Master MASER, Supervillain (A to Z, M)

Oddly, I am drifting to superheroes for today.  Always fun to have more supervillains for the supporting cast.  As my friends know, I have a vast love for superheroes, especially the Silver Age “when heroes were heroes and villains had themes.”

Master MASER, Supervillain

Quote: You are nothing before the technological power of Master MASER!

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Description: Master MASER is encased from head to toe in a suit of powered armor, it is large and bulky but move with surprising speed when the batteries are working at full efficency.  It is a field grey with dark green highlights and the faceplace is reflective gold.  The armor can fly, clumsily, but at a strong pace once it gets going.

Master MASER appears confident to near arrogance but that is because he is an exceedingly careful planner.  Any superhero he encounters, he is likely to have researched extensively and prepared weapons and tactics to control the situation.

His secret identity is Mattäus Matzke, the son of a German Scientist “acquired” by Operation Paperclip and raised in the US.  He is brilliant, like his father, and he has been working on the USAF powered armor project.  Unbenounced to the US Government, he has been redirecting parts and technology to his private workshop.  He does not have any agenda beyond gaining wealth and finding a country without an extradition treaty to retire to.

Mattäus is an average fellow, easy to overlook behind his glasses and lab coat, his has been careful to make sure his is recognized as valuable but not vital so he his not watched as closely as the “stars” of the program, stars that he make sure certain that they look good.

Background: Mattäus barely remembers the Third Reich as he was five when it fell.  His father does not speak of it and Mattäus shares the general American hatred of Nazis and Soviets both.  He even turned over a SOviet spy he tries to get secrets out of him to the FBI.  He has doctorates in Physics and Electrical Engineering and he is regarded as a competent plodder, not a genius, which is how he wants it.

Presenting this Character: Master MASER is arrogant and forceful, directing his minions with efficent disdain.  While he appears to be acting in the spur of the moment, he has carefully planned every move of his robberies and is ready to abandon his minions and vanish.

Mattäus is unfailingly helpful, but clumsy and appears socially inept.  He wants to be overlooked but not ignored.

What can he do?: Master MASER has a full suit of powered armor, it is extremely powerful, as long as the batteries are fully charged.  Unfortunately for him, then is only ten minutes at full power.  It has energy beams, flight capability and enhanced strength, as well as heavy armor.

Mattäus is a genius but he keeps it hidden begind a mask of competence.

Who might know him and why:A reformed villain might have worked with Master MASER and realize he is more than he appears.

Other scientists may have worked with Mattäus and if they spent time with him, might have seen a little behind the mask.

Plot Hooks: Master MASER targets new technology especially that might be useful to improve his armor.  So a player character who is an inventor might find their latest gadgets on his hit list.

Master MASER‘s other targets are high moeny value items: cash and precious metals especially.  He does not have a network to fence rare items so stick with things that can be used to purchase things directly.

Notes: Scientists doing crazy things with their secret technology is a staple of Silver Age villains.  And having the son of a German scientist just being a criminal, not a secret Nazi, pleases me as well as the secret Nazi plot is just so obvious.

Image from WriteUp.org probably still belongs to Marvel and I would say consitutes fair use.