Dodger

Powers:

(none)

Equipment:

Helmet (s): anyone that drives a heavily armed and armored vehicle into battle will typically wear one of these accessories, because sometimes you have to poke your head out of the thing to drive - making it a great target. Whenever he's hit by a non-face head shot, Richard receives the benefit of +2 protection from the damage it would inflict. This helmet also has a headset to talk with his fellows in close range.

the Joe-Com (i): this newer, advanced device was given to all Joes upon the group's reactivation at the beginning of the 21st century - and thus, to Dodger when he occasionally aids them in battle. This high-tech wristband functions as an audio/video transceiver with various other goodies built in to help a soldier on the go, and is described in greater detail in its own equipment entry.

Laser Pistol (a): a newer weapon that Richard has picked up to test along with minor upgrades to his laser sonic photon rifle, this much smaller unit is also a bit smaller in the damage it inflicts. Richard may fire this one-handed weapon to inflict intensity 8 energy damage per blast, and he can fire about ten shots from this weapon before it requires the application of a new power pack.

Laser Sonic Photon Rifle (i): a true marvel of modern technology that most of the world doesn't even know exists, this handy weapon is Richard's pride and joy. It fires a sonic pulse that 'readies' the air to more readily conduct laser beams, allowing him to inflict intensity 10 energy damage per deadly blast of this cannon; it also has a spike-knuckled hand guard for hand to hand combat (+2 damage).

Semi-automatic Pistol (a): in the event that his high tech energy weapons should fail him, Richard has taken to carrying a standard firearm with him onto missions; you never know, after all. He can fire this trusty weapon to inflict his Agility +4 damage in a single shot, or boost this to his Agility +5 damage in a clip-expending burst of lead (he only does this when absolutely necessary).

Vest (s): because he knows how much a bullet can hurt, Richard typically wears an armored vest into battle - you never know when your vehicle's armor will fail you, after all. This vest, built from state of the art artificial fibers, can protect Richard with +2 ability from most torso-based shots - either front or back - that hit him (whether he's in or out of his Marauder).

Hindrances:

(none)

Skills:

Artillery (a): a skill he mastered due to his particular line of work in the military, Richard has learned how to wield most heavy, line of sight weaponry when he needs to - usually while behind the wheel of a tank or other treaded vehicle. When operating most artillery weapons, from mortars to main tank cannons, Richard does so at a reduced difficulty level.

Boxing (s): a tried and true standby of military training, this skill describes Richard's ability to defend himself should he find himself unarmed (a difficult feat, considering how much gear he usually has on hand). When wielding no weapons, Richard may divide his pre-cardplay action score between two attacks, the last of which will occur as a contingent action.

Electronics (i): his secondary military specialty, this skill showcases Richard's ability to maintain most advanced electronic systems - usually those that are vehicle mounted but not always. He may perform maintenance and repairs on such equipment at one difficulty level lower than is usually necessary, and should he be so inclined, he should receive this bonus when building new electronic circuits as well.

Marksmanship (a): an essential portion of his military training, this skill details Richard's ability to wield most conventional firearms in battle. Whether he is brandishing a standard, semi-automatic or fully automatic pistol, rifle or shot gun, or even advanced, powered weaponry, Richard may fire said weapon at a reduced difficulty - he's just that good with the stuff.

Military / United States (w): both a talent and an origin, this skill basically describes where Richard got all of his training (other skills) and high tech equipment. Thanks to his association with the military, Richard has access to immense resources with which to fight the forces of tyranny, and has an inherent understanding of the S.O.P. (military protocols and procedures).

Repair (a): his primary military specialty, this skill details Richard's ability to maintain most vehicles in a ready state of operation. When maintaining or repairing vehicles, whether they be his assigned conveyances (usually tracked assault vehicles) or any other, Richard may perform such actions (when cardplay is necessary) at one difficulty level lower than is normally required.

