Silver Dagger
Context
Silver Dagger is one of Marvel Comics’ Doctor Strange’s recurrent foes. He first appeared in 1974, and has kept returning since.
He’s a murderous religious fanatic with a weird relationship with magic, strong thaumaturgical skills, and a hate-on for other magicians.
Background
- Real Name: Isaiah Curwen.
- Other Aliases: “Dag” (nickname by Agamotto), the Anti-Mystic.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Cardinal in the Catholic Church (formerly only), The Sword of the Lord.
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Height: 6’ Weight: 220 lbs.
- Eyes: Black (right) Silver (left). Hair: White (balding on top).
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Powers and Abilities
Silver Dagger is a magician, although not a master in any single magic school. He knows a hodge-podge from various schools, he is a disciple of them all. He employs magic from several odd sources for his purposes, as well as powerful artifacts.
He has:
- Used mind-numbing hypnosis.
- Invoked superhuman strength.
- Magically enlarged animals.
- Blasted mystic energy bolts.
- Even used the famous Crimson Bands of Cyttorak and the Fangs of Farallah.
Silver Dagger is a bibliophile in the arts of black magic and very cunning, and yet he lacks the experience of a real master.
Other assets
He also has extensive knowledge of Christian theology. Before assuming the mantle of the Silver Dagger, he obtained a Ph.D. in theology from a Jesuit college.
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He is exceptionally charismatic and an almost superhuman public speaker when he’s not merely ranting. His other skills include strategy, tactics and guerilla warfare techniques.
Silver Dagger is in good physical shape, quite fast and strong, and an excellent weapons master with knives, guns or hand-to-hand combat. He seems to use aikido, judo and boxing.
He regularly uses a dangerous, enchanted silver dagger reputed to be able to cleave demons. In DC Heroes RPG terms, he will spend lots of Hero Points on his first attacks in order to kill the intended target as fast as possible (much like the Scourge of the Underworld).
History
Isaiah Curwen was a Cardinal at the Vatican and a contender for the Papacy. Despite The Pope’s endorsement, the College of Cardinals did not elect him due to his youth and fanaticism.
Curwen later developed a fascination over the black arts. He came to believe that this was part of a divine plan. His was now to learn the secrets of magic to become God’s personal weapon against Satan – as The Silver Dagger.
Curwen quit the cardinalate to travel the world and study “the dark religions.” He proved to be a student with considerable aptitude. Once a master of magics had taught him everything he could teach, Silver Dagger would execute “The Lord’s vengeance.” Finally, the time came for Silver Dagger to seek out the Sorcerer Supreme.
Strange days
Isaiah Curwen proved clever enough to enter the Sanctum Sanctorum despite its many spells of protection. In an altercation with Dr. Strange and Clea, Curwen was drawn into Agamotto’s “realm of unreality.” Eventually, Curwen learned to affect events outside of Agamotto’s realm and on the corporal plane.
This led to Curwen mystically enslaving Marie Laveau. His goal was to stage a trap for Doctor Strange and allow him to return to Earth. In the end, Marie Laveau became free of Curwen’s spell and stabbed him in the back with his own silver dagger. Doctor Strange, then, returned the mortally wounded Curwen to Agamotto’s pocket dimension to recover.
During his second sentence in Agamotto’s realm, Isaiah Curwen faked the need for penance. Thus, Curwen surrendered his left eye to Agamotto to replace the eye Dr. Strange lost to Ghaszaszah Nyirh, as a means to escape the dimension.
Back on the front
Curwen’s “holy war” took him west, were he found Jack Russell. Isaiah Curwen zealously chased Russell into a forest, alone, at night, armed only with his silver daggers. The two, quite literally, fought tooth and nail until the werewolf fled the scene.
The next night, Curwen returned with his Sword of the Lord, a team of like-minded fanatics, armed with machine guns and silver bullets. They attacked a gang of werewolf bikers called the BrainEaters. At the end of the conflict, Russell, in werewolf form, bit deep into Curwen before he left him.
Curwen and his followers believed that he had now become “tainted,” “unclean.” Thus the Sword of the Lord turned on their leader, but Curwen used his magic powers to subdue his gang.
Se7en
One night Doctor Strange was alerted to a plan to assassinate seven sorcerers using Curwen’s trademark silver daggers. Attempts were made on:
- Eric Simon Payne aka “Devil-Slayer”.
- James Mandarin.
- Jennifer Kale.
- Rama Kaliph.
- Arcanna.
- Michael Twoyoungmen aka Shaman.
- And eventually Dr. Strange himself.
In a final confrontation, Curwen used sorcery to animate silver daggers to kill Dr. Strange but accidentally stabbed himself.
