(Risus) - Viper! - Hostile Environment Trooper - #CharacterCreationChallenge

I saw this AI rendering on a GI Joe group and knew it needed to be statted out for the last day of the #CharacterCreationChallenge

Zee Viper

Enthusiastic Pane Polisher (4)

Daring Dangler of Fenestral Clarity (3)
Vindow Dressing (2)

Retired Sewer Worker (1)

Zee Viper strikes the heart in royalty, but probably was lumped together in a COBRA! recruitment drive.  More can be found on the Animaniacs Fandom page.  Alas I can't find a safe link to the end of that episode. 

Don't laugh too much, somebody kitbashed Zee Viper as an actual action figure here. 

(Hackmaster 4th Edition) - Thalia Garmistis - War Priest of the Heqet, Sister of Hecate - #CharacterCreationChallenge

I'm hitting the penultimate day of the #CharacterCreationChallenge with an old-school Hackmaster 4th Edition character.

It's cheesy AI Art (Nightcafe), but I took it and ran with it.

Thalia Garmistis,  8th Level Cleric of Heqet, Sister of Hecate

Age: 37,  Height: 5'9"   Weight: 174lbs  Handedness: Right  Class: LLC  

History:  Both parents alive through childhood, Honorable family both ill-equipped, only child

Strength: 14/35

Intelligence 15/75

Wisdom 21/34

Dexterity: 12/10

Constitution: 13/53

Charisma:  13/88

Comeliness:  15/65

Honor: 39  

Quirks and Flaws:  Flatulent, Socially Awkward, Missing Finger, Trick Knee

Proficiency: Staff,  Spear, Sagaris (Battle Axe), Short Bow

Alignment: Chaotic Good

Spells Base 7/5/4/3

Talent: Hit Point Bonus

Skills: 

Astrology 42% 

Divine Lore 361% 

Fire Building 50% 

Identify Animal Tracks 51% 

Hunting 30% 

Jumping 26% 

Language: Hy Braseal 

Language: Wyrmnalian  34%

Man Slap 31% (d6)

Religion: General 70% 

Religion (Heqet)  37% 

Religion (Hecate) 34% 

Rousing Speech 30% 

Running  26% 

Set Snares 24% 

Survival: Jungle 52% 

Armor Maintenance

Weapon Maintenance

Grooming

Magic Items:   

1. Chain Mail +1
2. Shield of Far-Reaching Defense (small shield)  (4/4/4/4/4/4/4/3)
3. Spear of Grã-Bretanha (Spear +2, If first attack in the round hits, character gets one extra attack that round.)
4. Scarab of Protection

Hit Points:  79

Armor Class:  Full Defense  (AC: -4), Using the Shield's abilities (AC: 4)

Background: Thalia is a courageous and skilled warrior of the Hy Braseal,  who doubles as a minor priestess in her society. She was part of the most recent war party that made contact with Viking explorers from the land of Wyrmnal. In the ensuing conflict, she emerged victorious and took the horned helmet of a formidable Viking warrior as a trophy, which she now wears with pride.

Appearance: Thalia is tall and athletic, with a strong, commanding presence. Her battle-scarred armor is adorned with symbols of Heqet, but special symbols, runes and sigils are inside her battle-spoil helmet, a testament to her more devoted membership as a Sister of Hecate.. She has piercing green eyes and long, braided hair/

Personality: Thalia is fierce and determined, with a deep sense of loyalty to her sisters. She is also introspective and spiritually inclined, trying to figure out why her society made her become a priest to a frog headed god, when many of her friends are the amphibian Ilekari, who bear a striking resemblance.  

The Cult of Hecate: The Cult of Hecate venerates the Xellenic goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the crossroads. Followers of Hecate seek to master the mysteries of the occult, the moon, and the underworld. The cult emphasizes the power of transformation, the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, and the pursuit of hidden knowledge.  

