RPG Character A Week's blog

Agatha Heterodyne

Who is Agatha Heterodyne?

Agatha has what she calls the “spark,” a blessing from the goddess of invention that lets her slip into a fog of creativity and come out the other end with the perfect device: a weapon, a vehicle or some other kind of tool that makes the lives of her and her friends easier. She finds herself coming up with weapons more than she'd like, as her traveling companions always seem to have adventure on their minds – dangerous adventure. But Agatha is willing to try anything, as long as she can still link to her “spark.”

 

Primary Source Material: “Girl Genius” webcomic (vol 1-3)

 

Agatha Heterodyne – Fourth Edition (human tinkerer artificer)

 

Agatha Heterodyne – OSR (human cleric of goddess of invention)

 

Agatha Heterodyne – Microlite 20 Modern-Day – early historical era

Intellect focus – Technical, Lucky special abilities

STR: 13 (+1), DEX: 11 (+0), MIND: 18 (+4)

Physical: 2, Subterfuge: 1, Knowledge: 3, Communication: 2, Technology: 5

HP: 17, AC:

Melee/Hand-to-Hand Attack Bonus: +2, Missile/Ranged Attack Bonus: +1, Magic/Supernatural Attack Bonus: +5

Financial Status: Sponsored, Equipment: Wrench (as club), Various “Clanks”

 

Agatha Heterodyne – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Clever Heroine (2), Inventor (4), “Spark” Takes Her Over (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: Castle Falkenstein

 

Agatha Heterodyne – Risus

“Spark” (4), Heterodyne Legacy (3), Everyone's Friend (2), What To Do With Gil? (1)

 

Notes

I've known about “Girl Genius” for a while, having seen Phil Foglio's work on the old “What's New” comic in “Dragon” magazine back when it existed. But I didn't really start reading it until yesterday. So far, I'm up to chapter 4 (the escape from the Baron's airship). It's steampunk or gaslight or whatever, and a great source for new RPG heroes, since the official game may never show up.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Eros Valint/Cupid

Who is Cupid?

Eros Valint loves love. He fights only to protect his family and friends – and everyone is Eros' friend, except those seeking evil and death. As a young elf lad, Eros was sent to deliver messages of greeting from one royal family to another. Some of his messages required him to travel from city to city, and he developed his skills with the bow and the blade in that time. He's felt the touch of the goddess of love, and feels proud to be one of her servants in the world. He's always ready with a joke and a sip of healing potion after a battle.

 

Primary Source Material: Various myths of Cupid and St. Valentine

 

Eros Valint – Fourth Edition (eladrin protecting seeker)

 

Eros Valint – OSR (elf cleric of goddess of love)

 

Cupid – Microlite 20 Purest Essence/Fantasy Character Creation Options

(Uses these alternate options: Race Points: +1 DEX, Magical Step; Class Points: Ranger)

STR: 11 (+0), DEX: 17 (+3), MIND: 13 (+1)

Physical: 2, Subterfuge: 2, Knowledge: 2, Communication: 2, Survival: 5

HP: 15, AC: 18, Spell DC: na

Melee/Hand-to-Hand Attack Bonus: +1, Missile/Ranged Attack Bonus: +6, Magic/Supernatural Attack Bonus: +2

Equipment: +1 Longbow, Dagger, Breastplate

 

Cupid – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Elf (2), Cleric Of Goddess Of Love (4), Master Archer (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: AD&D 2e

 

Cupid – Risus

Symbol Of Love (4), Arrows Of Love And Spite (3), Only Fires On Those He's Assigned To (2), Falls In Love Himself (1)

 

Notes

It's possible to create stats for any kind of character, though anthropomorphic manifestations of emotions, and gods, really do stretch it. Boiled down, Cupid is an archer and an airborne messenger of love, so I played up those aspects of the character.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Black Knight (Jaan Cleaze)/Monty Python's Black Knight

Who is Monty Python's Black Knight?

Jaan Cleaze wanted to live forever, or at least long enough to exact vengeance on all the bullies and monsters that tormented him as a young squire. Smaller and weaker than his companions, he was determined to win at all costs. That's what motivated Jaan to pledge his soul to the god of violence. But the evil deity didn't want him either, so it took Jaan's offer and twisted it.