Description
Silver Dagger is a male in excellent physical shape. He usually wears commando-style banded arms and legs, a pair of tight-fitting trousers and a sleeve-less shirt or linen. He keeps stuff in a belt with pouches.
His muscular chest is often bare and he can be seen intensively staring at his opponent with the silver dagger in his hand.
Personality
In the eyes of Curwen every magic user is a twisted, evil demon that has to either be slayed or renounce their wicked ways. He, himself, is personally using the wile and unholy arts to rid the world of a greater evil. Although he is using abominable magic he is a saved soul due to his actions against the magicians.
He considers himself a righteous and holy warrior of the Lord. Every magic user and all magic have to be destroyed before he can rest. He is utterly ruthless in his crusade and if innocents gets hurt in his war, then so be it.
Yet, he believes that a few magic users are not beyond saving and those he will capture, chain to the wall, hypnotize and brainwash until they are cleansed and reborn in fundamental religion. Curwen has a powerful, intense personality that is not to be denied and many have fallen before his cleansing.
Divinity studies
Curwen used to be an energetic and quite fanatic servant of the Catholic Church, until the papal crown was given to another. He then understood the power of the devil, and having missed his goal, he studied, with morbid curiosity, the black arts in the library to know his enemy.
He realized that God had a higher task in mind for him, and so he read books filled with what he considered filth and cast his first spell after seven intense days of reading. Intent on being the chosen one to rid the world of magic he resigned his post and traveled the world learning from all dark magic schools in order to be able to fight magicians on their own terms.
Yet, Curwen does not believe in the dark gods whose power he summons. He thinks magic is no more than obscure phrases and arcane gestures, recipes to be read. His old beliefs come forth to the surface at times, even while dabbling in spells, and he does believe in miracles.
He is now quite insane, after having read the Darkhold in the form of the Shiatra Book of the Damned, and will rave and rant like a madman at times. One can only wonder if he craves vengeance for the Lord of for himself.
Quotes
“The name is Silver Dagger, girl. He whose mystical mesmerism makes your will my will… instantly !”
“A silver dagger is the traditional destroyer of demons (so say the books I’ve read), and the books, as always, are correct ! Whatever demon dwelt here is as dead as the demon sorcerer you served !”
“Rejoice, ye children of the Lord, for the hour of righteous retribution is at hand ! Silver Dagger has returned !”
“Lord knows I loathe traversing in magic, seeking out its abominable rituals and jaded devotees, but to save one such as yourself, I accept my calling !”
DC Universe History
His origin might stay intact as it is and he would have clashed with most major sorcerers of the DC Universe. The Silver Dagger artifact is probably of Egyptian origin, and the Eye might be related to the Eye of Horus.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
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Silver Dagger
| Dex: 06 | Str: 04 | Bod: 05 | Motivation: Psychopath |
| Int: 07 | Wil: 10 | Min: 06 | Occupation: Ex-Catholic Cardinal, Assassin of magicians |
| Inf: 10 | Aur: 10 | Spi: 10 | Resources {or Wealth}: 005 |
| Init: 025 | HP: 040 |
Powers:
Dimension Travel (Summoning): 08, Hypnotism (ML): 10, Magic Blast: 06, Telekinesis (ML): 06, Snare (ML): 09
Bonuses and Limitations:
- Dimension Travel (Summoning) only works to summon up the Fangs of Faralloh/Farallah (-2).
- Dimension Travel power is the Fearsome Fangs of Faralloh spell and Snare is the legendary Crimson Bands of Cyttorak spell. Some of these Powers receive AP bonuses from Silver Daggers’s Mystic Entity Connections — see the New Rules section for details. Silver Dagger could be considered an Adept of Eclectic Magic, but he would never acknowledge or follow the Magic Rank system himself.
Skills:
Charisma: 12, Martial Artist: 06, Military Science (Electronic Countermeasures, Field Command): 06, Occultist: 09, Thief (Stealth): 07, Weaponry: 08
Advantages:
Area Knowledge (Orb Dimension of Agamotto), Expertise (Tactics), Iron Nerves, Languages (Italian, Latin), Magic Background, Scholar (Identify Artifact, Theology).
Connections:
Sword of the Lord – Silver Dagger’s religious mercenaries (High). Mystic Entity Connections are: Agamotto of the Vishanti (High), Cyttorak (Low).
Drawbacks:
MPR (Missing left eye; sometimes), SIH (Magic and magic-users).
