Phile column to (e.g., Quasar’s new team” consists of active and on-call mem- through the Siege Perilous, fearing they costume, or the Hulk’s new/old look). I bers; the “reserve substitutes” are the would not survive an encounter with the volunteered to put a lot of the chaos of the second string, called in by any primary cyborg assassins, the Reavers. The magical last few years of Marvel into one column, team member who cannot answer the call portal returned Dazzler to Hollywood and and it rests before you now. to assemble. All others are considered the path of fame, wiped out Colossus’ “inactive reserve,” maintaining certain memory and made him an American artist Team changes benefits but not being in line to be called in Greenwich Village, and cured Rogue by Alpha Flight: After a few long and to duty without extenuating circum- depowering her and separating her memo- arduous years on the outs with the gov- stances. This is all fine and good, but it ries from those of the original Ms. Marvel. ernment, Alpha Flight has finally recon- leaves me wondering one thing: How does Havok became a Genoshan native and a ciled its differences with Canadian this change affect the West Coast contin- Magistrate (ironic for a mutant to become officials. Department H is once again fully gent? Only time will tell. a mutant-hunter). Psylocke found herself operational and is based, along with the The primary team is led by Captain transformed into an Oriental woman, and team’s headquarters, in Toronto. Gamma America; its lineup includes the Black she became the ultimate psionic assassin Flight is now an administrative service for Widow, Quasar, Sersi, She-Hulk, Thor, and for the Hand and the Mandarin. the study of superhumans, and Beta Flight the Vision. The reserve substitutes are the Wolverine escaped the clutches of the continues its status as a center for the Black Knight, Captain Marvel, the Falcon, Reavers and teamed up with Jubilee to recruitment and training of new heroes. Hercules, Spider-Man, and the two proba- rescue Psylocke from the Mandarin. Storm The team’s current roster of active and tionary Avengers: Rage and the Sandman. was reduced to childhood by Nanny and on-call heroes is the largest in its history, New Mutants: The New Mutants have the Orphan Maker, but fled and fell in dwarfing even the Avengers’ sometimes been disbanded, both as students and as a with Gambit, a mutant cat burglar. After a unwieldy membership. The team is led by training group for young mutants. Of the number of adventures, both teams of Heather MacDonald Hudson, now known original members, only Cannonball re- X-Men regrouped when they invaded as Guardian. Vindicator is also a member— mains as an active hero; he and Boom- Genosha. Storm was freed from Genoshan yes, James MacDonald Hudson is back Boom now work alongside the mysterious slavery, and Havok’s true memories re- from the dead and sports some new Cable and Domino in X-Force. Sunspot has turned. The team returned to New York powers. The membership roster also in- inherited his father’s business and now without Havok, who remained in Genosha cludes the following: Aurora, Box, Dia- runs a multimillion dollar corporation. to reform the system from within. mond Lil, Northstar, Persuasion, Puck (yes, Mirage is recovering from severe wounds, The X-Men now consists of Storm as he’s back, too!), Sasquatch, Shaman, Talis- staying with her sister Valkyries in Asgard. team leader, Wolverine, Banshee, Forge, man, Windshear, and Witchfire. Karma is once again under the sway of Gambit, Psylocke, and Jubilee. Members of Avengers: These folks have really had her uncle Nguyen Ngoc Coy, and she unknown status are Lorna Dane and a few bad years! After the Avengers Man- works for him in Madripoor. Wolfsbane is Amanda Sefton, both currently captured sion was destroyed by the Masters of Evil in Genosha; her powers are boosted in or enslaved by the mysterious Shadow IV) the group moved to Hydro-Base, a lupine form, but her will is sapped and she King on Muir Isle. floating island and oceanographic research is a slave while human. Rictor left the New Whew! Score cards all updated and station, and set up a new mansion there. Mutants to help Rahne escape from notes scribbled onto your Gamer’s Hand- Just as things began to settle down, Dr. Genosha. Rusty and Skids are MIA with book pages? Well, we’re done with only Doom (influenced by Loki during the “Acts the Mutant Liberation Front. the team changes. The really strange stuff of Vengeance” story line) used a large X-Men: This team takes the prize for is yet to come. squadron of robots to destroy Hydro-Base. major changes; not many super teams die Well, the Avengers finally built a massive and then come back for more! The X-Men

