Strength 12b

Agility 7b

Intellect 7c

Willpower 9b

Hand Size: Edge:

5 (30) 3

Powers:

Blending: Zartan's primary 'natural' superhuman ability, aside from his exceptional Strength, is his innate ability to alter his coloration at will. While he could conceivably use this to aid his disguise capabilities, he mostly wields this power to blend into the background, doing so at intensity 10. If motionless, Zartan is effectively invisible, and foes have a singularly hard time spotting him.

* Camouflage Clothes: one specialized ability that Zartan has mastered is the power to extend his blending ability outside his body to some extent, affecting his clothing and any items he is currently holding / wearing. This stunt also functions at intensity 10, which helps in combat; this keeps Zartan from having to strip in order to be invisible...

Regeneration: Zartan's other, lesser known ability is his power to recover from injury at a tremendously accelerated rate; for instance, he healed up from several gunshot wounds inflicted upon his person in a mere day or two - one head and one thigh shot. Consider this an intensity 5 power, allowing Zartan to heal much faster than your garden variety normal human.

Equipment:

Assault Rifle (v3): after his Dreadnok organization joined forces with a reborn Cobra, Zartan took to carrying around a heavy duty machine gun with him at all times. This gun can inflict damage per a +5 weapon in a short, controlled burst, +6 in a fully automatic, ammunition-depleting hail of lead. It's equipped with a starlight scope for a +1 to any ambush / sniping shots Zartan may attempt.

Blades (v2): though he never really utilized them in the past, Zartan adopted the use of several swords after his escape from the Cobra Island land-locked freighter and subsequent change in outlook. One is a katana and the other is more like a broad sword, and Zartan can use each of these material strength 15 blades as a +4 weapon, thanks to his enhanced strength.

Chainsaw (v4, v5): a more recent addition to his arsenal of destructive implements, this device can be used to startling effect against objects both animate and inanimate. The diamond-tipped blades on this chain saw can be used to cut through items of up to m.s. 16, and against living targets, the 'saw will inflict damage as would any other +4 weapon with each deadly attack.

Chameleon Swamp Skier (v1): this small, one-man vehicle is sort of like a jet ski, but not quite. Held aloft on the water's surface by four skis, this little aquatic speeder is quite adept in maneuvers in crowded waterways, like those often found in a swamp (thick trees, etc...). Further, Zartan (or anybody else) can easily dismantle it and disguise it as a pile of junk... see its entry for more information.

Cobra-issue Climbing Boots (v2): these expensive boots are designed for high-altitude climbing, and are equipped with various spikes and high-friction surfaces to aid in the ascent of almost any vertical surface (reduces the difficulty of climbing efforts by 1). Furthermore, Zartan has fitted a pair of blast plates onto the shins of these boots, effectively offering his lower legs +2 protection from attacks.

Compound Bow: this incredibly powerful bow, designed to take advantage of Zartan's supernatural strength, is positively lethal in his hands. Any arrow fired from it will inflict +3 damage (as opposed to the regular +2), if its current wielder has a Strength score of 11 or more. Furthermore, Zartan often enhances this bow with a telescopic night vision lens, allowing him to hit people in the dark, at line of sight range.

Daggers: whenever he should find himself otherwise unarmed in a given situation, Zartan always has two daggers secreted on his person somewhere, either for throwing or thrusting attacks. These daggers are made of 15 material strength metals (to account for Zartan's enhanced strength), and act as +2 weapons in his ever-deadly hands.

Disguise Kit: at times when it is impractical to utilize his mutant powers or his optical technology, or just to enhance the use of these capabilities, Zartan will often make use of a disguise kit, one that allows him to basically impersonate anybody of his approximate size and build - though with his skill, he can stretch this some. This kit comes with the appropriate makeup, wigs, false beards, and even clothes.

Holographic Costume (Imitation): augmenting his blending powers to an astounding degree, this light-bending equipment of Zartan's own design allows him to perfectly mimic the appearance of others, doing so at intensity 10 - intensity 13 if used in conjunction with his blending power. Of course, his ninja skills allow Zartan to take his disguises farther than mere visual appearances...

Holographic Vehicles: in the past, Zartan has made use of at least two vehicles that were armed with his state of the art holographic technology. One was his personal motorcycle, and the other was a transport helicopter. Each could disguise itself as any land-based vehicle, as the holographic masking range was about twenty feet from the center of the vehicle. This disguise also worked at intensity 10.

Laser Pistol (v1): another application of his optical technology, this weapon allows Zartan to use light itself to kill people! In practice, Zartan can use this beam emitter as a +5 weapon in combat, and can most likely make up to eight shots with the device before it needs to be recharged. He refrains from using this weapon unless absolutely necessary, however.

