Origin

The twisted and bizarre origin of Emplate, along with the origin of his mutant siblings (Monet M, M twins, and Penance)is the end result of comic book writers changing every story arc and having very "rough" transitions. The story of Marius is Chronicled in the X-title, Generation X and was the original creation of writer Scott Lobdell and artist Chris Bachalo.

Emplate was born Marius St. Croix. When his powers first manifested, he attacked his sister Monet St. Croix after her alleged disgust with his powers. This attack would have dire effects, turning Monet into the mute, razor sharp rock hard skinned character "Penance". This name was coined by Gateway in Gen-X issue 1, and it should be noted that this character does not correspond with the modern Penance found in the current Marvel Universe, who is actually Robbie Baldwin.

After the transformation of Monet, the St. Croix twins banished Emplate to another dimension via a summoned portal. Before leaving, Emplate managed to convince Penance to leave with him claiming, "He was the only one able to cure her". Emplate would use/abuse Penance 'feeding' off her mutant marrow in order to keep himself alive.

It was inside this different dimension that Emplate developed the need for a gigantic purple respirator. This dimension Marius was condemned to is said to be constant and horrific torture by other worldly beings ripping at your flesh. This banishment was certainly more than enough cause for Emplate to have bitter deep-seeded hatred for his sisters and would serve as his main motivation for his constant attacks on Generation X, a team that included the St. Croix twins (united as one person, of which we call M. Confusing, isn't it?), and, later (after the first issue, Penance, his captive and constant food supply).

Emplate would make multiple unsuccessful attempts at defeating the entire Generation X team of superheros. His first attempt was spurred on by a somewhat random encounter with a few members of Gen X inside of an airport. After this failed attempt however, Emplate would attempt to assail Gen X with a team of evil-doers. These 'team-mates' were often very generic 'bad-guys' who always seemed horribly outmatched for the young and spunky Generation X. Needless to say, he was never successful in completely overtaking Gen X although he had, at one point in time, captured the entire team, minus M.

Powers

Emplate, in the most basic of terms is a vampire. It is said that his powers manifested themselves naturally, like most mutants. His powers differ from those of a typical vampire, having to "supp" on the bone marrow of mutants being the main difference. Feeding on the marrow of other mutants in essence preserves Emplates life and gives him the strength to remain in this dimension. As a direct result of 'feeding', emplate is able to use the powers from the mutant he has sampled marrow from. While mutants are being subjected to this feeding, they are unable to use their mutant abilities (with the exception of Chamber, a mutant and member of Gen X who has psionic blasts erupt from his chest cavity and mouth, since Chamber is believed to be composed of psionic energy and has no marrow. This event occurs in Gen X number 1) The feeding of mutants occurs in the tiny, mouth like structures on the palms of Marius. These tiny mouths are filled with sharp teeth and are able to siphon the energy and marrow from mutants on skin contact.

Emplate also has the ability to see mutant 'aura' or energy signals that all mutants give off. This is especially helpful in tracking down the next meal. It is also a helpful indicator and gauge for the raw power of mutants (hence, his attack on Chamber, a mutant speculated to be omega level). Through these aura's, Emplate is able to 'read' his opponents and learn things from them that they have not concealed to him. This includes basic knowledge stuff like names, age, etc, but also includes the way mutants are feeling (scared, excited, angry, etc.) This gives Emplate a distinct advantage in attacking several mutants at once or even a single mutant by themselves.

Another power that Marius exhibits is his ability to 'turn' mutants, much in the way a vampire will create another vampire. These 'turned' mutants serve the will of Emplate and are given certain vampiric powers similar to his. Victims also receive the tiny mouths on the palms of their hands and have the desire to 'feed' just as Marius does. This power was first discovered in Gen-X 14 where Emplate 'turns' Synch Synch, a member of Gen-X. Synch manages to overcome the desire to feed which leads to the idea that there are psionic works in play in order for the mutant to be turned.

Emplate is also able to flicker in and out of dimensions. This allows him to walk this dimension invisible to all. It takes energy to transition from each dimension and so he must feed almost immediately after these transitions take place. It is impossible to detect Marius in this dimension if he chooses to not be seen (leaves no heat trail, etc). It is simply like looking for something that doesn't exist. The dimensional aspects of his invisibility make him one of the most, if not the best invisibility powers of the Marvel universe.

Other

It was revealed by Scott Lobdell, in an interview with Nate Raymond, that Emplate is short for Template, because he takes on the attributes of those he feasts upon the genetic marrow.

For a time, Emplate gestalted with his two sisters, the M Twins, to become a powerful being named M-Plate.

Emplate has a sidekick he names DOA. This 'little dude' is somewhat of a butler ala alfred for batman, except he has an insidious smile, a pension for pain, and travels with Marius through BOTH dimensions.