From Panel to Play: Elektra

CP79 Elektra

They say you can’t pick your family, but you can pick how dedicated you are to exacting vengeance for their wrongful deaths at the hands of a group of violent extremists. This time on From Panel to Play, we’re taking a look at the woman who went all-in on the lifelong pursuit of revenge in her father’s name: it’s Elektra!

Elektra Natchios is a skilled assassin, and frequently influences the lives of other superheroes from the shadows. But the way of the ninja wasn’t always her life. Her father was a Greek ambassador and Elektra herself was studying in college when extremists kidnapped them both. Elektra’s friend and companion Matt Murdock, as Daredevil, attempted to save the two; but he failed, and Elektra’s father was killed.

On a quest to avenge her father, Elektra traveled the world seeking instruction in Martial Arts. Her steel focus and natural athleticism saw her decimate her training, and she rose through the ranks of numerous organizations until only The Hand had anything left to teach her.

Confident in her new abilities, Elektra returned to Hell’s Kitchen to claim her revenge. But an unfortunate run-in with the more experienced Bullseye left her dead in the streets. The Hand, unwilling to part with such a valuable trainee, resurrected her through a mystic rite, and Elektra evolved beyond mortal abilities into a warrior truly in tune with death.

On the battlefield of a crisis, there is one thing you can count on Elektra to do: stab someone. Between her aggression, speed, and ninja allies, players can be sure she will get her wish in any game she steps into.

But this is Elektra, and her stabs aren’t so simple as a mere jab with a bit of sharp steel. Her Ancient Throwing Blades represent the almost inhuman skill she has in combat, a Range 3, Strength 5 Mystic attack with both the Pierce and Bleed special rules. But even better, after hurling one of her blades at an opponent, she can summon a Hand Ninjas character to the field, which can make an immediate attack thanks to its own Ninja Ambush superpower. (If you want to know more about the Hand Ninjas themselves, they first snuck into this article about Shadowland Daredevil.)

But perhaps the most iconic attack at her disposal is Impale. Having been on the receiving end of it herself, Elektra knows exactly how it feels to have one of her sai punch straight through you. This close-ranged physical attack hits at 8 Strength, ignores critical results in the target’s defense roll, and allows Elektra to reposition after it lands. On top of that, if a Hand Ninjas character is close to her target, the attack gains 2 extra dice!

Getting close enough to land an Impale attack on her targets is going to be critical to this assassin. Fortunately, Elektra has just the thing: Assassin’s Step, allowing her to spend 2 Power after hitting with an attack to be placed within Range 1 of her target. She flings one blade and rapidly closes the distance to seal the deal with the other in a flurry of motion.

Those who try to retaliate should be careful, though. Elektra has mastered martial arts to such a degree that even in defense she can be deadly. Her Martial Prowess reactive superpower lets Elektra spend 2 Power to roll 5 defense dice, dealing 2 damage to her attacker if she takes no damage herself!

Elektra Natchios is a devoted assassin who tolerates no foe to stand in her way. Her Out For Blood innate superpower reflects this, allowing her to gain 1 Power whenever she deals damage to an enemy with an attack or superpower. So not only does she gain it when she strikes with her Sai through Ancient Throwing Blades or Impale, but she can also gain Power from her defensive ability Martial Prowess!

That’s all for our first look at this furious, deadly ninja and assassin. Be sure to check back for yet another installment of From Panel to Play, the series where we give you your first look at how your favorite characters transition to the tabletop in Marvel: Crisis Protocol. Pre-order your own copy of the Shadowland Daredevil, Elektra, and Hand Ninjas Character Pack at your local game store or through our webstore today.

Until then, Atomic Mass Transmissions, signing off!