Smokescreen Contact Build (Transformers Essence20 rpg)

 Today's Contact build is for the Autobot Diversionary Tactician: Smokescreen.

As far as functions go, Smokescreen sits in a pretty cool area. He is an intelligence operative, responsible for feeding misinformation to the enemy (Deception's). meanwhile in the cartoon, all he seems to do is drive in and live up to his name, by making a bunch of smoke, when the Autobots need to make a strategic retreat.

That's what happens when cartoons are all about selling toys and not telling a good story. Alas!

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SMOKESCREEN

"A look can be deceiving; a touch can be lethal."

Every Autobot has a purpose, be it as a leader, a warrior, a healer, or a scout. Smokescreen's purpose, however, is to charm and deceive. His job is to conceal the Autobots' true mission and lead the enemy astray, and he's not above flat-out cheating to get the job done. Off the battlefield, he uses his naturally friendly and sociable nature to get in close with his Autobot comrades... then reports back to Optimus Prime, giving the Autobot leader an on-the-ground perspective on what his troops are thinking.

Smokescreen's armaments are similar to his tactics. If he can't outthink, charm, or just plain outrun you, he'll surround you with a magnetized cloud of smoke, and blast you with his circuit-scrambling weapons while you're stumbling around blindly. Look he's called "Smokescreen" for a reason, OK?

Influences

Cybertronian Military (Intelligence), Security: Smokescreen was a career operative in Cybertron's government structure. At various times, he had worked for Intelligence, Colonial Security, and Xenorelations. The web of agencies he had been seconded between raised confusing (and potentially concerning) questions about who he was truly loyal to, at close of day.

Origin

Champion: Smokescreen’s Alt-Mode is a Datsun Fairlady Z (280 ZX) race car.

Role and Focus

Analyst (Corruptor): Smokescreen excels as creating misinformation among his enemies (and sometimes his allies).

Essence Scores and Skills

Strength 4: Intimidation +d4, Might +d4

Speed 7: Infiltration +d6, Initiative +d4, Targeting +d4

Smarts 9: Alertness +d6, Culture +d6, Technology +d6

Social 6: Deception (Bluffing) +d6, Streetwise +d4

Gaining name As A Contact

Anything For Optimus: Smokescreen idolizes Optimus Prime and will do anything to impress him, even at the risk of his own life. If the PCs spend their downtime helping Smokescreen look good in front of Optimus, succeeding on three DIF 16 Deception, Performance, or Persuasion Skill Tests, they gain Smokescreen as a permanent Contact.

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

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

All A Big Facade (1 Allegiance Point): Smokescreen makes deception appear to be second-nature. A PC gains an Edge on their next Deception Skill Test.

Radar-Disruptive Missiles (3 Allegiance Points): Smokescreen is armed with missiles that wreak havoc on enemy aircraft radar and guidance systems. All Threats have ↓2 to Aerial-based Driving Skill Tests and suffer from rough terrain when using Aerial Movement until the end of the scene.

Seriously, It’s In the Name! (2 Allegiance Points): Assuming his alt-mode, Smokescreen drives across the battlefield, billowing smoke from his tailpipe and hindering the visual sensors of his enemies. All Threats suffer a Snag on all skill tests requiring visual senses. The smoke disperses at the end of the next turn or if a powerful gust of wind is used by any PC or Threat in the scene.

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'Till All Are One!