Bulkhead Contact (Transformers Essence20 RPG)

While I believe the Wreckers were first introduced in the UK Transformers comics during the 1980s, I did not know about them or their deeds until I was introduced to Bulkhead in Transformers: Prime.

As one can tell from looking at Bulkhead's Essence Scores, they differ from those presented in his Threat build within the Decepticon Directive Sourcebook. I personally base all my TF NPC builds on the classic tech specs of the characters.

BULKHEAD

“Hey, I’m too strong to quit the fight.”

Bulkhead looks huge and menacing, but is actually quite caring and gentle-souled. Though he's neither a brainiac nor a fast runner, Bulkhead is one of the most sturdy members of Team Prime. He's afraid of hurting things smaller and more fragile than him, but his new human friend, Miko Nakadai, has helped him grow past that. He has a low tolerance for jerks and bullies, and is quite happy to let people like that stew in the trouble they've made for themselves, but his better impulses—or at least, needling from those around him—always sway him into helping in the end.

Influences

War Veteran, Wrecker Recruit: For all his sweetness, he's still a Wrecker through and through. Yet, despite participating in several major battles and campaigns, his past career has left some painful psychological scars. Being a part of the Autobots' black ops team means you have to do the dirty work, and Bulkhead's seen many horrors and friends meet a bad end. Though saddened by his traumatic experiences with the Wreckers, he's joined up with Optimus Prime to end the fight with Megatron, for the sake of all his brothers and comrades.

Origin

Monolith: Bulkhead knows how to use his strength to his advantage.

Role and Focus

Warrior (Wrecker): Though Bulkhead left the Wreckers for Team Prime, he’s still a Wrecker through and through and enjoys a good fight with his best friend. Now he has to use his skills to help keepCybertron safe for all to live in peace.

Essence Scores and Skills

Strength 10: Athletics +d2, Brawn +d6, Intimidation +d2, Might (Blunt) +d4

Speed 4: Driving +d2, Initiative +d2, Targeting +d4

Smarts 5: Alertness +d4, Survival +d2, Technology +d4

Social 5: Performance +d2, Persuasion +d2, Streetwise +d4

Gaining Bulkhead As A Contact

Fellow Autobot: If this Contact is on the scene, the player characters can summon them for 1 round.

Go A Few Rounds: Bulkhead admires those who can stand tough in combat. If a PC spends their downtime training alongside Bulkhead and succeeds on three DIF 15 Athletics, Brawn, or Intimidation Skill Tests, they gain Bulkhead as a permanent Contact.

Protector of the Smol: Bulkhead knows the first duty of the strongest ‘bots is to use their strength to protect those weaker than themselves… especially if that includes Miko Nakadai. If a PC spends their downtime helping out Common-sized or smaller NPCs, and succeed on three DIF 15 Alertness, Animal Handling, or Persuasion Skill Tests, they gain Bulkhead as a permanent Contact.

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

Bellringer (2 Allegiance Points): Bulkhead hits harder than most Autobots: One Threat in the combat scene takes 1 Blunt Damage and is Stunned until the end of their next turn.

Plow (1 Allegiance Point): Bulkhead clears the way for his allies to break through enemy lines. One PC gains a Move Action in addition to their normal Movement. This additional Movement can only be used with Ground Movement.

Seasoned Warrior (3 Allegiance Points): Bulkhead is a combat veteran who knows how to inspire his fellow warriors on the field. A PC ignores Snag on their next three Skill Tests until the end of the scene.

x

I you enjoy this content, please support my Patreon.

Or buy me a KoFi.