Equipment:
- ORIGINAL EYE OF AGAMOTTO [BODY 10 SPI 15, Energy Blast (ML): 08, Flash (ML): 05, Magic Sense: 05, Spirit Travel: 05, Truesight: 10, Bonus: When the wearer uses Spirit Travel, a spirit version of the Eye goes with him, with the same stats as above at -5 APs, Note: this artifact resides inside the hollow socket of his left eye, which is usually covered by an eye patch until needed, and a Take Away maneuver is not possible. Although not as powerful as the later version, it is still a very versatile artefact ; Silver Dagger may not be aware of all the effects of the amulet as he has not yet been seen using all its powers].
- Destroyer of Demons, the Silver Dagger [BODY 10, EV 04 (05 w/STR, 07 w/Martial Artist, 08 vs the Supernatural), Sharpness (vs. any type of mystically powered physical defense): 12, Note: The dagger is usually kept hidden in his boot. It pierces through most forms of magical defenses. It is, of course, also very effective against werewolves and other mystical creatures with a vulnerability against silver weapons. Naturally, the dagger is also dipped in holy water.]
- 9″ silver throwing daggers (x8) [BODY 05, EV 03 (06 vs the supernatural)(05 w/STR, 07 w/Martial Artist), Note: These have also been dipped in holy water]. The Silver Dagger wears a leather bodysuit, which offers no real protection, with a rear of belt that has a number of holders for the throwing daggers.
- Both Silver Dagger and his team of commandos have been known to make use of a variety of automatic weapons which have been modified to fire silver bullets, as well as sophisticated communications devices and other items used for stealth combat.
Magic Rank – Adept
(See our Guide to Marvel Magic for more about this).
-Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme of the Earth Dimension.
The Magic Rank Advantage is a measure of the Character’s status within the mystical community. Although it is very unlikely that Silver Dagger would acknowledge and follow this system, he is himself ranked according to it; people call him a Disciple, but he is actually a full Adept of Eclectic Magic.
The character’s rank determines what abilities he may possess. A member of a lower Rank will usually heed a member of a higher Magic Rank, unless they are a member of an opposing school. To defeat an opponent of another school is considered glorious, particularly if the school opposes the character’s own and the opponent is of higher rank.
In the Marvel Universe, a character will, by experience, upgrade a Ritual into a full Mystic Power (which are always mystic linked). If using the rules below free slots for powers or rituals may be created by upgrading a ritual or downgrading a power into a ritual. When getting permission to increase Magic Rank to the next level the full cost has to be paid.
Adept, Cost: 25
The Adept spends more time adventuring than he spends with his master, though he is still at his master’s beck and call.
- Occult Knowledge (All except Mentor): 5-10 APs.
- Up to eight Rituals may be memorized: Max. of 13 APs each.
- Up to five Mystic-Linked Powers (if he has Magic Background): Maximum of 10 APs each.
- Usually has a High-level Connection to a higher-Ranked Mentor.
- May purchase a Low-level Connection to the Mystic community.
- Can purchase Magic Background, Sorcery, and up to two Low-Level Connections to any suitable entities.
Mystic entities Connections
Mystic Entity Connections (Equal to a Powerful Connection plus 5 HPs for every two Powers listed)
The benefits of invoking entities fall into two categories. The first is an AP boost for Powers. If a Power is used while invoking the appropriate entity, a Low Connection garners a +1AP to the Power, while a High Connection gets + 2APs.
If Sorcery is being used to mimic the Power in question, calculate any Mystical Bashing Damage by the APs of the Power BEFORE the boost.
For example, a sorcerer with a High Connection to Agamotto who invoked him before mimicking an Energy Blast with Sorcery could use a 10 AP Blast but only take MBD as if an 8 AP Blast were used. The second benefit applies to rituals. Any Ritual that invokes an entity decreases the OV/RV for Ritual Casting by 1CS for a Low Connection and 2CS by a High Connection.
Silver Dagger has Connections to the following two mystic entities:
- Agamotto (High): Energy Blast, Exorcism, Flash, Hypnotism, Iron Will, Neutralize (vs. chaotic creatures only), Mind Probe, Telepathy, Truesight.
- Cyttorak (Low): Force Manipulation, Glue, Magic Shield, Projectile Weapons, Snare.
Game Stats — DC Adventures RPG
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Silver Dagger — Averaged PL 11.2
| STR | STA | AGL | DEX | FGT | INT | AWE | PRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 | 03 | 02 | 03 | 06 | 04 | 04 | 07 |
Powers
Sorcery Array ● 36 points ● Descriptor: Mystical
– Magic Blast — Perception Ranged Affliction 5 (resisted by Will; dazed, stunned, unconscious).
– Crimson Bands of Cyttorak — Snare 7, Accurate 2.