Jaan became a black knight, a servant of darkness who still fought alongside the forces of light – but forever apart from them. Jaan cannot be killed. If he loses an arm or leg (which has already happened several times), it magically grows back in just a few hours. His enemies cannot destroy him, but his friends and family don't want him now, given his bizarre “gift” from the gods. Jaan's only hope is to wander the wilderness, treating the touch of a lich and the bite of a dragon as “just a flesh wound.”

 

Primary Source Material: “Monty Python And The Holy Grail” 1975 film

 

Black Knight (Jaan Cleaze) – Fourth Edition (mul ardent paladin)

 

Black Knight (Jaan Cleaze) – OSR (dwarf fighting-man)

 

Monty Python's Black Knight – Microlite 20 Costumes

Level 1 – 15 Power Points

STR: 16 (+3), DEX: 10 (+0), MIND: 9 (-1)

Physical: 3, Subterfuge: 1, Knowledge: 1, Communication: 2

HP: 37, AC:

Melee/Hand-to-Hand Attack Bonus: +4, Missile/Ranged Attack Bonus: +1, Magic/Supernatural Attack Bonus: +0

Financial Status: Struggling, Powers: Regeneration – Limit: only after limbs removed (2)

 

Monty Python's Black Knight – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Half-Dwarf (2), Anti-Paladin (4), Not Affected By Losing Arms And Legs (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: Various D&D 3.5 books

 

Monty Python's Black Knight – Risus

The Black Knight Always Triumphs (4), Two-Handed Sword Causing Surprisingly Gory Injury (3), It's Just A Flesh Wound (2), I'll Bite Your Legs Off (1)

 

Notes

He's a fantasy character, but his invulnerablity is a super-power, and since it's simple enough to convert from one Microlite 20 game to another (just find appropriate skills in each game, but all the numbers should synch up), he can be used as-is for a fantasy game. A silly fantasy game. As a black knight, he doesn't quite fit the traditional paladin mode, but he can heal like a paladin, and is a very different take on the utterly unoriginal bad-ass warrior in ebony armor.

John Cleese, of course, played the Black Knight in the movie, thus prompting the character's “real name.” I haven't seen “Spamalot” but I hope to, eventually.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Magnus Greysteel/Magneto (Erik Lensherr)

Who is Magneto?

Magnus Greysteel has always found the greatest might comes not from the blade or even from his own gift for magic, but in having an iron-clad belief in what is right. To him, only those who risk their lives for treasure and glory deserve his attention. He has no patience for mere farmers and serving-wenches. Only heroes are worth Magnus' time.

Arming himself with the strongest armor and weaponry his magic can provide, Magnus dominates the battlefield, clearing a path for the warriors and archers who travel with him. He respects their skills and powers, even if they are limited compared to his own. But every inch of ground taken from orcs and bestial ordinary men is one more for the heroes, the rightful owners of this world and all those beyond.

 

Primary Source Material: “X-Men” comics, 2000 film

 

Magnus Greysteel – Fourth Edition (tiefling control wizard)

 

Magnus Greysteel – OSR (human magic-user)

 

Magneto (Erik Lensherr) – Microlite 20 Costumes

Level 13 – 195 Power Points

STR: 14 (+2), DEX: 18 (+4), MIND: 23 (+6)

Physical: 15, Subterfuge: 15, Knowledge: 16, Communication: 17

HP: 108, AC: 26, Initiative: +7

Melee/Hand-to-Hand Attack Bonus: +16, Missile/Ranged Attack Bonus: +18, Magic/Supernatural Attack Bonus: +20

Financial Status: Rich, Powers: Leadership (10), Magnetism (13), Resist Attack (Psionics) – Gadget (Helmet) (10)

 

Magneto (Erik Lensherr) – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Mutant (2), Magnetism Master (4), Leader Of The Brotherhood Of Mutants (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: Mutants & Masterminds 1e

 

Magneto (Erik Lensherr) – Risus

Mutant Master Of Magnetism (4), Homo Sapiens Superior Should Rule (3), Responsible For All His People (2), Don't Get In His Way (1)

 

Notes

While I have read plenty of “X-Men” comics, this version skews closer to the film version simply because it's less confusing. In the comics he's now named Joseph, I think, and was Xorn for a while and a bunch of other weird stuff. Some comics make him the ultimate Marvel evil, while he works better as an RPG hero if he wants to do the right thing, just in a direct way.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Rocky The Stallion/Rocky Balboa

Who is Rocky Balboa?

