(FASERIP) The Boys : Ryan Butcher

/ angusabranson

The FASERIP system was first published by TSR in the Marvel Super Heroes RPG in 1984, and later expanded in the Marvel Superheroes Advanced Game in 1986. The game proved very popular, its easy and flexible system allowed for all levels of play from street level crimefighters to cosmic campaigns. Whilst the original games are decades out of print the system has continued to be available through a range of retroclones and has an active fan community online.

I’ve been playing the game since the 80’s and it’s one of my favourite systems. Whilst the game was originally for the Marvel universe I used to convert a load of other superheroes/villains from other comics and shows to the system to incorporate into my games. That’s something that has stayed with me and I love being able to drop cameo, or ongoing, appearences of characters that originate elsewhere in to my games. In this series of articles I’m converting a number of characters from TV shows and comics to the FASERIP system for a bit of fun.

First up I’ll be looking at some of the characters from The Boys, a dark satirical comic and TV series created by Gareth Ennis and Darick Robinson which began life at Wildstorm Comics before moving to Dynamite Entertainment.

RYAN BUTCHER, POTENTIAL SUPERHERO

“Your family isn’t your enemy. Your family is all you got. I’ve been thinking about my mom a lot lately. She died. But she loved Christmas. And s’mores with Reese’s. And Terms of Endearment. And she loved her husband Billy. But she wouldn’t love this. She wouldn’t want me doing it. My mom always told me to tell the truth.”

Real Name: Ryan Butcher

Identity: Secret (known only to a few)
Occupation: Child, potential superhero (or superweapon)
Origin: Genetically engineered hybrid (first natural-born supe, son of Homelander & Becca Butcher)
Base of Operations: Under Butcher’s protection, later under Homelander’s influence

FASERIP Attributes

  • Fighting: Poor (4)
  • Agility: Good (10)
  • Strength: Remarkable (30)
  • Endurance: Incredible (40)
  • Reason: Typical (6)
  • Intuition: Typical (6)
  • Psyche: Good (10)

Health: 84
Karma: 22
Resources: Feeble (2) — dependent on guardians.
Popularity: Unearthly (100) (unknown to the public; would skyrocket if revealed as Homelander’s son).

Powers

  • Heat Vision (Energy Emission – Light/Heat): Incredible (40)
    • Focused beams capable of cutting through flesh and metal.
    • Control still shaky — risk of collateral damage.
  • Flight: Remarkable (30)
  • True Invulnerability: Remarkable (30)
  • X-Ray Vision: Good (10)

Talents

  • Languages : English, Spanish

Contacts

  • Billy Butcher (mentor/protector, conflicted relationship).
  • Homelander (father, manipulator).
  • The Boys (allies, though wary of him).
  • Vought International (would seize him if possible).

Limitations / Weaknesses

  • Inexperience: Cannot yet control his powers under stress; FEAT rolls required to avoid collateral damage.
  • Emotional Vulnerability: Childlike trust and fear make him easily manipulated (especially by Homelander).
  • Power Fluctuations: His abilities spike under stress/anger, but risk misfires.
  • Identity Secret: If the public learns he’s Homelander’s son, he becomes the most valuable (and vulnerable) asset in the world.
  • Guilt/Trauma: Still haunted by killing Stormfront accidentally; may hesitate to use full power.

Roleplaying Notes

“But aren’t you mad at me?”

Ryan Butcher is the young son of Homelander and Becca, making him the first naturally born Supe. Ryan is kind-hearted, sensitive, and empathetic, qualities that contrast sharply with his father’s cold arrogance. He craves genuine connection and stability, displaying a strong attachment to his mother and later to Billy Butcher, who becomes a conflicted father figure. However, Ryan also wrestles with fear and confusion about his powers, worried about hurting those he loves. As he grows older, he shows flashes of resilience and determination, but also vulnerability to manipulation, especially from Homelander, who seeks to mold him in his own image. Ryan’s personality reflects a child caught between two worlds: one of humanity and compassion, and one of power and corruption.

For more information, and background, on Ryan Butcher please check out The Boys Wiki Ryan Butcher page.

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