(FASERIP) Gen V : Luke Riordan aka ‘Golden Boy’

/ 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.

After our recent run looking at characters from The Boys I’m staying with the same universe and sliding over to the Gen V TV series. The series largely takes place at the Godolkin University School of Crimefighting, where young supes are taught a variety of skills alongside furthering developing their own powers…. and possibly one day being chosen to become a member of The Seven.

LUKE RIORDAN, AKA ‘GOLDEN BOY’, STUDENT

“Can I give you some advice? That you’re not at all asking for? (…) Being a hero is, uh… It’s not what you think. You know, if you’re gonna do this, make sure you do it for you.“


Real Name: Luke Riordan

Identity: Public (Godolkin University’s top-ranked student)
Occupation: Student
Origin: Compound V–enhanced human
Base of Operations: Godolkin University, New York

FASERIP Attributes

  • Fighting: Remarkable (30)
  • Agility: Excellent (20)
  • Strength: Incredible (40)
  • Endurance: Monstrous (75)
  • Reason: Good (10)
  • Intuition: Excellent (20)
  • Psyche: Remarkable (30)

Health: 165
Karma: 60
Resources: Good (10) — supported by Vought and Godolkin.
Popularity: Excellent (20) — adored as the #1 student and future Seven candidate.

Powers

  • Plasma/Fire Generation: Monstrous (75)
    • Can create and project superheated plasma flames.
    • Ranged damage, incineration, or wide-area blasts.
    • Can shape flames around fists for melee.
    • Range: 5 areas.
  • Plasma Aura (Flame Body): Amazing (50)
    • Surrounds self with fire aura; damages anyone who comes into contact.
    • Grants resistance to physical grapples.
  • Flight: Incredible (40)
    • Propelled by fiery energy; up to 30 areas per round.
  • Resistance to Heat/Fire: Monstrous (75)
    • Immune to own flames and most fire-based attacks.
  • Enhanced Durability: Monstrous (75)
    • Can endure superhuman blows, explosions, and energy blasts.

Talents

  • Martial Arts B: +1CS to Fighting when unarmed.
  • Leadership: Charismatic, inspires fellow students.
  • Performance/Media Training: PR grooming by Vought.

Contacts

  • Andre Anderson (best friend) — trusted confidant.
  • Godolkin University Staff — sponsors, handlers.
  • Vought International — corporate backers, PR machine.

Weaknesses / Limitations

  • Mental Instability: Luke struggles with trauma, moral conflict, and guilt. This can lead to breakdowns or reckless decisions.
  • Collateral Damage: His flames are highly destructive, making control difficult in civilian areas.
  • Corporate Pressure: Groomed by Vought, expectations weigh heavily, influencing his choices.

Roleplaying Notes

“You said that I’d be bigger than Homelander.”

Luke Riordan, also known as Golden Boy, is the shining star of Godolkin University – charismatic, powerful, and outwardly confident. As the top-ranked student, he projects charm, leadership, and reliability, embodying the perfect image of a golden boy hero. Yet, beneath this polished exterior, lies deep inner conflict and emotional turmoil. Luke feels the crushing weight of expectation, both from Vought and from himself, which fuels anxiety and self-doubt. Despite his popularity, he struggles with loneliness and vulnerability, burdened by secrets he can’t share.

On the battlefield he’s a flying juggernaut of plasma, capable of incinerating squads of enemies or even trading blows with the most powerful supes such as Homelander. Luke is a young man torn between living up to his image and facing his reality.

For more information, and background, on Luke Riordan / Golden Boy please check out The Boys Wiki Golden Boy page.

Leave a comment