Molotov
Context
Molotov is an obscure DC character, first seen in 1986. He appeared in unconvincing The Outsiders material, then later on in Suicide Squad.
He hasn’t been seen in stories set after the fall of the USSR.
Background
- Real Name: Unrevealed.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: People’s Heroes II, former member of the Red Shadows, former member of the People’s Heroes I.
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Height: 5’7” Weight: 210 lbs.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Black
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Powers and Abilities
Molotov can detonate himself with considerable force.
After the explosion he becomes a gaseous being. From there he will usually reform himself as an human-like person over the next few seconds. Strong winds, or detonating his gaseous form with an open flame, can keep him dispersed for much longer.
Molotov’s physical nature is unclear. Metamorpho stated that the Russian was as inhuman as himself. It is thus likely that Molotov has characteristics associated with people made of inorganic matter, like Metamorpho or the Sandman (William Baker). Reduced or absent vital needs, ability to reconstitute even if dispersed over large distances, immunity to certain attacks, etc..
However, this was only hinted at by Metamorpho’s comment and when Molotov ignored Halo’s green aura. Nothing more was actually demonstrated.
He has one question for you – explosions !
Molotov’s usual tactic is to throw himself at his enemies and explode. He usually concentrates on exploding harder when he’s trying to take down obviously superhuman targets. In DC Heroes RPG terms he spends Hero Points , in DCA he may use Extra Effort.
On the other hand, he assumes that humans are going to be taken down by a run-of-the-mill detonation. This bit him back – it is feasible for a strong person some distance away from the explosion to stay conscious despite the blast.
Molotov also carries compact “potato masher”-style grenades on his belt. These are especially useful if he wants to give the impression that he’s just a soldier.
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History
Molotov is a member of the People’s Heroes. For more about those, see the Sickle (Nataha Ulyanov) character profile.
He was present in Mozambia, where he knocked Metamorpho out and stunned Halo with a surprise detonation. But he was later defeated when Metamorpho turned into a solid titanium containment chamber around Molotov as he detonated.
When the Suicide Squad came to the USSR to exfiltrate a dissident writer, the Heroes responded. Molotov was surprised when Deadshot threw some frozen mud in his eyes. Rick Flag then punched the Soviet out while he was dazed.
During the 1990s, People’s Heroes members Bolshoi and Molotov were transferred to the Red Shadows, the special operations group headed by Zastrow. Molotov wasn’t quite seen in action as a Red Shadow, and was transferred again. He joined the second version of the People’s Heroes, which also was under Zastrow’s command.
Molotov thus participated to an ambush against Waller’s new Suicide Squad, but the Heroes were defeated.
Description
See illustration.
Personality
Molotov is not going to win many bad guys competitions. He seems generally mild-mannered and somewhat genial. He almost apologises when using violence and prefers less-than-lethal weapons and techniques.
He’s a solid combatant and does not mind fighting, but he’s not a killer.
Quotes
“Please be excusing the noise, comrades… it is, I am afraid, an occupational hazard for one named Molotov !”
“Surrender, little one ! I have no wish to hurt you !”
(Faced by a pair of opponents, sarcastically) “Two to one ? This is not even odds. Go back. Get more. I wait.”
“Waking up, sharpshooter ? Don’t bother. Molotov rock you to sleep again in a moment.”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Molotov
| Dex: 04 | Str: 03 | Bod: 05 | Motivation: Mercenary |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 03 | Min: 03 | Occupation: Agent |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 03 | Spi: 03 | Resources {or Wealth}: 004 |
| Init: 012 | HP: 020 |
Powers:
Self-Link (Bomb): 10, Self-Link (Fog): 05
Bonuses and Limitations:
- Whenever Molotov uses Self-Link (Bomb), he must then spend at least a Phase with Self-Link (Fog) active. During that Phase no Dice Action (including Bomb) is possible.
- Self-Link (Fog) can only be used right after Self-Link (Bomb) is used.
- Self-Link (Fog) is a thick, flammable gas. If exposed to open flame the gas will ignite, with effects equivalent to Bomb: 08. With Molotov being the epicentre of the blast and suffering full damage from it
Skills:
Military science (Demolition): 06, Weaponry (Grenades): 05
Advantages:
Language (Russian), possibly Life Support (Does Not Eat or Drink, Does Not Breathe), Misc.: Molotov is not considered as a living being for effects that only affect those (such as Halo’s green aura).
Connections:
None demonstrated.
Drawbacks:
None demonstrated.
Equipment:
Stick concussion grenades (x5) [BODY 02, EV (Area of Effect 1 AP) 07, Grenade Drawback].
Game Stats — DC Adventures RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Molotov — Averaged PL 6
| STR | STA | AGL | DEX | FGT | INT | AWE | PRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | 03 | 01 | 01 | 02 | 01 | 00 | 01 |
Powers
Self-detonation ● 13 points ● Descriptor: Biochemical
Close Burst-Area Explosive Damage 09 (5 Ranks have Burst-Area 2, 2 Ranks have Burst-Area 3), Limited 1 (after exploding, must take one Standard and two Move Actions to reform for being gas).
Inorganic ? ● 1 point ● Descriptor: Physiological
Molotov doesn’t appear to be a conventional living being. He has a Benefit 1 (Immune to effects specifically targeting living beings). And it’s entirely possible that he has Immunities and similar Powers that haven’t been demonstrated yet.
Combat Advantages
Defensive Roll 2, Ranged combat 2.
Other Advantages
Equipment 3, Language 1.
Skills
Athletics 2 (+3), Deception 1 (+2), Insight 1 (+1), Perception 3 (+3), Ranged combat (Grenades) 4 (+7).
Equipment
Grenades — Burst area Damage 5 ● 15 points
Offense
| Initiative +1 |
| Unarmed +5, Close, Damage 1 |
| Grenades +7, Thrown, Burst-Area Damage 5 |
| Self-Detonation, Burst Area, Damage and Dodge DC vary by distance |
Defense
| Dodge | 6 | Fortitude | 8 |
| Parry | 5 | Toughness | 5/3* |
| Will | 2 |
* Without Defensive Roll
Complications
- Disability Certain circumstances such as strong winds can mean a longer time for Molotov to reform after detonating.
- Disability After exploding, Molotov becomes flammable gas that reform into a person – detonating this gas using an open flame takes him out for minutes if not hours.
- Honour Molotov prefers not killing people if he can help it.
Power levels
- Trade-off areas Attack & Effect PL 9, Dodge/Toughness PL 6, Parry/Toughness PL 5, Fort & Will PL 5.
- Point total 63 Abilities 20, Defences 15, Skills 6, Powers 14, Devices 0, Advantages 8. Equiv. PL 5.
Source of Character: DC Universe.
Helper(s): Darci, one illustration detoured at rapsheet.co.uk .