Calling:

Soldier: Richard has been in the military a very long time, and he's not ashamed of this; in fact, he really enjoys using his skills for the betterment of mankind. He was like this even before he was drawn into the seemingly endless war against Cobra's tyranny, but now that he has a direct outlet for his skills, he cherishes his role in the military even more.

Costume:

After the unfortunate demise of the rest of Battle Force 2000, Richard started wearing a slightly different uniform. It consists of a green tank top under a red vest, red fingerless gloves, a golden (brass?) wrist band on his right arm, red and brown leather boots, tan camouflage patterned pants, golden (brass?) webbing to hold his gear, gray thigh pads, and a green helmet.

Personality:

Richard is the kind of guy who believes in doing something right. Even though he could just lean on electronic devices and doo-dads he prefers to know just how everything he's doing is supposed to work, in the event that those high tech toys fail him. He's an old hand at military action and is more than happy to lend a hand to the younger types on the team that are still getting the hang of things.

Real Name: Richard Renwick, Grade E-7
Occupation: armored vehicle and electronics maintenance
Legal Status: citizen of the United States with a possible criminal record
Marital Status: single
Alias(es), if any: none
Group Affiliation: Gi Joe, Battle Force 2000

Height: 6'
Hair: unrevealed
Eyes: brown
Weight: 190 lbs
Other Distinguishing Characteristics: none.

Story:

Richard has been an armored vehicle combatant for a very long time. He's become an expert in all manner of top of the line electronics that make the operation of tanks and other treaded vehicles dead easy. Of course, he doesn't rely on all this gear; he's learned how to engage in armored combat the hard way, and while he uses advanced electronics, he can drive a tank 'blind'.

This skill is what got him noticed by the powers that be, who were staffing a new unit for the Gi Joe team. This unit would be on the forefront of weapons development not only for the Joes but for the military in general, and they could use someone who knew armored vehicles inside and out. Assuming he could pass the terrifying Gi Joe entrance exam, Richard was offered a place on the team.

He managed this of course, and was placed on this new Joe team: Battle Force 2000. They first saw action in the Arctic nation of Freusenland, where the team is testing out all of its new hardware. Little did they know that Cobra had been setting up Terror Dromes all over the place, and had finally activated the low frequency mood alteration technology within, causing riots nationwide.

The Joes were affected by these 'paranoia waves' as well, and Richard and Avalanche get into something of a fight before Blaster figured things out and convinced everyone to stop beating on each other and put headphones on. Once they do this, Richard and the Battle Force mount up and use their gear to take out as many of the Terror Dromes as they can, meeting other Joes arriving in the process.

Helping them fight off a Cobra advance, the Battle Force 2000 turned the tide and win things, proving the viability of their new gear - which can combine to form some sort of super field fortress - in the process. Richard and company then go on to be a staple of several further Joe operations, at least until the Battle of Benzheen, in which things went horribly wrong for the Battle Force 2000 crew.

While they were advancing through the oil tanks of Benzheen, Battle Force 2000 was targeted by Cobra Commander, who learned of their presence no thanks to the bumbling leader of Benzheen. Destroying all the oil tanks, Cobra Commander managed to wipe out all of the Battle Force 2000 team in one shot, save for Dodger, who somehow managed to survive the intense blast of the detonating oil.

The lone survivor of his team, Richard was reassigned to work with a small unit of Joes testing out advanced, sonic weaponry soon after. His own gear was rather close to this so most of this work was rather easy. He continued on in this capacity until the Joe team's first deactivation, though when the team was intermittently active after this point, Richard was more than happy to help when asked.

He did so during the second Cobra Island Civil War and of course World War III, where he and his fellow Joes helped to turn the tide of battle, and stop Cobra from taking over the world once and for all. With their leader in chains, the group fell apart, leaving Richard and company to simply mop up and hold things together until the world could rebuild all the damage Cobra caused.

Extra Goodies:

Gi Joe directories featuring a version of Dodger: