Z is for Zebra-Man

Their have been at least four characters to use the name Zebra-Man. The original has an ability called Diamagnetism, which allows him to repel and attract anything but metal. The original was a Batman villain. While fighting Zebra-Man, Batman was bombarded with the same radiation that gave the villain his power. Later the villainous corporation Kobra creates their own Zebra-Man to gain control of Stagg Enterprises. This one also used Diamagnetism. The New 52 introduced another version who ends up taking the moniker Vortex. This version also had super strength.  

I'm going to talk about the latest Zebra-Man, though to be honest there isn't much to say. At one point he was a member of Cheetah's animal-themed team of villains, the Menagerie (which also included Weasel). After that he joined the anti-Task Force X group, the Revolutionaries. This group was seen as terrorists by some and revolutionaries by others. He was later brought in as a member of the Suicide Squad, where he served as the body guard to Amanda Waller's replacement Lok. He was an odd character, but kind of interesting.

Code Name: Zebra-Man

Real Name: Unknown

Team Affiliations: Task Force X, Revolutionaries, Menagerie 

Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil 

Armor Class: 12 (Dex)

Hit Points: 52 (8d8+16)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 3 (700 XP)

Str 16 (+3) Dex 14 (+2) Con 14 (+2) Int 10 (+0) Wis 16 (+3) Cha 10 (+0)

Saving Throws: Dex +4

Skills: Perception +2, Survival +2

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12

Languages: Understands but can't speak English

Trait

Diamagnetism: Zebra-Man has can magnetically manipulate items other than metal and create a forcefield around himself and others in a manner similar to innate magic. His ability for this is Wisdom (save DC 13) He can using the following spell, requiring no material components:

At will: Mage Hand (Only affects non-metal things), Thunderwave, Sanctuary 

3/day: Telekinesis (Only affects non-metal things), Globe of Invulnerability (Only affects non-metal things)

Actions

Multiattack: Zebra-Man makes two unarmed attacks.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack. +5  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) bludgeoning damage. 

Y is for Yo-Yo

 Chang Jie-Ru, otherwise known as Yo-Yo is a stretchy villain that was offered time in the Suicide Squad to "shave years off of his sentence." Unlike other elastic characters, he also has superhuman strength. During a mission to put down a riot at Belle Reve, he was eaten by King Shark and presumed dead. However, Yo-Yo survived and when Nanaue was knocked out, Yo-Yo was able to escape into the sewers. He was later reinstated into the team and even lead a mission to take out his sister, the villainous Red Orchid.

Because he survived inside King Shark's stomach I'm going to give him acid resistance. 

Code Name: Task Force X

Real Name: Chang Jie-Ru

Team Affiliations: Task Force X

Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil

Armor Class: 14 (Natural Armor)

Hit Points: 65 (10d8+20)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 4 (1,100 XP)

Str 20 (+5) Dex 14 (+2) Con 14 (+2) Int 12 (+1) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 10 (+0)

Saving Throws: Str +8, Con +5

Skills: Athletics +8, Sleight of Hand +5, Stealth +5

Damage Resistances: Acid, Bludgeoning

Senses: passive Perception 11

Languages: Chinese, English 

Traits

Rubber Body: Yo-Yo can occupy another creature's space and vice versa. He can move through any opening large enough penny to fit through. He can stretch his limbs up to 15 ft.

Actions 

Actions

Multiattack: Yo-Yo makes three Unarmed attacks

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack +8 to hit, reach 15 ft., (one target) Hit 8 (1d8+5) bludgeoning or slashing damage.

Constrict: Melee Weapon Attack: +8 to hit, reach 15 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) bludgeoning damage. The target is grappled (escape DC 18). Until this grapple ends, the creature is restrained and the Yo-Yo can't constrict another target.

Bonus Actions

Size Alteration: Yo-Yo can change his size to small, medium, or large.

Music Monday - Rain

While my last April Music Monday still fits with the A-Z theme, it's actually from Gunn's The Suicide Squad and not Ayer's Suicide Squad. I really enjoy the song and I love that the artists inserted themselves into the movie.

The Guardians of Planet Express

Good news everyone, this Furturama/Guardians of the Galaxy piece exists! This is another fantastic Marcelo Ventura piece.

