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.

FRENCHIE, MEMBER OF THE BOYS

“I’m just saying, it could be worse, no?” 

Real Name: Serge

Identity: Secret
Occupation: Mercenary, weapons expert, vigilante (member of The Boys)
Origin: Human
Base of Operations: New York City

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FASERIP Attributes

• Fighting: Excellent (20)
• Agility: Excellent (20)
• Strength: Good (10)
• Endurance: Good (10)
• Reason: Remarkable (30)
• Intuition: Remarkable (30)
• Psyche: Good (10)

Health: 60
Karma: 70
Resources: Good (10)
Popularity: Typical (6)

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Powers (Human)

• None

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Talents

• Chemistry: Expert in drugs, poisons, explosives, and concoctions.
• Engineering/Repair: Improvises gadgets and weapons.
• Guns: +1CS to Agility with firearms.
• Marksman: +1CS to hit with any distance weapon that requires line of sight to hit. No penalties for range.
• Explosives: Skilled in bomb-making, disarming, and deployment.
• Martial Arts B: +1CS Fighting in unarmed combat.
• Lock Picking: Able to pick a lock with almost anything.
• Stealth: Operates covertly, infiltrates secure facilities.
• Streetwise/Criminal Contacts: Underworld networks.
• Multilingual: Fluent in French, English, Russian, and others.

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Contacts

• The Boys (Butcher, Hughie, M.M., Kimiko).
• Underworld Connections (arms dealers, mercs, drug traffickers).

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Limitations / Weaknesses

• Human: Vulnerable to any superhuman threat — bullets, blasts, super strength.
• Haunted Past: Guilt over violent history and reckless actions.
• Drug Use: History of substance abuse; may relapse under stress.
• Loyalty to Kimiko: Emotional weak point; will risk himself recklessly for her.

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Roleplaying Notes

“Wile E. Coyote. Always chases Roadrunner, always with an elaborate plan, always fails. You know, I always say, Why do this, Coyote? All you need is an AR-15, and ‘meep-meep’ no more.”

Frenchie is the mad genius of The Boys: eccentric, clever, and deadly creative. In combat he’s a tactician and improvisor, using bombs, traps, poisons, or custom gadgets to even the odds against supes. He’s most effective when given prep time, able to rig explosives or whip up chemical surprises.

He’s a mix of charm, wit, and sensitivity whilst being impulsive and having a flair for dramatic gestures. He’s haunted by past mistakes and guilt and has a desperate need for redemption. He has a deep affection and bond with Kimiko and would not hesitate to put himself in tremendous danger to save her.

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