Ivan the gunman
Context
Ivan Karlovitch is an obscure Marvel character. He appeared once in the 1967 annual Fantastic Four issue – and that’s it.
He’s part of a trio of randos who were issued advanced-but-not-that-powerful weapons to work security. You can use these guys in pretty much any story where you need an extra body.
He’s mostly there due to our love for obscure characters. I occasionally joke that he’s secretly a critical character in the evolution of the Marvel Universe. But it’s the sort of joke that wears out its welcome if done more than twice or so per decade.
Still, having good ol’ Ivan unexpectedly pop back could be fun. What *has* he been up to ?
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Background
- Real Name: Ivan Karlovitch.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Servant of the Psycho-Man.
- Base Of Operations: A hidden base in the Caribbean (oh boy !).
- Height: About 6’ (1.82m). Weight: About 200 lbs. (91 Kg.).
- Eyes: Brown. Hair: Black.
Powers and Abilities
Ivan is just a heavy and a thug.
Still, he is pretty good with pistols. And he apparently could pilot advanced air vehicles.
The Psycho-Man gave him a solar pistol. It can emit either a blinding focused flash, or a laser beam. Ivan preferred to open with the flash, then take careful aim at the blinded target.
History
Ivan was one of the three thugs (along with Live Wire (Rance Preston) and Shellshock (Gary Buser)) recruited by the Psycho Man.
The alien was building a giant-sized psycho ray on Earth, to take over the planet. The three flunkies hoped to rule at his side. They eagerly helped him round up components for the super-weapon.
The technological thefts eventually attracted the attention of no less than the Fantastic Four, the Inhuman Royal Family *and* the Black Panther (T’Challa).
The Psycho Man and his hired guns were soon defeated.
Unlike the other two, Ivan was never seen again. Which I think is a very important clue about pretty much every Marvel cross-over since.
Personality
Ivan is an ambitious toadie. He always wants more money and more power. He’s so eager to attain those that he will ask tonnes of question to his employer about how and when he intends to compensate his crew.
Ivan is a bit paranoid. Which is not irrational given his line of work.
He also has outbursts of pride where he demands to be treated as an equal, not a flunkie.
Mr. Karlovitch has a markedly inflated perception of the power of his solar pistol.
Quotes
(To the Psycho-Man) “We are your partners — not your slaves ! Our weapons are as mighty as yours !”
“Got him ! By the time he can see again, it’ll be all over !”
“So his name is Karnak, is it ?? Well, he’ll be nameless forever after he takes the direct hit I’m going to beam at him !”
Adνеrtisеmеnt
DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Ivan
| Dex: 03 | Str: 03 | Bod: 04 |
| Int: 03 | Wil: 02 | Min: 03 |
| Inf: 03 | Aur: 02 | Spi: 03 |
| Init: 009 | HP: 010 |
Skills:
Vehicles (Land, air): 04, Weaponry (Firearms): 05
Advantages:
None demonstrated. He might speak Russian, conceivably.
Connections:
None demonstrated.
Drawbacks:
MIA toward Greed.
Motivation:
Mercenary.
Occupation:
Mercenary.
Wealth:
004
Equipment:
Solar Pistol [BODY 03, Flash: 10, Laser beam: 08, R#02].
Design notes
When aiming, he prefers to spend Hero Points on AV. He’s meticulous that way. Be like Ivan.
DC Adventures RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Ivan the gunman — Averaged PL4.8
| STR | STA | AGL | DEX |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 02 | 00 | 02 |
| FGT | INT | AWE | PRE |
| 01 | 01 | 00 | 00 |
Devices:
Solar pistol ● 15 points (Easily Removable) ● Descriptor: Technology, bright light
Array :
- Flash — Ranged Affliction 12, Extra Condition, Limited Degree (Dazed + Impaired sight, Defenceless + Disabled sight).
- Laser — Ranged laser Damage 7.
Combat Advantages:
Accurate attack, Close Attack 2, Defensive Roll 1, Improved aim.
Other Advantages:
He might speak Russian, conceivably.
Skills:
Athletics 1 (+2), Expertise (Mercenary) 2 (+2), Insight 1 (+1), Perception 3 (+3), Ranged combat (Firarms) 5 (+7).
Offence:
| Initiative +0 |
| Unarmed +3, Close, Damage 1 |
| Solar pistol +7, Ranged, Damage 7 (or Affliction 12) |
Defence:
| Dodge | 04 |
| Fortitude | 06 |
| Parry | 03 |
| Toughness | 02*/03 |
| Will | 02 |
* Without Defensive Roll.
Complications:
- Journeyman thug Ivan is loudly preoccupied with getting paid, and loudly dislikes being treated as a flunkie. Both are dangerous when working for casual murderers.
- The only way is up Ivan is ambitious and convinced that he wields a very powerful weapon. But neither can really walk the walk.
Powers Levels:
- Trade-off areas. Attack/Effect PL 9, Dodge/Toughness PL 04, Parry/Toughness PL 03, Fort/Will PL 04.
- Points total 52. Abilities 14, Defences 12, Skills 6, Powers 0, Devices 15, Advantages 5. Equiv. PL 4.
Source of Character: Fantastic Four vol. 1 Annual #5 (1967).