Toxyn
(Ruth Mastorakis)
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: Ruth Mastorakis.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Strikeforce Morituri.
- Base Of Operations: Morituri Mountain.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Blonde
Powers and Abilities
In addition to the normal Morituri physical enhancements, Toxyn can synthesize and secrete any kind of poison she wants.
This means anything from an anesthetic, to a paralyzing agent, to a deadly nerve toxin. However, she has to make physical contact with the subject first to analyze its body chemistry before she can affect it.
History
Ruth Mastorakis apparently volunteered for the Strikeforce because of a soured relationship. She was involved with a man called Nikos who for some reason was unable to marry her. To make matters worse, instead of just turning her down he beat and humiliated her in front of her friends and family. Ashamed, she volunteered for the Morituri Process.
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A member of the third generation of Morituri, she joined the team after the first attack on a Horde mother ship and performed with distinction. Though she disliked having people look to her for guidance, she often took charge when the situation required it.
The Morituri Effect eventually caught up with her after a raid on a Horde spaceship, the same raid which freed Jason Edwards (Revenge). Edwards help Toxyn rejoin her teammates after she injured her leg during the raid.
Toxyn and Revenge felt an immediate attraction for one another, but as fate would have it no sooner had they expressed their feelings than the Effect caught up with Toxyn and she exploded.
Description
A medium-sized woman with curly, shoulder-length blond hair. She wore brown tights with green shoes and a green tabard with wide brown belt and collar (looked a lot like a Ren Faire outfit ). She had brown gloves with gold fingers.
Personality
Toxyn was a team player who always tried to give her best to the team. If someone else had an idea or was taking charge, she went along. If no one seemed to have an idea, she was willing to step forward and lead the way.
She greatly enjoyed using her powers, often kissing her enemies into unconsciousness.
Quotes
“But we don’t have the right to endanger innocents, Lou ! They represent all those who we were created to protect.”
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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Toxyn
| Dex: 08 | Str: 09 | Bod: 10 | Motivation: Responsibility of Power |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 05 | Min: 07 | Occupation: Soldier |
| Inf: 03 | Aur: 03 | Spi: 06 | Resources {or Wealth}: n/a |
| Init: 015 | HP: 055 |
Powers:
Poison Touch: 14, Systemic Antidote: 14
Bonuses and Limitations:
- All Powers require her to spend an Automatic Action in physical contact with the target analyzing its body chemistry before her can use her Powers (-2).
- Systemic Antidote is Usable on Others (+5).
Skills:
Charisma (Persuasion): 06, Weaponry: 05
Advantages:
Credentials (Padeia Institute, Low), Headquarters (Expansive), Limelight, Popularity.
Connections:
Strikeforce Morituri (High).
Drawbacks:
Public Identity, Uncertainty, 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.