Deathgrip
Context
Deathgrip is part of an obscure quartet of very minor villains. These appeared in DC’s 1996-97 series Aztek the Ultimate Man by Millar and Morrison.
There is barely enough information about them for a profile. But we picked them anyway for RPG gamemasters who prefer to develop their own villains based on thin published material. This is often done by people who’d like to have art to work with, rather than doodle something.
Background
- Real Name: Unrevealed.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Dial V for Villain.
- Base Of Operations: Unrevealed.
- Height: 5’8” Weight: 170 lbs.
- Eyes: Unrevealed Hair: Unrevealed
Advertisement
Powers and Abilities
Deathgrip has a gauntlet that can drain the vitality from people. It proved ineffective against Aztek, though at least it didn’t overload Deathgrip with four-dimensional energy.
History
The Dial V for Villain mercenaries only appeared once, very briefly. They had been hired by Lexcorp to organise a fake hostage situation, by capturing handicapped children visiting a super-heroes wax museum. The goal was to boost Aztek’s reputation as a hero and increase his chance to join the JLA.
The mercenaries knew they were just expected to give a decent fight. They counted on Lexcorp lawyers to quickly get them out of prison once their job was done.
The Dial V mercs were swiftly defeated – they couldn’t put up a decent fight against Aztek.
Luthor implied he would have them killed by the Hitman to save the money. What actually happened is unrevealed, but one doubts that these guys were more expensive than Hitman.
Description
See illustration.
Personality
Deathgrip seems to be a jittery, aggressive junkie waving a loaded gun around.
He prefers sneak attacks, approaching from behind to touch his target and drain their lifeforce.
He was the only one actually bothering to stay close to the hostages and threaten them. He came across as a bit of a bully or sadist.
Quotes
“Man, feel that energy. You must work out. I thought athletes and cops gave maximum rush, but now I’ve, oh, wowww, now I’ve tried a super-hero, no way am I doing ordinary people again.”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Deathgrip
| Dex: 03 | Str: 02 | Bod: 03 | Motivation: Mercenary |
| Int: 03 | Wil: 02 | Min: 02 | Occupation: Mercenary |
| Inf: 03 | Aur: 02 | Spi: 02 | Resources {or Wealth}: 004 |
| Init: 009 | HP: 005 |
Skills:
Thief (Stealth): 03, Vehicles (Land): 03, Weaponry (Firearms): 03
Advantages:
None demonstrated.
Connections:
Dial V for Villain (Low).
Drawbacks:
SIA to absorbing the energy of strong people.
Equipment:
- ENERGY-DRAINING GLOVE [BODY 05, Vampirism (No Range): 06].
- .45 semi-automatic pistol [BODY 03, Projectile weapons: 04, Ammo: 08, R#03].
Dial V for Villain customisation corner
Deathgrip’s customisation angle is what he actually does with the extra energy he absorbs, asides from babbling about the rush. It might feed another Power. Maybe the classic Mental Blast or STR, or something more unusual.
We know it doesn’t give him flight or invulnerability, though, because Aztek asked.
Source of Character: Aztek #8.
Helper(s): Roy Cowan.