The Book of Black Tarantula

[Hahma]

The Book of Black Tarantula

C3G MARVEL WAVE 17
ANTAGONISTS ASSEMBLE


Comic PDF


Mini PDF

The figure used for this unit is a Heroclix figure from the Incredible Hulk set.
Its model number and name are #019/ Black Tarantula.

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Character Bio - Allegedly for over 700 years, the title and powers of the Black Tarantula have been passed down from father to son. Each Black Tarantula supposedly separates the male heir from the mother at an early age to begin a life of vigorous training. The current Black Tarantula, Carlos LaMuerto, a crimelord in South America and parts of Europe, met his Brazilian wife, Marina Caches, while attending an American graduate school. They had a child, Fabian. Upon discovering her husband’s illegal activities, Marina filed for divorce and fled with her son. Marina settled in New York where she became a criminal psychology teacher at Empire State University and began dating Dante Rigoletto (unaware that Dante was the son of the infamous mobster, Don Rigoletto). Discovering his ex-wife to be in the New York area, the Black Tarantula launched a campaign primarily to locate his son while establishing a foothold in the lucrative New York underworld market in the absence of the Kingpin of Crime (Wilson Fisk). He dispatched his powerful agent, El Uno, with a gang of his men to violently introduce himself to his competition, the Rose (Jacob Conover). Humiliated by El Uno, the Rose’s assassin Delilah killed El Uno and returned his severed head to the Black Tarantula. The Black Tarantula dispatched Madam Qwa and the True Believers -- a Korean cult of ninjas who defected from the Hand -- to harass the Rose by killing a former colleague, Daily Bugle editor Joe Robertson, while framing the Rose. With opposition from the Hand ninjas, Spider-Man, and Elektra, the Black Tarantula’s agents failed to kill Robertson. -Marvel Comic Database
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-Rulings and Clarifications-

• Q: Can Black Tarantula reveal the X Order Marker to heal another figure when he is allowed to move during another figure's turn? For example: Martian Manhunter using Telepathic Directive.
• A: No. The official ruling is that "before moving" powers have to take place directly before the Movement phase of that figure's turn.

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-Combinations and Synergies-

Incoming Synergy:

• As a Mutate, Black Tarantula has these Mutate Synergies.
• As a Crime Lord, Black Tarantula has these Crime Lord Synergies.

Outgoing Synergy:

• N/A

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-Immunities, Benefits, and Weaknesses-

Immunities:

• As a figure with the Super Strength special power, Black Tarantula cannot be affected by aspects of certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Super Strength special power.

Benefits:

• As a figure with the Super Strength special power, Black Tarantula interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with the Super Strength special power.

Weaknesses:

• As a figure with a Special Attack, Black Tarantula interacts differently with certain special powers. Current Special Powers that Interact Differently with Special Attacks.

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-Strategy, Tactics and Tips-

• N/A

-Heroscapers Community Contributions-

• Initial playtest: Hahma
• Second playtest: Flame Gryphon
• Third playtest: Viegon
• Fourth playtest: ibechief
• Art:Mini pics Comic pics
• Art by: Scapemage

[Hahma]

NAME = BLACK TARANTULA
SECRET IDENTITY = CARLOS LAMUERTO

SPECIES = MUTATE
UNIQUENESS = UNIQUE HERO
CLASS = CRIME LORD
PERSONALITY = RUTHLESS

SIZE/HEIGHT = MEDIUM 6

LIFE = 5

MOVE = 7
RANGE = 5
ATTACK = 4
DEFENSE = 5

POINTS = 300

HEALER X
Before moving, you may reveal an “X” Order Marker on this card to remove one Wound Marker from the Army Card of an adjacent figure that is not a destructible object or Android. After taking a turn with Black Tarantula, remove one Wound Marker from this Army Card.

EYE BLAST SPECIAL ATTACK
Range Special. Attack 5.
Choose 3 spaces in a straight line from Black Tarantula. All figures on those spaces who are in line of sight are affected by this special attack. Roll 5 attack dice once for all affected figures. Each figure rolls defense dice separately. This special attack can only be used once per round.

