Silencer
(Akiya Bandaranaike)
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: Akiya Bandaranaike.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Strikeforce Morituri.
- Base Of Operations: Morituri Mountain.
- Eyes: Black Hair: Black
Powers and Abilities
In addition to the normal Morituri physical enhancements, Silencer could damp out the sound in a specified area. She could also kill living creatures by silencing their hearts.
This probably means her silencing power was actually some kind of kinetic control which allowed her to stop the wave motions in the air, but she never developed her powers along those lines.
History
Akiya Bandaranaike was living in a refugee camp in Gabon when she was tested. She had watched the Horde kill her family and her lover, driving them off their lands. Thus, she was only too happy to seize a chance to strike back.
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Silencer was a team player, never questioning the orders she was given. She was always willing to go along with whatever the rest of the team thought appropriate.
She fell in love with Hardcase, though the two of them only had a few days together before they were killed in battle by a Horde satellite weapon.
Description
A tall, regal-looking black woman with close-cropped hair. She wore a green African-style dress with a gold belt and necklace.
Personality
Silencer was a quiet woman, as fitted her power. She seldom contributed to strategy sessions, seemingly content to follow along with whatever plan was proposed.
However, underneath her quiet exterior was a deeply passionate woman seething with the pain of watching her family and lover die at the hands of the Horde.
Quotes
“I learned all I needed to know about the Horde watching my family die, having been driven off the lands as they took them…I would die a thousand times if it meant causing one Hordian pain.”
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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Silencer
| Dex: 08 | Str: 09 | Bod: 10 | Motivation: Responsibility of Power |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 04 | Min: 05 | Occupation: Soldier |
| Inf: 03 | Aur: 03 | Spi: 04 | Resources {or Wealth}: n/a |
| Init: 015 | HP: 050 |
Powers:
Paralysis: 14, Sound Nullify: 14
Bonuses and Limitations:
Paralysis is Partial Only (-1), usable only against a target’s heart (-1).
Skills:
Weaponry: 05
Advantages:
Credentials (Padeia Institute, Low) Headquarters (Expansive), 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.