In a world of magic and swords, Rocky The Stallion has found harmony with his spirit animal, the hardworking, muscular horse. Rocky would rather punch his way through a villain than stand back and fire arrows. He knows he can take big risks, since he's a man-mountain of brawn, able to take almost anything an enemy can give out. Rocky is a simple man. He wants to do what's best for his town, his friends and himself, and being tough and trained is what it takes. A visit to a sage gave Rocky a glimpse into the future: a race up the stairs of the royal palace, training sessions in the cold and snow, fist-fights with men stronger than machines, and at some point, a moving comeback. Rocky doesn't know when those things will happen, but he looks forward to them all.

 

Primary Source Material: “Rocky” 1976 film

 

Rocky The Stallion – Fourth Edition (human brawling fighter)

 

Rocky The Stallion – OSR (human fighting-man)

 

Rocky Balboa – Microlite 20 Modern-Day – late modern era

Might focus – Combat Style (melee/hand to hand), Tough special abilities

STR: 18 (+4), DEX: 13 (+1), MIND: 11 (+0)

Physical: 6, Subterfuge: 2, Knowledge: 1, Communication: 3, Technology: 1

HP: 26, AC: 13

Melee/Hand-to-Hand Attack Bonus: +6, Missile/Ranged Attack Bonus: +2, Magic/Supernatural Attack Bonus: +1

Financial Status: Struggling, Equipment: none

 

Rocky Balboa – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Unlikely Champ Concept (2), Boxing Style (4), Manager: Mickey Goldmill (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: “Street Fighter The Storytelling Game” (White Wolf)

 

Rocky Balboa – Risus

Goes The Distance (4), Champion Of Philadelphia (3), Try The Rye Or The Kaiser – Never Goes Away (2), Can't Express Himself (1)

 

Notes

The whole movie series is of... varying quality, but the first film is undoubtedly the best. He's a modern fighter, so he fits in a fantasy RPG world with little change. “Rye or the Kaiser” of course is from the Weird Al song, a reference to how there's six Rocky movies over 30 years – he's like a movie slasher killer: unstoppable.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Long Arrow (Lord Luuk)/Rifleman (Lucas McCain)

What is the Rifleman?

Lord Luuk is a warrior who commands the battlefield from the seat of his massive war machine, Long Arrow. Constructed of steel, animal sinew, and more than a little dwarven rune magic, the Long Arrow looks like an enormous human, with a seat in its “head” for Lord Luuk to sit, and a ballista at each “shoulder.” Luuk likes to brag that his weapon can take down a dragon with one shot, and end a war in minutes. But the truth is that Long Arrow sometimes fails to move or act when Lord Luuk commands it – it stil has a few kinks to work out.

Even without Long Arrow, Lord Luuk can contribute on the battlefield. A seat high above the action gives him almost a griffon's-eye view of what's happening, so he's always ready with a battle plan for his allies.

 

Primary Source Material: “Battletech” game

 

Long Arrow (Lord Luuk) – Fourth Edition (human tactical warlord)

 

Long Arrow (Lord Luuk) – OSR (human fighting-man)

 

Rifleman (Lucas McCain) – Microlite 20 Mecha Revised

(piloted – Size Grade II – Assault configuration)

Chassis: 16 (+3), Handling: 13 (+1), Pilot or Cortex: 13 (+1)

Combat: 5, Engineering: 2, Sensors: 2, Interface: 2

HP: 21, AC: 15, Non-Combat Equipment: Advanced Comm Center, Jump Pack; Armaments: Medium Mecha Armor, Laser Blaster, Machine Guns

 

Lucas McCain – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Human (2), Mecha Pilot – Rifleman (4), Gunslinger (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: none

 

Lucas McCain – Risus

Pilot Of Rifleman Mech (4), Battle-Hardened Warrior (3), Always Does The Right Thing (2), No Time For A Personal Life (1)

 

Notes

The Rifleman was the coolest-looking Battletech mech from way back when I played that game, and since I just released “Microlite 20 Mecha Revised” on my website, I wanted to create a mecha. Lucas McCain is the name of “The Rifleman” of the TV western of the same name. No, they're not connected in any way, until now. I couldn't really stat up a mecha as a character (except in Mecha Revised), so I needed a pilot.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Lae'besst/Lady Macbeth

Who is Lady Macbeth?