(Gamma World) Yita Shash, Medicine Bear #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day 29 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge for 2026, and we're still looking at the glut of inspirational AI art.

Yita Shash – Medicine Woman Brown Bear  7th Level Esper

Strength: 18
Dexterity: 10
Constitution: 16
Intelligence: 13
Mental Strength: 15
Charisma: 14
Senses: 12

Hit Points:  67

THAC Melee:  +3  THAC Ranged:  0

Mental Defense:  19

Armor Class: 16

Health:   12

Robot Recognition: 16

Stealth: 0

Speed:15  Bipedal:10

Mutations:  Empathy (18); Healing Touch (9), Plant Control (16), Animal Control (19), Will Force (18), Hardened Fur, Heightened Smell

Skills

• Hypnosis 9
• ID Mental Powers 8
• Sense Mental Powers 14 
• Photographic Memory 11

Weapons & Equipment

• Claw/Claw//Bite   d8/d8/d6
• Med Kit: Tech Level V
• Medicinal Satchel – Filled with herbs, poultices, and salves for curing wounds and diseases.
• Stone Dagger – Lightweight and ritualistic but functional (1d6 damage).
• Talisman of Purity – Grants immunity to poison and disease effects.
• Charm Bracelets – Used to aid in negotiations and rituals, giving +1 to Charisma checks.
• Smoke Bombs (x4) – Used for escape or confusion in combat.

---

Background and Personality

Yita Shash is a massive, matronly brown bear standing 8 feet tall, draped in robes woven from scavenged cloth and adorned with bones, beads, and feathers. Her fur is streaked with gray, hinting at age and wisdom. Her amber eyes hold a calm authority, and her voice rumbles like distant thunder. She carries a staff carved with ancient symbols and topped with a glowing crystal, rumored to channel mystical energies.

Yita Shash, meaning “Bear of Medicine” in her tribal tongue, is revered as a spiritual leader and healer. She wanders the wasteland, offering aid to those in need while protecting the balance between nature and mutant-kind. Her reputation as a wise counselor draws both allies and enemies to her presence, often forcing her to navigate tense negotiations or defend her patients with feral rage.

Legends tell of her visions, which have guided tribes to safety and uncovered hidden artifacts of power. Yita’s ultimate goal is to restore harmony in the chaotic world, even if it means battling tyrants and marauders who exploit the weak.

(Gamma World) Chi'Kune - Polar Bear Warlord #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day 28 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge for 2026, and I continue to dig into the host of images, AI and otherwise that would inspire a lot of interesting characters.  

Today brings us Chi'Kune, Polar Bear Warlord of the Great Ice Bay.

Chi'Kune, Polar Bear 2nd Level Enforcer

• Strength: 24
• Dexterity: 12
• Constitution: 18
• Intelligence: 10
• Mental Strength: 13
• Charisma: 15
• Senses: 14
• Hit Points:   75
• THAC Melee: +8  THAC Ranged:  +2
• Mental Defense:  11

• Armor Class:   18
• Health: 13
• Robot Recognition: 15
• Stealth:   1
• Initiative +3
• Speed: 15 Bipedal: 10   Swim:10

Mutations:  Thermal Resistance (Passive),   Heightened Strength (Passive). Combat Reflexes (Passive) Psionic Roar (Activated)  13,   Regeneration (Passive) – Heals 2 hit points per round unless damage is from fire or acid.

Skills: 

• Combat Leadership 10
• Makeshift Weapons/Armor 2 
• Size-Up Opponent 3

Weapons & Equipment

• Energy Sword
• Energy Shield Generator – 
• Scrap Cannon – A scavenged heavy weapon firing explosive scrap rounds (2d12 damage, 10-shot capacity).  
• Thermal Grenades (x3) 
• Power Armor Plate Armor (AC 4) 
• Combat Harness 