DRAGON 71 MARVEL

Character changes Berlin; possibilities of survival high, as no He’s always dogged Thanos’ steps, and The following covers only the most bodies were recovered after the blast. death didn’t stop him before. recent changes and alterations of Marvel Mister Sinister: Killed by Cyclops’s eye- Ghost Rider: He wasn’t dead, but the characters, from 1989 through January beams; possibility of survival high due to demon Zarathos is back in action with 1991. Also note that the survival possibili- his mastery of cloning techniques. another host, meting out vengeance and ties given here are merely educated Mystique: Killed in Washington by Val hellfire as the flaming skull of the biker guesses on the part of the author (if no Cooper, a new servant of the Shadow set. body is found, there is a strong possibility King; possibility of survival nil since her Puck: Not only is he back from being the that the character is not truly dead). body was found. Master’s plaything, he’s bounced back with Nekra: Killed by the Grim Reaper upon all the resilience of his namesake. Deaths-Heroes the latter’s resurrection; possibility of Storm: Yes, we all know the X-Men were Warlock: Killed in Genosha by Com- survival nil. only dead a short time, but Ororo “died” mander Hodge, Warlock has a question- Stonewall: Killed by the Reavers in an again at the hands of Havok, and has only able chance for survival despite his assault on Muir Isle; possibility of survival recently returned to her now-adult self. powerful mechanical form, as his body is nil. Vindicator: Remember when Delphine currently in the form of metallic powder Tombstone: Killed in an ammunition- Courtney impersonated the “dead” James scattered over the grave of Douglas Ram- shed explosion outside Hammerhead’s MacDonald Hudson? Well, it seems her sey, also known as Cypher. headquarters; possibility of survival high crazy story about his return from death due to his new powers and the lack of a about five years ago (involving aliens on Deaths-Villains body at the scene. Ganymede) was true, but only now has he The Arranger: Killed by Knight and Fogg Warrior Woman: Killed in an explosion awakened. on the orders of the Kingpin; possibility of of suspended-animation equipment in survival nil. Berlin; possibility of survival high, as her Resurrected-Villains Destiny: Killed by the Reavers in an as- body was not recovered after the blast. Commander Hedge: Not many people sault on Muir Isle; possibility of survival nil. survive decapitation by the deadly wings Mandrill: Killed by the Grim Reaper, who Resurrected-Heroes of Archangel, but this guy returned in the was on a rampage; possibility of survival Adam Warlock: This poor guy will never ugliest cyborg body yet created in the nil. rest easy in that green gem of his until MARVEL UNIVERSE. He’s been decapi- Master Man I & II: Killed in an explosion Thanos gets his just desserts. tated once again during the X-Tinction of suspended-animation equipment in Drax the Destroyer: Of course he’s back! Agenda and is now auditioning for the part of Yorick in Hamlet (just kidding about the last part, folks). Grim Reaper: This man comes back from the dead with an attitude! Not only does he kill the woman who brought him back to “life” in the first place (Nekra), he now feeds on the energy of those he kills! Master Man & Warrior Woman: Two more major villains from World War II managed to find their way out of yet two more suspended-animation chambers before they died (maybe). Thanos: The comeback of the year! Not only does the evil son of Titan return to the living, he again takes steps to become the ruler of the universe.