– Hypnotism — Mind Control 8.
– Move Object 5.
– Summon Fangs of Faralloh — Perception Ranged Attack Movement (Dimensional Travel).
Occultist ● 17 points ● Descriptor: Skill, Mystical
– Reliquarian — Enhanced Skill (Expertise: Magic 4), Limited 2 (only for identifying artifacts).
– Mystic Connection (Agamotto) — Enhanced Mind Control 2; Enhanced Skill (Expertise: Magic 4), Limited 2 (only for casting rituals that mimic Ranged Damage, Mind Control, Mind Reading, Mental Communication, Senses [Vision Penetrates Illusion], Mind Reading, Dazzle, or Nullify Chaotic Creature).
– Mystic Connection (Cytorrak) — Enhanced Crimson Bands of Cytorrak 2; Enhanced Skill (Expertise: Magic 2), Limited 2 (only for casting rituals that create something, such as Create, Ranged Damage, Protection, and Snare).
Original Eye of Agamotto ● 33 points ● Descriptor: Mystical
– Energy Blast — Ranged Damage 8, AE (Flash — Visual Dazzle 4).
– Mystical Senses — Senses (Magical Awareness, Vision Counters Illusion, Vision Counters Invisibility).
– Spirit Travel — Insubstantial 4, Limited 2 (leaves behind defenseless and unaware body), Quirk (in spirit form, the effect ranks of the Eye are reduced by 5).
Devices
Destroyer of Demons, the Silver Dagger ● 5 points (Easily Removable) ● Descriptor: Mystical, Silver
– Strength-based Damage 1, Improved Threat.
– Demon-Slaying — Enhanced Damage 7, Limited 2 (only versus mystically powered defenses); Penetrating 10, Limited 2 (only versus mystically powered defenses).
Silver throwing daggers ● 2 points (Easily Removable) ● Descriptor: Mystical, Silver
– Strength-based Damage 1, Improved Threat, Ranged 3.
– Holy Water — Enhanced Ranged Damage 2, Limited 2 (only versus the supernatural).
Combat Advantages
Close Attack 4, Defensive Roll 2, Inspire, Leadership, Power Attack, Ranged Attack 8.
Other Advantages
Artificer, Benefit (leader of the Sword of the Lord), Fearless, Languages 2 (Italian, Latin), Ritualist.
Skills
Athletics 3 (+5), Close Combat: Small blades 3 (+13), Deception 11 (+18), Expertise: Magic 11 (+15), Expertise: Military 8 (+12), Expertise: Theology 10 (+14), Insight 9 (+13), Intimidate 9 (+16), Perception 6 (+10), Persuasion 5 (+12), Ranged Combat: Guns 2 (+13), Ranged Combat: Thrown 2 (+13), Stealth 8 (+10).
Offense
| Initiative +2 |
| Unarmed +10, Close, Damage 2 |
| Silver Dagger +13, Close, Damage 3 (10 versus supernatural), Threat 19-20 |
| Object (Move Object) +11, Ranged, Damage 5 |
| Thrown silver dagger +13, Ranged, Damage 3 (5 versus supernatural), Threat 10-20 |
| Hurled silver dagger (Move Object) +11, Ranged, Damage 6 (8 versus supernatural), Threat 19-20 |
| Magic Blast, Perception Ranged, Affliction 5 (Will DC 15) |
| Crimson Bands of Cyttorak +15, Ranged, Affliction 9 (Dodge DC 19 to avoid, Strength/Damage/Sleight of Hand DC 19 to recover) |
Defense
| Dodge | 12 | Fortitude | 8 |
| Parry | 12 | Toughness | 5/3* |
| Will | 11 |
* Without Defensive Roll
Complications
- Hatred The Silver Dagger hates magic-users and supernatural beings of all types. He has studied the dark arts himself in order to become a better weapon.
- Psychopathic The Silver Dagger’s mission is little more than a pretext to engage in the violence and the forbidden paths to power he craves.
- Power Loss The enhancements granted by his Mystical Connections are granted by actual entities, and are therefore subject to being disrupted in obscure circumstances.
- Missing Left Eye The Eye replaces his own missing left eye.
Power levels
- Trade-off areas Attack/Effect PL 12, Dodge/Toughness PL 9, Parry/Toughness PL 9, Fort/Will PL 10.
- Point total 228. Abilities 62, Defences 28, Skills 44, Powers 71, Devices 0, Advantages 23. Equiv. PL 16.
Source of Character: Mostly Dr. Strange comics, Marvel Universe.
Helper(s): marveldatabase.com , KalEl el Vigilante. M&M game stats by Pawsplay.