CLOSE COMBAT EXPERT
When attacking an opponent's adjacent figure with a normal attack, add one automatic skull to whatever is rolled. When defending against a normal attack from an adjacent figure, add one automatic shield to whatever is rolled.

SUPER STRENGTH

[Hahma]

HistoryEdit

Allegedly for over 700 years, the title and powers of the Black Tarantula have been passed down from father to son. Each Black Tarantula supposedly separates the male heir from the mother at an early age to begin a life of vigorous training. The current Black Tarantula, Carlos LaMuerto, a crimelord in South America and parts of Europe, met his Brazilian wife, Marina Caches, while attending an American graduate school. They had a child, Fabian. Upon discovering her husband’s illegal activities, Marina filed for divorce and fled with her son. Marina settled in New York where she became a criminal psychology teacher at Empire State University and began dating Dante Rigoletto (unaware that Dante was the son of the infamous mobster, Don Rigoletto). Discovering his ex-wife to be in the New York area, the Black Tarantula launched a campaign primarily to locate his son while establishing a foothold in the lucrative New York underworld market in the absence of the Kingpin of Crime (Wilson Fisk). He dispatched his powerful agent, El Uno, with a gang of his men to violently introduce himself to his competition, the Rose (Jacob Conover). Humiliated by El Uno, the Rose’s assassin Delilah killed El Uno and returned his severed head to the Black Tarantula. The Black Tarantula dispatched Madam Qwa and the True Believers -- a Korean cult of ninjas who defected from the Hand -- to harass the Rose by killing a former colleague, Daily Bugle editor Joe Robertson, while framing the Rose. With opposition from the Hand ninjas, Spider-Man, and Elektra, the Black Tarantula’s agents failed to kill Robertson.
The Black Tarantula went to New York to personally attend to matters. The Rose hired the remaining True Believers under Madam Qwa's brother, Master Zei, to resurrect Doctor Octopus as an ally. However Zei intended to turn Doctor Octopus over to the Black Tarantula, but was killed during the resurrection ceremony. As Madam Qwa demanded revenge, the Black Tarantula conceded, breaking Delilah's neck, then healing her with a stern warning for the Rose. Meanwhile, his diminutive loyal assistant, Chesbro, located Marina, who had been teaching Spider-Man’s wife, Mary Jane Watson-Parker. The Tarantula invaded Don Vincente Fortunato's mansion brokering a deal for portions of the Rose’s hijacking operations in exchange for sending a dire message to Spider-Man. Offering mercy only upon learning Spider-Man was searching to rescue a kidnapped child (Norman Osborn Jr.), the Tarantula beat Spider-Man nearly to death and departed with his mask. He offered the mask to Fortunato, who recounted his partially correct understanding of the legendary Black Tarantula's secret origin, beginning with Marco Polo's expeditions to the Orient. Peter Parker (in four alternate disguises while a bounty was on his head), tackled Black Tarantula's operatives, Bloodscream and Roughouse who had incapacitated Delilah while on assignment to kidnap Marina Caches. Marina fled to Dante's godfather, Don Fortunato, for protection. The Black Tarantula raided Fortunato's mansion, tearing through the mobster's defenses, and Killdroids. Spider-Man arrived and stopped the Rose from shooting the Black Tarantula in the back. Spider-Man's heroics, and his wife's pleading on behalf of Fabian persuaded the Black Tarantula to depart and return another day. The Black Tarantula fled during a raid on a Roxxon facility used to augment criminal agents with superhuman abilities located on his Bolivian jungle property.
