(FASERIP) Gen V : Sam Riordan

/ 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.

SAM RIORDAN, STUDENT

“I’m normal, Emma! This is what normal looks like when you’ve had my fucking life! You know, while you were worrying about, oh, maybe starring in a reality TV show, I was having a needle shoved up my fucking spine.”


Real Name: Sam Riordan

Identity: Public (Student at Godolkin University)
Occupation: Student
Origin: Compound V–enhanced human
Base of Operations: Godolkin University, New York

FASERIP Attributes

  • Fighting: Remarkable (30)
  • Agility: Excellent (20)
  • Strength: Amazing (50)
  • Endurance: Monstrous (75)
  • Reason: Typical (6)
  • Intuition: Excellent (20)
  • Psyche: Good (10)

Health: 175
Karma: 36
Resources: Poor (4) – imprisoned most of his life.
Popularity: Typical (6) – Growing popularity due to being a Guardian of Godolkin.

Powers

  • Invulnerability: Monstrous (75)
    • Resistant to physical, energy, and ballistic attacks.
    • Can withstand brutal punishment with little injury.
  • Hyper-Leaping: Amazing (50)
    • Can leap 75’ up, and 105’ down safely.
  • Resistance to Mental Attacks (Unstable): Good (10)
    • Mental trauma makes him resistant to some psychic probing — but also unpredictable.

Talents

  • Martial Arts C : Brawling / Wrestling; +1CS to Strength for Grappling checks (inc damage), +1CS to agility for dodging.
  • Escape Artist (Instinctual): +1CS in situations that require lock picking, untying knots, and minor contortionism.
  • Intimidation: His presence alone terrifies foes.

Contacts

  • Cate Dunlop — manipulative ally.
  • Marie Moreau & Team — tenuous allies after his breakout.
  • Luke Riordan (Golden Boy) — deceased brother, emotional core.

Weaknesses / Limitations

  • Psychological Instability: Suffers hallucinations, paranoia, violent outbursts. Requires constant roleplay checks to avoid harming allies.
  • Puppet Perception: When under stress role a Psyche check, if failed then Sam perceives others around him as ‘puppets’.
  • Manipulability: Susceptible to strong-willed manipulators (e.g., Cate).
  • Public Liability: Too violent to ever be accepted as a “hero.”
  • Isolation Trauma: Limited social skills, struggles with trust.

Roleplaying Notes

“If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself.”

Sam is the younger brother to Luke Riordan, aka Golden Boy, and is actually even more powerful, but vastly unpredictable due to his mental health. Diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenage he was admitted to the Sage Grove Center, but was later moved to The Woods, a secret underground medical facility located under Godolkin University where he was subjected to illegal experiments. Whilst he has now been ‘rescued’ from The Woods, Sam is a student at Godolkin University and considered one of the ‘Heroes of Godolkin’. He is still very unstable and relies on Cate’s abilities to keep him largely in check.

He can be very gentle, almost childlike and vulnerable, but his bouts of sudden, terrifying, violence make him unstable and unreliable. He often struggles to distinguish reality from delusion, a result of his years of confinement and manipulation, which feeds into his fragile mental state. Despite this, Sam has a pure-hearted side that shines through, showing loyalty and affection to those who treat him with compassion.

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

Leave a comment