Jab's He-Builds: Man-at-Arms, Mantenna, Leech, Beast Man

[Unbeliever]

I dunno, I feel the same trepidation a lot of other posters have had, based off of the fact that we're getting OFFICIAL builds of these characters at some point... both because it seems iffy to release essentially the same content, and also because it feels... redundant, I guess? Now, I probably wouldn't feel TOO much guilt, mainly because the "Heroes and Villains" supplements are probably going to be, what, another five years in coming? But still.

Also, since the DCAU builds were relatively recent in my 2e run, I fear the 3e builds would be identical, and just a case of Copy & Paste. That makes for some quick builds, but usually they end up kinda boring, ESPECIALLY for such a big run. I'll think on it... for now, though--

For what it's worth I think the DCAU incarnations of the characters are often sufficiently different from the "iconic" versions that GR is building that you wont be stepping on too many toes. Though that might be a bit less so for some characters than others (Wonder Woman strikes me as build wise pretty similar though the cartoons play up her martial arts a lot). Ymmv. And I'm happy to enjoy your X Force and other builds.

[Ares]

I think animated versions of established Marvel and DC characters are likewise distinct enough from their comics counterparts that statting them up is worthwhile.

I mean, for Superman alone there's the Fleischer Superman, the Super Friends/Super Powers Superman, the 80's animated Superman, the DCUA Superman, the Superman from The Batman and the Superman from Young Justice. The Fleischer, DCUA and 'The Batman Supermen differentiate themselves from the comic boyscout Superman by being A) Kind of a dick at times and B) A lot more mysterious and less open with the press.

[Jabroniville]

1) What kind of leadership training Leo was getting by living out in South America for a year? Yeah, it might be making him better at stealth, a better jungle fighter, making him more self reliant, but none of that relates to coordinating a group. If anything, Leo was probably a better leader BEFORE he left, given how the team fell apart without him.

Oh yeah, I'm with you there. I was thinking "WTF?" the entire time that was going on- I think it was just there so that they could show the family falling apart without him. ie. it was an Excuse Plot to get Leo out of the way.

2) Why the Turtles are suddenly anti-Nightstalker?

Yeah, now that you mention it, that was rather dumb. I just assumed it was because he was hyper-violent or something, but he wasn't REALLY- he just beat guys up and tied 'em up, just like the Turtles did. 'Course, I was on the computer and doing builds while watching the movie, so I may have missed stuff.

3) Leo's "I'm better than you" comment? That's just so antithetical to everything Leo is that it hurt to hear it. Leo doesn't have an ego, he doesn't think he's better than any of his brothers, and in fact, part of the reason he's as dedicated to being the ultimate ninja is out of love for his family. He's the dutiful son for his father, and he's taken it upon himself to really master Splinter's teachings so that the others are free to pursue their own goals. He has no ego about his abilities and does not condescend towards his brothers like that. His statement falls especially flat when, during their fight, Leo sent a stab at Raph's face that would have put out his brother's eye if Raph hadn't dodged.

I kind of bought the line- Leo probably believed he was more skilled, and he IS the more dutiful son (especially compared to the rebellious red-clad bastard of the group). It falls in line with some of the arguments Leo & Raph had in part one. He was always riding Raph's ass over stuff like that- this was just his breaking point, when he was REALLY mad at his brother.

4) Why are the Turtles suddenly worried about money, to the point that Mike and Don have to get jobs?

Pizza, dude.

5) For that matter, why are Mike and Don basically guest stars in their own movie? This film may as well been called "Raphel, co-starring Leonardo, Splinter, Casey Jones and April, special guest appearances by Don and Mikey". Yeah, Raph got the most screen time in the first film too, but everyone else also got a lot of play and show time as well. Mike and Don had some of the best lines in the first film. Here, they pretty much don't exist save for a skateboard scene.

Meh, not everyone can have tons of dialogue or scenes in a movie, but yeah, that did kind of suck. This movie was basically ENTIRELY Raph (vs) Leo, with everyone else in supporting roles.

Note that I only said the movie was "honestly pretty good", and I called out it's "mediocre" voice acting, despite a very good cast. You're acting like I was heaping praise on the damn thing .

[Jabroniville]

LEONARDO
Created By: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird
First Appearance: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May 1984)
Role: Leads
Other Roles: The Responsible One, The Straight Man, The Normal One
Group Affiliations: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Played By: Brian Tochi & Mark Caso
Named For: Leonardo da Vinci
PL 8 (136)
STRENGTH 2 STAMINA 4 AGILITY 5
FIGHTING 10 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE 1 AWARENESS 3 PRESENCE 2

Bodacious Skills:
Acrobatics 7 (+12)
Athletics 6 (+8)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 2 (+12)
Close Combat (Sword) 1 (+11)
Deception 1 (+3)
Expertise (Ninja) 8 (+9)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 2 (+3)
Insight 5 (+8)
Intimidation 4 (+6)
Perception 6 (+9)
Persuasion 3 (+6)
Sleight of Hand 8 (+8)
Stealth 5 (+10)
Treatment 2 (+3)

Gnarly Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Agile Feint, All-Out Attack, Assessment, Cunning Fighter, Defensive Attack, Defensive Strike, Equipment 2 (Twin Swords), Follow-Up Strike, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Critical (Sword) 2, Improved Critical (Unarmed) 2, Improved Defense, Improved Disarm, Improved Initiative, Improved Smash, Leadership, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Concealment), Quick Draw, Ranged Attack 5, Set-Up, Takedown 2, Teamwork

Radical Equipment:
"Twin Swords" Strength-Damage +3 (Feats: Split) (Extras: Penetrating 5) (9)