Sickle (v2): like his blades, this is an almost creepy-looking weapon that Zartan has donned after changing his looks to a more... punkish... nature. Made of material strength 12 metals, Zartan can use this rather hooked blade as a +2 weapon in battle, though it has other applications, such as helping to climb vertical surfaces, etc...

Wrist-Guard (v2): strapped onto his right arm, this special steel plate allows Zartan to attempt blocking maneuvers against sword (or other bladed) attacks. Of 15 material strength, this item can be used to offer Zartan +4 protection against blade damage - if he specifically acts to use this item - before it is cleaved in two (and likely hurts Zartan a whole lot).

Hindrances:

Triggered-Powerless / Sunlight (optional): if you're playing the 'cartoon' version of Zartan, you must take into account his tremendous vulnerability to the sun's rays. If exposed to natural light, Zartan is almost incapacitated with pain, and all his ability and power scores drop to zero (0). He's fine once the sun's rays are off of him, but he can not act until he's away from them.

Of course, it should be noted that recently, Zartan has exhibited signs of this weakness even in the new comics that he's appearing in of late; an effect of old age - or experimentation performed on his body at his request. However, this weakness seems to be in remission somewhat, and will apparently only affect Zartan if he uses his blending powers excessively.

Whether or not to utilize this weakness, of course, is up to you - since it varies so much in different media.

Skills:

Archery: aside from his disguise abilities, Zartan's other famous skill is that of bowmanship. Zartan is particularly effective with any bow, having killed ninja masters, Serpentor, and more with one. In fact, his skill with a bow should be considered world-class in scope.

Boxing: Zartan is a master combatant, whether armed or unarmed. If fighting without a weapon in hand, Zartan may divide his total action score between two melee attacks per exchange, the last of which will occur as a contingent action.

Brawling: furthermore, Zartan is particularly effective in inflicting severe damage with his bare hands (or feet, or whatever). If an opponent is brought to zero health by such attacks, he will immediately drop into a coma, which will put him out of action for quite some time.

Disguise: the ultimate master of disguise, even when not relying on his powers or equipment, Zartan can effectively pose as anybody, imitating their voice, body language, and appearance. This should also be considered a world-class skill.

Electronics: a certified genius where optical technology is concerned, Zartan has pioneered several advancements in holographic technology. Also, he can competently build any electronic or electromechanical device he requires, large or small, if he has the proper parts handy.

Espionage: though it is unknown what government trained him, Zartan has been shown to be exceptionally gifted in the art of spying, whether it be surveillance, information seizure, or even target impersonation. Furthermore, he almost instinctively knows when he's being followed...

Intimidation: heroes and villains alike fear Zartan's abilities, since it's known that he is more than human. In fact, he knows just how to turn this to his advantage, and if he can pass an average difficulty Willpower action, opposed by his targets' Willpower score, he can cow them into doing his bidding.

Linguistics: having learned over twenty different tongues in his lifetime, it is assumed that Zartan can speak every major language in use on the Earth, in addition to several lesser ones. Furthermore, Zartan's linguistic mastery allows him to guess what's being said if a body uses a tongue he doesn't know.

Manipulation: in addition to his intimidating nature, Zartan is quite the little manipulator, in that he's a master of getting people to do what he wants - without them even knowing it! A small suggestion here, planted evidence there, whatever it takes - he knows all the tricks.

Martial Arts: though he was trained in the making of oriental weaponry by the Arashikage ninja clan's swordsmith, Zartan actually learned his impressive martial arts skills elsewhere. He can use them to attack with his Agility, catch thrown weapons, and to reduce falling damage inflicted on his person.

Martial Arts Weapons: though he prefers to utilize his bow in combat (as he's so darn good with it), Zartan is well-versed in the use of just about any exotic melee weapon, such as nunchaku, sais, or even oriental swords.

Military: while he has extensive military training, it is unknown what nation sponsored this master of disguise in his early days (though it's believed to be European). Zartan can, if necessary, interpret military commands and lead a body of fighting men (or women).

Calling:

Originally, Zartan's calling toggled between Thrill-Seeker and Greed, as he would often only take a job to prove he could accomplish the deed - though occasionally it was because it offered a lot of loot, as well. Later, after he gained his inner peace, Zartan shifted into a Repentant mode, trying to make up for his many dark deeds somehow.

Costume:

Zartan's first costume primarily consists of black boots, gloves, and a black belt, coupled with a black painted mask over his eyes. He also wears a brown cowl over his head, and brown pants. Furthermore, he has special chest and thigh pads that house his holographic disguise technology.

