STEELJAW Contact Build (Transformers Essence20 rpg)

 It's been a while since I've managed to get one of these contact builds done. I've been busy with my new art site, several commission projects, and a couple of writing projects. Recently, Ive been able to clear some of those off my plate, so now I can get back to having fun with these contacts!

Let's get back to work with the Autobot Recordibot: Steeljaw!

Steeljaw is a character that has undergone several changes and incarnations throughout different Transformers series and continuities. In G1, he was a lion-formed Recordibot who operated with Blaster, as well as an expert tracker.  In the Bayverse films, Steeljaw was a dumb slobbery dog-bot who just served to tell stupid dog jokes: humping legs and peeing and/or slobbering on everything (great work, Michael Bay!)

One of the newest incarnations -- from the Robots In Disguise animated series that served as a sequel to TF: Prime -- of Steeljaw was as a Decepticon revolutionary who had a werewolf-like robot form. He was a regular villain throughout the entire series and pretty popular as a character.


I had actually planned on featuring Contact builds for both the original "G1 Steeljaw" as well as "Revolutionary Decepticon Steeljaw." Unfortunately, there do not exist any tech spec stats for the Decepticon version, despite having several toys made of that version. Bad Hasbro! As such,  we'll just have to be happy with the classic G1 version for the article.

If you enjoy this content, please donate to help my friend Owen play for his medical bills.



STEELJAW, Recordibot

"What the eyes don't see, the nose knows."

Where the Decepticon cassette with a cat-mode is a master of moving about undetected, it is fitting that his Autobot counterpart is one of the best at tracking down robots who don't want to be found. Steeljaw is a tenacious tracker of unmatched skill, whose olfactory sensors can track even the faintest scent for a range of 800 miles. All business when on the job, he can come off as cold, even rude to others, but that's just his professionalism and determination getting the better of him. Off the clock, he loves to investigate odors of all shapes and sizes, and Earth has many new and unusual smells for him to enjoy - the perfume of young women being one of his favorites. Steeljaw has a nearly unbreakable bite, from which he takes his name, and is armed with two solar-powered pellet guns. He can electromagnetize himself to stick to surfaces in cassette mode. His only real weakness is a tendency to rust.

Influences

Hunter: Steeljaw is an unparalleled tracker.

Origin

Outrider: Steeljaw’s robot form is that of a cyberlion.His alt-mode is a data storage disc.

Role and Focus

Scout (Tracker): The Tracker Focus from the Decepticon Directive perfectly suits Steeljaw’s function in the Autobot army.

Essence Scores and Skills

Strength 8: Athletics +d6, Brawn +d4, Might (Bite) +d4

Speed 2: Targeting +d4

Smarts 8: Alertness (Olfactory) +d8, Survival +d6

Social 6: Animal Handling +d4, Persuasion +d4, Streetwise +d4

Gaining Recordibot Steeljaw As A Contact

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

New Smells: Steeljaw loves to find new smells and experiences. The new and strange scents of Earth and its various flora and fauna excite him. If the PCs can spend their downtime helping Steeljaw find and collect new scents for him to experience, succeeding on three DIF 15 Alertness, Science, and Survival Skill Tests, they gain Steeljaw as a permanent Contact.

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

Electromagnetize (1 Allegiance Point): In cassette mode, Steeljaw can adhere to any surface. A PC gains an Edge on their next Athletics (Climbing) Skill Test.

Jaws of Steel (1 Allegiance Point): Steeljaw’s bite lives up to his name. Few are able to escape his grasp. One Threat suffers 1 Sharp Damage and gains the Grappled Condition until the end of their next turn.

Track Any Scent (2 Allegiance Points): Steeljaw is able to track anyone or anything with ease. A PC automatically succeeds on all Alertness (Olfactory) or Survival (Tracking) Skill Tests made until the end of the scene.

'Till All Are One!

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