Val Char Cost Roll Notes 9 STR -1 11- Lift 87.1 kg; 1 1/2d6 HTH Damage [2] 13 DEX 9 12- OCV: 4/DCV: 4 9 CON -2 11- 9 BODY -2 11- 15 INT 5 12- PER Roll 12- 13 EGO 6 12- ECV: 4 15 PRE 5 12- PRE Attack: 3d6 10 COM 0 11- 2 PD 0 Total: 2 PD (0 rPD) 2 ED 0 Total: 2 ED (0 rED) 3 SPD 7 Phases: 4, 8, 12 4 REC 0 18 END 0 19 STUN 0 Total Characteristics Cost: 27 Movement: Running: 6"/12" Leaping: 1"/2" Swimming: 2"/4" Cost Powers & Skills 4 "Plays By Sense Of Smell": Spatial Awareness (Unusual Group); Only Useable On Pinball Tables (-2), Concentration, Must Concentrate throughout use of Constant Power (0 DCV; Character is totally unaware of nearby events; -1 1/2), Extra Time (1 Turn (Post-Segment 12), Only to Activate, Character May Take No Other Actions, -3/4) Perks 0 "Come To My House": Base 20 "His Disciples Lead Him In": Followers (16 0-point Normals) 10 "He's A Millionaire": Money: Wealthy 6 "A Master Of The Game": Reputation: “World's New Pinball Lord/Champion Of The Young" (internationally) 14-, +2/+2d6 0 "Momma's Got A Brand New Cadillac": Vehicle Skills 3 "He's A Pinball Wizard": KS: Pinball 12- 5 Language: English (idiomatic; literate) 9 "If I Told You What It Takes/ To Reach The Highest High": Oratory 15- 9 "Sure Plays A Mean Pinball": PS: Pinball 18- 3 "Crazy Flipper Fingers": Sleight Of Hand 12- Total Powers & Skill Cost: 69 Total Cost: 96 50+ Disadvantages 20 Psychological Limitation: "I Am The Light" (Common, Total) 15 Reputation: Self-Styled Messiah, 14- 15 Social Limitation: Famous (Frequently, Major) Total Disadvantage Points: 96
Description: (Note: this character sheet uses the timeline set by Tommy the film, as opposed to the one used in the original rock opera. The film version results in a more believable sequence of events in Tommy’s life.)
Born at the tail-end of World War II (perhaps on the day the war was declared over), Tommy Walker never knows as his father, as Captain Walker has been declared missing and is presumed dead. His mother, Nora Walker, eventually falls in love with “Uncle Frank,” and for a time, Tommy’s life is a happy one. However, in 1951, Captain Walker returns home, and kills Uncle Frank in a fit of rage. Tommy, witness to this murder, is told by his parents that he didn’t see or hear anything and that he’s not to say anything “to no one ever in [his] life.” Traumatized by these vents, Tommy retreats into self-imposed isolation, effectively becoming deaf, dumb, and blind.
Over the next ten years or so, Tommy is subject to a number of ‘treatments’ from various doctors, religious leaders, and even a woman who plys him with hallucinogenic drugs. He’s also abused by those who’s care he’s left in, such as his Cousin Kevin (who tortures him) and Uncle Ernie (who rapes him).
Left alone Tommy encounters a pinball machine and quickly shows his prowess by defeating the local champions. His skill is such that he soon gains international fame as a pinball player, while his mother is delighted at the cash his winning brings in. At the same time, she brings him to another medical specialist, who tells her Tommy is physically fine, and his disabilities are all psychosomatic. Later, frustrated that Tommy does nothing but stare into a mirror, Nora Walker smashes the mirror, causing Tommy to wake up from his self-imposed isolation.
His experiences having brought him to a certain level of enlightenment, Tommy now desires to pass his spiritual elevation on to others, only to find his methods (and the exploitive actions of Tommy’s family) have alienated his many fans, who revolt. Once again left alone, Tommy realizes he’s attained a new form of enlightenment.
So there you go, a brief synopsis of the first ‘rock opera’, Tommy, by The Who. Written almost entirely by Pete Townshend, Tommy is apparently based on some of his experiences with guru Meher Baba as well as being “a metaphorical story of different states of consciousness.”
This character sheet presumes Tommy to be a Normal, hence his low physical characteristics. However, he has a certain presence, so I upped his INT, EGO, and PRE. His skills are limited, as all he can really do is play pinball, but he does seem to be an inspirational speaker. You can use him in your game pretty much as-is—the leader of a new cult promising enlightenment and self-discovery. If you keep to the album, Tommy himself is well-meaning, but his family/handlers are far more unscrupulous in their dealings with Tommy many followers.
Tommy Walker's Hero Designer File
(Tommy Walker created by The Who, character sheet created by Michael Surbrook)
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