Russell, Lissa Supporting Cast
Real Name: Alissa "Lissa" Russell (legally changed from her birth name Alissa Russoff).
Occupation: Occult bookstore clerk.
Identity: Lissa Russell does not use a dual identity; her existence as a werewolf is not known to the general public nor to the authorities.
Legal Status: Citizen of the United States with no criminal record.
Other Aliases: Werewolf, "she-wolf", "wolf-girl", "Liss".
Place of Birth: Malibu, California.
Marital Status: Single.
Known Relatives: Jacob "Jack" Russell (alias the Werewolf, brother); Gregor Russoff (father, deceased); Philip Russell (nee Russoff, step-father, uncle); Laura Russoff Russell (mother, deceased); Grigori, Baron Russoff (distant ancestor, deceased).
Group Affiliation: Ally of the Werewolf; occasional ally of Spider-Woman.
Base of Operations: Los Angeles, California.
First Post-Reboot Appearance: SENSATIONAL SPIDER-WOMAN #
History: Lissa Russell was the second child born to Gregor and Laura Russoff, born two years after her brother Jack. However, while their mother was pregnant with Lissa, Gregor was outed as a werewolf and killed by the townsfolk in the Romanian village they lived in. Fearing for her own life and those of her children, Laura fled to her brother-in-law Philip's home in America – specifically Malibu, California – where Lissa was born. Eventually Philip and Laura married, and Philip legally adopted Jack and Lissa. Years before, Philip had legally changed his last name to Russell; when he adopted them, they took on his new last name.
Nearly a hundred years before, Gregor and Philip's ancestor, Baron Grigori Russoff, had come into possession of a tome of black magic, the Darkhold, and in studying it came to be cursed with lycanthropy. This curse was passed to his bloodline, although because his children were already born, the curse remained dormant for almost a century. The Darkhold was stolen from his home and passed through a number of hands before Russoff's descendant, Gregor, discovered it, triggering the curse. (Philip had emigrated to America by that time. He learned about the curse from Gregor, but was never affected by it.)
Lissa at first was unaware of any of this until Jack went through his first transformation on his eighteenth birthday, which coincided with the first night of a full moon; Lissa was sixteen at the time. (Their mother died in a car crash that same night, ironically out searching for Jack who had run off in a panic.) Lissa learned of her brother's condition several months later when, after encountering the Werewolf just before dawn, he transformed back to human and passed out. After learning of the history of the curse from her step-father, Lissa sought out a means of curing or at least controlling the curse and threw herself into studies of both the occult and meditation. Although she has yet to find a means to cure herself or her brother of the curse, her studies in meditation enabled her to maintain control of the wolf from her very first transformation, two weeks after her own eighteenth birthday.
Lissa was first encountered as a clerk at an occult bookstore in downtown Los Angeles during an investigation by private investigator Jessica Drew. Days later, Lissa was forced to reveal her own nature as a werewolf to Drew in the latter's alter ego as Spider-Woman in order to prevent Spider-Woman from harming Jack during one of his moon-fueled rampages.
Since then, Jack and Lissa have found themselves occasionally assisting Drew in her cases, although Lissa insists on staying away from what she calls "field work". With the appearance of the ghost of the ancient sorcerer Magnus and his revelations on the origin of the Darkhold, Lissa has begun to wonder if a true cure – or at the least a measure of control – for Jack is in sight.
Age: 19.
Height: 5' 4"; (as werewolf) 5' 9".
Weight: 120 lbs; (as werewolf) 170 lbs.
Eyes: Brown.
Hair: Brown.
Uniform: None; she has been known to wear regular clothes made of dynamic molecules which merge into her when she takes on a more lupine form (see Common Technologies).
Strength Level: In her human form, Lissa Russell possesses the normal human strength of a woman of her age, height, and build who engages in moderate regular exercise. As a werewolf, she possesses superhuman strength enabling her to lift (press) roughly one ton under optimal conditions.
Known Superhuman Powers: Lissa is heir to a supernatural hereditary curse of lycanthropy, forcing her to become a werewolf. Unlike her brother, Lissa has full control over her transformations, able to transform at will rather than being subject to the phase of the moon, and maintaining her full human intelligence in her lupine state, even under the effects of a full moon.