X is for XXX Franchise

The only Suicide Squad member with a name that starts with X I could find is Xavi, a convict give the Blaze Treatment that appeared in two issues of the three part Black Label Suicide Squad: Blaze miniseries. He's introduced in the first issue and killed in the second. I honestly don't even really understand his powers. That's why I had to go a different route.

It's not a great film, but I love XXX. I remember watching it in theaters with a group of friends. I decided to check it out again the other day and came to a realization. What Samuel L. Jackson's character, Augustus Gibbons, does in that movie is essentially what Amanda Waller does with Task Force X. He takes bad people (at least in the traditional sense) and uses them to fight the bad guys on behalf of the United States government. That sounds really familiar doesn't it? Seriously check out this dialogue from the flick.

----------

Gibbons: Sir, I think its time we tried something new.

NSA Agent: The guys aren't ours. Who are they? CIA?

Gibbons: No, civilians. Convicts, mercs, contract killers. The best and the brightest of the bottom of the barrel. 

NSA Agent: They are the scum of the earth.

Gibbons: They're programable, expendable, and they work. I think it's our best shot. Do we want to drop another mouse in the snake pit? Or do we went to send out own snake and let him crawl in?

----------

There are three movies in the franchise. In the US the first two are streaming (as of the time of this post) on MAX and the third is on Paramount+.

In the original XXX, extreme sports fanatic Xander Cage is forcibly recruited by NSA higher up, August Gibbons to infiltrate a terrorist group called Anarchy 99 in Eastern Europe. He works with NSA techno-genius Toby Lee Shavers and falls in love with Anarchy 99 member (and secret agent), Yelena. This is the original and my favorite. It's targeted towards the early 00's male teen demographic, but I was a male teen in the early 00's so I was cool with that. I thought Yelena (played by Dario Argento's daughter Asia) was super hot and Xander was just cool. Danny Trejo has a very minor role as a Colombian Cartel torturer. Of course he gets killed, because Trejo will only play a villain if they get killed for their actions. Thinking back on it now, Jackson's Gibbons is an early version of what his MCU Nick Fury would be. I also want to point out that the song that plays during the credits, Adrenaline by Bush's Gavan Rossdale is a fantastic song.

In the sequel, XXX: State of the Union, the xXx command center is attacked and most of the personal are killed (with the exception of Shavers and Gibbons). It's also reported that Xander Cage has been killed. Gibbons and Shavers go rogue (because they realize it's an inside job) and break Darius Stone, played by Ice Cube), a former Navy Seal who served with Gibbons and is doing 20 years in Leavenworth for disobeying orders and breaking the jaw of a four-star general. Who plays the four-star general? Why that would be iconic actor, Willem Dafoe. Dafoe's General Deckert is planning a coup and Stone, the new xXx has to take him down. He is aided by some friends from his past, played by Xzibit and Marvin Gaye's daughter Nona. as well as NSA Agent Kyle Steele, played by Scott Speedman.

In the most recent film, XXX: Return of Xander Cage, it's revealed that (surprise) Xander is still alive. He's recruited by CIA agent Jane Marke, played by the outstanding Toni Collette) to find a device called Pandora's Box that is a threat to the entire world. Xander recruits a team of friends to retrieve the device from Xiang, played by Donnie Yen, and his team. This movie is even more over the top than the original, but it was fun as Hell. The cast is also a who's who of awesome actors (and one who was later tried and convicted of serial rape...). My favorite of thse folks are Ruby Rose, Tony Jaa, and Rory McCann. Oh and I adored the ditzy, pervy tech expert Becky, played by Nina Dobrev. 

----------

If I were to include XXX and Task Force X in the same setting I'd say that Gibbons got the idea for xXx from Amanda Waller and that the two teams have a friendly rivalry. To be honest, I think an undercover Deadshot would be a great addition to XXX.

