Zaran the Weaponmaster
(Maximilian Zaran)
Context
Zaran originally was a Master of Kung Fu baddie, appearing in 1979. But he soon transitioned into the more mainstream Marvel Universe as a costumed exotic weapons expert
These older technical notes are primarily from the late 1980s, and chiefly useful as somewhat cookie cutter stats for him.
Background
- Real Name: Maximilian Zaran.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Batroc’s Brigade, former member of MI6.
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Height: 6’1” Weight: 235 lbs.
- Eyes: Blue Hair: Red
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Powers and Abilities
Pick a weapon. Any weapon. Zaran can use nearly every weapon in existence, except possibly for such specialized systems as the Iron Man suit. To quote the comics, he is “master of ancient and modern weapons including knives, bows, staves, maces, spears, nunchakus, suriken (sic), guns”.
He also knows a great number of forms, and while he’s not truly a “master” with any martial art, his versatility more than make up for this. While he could mow down people with an LMG , he prefers ancient weapons, which have more panache in his opinion.
His “basic arsenal” in the Equipment section below covers a great number of small sais, knives, derringers, shuriken, punch daggers, collapsible nunchaku… in his costume, and possibly a few weapons he could improvise from his surrounding. He’ll always have a few more weapons : combat knives, nagimaki, bow, spear (whose shaft is a blowgun), and so on.
Description
A muscular, red-haired, healthy British chap. He wears black trousers, boots, bracers and mask, his arms, chest and belly being bare.
Personality
Your basic, B-Movie, James Bond-like henchman. Zaran enjoys matching his skills against other weapon masters and martial artists, and is likely to overlook “lesser” opponents (such as women) to reach his “real opponent”.
History
Maximilian Zaran is a former MI6 action operative, who after experiencing a few problems with British justice opted to put his martial skills on the free market. He’s worked for a great variety of employers, and fought such masters as Shang Chi, Captain America and Hawkeye, which are generally recognized as being *the* best in their respective forms.
While he was never very well developed as a character IMHO, he’s from one of the best periods of Master of Kung Fu.
Later on, another man going by “Zaran the Weaponmaster” emerged.
DC Universe History
Zaran should remain an independent merc, but should probably given strong ties with Cheschire’s outfit. His main adversary would become, of course, Arsenal.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
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Zaran
| Dex: 08 | Str: 04 | Bod: 05 | Motivation: Mercenary |
| Int: 04 | Wil: 05 | Min: 04 | Occupation: Mercenary |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 05 | Resources: 04 |
| Init: 020 | HP: 030 |
Skills:
Acrobatics: 04, Martial artist*: 08, Military science: 05, Vehicles (land): 04, Weaponry: 09
Advantages:
Lightning Reflexes, Scholar (Ancient weapons), Schtick (Make-do Equipment (Weaponry)).
Connections:
Batroc’s Brigade (High), Mercs (Low).
Drawbacks:
MIA to challenges against other high-level fighters.
Equipment:
BASIC ARSENAL [BODY 04, Claws: 05, Projectile weapons: 04], and lots of weapons as needed.
Source of Character: Master of Kung Fu comics (Marvel universe).
Helper(s): Kansas Jim.