Background and Personality

This towering mutant polar bear stands 9 feet tall, covered in thick, white fur streaked with scars from countless battles. He wears a patchwork of scavenged armor plates over his massive frame, reinforced with chains and spiked pauldrons. His cold, predatory eyes gleam with intelligence and ambition. His battle-worn claws are often stained with blood, and he carries a massive power sword, and a artillery piece 

Some other polar bears, known collectively as "Frost Tyrants" united all of the people of the Great Ice Bay,  Chi'Kune has simply survived long enough to defend the wastes, and scrounge the equipment of those who have ruled before them.  The age of the polar bear is coming to an end, but it will be over Chi'Kune's dead body

(Gamma World) The Jungles of Han-Mew'ta #CharacterCreationChallenge

More AI art to inspire me for Day 27 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge  

Vala Dune And Rend, Adventurers of Han-Mewta

Vala Dune, 9th Level Altered Human Examiner

Strength: 14
Dexterity: 17
Constitution: 13
Intelligence: 12
Mental Strength: 11
Charisma: 15
Senses: 14

Hit Points:  72   

THAC Melee: +2  THAC Ranged:  +5

Mental Defense: 10

Armor Class:  -1

Health:   11

Perception: +3    

Robot Recognition: 19

Stealth:  +3

Use Artifact: +9

Speed  15, Swim: 4

Mutations

• Empathy (12)
• Heightened Dexterity (Passive)
• Directional Sense (Passive)  
• Photosynthetic Skin (Passive)  

Skills:

• Avoid Artifact Disaster: 13
• Jury-Rig: 11
• Read Schematics: 12
• Repair Artifact: 12

Weapons & Equipment

• Electrified Whip – (1d6 damage, 15-foot reach), can entangle opponents on a 20+
• Laser Pistol –  (3d6 damage, 20 charges).
• Machete – (1d8) 
• Explosive Spheres (x2)  3d10, 10' blast radius.
• Jungle Goggles – Protects against spores, toxins, and flashes of light in the dangerous undergrowth.
• Anti-Toxin Vials (x3) 
• Climbing Gear 
• Glow Scanner 

---

Steed – "Rend"

• Type: Hybrid Horse/Dog (Genetic Experiment)
• Size: Large (6 ft at the shoulder, 12 ft long)
• Armor Class: 18
• Speed: 18
• Hit Points: 45
• THAC Melee: +8

Traits:   Loyal Mount

Mutations:  Enhanced Sense of Smell, Enhanced Vision

Powerful Bite – 2d6 damage, Thick Hide 

Goggles Required – Protects its enhanced vision from jungle spores and radiation, 

Background and Personality

Vala Dune is a relic hunter and explorer within the Han-Mewta, who thrives on danger and discovery. Raised by nomadic scavengers, she quickly learned to adapt, survive, and fight in the harsh jungles of Han-Mew'ta. Her goggles, inherited from her long-lost mentor, shield her from the jungle’s bioluminescent spores and glow zones.

Vala is fiercely protective of her hybrid steed, Rend, whom she rescued from a ruined genetic lab. Their bond runs deep, and they act as a team, scouting ancient ruins and battling the foes of the jungle, from within and without. Vala’s reputation as a fearless adventurer has earned her allies—and enemies—among rival factions seeking control of the jungle’s secrets.

(GURPS) Margarita Bear #CharacterCreationChallenge *ALL AI*

This is my fifth year of the #CharacterCreationChallenge, and I'll admit it.

I use AI sometimes.

*GASP*

*Silence....*

I've used it to flesh out backstories, roll up stats.  Obviously the artwork for many of these are generated, for better or for worse, through NightCafe.  Heck, on Day 23 I just admitted I asked it what system I should use to make a character of the Christmas Dragon... and not only did it recommend Magical Kitties Save the Day, but I bought pdfs of the 1st and 2nd edition of the rules, so I haven't completely succumbed to SkyNet's desire destroy art in society first before completely crushing humanity.  

This one's a little different.  

