(FASERIP) The Boys : Mesmer

/ 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.

MESMER, FORMER CHILD STAR AND FORMER MEMBER OF TEENAGE KIX

“There are no secrets from me.”

Real Name: Charles “Mesmer”
Identity: Known (former public celebrity)
Occupation: Ex-child star, supe, occasional informant, former member of Teenage Kix
Origin: Compound V enhanced (psychic powers)
Base of Operations: Los Angeles (formerly), now washed-up in obscurity

FASERIP Attributes

  • Fighting: Poor (4)
  • Agility: Typical (6)
  • Strength: Typical (6)
  • Endurance: Typical (6)
  • Reason: Good (10)
  • Intuition: Excellent (20)
  • Psyche: Remarkable (30)

Health: 22
Karma: 60
Resources: Poor (4) – no money; relies on odd gigs, supe conventions.
Popularity: Typical (6) – remembered as a minor supe celebrity, though mostly mocked.

Powers

  • Telepathy (via Touch): Remarkable (30)
    • By physical contact, Mesmer can read a subject’s thoughts, memories, and emotions.
    • Duration: Requires touch to maintain.
    • Resistance: Targets may resist with Psyche FEAT.
  • Psychometry: Good (10)
    • By holding objects, he can sometimes pick up impressions/memories of the owner.
  • Mental Probe: Excellent (20)
    • Can dig deeper into memories with extended touch, though resisted by target Psyche.

Talents

  • Acting/Performance: Former child star; can feign emotions, manipulate socially.
  • Pop Culture Knowledge: Media connections, entertainment trivia.
  • Contacts (Celebrity/Supe Circles): Knows many supes, though most don’t respect him.

Contacts

  • Vought International: Former employer (now little connection).
  • Con circuits: Supe conventions, washed-up actors.
  • Celebrity/Supes  circles: Knows many supes, though most don’t respect him.

Limitations / Weaknesses

  • Touch Required: Powers only work with skin-to-skin contact or direct object handling.
  • Physically Weak: Frail, no combat ability, easily overpowered.
  • Addictive Personality: Craves fame, validation, and attention.
  • Unreliable Ally: Will sell out anyone for personal gain.

Roleplaying Notes

Mesmer was the child star of the hit television series “The Mesmerizer”, where he played a psychic detective. He was also in the teen superhero group Teenage Kix, which also touted A-Train as a member. These days Mesmer is pathetic but dangerous. He’s desperate for relevance and affection, making him easy to manipulate, but his psychic insight can ruin lives instantly if he gets too close. In combat, he’s virtually useless, but narratively, he’s a perfect plot complication: a liability who knows too much and might betray the team at any moment. He’s most effective as an NPC informant or antagonist.

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

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