Later on, Zartan eventually switched to a more... outrageous outfit. It basically consisted of a black leather vest with red chain around the arm holes, and green pants. He also wore a black arm bracer and blue-black climbing boots, and ditched the cowl, exposing his bright orange mohawk.

After the Cobra group was renewed once more, Zartan adopted a uniform similar to his first. It consists of a brown cowl, a brown pair of trousers, a black leather belt, boots, gloves, and a presumably bullet-proof black kevlar vest. Of course, this costume also has Zartan's disguise tech built in...

As these things usually go, though, Zartan didn't stick to one uniform for long. His forth outfit includes a torn open black T-shirt with green shoulder guards strapped on, red trousers, gray gloves, gray boots with dark green ankle guards, a black belt, black belt pouches, a black mask, and a black cowl.

Zartan's fifth uniform comes in tacky Dreadnok colors. It consists of gray trousers, a brown, torn T-shirt on top of a black tank top with green shoulder guards, gray trousers, gray boots with green ankle guards, black gloves, a brown belt with a Dreadnok belt buckle, brown pouches, a black mask, and a brown cowl.

Personality:

Supposedly, Zartan is an extreme paranoid schizophrenic, and has himself claimed to possess droves of differing personalities. However, this doesn't seem to be the case, as he demonstrates a level of cool-headedness that one simply couldn't reach by being a terminal mental case.

It is more likely that this master of disguise simply says this to confuse and befuddle would-be enemies. Unless, of course, Zartan is simply hiding his madness under a masterful personality mask of his own devising. With him, it's impossible to tell, and we may never know.

However, regardless of his mental state, it is important to note that, once Zartan sets his mind towards a goal (good or evil), there is nothing that can stand in the way of his success - he's very, very stubborn. Using charm, guile, or brute force, he will do anything to get his way. Anything.

Real Name: unknown
Occupation: assassin, mercenary
Legal Status: citizen of France with a criminal record there and in many other nations
Marital Status: single
Alias(es), if any: Zartan has posed as innumerable folks over the years
Group Affiliation: the Dreadnoks, Cobra (on and off again)

Height: 5' 10
Hair: orange
Eyes: green
Weight: 170 lbs
Other Distinguishing Characteristics: it has been noted that Zartan looks just a little bit different each time you see him.

Story:

Notorious as a 'cosmic biker hit-man', the man known only as Zartan is supposedly of European origin, but plied his trade globally as both an assassin and a master of disguise. Having such a reputation, it was only a matter of time before the man who would become the original Cobra Commander, insane with grief, hired Zartan to kill the man he believed responsible for his brother's death.

This man, going by the alias Snake-Eyes, was a long range recon patrol soldier in the Vietnam war, and was currently being trained in the ninja arts thanks to the Arashikage ninja clan. Thinking this a challenge worthy of his talents, Zartan packed up and made for Japan, where he worked towards infiltrating the ninja clan. However, he quickly discovered that this was impossible.

So, looking for a 'back door' into the clan, so to speak, Zartan attempted to become the apprentice of Professor Onihashi, the clan's swordsmith, and kneeled outside the man's gate for six straight months, rain or shine. Impressed by this, the Professor interviewed Zartan in his gardens, where he could clearly see the bad karma that suffused his being.

Nonetheless, Onihashi decided to take Zartan in, hoping to temper his spirit as the men worked on a special commission for the Arashikage clan. The very next day, the two men made their way to Onihashi's forge, and started work on a unique blade for the Arashikage clan. When it was done, Zartan marveled at the perfection that the sword demonstrated, and felt at peace.

No longer feeling the need to kill Snake-Eyes, Zartan only wanted to help the old man make swords. However, this was not to be, for the Cobra Commander tracked Zartan down, and threatened to expose him to Onihashi as the assassin he was if he didn't fulfill the contract on Snake-Eyes. So, fearing the loss of his perfection, Zartan did the only thing he could - kill the American.

Stealing an arrow from another Arashikage ninja, Storm Shadow, Zartan used a sound amplified targeter on his bow, intending to kill Snake-Eyes before he knew what hit him. However, just then the clan lord, the Hard Master, was demonstrating the Cloak of the Chameleon, a technique to imitate the very sounds of another, such as breathing patterns, etc..., and Zartan accidentally killed him, instead.

He had been imitating Snake-Eyes.