I'm not sure what corner of social media I pulled this off of.  Don't know the artist.  But I simply asked ChatGPT to stat out a Margarita Bear for an RPG (no other specifics or directions), and the damn system generated stats for just GURPS, like there was no other alternative.  

Back in the 90's when I worked behind the counter at a couple game shops, there were two types of the GURPS customers.  The ones who loved the richness of the sourcebooks... and the guys who could crunch the GURPS Vehicle numbers in their head, then told me uncomfortable stories about their campaign with three other players, all of whom I questioned if they were real or not. 

ChatGPT pumping out humor-filled GURPS stats for Care Bears?  It feels dirty, but if this is accurate for 4th edition, it's also a solid baseline for other characters that I would not have originally looked at. 

Margarita Bear

Species: Magical Care Bear | TL: 8 (modern) | Point Total: 150 CP

---

Attributes (80 CP)

• ST 9 [-10] (Small, fuzzy, not super strong)
• DX 11 [20] (Surprisingly nimble for a plushy creature)
• IQ 12 [40] (Empathic and clever)
• HT 11 [10] (Sturdy despite the fluff)

---

Secondary Characteristics

• HP: 9
• Will: 12
• Per: 12
• FP: 11
• Basic Speed: 5.5
• Basic Move: 5
• SM: -1 (Small and cuddly-sized)
• Appearance: Cute as heck (+1 reaction modifier)

---

Advantages (50 CP)

• Magical Belly Badge (Margarita Beam) [20]
  Innate Attack (Affliction, intoxication effect – counts as Mild Hallucination, Euphoria, -2 DX, -1 IQ for 1 hour), Area Effect 2 yds, Alternate Ability (Switches to Calming Aura), Takes Recharge (10 seconds)

• Calming Aura (Alternate Attack) [10]
  Affliction: Pacify. Victims must resist or lose all hostility. Will-2 to resist. Area Effect 2 yds.

• Fit [5] (Stays peppy and resistant to fatigue)

• Animal Empathy [5]

• Fearlessness 2 [4]

• Charisma 1 [5]

• Damage Resistance 2 [10] (Fluffy Bounce)

---

Disadvantages (-40 CP)

• Code of Honor (Care Bear Code) [-10] (Help others, be kind, share margaritas)
• Sense of Duty (All living creatures) [-10]
• Pacifism (Cannot Harm Innocents) [-10]
• Delusion (Believes margaritas are the key to universal peace) [-5]
• Odious Personal Habit (Smells like lime, salt, and tequila constantly) [-5]

---

Skills (60 CP)

• Innate Attack (Belly Beam) – 14 [8]
• Diplomacy – 13 [8]
• Singing – 12 [4] (Because all good Care Bears can break into song)
• Fast-Talk – 12 [4]
• Psychology (Sapient Species) – 12 [4]
• Survival (Picnic Meadows) – 12 [2]
• Cooking (Festive Drinks) – 13 [4]
• First Aid – 12 [2]
• Dancing – 12 [4]
• Leadership – 12 [4]
• Connoisseur (Cocktails) – 12 [4]

---

Gear

• Magical Belly Badge (Built-in)
• Margarita glass that never empties (Accessory, minor plot device)
• Tiny sombrero (Optional, +1 to Fast-Talk if opponents are confused)

---

Roleplay Notes:

• Margarita Bear is a chill, compassionate critter whose idea of conflict resolution involves lime-scented hugs and a mellow glow from its belly.
• Often confused by more serious adventurers but beloved by NPCs.
• Occasionally goes on tangents about "Margarita Diplomacy" and the unifying power of beach vibes.

---

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The funny thing is, we did stat out "Huggy Bear" for our Risus - Illuminati University years ago.  

(Gamma World) Ruckus McScruff - Mutant Racoon Courier - #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day 25 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge and I go back to the old reliable Gamma World 4th Edition.

Inspiration for today's character comes from this picture:

Name: Ruckus McScruff  - 5th Level Raccoon Enforcer

Species: Mutant Talking Raccoon

Catchphrase: “Born to dilly dally, forced to pick up the pace!”