Power changes-Heroes Doctor Druid: Doc’s powers are boosted (if only by his renewed self confidence), and he’s got hair now, too! The ex-Avenger now stands revealed as the forerunner to the Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange. Apparently, the lama who gave Doctor Druid his powers and awakened his mys- tic heritage was actually the Ancient One, Dr. Strange’s mentor. Doctor Druid was the Ancient One’s first attempt at giving a disciple a degree of his own powers. Druid’s power of Druidic Spellcasting should be considered at Incredible rank. Hulk: Bruce Banner’s alter-egos are now unified into one persona. The Hulk is green again, though he’s not the emerald Defender that you once knew. The Hulk now has Bruce Banner’s intellect, the battle savvy and ruthlessness of the Gray Hulk, and the strength and power of the

72 APRIL 1991 MARVELMARVEL old Green Hulk. As such, the Hulk’s statis- smell) and the Tracking ability, all at Mon- unknown, but consider his Strength and tics are as follows: strous (75) rank. Endurance to be Incredible (40). F IN(40) Health: 225 Rogue: This little Southern lady has Vindicator: Vindicator has been saved A GD(10) finally gotten her wish. She has been from his death in 1984, and his body is S UN(100) Karma: 70 separated from the memories and persona now a cyborg mixture of technology and E MN(75) of Carol Danvers, the original Ms. Marvel, biology. This has resulted in some new R RM(30) Resources: GD(10) and she has lost her powers. She still has powers for the original “Major Maple Leaf” I GD(10) her spunk and training, however, and is but has given him a cool, stone-faced atti- P RM(30) Popularity: -10 now aiding Magneto and Ka-Zar in the tude rivaling that of the Vision. Savage Land against Zaladane. Rogue’s Wolfsbane: Rahne Sinclair has had it It may now be assumed that the Hulks Strength and Endurance are now down to rough, and now she’s in a fix. She’s now a physical powers follow the same parame- Good (10) and Remarkable (30), respec- Genoshan mutate, captured and pro- ters of his old green form, with the lack of tively. grammed during the X-Tinction Agenda. the Telelocation ability that constantly Spitfire: Lady Jacqueline Falsworth While human, she has Feeble (2) Reason, drew him to New Mexico. Crichton nearly died in a battle against the Intuition, and Psyche. If so ordered, she Human Torch I: In a valiant effort to revived Master Man and Warrior Woman. will transform into her new lupine forms, save the life of an old ally, the android After an emergency blood transfusion both of which have gained a Size Change Torch had much of his artificial blood from the android Human Torch, Lady power of Feeble rank and are 8’ in size. transfused into Lady Jacqueline Falsworth Crichton’s metabolism returned to super- Her new forms and any changed abilities Crichton. As a result of this transfusion, human levels and her Spitfire powers have are given in the Wolfsbane Table. Rahne the Torch has apparently lost his flame reactivated. A side effect of her returning regains her original personality and mind powers. He is believed to be dead by the powers caused her to become young when she shapechanges, but she is en- public at large, but he is simply seeing the again, and the 70-year-old English noble- coded to be a Genoshan slave when in her world as “Jim Hammond,” an alias he used woman now has the body and stamina of a human form. while active in the 1940s. 16-year-old girl (use her statistics listed in Lorna Dane: Malice, the evil persona MU6). Whether this marks her return to Power changes-Villains that formerly occupied Polaris’s body, no adventuring is unknown at this time. Commander Hodge: This man is the longer controls her, and Lorna has been Union Jack III: Union Jack has been ultimate hater of mutants, yet he mutates stripped of her magnetic powers by Zala- granted superhuman abilities by the Green more than those he abhors! Hodge has dane. She seems to have inherited a num- Knight. The extent of Jack’s powers are changed so much that his powers and ber of other abilities to compensate for this loss. The full extent and her control over these new powers is unknown, as she has been a prisoner of the Shadow King since her new powers manifested. Lorna Dane has displayed the following powers: Incredible (40) Strength; Remarkable (35) Endurance; Remarkable (30) Body Armor vs. physical attacks; Good (10) Body Armor vs. energy attacks; Feeble Growth. Master Man I: Willie Lohmer, the origi- nal Master Man, was revived from sus- pended animation and put back into action against Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Unfortu- nately, he was double-crossed by his ally, Herr Nacht, and his powers were drained away. After losing both his wife and his powers, Willie Lohmer apparently killed himself, Master Man II (Nacht), and War- rior Woman in an explosion. Their final fates, however, are