Radian
(Louis Armanetti)
Context
Strikeforce Morituri was an intriguing 1986-1989 Marvel series, taking place in its own universe. It was a military sci-fi saga, centred on superhuman soldiers fighting to repel alien invaders who very nearly crushed Earth.
The main twist was that the treatment giving powers to volunteers was invariably fatal, leaving little life expectancy to the super-soldiers. Hence the name, derived from the famous Latin phrase morituri te salutant (“those about to die salute you”).
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Background
- Real Name: Louis Armanetti.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Strikeforce Morituri.
- Base Of Operations: Morituri Mountain.
- Eyes: Black Hair: Black
Powers and Abilities
Aside from the normal Morituri physical enhancements, Radian has electro-magnetic energy powers. He is able to emit any thing from radio waves to lethal radiation.
He can generate light, but cannot produce coherent light or a direct damaging attack without outside assistance. Once he combined powers with Snapdragon, another he used a hand-welder to provide the coherent energy needed.
Despite being able to emit hard radiation, he never does so as an attack, presumably because of the risk to himself and his teammates.
He can also transmit and receive radio waves, as well as scramble radio frequencies.
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History
Nothing is none about Louis Armanetti before he joined the team or why he did so. Shortly after Vyking died, Radian was contacted by the Horde’s High Inquisitor. The alien claimed to have a cure for the Morituri Effect. He sent Radian a transmission showing one of the Black Guard Morituri still alive. In exchange for betraying Earth, the Inquisitor would provide Radian with the cure.
Radian did not believe him. Yet he pretended to in order for the Morituri to seize a Horde ship which enabled them to attack the Horde’s treasure ship near Jupiter.
Later, however, Radian learned that a cure might actually exist. He allowed himself to be captured by the Horde to find out the truth. He made a propaganda broadcast for the Horde and was returned to Earth where he was attacked by Shear, a fourth-generation Morituri. Shear killed Radian.
Before he died, Radian confessed to Blackthorn that there was no cure after all. Radian had done what he had because if the cure existed he wanted to get it for Blackthorn and her unborn baby.
Also, he was afraid that allowing the Morituri Effect to kill him would be akin to suicide. In this way he ensured that he died in battle.
Description
An average-sized man with short curly black hair and moustache, Radian wears a black bodystocking with white shoulders and a high collar in the back. He has conical wrist bracers that help him focus his powers.
Personality
Radian was a solid team player. He wasn’t interested in leading but readily followed whoever was in charge.
He was deeply protective of his fellow Morituri, especially Blackthorn.
Quotes
“If I’m going to throw my life away, it’s got to be in a way that’ll mean something”
DC Universe History
As written, the Morituri were in their own stand-alone universe. However, the idea of the Morituri process works in any universe. Perhaps a new, more determined alien invasion attacks and earth’s normal superheroes are outmatched. STAR Labs or Lexcorp could develop this process to help turn the tide.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
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Radian
| Dex: 08 | Str: 10 | Bod: 10 | Motivation: Responsibility of Power |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 04 | Min: 05 | Occupation: Soldier |
| Inf: 03 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 04 | Resources {or Wealth}: n/a |
| Init: 013 | HP: 055 |
Powers:
Energy Blast: 14, Flash: 14, Radio Communication: 14
Bonuses and Limitations:
Energy Blast is radiation unless Radian has an independent energy source, such as a welder or energy weapon, in which case it is the type of energy of the energy source (+1).
Skills:
Weaponry: 05
Advantages:
Credentials (Padeia Institute, Low), Expansive Headquarters, Limelight, Popularity.
Connections:
Strikeforce Morituri (High).
Drawbacks:
Public Identity, Morituri Effect.
Equipment:
FLIGHT SHOES [BODY 06, Flight: 07].
The Morituri Effect
All Morituri have a lifespan of 1 year (23 APs) or less from the time they undergo the Morituri Process. Starting 1 month after the Process, the Morituri must roll against their R# each day. For the first six months the RN is 5. The next three months the RN is 11, and for the last three months the RN is 18. The Effect automatically occurs at the end of a year.
Each Morituri experienced a power surge shortly before the effect took place. Add 2 APs to their Powers (or STR, if that was their primary ability) when they fail their R# roll. The number of APs of their highest Power after this addition is the number of phases they have until the effect takes place.
The precise manifestation of the Morituri Effect varied from person to person, but was related to their powers. Scaredycat’s superspeed increased so greatly that she overheated and died. Snapdragon, Vyking, and Marathon exploded, with Snapdragon’s explosion affecting little more than herself while Marathon’s explosion destroyed a Horde mothership.
The GM should select an appropriate fate based on the powers in question and the dramatic potential of the moment.
Source of Character: Strikeforce Morituri (Marvel).
Helper(s): Roy Cowan.