Vile Toxin
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Contents |
Background
Origin
Half-Light
For the first years of his life the villain known as Vile Toxin was once just Valen Miernik, a victim of forced destiny. His father, Nicholas Miernik, was at one point in time one of three infamous masterminds, the others being Tomaz Onyx and Amelia Lewandowka, behind the Half-Light Project under the jointly owned Half-Light Corporation. It existed as an organization that catered and hired from the "criminal underground" of Europe. Half-Light was an assimilation of assassins and criminals for hire, notorious for enhancing their employees with various superhuman attributes.
This derived from stolen technology and DNA experimentation that resulted in the successful development of their very own DATC (deoxyribonucleic acid transmutative chemical) agent, also called the DATC Serum (due to the various way it can be introduced to the body, depending on what superhuman/mutate result the individual is receiving), which was primarily developed by Nicolas Miernik and his team of scientists. In this manner they shared a similarity with Crey Industries, albeit boasting a higher ethical morality, where only the willing were subjected to such procedures. Though their dealings did not completely escape the eye of law enforcement, they managed to contain a certain level of public secrecy with their ambitions and goals. All involved were required to mask their identities and report promptly to designated zones.
No system was flawless however, and as the years went by, unwanted interest was drawn toward them with several associates slipping up during a series of unfortunate experiences. This made it easy for a number of heroes to interfere with their work and exploit their operation to a certain degree. At one point the threat of persecution spiked so high that three of the organization's leaders shut down operations and slipped into the shadows - Nicholas settling in Lublin.
It was during this time in Poland where Nicholas Miernik caught up with a past lover, and became a father to a set of twins; son and daughter Valen and Moira Miernik. After a few years of raising their family, Nicholas decided to re-establish his branch of Half-Light, and because it was too risky to do so in the same place twice, he utilized a contact he had with another of the organization's leaders and settled in Independence Port, Paragon City.
Initially unknown to his lover was the intention of taking their children to Paragon with him as the start of Half-Light's new era of superhuman associates, in hope that they would continue the project following his passing. He felt as though too much of his life was spent building such an operation up that he couldn't just completely let it go. When she did discover what Nicholas planned for the future of their children, she condemned the very idea and threatened to reveal his identity to appropriate authorities.
Nicholas would have little choice but to end her life, and make the move overseas. Project Half-Light was officially re-established, but instead of staying in Independence Port, he relocated to St. Martial where Paragon's control was virtually nonexistent - striking a deal with Arachnos in the process. Valen and Moira became a part of the new generation of their father's nurtured project.
Villain's Creation
Longbow officials were well aware of Half-Light's growth by the coming of the new decade, having established bases in previously inaccessible areas of the Rogue Isles, though this fact was not known by the likes of Nicholas himself. Both his children had already spent their early childhood in a sea of brutal training and grooming that ruled their lives; robbed of most things children their age experienced growing up. Valen and his sister were isolated from the outside world as their education, nourishment and training resided all within the confines of Half-Light and their employees.
Their training covered a variety of weapon and combat techniques, and it did not take long for Moira and Valen to reveal their individual affinities: Valen being exceptionally adequate in hand-eye coordination with firearms, and Moira preferring hand-to-hand combat. Nicholas would finally deem the preteen twins an appropriate age to be exposed to enhancement, and with promises of all the future's possibilities, both siblings agreed to the procedure (as if they actually had a choice to begin with).
Valen and Moira were given several injections of Half-Light's DATC agent, a chemical which enabled DNA to bond with foreign compounds in a stable manner and integrate such compounds into it's system with minimal molecular conflict, over a span of several weeks in preparation for the main procedure. This enabled the manipulation of DNA, and the augmentation or inclusion of physiological attributes. Nicholas already prematurely planned each selected mutation to best compliment the skills of his children: Moira the expert martial artist, and Valen the expert marksman.
Moira was the first to go through the procedure, in which would grant her the ability to conjure psychokinetic shields. Valen was determined as suitable for sensory augmentation, though fate would have another plan - During Valen's procedure, the Half-Light laboratory was infiltrated by a Longbow squadron and a barrage of ballistic weaponry to penetrate the blockades. The force of which rattled the foundation and disturbed several of the sensitive compounds located in the establishment. Because Valen was strapped down in anticipation of the initial physical side-effects of the procedure, he was unable to escape when the reinforced cupboard above him eventually gave way, shattering vials over his body and exposing him to liquid mortitoxin.