As a werewolf, Lissa possesses superhuman strength, endurance, and durability; only weapons made of silver or the claws or bite of another werewolf will truly harm her, as other wounds close almost immediately. Her agility increases, her eyes become better able to see in the dark, her hands form into sharp claws, her feet become digitigrade claws, and her teeth sharpen. She is able to speak in her werewolf form, although her voice is distorted (and has been described as "eerily raspy"). She still needs to breathe, so strangulation can still kill her. Furthermore, as a werewolf she is immune to the mental control of vampires; furthermore, the herb wolfsbane if ingested with cause her severe problems.
Even in her human state, Lissa maintains the wolf's sense of smell, enabling her to track by following scents up to twenty four hours later even in a busy city street as well as being able to tell when someone is nervous, fearful, or calm when they shouldn't be.
There is evidence that Lissa, as "a child of the Darkhold", has the potential to become a sorceress, but she has never pursued any training.
Other Abilities: Lissa is very knowledgeable about the occult and Buddhist meditation practices. She is fluent in Latin, Sanskrit, Aramaic, Hebrew, Arabic, Tamil, Tibetan Chinese, Han Chinese, and Japanese, and can effortlessly read Ancient Egyptian, Old and Middle Tamil, and Sumerian. She is untrained in hand to hand combat, but has been known to occasionally "let the wolf out", fighting with a savage instinct in her lupine form.
Lissa Russell
657 points
| ST: 10 [0] | HP: 10 [0] | Speed: 6.00 [5] |
| DX: 11 [20] | Will: 15 [15] | Move: 6 [0] |
| IQ: 12 [40] | Per: 13 [5] | |
| HT: 12 [20] | FP: 12 [0] | SM: 0 |
| Dmg: 1d-2/1d | BL: 20 lbs. | |
| Dodge: 9 | Parry: 8 | DR: 0 |
Languages: Ancient Egyptian (Literate) [1*]; Arabic (Accented) [2*]; Aramaic (Accented) [2*]; Biblical Hebrew (Accented) [2*]; Classical Greek (Accented) [2*]; English (Native) (Native Language) [0]; Han Chinese (Accented) [2*]; Japanese (Accented) [2*]; Latin (Accented) [2*]; Mandarin (Accented) [2*]; Middle Tamil (Literate) [1*]; Old Tamil (Literate) [1*]; Sanskrit (Accented) [2*]; Sumerian (Literate) [1*]; Tamil (Accented) [2*]; Tibetan (Accented) [2*].
Cultural Familiarities: Western (Native) [0].
Advantages: Alternate Form (Werewolf, 465 pts) (Active Change, +20%; Reduced Time 1 (5 seconds), +20%; Magical, -10%) [438]; Animal Empathy [5]; Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Discriminatory Smell (Emotion Sense, +50%; Magical, -10%) [21]; Language Talent [10]; Magery 0 [5]; Occultist 3 [30].
Perks: Call of the Wild [1].
Disadvantages: Discipline of Faith (Mysticism) [-10]; Guilt Complex [-5]; Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]; Secret (Werewolf) (Imprisonment or Exile) [-20]; Selfless (12) [-5]; Sense of Duty (Friends and Family) [-5].
Quirks: Devout Believer (Buddhism) [-1]; Can't Read Music [-1]; Disciplined [-1]; Residual Personality [-1]; Responsible [-1].
Skills: Animal Handling (Dogs) (A) IQ+0 [2] – 12; Anthropology (Human) (H) IQ+2 [2] – 14†; Area Knowledge (Los Angeles) (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Autohypnosis (H) Will+0 [4] – 15; Breath Control (H) HT-2 [1] – 10; Climbing (A) DX+0 [2] – 11; Computer Operation/TL8 (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Current Affairs/TL8 (Headline News) (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Current Affairs/TL8 (Travel) (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Escape (H) DX+1 [8] – 12; First Aid/TL8 (Human) (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Hiking (A) HT+0 [2] – 12; Intimidation (A) Will-1 [1] – 14; Jumping (E) DX+1 [2] – 12; Lifting (A) HT+0 [2] – 12; Linguistics (H) IQ+3 [4] – 15†; Meditation (H) Will+0 [4] – 15; Merchant (A) IQ+0 [2] – 12; Mind Block (A) Will+0 [2] – 15; Musical Instrument (Guitar) (H) IQ+0 [4] – 12; Occultism (A) IQ+4 [4] – 16†; Philosophy (Buddhism) (H) IQ+0 [4] – 12; Photography/TL8 (A) IQ+0 [2] – 12; Professional Skill (Cashier) (A) IQ-1 [1] – 11; Research/TL8 (A) IQ+3 [2] – 15†; Running (A) HT+0 [2] – 12; Skiing (H) HT+0 [4] – 12; Swimming (E) HT+0 [1] – 12; Typing (E) DX+1 [2] – 12; Writing (A) IQ+0 [2] – 12.