likely not yet written. Puck: His molecular structure has been tampered with and condensed down into his dwarven stature again. Now his body is as tough and resilient as a hockey puck! Red Wolf: After nearly dying while bat- tling the Bengal, Red Wolf returned re- newed and revived by the spirit of Owayodata, the Cheyenne Wolf Spirit, and has exhibited enhanced abilities since his reawakening. His Agility is now Incredible (40), his Strength Remarkable (30), his Endurance Incredible (40), his Intuition Monstrous (75), and his Psyche Remark- able (30). As a result of Red Wolfs en- hanced abilities, he now has 140 Health points and a Karma of 115. He also has Enhanced Senses (sight, hearing, and DRAGON 73 MARVELMARVEL ability changes cannot be quantified here. Mutants with Quicksilver and the Scarlet regenerate remains to be seen, but Namor Look for him in an upcoming ’Phile. Witch; Wanda was mentally ill, and Pietro currently lacks his Flight power. Grim Reaper: Eric Williams returns from was leading Magneto into the hands of the The Phantom Blonde may be one of the dead a second time, and now he has Avengers. Magneto’s other alliances are in Marvel’s newest heroines, if her mother the power to truly be the Grim Reaper. limbo; the status of his work with the doesn’t stop her official crime-fighting Look for more on him in the future. Hellfire Club and the White and Black duties, Wanda Mason, daughter of Louise Thanos: Thanos’s return from death is Queens remains a mystery. Needless to Grant Mason (the original Blonde Phan- not as surprising as his current powers. say, he has once again turned to being the tom), is attempting to follow in the path of Physically, he retains his original abilities villain. He sees himself in nobler terms, her mother’s crime-fighting career with a and powers, but he is now in command of however, and acts as a hero against name and costume change, if “Weezi” the six Soul Gems/Infinity Gems. With the greater evils, such as Zaladane’s armies in doesn’t insist on her finishing college first. power of the gems at his disposal, all his the Savage Land. Consider all her statistics to be within the abilities are at least Class 1000, if not Mark Raxton, the Molten Man, turned normal human range, the one exception higher. Thanos now is equivalent to the over a new leaf and reformed after his being a Good (10) Fighting score. Beyonder and can gain any Power or latest release from prison. He is working Quicksilver has returned to Earth and is Talent he wishes. Individual GMs are en- with his brother-in-law, Harry Osborn, fighting alongside the Avengers’ West couraged to manipulate Thanos’s levels of and has aided Spider-Man in one case Coast contingent. All traces of his mental power within their own games, but be against Tombstone. illnesses seem to be gone (a little time on warned: Thanos has almost always been Namor, the Sub-Mariner, recently lost his the Moon apparently steadies the nerves). one of the most dangerous foes of the ankle wings. Whether these growths will The Vision, after experiencing key- MARVEL UNIVERSE, no matter what his systems failures, sought the aid of Miles power level. Lipton, a researcher in artificial intelli- Tombstone: After escaping from prison, gence. Dr. Lipton deduced the need for becoming the bodyguard of Hammerhead, human brain patterns to be incorporated and attempting to kill Robbie Robertson, with the Vision’s computer brain in order Tombstone was shot by Robertson and for him to function. The Vision’s mind is exposed to an experimental preservative now based on a template of Alexander chemical in an accident at the Osborn Lipton, Miles’ deceased son. The Vision has Chemical Company. From that accident, he also incorporated a holographic Image gained the following abilities and powers: Inducer into his form, allowing him to Incredible (40) Strength and Endurance; visually alter his form and appear as “Vic- Amazing (50) Body Armor (skin “hard as tor Shade,” his new alias (count this as an marble”); Good (10) Lightning Speed (cov- Illusion Generation power, Feeble rank, ers 4 areas/round); Feeble (2) Cold Genera- with no range beyond the Vision’s body). tion, limited to touch Miscellaneous changes Wolfsbane Table With all the major specifics done, we’re now left with the minor changes within Wolf form “Wolfoid”/Werewolf form the MARVEL UNIVERSE. Despite their F EX(20) F EX(20) minor status, these changes might have A EX(20) A EX(20) some effect on your games. S EX(20) S RM(30) Deathlok has a new brain. A scientist E RM(30) E IN(40) named Michael Collins was shot by his R PR(4) R PR(4) unscrupulous Roxxon employers, and his I RM(30) I RM(30) mind was placed inside the Deathlok cy- P GD(10) P GD(10) borg. Collins now controls Deathlok and Health: 90 Health: 110 he hopes to one day be restored to human Bite: EX(20) edged dam- form. age Bite: GD(10) edged dam- Hawkeye is now a cyborg, thanks