Ruckus McScruff is the regions most unreliable courier, known for his fast-talking, slow-moving, and occasional bursts of breakneck speed—usually when running from trouble. He wears a patched-up leather jacket, fingerless gloves, and a pair of welding goggles that he absolutely does not need but insists make him look "official."

Despite his chronic procrastination, Ruckus always somehow delivers…eventually. He’s got a knack for getting out of scrapes, and while he prefers to waste time, if something goes south, his little bandit feet can carry him at terrifying speeds.

Locals know he can spend hours talking about routes to places he could have take, but in a moment, he  squints his tail, twitches his tail, and mutters his other well-known catchphrase:

"Something stupid is about to happen."

Ruckus McScruff – 3rd Level Mutant Talking Raccoon Enforcer

Catchphrase: “Born to dilly dally, forced to pick up the pace!”

Physical Strength: 10

Dexterity             : 17  +3

Constitution        : 13   +1

Mental Strength   :15   +2

Charisma            : 14    +1

Senses                : 11

Hit Points: 42

THAC Melee: +3  THAC Ranged: +6

Mental Defense: 12

Armor Class: 18

Health: 11

Robot Recognition 17

Perception: 13

Stealth: +4

Remain Unseen: +2

Speed: 12

Bite: 1d4

---

Genotype: Mutant Animal – Raccoon

• Night Vision
• Enhanced Hearing
• Natural Climbing Ability

---

Physical Mutations:

1. Enhanced Speed (Sudden Dash)  (11)
2. Prehensile Tail    (7)
3. Adhesive Pads

---

Mental Mutations:

1. Confusion Field (Aura of Distraction)   (13)
2. Intuition - “Oh no… something stupid’s about to happen.” (16)
3. Telekinesis (15) 
   

---

Equipment:

• Courier Satchel 
• Worn Leather Jacket
• Welder Goggles (Worn Always) 
• Bootleg Map of Fair-Town - Drawn by himself, wildly inaccurate
• Energy Pistol (when he remembers to charge it)  - Currently with four shots left.
• Duct Tape 
• Half-eaten donut

---

Skills:

• Combat Leadership    6 
• Makeshift Weapon/Armror 6 
• Size-Up Opponent  6

Lefty Wrench-Banger – Oversized Canadian Goose Mount

"Still big enough to ride. Still full of spite."

Species: Mutant Canadian Goose (Large-Bird Scale)

Size	Medium-Large just large enough to carry a raccoon
Movement	Land 15m, Flight 25m (short bursts, max 10 min)
Hit Points	32 HP
Armor Class	15
Attack	Beak  (1d8), Wing Buffet (1d6)
Temperament	Sarcastic, uncooperative until bribed

Mutations: 

1. Reinforced Musculature (Wing Power) – Flight is possible even with a raccoon-sized rider.
2. Honker Reflex – Loud, startling honk grants minor initiative bonus or causes distraction (target rolls Will save or loses next minor action).
3. Psionic Empathy Field – Still present, but weaker range (~3m radius); mostly just vibes.
4. Selective Obedience – Only listens to Ruckus (50% of the time).

(Gamma World) Penguin - Mutant Penguin #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day #24 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge, and we're trying to breakdown another of my painted minis into game terms.  This time it's a penguin from the Holiday Familiar pack from Reaper..

Penguin - 3rd Level Penguin Enforcer

In "The Zoo"  Penguin is the last of their kind.  All the other penguins tried to influence the politics of The Zoo, long ago, with disastrous consequences.   

What saved Penguin was a complete lack of human traits, no speech, no opposable thumbs, and an ornery reputation to kept all of the denizens away.  So long as the Zoo provides him with fish-equivalents, he leaves everyone alone.  

With his mutations, no one wants to bother with them, if they can help.  Secretly no one has realized Penguin has photosynthetic skin and doesn't need to be fed.