Starting Spending Money: $4,000 (20% of Starting Wealth).
* Includes a proficiency level boost from Language Talent.
† Includes +3 from Occultist.
| DX | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL | Weapon | Damage | Reach | Parry | Cost | Weight | ST |
| – | Punch | 1d-3 cr | C | 8 | – | – | 10 |
| – | Kick | 1d-2 cr | C, 1 | n/a | – | – | 10 |
Lissa as Werewolf (as standalone character)
684 points
| ST: 18/35 [80*] | HP: 18 [0] | Speed: 8.25 [5] |
| DX: 16 [120] | Will: 15 [15] | Move: 8 [0] |
| IQ: 12 [40] | Per: 13 [5] | |
| HT: 16 [60] | FP: 16 [0] | SM: 0 |
| Dmg: 1d+2/3d (4d-1/6d+1) | BL: 65 lbs. (245 lbs.) | |
| Dodge: 11 | Parry: 11 | DR: 0 |
Languages: Ancient Egyptian (Literate) [1†]; Arabic (Accented) [2†]; Aramaic (Accented) [2†]; Biblical Hebrew (Accented) [2†]; Classical Greek (Accented) [2†]; English (Native) (Native Language) [0]; Han Chinese (Accented) [2†]; Japanese (Accented) [2†]; Latin (Accented) [2†]; Mandarin (Accented) [2†]; Middle Tamil (Literate) [1†]; Old Tamil (Literate) [1†]; Sanskrit (Accented) [2†]; Sumerian (Literate) [1†]; Tamil (Accented) [2†]; Tibetan (Accented) [2†].
Cultural Familiarities: Western (Native) [0].
Advantages: Animal Empathy [5]; Appearance (Attractive) [4]; Claws (Sharp Claws) [5]; Discriminatory Smell (Emotion Sense, +50%; Magical, -10%) [21]; Enhanced ST +17 (Costs 1 FP, -5%) [130]; Immunity to Vampiric Mind Control [5]; Language Talent [10]; Magery 0 [5]; Night Vision 3 [3]; Occultist 3 [30]; Regeneration (Extreme: 10 HP/sec) (Bane: Silver or Werewolf Natural Attacks, -10%) [120]; Teeth (Sharp Teeth) [1]; Ultrahearing [5].
Perks: Call of the Wild [1]; Fur [1].
Disadvantages: Chummy [-5]; Discipline of Faith (Mysticism) [-10]; Disturbing Voice [-10]; Guilt Complex [-5]; Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]; Selfless (12) [-5]; Sense of Duty (Friends and Family) [-5]; Social Stigma (Freak or Monster) [-10]; Weakness to Monkshood/Wolfsbane (1d/minute) [-20].
Quirks: Devout Believer (Buddhism) [-1]; Can't Read Music [-1]; Disciplined [-1]; Residual Personality [-1]; Responsible [-1].
Skills: Animal Handling (Dogs) (A) IQ+0 [2] – 12; Anthropology (Human) (H) IQ+2 [2] – 14‡; Area Knowledge (Los Angeles) (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Autohypnosis (H) Will+0 [4] – 15; Breath Control (H) HT-2 [1] – 15; Climbing (A) DX+0 [2] – 16; Computer Operation/TL8 (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Current Affairs/TL8 (Headline News) (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Current Affairs/TL8 (Travel) (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Escape (H) DX+1 [8] – 17; First Aid/TL8 (Human) (E) IQ+0 [1] – 12; Hiking (A) HT+0 [2] – 16; Intimidation (A) Will-1 [1] – 14; Jumping (E) DX+1 [2] – 17; Lifting (A) HT+0 [2] – 16; Linguistics (H) IQ+3 [4] – 15‡; Meditation (H) Will+0 [4] – 15; Merchant (A) IQ+0 [2] – 12; Mind Block (A) Will+0 [2] – 15; Musical Instrument (Guitar) (H) IQ+0 [4] – 12; Occultism (A) IQ+4 [4] – 16‡; Philosophy (Buddhism) (H) IQ+0 [4] – 12; Photography/TL8 (A) IQ+0 [2] – 12; Professional Skill (Cashier) (A) IQ-1 [1] – 11; Research/TL8 (A) IQ+3 [2] – 15‡; Running (A) HT+0 [2] – 16; Skiing (H) HT+0 [4] – 16; Swimming (E) HT+0 [1] – 16; Typing (E) DX+1 [2] – 17; Writing (A) IQ+0 [2] – 12.
