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Viking (Namora enemy) (Marvel Timely Comics) (Golden Age)

Viking

(Ross Palmer)


Comics Golden Age Stuff Proto-Marvel Universe (Atlas, Timely) Marvel Universe
Power Level:
Game system: DC Heroes Role-Playing Game
Role:

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Context

One genre consideration for Golden Age  stories is how… uncanny some villains can be. Generally, those who get writeups.org profiles are the better ones and may make some sense, so here’s a more representative example.

This guy appeared in 1947, in a Namor story.

Background

  • Real Name: Ross Palmer.
  • Marital Status: Unrevealed.
  • Known Relatives: None.
  • Group Affiliation: Leader of his own band of thugs.
  • Base Of Operations: New York.
  • Height: 5’9” Weight: 140 lbs.
  • Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown

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Powers and Abilities

Mr. Palmer was a multi-millionaire sportsman, apparently interested in — and competent with — a number of athletic disciplines.

He was also very skilled with the Dane axe and the Viking broad axe, for some strange reason. Such axes are every bit as deadly wielded or thrown.

History

During the 1940s, Ross Palmer was famous as a daring, multimillionaire sportsman. He also loved all sorts of gambling, and was always looking to challenge himself and his luck.

In 1947, Palmer organised a very special nautical race to Viking’s Cove. Participants could enter with any ship that was a replica of a historical ship. The prize was a million dollars, a fortune in 1940.

The Viking and his crew

However, while the race was being organised, Palmer lost his entire fortune to speculation. He attempted to hide this for long enough to rebuild his assets. However, having to hand out the money to the victor of the race would destroy this plan.

Determined to prevent any ship from reaching Viking’s Cove, Palmer dressed up as a Viking. He armed himself with suitable axes, and recruited three goons – also handy with the Viking axe. Disguised, he called his new persona “the Viking”.

Borne by this unusual scheme and circumstances, Palmer did manage to kill several of the contestants. He also sabotaged several ships so that they would sink during the race. Though Namor and Namora repeatedly tried to thwart the Viking, he managed to kill and scuttle all the way until the final ship, where he was stopped, unmasked and arrested.

Palmer was never seen again as far as I can tell.

Description

Palmer’s hairstyle is vaguely reminiscent of Norman Osborn’s. So undoubtedly, there exists a familial connection there.

Personality

Palmer was a poised and successful individual, cultivating his image as a risk-taker.

As The Viking he was quite competent, moving fast (both physically and mentally) and striking with force and precision.

Quotes

(As Palmer) “That’s why they call me the biggest gambler in history ! I never do anything in a small way !”

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Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG

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The Viking

Dex: 04 Str: 04 Bod: 05 Motivation: Thrill of risk
Int: 04 Wil: 03 Min: 04 Occupation: Would-be conqueror
Inf: 04 Aur: 03 Spi: 03 Resources {or Wealth}: 010
Init: 012 HP: 015

Skills:
Acrobatics: 04, Vehicles (Land, Sea): 04, Weaponry (Ancient Viking weapons): 05

Advantages:
Expertise (Finance, Gambling).

Connections:
High Society (Low), Business world (Low).

Drawbacks:
MIA toward Gambling, Secret Identity.

Equipment:

  • Axe (x2) [BODY 03, Enhance (EV): 02 (cap is 05), Descriptor: Slashing, Recommended STR 02, R#03, Can be thrown].
  • Replica longship. This Viking-style ship was equipped with a hidden motor, and was as fast as any contemporary powerboat.

By Sébastien Andrivet.

Source of Character: Marvel Universe (Sub-Mariner comics #24 (1947)).

Helper(s): Darci.

Writeup completed on the 26th of December, 2010.

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