Apocalypse is one of the oldest living mutants, if not the oldest. He’s been called the first, and has a bit of a god complex. His plans for mutant dominance over the world have involved the X-Men and more, time and time again. To use him properly in the Marvel RPG, remember that he’s not just muscle; he’s a mastermind. His plans are subtle and often work out over many generations. His immediate goals may not have a clear tie to his long range goals, so you should feel free to use him in a situation where he may seem out of place.
In House of M, he’s the ruler of Egypt and in league with Magneto. He has control over most of Africa, but up until recently has avoided Wakanda. In the comics he finally attacks, with Red Guard member Nightcrawler, Horsemen Angel and Iceman, as well as the mercenary Sabretooth. He’s met not just by the Black Panther and his love Storm, but by by Namor, and Blackbolt as well.
That’s pretty Epic, but in my game the players need to take center stage. I’ve decided that Wakanda has secretly been funding the Human Resistance for years. The players have been sent a request for aid as Wakandan spies have been tipped off to a possible attack. If the players want to add Black Panther and Storm to their rosters, they have to act fast.
I’m expanding the horsemen line-up slightly for this. Using the Angel from Plot Points as Death, Grey Gargoyle from the Basic Game as Famine, and my own Iceman as Pestilence. As a special surprise I’m using the Invisible Woman as War, somehow saved by Apocalypse from the accident that killed her in House of M.
You might notice that he has the Invulnerable SFX, even though he only has Superhuman Durability d10. It was an odd choice for me, but it seems that Apocalypse can shrug off a lot of damage, but also tends to take hits and recover. It should give Watchers more choices in play.
You can read his full history on the Marvel Wiki. You can download this file as a Word Doc or PDF.
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Brian Liberge
Brian Liberge is a father of one, living in Boston, MA. Introduced to AD&D at an early age, he’s continued to update with the editions, and new games. He loves home-brewed ideas, is honest to a fault, and thinks that ideas and mechanics should absolutely be shared between systems. With a B.S. Degree in Theatre Arts, a job in Information Technology, and a love of strategy gaming, he tries to bring the best of each into his new creations for StufferShack.
Check out his latest book the Midgard Bestiary for 4e, available now. Profile Page / Article Portfolio