----------

Code Name: xXx

Real Name: Xander Cage

Team Affiliations: XXX program

Medium Humanoid, Chaotic Good

Armor Class: 14 (Dex)

Hit Points:  60 (8d8+24)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 4 (1,100 XP)

Str 18 (+4) Dex 18 (+4) Con 16 (+3) Int 12 (+1) Wis 10 (+2) Cha 14 (+2)

Saving Throws: Dex +7, Con +6

Skills:  Acrobatics +7, Athletics +7, Deception +5, Intimidation +5, Persuasion +5, Stealth +7

Proficiencies: Explosives, Land Vehicles, Air Vehicles, Water Vehicles

Senses: passive Perception 15

Languages: English, Russian, Spanish

Traits

Evasion: When subjected to an effect that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, Xander instead takes no damage if he succeeds on a saving throw, and only half if he fails.

I Live For This Shit!: Xander has advantage on all Strength (Athletics) and Dexterity (Acrobatics) skill checks. He also has advantage on all Vehicle related skill checks. He has resistance to bludgeoning damage caused by falls or vehicle accidents. 

Actions

Multiattack: Xander can make three unarmed attacks or two .

Unarmed : Melee Weapon Attack. +7  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d4+4) bludgeoning damage.

XXX Field Revolver: Ranged Weapon Attack. +7 to hit, range 90/270 ft., one target, Hit: 14 (3d6+4) piercing damage. (6 shots before reload, alternate ammo)

• Datura Knockout Darts - Hit: 1 piercing damage and target must make a Constitution Saving Throw (DC 14) or fall unconscious for 8 hour or until forcefully woken up.
• Tranquilizer and Blood Splatter Darts - Hit: 1 piercing damage and target must make a Constitution Saving Throw (DC 14) or fall unconscious for 1 hour and appears to have been shot with a kill shot. 
• Radio Surveillance Darts - These darts do no damage but have a microphone that transmits radio sounds up to three miles away
• Exploding Darts - Hit: 25 (6d6+4) bludgeoning damage.

Equipment: XXX Field Revolver, 4 Datura Knockout Darts, 4 Tranquilizer and Blood Splatter Darts, 4 Radio Surveillance Darts, 4 Exploding Darts, 24 44. Caliber Rounds, Eagle Eyes (tech goggles with nine visions modes, including night vision [darkvsion 60'] and penetrator mode [acts as Ring of X-Ray Vision]).

Fuccubus Friday - Autumn Ivy

Autumn Ivy is one of my favorite cosplayers for reasons… 

W is for Weasel

The comic version of Weasel is John "Jack" Monroe. He was a student at Stanford and later taught at Vandemeer University. While at Stanford he was a classmate of Martin Stein (one half of Firestorm), though Stein didn't remember him. He wasn't a metahuman, but rather a serial killer in a weasel fursuit. This version was killed by Rick Flag using the Thinker's Cap.

I know the character more from The Suicide Squad. He is portrayed by James Gunn's younger brother, Sean Gunn. He isn't intelligent (he's licking the window when introduced). In fact most of the info we get for him is the following line from Flag (which cracked me up, btw), "Hey, hey! He's not a werewolf, he's a weasel! He's harmless! I mean, he's not harmless, he's killed 27 children, but, you know..." Though he appears to drown, we later see that he survived. Weasel (voiced by Gunn) will appear in the animated Creature Commando's project coming out. Gunn has stated we will learn more about the character in a Polygon interview.

I'm going to stat the film version, because it's my favorite.

Code Name: Weasel

Real Name: Unknown

Team Affiliations: Task Force X

Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil 

Armor Class: 12 (Dex)

Hit Points: 32 (5d8+10)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 1 (200 XP)

Str 16 (+3) Dex 14 (+2) Con 14 (+2) Int 6 (-2) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 7 (-2)

Saving Throws: Dex +4

Skills: Perception +2, Survival +2

Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 12

Languages: Understands but can't speak English

Trait

Did Anyone Check on Whether Weasel Could Swim?: Weasel, in fact, cannot swim. He has disadvantage on all Strength (Athletics) checks related to swimming.

Enhanced Hearing and Smell: Weasel has advantage on Wisdom (Perception and Survival) checks that rely on hearing and smell.

Rampage: When Weasel reduces a creature to 0 hit points with a melee attack on his turn, he can take a bonus action move up to half his speed and make a bite attack.

Weasel Lungs: Weasel has a a different respiratory system than humans and is able to continue breathing even after swallowing large amounts of water and appearing passed out. Intelligence (Medicine) checks to get his vitals during times like this are done with Disadvantage.

