THE SHADOW (Power Level 12)
Real Name: Michael Connors
Height / Weight: 6’ / 180 lbs.
Hair / Eyes: Black / Black
Place of Birth: Fremont, Nebraska (June 29, 1958 – May 20, 2008)
First Appearance: Vindicators #575
Biography: When the Vindicators disappeared off the face of the Earth, the newly elected Aurelius sought to replace them as swiftly as possible. With an arcane ritual he discerned the identity of the five destined to follow him in protecting the world. He also learned of how important a task he was assuming, as a darkness was about to spread over the globe…
That darkness was Eclipse, an organization devoted to holding the sun ransom. At their helm was Event Horizon, a man who through the marriage of science and mysticism had become a living black hole that slowly began to devour light. At his side was his most trusted right-hand man, the darkness-wielding swordsman known simply as the Shadow.
The newly assembled Vindicators were able to triumph over Event Horizon; the combined powers of the Aurelius and the young girl codenamed Halogen abolished the madman into nothingness. They believed their act had caused the end of Eclipse but all they had done was create a power vacuum that the Shadow quickly quelled.
Now the leader of Eclipse, the Shadow devoted his energy and resources to scheming against the world’s government. Ultimately the Vindicators defeated him and contained him in a prison where he was perpetually encased in an orb of light and all his furnishings were transparent to nullify the chance that he could generate a shadow.
NEW VINDICATORS: Radix Malorum Est Cupiditas – The Shadow spent years in Alcatraz until Justice’s attempt to break in and execute the criminals contained. When the power went off, the Shadow took advantage of the darkness and teleported away to parts unknown…
Following Chimera’s flight from Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Abaddon asked his son, the Shadow, to pose as the principal of the school for then-unknown reasons. It is now assumed it was likely to keep an eye on Magnus Loder, one of the few individuals capable of raising Atlantis from the ocean floor.
During the White War the Shadow took the katana Sanada Yukimura gave to Deimos and used it to end the existence of Samael and fulfill the samurai’s prophecy concerning the weapon slaying one of the Fallen.
NEW VINDICATORS: Absit Omen – The Shadow stayed by his father’s side; of Abaddon’s children only Apocatastasis ranked above him in the demon’s affection. He lovingly helped to assemble all the players needed in the ancient Nephilim’s revival and watched as the favorite son incapacitated their father upon his return.
Horrified by Apocatastasis’ actions, the Shadow began to loathe his half-brother more and more and began to plot against him…
NEW VINDICATORS: Para Bellum – He remained by Apocatastasis’ side throughout the Nephilim’s campaign, though it is assumed he did this to stay near Abaddon’s hollow husk. Upon the realization that Apocatastasis could heal fractured minds by mimicking Emmanuel Nikolaos’ Neo-Sapien powers the Shadow freed the healer in hopes that he could restore what Apocatastasis had robbed Abaddon of.
Whether or not he was successful has yet to be seen.
NEW VINDICATORS: Et Spe – The Shadow returned to Apocatastasis’ side mysteriously and encountered the Aurelius (Doctor Stephen White) first. The two old enemies clashed and, ultimately, it was the Shadow who triumphed. Before he could deal the finishing blow however, one of the Aurelius’ pupils (Fey) erupted into the tower of darkness and began to continue her master’s battle.
She two was bested and, once more, before he could execute his fallen opponents, a newcomer entered the fray. William Benson, armed with Mjolnir, joined the battle; Falkenburg also came to the Aurelius’ defense. As both men were accomplished swordsmen at the Shadow’s level a battle of blades began.
The Shadow hurriedly executed Falkenburg, perceiving him to be the true threat. He gloated to William Benson, pointing out how his spectral blades had crossed Curtana many times in the past and taunted the archeologist, citing that his talent paled in comparison. After running the human through with his blade, the Shadow proclaimed himself to be the greatest swordsman before being fatally shot by Falkenburg, having neglecting his enemy’s immortality…
STR 16 (+3), DEX 18 (+4), CON 16 (+3), INT 16 (+3), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 16 (+3)
SKILLS: Bluff 12 (+15), Intimidate 6 (+11), Knowledge (business) 5 (+8), Knowledge (civics) 5 (+8), Knowledge (current events) 5 (+8), Knowledge (history) 5 (+8), Knowledge (tactics) 5 (+8), Notice 8 (+10), Sense Motive 8 (+10), Sleight of Hand 5 (+11), Stealth 8 (+12)
FEATS: Accurate Attack, All-out Attack, Assessment, Attack Specialization (sword) 2, Attractive 1, Defensive Attack, Defensive Roll 4, Dodge Focus 4, Equipment 8, Improved Block 5, Improved Disarm, Improved Initiative 2, Inspire 2, Leadership, Master Plan, Minions 8 (fifty 45-point minions), Power Attack, Redirect, Sneak Attack 2, Takedown Attack 2, Taunt
POWERS: Concealment 1 (visual; Flaws: Limited [shadows, -1]), Hellfire Control 12 (Black; Dynamic Alternate Powers: Darkness Control [Alternate Powers: Dazzle {visual}, ESP {visual and auditory}, Teleport {Flaws: Medium (shadows, -1)}], Strike [twin blades; Power Feats: Mighty, Improved Critical, Split Attack]; Drawbacks: Noticeable [glowing black eyes, -1 point]), Super-Senses 2 (Darkvision)
COMBAT: Attack +6 (+10 sword), Grapple +9, Damage +3 (+15 twin blades), Defense +16 (+6 flat-footed), Knockback -3 (-1 flat-footed), Initiative +12
SAVES: Toughness +7 (+3 flat-footed), Fortitude +7, Reflex +8, Will +10
DRAWBACKS: Involuntary Transformation (hellfire beast, uncommon frequency, cannot resist, -4 points), Vulnerable (mithral, uncommon frequency, major intensity, -3 points)
Abilities 36 + Skills 18 + Feats 50 + Powers 31 + Combat 36 + Saves 16 – Drawbacks 7 = 180 points