to age Ultron’s latest scheme. The adamantine Move: Springs at EX(20) Claws: EX(20) edged Oedipus exposed Hawk to a “gallium arse- speed (5 areas/rd.) damage nide” gas that turned him partially into a robot. He is subservient to Ultron’s will Warrior Woman spent the last 46 years due to his robot components, but Hawk- in suspended animation in Germany, but it eye has shown no new powers due to his appears the maintenance equipment keep- mechanization. Much of the damage has ing her life signs stable had malfunctioned been repaired, though Hawkeye’s right an untold number of times. As a result, arm has not returned to its normal flesh she has suffered some brain damage, the and blood appearance. degree of which is not accurately defined Magneto left the company of the X-Men at this time. How well this woman of the and the New Mutants, and is now attempt- ’40s adapts to the world of the ’90s is ing to forge a large number of alliances to another mystery waiting to unfold. prepare for the coming strife amongst the mutants for power and supremacy (or so Marvel characters and the distinctive names and likenesses he foresees in the current world state). He thereof are trademarks of Marvel Entertainment Group, inc. and are used with permission. Copyright ©1991 Marvel briefly reformed the Brotherhood of Evil Entertainment Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

74 APRIL 1991 MARVEL

Everything Uatu™ know: the return of the colossal Bulletin Box

Well, it’s been another hectic year in the MARVEL. UNIVERSE™, and many more changes are taking place than your “MARVEL®-Phile” scribes can keep up with. I’ve decided to clean my files of all my update notes and cover a whole slew of topics in one mega-Bulletin Box. This format is used when character changes are not important enough to merit either a full “MARVEL-Phile” column or a page in the Gamer’s Handbooks of the MARVEL UNIVERSE Updates published by TSR, Inc. As we did last year in DRAGON® issue #168, we’ll discuss overall team changes and news first, then turn our attention to individual figures on both sides of the law. And now, the news.

Team changes Alpha Flight: Alpha Flight has gone through a number of membership and cosmetic changes in the past year. The entire membership of Alpha now wears uniforms for a more unified look. Of course, losing their luggage on their most recent jaunt to the United States saw Canada’s heroes donning the colors of X-Factor. The group has been restructured to better operate with the new Department H and its Canadian government contacts. Windshear is the Chief Administrator of Alpha, dealing with day-to-day operations. He and Puck are backup members of “Core Alpha,” the front-line combat team of Guardian, Aurora, Northstar, Sasquatch, and Weapon Omega. Box and Diamond Lil are now married and have retired from Alpha. Shaman is still operating as an instructor for Beta Flight, and Talisman is still recuperating from injuries sustained while fighting the Master. Avengers: The Avengers have had another rough year. Membership instabili- ty and bouts of interpersonal conflicts could soon have divisive effects on the performance of the Earth’s premier fight- ing team. Many of the East Coast “Primary Team” have been noticeably absent from the Avengers’ rank and file for months, so Color by Steve Sullivan DRAGON 95 many of the Reservists have seen action join together as a team for the purpose of from his intended meal. with the team. Current primary members battling certain impending evils surround- are still led by Captain America and in- ing Earth. They were recently joined by Deaths-Villains: clude the Black Knight, the Black Widow, Cerise and Kylun, but the final battle Legion: The son of Charles Xavier and Crystal, Hercules, Thor, and the Vision. against the sorcerer Necrom and the Gabrielle Haller died due to manipulations The Reservists now include Captain power of the Anti-Phoenix still looks grim. by the Shadow King. The multiple person- Marvel, the Falcon, Quasar, Sersi, She- Cerise’s power is Energy Solidification, alities of David Haller had fallen under the Hulk, and Spider-Man. ‘Iwo probationary Manipulation, and Generation at Amazing control of the Shadow King, and his body Avengers, Rage and the Sandman, have levels (for another hero with similar acted as the King’s corporeal host on this since left the group. Rage was relieved of powers, look at Quasar). Kylun’s power is plane. When the X-Men disrupted the his Avengers’ status due to his age (14- minor-Sound Duplication of Incredible Shadow King’s power, the backlash from year-old super heroes aren’t eligible for ability-compared to his Incredible Fight- the King’s death on the Astral Plane simul- Avengers’ membership). The Sandman ing ability and swordsmanship; Weapons taneously wiped out David’s mind, causing resigned his Avengers’ status due to a Mastery gives him a + 2CS with his two his