The super toxin would react with the agent already present within his system and cause his DNA to dramatically shift - incorporating the substance with his anatomical structure. The active transformation would last for several hours, and exceeded the length of Longbow's failed infiltration attempt thanks to the efforts of several super-powered associates present to hold their ground. The surplus exposure to the large quantity of toxin drastically changed his physical appearance: his skin changing colour, his eyes reddening and the hair upon his head falling out.
Though it was not what Nicholas had planned for his son, he discovered over the course of the next few years that Valen's mutated state made him a very valuable asset indeed. It was during this time that a substantial effort was made to study Valen's anatomical properties, where the mortitoxin was not only present, but generated. He would continue his intensive training into the early stages of adulthood, and soon the Vile Toxin identity made his way into the world...
Timeline
- Vile Toxin emerges as a distinct criminal identity in while committing various deeds across the Isles and Paragon City. His clients range between anything from villain groups like Arachnos, to even registered 'heroes' of new and old who prefer to remain anonomys while they indulged in criminal activities.
- The Half-Light organization disbands for the second time. All traces of their database and associates appear to have vanished, including Nicholas Miernik.
- Vile Toxin reunites with Palisade toward the end of the year in order to continue his development of toxic weaponry and study of the Mortitoxin. He learns of his sister's own operations in monitoring the events of headlining Paragon and Isles-based organizations of interest.
- The siblings further monitor and research specifically the communication and interaction between The Challengers and the associating criminals known as the United Underworld.
- Vile Toxin officially affiliates himself with United Underworld after deeming them a suitable alliance to gain for future opportunities. Palisade expresses no interest in following suit, though maintains unofficial contact with her brother via her base of operations located in St. Martial.
- During the concluding actions of Wild-Time's Toxic Clock, he was introduced to several members of The Challengers and their allies up close and personal, including but not limited to Luficia, Johnny Turbo, Replacer and Blast Cycle. Much to his own advantage, this granted him the first opportunity to conscientiously study individual strengths and weaknesses while in the combat setting - especially while retaining a reserved role behind other more forthright and better known members of the United Underworld.
- Vile Toxin decides to grant United Underworld access to his antidote in fear of passively degrading their health over time. During this period Slot King expresses an interest in purchasing Mortitoxin for his own use, a deal in which Vile Toxin agreed to upon a modest price.
- Initially accompanying Wild Time during a peculiar altercation between members of the Challengers and allies, he encounters Xanatos and Karnal Sin for the first time. Vile Toxin reluctantly participates in a brawl against the present heroes alongside Wild Time, Maestro Fortissimo, Seismecca and Pure Inferno in which he greatly downplayed his own abilities to preserve ammunition, valuable time and weaponry for an actual battle.
- The villain makes sporadic disappearances during the United Underworld's operations, in which time he accompanies his sister with various jobs. The waning interest in promptly assisting the Underworld's goals stems from the fact that he is not convinced they are serious as a collective force, a negative opinion he witnesses constantly reinforced by regular underestimation and tomfoolery.
- During a public encounter with Hammer Shark at the peak of May, the other United Underworld villain reveals his personal and plotted plan in wanting to turn his enemies, people of Paragon and the world at large into mutated versions of himself utilizing a contagious poison substance. In order to ensure Vile Toxin's co-operation, he was injected with a sample of the poison itself and pain-inducing nanites. It was later discovered that Hammer Shark's toxin had no effect on Vile Toxin's physiology, enabling him to handle it without worry.
- A later encounter with Hammer Shark eventually reveals the full details of his scheme (or at least what he wants Toxin to know) at which point he appears to want to willingly co-operate. Vile Toxin also learns of the minor involvement of Phanto, Baron Blitzman and others anticipating to reap their own benefits from the ambitious plot.
- Vile Toxin accepts a double job from an anonymous source associated with personal anti-mutant demons, successfully assassinating the Paragon heroes Lifespike and Polarflux.
- He was present and played a part in both widespread events Memorial Mayhem and The Cardaclysm, regardless of his own opinions in either actually succeeding.
- Vile Toxin's presence in the Rogue Isles and at Outpost Omega greatly diminishes. This disappearance suspiciously (or wisely) began shortly after Autosaurus Wrecks's promotion to United Underworld leader.
- (2019) The toxic hit-man re-emerges in the Rogue Isles years later, revealing to a close associate that he joined his sister in Poland to connect with family members. By this point, Vile Toxin has discovered that the Mortitoxin has, over time, ramped up its age-retardation.
- (October 2020) During her exploits of various locations in and around Paragon City, his sister Palisade uncovered the future plans of the Council's dealing with an organization that involved someone named 'Onyx'. As the name of a past leader of Half-Light and once partner to Nicholas Miernik, she alerted Vile Toxin of the newfound information.