Returning to the forge, Zartan found Professor Onihashi dead, having taken his own life in shame for what he allowed to happen. With Onihashi dead, Zartan had lost everything he ever wanted, and went completely over the edge. A broken man, he fell into a spree of criminal activity, and eventually became the leader of a rag-tag band of bikers known as the Dreadnoks.

These reprobates worked with Zartan as he fulfilled various contracts for Cobra Commander and others, working from their Florida Everglades hideout to ransack various people, places, and things all over America. Eventually, various Cobra high-ups made their way to his base as they fled from members of the G.I. Joe team, and asked for the master of disguise's help.

This aid caused his Florida base to be compromised, and in retaliation, Zartan sought out the secret location of the G.I. Joe headquarters. He failed in that, though he did manage to locate the Joe airfield, secreted within McGuire A.F.B., and he and the Dreadnoks tore apart much of the Joe's air power before they were forced off of the premises.

Zartan eventually managed to find the Joe base when he replaced the G.I. Joe H.A.L.O. jumper, Ripcord, when the man illegally landed on Cobra Island, the sovereign state recently created in the Gulf of Mexico by Cobra Commander. When his team-mates came to save him, they inadvertently dragged Zartan off to their base, believing him to be Ripcord.

Once in their base, Zartan attempted to flee, but in a wounded state (Ripcord shot him up before Zartan could take him down), was easily defeated by new Joe Sgt. Slaughter. Zartan was eventually freed by his Dreadnoks (aided by his siblings, Zandar and Zarana), as one of them had already figured out where the Joe base was - it was under a minor military base on Long Island.

Zartan hung around to participate in several Cobra operations over the next few years, working for both Cobra Commander and Serpentor, who took the Commander's place when he was thought dead for a time, until shortly after the Cobra Civil War, where a false Cobra Commander appeared and deposed Serpentor - thanks to Zartan slaying the genetic construct as he was about to win the fight.

Shortly after this, Zartan went to kill Storm Shadow, who had been hunting him for years, even though the ninja had supposedly dropped his grudge against Zartan for framing him for the Hard Master's death. The two fought on the streets of San Francisco, though Zartan supposedly died when his car veered off the Golden Gate Bridge.

Zartan survived, however, and was tracked down by the Blind Master, another Arashikage master, who didn't forgive him for his black deeds in the past. The blind ninja had almost killed Zartan, when his student saw him about to kill a man, and freaked out. When he went to comfort his student, Zartan took advantage of the moment, and struck out against the Blind Master - lethally.

With his dying breath, the Blind Master revealed that Professor Onihashi had forgiven Zartan for his murderous deeds, and this shook Zartan so badly that he renounced his criminal ways. In order to make up for the damage he had done, Zartan took the guise of the Blind Master, and continued to teach his student in the ways of the ninja. He did this for months, until he returned to Cobra Island.

Zartan went there with Billy, the original Cobra Commander's son, and Tyrone, his erstwhile student, to expose the new Commander as an impostor. When they confronted the fake Commander about his true identity, the real Cobra Commander returned, and sealed them, along with several other Cobra agents he thought traitors, in the land-locked freighter on Cobra Island.

The Commander then sealed that within the island volcano.

However, this wasn't the end of Zartan's story, as he and Billy managed to escape from this live burial by digging their way out with the help of some partially functional B.A.T. robots. However, everybody else entombed within the volcano died of botulism - a fate that the Commander found amusing when he investigated the escape tunnel Zartan and Billy made.

Having nowhere else to go, the two ninjas made their way to the home of Destro and the Baroness, two other expatriate Cobra operatives, and stayed with them for several years, combining their forces as they battled with Cobra Commander on various fronts - usually because Cobra Commander wanted Destro's palace, a facility he had enhanced with Transformer technology!

Eventually reaching a stalemate, Cobra Commander had a resurrected Dr. Mindbender activate several mind control chips he had implanted within Zartan and Destro long ago, and turned them once again to Cobra service. The Commander eventually got the others, as well, in addition to Storm Shadow, who had come to investigate why Zartan and the others had rejoined Cobra.

Zartan continued on in Cobra's service, if unwillingly, performing various assassinations meant to destabilize the nations surrounding Cobra's own Borovia, a eastern European country they'd recently taken over. Zartan continued in this state for quite a while. In fact, when Cobra went under for awhile, he formed the Dreadnoks into a national biker gang comparable to the Hells' Angels.

Since then, he's been content to run his little criminal empire, but once Cobra Commander got his act back together and reformed Cobra, Zartan was inexorably drawn into Cobra's sphere of influence yet again. Whether this state of affairs will persist once Zartan's mind control chips eventually fail, as they eventually will (as was revealed after the end of the second series) remains to be seen.