death. Probability of survival: nil. mixup in communications with Captain swords, with which he can disrupt up to Magneto and his Acolytes: The mutant America over stopping a weapons- Incredible magical energy. Master of Magnetism and his latest mutant smuggling operations. He is now a full- Guardians of the Galaxy: The Guard- followers were allegedly killed in the time member of Silver Sable’s Wild Pack. ians have now split into two teams. One is destruction of Asteroid M by an orbital The Avengers’ West Coast team has been based on Earth and is led by Major Victory Soviet laser. Probability of survival: high, a bit more stable after some tumultuous (see the entry “Astro, Major Vance”); its due to Magneto’s ability to manipulate years. Soon after the raising of Demonica, members include Charlie, Nikki, Yondu, energy and matter with his powers. Tigra, the Wasp, and Dr. Pym resigned and the newest member, Talon. They have Pierce, Donald: Donald Pierce and his from the Avengers, and Spider-Woman, focused their attentions on dismantling the cyborg assassins, collectively known as the Living Lightning, and USAgent were organization of the Punishers, a group of Reavers, were massacred by a number of named as their replacements. The West Earth natives basing their dress and ethics Sentinels under the control of Fitzroy. Coast reserves now stand as Dr. Pym, on the 20th-century vigilante called the Fitzroy used his assassination of Pierce as Mockingbird, Tigra, and the Wasp. The Punisher. This group was secretly under his membership initiation into the Up- chairmanship was also officially placed in the control of the Brotherhood of the starts. Probability of survival: nil. Iron Man’s hands, much to the chagrin of Badoon, and the Guardians are working to Shadow King: Long thought dead after the former chairman, Hawkeye. disrupt both Punisher and Badoon influ- his defeat as Amahl Farouk by Charles “Operation: Galactic Storm” has unified ences on Earth. Xavier, the Shadow King returned through the Avengers into various teams for the Martinex and Mainframe (the worldwide the Astral Plane and possessed a number express purpose of protecting the Earth computer net that was once the Vision) of hosts before finally being defeated by and its sun from the excesses of the war- are starting a new galactic-based team, the combined efforts of the X-Men and X- ring Kree and Shi’ar empires. The teams with a wider range of responsibilities than Factor. Once his connections to the Earthly were assembled on the basis of their expe- the Guardians. This organization might be plane were severed, the Shadow King was rience in space, technical know-how, and based around the 20th-century Avengers destroyed on the Astral Plane by Xavier power levels. Their missions are to act as Bylaws. Hinted members include Replica and his students, and his consciousness envoys to the respective interstellar em- and Firelord, but Martinex should have his was dispersed. Probability of survival: pires and as protectors of Earth. The Galactic Guardians up and running soon. questionable, since he survived an end teams are as follows: such as this 20 years ago. Earth Force: Dr. Pym, Wasp, Falcon, She- Character changes Hulk, Mockingbird, USAgent, Gilgamesh, As always, keep in mind a number of Resurrected-Heroes Spider-Woman. factors when reading the information Iron Fist: Daniel Rand is back from the Kree envoys: Captain America, Iron herein. When anyone is reported dead or dead after long months as a prisoner of Man, Goliath (Hawkeye), Hercules, Black alive, we are simply stating the facts as the H’ylthri of K’un Lun. The “Iron Fist” Knight, Sersi, Crystal. they are reported to us. When we suggest that died was actually a H’ylthri doppel- Shi’ar envoys: Captain Marvel, Scarlet probabilities for survival, we are simply ganger made to replace the hero and act Witch, Vision, Wonder Man, Starfox, Thor, judging some of the events with our prior as an agent for the plant creatures’ inva- Living Lightning. knowledge of characters and history. sion of Earth. Danny is now recuperating Of the remaining Avengers, the Black Remember the ultimate rule of fictional from his long captivity; all the meditation Widow seems to be staying on hand at the death: If there’s no body to discover, and energy of the Iron Fist has apparently New York HQ to coordinate efforts with there’s no guaranteed death. (It’s not a cured him of his cancer. the Earth Force and Quasar, whose duty it hard-and-fast rule, but it does seem to Rasputin, Colonel Mikhail: His “death” is to guard the stargates near the Sun. The hold true for many Marvel mutants!) actually a cover-up by the Soviet powers entire scope and effect of this campaign of the time, Mikhail did not perish in a are uncertain, but it’s sure to be one of the Deaths-Heroes: spacecraft accident as was believed for most exciting Avengers’ epics in years! Vindicator: The former