The Black Tarantula was incarcerated in the U.S. and kept depowered in Rykers prison along with Daredevil, the Kingpin, Hammerhead, and the Punisher where he was nearly killed by Bullseye. Black Tarantula is released early from prison due to a record of good behavior and prison overpopulation. Carlos goes to Matt Murdock for a job, Matt has him work with Dakota North, an investigator working for Nelson & Murdock. Carlos, who is dissatisfied with the job, longs for a more hands on approach to stop crime. Matt notices and takes Carlos with him to battle a Yakuza gang working in Hell's Kitchen. The leader of the Yakuza gang flees from the attack; Daredevil chases him but fails to catch him because he has the flu which is retarding with his abilities. Black Tarantula and Daredevil survey the scene and notice a large pile of money, Black Tarantula says that he would like to take the money but Daredevil stops him. Later, Black Tarantula takes on a gang whose leader was hired to kill an old woman; this leader is a vengeful former recruit of Black Tarantula; years before, Carlos had personally invited into his gang, naming him "Little Loco". After Black Tarantula takes care of the gang, he kills Loco by choking him with the money he was paid for killing the women. Daredevil shows up at the scene, asking what Black Tarantula has done, Black Tarantula then tells him that he plans on taking the rest of the money from the hideout, Daredevil attempts to stop him but is knocked out with a single punch from Black Tarantula. Black Tarantula collects the money and gets ready to leave, but before he goes he kneels in front of Daredevil and heals the flu he’s been afflicted with. Black Tarantula leaves the money he took from the gang in a church, with a note saying "Help people with this."
One morning Carlos was attacked in his apartment by a group of Hand assassins. His fight was observed by Lady Bullseye and he was evaluated by his performance. Some time after he defeated the assassins he was captured by Master Izo and brought to Matt Murdock's apartment.[1] After some explanation the group separated and Master Izo and Black Tarantula are tracked by a Hand ninja. As they chase after him they are led to pictures of some of the greatest martial artists including Carlos himself, Wolverine, White Tiger, and Shang-Chi[2]
While out patrolling, Black Tarantula ran into White Tiger being attacked by Hand ninjas exactly like he was. After diving in to help her he was killed by White Tiger and resurrected by the Hand as an assassin.[3] Carlos then leads an attack against Daredevil at his home along with White Tiger, Lady Bullseye, and Lord Hirochi. They were fought off after Daredevil was joined by Master Izo and Iron Fist. Black Tarantula defeated Iron Fist but stopped White Tiger from killing him, giving the excuse that he did not want the competition.[4]
Black Tarantula and White Tiger are then given the assignment to kill Foggy Nelson[5] by Lady Bullseye, who has been hired by The Owl. Black Tarantula instead saved Foggy's life and then battles White Tiger, attempting to cure her of the Hand's influence.[6]
When Matt Murdock took over leadership of the Hand, Black Tarantula became Matt Murdock's lieutenant, along with White Tiger. He then currently ran the Hand in North America and oversaw the construction of Shadowland while Matt and White Tiger were in Japan, meeting high ranking Hand leaders from across the globe and discussing Murdock's vision of a more heroic Hand.[7]
While New York was in crisis, Black Tarantula was informed by White Tiger to execute looters, but he became confused and saw that something was wrong with Daredevil. However, White Tiger was still possessed by the Hand and stabbed Black Tarantula in his back with a blade, and tossed him over the edge of Shadowland to fall into a vehicle, leaving him for dead.[8] After Shadowland, it is revealed that Black Tarantula is still alive, having been cared for by Night Nurse following his confrontation with White Tiger.[9]