- (January 2021) Palisade learns of a date in which the Council are to meet a representative of 'Onyx' to discuss plans of buying one of their Striga Isle base locations for future use.
- (February 2021) Vile Toxin solicits the assistance of a couple old contacts, including Moonstroke who was affiliated with the Rogues Gallery in their past endeavours. Moonstroke refuses the opportunity to make some cash or be involved however, stating it "wasn't in the stars for him" but he would be available in the future.
- (March 2021) Catching a lead of the return of a past ally of the United Underworld, Vile Toxin seeks out Horror-Frost and his new affiliation, stating he would require help in the matter regarding 'Onyx' in the near future. After taking part on a job of theirs, Vile Toxin subsequently joins the ranks of the Black Hand Society officially.
- (July 2021) Despite making his presence (even to his new allies) scarce at best for a few months, V.T. returns without specifically stating his overseas business, though relates to his sister's actions. With all the information needed regarding their past with 'Onyx', Toxin and his sister begin to map out their task at hand.
Personality Profile
Vile Toxin expresses an usual quality within his line of work; loyalty within reason. Born from his dislike of being without human contact while simultaneously resenting the fact that he is normally denied such a thing, his enjoyment of having others around him is constantly at odds with his preferences. He is co-operative, and has no trouble in supporting something already established when it is required of him to do so. Presumed as a follower, Valen retains a certain aloofness and unassuming secrecy. He is rarely the one to initiate casual conversation, though doesn't appear to have anything in particular against (mostly) pointless social interaction. He has very good control of his body language and facial expressions, enabling him to successfully mask any hint to what or how he's actually thinking or feeling. It is this very nature that masks his ambition, manipulative abilities, vengeance when his loyalty is abruptly shattered, and commitment to action. His intelligence and wisdom on the way the world works is commonly underestimated. Patience, focus and persistence is utilized in the field, leaving little room for arrogance and schoolyard taunting. His goals are unable to be pin-pointed into common categories such as wealth or power; the intentions of destroying his enemies and bettering himself remain balanced. Emotions and wandering thoughts while present, do not reveal themselves from behind the floodgate. It is to be noted that in recent time, Valen has appeared to mellow out a little. For all intents and purposes, most would consider him very 'open-minded', considering that 99% of the things said to him don't phase him. What does Vile Toxin really, really want? Maybe one day someone will find out for themselves.
Affiliations
Group Affiliations
- Black Hand Society (Current)
- United Underworld (Status Unknown)
- Half-Light (Disbanded)
Allies
- Black Hand Society
- Half-Light
- Palisade (Sister)
- Nicholas Miernik (Father, status unknown)
- United Underworld
- Rogues Gallery
- Other
Rivals
Enemies
- Onyx Corporation
- Tomaz Onyx
- Executive Albin "Catatomic" Wojcik
- Executive Tulia "Ice Queen" Ostroski
- The Challengers
- Other
- Lifespike II
Capabilities
Powers
Toxin Generation - Vile Toxin's body has been mutated on a biological level. It constantly produces a powerful and very rare endogenous supertoxic agent (common name Mortitoxin) that's present within all of his bodily fluids, including but not limited to saliva, sweat, urine, discharge and blood. Mortitoxin is classified as a hybrid toxic substance, functioning as both a poison and a venom.
This supertoxin is especially deadly in its ability to disrupt sodium, calcium and potassium ion channels. While it is virtually harmless to most forms of vegetation, it is very effective against animals in its wide range of negative physiological phenomena, including pain, paralysis, blindness, nausea, seizures, dizziness, vomiting, choking, lung irritation and various other affects relating to neurological and respiratory processes and the repercussions thereof while ingested, physically exposed or introduced to the bloodstream.
Mortitoxin may also cause skin irritation, and in more severe cases necrosis. Through access to the bloodstream, the supertoxin is especially notorious for destroying blood cells. The magnitude of any effect is dependent upon the amount of toxin in which is exposed, and the amount of time of exposure. Inevitable prolonged periods of exposure can easily cause death. However, limited or controlled exposure is debilitating at worst.
Toxin Emanation - While a common method is using this substance offensively includes its use through other weaponry by more accurate means of targeting enemies, Toxin may also willingly release this supertoxin through either emanating vapour from his pores, or projecting his saliva using a hyper-reflex of the throat.