Actions

Multiattack: Weasel makes two claw and one bite attack.

Claw: Melee Weapon Attack. +5  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) slashing damage. 

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack. +5  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+3) piercing damage.

Xenohulk

Enjoy this xenomorph art by berzerkartwerk for Alien Day.

V is for (Count) Vertigo

There have been a few versions of Count Vertigo. The primary version is Werner Vertigo (later comics name him Werner Zytle). He is a noble from the tiny Eastern European nation of Vlatava. While he appears and an upstanding noble, he is often scheming (being involved in organized crime and in some versions plotting against his niece, the rightful heir to his nation's thrown).  Originally a Green Arrow foe, Count Vertigo has been on a few incarnations of the Suicide Squad (and appeared in the animated Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay flick). 

Two different versions of Vertigo appeared in Arrow. I didn't watch much of the series, but I guess the characters were supplied a drug called Vertigo.

Code Name: Count Vertigo

Real Name: Werner Vertigo

Team Affiliations: Task Force X, Long Bow Hunters, Secret Society of Super-Villains, Checkmate

Medium Humanoid, Lawful Evil 

Armor Class: 13 (Costume, Dex)

Hit Points: 65 (8d8+16)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 3 (700 XP)

Str 14 (+2) Dex 14 (+2) Con 14 (+2) Int 13 (+1) Wis 13 (+1) Cha 16 (+3)

Saving Throws: Cha +5, Wis +3

Skills: Deception +5, Perception +3, Persuasion +5

Senses: passive Perception 13

Languages: English, Vlatavan

Trait

Vertigo Effect: Count Vertigo has several meta abilities that function similarly to innate magic. His ability for this is Charisma (save DC 13) He can using the following spell, requiring no material components:

At will: Hold Person (1 target)

2/day: Crown of Madness, Fear, Hold Person (3 targets)

3/day: Dissonant Whispers, Hold Person  (2 targets)

Magnetic Boots: Count Vertigo wears magnetic boots that allow him to walk on walls and ceilings. 

Actions

Multiattack: Count Vertigo can make two attacks. 

Rapier: Melee Weapon Attack. +4  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8+2) piercing damage.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack. +4  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4+2) bludgeoning damage.

Bonus Action

Disrupt Attack: When being attacked Count Vertigo can disrupt his attacker's balance causing them to have disadvantage on the attack. He must be aware of the attack.

The Spider (2024)

About a month ago I shared the trailer for a Spider-Man horror fan film starring The Walking Dead's Chandler Riggs. I really enjoyed this short and I'm glad to see they went the direction I was hoping. While the film features Peter, is the first on screen depiction of the Mark of Kaine. The I'm going to include stats with this one, but I'm going to put them after the flick's posters, to help avoid spoilers until you've finished watching. 

“The Spider”

Real Name: Peter Parker

Medium Humanoid (Spider-Person), Neutral Evil 

Armor Class: 16 (Dex)

Hit Points: 38 (8d8+32)

Speed: 30 ft., Climbing 30 ft/ Fly (web-swinging) 60 ft

Challenge: 3 (450 XP)

Str 18 (+4) Dex 22 (+6) Con 18 (+4) Int 16 (+3) Wis 10 (+0) Cha 8 (-1)

Saving Throws: Dex +8, Con +6

Skills: Acrobatics +8, Perception +2, Stealth +8, Survival +2

Senses: passive Perception 12

Languages: English

Trait

Evasion: The Spider can dodge out of the way of area of effect spells and attacks. When subjected to one that allows him to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, he takes no damage  instead if he succeeds and only half if he fails.

Organic Webbing: The Spider can shoot webbing from his wrists that he can use to do a variety of things, such as swinging and using Web. 

Spider-Climb: The Spider can climb difficult surfaces, including upside down on ceilings without having to make an ability check.

Spider-Sense: The Spider adds +4 to his Initiative checks and can't be surprised while he is conscious. Creatures that gain Advantage to attacks against him because of invisibility or stealth lose Advantage on those attacks.

Web Sense. While in contact with a web, the Spider knows the exact location of any other creature in contact with the same web.

Web Walker. The Spider ignores movement restrictions caused by webbing.

