Laserbeak Contact Build (Transformers Essence20 rpg)

Today we  focus on a fan-favorite of the Decepticon army: The Recordicon mini-cassette Laserbeak!

Despite the fact that Buzzsaw was packaged with Soundwave in the original G1 toy series, he got almost no fame or was even mentioned in the original cartoon series. Heck, he barely appeared in the comic. Instead, Laserbeak got all the glory. He even took over Buzzsaw's job as Soundwave's top spy and tracker. 

In his original toy description, Laserbeak is supposed to be Soundwave's master interrogator, using his high-precision lasers to inflict the most pain while not damaging the subject as badly... yeah, he's a master of torture.

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LASERBEAK

“The only point I like in Autobots: melting point.”

Laserbeak is not usually found on the front lines of battle. His chosen role is that of the spy, lurking in unseen corners and inconspicuous perches, snatching up any useful information he can to relay to his superiors. He has also been known to serve as an interrogator, using his lasers to carve up helpless prisoners to extract anything and everything they know. On occasion he's even played the role of assassin, striking quickly at unsuspecting (and particularly vulnerable) targets, and vanishing in a flash in the chaos following the attack.

He much prefers this "hide and sneak" tactic, as to his core, Laserbeak is a coward. Should his weapon's energy reserves start running dry, he starts running for the hills. A sufficiently big threat will also send him screaming off for the horizon at top speed. His self-preservation habit even dictates his attitude towards Decepticon leadership power-shifts: he basically allies himself with whoever's in charge at the moment, a loyalty that can vanish almost instantly once the reins of power change.

Influences

Hunter, Villainous: Laserbeak enjoys stalking his prey and striking from afar; preferably from a hidden vantage point.

Origin

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

Role and Focus

Analyst (Inquisitor): Laserbeak functions as Soundwave’s primary interrogator. He delights in using his lasers to torture bots with pinpoint accuracy to cause the most pain.

Essence Scores and Skills

Strength 5: Intimidation +d6, Might +d4

Speed 8: Driving +d4, Infiltration +d4, Targeting (Lasers) +d6

Smarts 6: Alertness +d4, Science +d4, Technology +d4

Social 6: Deception +d6, Persuasion +d6

Gaining Laserbeak As A Contact

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

Con In Charge: laserbeak’s loyalties sway to whomever is the most powerful at the time and able to prove they are capable of leadership. If a PC spends time with Laserbeak and makes two successful DIF 16 Intimidation or Persuasion Skill Tests, they gain Laserbeak as a temporary Contact. A PC with the Field Commander (or Officer) Role has ↑1 to make these Skill Tests.

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 Laserbeak as a temporary Contact.

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

Interrogator (1 Allegiance Point): Laserbeak knows all sorts of painful ways to draw information out of a subject. A PC gains an Edge on Intimidation Skill Tests until the end of their turn.

Ruby Crystal Batteries (3 Allegiance Points): Laserbeak provides ruby crystal laser weapons for his allies. All PCs add the Ray Generator and Surgical Upgrades to one of their ranged weapons until the end of the scene.

Surgical Lasers (2 Allegiance Points): Laserbeak’s lasers are precise enough to strip the chassis off his target. A Threat suffers 1 Laser Damage and has their Toughness reduced by 1.

Contact Hang-Ups

Coward: Despite his bluster, Laserbeak is a coward at heart. If he suffers any damage or is successfully Frightened by an Intimidation Skill Test, he will flee the scene.

x

'Til All Are One!


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