Lae'besst is a worshiper of the queen of spiders, tangling all that cross her path in a web of deceit and violence. For now, she is content to travel with the heroes of the land, practicing her dark magic and pitting princesses against their fathers just for laughs. None of her companions believe she'll stay on the side of goodness forever, but her skills are potent, and she's a loyal fighter in battle.

What may be worse than Lae'besst's scheming is her odd delusions. Every few nights, her fellow adventurers say, Lae'besst sleepwalks through camp, whispering to herself of images of blood on her hands and murder on her heart. If slaying evildoers is weighing on the dark elf woman's soul, it's no wonder she's filled with thoughts of conspiracy and aspirations of taking the throne, other heroes say.

 

Primary Source Material: “Macbeth” play

 

Lae'besst – Fourth Edition (drow deceptive warlock (dark pact))

 

Lae'besst – OSR (elf magic-user)

 

Lady Macbeth – Microlite 20 Purest Essence/Fantasy Character Creation Options

(Uses these alternate options: Class Points (+3 Subterfuge, Attack Bonus Magic/Supernatural, Arcane Magic))

STR: 11 (+0), DEX: 13 (+1), MIND: 16 (+3)

Physical: 1, Subterfuge: 4, Knowledge: 3, Communication: 3, Survival: 3

HP: 15, AC: 11, Spell DC: 14

Melee/Hand-to-Hand Attack Bonus: +1, Missile/Ranged Attack Bonus: +2, Magic/Supernatural Attack Bonus: +4

Equipment: +1 Dagger, Royal Robes

 

Lady Macbeth – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Drow (2), Warlock (4), Desires To Be Queen (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: D&D 3.5

 

Lady Macbeth – Risus

Scheming Her Way To The Top (4), Behind Every Great Man Is A Greater Woman (3), Ultimate Female Archetype (2), Given To Delusions (1)

 

Notes

Obviously I am no Shakespearean scholar, but “Macbeth” has always been my favorite of his plays (lots of brooding, and the main characters are villains without being anti-heroes). In a fantasy setting, Lady Macbeth's encroaching madness is a perfect excuse for dark magic powers. She's a drow because they have always been portrayed as evil, scheming women.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Jameth, Agent Seven/James Bond 007

Who is James Bond?

The queen of Jameth's country won't acknowedge it, but the guild of assassins and second-story men known as the “Secret Service” is widely known to serve her. Their newest agent is Jameth, who's been training as a sneak and killer since the day he was born. While the world has seen plenty of knife-wielders and magic-users, assassins who can slip into high society are less common. Jameth prefers a glass of elven wine (shaken, not stirred) and armor concealed beneath royal robes much more than the black, blood-soaked lives of many of his brother agents.

Jameth has two goals in life: to win the heart of every woman he meets, no matter what their race, and find a successor. He knows he won't be part of the queen's Secret Service forever, and wants to pass along the Agent Seven designation to someone who's at least as good as he is.

 

Primary Source Material: James Bond films (up to “Die Another Day”)

 

Jameth, Agent Seven – Fourth Edition (human shadowy rogue)

 

Jameth, Agent Seven – OSR (human thief)

 

James Bond – Microlite 20 Modern-Day – late modern era

Stealth focus – Lucky, Connections special abilities

STR: 11 (+0), DEX: 18 (+4), MIND: 13 (+1)

Physical: 2, Subterfuge: 5, Knowledge: 2, Communication: 2, Technology: 2

HP: 15, AC: 18

Melee/Hand-to-Hand Attack Bonus: +1, Missile/Ranged Attack Bonus: +5, Magic/Supernatural Attack Bonus: +2

Financial Status: Sponsored, Equipment: Bulletproof Vest (armored tuxedo), Regular Pistol, Trick Watch

 

James Bond – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Department 0 – Power Brokerage (2), Pointman (4), Always Has The Gadget He Needs (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: “Spycraft” 1^st Edition

 

James Bond – Risus

Her Majesty's Top Agent (4), “Shaken, Not Stirred” (3), Gear Up With Q Before The Mission (2), Wins Every Woman (1)

 

Notes

I don't like Daniel Craig Bond. He didn't do anything “Bond-ian” in the film. I didn't see the second one because the first was so boing. But movie Bond, on the whole, is such a great character. I don't have the “James Bond 007” RPG or I would have statted that up for DC:R.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Tetsuo Shima

Who is Tetsuo Shima?

