
Voltan
(Hawk the Slayer)
Context
Hawk’s evil brother. The main antagonist in the 1980 Hawk the Slayer movie.
He was played by Jack Palance , a veteran actor with an interesting career.
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Background
- Real Name: Voltan.
- Other Aliases: Dark One, The Devil’s agent, Servant of evil.
- Known Relatives: Unnamed (Father, deceased), Hawk (Younger brother), Drogo (adopted son).
- Group Affiliation: Voltan’s army.
- Base of Operations: Mobile military camp.
- Height: 6’3″ (1.90m). Weight: 170 lbs. (77 Kg.).
- Eyes: Brown. Hair: Brown but graying.
- Other Distinguishing Features: A permanent burn scar on the left side of his face.
Powers & Abilities
Voltan’s strength is near-superhuman. He’s able to break a man’s neck with a squeeze of his hand.
He’s extremely quick with daggers. He can draw and throw so fast his movements are imperceptible.
He’s trained with most weapons and accomplished at field command.
Voltan’s army of mercenary soldiers totals more than 60 but less than 100.
History
See the Hawk character profile for details on Voltan, his past, and his world.
Description
An imposing figure at over six feet, looking older than he should.
(Jack Palance was 60 when this movie came out. However, Voltan would be in his 30’s while Hawk is in his 20’s.)
A steel helm covers his hideously scarred face.
Voltan prefers black clothing and silvered helm. He carries a sword with a skull-shaped pommel.
Personality
Voltan channels Darth Vader in his mannerisms.
His temperament is grim. Quite the opposite of his stoic and emotionless little brother.
Voltan believes everything belongs to him or is owed to him. Nothing is ever his fault.
He enjoys goading his prisoners before killing them.
Anyone who’s seen Jack Palance in action can picture the over-dramatic, open-mouthed, “Aha!”.
A character with but two motivations
First, he’s evil. His pursuits of power are for the end goal of hurting others.
So, he…
- Hates his brother and tries to ruin his life.
- Kills his own father.
- Orders his army, who is also evil, to attack and burn villages.
- Kidnaps and demands ransoms.
- Threatens and belittles his own son.
Second, Voltan seeks relief from the pain of his scarred face.
Adνеrtisеmеnt
Quotes
Wizard: “Enter Dark One.”
Voltan: “The pain – it gets worse. Each time it gets worse.”
Wizard: “Your face does not heal. A strange malady affects the flesh. It is beyond all skill… to render a permanent cure. Steel yourself !” (Painfully applies healing magic)
“Remember this and remember it well. Voltan owns everything, the table, the chairs, the very food you eat. I own everything, including your useless life. Remember it well !” (snaps a man’s neck)
“First, you took the woman I love. Then you slew my son. Your death will be slow and painful as will be your friends. You will know how I have suffered through the years with a face that no woman would look upon. Forcing me to take another man’s child to call my own.”
“Brother… I shall… wait for you… at the Gates of Hell !”
DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Voltan
Dex: 04 | Str: 05 | Bod: 04 |
Int: 03 | Wil: 05 | Min: 04 |
Inf: 05 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 05 |
Init: 014 | HP: 015 |
Skills:
Animal Handling (Horses): 03, Charisma (Intimidation): 05, Military Science (w/o Cryptography and Demolitions): 04, Occultist (Occult Knowledge): 01, Thief (Stealth): 04, Weaponry (Melee, missile, thrown): 05
Advantages:
Lightning Reflexes.
Connections:
The Wizard (Low).
Drawbacks:
Serious Irrational Hatred of Hawk, Traumatic Flashback (Receiving the burn wound).
Miscellaneous: Cannot Heal (Voltan has a permanent -1 AP to his Body score due to the wound on his face. It can’t heal naturally and causes Voltan intense pain. Magical healing can remove the damage, but it returns in 48 hours or when he receives 1 RAP of Physical damage).
Motivation:
Power Lust.
Occupation:
Evil overlord.
Wealth:
011
Equipment:
- LIGHT LEATHER ARMOR [BODY 03, Blunting: 01, Damage capacity: 02, Enhance (Cold RV): 01 (cap is 05), Enhance (Piercing, Slashing, Bludgeoning RV): 01 (cap is 05), Bonuses & Limitations: Damage Capacity has the Full Recovery Bonus].
- HEAVY HELM [BODY 03, Enhance (RV against Critical, Devastation and doubles): 01 (cap is 05)]. The helm covers the left side of his face completely hiding his wound.
- Broadsword [BODY 05, Enhance (EV): 02 (cap is 08), Descriptor: Slashing, Piercing, Recommended STR 02].
- Dagger [BODY 05, Enhance (EV): 01 (Cap is 06), Descriptor: Piercing, Slashing].
- Voltan has a riding horse with standard stats.
Voltan’s soldiers
The men who work for Voltan are real scum. They thoroughly enjoy hacking down innocent women and children.
Voltan will have a minimum of four of these men accompanying him on any mission.
Dex: 03 | Str: 02 | Bod: 03 |
Int: 02 | Wil: 02 | Min: 02 |
Inf: 02 | Aur: 02 | Spi: 02 |
Init: 007 | HP: 000 |
Skills:
Weaponry (Melee): 03
Motivation:
Mercenary.
Occupation:
Soldier.
Wealth:
003
Equipment:
The loadout for individuals can vary. Most carried swords and daggers, a few had crossbows. One in four will wear chainmail, the rest in light leather.
All are standard equipment and can be found in Worg’s weapon locker articles.
When needed, every man gets his own horse.

Source of Character: The 1980 movie Hawk the Slayer, character portrayed by Jack Palance.
Helper(s): IMDb.
Writeup completed on the 31st of December, 2019.