Bloodclaw
Context
This terrorist leader appeared in the original, pre-Crisis Nemesis storyline from DC Comics. if you want full context, you can first read the matching Nemesis (Tom Tresser) character profile.
The looks are now dated, but he… more or less worked, really.
Background
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Leader of the terrorist organisation the People’s Liberation Army.
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Height: 6’2” Weight: 217 lbs.
- Eyes: Blue Hair: Bald (big black beard).
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Powers and Abilities
Bloodclaw is competent, both as a fighter and as the leader of a terrorist operation. He’s strong, tough and fast.
His right hand is reinforced with a deadly clawed apparatus. This device can even fire its claws using compressed air. However, that leaves the user declawed once all five talons are shot. If Bloodclaw expects combat, he’ll wear a device on each hand rather than just on the right one.
Bloodclaw could hit Batman with his signature weapon, and even cut a de-cel line Batman was swinging from with a shot claw.
With backing from the mob, Bloodclaw could coordinate a major bombing campaign throughout the US that killed dozens. His organisation had extensive security measures, such as automatic bug detectors in the corridors to detect any attempt to track down members. They were generally disciplined and well-prepared.
The stats have been limited to what Bloodclaw actually demonstrated. Therefore, interested GMs can develop the character to fit their own purposes. He undoubtedly has further Skills and Advantages (and perhaps even an Omni-Gadget) that he didn’t get to demonstrate in the story.
History
Bloodclaw is the leader of a generic terrorist organisation called the People’s Liberation Army. The PLA was depicted as existing in a vague space between 1970s far-Left terrorism à la Weather Underground , and a Palestinian movement.
Bloodclaw himself is drawn with some of the conventions for Middle Eastern men in comics, though his outfit is closer to that of a comic-book-hippie Days of Rage activist.
The PLA was contacted by the mob when the Council implemented its Operation:Overkill campaign of terror. The Council needed a nationwide campaign of terror as a cover while they killed a Senator pushing for legislation that was unacceptable to them.
Operation: Overkill
The Council supplied the PLA with weapons, and conducted further terror attacks using its own men. One such early strike destroyed the statue of Lady Liberty near the Washington Monument. Subsequent bombings by the Council and the PLA killed dozens.
Bloodclaw seemed chiefly motivated by obtaining the weapons. However, Batman and Nemesis destroyed the first large armament shipment the Council made to the PLA.
Though Batman was surprised by Bloodclaw’s martial skills, he managed to put a tracking bug on the terrorist. Batman knew that Bloodclaw and his men would retreat after the weapons had been destroyed. However, the PLA’s leader detected and destroyed the bug.
Batman nevertheless intercepted the PLA before they could blow up the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Washington, D.C.. During this fight, Bloodclaw was accidentally thrown into the Potomac, and Batman did not see him resurface.
Meanwhile, Nemesis destroyed the Council.
Description
See illustrations.
Personality
Bloodclaw is smart and professional, and a good leader. He talks in an elaborate and somewhat poetic way, perhaps meant to evoke Classical Arabic.
Quotes
“We have nothing to say to each other, masked one ! Nor will you ever speak again to anyone !” (fzing fzing !)
“Retreat, my brothers ! There’s no profit in remaining here any longer ! Our prize no longer exists !”
(Spotting Batman) “It is our cloaked enemy ! Somehow he has found us ! Let the waters of the Potomac, then, be his grave !”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Bloodclaw
| Dex: 07 | Str: 04 | Bod: 05 | Motivation: Unrevealed |
| Int: 05 | Wil: 05 | Min: 05 | Occupation: Terrorist leader |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 05 | Resources {or Wealth}: 005 |
| Init: 019 | HP: 025 |
Skills:
Martial artist*: 07, Weaponry (Bloodclaw): 08 and likely others circa 6 APs.
Advantages:
Credentials (PLA, High), Expertise (Security, Terrorism), Headquarters (Expansive), Leadership.
Connections:
PLA (High, from Credentials), Underworld (Low).
Drawbacks:
MIA toward Nicotine.
Equipment:
BLOODCLAW (x2) [BODY 09, Enhance (EV): 01 (cap is 06), Projectile weapon: 05, Range: 02, Ammo (Projectile weapon): 05, Dart Bonus, Limitations: Projectile weapon has no Range – use the listed Range instead ; the Range and Dart Bonus only apply to Projectile weapon ; Using up the Projectile weapon Ammo also deprives the BLOODCLAW of its EV ; Projectile weapon has No Reload In The Field, Descriptors: Piercing, Slashing].
Game Stats — DC Adventures RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Bloodclaw — Averaged PL 8.4
| STR | STA | AGL | DEX | FGT | INT | AWE | PRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 | 03 | 02 | 03 | 08 | 02 | 01 | 02 |
Devices
Bloodclaw Array ● 5 points (Noticeable, Removable)
- Clawing — Strength-based Slashing Damage 2, Improved Critical 1.
- Shooting — Ranged Piercing Damage 4, Reduced Range 2.
Combat Advantages
Accurate Attack, Close Attack 2, Defensive Roll 3, Improved Critical 1 (Bloodclaw), Power Attack, Ranged Combat 4.
Other Advantages
Contacts, Connected, Inspire 1, presumably others.
Skills
Athletics 4 (+6), Close combat (Bloodclaw) 3 (+13), Deception 3 (+5), Expertise (Security) 6 (+8), Expertise (Terrorism) 9 (+11), Insight 3 (+4), Intimidation 3 (+5), Perception 4 (+5), Persuasion 2 (+3), Ranged combat (Bloodclaw) 6 (+13) and likely others.
Offense
| Initiative +2 |
| Unarmed +10, Close, Damage 2 |
| Bloodclaw +13, Close, Damage 4 Slashing, Critical 18-20 |
| Bloodclaw +13, Ranged, Damage 4 Piercing, Critical 19-20 |
Defense
| Dodge | 11 | Fortitude | 7 |
| Parry | 11 | Toughness | 6/3* |
| Will | 7 |
* Without Defensive Roll.
Complications
- Power Loss Using Ranged Damage may impair his close combat weapon.
Power levels
- Trade-off areas Attack & Effect PL 9, Dodge/Toughness PL 9, Parry/Toughness PL 9, Fort & Will PL 7.
- Point total 110 Abilities 46, Defences 22, Skills 22, Powers 0, Devices 5, Advantages 15. Equiv. PL 8.
Source of Character: The Brave and the Bold v1 #193 (DC universe).
Writeup completed on the 17th of Janeiro, 2011.