Buzzsaw Contact Build (Transformers Essence20 rpg)

Starting onto the Decepticon Contact Builds, we go to the way back machine with Buzzsaw!

One of two "condor" cassette tapes used by Soundwave, Buzzsaw functioned as his spy. In the animated series, they pretty much had Laserbeak pull double-duty as the spy-bird. But for the toy series, this was supposed to be the specific function of Buzzsaw. Laserbeak was intended as the interrogator for Soundwave's tape of Recordicons. And one might argue "conservation of characters"  except that they had Frenzy and Rumble be exactly the same in the cartoon, despite the fact that they functioned very differently from each other, according to their tech specs.

Buzzsaw was special, as he was packaged directly with Soundwave. Unlike the other mini-cassette Decepticons, this was the only way one could acquire Buzzsaw in the original toy series. Lucky for me, my older brother had a Soundwave, and thus a Buzzsaw as well, as one of the very first Transformers toys ever in my household.

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BUZZSAW

"My bite is worse than my bark."

Buzzsaw is a very specific kind of artist — he likes to make art out of his victims. He approaches them with reasoned clarity and sophistication, gutting them with what he believes to be inspirational precision. However, his ego is easily wounded, and he's not adept at improvisation. If one of his "masterpieces" is interrupted and he cannot proceed as planned, he would rather retreat to sulk than rethink his approach.

He will kill you. It's not a matter of if, but a matter of where, when, and how painful it is.

Influences

Artisan, Villainous: Buzzsaw considers himself an artist, and living beings are his medium.

Origin

Mini-Con: Buzzsaw assumes the alt-mode of a data storage mini-cassette.

Role and Focus

Scout (Tracker): Buzzsaw functions as Soundwave’s spy and tracker.

Essence Scores and Skills

Strength 5: Athletics +d4, Brawn +d2, Intimidation +d4

Speed 8: Driving (Aerial) +d6*, Finesse +d4, Targeting +d4

Smarts 8: Alertness (Visual) +d6*, Culture +d2, Survival (Tracking) +d4*

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

Gaining Buzzsaw As A Contact

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

Positive Feedback: Like many artists, Buzzsaw delights in the adoration of his fans. If the PCs gush upon Buzzsaw and his “art,” succeeding on three DIF 16 Culture, Performance, and Persuasion Skill Tests, they gain Buzzsaw as a permanent Contact.

Soundwave Superior: Buzzsaw is loyal to Soundwave. If a PC has Soundwave as a permanent Contact, and succeeds on a DIF 10 Persuasion Skill Test, they gain Buzzsaw as a temporary Contact.

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

Micro-Serrated Beak (2 Alliance Points): Buzzsaw enjoys cutting into his enemies with his serrated beak. A PC gains the Armor-Piercing Trait with their melee attack until the end of the scene.

Soundwave’s Spy (1 Allegiance Point): Buzzsaw functions as the eyes to Soundwave’s impressive ears. A PC gains ↑1 to all Alertness Skill tests until the end of the round.

Study Quarry (3 Allegiance Points): Buzzsaw studies and analyzes his quarry, learning everything about his enemy. Select a Threat. The PCs know their maximum Health, Hang-Ups they possess, and any Resistances or Weaknesses they have.

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'Till All Are One!