Control has always been a problem for Tetsuo. He's struggled to earn the respect of his elders since the day he was born, smaller and more wild than others his age. Ignored and criticized, Tetsuo fell in with a group of young adventurers who spent most of their time looting treasure houses and stirring up the anger of neighboring goblin tribes. Running from one encounter, Tetsuo was separated from his allies. He drew his dagger and prepared to fight to the death, but instead was struck by a wild mass of colored light shining from above.

Was it a gift from the gods? A curse from an evil wizard? Tetsuo still doesn't know. But it instilled him with mighty magical power, knowledge of spells he's still struggling to learn. Tetsuo isn't a typical wizard, though; he's not studying his magic. Instead, he's using what he has to seek revenge on those who wronged him. And there are many who have wronged him, in Tetsuo's mind.

 

Primary Source Material: “Akira” 1989 anime

 

Tetsuo Shima – Fourth Edition (stormsoul genasi wild battlemind)

 

Tetsuo Shima – OSR (halfling magic-user)

 

Tetsuo Shima – Microlite 20 Costumes

Level 8 – 120 Power Points

STR: 11 (+0), DEX: 15 (+2), MIND: 20 (+5)

Physical: 8, Subterfuge: 9, Knowledge: 9, Communication: 9

HP: 64, AC: 23

Melee/Hand-to-Hand Attack Bonus: +8, Missile/Ranged Attack Bonus: +10, Magic/Supernatural Attack Bonus: +14

Financial Status: Struggling, Powers: Energy Blast (8), Force Field (8), Telekinesis (8)

 

Tetsuo Shima – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Earth Native (2), Mind Melter (4), Motorcycle Ganger (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: Rifts

 

Tetsuo Shima – Risus

Uncontrollable Psychic Power (4), Quick To Anger (3), Capsules Motorcycle Ganger (2), Will Get Respect At Any Cost (1)

 

Notes

I've only read bits and pieces of the manga, so I'll stick with the film. This is Tetsuo about halfway through the film – after he gained power and pushed everyone away, but before he lost control of his body in that big gross mass of flesh, then became the new ultimate power (I think that's what happened). If you want him at that point, give him Cosmic Power (8).

No other RPG can represent all the crazy psychic power of Tetsuo but Rifts.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.

Megas/Megatron

Who is Megatron?

Megas loves destroying things. He wishes one day to become the most powerful warrior of them all, but that's his secret dream. To his allies, Megas is a loyal servant of the god of strength and battle, who goes for the biggest weapon he can find, and the deadliest foes he can fight. He likes to take the lead in combat, but grudgingly respects an ally who proves to Megas his value in battle. Megas' single-minded devotion to war occasionally leads him to take chances he really shouldn't, but so far he's always been able to hack his way out of any situation.

 

Primary Source Material: “Transformers” 1984 TV series, Marvel comic books, 2007 film

 

Megas – Fourth Edition (warforged wrathful invoker)

 

Megas – OSR (human fighter)

 

Megatron – Microlite 20 Mecha

huge assault mecha

Chassis: 16 (+3), Handling: 13 (+1), Pilot: 13 (+1)

Armaments: 3, Sensors: 2, Engineering: , Interface:

HP: 20, AC: 13

Equipment: 2 Power Cores, Vermiform Matrix, Duraplastic Armor, Space Worthy, Wings

Weapons: Mass Cannon, Chain Guns (in jet form)

 

Megatron – Dungeon Crawl: Risus

Transformer (handgun or alien jet) (2), War Leader (4), Consumed With Hatred (3), 3 Rerolls, RPG book used as reference: none

 

Megatron – Risus

Decepticon Commander (4), “Defeat Is Absurd” (3), Transforms Into Pistol (2), Eternal War With Primes (1)

 

Notes

I hadn't statted up a character using the M20 Mecha rules yet – and now I see they're not quite complete, at least to my taste, so I'll work on that next. I mostly used Generation 1 classic Megatron, but the handgun mode is kind of dumb, so I turned to his “alien jet” form from the live-action movie. Take your pick which form you'd like.

Disagree with my stats? Have another character suggestion? Leave a comment! Thanks.

You’ll find rules for my Microlite 20 and Risus expansions, games of my own creation, and much more at my website.