Physical Strength:  18   +3

Dexterity             :  12  

Constitution        :  16   +2

Mental Strength   : 12

Intelligence         :    8    -1

Charisma             :   4     -3

Senses                :  13     +1

Hit Points:   74

THAC Melee: +6  THAC Ranged: +6

Mental Defense:  10

Armor Class:  14

Health:   12

Robot Recognition:  13

Perception:              +1

Stealth:                    +2

Remain Unseen:      -1

Speed: 5,   Swim: 12

Peck: 1d4

---

Mutant Animal – Penguin

• Base Move 5, Swim 12

---

Physical Mutations:

1. Poison (14)
2. Immunity to Corrosive Acids
3. Hallucinogenic Gas (15)
4. Density Control, Self (15)
5. Heightened Strength
6. Transfusion (6)
7. Photosynthetic Skin

---

Equipment:

Earmuffs, Scarf, box with miscellaneous worldly possessions. 

Skills:

• Combat Leadership 6
• Size-Up Opponent: 10
• Makeshift Weapon: 2

(Magical Kitties Save the Day) "Thither" the Christmas Ice Dragon #CharacterCreationChallenge

There are always those minis that I paint up and then ask, "What am I going to do with this?" 

For a few of them I asked ChatGPT.  A lot of basic answers with generic systems, but the last one kickstarted my brain... and opened my wallet.

5. Magical Kitties Save the Day – Yes, really.

• Why it's great: This is a system about magical talking animals helping people while dealing with silly problems. It could easily be reskinned for a Tiny Christmas Dragon. Replace “Kitties” with “Miniature Winter Dragon,” give it a few powers (snow breath, twinkling wings, candy cane bite), and roll with it.

• Tone match: Kid-friendly, fun for quick storytelling.

Holy crap!  

A quick visit to Atlas Games netted me the pdf copy of the current rules, plus the fabulous 1st edition pdf for only five bucks more. 

"Thither"  - White Christmas Dragon

Tagline: "Let's sleigh this problem... then, hot cocoa. 

Attributes:

Cute:       1

Cunning: 3

Fierce:    2 

Kitty Type: Magical Creature

---

Powers:

1.  Snowball Barrage (Zap)

• You can throw little snowballs as a magical ranged attack.
• Can be used to attack, or knock small objects over.  Snowballs do melt normally with heat.
• Mechanically: You have a magical zap attack, 1 damage, can be used at range.

2.   Flight  (Flight)

• Thither can zoom through the air, usually unnoticed by the unsuspecting humans.
• Mechanically: Can carry as much flying as they can when moving on the ground.

3.   Snow Swirl (Frost Breath)

• Can exhale a blast of cold air, enough to move/knock over small items, or freeze liquid.
• Mechanically: Use to lift, push, or fight with super strength.

---

Talent:  "Can fly better than most birds!"

Thither not only flies, but their wings let them zip around the neighborhood rooftops and snowdrifts with style and agility far better than crawling/scurrying around.  Thither gets a bonus to movement or flight-based challenges.

---

Flaw:

"Gets distracted by shiny things and cocoa."
You're a tiny magical dragon, not a focused hero. If someone jingles a bell or makes cocoa… you're gone.

---

Human:

Ellie, 8, who thinks Thither is her Christmas Wish come true. Of course, no one else believes her that a tiny dragon is living on a ledge under the basement steps, but they humor her.  She's depressed that other kids in the neighborhood are bullies.  She's happy to stay inside inside and read, but Thither has other plans. 

---

Home: Thither's lair is a cozy shoebox-sized nest under the steps, perfectly concealed by the piles of junk her parents have stowed away and never look at.  It's decorated with stolen tinsel and ornaments, and some candy cane packaging.  

(Shadowrun) Embercap - Molotov Gnome - #CharacterCreationChallenge

For Day 22 of the #CharacterCreationChallenge I fully admit going down the digital rabbit hole with this one.  