Actions

Mutliattack: The Spider can make two attacks: one with his bite and one with his claws.

Bite: Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., one creature. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 4) piercing damage plus 4 (1d8) poison damage. The target must succeed on a DC 11 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute. The creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

Claws: Melee Weapon Attack +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., (one target), Hit: 9 (2d4+4) slashing damage.

Mark of Kaine (Recharge 5-6): Melee Weapon Attack +6 to hit, reach 5 ft., (one target), Hit: 9 (2d4+4) slashing damage. The target must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 14). On a failed save they are incapacitated for 6 (1d6+4) rounds.

Web (Recharge 6): This is treated as a non-magical version the Web spell. This ability's save DC is 14.

U is for Unknown Soldier

Named after the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery, there have been characters that went by the codename Unknown Soldier in DC Comics. The original was a master of disguise that fought Nazis (and had a tell for those looking for him because he would scratch when wearing his disguises).

The version I'm going to be talking about was first introduced in the New 52, this Unknown Soldier appeared in backup stories in GI Combat. He was an American fighting in Afghanistan. Sometime after that series he was recruited by Amanda Waller into the Suicide Squad. However, this wasn't Waller, but actually Thinker in disguise. He has undergone a special procedure called A.M.M.O. (Advanced Military Medical Operations) that gives him enhanced agility and durability. He is faster than Deadshot and has survived being buried in an explosion and being shot point black in the head. He also has night vision, accelerated healing, and all of the memories and skills of the previous Unknown Soldiers.

Code Name: Unknown Soldier

Real Name: Unknown

Team Affiliations: Task Force X, US Army

Medium Humanoid, Lawful Neutral

Armor Class: 16 (Natural Armor)

Hit Points:  85 (10d8+40)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)

Str 18 (+4) Dex 20 (+5) Con 18 (+4) Int 12 (+1) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 18 (+4)

Saving Throws: Con +7, Str +7

Skills:  Athletics +7, Deception +7, Intimidation +7, Perception +5, Persuasion +7, Stealth +8, Survival +5

Proficiencies: Disguise Kit, Explosives, Land Vehicles, Air Vehicles, Water Vehicles

Damage Resistance: Bludgeoning, Slashing, Piercing from Non-Magical Sources

Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 15

Languages: English, Persian (Dari Dialect), Arabic, German, Russian, French, Italian, Spanish

Traits

Cunning Action: On each of his turns, Unknown Soldier can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Engage, or Hide action.

Past Incarnation Memory: Unknown Soldier can call on the memories and skills of his previous incarnations. This is reflected in his proficiencies and languages.

Regeneration: Unknown Soldier regains 5 hit points at the start of his turn. This trait doesn't function when King Shark reaches 0 hit points, though he automatically stabilizes.

Actions

Multiattack: Unknown Soldier can make two attacks.

Combat Knife: Melee Weapon Attack. +7  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d6+4) piercing damage.

Combat Knife: Ranged Weapon Attack. +8  to hit, range 20/60 ft, one target. Hit: 8 (1d6+5) piercing damage.

Semiautomatic Rifle: Ranged Weapon Attack. +8 to hit, range 90/270 ft., one target, Hit: 18 (3d8+5) piercing damage. (30 shots before reload)

T is for the Thinker

There are two incarnations of the Thinker that have connections to the Suicide Squad.

In the comics, Cliff Carmichael is the second villain to take the moniker of the Thinker. He was originally a Firestorm villain. Well technically he started as a rival and bully of Ronnie Raymond (one half of Firestorm). He was eventually committed to a mental institution after accidentally paralyzing his cousin. For unknown reasons scientists experimented on him with the original Thinker's cap, turning him into the second Thinker. This cap is a powerful device and even corrupts the noble Rick Flag on one mission.  This is the version that has served on the Suicide Squad a few times. He was seemingly killed on a few missions. He eventually returned as a cyborg, before being killed again.

The Thinker of the The Suicide Squad is quite different. He's a degenerate Scottish scientist, played by the amazing Peter Capaldi. He works in Corto Maltese, where he continues the Nazi science experiments at Jötunheim and tries to weaponize Starro the Conqueror. 

Going to give stats for the DCEU Thinker and comics' Thinker's Cap.