leader of Alpha years. He was instead sent through a black Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: The Flight, James MacDonald Hudson’s recent hole on Sakhalin Island as part of a Soviet third incarnation of this mutant terrorist return from the dead lasted less than a exploratory team; he is the only survivor. group has been formed by the Toad, and it year. While half of Alpha Flight and the He recently returned to Earth with the X- includes Pyro, the Blob, Sauron, and Phan- Avengers fought an alien invasion coordi- Men and his little brother, Colossus, and is tazia. It is also allied with Masque and his nated by the Consortium, Vindicator and recovering at the X-Men’s mansion. Morlocks, who are bent on revenge on the rest of the team were pressed into Swordsman: The erstwhile villain-cum- Feral for abandoning her fellow Morlocks. saving the Quirrl’n and Ganymede from Avenger appears to have returned from Excalihur: Finally, Britain’s team of Galactus and his herald, Nova. Vindicator beyond the grave. Little is known at this superhumans has come to the battle that it managed to fight off the Quirrl’n’s control time for certain, other than he is wracked was created for! It was recently revealed of his mechanical side and consciously with great pain and knows everything the that Roma was manipulating Captain Brit- saved all his teammates and Ganymede by original Swordsman would know. Cloning ain and the other members of Excalibur to sacrificing his life to force Galactus away has been ruled out, since all of the

96 MAY 1992 Swordsman’s skills were learned traits and Guardians contingent. His suit, styled after him. He cannot walk without elaborate cannot be duplicated by cellular recon- Captain America’s, is of adamantium prosthetics on his legs. His eyes and ears, struction. The only facts known for cer- weave and provides him with Monstrous while as sensitive as an owls, need pros- tain are that he is accompanied by a protection from physical and energy at- thetics to focus them as well. His body has woman known as Magdalene (who ap- tacks; mental and magical attacks still now adapted more fully to flying, adding pears to have great affection for him) and affect him normally. He still wields Captain additional air sacs to his lungs and hollow- is secretly backed by a mysterious and America’s shield. ing his bones, and his neck even has addi- powerful man named Proctor. Aurora: Due to psychological torture by tional vertebrae to allow him to turn his the villain Headlok, Aurora has returned to neck nearly 360° around. However, this Resurrected-Villains her original state of having two very strong transformation drove him mad, and he Mystique: Mystique’s death at the hands personalities: Jeanne-Marie Beaubier, the killed dozens of people trying to usurp the of Val Cooper many months ago was stern, pious, and proper schoolteacher; and leadership of the underworld. His mad- staged to sidetrack the Shadow King. Aurora, the devil-may-care, hedonistic, and ness nearly cost him his own life as well Mystique defeated Cooper, placed her irresponsible super heroine. Despite her until he was saved by Daredevil. The Owl under Nick Fury’s protection, and had former distaste for Aurora’s place in Alpha is undergoing psychiatric treatment. herself hypnotized into believing that she Flight, it was Jeanne-Marie who returned to Power Pack: Power Pack is now re- was Val. With the assault on Muir Island, the fold and offered her (their) services in united and back on Earth, and their Mystique revealed her presence and killed Core Alpha. powers have been exchanged for perhaps one of the Shadow King’s host bodies, Black Knight: The Black Knight has a final time, returning to their original temporarily disrupting his plans. Mystique created an energy sword that should be state. Katie has her energy powers, Jack is now a free agent after the dissolution of safer both for his opponents and himself, controls his density, Alex manipulates Freedom Force; she has not, however, considering the curse on his original Ebo- gravity, and Julie has her flight powers returned to her former life of crime. Per- ny Blade. The sword can slice through again. Alex’s transformation into a Kymel- haps by next year, she will no longer be Remarkable or lesser materials, and it only lian was a hoax; this was a simulacrum considered a villain. stuns the nervous systems of living beings created by the Snarks, and Alex was their Silvermane: The cybernetic crimelord, (roll on the Stun column versus Incredible prisoner for that time. Silvio Manfredi (a.k.a. Silvermane), is still Intensity Stun effect). Rhino: The Rhino’s old suit was finally alive despite apparent stoppage of his life- Dreadface: Encountered on a South Seas removed from his skin, and he now has a support machinery by the vigilantes Cloak island by the Thing and the Human Torch, new suit supplied by Justin Hammer. It