Tiger
(Zakir Shastri)
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”).
Background
- Real Name: Zakir Shastri.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: None.
- Base Of Operations: None.
- Eyes: Black Hair: Black
Advertisement
Powers and Abilities
In addition to the normal Morituri physical enhancements, the Tiger could generate an “energy claw” around his hands. This energy dissolved molecular bonds, much as Blackthorn and Shear’s powers did. The effect was powerful enough that he was able to kill Brava with a single swipe.
History
Zakir Shastri was a mercenary renown for doing the world government’s dirty work. A highly trained soldier, he killed without mercy or emotion. As such, when the rogue group trying to overthrow the government was looking for Morituri assassins, he was the perfect candidate.
The government told him that the Morituri process was now completely safe since a cure had been developed. But they did not tell him that no one was sure yet whether the cure actually worked or whether there would be any side effects or not.
Tiger was assigned the task of assassinating Brava, a job he performed with ease. On his way back, he ran into Dr. Tuolema who was also targeted for assassination. However, Tuolema told Tiger the truth about the cure, and Tiger spared his life in return.
Tiger tried to track down the conspirators to punish them for lying to him, but the Ghost got to them first so Tiger chose to return home to India.
Once the world government disintegrated, Tiger seized control of the country and ruled it as his personal kingdom.
Advertisement
Description
A tall, well-built man with black hair, moustache, and beard. Tiger wore a white turban and a white-and-black striped body suit that came up to his chest.
He had white-and-black stripped sleeves that came up to just below his shoulders.
Personality
Tiger was a consummate soldier, able to kill men, women, or children with no qualms whatsoever. He agreed to join the conspiracy in exchange for the power they offered him, and when he learned they had lied he turned his back and returned home to take over India.
Quotes
“The bandits of the Zaskar Mountains have plagued this area for too long. Ending their existence will be a pleasure. An exquisite pleasure.”
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
Tell me more about the game stats
Tiger
| Dex: 09 | Str: 11 | Bod: 11 | Motivation: Responsibility of Power |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 05 | Min: 06 | Occupation: Soldier |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 05 | Spi: 04 | Resources {or Wealth}: n/a |
| Init: 019 | HP: 060 |
Powers:
Claws: 17
Skills:
Martial Artist: 09, Military Science: 08, Weaponry: 08
Advantages:
Area Knowledge (India), Language (at least one Indian language), Leadership.
Connections:
Conspiracy (Low).
Drawbacks:
SPI (cold-blooded killer).
Source of Character: Strikeforce Morituri (Marvel).
Helper(s): Roy Cowan.