Gears Contact Build (Transformers Essence20 rpg)

The Contact build for today is perhaps not the most famous or glamorous of Autobots, but their job is perhaps one of the most important in the Autobot military. Today, we visit with the gruff and surly transportation specialist Gears!

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

GEARS

“Nobody wins a war – somebody loses.”

Gears hates Earth, a lush, green planet practically as unlike his cozy, gray, metallic homeworld as possible. He grumbles and complains about being shipwrecked on it — complains and grumbles to a ridiculous extent, until he becomes a source of amusement, rather than negativity. This is usually his intent — unlike his fellow Autobot Huffer, Gears has a desire to help his fellow Autobots see good in a bad situation. Still, he does get depressed from time to time.

Gears is strong and tough, not so much in lifting but in endurance, and carrying heavy loads with little effort, be they energon cubes, disabled Autobots, or potatoes for the farmers' market. He is fitted with infrared vision sensors.

In robot mode, Gears can release controlled bursts of compressed air from his feet, launching himself and floating back down. In doing so, he must be careful not to lose air pressure before coming close enough to the ground for a safe landing.

Influences

Refinery Laborer, Skeptic: Gears is a workhorse, but he’s going to make sure everyone hears about it the entire time.

Origin

Outrider: Gears assumes the alt-mode of a 4WD pickup truck. In this alt-mode, his wheels can fold down to allow him to use his compressed air boosters to temporarily hover.

Role and Focus

Renegade (Tank): This Role and Focus comes from the GIjoe RPG.

Essence Scores and Skills

Strength 8: Athletics +d6, Brawn (Endurance) +d6, Might +d2

Speed 6: Driving (Ground) +d6, Targeting +d4

Smarts 7: Alertness +d6, Survival +d4, Technology +d2

Social 6: Persuasion +d4, Streetwise (Transportation) +d6

Gaining Gears As A Contact

Convoy: Gears knows that a war is dependent on its transportation and steady supply line. If the PCs spend their downtime helping Gears move supplies and equipment, succeeding on three DIF 15 Brawn, Driving, and Streetwise Skill Tests, they gain Gears as a permanent Contact.

Fellow Autobot: If this Contact is one scene, the PCs can summon them for 1 round.

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

Compressed Air Boosters (2 Allegiance Points): Gears can make astounding leaps through the air; landing safely thanks to the compressed air boosters installed in his legs. A PC Can make a single jump equal to double their normal Ground Movement, plus the distance indicated by their Athletics (Jumping) Skill Test. While they are jumping in this manner, the PC is Resistant to Falling Damage.

Infrared Sensors (1 Allegiance Point): Gears is equipped with infrared sensors. A PC gains an Edge on their next Alertness Skill Test, ignoring any penalties from darkness or obscurement.

Long Hauler (3 Allegiance Points): Gears may not be the strongest, but his endurance can outlast even the toughest ‘Bot. All PCs succeed on Brawn (Endurance) Skill tests until the end of the scene.

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