DOCTOR SHROUD

Powers: Doctor Shroud has no actual powers, though he seems to be the Atlas answer to Justin Hammer and the Fixer. While it doesn't count as a power, Doctor Shroud is very creative inventor of weapons systems.

Equipment: Though he's not an agent of the Combine, Doctor Shroud is the creative genius behind the equipment used by the Combine's most the effective agents. The Slaymaster's guns and mask, Deathgrip's prosthetic hand and Huntress's Laser Lash and Game Preserve are all the products of Doctor Shroud's creative mind. He hasn't been depicted in any combat scenes (his statistics above are a best guess based on his physical appearance) but I would guess that he has a selection of low to mid-level devices with him at most times. A GM would be well within his rights to supply him with a mix of devices from Marvel's inventive geniuses like the Fixer and Doctor Doom.

He's not likley to employ big, clunky Battle Armor-style devices, but exoskeletons, power gauntlets, jet boots and such are right up his alley. If you don't have the time to prepare anything, then accept these suggestions as examples of what he might have with him at any time. Also, he may still possess the original versions of some of the devices he's provided for other Combine agents.

Body Armor: Consorting with gangsters and thugs has made Doctor Shroud somewhat paranoid, inspiring him to reinforce his costume with the same layers of Kevlar and Fire Resistant cloth he provided for the Slaymaster, giving him Typical (6) Body Armor and Excellent (20) Resistance to Flame/Heat.

Devices : Doctor Shroud seems to be the sort of fellow who'd have several different devices with him at any one time. Good examples would be some of the minor pieces of "Armor Filler" from the book "Machines of Doom" (like the Energy Fist, Fingertip Dart, Image Projector and such...) along with the lesser devices of the Fixer. Try to be creative, but remember that Doctor Shroud isn't going to put himself into the thick of battle. Most of his devices are intended to help him defend himself or escape.

Talents: Crime, Guns, Engineering, Chemestry, Physics, Electronics, Repair/Tinkering.
Contacts: Inventor for the Combine, Deathgrip, Slaymaster, Huntress, perhaps even other gimmick villains like the Hell-Blazer. It's possible that Professor Death is a member of the Combine.

History: Doctor Shroud's history has never been touched upon in any of the issues he appeared in. He seems to have worked for the Combine for many years, and the only failures he's ever know have been dealt to him by the Destructor. For years his personally equipped assassins and minions have done the bidding of the Combine. Ever since the Combine crossed Destructor's path, they've seen Slaymaster, Deathgrip and the Huntress go down.

Though it's never explained very well, it seems the the Combine was about to begin something called the "Darkriver Project" when they ran afoul of Destructor. Whatever it is, Doctor Shroud considers it to be just as important as killing Destructor.

Maybe it's connected to Professor Death's "Project Deathshead"? Just a thought.

Description: A distinguished looking fellow, with theatrical looking silver streaks in his black hair. He appears to be in his mid-50's but still in good shape. He usually wears a white or gray tunic and purple gloves, boots and belt.

Personality: Though a brilliant inventor and classic criminal mastermind, Doctor Shroud is trapped by the life he's created for himself. As the greatest criminal inventor in the Combine, he has both money and influence...but is also at the beck and call of a group of violent men not known for their patience. He always seem to be a little nervous.