Bombshell (Transformers Essence20 rpg)

We start  in on the contact builds for the vile Insecticons; featuring their leader: Bombshell (aka Hardshell).

Bombshell was one of the original three Insecticons introduced in the G1 comics and animated series, alongside Shrapnel and Kickback. Three other "deluxe class" Insecticons existed, but outside of the toy line, they never really made an appearance or had influence on the classic comics or show.

Despite how the cartoon tried to make it appear as though Shrapnel was the commander of the Insecticons, base on his rank on the Tech Specs, Bombshell is actually supposed to be their leader. He is the smartest of them all, and also is armed with mind-controlling cerebro-shells that are usable on both robotic and organic life forms.

Insecticons are the "vermin species" of Transformers and generally are found in the slums and underworld tunnels of Cybertron and its colonies. They can sustain themselves on literally anything; eating base materials and refuse that gets converted into Energon within their bodies. If an Insecticon eats enough, they have a means of duplication, where they will extrude a protoform clone that will quickly grow into a new Insecticon of the same type and appearance as their progenitor. These drones do not have the same intelligence or personalities as their progenitors, nor do they possess the unique powers of their hive alphas. For example, if  Bombshell was to create drone clones of himself, they would appear like Bombshell, but not possess his powerful  intellect or his ability to implant cerebro-shells.

Following the attack on Autobot City in 2005, Bombshell -- along with all the other Insecticons in the Decepticon army -- is converted into a Sweep by the Chaos-Bringer Unicron. These minions of Scourge the Tracker have the Insecticon ability to generate more drone of themselves, ensuring Galavtron maintains a steady army for his Matrix hunt, no matter how many Sweeps he or the Autobot casually destroy.

When Unicron's head is finally destroyed within the Proxima-Centauri sun, Bombshell is restored to his former self and continued to aid the Decepticon army until his eventual destruction by the Autobot's human ally Miko Nakadai (this event inducted her into the ranks of the Wreckers).

BOMBSHELL

"The mind is my playpen."

A master of mind-controlling "cerebro-shells", the twisted Bombshell (aka Hardshell) plays with the minds of others as a child would a new toy, enthusiastically and recklessly. But there is nothing childlike about the gleeful malice he exposes in forcing his victims into more and more humiliating and destructive acts. Bombshell takes such sadistic joy in the destruction of his victims that even the other Decepticons can be put off, wondering if he wouldn't be just as pleased to play those same "games" with them...

Influences

Conniving, Disenfranchised: Insecticons are considered to be the lowest form of life on Cybertron and within the ranks of the Decepticon military. Bombshell is always looking for the means to get ahead.

Origin

Insecticon: Bombshell assumes the alt-mode of a rhinoceros beetle.

Role and Focus

Field Commander (Mastermind): By using his cerebro-shells to control the actions of others, Bombshell maintains his own personal army.

Essence Scores and Skills

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

Speed 4: Infiltration +d4, Targeting +d4

Smarts 8: Alertness +d4, Culture +d4, Survival (Foraging) +d6

Social 6: Animal Handling +d4, Deception +d8

Gaining Bombshell As A Contact

Decepticons, Rise Up!: If this Contact is on scene, the PCs can summon them for 1 round.

Insecticon Hivemate: Fellow bugs need to stick together or be crushed under the heels of the largest Cons. If a PC is an Insecticon, they gain Bombshell as a temporary Contact.

Voracious: Insecticons are always hungry for food and Energon. If the PCs can aid Bombshell in finding regular sources of food, succeeding on three DIF 16 Animal Handling, Science, or Survival Skill Tests, they gain Bombshell as a permanent Contact.

Allegiance Points: 3

Contact Perks

Cerebro Shell Implantation (2 Allegiance Points): Bombshell’s cerebro-shells make one more susceptible to suggestion. A PC has an Edge with all Deception Skill Tests until the end of the scene.

Infiltration (3 Allegiance Points): Bombshell is particularly adept at using his insect mode to infiltrate into populations. All PCs automatically succeed on all Infiltration (Stealth) Skill Tests until the end of the mission.

Mortar Shells (1 Allegiance Point): Bombshell wears a head-mounted mortar launcher in bot mode. A Threat suffers 1 Sharp Damage and the 20-foot radius around them becomes rough terrain.

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Till All Are One!