Powers and AbilitiesEdit

Powers

• Superhuman Strength: The Black Tarantula has superhuman agility and strength, able to optimally press over 30 tons.

• Superhuman Stamina: Black Tarantula can exert himself at peak capacity for at least 24 hours.

• Superhuman Durability: Black Tarantula possesses durability far beyond that of a human. He can withstand great impacts, such as falling from a height of several stories or being struck by an opponent with super strength, that would severely injure or kill a normal human with no discomfort. His skin is highly durable to the point his nearly-bullet proof.

• Superhuman Agility: His balance, coordination, agility and dexterity is beyond the physical limits of the finest human acrobat. His agility is such that is on par with someone like Spider-Man.

• Superhuman Speed: The Black Tarantula possesses superhuman speed. Spider-Man himself has stated that he is slower than the Black Tarantula.

• Optic Blasts: His eyes can project powerful concussive blasts of energy, but requires several minutes between uses to restore the charge.

• Regenerative Healing Factor: He can also heal fatal injuries in himself and others through touch. The extent of this ability is unknown, but undoubtedly very high,as he was shown healing himself and others from fatal injuries, such as when Bullseye stabbed him in the heart when Carlos was powerless. He can also heal fatal diseases and poisons as well.

• (Possible) Immortality: . His claims of possessing Immortality are unconfirmed, although he definitely possesses some form of superhuman longevity.

• Genius-level Intellect: Black Tarantula possesses a brilliant criminal mind, and is a strategist, planner and tactician of the highest order.
• Master Martial Artist: The Tarantula is a master of many forms of both armed and unarmed combat, capable of holding his own against other skilled hand to hand fighters such as Daredevil to an extent.Strength level

Class 30

[johnny139]

It's LaMuerto, not LaMuerta, for reference.

He's definitely a Mutate; well, probably a Mutate. No real reason to assume he's not.

I'm far more familiar with his son Fabian from the MC2 universe, but their powerset is identical, so, I figure it's close enough. In that entire universe I only remember him using eye beams once... and I don't really remember them being that strong. Could be wrong; maybe his dad just used them more.

Vaguely remember the healing working like that. Name seems sort of weird. Otherwise he's about perfect, I think.

Is the mini really Medium 6, though?

[Hahma]

Thanks for the name correction, I mis-typed it.

I figured he is a Mutate, but isn't he born with his powers? They are passed down from father to son I believe. So based on being born with his powers, that is how we had been judging Mutant/Mutate. I would support Mutate in that he's not a Mutant in the traditional sense since the originator of the power got it from drinking a potion I believe.

I'm not overly familiar with his eye beams, I was just going off what was listed as his powers. I kind of just dumbed down Cyclops Optic Blast power. Maybe Spidey can help us with this as I'm fine with whatever.

Might need a different name for the Healing power, but I didn't have one at the moment.

Regarding his size, no the mini isn't that tall, but he is squatting down quite a bit. If the mini were standing up, he certainly would be a bit taller than the other med 5 figures. Also, he's supposed to be 7' tall, so that kind of helped too. That said, I would be fine dropping him down to med 5, no biggy.

[A3n]

Looks good to me. I don't know the character (I seem to be saying that a lot now ), but mechanics look good.

[IAmBatman]

Originally Posted by A3n

Looks good to me. I don't know the character (I seem to be saying that a lot now ), but mechanics look good.

Likewise.

My only critique is that it's "straight" not "strait".

[johnny139]

Originally Posted by Hahma

I figured he is a Mutate, but isn't he born with his powers? They are passed down from father to son I believe. So based on being born with his powers, that is how we had been judging Mutant/Mutate. I would support Mutate in that he's not a Mutant in the traditional sense since the originator of the power got it from drinking a potion I believe.

Yeah, we've sort of done that before as with Spider-Girl... but I regret that direction, frankly. I think it's better to just stick with Mutate unless they have the X-Gene.

Regarding his size, no the mini isn't that tall, but he is squatting down quite a bit. If the mini were standing up, he certainly would be a bit taller than the other med 5 figures. Also, he's supposed to be 7' tall, so that kind of helped too. That said, I would be fine dropping him down to med 5, no biggy.

I'm good with that, just wanted to be sure it was justified. I prefer diversifying heights.

[Hahma]

Originally Posted by IAmBatman

Likewise.

My only critique is that it's "straight" not "strait".

Well I had just come up with the power set and stats while I was on the elliptical machine and typed it right up after showering, so a few typos were inevitable I suppose, as Johnny had caught me with one earlier for the last name. I was going off Cyclops card for Eye Blast, but was typing so fast I missed a couple letters

Originally Posted by johnny139

Yeah, we've sort of done that before as with Spider-Girl... but I regret that direction, frankly. I think it's better to just stick with Mutate unless they have the X-Gene.

I'm good with that, just wanted to be sure it was justified. I prefer diversifying heights.

Then Mutate it is.

And as long as people are fine with a mini not being physically the listed size due to squatting position, then we can go with med 6. Considering his great agility, it will help with his mobility and his reach for attacking vs. adjacent with height figures, but he can be reached easier too.

[Hahma]

[Hahma]

[IAmBatman]

I think we have an established aesthetic of having the height represent the "standing height" of the figure, so should work just fine.