Toxic Immunity - Due to the nature of his abilities and anatomical attributes, Vile Toxin remains immune to most if not all organic toxins, most inorganic toxins, distorting contagions and toxic substances in general. There are very few exceptions in which some of the most powerful toxic chemical substances may affect him, but not to a dangerous degree in which would deteriorate his health permanently. This includes most types of venom.
Enhanced Regeneration - His body's constant production of mortitoxin has the unintended but desirable side-effect of affording him with an increased rate of regeneration from injury. This mainly stems from the DATC agent he took to condition his body prior to being accidentally exposed to Mortitoxin, which only magnified this attribute.
Delayed Aging - The most interesting effect of his body being perfectly fused with Mortitoxin is its age-retardation. Since his mid-twenties, Vile Toxin's body's rate of physical aging has slowed by a rough factor of a half (At age 80 he will still possess the body of a 40 year old of equivalent fitness level, for example). This phenomenon has a relationship with his body's enhanced regenerative capabilities.
Abilities
Marksmanship - Through the intensive training he received from a very early age as a conditioned Half-Light operative, Vile Toxin remains as a highly skilled marksman specializing in ranged combat and tactical prowess. He has demonstrated deadly accuracy at medium-to-long range, and is intuitively able to predict the specific trajectory of his bullets in relation to his intended targets' movements. His threat level is further enhanced when taking into account the use of his specialized ammunition.
Toxic Warfare - Vile Toxin consistently produces bullets, capsules, bombs or other weapons to take full advantage of the mortitoxin his body produces. v
Unarmed Combat - Though his primary focus is to remain at range as much as possible while both working or fighting, Vile Toxin does actually possess a background in self-defense stemming from his Project Half-Light days. He is a Judo martial artist, and utilizes such techniques only when required. Though not to an Olympic-degree, he also has training in basic acrobatic techniques that assist with repositioning and avoidance of attacks.
Weapons and Equipment
Custom Pistols - His main set of weapons of expertise are the use of dual, customized semi-automatic pistols equipped with laser-point targeting systems and intuitive handling for comfortable and practical mobility.
Vile Capsules - Nicknamed 'Vile Bombs', the skull-shaped capsules attached to his belt are commonly used in the field, dispensing noxious fumes, vapours, or even the antidote to mortitoxin itself in order to incapacitate his enemies or regulate the health of his own allies.
Utility Mask - He commonly uses his built in night-vision goggles within his "skull mask". The night-vision mask has a setting in which magnifies the colour of his own eyes, rendering a red glowing effect that makes him appear even more intimidating.
Protective Wear - Vile Toxin's combat uniform does more than carry his ammunition and weapons, or serve as a warning to opponents. It is designed to protect him from piercing projectiles with bullet-proof qualities as well as being heat-resistant. His gloves and boots both contain retractable sections in which exposes a portion of his bare flesh underneath, where he is able to release his vaporous poison from the skin as an alternative method in releasing the mortitoxin, other than using his weapons or regurgitation (which he doesn't enjoy doing). Aside from the utility of his belt and harness, he's also equipped to utilize the latest in communications technology.
Weaknesses and Limitations
Toxic Body - The mutation of Vile Toxin's body also carries with it a few physiological drawbacks. Not only is he a constant threat to the health and well-being of those around him without constant antidote doses, but he is also rendered completely infertile.
Other Skills and Talents
Toxicology - , Though he possesses no formal educational background, Vile Toxin has a basic and practical understanding of the science of toxicology; a subject that was dire to study in order to better understand his own anatomy and the product in which it produces. He is able to recognize different types of toxic substances and their affects on living organisms, while linking different side-effects to determine the exact afflicting toxin. He is able to recall specific antidotes that work to neutralize a variety of substances, though through application his specialty remains to be mortitoxin and toxins that are considered it's 'cousin'.
Multilingualism - Vile Toxin can speak, read and write fluent Polish, English, German, French and Russian.
Sketch Artistry - The most obvious and indulgent of his few non-combat oriented talents. During his spare time he is often seen with pencil and paper in hand, drawing up whatever comes to the mind in vivid detail (when he's not doing likeness sketches to remember the faces of those he's slain). One wonders if the world almost produced another fine talent in the arts had the circumstances of his life been different.
Trivia
- Original art pieces were commissioned and paid for by myself (Poolio27@deviantart/Snugglesloth@deviantart). Art by kainthebest@deviantart, copyrighted. Please do not use without permission. https://www.deviantart.com/kainthebest/art/Vile-Toxin-Commission-362337037 https://www.deviantart.com/kainthebest/art/Vile-Toxin-Masked-362375761
- GV Forums: Chloro, UU Forums: VileToxin