--------------

Code Name: The Thinker 
Real Name: Gaius Grieves

Team Affiliations: American Government, Corto Maltese Government

Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil 

Armor Class: 11 (Dex)

Hit Points: 52 (8d8)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Str 10 (+1) Dex 12 (+1) Con 12 (+1) Int 24 (+7) Wis 18 (+4) Cha 14 (+2)

Saving Throws: Int +9, Wis +6

Skills: Advanced Tech +9, History +9,  Medicine +9, Insight +6, Nature +9, Parapsychology +9

Senses: passive Perception 14

Languages: English, Spanish

Trait

Absolute Degenerate: Gaius is a true pervert and cannot be shocked or disgusted by any form of sexual deviancy. 

Brain Enhancers: The electrical diodes and antennas in his head are connected to his brain and enhance his intelligent. If they are suppressed or turned off (such as when affected by an EMP), his intelligence decreases to 18. 

Cunning Action: On each of his turns, Thinker can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Engage, or Hide 

Actions

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack. +3  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4+1) bludgeoning damage.

The following item uses the advanced tech/magic item rules from Carbide City #2.

Thinker's Cap

Wondrous Item, legendary 

The Thinker's Cap increases the intelligence of anyone wearing it to 24. It grants the wielder the ability to cast several charm and telekinetic spells (though these abilities are not considered magical in nature). The Thinker's cap has 8 charges. It regains 1d6+1 charges daily at dawn. If the last charge is expended the Cap automatically gains temporary control over the wearer.  While 

Spells: You can use an action to expend 1 or more of the Cap's charges to cast one of the following spells/abilities from it, using a spell DC save of 17: charm person (1 charge), comprehend languages (1 charge), dominate person (5 charges), fear (3 charges),  hold monster (5 charges), hold person (2 charges), magic missile (1-5 charges), mind blast [see below] (4 charges),  or telekinesis (5 charges)

Mind Blast: The Thinker's Cap emits psychic energy in a 60 foot cone. Each creature in the area must succeed a DC 17 Intelligence saving throw or take 25 (4d8+7) psychic damage and be stunned for 1 minute. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success. 

The Cap is sentient. It has the following stats: Int 24, Wis 18, and Cha 14. It is Lawful Evil and communicates telepathically with is wearer. It has the same senses of the creature wearing it. It seeks to continue the aims of the Thinker and will do anything to accomplish these goals.

S is for Support Staff

Today I thought I'd talk about some of the Squad's support staff. There are spoilers from the Max Peacemaker series. I try to mention both comic and DCEU versions if possible. Going to do this one a little different. Below you'll find generic support staff stats. These will be followed by a pic and background on the characters. I will also give suggestions on changes you can make to the generic stats.

Generic Suicide Squad Support Staff 

Medium Humanoid, Any (normally Lawful Good, Lawful Neutral, or Neutral Good)

Armor Class: 12 (Bullet Proof Vest, Dex)

Hit Points: 16 (3d8+3)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 1 (200 XP)

Str 13 (+1) Dex 12 (+1) Con 12 (+1) Int 16 (+3) Wis 13 (+1) Cha 12 (+1)

Saving Throws: Wis +3

Skills: Perception +3, Insight +3

Senses: passive Perception 13

Languages: English

Actions

Multiattack: Support Staff can make two melee or ranged attacks.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack. +3  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 3 (1d4+1) bludgeoning damage.

Pistol: Ranged Weapon Attack. +3 to hit, range 50/150 ft., one target, Hit: 8 (2d6+1) piercing damage. (15 round clip)

---------------------------------------

In the comics, John Economos is the warden of Belle Reve. He can be clumsy and is sometimes used for humor in the stories, but ultimately he's a good guy. It's noted a few times that despite their situation, the villains on the Squad tend to like John because he's a good and fair man. The DCEU version of a snarky, but well-meaning, aid to Waller. He's a tech guy and medic (when needed). 

Stat Adjustments: increase Int to 16, increase Wis and Cha to 14, add Medicine and Persuasion skill proficiencies, add Computer tool proficiency

Emilia Harcourt is a government agent that worked with Amanda Waller and A.R.G.U.S./Task Force X. She's a no-nonsense, investigator, spy, and mission coordinator. The comic version is more sinister, having betrayed the team while working for the terrorist organization The People.

