CHARACTER CREATION CHALLENGE 2023: Everyday Heroes (5 of 6)

THE GAME: Everyday Heroes (2022)

OK, so, we did four members of the M.A.S.K team so far, and I noticed a pattern in the characters that gave me some pause. There are several characters in the original M.A.S.K. continuity that were certainly products of the 1980s. Ethnic/cultural stereotypes were rampant, and due to the animation practices of the time many of these characters were voiced with exaggerated mannerisms or accents because one voice actor was often doing half a dozen voices for the series. Bruce Sato and Nevada Rushmore stand out in this category among the characters we have not yet covered. On one hand, the M.A.S.K. team did represent a set of diverse cultures, on the other hand, they represented them in much the same way AD&D’s Kara Tur and OA presented Asian cultures through the lens of Saturday Afternoon Kung-Fu Theater. Well-meaning, but in hindsight, a less than informed or culturally sensitive presentation. Aside from this issue, there was also the issue that aside from Matt Trakker, the show delved only shallowly into the backgrounds of most characters, and each of them was a specialist-warrior-spy of generally good alignment. Great for the TV formula of the 80s, but lacking in depth if one wants to break them down into a character write-up that goes further than a blurb on the back of the box. I just got the first trade paperback of the new(ish) IDW M.A.S.K. comic, but since I started with the cartoon representations, I’ll finish these last two characters with the cartoon representations.

A HERO IN SIX STEPS

1. Concept the Character

2. Background

3. Profession

4. Ability Scores

5. Archetype and Class

6. Finishing Touches

Step 1: Concept

Alex Sector is another scientist type on the M.A.S.K. team. The computer calls him “Computer and communications expert. Rhino systems commander.” He runs a pet store and is a veterinarian, and sometimes acts as a medic/doctor for the team. He also seems to be the go-to “science guy” for pretty much any application. The obvious track would be to build Alex as a Smart/Scientist, but what about building him as a Wise/Sleuth? His role is usually investigative, and we’ve already built Bruce as a Smart Hero, so let’s give this a whack.

Step 2: Background

We’re going to posit that Alex had a normal, middle-class upbringing in his native England. With an Ordinary background, Alex can bump up one attribute, we’ll bump INT. He can pick up any skill he wants, so we give him Natural Sciences. He also gains the ability to easily blend into a crowd.

Step 3: Profession

Alex goes to school to get his veterinary degree. This means his Profession is Medicine. His INT and two other ability scores go up. WIS and CHA. He gains Insight and Medicine as Skills, along with a medical license, prescription pad, and first aid kit. Wealth is set to 3, and he gains the Prescriptions special ability, which gives him access to drugs and other pharmaceuticals.

Step 4: Ability Scores

Alex needs to be smart and wise, and his character art shows him as being broad-shouldered, so perhaps a bit strong or tough? Looking at the points available, and the bonuses already recorded, we give Alex a final score of 16 in each on INT and WIS, and a 12 CHA to help deal with the animals. This doesn’t leave much for physical abilities, so we’ll put what’s left into an average STR and DEX, but slightly above-average CON.

• STR: 10

• DEX: 10

• CON: 12

• INT: 16

• WIS: 16

• CHA: 12

Step 5: Archetype and Class

As a Wise Hero, Alex gets a d10 Hit Die, and his Defense is based on his WIS. So 11HP after CON bonus, and a DEF of 15. He gains 2 Focus, which is used to power the Wise Hero’s Concentration ability, which can allow a re-roll on any WIS ability check. As a Sleuth, Alex gains Deduction, which allows him to re-roll INT-based ability checks. Sixth Sense allows Alex to use WIS instead of DEX for attack and damage rolls as long as he’s not using a heavy weapon, use his WIS as an initiative modifier, and to take Search as a bonus action. He can also use the Weak Spot ability, which uses a Focus to gain advantage against an opponent. If this attack hits, it generates an extra 1d6 damage. INT and WIS are his proficient saves. He picks Computers, Investigation, and Perception as Skills. He gets to choose an Expertise, and we take Investigation. He becomes proficient in Basic Equipment. He picks up a Detective Pack, and would get a revolver or hunting rifle, but we’ll skip those for his Jackrabbit mask.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

30ft per round for Movement. Starting Proficiency Bonus is +2. We fill in Passive Perception, and the skill totals. As a Veterinarian, he has a Wealth of 3.

Alex Sector- let’s see:

• Motivations: Friendship, like the rest of the M.A.S.K. team, Work, but not as in workaholic, more like he loves taking care of the animals he heals and helps to find forever homes.

• Attachments: M.A.S.K. Team, his animals.

• Biography: I was guessing when I chose Ordinary as a background, but we can posit Alex came from a family that could afford to send him to veterinary school. His accent in the show indicates he’s from England. Maybe his parents were in the foreign service, which explains Alex’s interest in exotic animals. He saw them while travelling with his family, and decided to dedicate his life to their study.

• Beliefs: Not sure we know enough from the show to speculate, but like the rest of the team, Alex seems to be generally good-aligned.

• Role: Alex is the computer specialist, but doesn’t seem to function primarily as an archetypical hacker. He is more the team’s Science Officer, and has a very broad knowledge of nearly all things scientific. One of the first things I’d do with Alex in a campaign is use a Feat choice to get him expertise in one or more of his medical or science skills. Oh, and better Equipment proficiencies.

• Appearance: Alex is bald, but with a orange/red beard and a stout build. He is almost always seen in a lab coat and mock turtleneck.

• Virtues: As I recall, Alex is Amiable, Compassionate, and Resourceful.

• Flaws: Again, 80s cartoon hero, so not many flaws.

• Quirks: Can’t recall any at this time.

REPEATED NOTE: I can totally see that to do this better, I would need to pound down some of the episodes of the show I haven’t seen in decades. I remember a general sense of most of the characters, but I have a feeling that a general sense is all we got of a number of them.