Snapdragon
(Lorna Leigh Raeburn)
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: Lorna Leigh Raeburn.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Strikeforce Morituri.
- Base Of Operations: Morituri Mountain.
- Eyes: Blue Hair: Orange
Powers and Abilities
Like all Morituri, Snapdragon had increased speed, strength and resistance to damage.
She also had the power to generate bursts of plasma. She wore projectors on her wrists that allowed her to fire these bursts as a ranged attack.
History
Lorna Raeburn’s family died in a Horde raid on San Diego. She volunteered for the Morituri Process to get revenge. However, she did not allow it to consume her.
Sadly, Snapdragon was the first of the second generation of Morituri to succumb to the Morituri Effect. She self-destructed just after the team had stopped an attack against a party they were attending.
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Description
Snapdragon was an attractive young woman with short orange hair she wore brushed back.
She wore a pink bodysuit with purple gloves and boots, as well as a purple chest piece with flared shoulders that tapered down to her waist.
Personality
From what we saw of her, Snapdragon was a pleasant young woman. She just wanted to strike back as best she could at the invaders who killed her family.
She seemed to have a soft spot for Vyking, but the two never really had a chance to get to know one another before she died.
Quotes
“All right, Morituri ! Let ’em have it !
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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Snapdragon
| Dex: 08 | Str: 09 | Bod: 09 | Motivation: Seeking Justice |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 04 | Min: 06 | Occupation: soldier |
| Inf: 03 | Aur: 03 | Spi: 05 | Resources {or Wealth}: n/a |
| Init: 015 | HP: 045 |
Powers:
Flame Projection: 14
Bonuses and Limitations:
Flame Projection has No Range (-1).
Skills:
Weaponry: 05
Advantages:
Credentials (Padeia Institute, Low), Expansive Headquarters, Limelight, Popularity.
Connections:
Strikeforce Morituri (High).
Drawbacks:
Public Identity, Morituri Effect occurs at the end of a year.
Equipment:
Wrist Projectors [BODY 07, Misc.: Allows her to use her Flame Projection Power at range].
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.