Konik
Context
Konik is an obscure Marvel Comics character. He appeared in the last Machine Man issue by Kirby, in 1978.
I think he was the first guy I ever wrote up, shortly after buying TSR’s Marvel Super-Heroes Role-Playing Game . That was a long time ago, that.
He’s an expert with Kirbyesque and strange high-tech weapons, so that’s useful.
Background
- Real Name: In my old MSH notes he was christened “Jacques Koenig” (so he was probably Belgian). But this was a total invention on my part.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: The Corporation.
- Base Of Operations: “An armored bunker”.
- Height: 5’10” Weight: 170 lbs.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
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Powers and Abilities
Konik is an experienced agent. He demonstrated considerable talent in securing exotic weapons from other organizations and inventors by all necessary means.
He’s both a fair man of action and an adept spy. And of course he has access to a tremendous arsenal that he can tailor to the mission at hand.
History
Konik worked for the Illegal Arms Division of the criminal organization called the Corporation, possibly as the division head. His job was to :
- Steal or otherwise procure various advanced weapons.
- Extensively test them.
- Resell those weapons and the technologies the Corporation might derive from his acquisitions.
Konik was quite successful in this. He made his division a profitable favourite of the Corporation’s board.
(The Corporation was a sizable criminal concern in the Marvel Universe back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But they were then comprehensively taken down by infighting, law enforcement and super-heroes. So they may be unfamiliar to modern readers.)
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Not the Solar Rifle
In 1978, Konik petitioned the Corporation to be allowed to steal a powerful weapon called the Solar Rifle. But Duke, a member of the board, tasked him to steal Machine Man (Aaron Stack) instead. This robot was becoming a recurrent foe of the Corporation, but would also be a formidable source of profit if stolen.
The cany Konik passed himself for one Miles Baker. Baker was a lawyer who had been recommended to Machine Man’s best friend, Dr. Spalding. As Baker, Konik talked Machine Man into deactivating his weapon systems so he would be better accepted by humanity.
However, as he did so, Machine Man conducted a sensor sweep. He thus realised that “Baker” was about to draw a hidden sonic pistol from the book he was holding. Machine Man seized him, but was repulsed by another hidden weapon.
Man vs. machine
Konik dove for his sonic pistol. But his shot missed Machine Man, who grabbed him again and threatened to throw him through the wall.
The defeated Konik asked for his monocle back. Sensing a trap, Spalding examined it and accidentally triggered a gout of flame from the monocle. Seizing the moment, Konik dove through the flames and escaped on a Corporation helicopter.
As Konik ruminated what his next attempt on Machine Man would be, the Corporation pilot coldly reminded him that the Corporation only allowed two attempts and that he’d better make good on the next one.
However, Konik was never seen again and the Corporation was eventually brought down by other heroes.
Description
See illustrations.
Personality
Konik treats exotic, powerful, advanced weapons like candy in a store. He mounts daring missions so he can catch them all.
He’s a professional, calm operator who handles pressure and danger well, as well as a smooth talker and manipulator.
Quotes
“I’m anxious to get started right away. If I can steal the weapon I have in mind, it will outsell any of these babies !”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Konik
| Dex: 04 | Str: 03 | Bod: 04 | Motivation: Thrill of BFGs |
| Int: 05 | Wil: 05 | Min: 05 | Occupation: Corporation executive |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 04 | Resources {or Wealth}: 006 |
| Init: 014 | HP: 020 |
Skills:
Artist (actor): 04, Charisma (persuasion, interrogation): 05, Gadgetry (identify gadget): 05, Thief (security systems): 06, Vehicles (land): 05, Weaponry (firearms, exotic, heavy): 05
Advantages:
Expertise (special weapon systems around the world), Rich Friend (Corporation).
Connections:
Underworld (Low), Corporation (Low).
Drawbacks:
MIA toward stealing extraordinary weapon systems.
Equipment:
Konik can access a vast amount of advanced gear. For instance his labs had a bewildering variety of energy guns from all around the world. The equipment he selected when attempting to steal Machine Man was :
- Compact Sonic Pistol [BODY 04, Sonic beam: 06, Ammo: 04, Miniaturisation: 02, R#03. This blocky weapon is roughly the size of a holdout pistol, though it is heavier.]
- Electrical Discharge Belly Band [BODY 03, Lightning: 08, Invisibility: 08, Notes : Lightning has a Range of but 0 APs and has Ammo: 01 ; Invisibility only applies against artificial sensors such as metal detectors. This belly band was worn under Konik’s jacket as a surprise weapon.]
- FIREPROOF CLOTHING [BODY 04, Flame immunity: 03, Partial Coverage (Long Coat)].
- Trick Monocle [BODY 01, Flame project: 06, Insta-Change, Limitation : Flame project has Ammo: 01 and a Range of but 0 APs. This monocle contains a special lense that can slide out and instantly concentrate ambient light into a fierce jet of flame. It is an excellent escape/diversion weapon. Insta-Change models the fact it’s a concealed-in-plain-sight weapon.]
This equipment was specifically selected for a low-profile, social engineering mission. The equipment in Konik’s plans and labs was closer to advanced military gear, such as energy rifles.
Design Notes
There is some extrapolation about his skills. Beyond those demonstrated in his short appearance, those are the skills he would reasonably be expected to have given his position.
Source of Character: Machine Man v1 #09.