I'm not afraid to use AI in my games. I have a full ChatGPT conversation going during my online  Gamma World game, plugging in plot and data, and generating potential shops, NPCs, and wasteland encounters.  Beside betting odds and parlays for a post-apocalyptic jousts and a random Charcuterie Item Generation Table for our Illuminati University multiverse game, and I've gotten the most joy from a Random Grenade Generation Table with everything everything from frag grenades to the "Boomfruit Bomb" that the character ultimately rolled (and detonated).  

But this guy made me go further.... 

I'm a blog that has a particular focus on gnomes, so this picture is perfect.  I originally used it for my burn-the-world post at the beginning of the year, when everything in the world, plus my personal and family life felt desolate.  

Since then I really wanted this Anarchist Gnome to be a character.  So I plugged in the simple question. 

"What TTRPG system would best be used for a Molotov throwing Garden Gnome?"

ChatGPT gave me SEVEN options:

1. Savage Worlds (for Cinematic Action)
2. Fate (Narrative Mayhem)
3. Dungeon Crawl Classics (Old-School Chaos Dungeon Crawl)
4. MÖRK BORG (Grim & Stylish) 
5. Troika! (Surreal Absurdity)
6. Goblin Quest (Lighthearted Anarchy)
7. Shadowrun (Cyberpunk Ridiculousness) 

MÖRK BORG and Shadowrun both intrigued me, but I hadn't ventured too far into either system.    MÖRK BORG  is waaaaay to grim for me.  Shadowrun was a bit too gritty, but learning that gnomes are essentially Turkish Dwarves, and I could have them dress up in cyberpunk Garden Gnome cosplay made me go download as much free stuff as possible, and perhaps visit a few questionable avenues for further reference materials.  

I plugged in what I had, I further refined the results, and even had some of my friends who are fanatical Shadowrun players since 1st Edition to review and critique.  

It's obviously not completely "accurate," but I had a special microchipped part of my heart when AI feigns enthusiasm, so I let it ride with this one...

Zinthel Norkles  "Embercap"  - Gnome Anarchist.

• Alias: Embercap

• Real Name: Zinthel "Zin" Norkles

• Metatype: Gnome (Variant Dwarf)

• Role: Anarchist Demolitions Expert

• Archetype: Street Scum / Saboteur

---

Appearance & Vibe

Embercap leans hard into his "garden gnome" aesthetic—bright red conical hat, shaggy fake beard (over his actual beard), patched overalls, and a battered trowel strapped to his belt like a sidearm. His backpack is stuffed with homemade incendiaries, wire cutters, and spray paint. He smells faintly of kerosene and revolution.

He speaks with a theatrical tone, almost like a cartoon character, but his eyes gleam with calculated rage. He’s both a joke and a threat, and he likes it that way.

---

Attributes

• Body: 4  Agility: 6  Reaction: 5  Strength: 3

• Willpower: 5  Logic: 4  Intuition: 5  Charisma: 3

• Edge: 3  Essence: 6

Condition Monitors:

• Physical: 10  Stun: 11

---

Skills

• Athletics (Throwing Weapons): 5 (7)

• Demolitions: 6

• Engineering: 4

• Stealth: 5

• Con: 3

• Chemistry: 4

• Survival: 3

• Firearms (Pistols): 2 (3)

• Close Combat (Improvised Weapons): 3 (5)

---

Qualities

• Toughness

• Instigator

• Mad Bomber: Gains Edge when using improvised explosives or fire-based attacks in dramatic situations.

