Grimlock and the Dinobots (Transformers Essence20 rpg)

Having finished with the Wreckers (for now), we move on to another famous band of Autobot wrecking machines: The Dinobots!

This article is unofficial, fan-made content using the Transformers Essence20 rpg by Renegade Games Studios

DINOBOTS

The Dinobots are a rowdy, arrogant, lowbrow, disobedient band of warriors that some Autobots would rather scrap than deal with. They're also one of the most devastatingly powerful and close-knit combat units in the Autobot army, being incredibly powerful in robot mode and taking alternate modes based on dinosaurs, the most powerful creatures to ever roam the Earth.

Most of them dislike Optimus Prime, so whether or not they follow the Autobot leader's orders depends on what those orders are. This attitude extends to the rest of the Autobot army, with most being viewed as too weak or cowardly to take the steps needed to get the nastier jobs done. Only a handful of individuals are viewed by the Dinobots as true allies and even they don't really understand them. This attitude has very much pushed the Dinobots to the fringes of Autobot society, which has resulted in an extremely powerful sense of camaraderie and friendship among the team. Few Autobots are closer. As so many battered, bruised and beaten Decepticons can attest, if you confront one Dinobot, you confront them all.

Shortly before the Great Exodus, the Lightning Strike Coalition were a brutal subgroup of Autobots under the leadership of Grimlock who reluctantly followed Optimus Prime's more cautious brand of warfare... when ordered. Swoop was sent to investigate Shockwave's energon sources but he worryingly disappeared. When the other four coalition members learned that Swoop had been captured by Shockwave, they disobeyed orders and went after him themselves. Grimlock, secure in his arrogance, was glad that the fate of Cybertron rested in their hands. However, upon arriving at the Sea of Rust, they were overpowered by a swarm of Insecticons and taken to Shockwave's labs.

As it turned out, Shockwave had deliberately set up his prisoner as bait so that he could lure Swoop's teammates into his clutches. Believing that the Coalition's strength and durability would make them ideal test subjects, Shockwave and his Insecticon hordes disabled all of them, while the Decepticon scientist carted them off to begin his experiments. Having observed alien lifeforms on a distant planet through his space bridge, Shockwave begun surgically altering the Coalition, physically rebuilding them with new alternate modes while simultaneously splicing Predacon CNA with their own, giving them the ability to transform into various prehistoric creatures.

The group's members are:

Grimlock (Tyrannosaurus) — the leader

Slug (Triceratops) — the bad boy

Sludge (Brontosaurus) — a plodding bruiser

Snarl (Stegosaurus) — a grumpy soldier

Swoop (Pteranodon) — a good-natured bombardier

On July, 2023, another member was inducted into the Dinobot ranks when Jawbreaker Malto rescued a mind-controlled Grimlock from rampaging through the city of Witwicky, Pennsylvania.

Grimlock

“Among the winners, there is no room for the weak.”

Some Autobots wonder why Grimlock is even on their side. His disposition is much more suited to the Decepticons. After all, he values power and strength over wisdom and compassion, and furthermore, he doesn't really get along with most Autobots. When faced with a problem, his usual responses are to slice it with his energo-sword, tear it to pieces with his bare hands, or outright eat it. He is more willing to accept casualties than most of the Autobot leadership, and doesn't seem particularly concerned about the fleshies either. These things, coupled with his dislike of Optimus Prime, have led to a defection or two on Grimlock's part. He'd have no problem offing the Autobot leader if he thought he could get away with it, though.

What the Autobots don't realize is that the only thing he hates more than weakness is those who abuse their strength, meaning when push comes to shove, Grimlock will always fall in on the right side of the fence. And despite their disagreements, Grimlock holds a respect for Prime's strength and leadership. His real feud within the Autobot ranks is with Prowl; Grimlock's chaotic behavior drives Prowl up the wall, and Prowl's uptight personality gives Grimlock much grief.

Influences

Checkered Past, Experiment, Gladiator: Grimlock was a gladiator from Kaon, but chose to join the Autobots early on in the war. His dislike of Optimus Prime and shock and awe approach to combat meant he was not regarded as a great leader, but he has survived long enough to earn a high rank and command of the Lightning Strike Coalition. Captured by Shockwave, they were reformatted into the Dinobots.

Origin

Monstrosity: Shockwave's experiments not only granted Grimlock a new alternate form, but increased his power tenfold. Unfortunately this was at the cost of his intelligence. While he is far from stupid, Shockwave's experiments have made it more difficult for the former field commander to think rationally and made his already prominent rage issues all the more severe.

Role and Focus

Field Commander (Tyrant): Grimlock himself is extremely strong and durable, and is one of the few Transformers who can not only stand toe-to-toe with Optimus Prime and Megatron, but actually give them a run for their money.

Essence Scores and Skills

Strength 10: Brawn +d8, Intimidation +d4, Might (Bite) +d6

Speed 3: Initiative +d2, Targeting +d4

Smarts 7: Alertness +d4, Survival +d10

Social 9: Animal Handling +d4, Persuasion (Leadership) +d8, Streetwise +d4

Gaining Grimlock As A Contact

Him Friend: Grimlock considers himself the strongest warrior around, and he appreciates others who are willing to stand up to him and his imposing might (case in point: Wheelie). If a PC is able to resist being Frightened or Intimidated by Grimlock, then use the opportunity to strike back against the Dinobot, proving they have no fear (by making a successful Attack against Grimlock that deals at least 1 Damage), they gain Grimlock as a permanent Contact.

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

Munch Metal! (2 Allegiance Points): Grimlock has many weapons at his disposal, but he enjoys nothing more than the feel of his teeth ripping into the chassis of another bot. One Threat takes 2 Sharp Damage.

Rampage (1 Allegiance Point): Grimlock tears through enemies like they are nothing. A PC can make a Might-based attack as a Free Action after performing any Standard Action.

Terrifying Roar (3 Allegiance Points): Grimlock unleashes a roar that catches everyone’s attention and makes them listen to what he has to command. The PCs can use Intimidation to replace all Social-based Skill tests until the end of the scene.

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