Stat Adjustments: add 2d8 hit dice, increase Str and Dex to 16 and Cha to 14, add Deception, Intimidation, Stealth, and Sleight of Hand skill proficiencies

Briscoe is the pilot and main mechanic for Task Force X. He's a man with demons, having lost his daughter Sheba. He transported the Squad to their missions and saved the day a few times. He was killed while on a mission on Apokolips. 

Stat Adjustments: add Advanced Tech skill proficiency, add Mechanic tool proficiency, add air vehicle proficiency 

Florence "Flo" Crawley is a naïve and optimistic mission coordinator and computer tech in the comics. Sadly she is killed while on a mission to Apokolips. In The Suicide Squad she was part of the mission team that rebelled against Waller and helped the Squad save Corto Malteze from Starro the Conqueror. She knocked Waller out during that incident and according to Gunn she's serving prison time for it (which is why she isn't in Peacemaker). 

Stat Adjustments: increase Int to 18, add Advanced Tech skill proficiency, add Computer tool proficiency

Leota Adebayo (née Waller) is an original Gunn creation for Peacemaker. The daughter of Amanda Waller, before the series Adebayo lived with her wife, Keeya, and worked at a dog shelter in Gotham. After losing her job, he mother offered her a position in Project Butterfly. Despite the secret she hid from her team, she was one of the more kind members. She can be just as manipulative as her mother, but shows remorse when doing so (like when she got Vigilante to try to kill Peacemaker's father). She also used the human torpedo helmet and saved the day.

Stat Adjustments: increase Cha to 18, add Deception and Persuasion skill proficiencies

Another character created for the Peacemaker series, Clemson Murn was a mercenary and bad, bad man (gaining a reputation that was even known by someone like Peacemaker). Hailing from the the country of Nyasir. This reputation eventually garnered the attention of Amanda Waller who used Murn to do some missions. At some point he was possessed by a Butterfly named Ik Nobe Llok who killed him and took over his body. The Butterfly felt great remorse at this because it stole Murn's chance of redemption. He was eventually killed by the Butterfly queen, Eek Stack Ik Ik.

Stat Adjustments: Murn is a special case, for now I'd say just use the same adjustments I gave for Harcourt. I will stat out the Butterflies soon and give him a proper individual  write-up.

Father Richard Craemer was the chaplain at Belle Reve Penitentiary. He offered guidance (spiritual and psychological) to the team and was respected by everyone. After leaving this position he eventually became the friend and spiritual leader of the Spectre's mortal host, Jim Corrigan. 

Stat Adjustments: increase Wis to 18 and Cha to 16, add Persuasion and Religion skill proficiencies,  he also gains the following action:

Spiritual Guidance: Father Craemer's rhetoric allows any friendly character within 30 feet that can hear him to immediately make a saving throw to end the effect of being controlled, charmed, or frightened. He may not use this ability again until he takes a short or long rest.

While not an actual support staff member, it felt like a disservice to not mention the Suicide Squad's ride. Briscoe named the Squad's primary transport after his deceased daughter. In the comics Sheba was heavily armed and Briscoe could active it by voice. It was created by Ferris Aircraft. Not going to go stat the helicopter out, but wanted to mention her. 

Happy Earth Day

Have a happy Earth Day with this art from Marcelo Ventura…

Music Monday - Gangsta

Ayer's Suicide Squad soundtrack included the song Gangsta by Kehlani.

While I like the original version (despite hating the Harley/Joker pairing), I'm a big fan of New Years Day's cover and video of the track. I have a major crush on Ash Costello and thought she looked like New 52 Harley Quinn even before watching this video. I also dig the rest of the band dressed as other Batman rogues. 

The Power Puff Girls All Grown Up

Not going to lie, I really love Marcelo Ventura’s grown up Power Puff Girls and more adult version of HIM. Definitely a lot edgier than the one in X-Factor.

Insert Lame Pot Joke Here

This will be a quick one but I wanted to share. DM Dave’s Facebook posted some previews of a 4/20 themed adventure today, Weed Monster Spire. 5e Stats for the ritual Weed Monster were posted and can be seen below. Support him on Patreon to unlock the adventure. Details can be found here. 

