USR: Archetypes: Modern-Day Heroes

Last time we looked at the classic fantasy races and classes. Now let’s move into modern-day action and adventure settings. Everyone’s human (usually), but the range of skills heroes need to succeed is bigger. These archetypes cover a lot of ground; a sneak, for example, can represent a James Bond-style spy, a Jason Bourne-style secret agent, or even a Jake Gittes-style private eye.

Or these dudes. (image: YouTube)

Diplomat

Primary Stat: Ego

Suggested Specialisms: Charm, Negotiate, Language, Leadership, Etiquette

Suggested Equipment: none

Entertainer

Primary Stat: Ego

Suggested Specialisms: Art (music, oratory, writing, etc.), Charisma, Athletics, Hundreds (Possibly Millions) Of Fans, Target Of Paparazzi

Suggested Equipment: Musical instrument

Gadgeteer

Primary Stat: Wits

Suggested Specialisms: Repair, Invent, Hacking, Works Best Alone, Focused On The Task At Hand

Suggested Equipment: Miscellaneous Gadgets, Tools

Pilot

Primary Stat: Action

Suggested Specialisms: Driving, Flying, Repair, Adrenaline Junkie, Team Player

Suggested Equipment: Vehicle (if there’s more than one character with a vehicle in the party, maybe they have one big vehicle, like a space cruiser)

Researcher

Primary Stat: Wits

Suggested Specialisms: Knowledge (in one topic), Dedication, Bravery, Support Of A University or a Military Organization

Suggested Equipment: Computer, Library Of Books

Sneak

Primary Stat: Action

Suggested Specialisms: Move Silently, Sleight Of Hand, Hacking, Disguise, Hide, Spot Clues

Suggested Equipment: Lock Pick (possibly an electronic one)

Soldier

Primary Stat: Action

Suggested Specialisms: Endurance, Intimidate, Leadership, Toughness, Military Tactics

Suggested Equipment: Guns, Knives

Which archetypes are best for the modern world?