and Dagger. His recent battle with Spider- this alien stowaway on their crashed closely resembles his original suit, but has Man left him weak, but he escaped. It is spaceship exhibited many of the character- such modifications as a clear plastic shield assumed that he and many other crime- istics of the alien costume now bonded over his eyes that disintegrates Spider- lords are planning his rise to power to with Edward Brock, a.k.a. Venom. If this Man’s webbing. take over the Kingpin’s vacant overlord- alien is connected to the Venom alien, Speedfreek: Speedfreek is an assassin- ship of New York’s underworld. there is a high probability that it wasn’t for-hire currently working for an L.A. Terrax: Although reduced to little more destroyed by an explosion on the island. It crimelord by the name of Lang. Speed- than topsoil after his encounter with the had previously possessed various animals freek attacked an AIDS clinic benefit, New Warriors, the irradiated and cosmi- and both the Human Torch and the Thing. nearly killing Jim Wilson and injuring Rick cally powered rock that composed Terrax Regardless of any connections to Venom, it Jones before being stopped by the Hulk. was reconstituted and melded with the would be safest to avoid this island. Much of his power seems to be in his body of Harmon Furmintz, the CEO of Her: Her has returned to Earth. After battlesuit, though his sheer tenacity, fero- Genetech. Harmon, having failed to qualify causing much havoc in Ottawa resisting the ciousness, and manic behavior seem to be for Project Rebirth (which spawned Cap- Consortium with Alpha Flight and the products of his addiction to the drug Snap. tain America), sought to become the super Avengers, she sought out a perfect mate He moves at Shift X land speed due to his hero he’d always wanted to be; unfortu- among the male superhumans of Earth. Her boot jets and has a limited flight speed of nately, the merging of Terrax’s energy plans were thwarted by Quasar, though she Good rank. His battlesuit also provides him with his body apparently erased Fur- still is quite attracted to the Earth-born with Remarkable Body Armor, Remarkable mintz’s mind, leaving only Terrax the Protector of the Universe and has been seen strength and damage blades, and a rocket- Terrible. With a little help from the in his company quite often in the past propelled Adamantium barb (Monstrous Fantastic Four, the New Warriors managed weeks. She has also adopted a variation of a Edged Attacks damage) with a two-area to contain Terrax until the Silver Surfer costume that Adam Warlock wore just be- range. Currently, Speedfreek and Lang are could remove him from Earth. Terrax now fore his “death” at the hands of Thanos. both in an L.A. jail awaiting trial for the resides on an uninhabited planet many Mandroids: The latest model of Man- attempted murders at the clinic. light years from Earth; he is trapped there droid armor in use by U.S. Government Vulture: Adrian Toomes is dying of can- since his flight power is now gone. forces (including SHIELD and various U.S. cer, which he contracted from his electro- allies) is a 15’-tall suit of armor with Body magnetic flying harness. Before he goes, Miscellaneous changes Armor, enhanced Strength, and Force he wants to balance the scales with those Astro, Major Vance: Vance Astro, the Blasts all at Amazing rank or intensity. The he dealt with in life. He has made numer- 1000-year-old astronaut and Guardian of new Mandroids were first seen in action ous unsuccessful attempts to gain May the Galaxy, had a degenerative skin condi- in Trans-Sabal against the Hulk and the Parker’s forgiveness for his part in the tion that left him trapped in a reinforced Pantheon. death of Nathan Lubensky. A number of suit for the past few years. Now, thanks to Marvel Boy: Marvel Boy has been ar- his other underworld contacts and various a number of spells and healing treatments rested and is currently being held in people connected to him have been killed. from Krugarr and the Ancient One prison in his identity as Vance Astro. He is All he wants to do now is to kill Spider- (Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme and his mentor, on trial for causing the death of his abu- Man before his own time runs out. Stephen Strange, respectively) and the sive father with his telekinetic powers. The MARVEL-Phile’s Marvel characters and the distinctive help of Hollywood (the 20th century’s Owl: For years, Leland Owlsley has been names and likenesses thereof are trademarks of Marvel Wonder Man), Vance is out of the suit and ingesting a serum that allowed him to Entertainment Group, Inc and are used with permission Copyright ©1992 Marvel Entertainment Group, Inc All Rights has restyled his costume to become Major glide like an owl; the long-term effects of Reserved. Victory, the leader of the Earth-bound this serum are now taking their toll on

DRAGON 97