Zastrow
Context
Zastrow is a brilliant KGB spymaster. He appeared in John Ostrander ’s stories from 1987 to 1991, primarily Firestorm and Suicide Squad material.
He could be considered Amanda Waller’s opposite number during the last days of the Cold War.
This profile is old and short. The primary impetus was to republish his then-hard-to-find Mayfair Games RPG stats.
Background
- Real Name: Unrevealed.
- Marital Status: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: Unnamed brother (deceased).
- Group Affiliation: None.
- Base Of Operations: Moscow.
- Height: 5’6” Weight: 125 lbs.
- Eyes: Unrevealed Hair: None
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Powers and Abilities
Zastrow is an extremely intelligent spymaster, strategist and tactician. He plays the Great Game with an uncommon skill.
History
Zastrow (“the shadow”) is the director for what was one of the main division of superhuman operatives in the DCU’s USSR – the Red Shadows.
These covert agents are deployed on a wide variety of operations. For a long time their field leader was Stalnoivolk. The Red Shadows have often clashed with Americans, such as Firestorm, the Flash or the Suicide Squad.
It is hypothesised the Red Shadows still serve the Russian government – although presumably with changes, such as several members going into the private sector. Known members have included the Blue Trinity, Mrs. Gradenko, Yerosha, Schrek, Lamia, and Stalnoivolk.
Description
Zastrow is usually dressed in old-fashioned clothes – a suit with a tie, a fedora and, if appropriate, a raincoat.
He wears a pair of thick glasses hiding his eyes (à la mad scientist), and is a chain smoker.
Personality
Zastrow is a cold, calm, extremely intelligent chess master. He can design extremely intricate plans which successfully anticipate his opponent’s actions, or even have elements letting his opponents believe they have outmanoeuvred Zastrow, while in fact he has outmanoeuvred them by predicting their reaction.
He can also take snap decisions and go with the flow with the same level of accuracy.
He seems to be an authoritarian. He doesn’t really raise his voice, but he can obviously be tired quickly when his operatives are not smart and driven enough.
Zastrow does not do any supervillain antics – he plays the Great Game like a challenge of pure intellect.
Quotes
“My intention was to turn her into a double agent. But another possibility presents itself.”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
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Zastrow
| Dex: 02 | Str: 02 | Bod: 02 | Motivation: Power |
| Int: 10 | Wil: 10 | Min: 08 | Occupation: Head of Red Shadows |
| Inf: 06 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 05 | Resources {or Wealth}: 008 |
| Init: 016 | HP: 080 |
Skills:
Charisma: 07, Detective: 08, Military science (cartography, field command): 07, Scientist: 07, Vehicles (land): 03, Weaponry (firearms, exotic): 05
Advantages:
Iron Nerves, Language (Russian, presumably others), Leadership, Scholar (Espionage, Chess), Sharp Eye.
Connections:
Russian government (High), ex-KGB (High), Red Shadows (High).
Drawbacks:
Age (old), Authority figure, MPR (near-sighted).
Helper(s): Gareth Lewis, Ethan Roe.
Source of Character: DC Universe.