Draysha

What Draysha is and isn't

VIPER has always had an unhealthy fascination with genetic experimentation, leading to the creation of villains like Diamondback, Sidewinder, and Cottonmouth. The most recent success in this field is the Draysha program (named after a fictional breed of Egyptian cobra which exists only within the Champions universe), Draysha is not a drug, a mutagen, or any sort of ingestible or applicable chemical or biological compound, it is the proper name for anyone that has successfully undergone the gene manipulation developed by the program.

The Draysha agents

Draysha agents are the subjects of VIPER’s most intense round of genetic experimentation to date. In this process, developed by VIPER scientist Dr. Timothy Blank, subjects selected for genetic compatibility with the treatments have their genes spliced with snake genes to produce people with modest superhuman abilities — in exchange for some unpleasant side effects.

Unlike VIPER’s earlier genetic experiments, which attempted to create permanent mutations, the Draysha program succeeds because it creates only temporary superhuman powers. Draysha appear more or less like ordinary humans until they ingest king cobra venom. Drinking the venom sparks a physical transformation: they acquire superhuman characteristics; their skin becomes slightly scaly; their eyes turn from human to reptilian; their canine teeth extend into fangs; and they can inflict a venomous bite. This transformation lasts as long as the boost in physical and mental traits remains in effect; when the effect of the boost fades completely, the agent’s appearance returns to normal and he loses his special abilities. However, unless it’s been weeks since his last transformation, a Draysha agent is completely hairless, lacking even eyebrows.

Although the Draysha program has enjoyed far greater success than VIPER’s other superhuman- breeding projects — candidates susceptible to the treatment have a 93% survival rate — it has one major drawback. Every year each Draysha agent risks contracting a nasty strain of leukemia -the hardier the agent is, the lower the chance. As the months go by he grows closer and closer to death, in the Champions pnp this was represented by making a Constitution roll every month and noting the failed rolls, the character then died after three failed rolls. This risk tends to drastically reduce the number of volunteers for the project. Draysha realize they’ve traded lifespan for power and the rush of experiencing life as a superhuman, and are often VIPER’s hardest socializers and fighters.

Draysha in detail

During the transformation mentioned above all of their attributes increase equally, both physical and mental (the stronger the effect the longer its duration). Their scales offer them protection roughly equivalent to Type I body armor and their bodies become pliable enough to allow them to slip through small cracks in surfaces. Their reptilian eyes do not alter their sense of sight in any way, shape, or form.

Alongside this, Draysha agents gain a permanent immunity to any and all normal snake venoms -and perhaps even most supernatural ones- that is in effect at all times, not just during periods of transformation, which can last anywhere between four and twenty-four minutes, though usually only lasts around twelve.

The Draysha's own venom is strange, unlike most venoms it does not actually hurt the person, but rather debilitates them, in the pnp this was represented by reducing their constitution. This venom is strong enough to render a normal person nearly unable to move, only Bricks are likely to resist it to any significant extent. They can however only inject their venom into targets they are holding pinned, so if you're not the hardiest of persons do NOT give a Draysha the chance to pin or grab you.