Trailbreaker Contact Build (Transformers Essence20 rpg)

Today's contact build is the "one trick" Autobot: Trailbreaker!

One of the original Autobots from 1984, Trailbreaker is largely forgotten as a character, save for his ability to generate powerful protective force fields. This is a power he seems to constantly forget he has in the comics, as he's often being smashed to pieces by Decepticons, with no use of his force field in sight.

Despite his reputation as a "one trick" character, Trailbreaker is actually a powerful and easily-overlooked foe. He is also equipped with a radio jammer to disrupt enemy communications. He also possesses magnawheels, which allow him to wall or drive on metal surfaces in robot and vehicle modes. And finally, there was an issue of the comics, where he was seen to be strong enough to push Devastator off of him, when the gestalt combiner attempted to smash Trailbreaker under his foot.

Trailbreaker's official function within the Autobot army is "Defensive Strategist", placing him side-by-side with the likes of Prowl, who is supposed to be Optimus Prime's second-in-command.

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

TRAILBREAKER

“An Autobot’s as good as the fuel in his tank.”

It's hard not to like Trailbreaker. He's a good-humored cheerleader, always ready with a joke or comment to lighten the mood when things get dark. Sadly, Trailbreaker's joking is often a cover for his low self-esteem. His form is the most fuel-consumptive of the Ark crew, and his vehicle mode is very slow. As such, he feels like a useless drain on their limited resources. Other days, he feels like a one-trick-pony whose talents are taken for granted. It's not uncommon to see him burying his woes in a tall glass of liquor that can push a Warworld into hyperspace.

The Autobots know better, of course. Trailbreaker's good humor, bravery, and impenetrable force field and magnawheels are all of great use, and he knows how to make the most out of both his abilities. But convincing him of that is hard. Once he starts moping about his handicaps, nothing short of a strong push in the right direction will get him in gear.

Influences

Morale Booster, Security: Before the war, Trailbreaker's force field ability marked him as an outlier: a Cybertronian with special powers that didn't match up with their alternate mode. This got him noticed by Senator Shockwave, who took him and other outliers in at the Jhiaxian Academy of Advanced Technology to nurture their abilities and protect them from functionists.

Trailbreaker later began serving in the Security Forces under the command of Sentinel Prime, during which he participated in the battle of Kaon where the criminal known as Megatron began a rampage with his army of convicts.

Origin

Outrider: Trailbreaker assumes the alt-mode of a Toyota 4WD Hi-Lux. His magnawheels upgrade allow Trailbreaker to drive or stand on any metallic surface, even walls or ceilings. He can activate them whether he’s in robot or truck mode. He’s the only one who’s not impressed with them.

Role and Focus

Vanguard (Bodyguard): The Vanguard role from the GIJoe rpg is perfect for representing Trailbreaker’s force field powers, especially when combined with its Bodyguard Focus so he can help protect others on the battlefield.

Essence Scores and Skills

Strength 7: Athletics +d4, Brawn +d6, Might +d4

Speed 4: Driving +d4, Targeting +d4

Smarts 6: Alertness +d4, Technology (Communications) +d6

Social 7: Deception +d4, Performance +d2, Persuasion +d8

Gaining name As A Contact

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

Pay it Forward: As much as Trailbreaker loves spreading joy, he can be insecure about his own ability to do enough, or if he's just being an annoyance. If the PCs come across a depressive Trailbreaker, they can attempt three DIF 19 Alertness (Insight), Deception, Performance, or Persuasion Skill Tests to help bring up his mood. If successful, the PCs gain Trailbreaker as a permanent Contact.

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

Force Field (3 Allegiance Points): Trailbreaker projects a force field to defend his allies on the field. All PCs gain resistance to all damage for 1 round, unless the attack has the Indirect trait.

Morale Booster (1 Allegiance Points): Trailbreaker is there with a quick word of encouragement to his allies. A PC is restored 1 Health or can remove a Condition they are suffering (except for Defeated).

Radio Jammer (2 Allegiance Points): Trailbreaker uses his radio jammer to interrupt Decepticon broadcasts and hinder their communications. All Threats in the Combat scene cannot use the Lend Assistance action with their allies.

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