---

Weapons & Gear

• Molotov Cocktails (Rating 4 Improvised Incendiary Grenades)

• Spray paint (used for tagging)

• Armored Overalls (Armor Rating 5, disguised as gnome clothing)

• Concealed Hold-out Pistol

• Remote-detonated Petrol Bombs

• Trowel-shaped Shiv

• AR Goggles with Demolitions Overlay

• Urban Explorer Commlink (Rating 4)

• Burner Commlink with encrypted data and anarchist zines

---

Tactics & Behavior

• Prefers chaos and disruption over lethal violence

• Ambush specialist in narrow alleys and urban ruins

• Fights to confuse, not kill; escapes in fire and smoke

• Leaves slogans like:

• “PROPERTY IS THEFT”

• “GARDEN GNOMES UNITE”

• “I'M SMALL BUT THE SYSTEM'S FALLING”

---

Quote

“The system’s a weed, chummer. And I’m the fire. Tee-hee!”

(Gamma World) Don Sombra - Capybara Food Merchant and Wandering Philosopher #CharacterCreationChallenge

Day 21 of this year's #CharacterCreationChallenge, and I pull out a random picture from my Nightcafe account.  

I love Nightcafe, I use it for a number of reasons, and I fell in love with it again with a Beta Prompt Suggestions function.  About half the detailed prompts covered variations on recent artwork prompts I worked on, while the other half were suggested prompts for the daily challenges they have that the community can vote on.

I don't know what the original prompt was for the "Animals eating food," but I changed it enough to "Capybara eating tacos," and while I didn't win any awards, I've had the picture ready for this Challenge, and I'll admit, I let ChatGPT go wild

"Don Sombra" 5th Level Mutant Capybara Scout

“You find the trouble. I’ll bring the tortillas.”

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Theme: Taco Vendor meets Desert Wasteland Philosopher

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 Basic Stats

Attribute                             Score    Modifier Physcial Strength                 11              +0 Dexterity                               13              +1 Constitution                          16              +2 Intelligence                            10              +0 Mental Strength                   14               +1 Charisma                              17               +3 Sense                                      12               +0

HP:  51
AC: 17 (tough hide, + sombrero deflection bonus+Experence x2)
Speed: 9m walk / 12m swim

THAC Melee: 0

THAC Range: +1

Health: 12

Stealth +7

Robot Recognition 14

Remain Unseen: +5

Perception: 17

Detect Ambush/Trap   6

Hunting                      8

Navigate                    11

Tracking                      8

Wilderness Survival    9

Mutations

1. Spice Gland (Custom Mutation):  MR: 9

   • Emits calming pheromones that smell like fresh cilantro and lime.

   • Once per day, force all hostile creatures within 5m to make a Will save or become relaxed/confused for 1d4 rounds.

2. Digestive Furnace:

   • Can safely eat anything organic — rotten meat, radioactive roots, or tacos found under a tank tread.

   • 1/hour, convert a “meal” into 1d6 HP of healing.

3. Stone Hide Patches:

   • Dense, pebbled armor across shoulders and back gives +2 AC.

• Comically Large:

  • Sits as the size of a small bear — can’t fit in most vehicles, wears XXL armor only.

  • Enemies sometimes underestimate him because of his jolly waddling walk and stylish sombrero.

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Gear 

Sombrero of +1 Swagger:

• • Stylish headwear that offers +1 to reaction rolls from friendly or neutral NPCs.

  • Can be thrown like a frisbee in emergencies (1d4 damage, returns after 1d6 rounds).

• Taco Bandolier:

  • Holds 1d8 taco-style items: real food, explosive spiced meat, or healing snacks.

• Ceramic Skillet (Improvised Weapon):

  • 1d8 bludgeoning

  • Bonus: "Cook up justice" once/day — disarm on nat 20.

• Spice Bag:

  • Used to blind enemies with a chili powder cloud (Dex save or -2 to hit for 1d4 rounds).

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 Personality & Roleplay

• Always relaxed.

• Knows everyone’s name and favorite flavor.

• Keeps a running tab on who owes him tacos.

• Very serious about hospitality — insulting the taco is a declaration of war.

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 Combat Strategy

• Leads with diplomacy.

• Uses pheromones and humor to defuse violence.

• Will fight to protect friends, food, or taco integrity.

• Prefers non-lethal solutions — but will swing a skillet if provoked.