Features: Digitigrade Posture [0]; Ordinary Tail [0].
Starting Spending Money: $4,000 (20% of Starting Wealth).
* Includes +17 from Enhanced ST.
† Includes a proficiency level boost from Language Talent.
‡ Includes +3 from Occultist.
| DX | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TL | Weapon | Damage | Reach | Parry | Cost | Weight | ST |
| – | Punch | 1d+1 cut | C | 11 | – | – | 18 |
| – | – Enhanced ST | 4d-2 cut | C | 11 | – | – | 35 |
| – | Kick | 1d+2 cut | C, 1 | n/a | – | – | 18 |
| – | – Enhanced ST | 4d-1 cut cut | C, 1 | n/a | – | – | 35 |
| – | Bite | 1d+1 cut | C | n/a | – | – | 18 |
| – | – Enhanced ST | 4d-2 cut | C | n/a | – | – | 35 |
Werewolf Alternate Form
465 points
Attribute Adjustments: ST +8 [80]; DX +5 [100]; HT +4 [40].
Advantages: Claws (Sharp Claws) [5]; Enhanced ST +17 (Costs 1 FP, -5%) [130]; Immunity to Vampiric Mind Control [5]; Night Vision 3 [3]; No Secret (Werewolf) (Imprisonment or Exile) [20]; Regeneration (Extreme: 10 HP/sec) (Bane: Silver or Werewolf Natural Attacks, -10%) [120]; Teeth (Sharp Teeth) [1]; Ultrahearing [5].
Perks: Fur [1].
Disadvantages: Chummy [-5]; Disturbing Voice [-10]; Social Stigma (Freak or Monster) [-10]; Weakness to Monkshood/Wolfsbane (1d/minute) [-20].
Features: Digitigrade Posture [0]; Ordinary Tail [0].
Role-Playing Notes:
Lissa is a caring and courageous woman who is very zen about everything going on, going with the flow and accepting her curse rather than fighting against it. Ironically, it is that very acceptance which has enabled her to maintain the control that has to date eluded Jack. She very much wants to find a cure or an alternate means of control for him.
Design Notes:
1. In the comics, Lissa had it rough, becoming the epitome of a Damsel-in-Distress. In addition to the stress of being a sister of a werewolf, she was assaulted on no less than nine occasions, kidnapped and held hostage at least eight times, drugged or entranced through mundane or mystic hypnotism at least four times, transformed against her will twice, and once possessed (by Morgan la Fey of all people!), and all that between the ages of 16 and 21! Clearly she either had Enemy (Monster of the Week) or a variant of Weirdness Magnet in the comics. I didn't want to make her that useless, but was unable to figure out how to not make her a stereotypical Damsel-in-Distress until someone on my private Discord server said "Why not keep her a werewolf?" Then everything started to fall into place; two days later I was inspired to write her bio.
1a. That's not getting into the headaches involved with a 20-something woman, Lissa, having a 19 year old daughter in the form of Nina Price/Vampire-by-Night, with only 6 in-universe years between Lissa's last known appearance (Iron Man v1 #209, with Lissa roughly age 21) and Nina's first (Amazing Fantasy v2 #10; Lissa would've been roughly age 27 at the time). It wouldn't have been an issue if they hadn't made Nina's adventures with SHIELD's monster-themed "Howling Commandos" unit and later solo adventures in the mainstream universe instead of an alternate timeline. So, I'm either gonna ignore Nina or make her a cousin whose mother happens to share Lissa's name.
2. Without her Alternate Form, Lissa is a 220 point character who might work as a Sidekick in a Monster Hunters game. She has "bought off" several classic werewolf traits, such as lower IQ and Bestial.
3. The pic I used is one I grabbed doing a search for Rahne Sinclair/Wolfsbane. I absolutely could not find a decent full-body pic of Lissa from the original Werewolf By Night series; the best I could find were her cosplaying as/possessed by Morgan la Fey from Iron Man #209, albeit with her hair dyed blond (or the colorist was told the wrong color). (Most of the full-body pics in WBN were from the rear, not the front.)