The monster would be great to use as minions of a Poison Ivy-esque villain. I might need to update Reefer King.

R is for Rick Flag

In most iterations of the character, Rick Flag Jr. is the voice of reason and moral compass of the Suicide Squad. He's done some awful things while following orders, like many special forces soldiers, but ultimately he's a good man who does what's right. He genuinely cares for the villains and soldiers under his command and isn't afraid to call Waller out. He's a tragic character that has many physical and mental scars from his time serving his country.

Rick Flag Jr. has appeared in a few tv series, films, and video games. My favorite version is Joel Kinnamen's. Even though he's a dick in Ayer's Suicide Squad, I loved him. The version in Gunn's The Suicide Squad was perfect (and broke my heart).

Code Name: - 

Real Name: Richard "Rick" Roger Flag Jr.

Team Affiliations: Task Force X, US Army, Navy Seals, US Air Force

Medium Humanoid, Neutral Good

Armor Class: 15(Armored Vest, Dex)

Hit Points:  78 (12d8+24)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 5 (1,800 XP)

Str 16 (+3) Dex 16 (+3) Con 15 (+2) Int 14 (+2) Wis 17 (+3) Cha 14 (+2)

Saving Throws: Con +5, Str +5

Skills:  Athletics +5, Deception +4, Insight +5, Investigation +2, Perception +5, Persuasion +4, Stealth +5, Survival +5

Proficiencies: Land Vehicles, Air Vehicles, Water Vehicles, Explosives

Senses: passive Perception 15

Languages: English

Traits

Cunning Action: On each of his turns, Flag can use a bonus action to take the Dash, Engage, or Hide action.

No Soldier Gets Left Behind: The first time an ally within 30 ft fails a Death saving throw, they may reroll it. This ability can't be used again until Pete takes a short rest.

Actions

Multiattack: Flag can make two attacks.

Combat Knife: Melee Weapon Attack. +5  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage.

Combat Knife: Ranged Weapon Attack. +5  to hit, range 20/60 ft, one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage.

Semiautomatic Rifle: Ranged Weapon Attack. +5 to hit, range 90/270 ft., one target, Hit: 16 (3d8+3) piercing damage. (30 shots before reload)

Bonus Action

Second Wind: Flag can draw on his stamina reserves to heal 1d10+12 hit points. He can't use this ability again until he takes a short or long rest. 

Trapped on a world that’s not his own, Colonel Rick Flag begins leading a new Suicide Squad of sorts. With the Thunderbolts, he finds himself trying to use some very bad people to do some good once again. 

Q is for Quartzite

Quartzite is a villain and member of Task Force X that's only made three appearances. She is recruited by Amanda Waller to replace Nightshade (who had left the team). She was a part of a team sent to capture Hawk (Sasha Martens) and Dove (Wiley Wolverman), who'd broke out of a US Airforce Base. She has dimensional travel, which I don't think is totally explained. Given her name I'm going to say that she can travel to and and from Gemworld.

Code Name: Quartzite

Real Name: Unknown

Team Affiliations: Task Force X

Medium Humanoid, Neutral Evil

Armor Class: 13(Costume, Dex)

Hit Points: 44 (8d8+8)

Speed: 30 ft.

Challenge: 2 (450 XP)

Str 10 (+0) Dex 12 (+1) Con 12 (+1) Int 12 (+1) Wis 14 (+2) Cha 16 (+3)

Saving Throws: Cha +5

Skills: Perception +4, Persuasion +5, Stealth +3

Senses: passive Perception 15

Languages: English

Actions

Multiattack: Quartzite can make two unarmed attacks.

Unarmed: Melee Weapon Attack. +2  to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 2 (1d4) bludgeoning damage.

Dimensional Travel: While on the material plane Quartzite can transport herself and up to four people touching her to a location on the Gemworld she can clearly visualize in her mind. While in Gemworld she can teleport herself and up to four people touching her to any location of Earth she can clearly visualize in her mind.

Fuccubus Friday - More Love For Karlach

I’ve featured content related to my favorite Faerunian cinnamon roll, Karlach before. Well a few weeks ago, Ring of Honor’s Athena dressed as her for a match at the Supercard of Honor.