Tubular Powers:
"Turtle Physiology"
Movement 1 (Environmental Adaptation- Aquatic) [2]
Swimming 2 (2 mph) [2]

"Half-Shell"
Protection 1 [1]
Enhanced Dodge & Parry 1 [2]

Righteous Offense:
Unarmed +12 (+2 Damage, DC 17)
Sword +11 (+5 Damage, DC 20)
Initiative +9

Awesome Defenses:
Dodge +10 (DC 20), Parry +11 (DC 21), Toughness +4 (+5 Shell), Fortitude +8, Will +8

Bummer Complications:
Responsibility (Leads the Team)- The burden of leadership weighs heavily on Leonardo- when things go wrong, he feels the full force of the blame on himself.
Responsibility (Master Splinter)- Of the four, Leo is the most devoted to their Master. It is his meditation that reveals Splinter's continued existence.
Rivalry (Raphael)- Leo is calm, insightful and dutiful. Raphael is impatient, brash and rebellious. This obviously doesn't mix well, and the two frequently argue, and sometimes come to blows. Leonardo nonetheless feels a brotherly bond with Raph, and when Raph was nearly killed by the Foot Clan, it was Leonardo who kept a constant vigil on his comatose body.
Secret (Must Remain Hidden From Public View)

Total: Abilities: 54 / Skills: 60--30 / Advantages: 32 / Powers: 7 / Defenses: 13 (136)

-Leonardo is the de facto leader of the Ninja Turtles, given the cool blue headgear and the best Japanese weapon ever, the katana. Unfortunately, in virtually every TMNT-continuity ever, he's been limited to just donking guys with the butt ends, cutting up robots, or knocking over scenery with them, since you can't have him hack up Shredder in front of the kiddies. In the movie, he was my favourite version ever, the intense, lone leader-type, emotionally divesting himself at times, but in reality feeling the hits the hardest when his brothers or master were injured. He was noble, smart, wise and still pretty funny along with the rest of them (but not the class clown like Don & Mikey). His rivalry with Raphael was beautifully done there, as well. Interestingly, in nearly every continuity, he's always the most serious one, but the one considered the best fighter and most noble-hearted.

-I had these guys as PL 9 (135) builds in the last edition, but after re-watching the movies, they feel more like PL 8s, but a full points-level higher for the most part (they get boosted up a bit by their Turtle Physiology, plus some varied Skills). In the movies, they were great fighters, and could knock around six or seven Foot Ninjas each in giant group-fights, but would lose to a large group solo, and got the living crap beaten out of them by Tokka, Rahzahr & Shredder any time they fought. They're a bit below the standard Marvel heroes like Daredevil or The Black Widow, who always seemed more elite (and could beat about fifty Hand Hinjas each). Leo's set up as a well-balanced, effective fighter, not overly reliant on gimmicks or weapons (since he doesn't take life deliberately, he's often stuck just using his feet against Foot Ninjas), and possessing a great array of Combat Feats. He's also a great team player and a leader, and has probably the highest set of Mental Stats of all the brothers.

[Jabroniville]

"DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMN!!"

RAPHAEL
Created By: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird
First Appearance: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May 1984)
Role: Cool, But Rude (gimme a break)
Other Roles: The Lancer, The Bad-Ass, The Grouch
Group Affiliations: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Played By: Laurie Faso, Josh Pais & Ken Troume
Named For: Raphael Sanzio
PL 8 (134)
STRENGTH 3 STAMINA 4 AGILITY 5
FIGHTING 9 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE 1 AWARENESS 2 PRESENCE 0

Bodacious Skills:
Acrobatics 7 (+12)
Athletics 5 (+8)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 3 (+13)
Close Combat (Sai) 2 (+12)
Deception 7 (+7)
Expertise (Ninja) 7 (+8)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 4 (+5)
Insight 3 (+5)
Intimidation 8 (+8)
Perception 6 (+8)
Sleight of Hand 8 (+8)
Stealth 6 (+11)

Gnarly Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Agile Feint, All-Out Attack, Close Combat, Daze (Intimidation), Die-Hard, Equipment (Twin Sai), Fascinate (Intimidation), Follow-Up Strike, Great Endurance, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Critical (Sai) 2, Improved Critical (Unarmed), Improved Defense, Improved Disarm, Instant Up, Last Stand, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Concealment), Quick Draw, Ranged Attack 5, Set-Up, Skill Mastery (Stealth), Startle, Takedown 2, Teamwork, Uncanny Dodge

Radical Equipment:
"Twin Sai" Strength-Damage +1 (Feats: Split, Improved Disarm) (3)

Tubular Powers:
"Turtle Physiology"
Movement 1 (Environmental Adaptation- Aquatic) [2]
Swimming 2 (2 mph) [2]

"Half-Shell"
Protection 1 [1]
Enhanced Dodge & Parry 1 [2]

Righteous Offense:
Unarmed +13 (+3 Damage, DC 18)
Sai +12 (+4 Damage, DC 19)
Initiative +5

Awesome Defenses:
Dodge +10 (DC 20), Parry +10 (DC 20), Toughness +4 (+5 Shell), Fortitude +8, Will +7

Bummer Complications:
Rivalry (Leonardo)- Leo is calm, insightful and dutiful. Raphael is impatient, brash and rebellious. This obviously doesn't mix well, and the two frequently argue, and sometimes come to blows. Raphael deep-down DOES appreciate and respect his brother, but it's hidden under many layers of grief.
Responsibility (Master Splinter)- Raphael frequently chafes under Master Splinter's rules, and rebels against him. Even so, he feels Splinter's advice the hardest, and suffers the most for his loss, flying into an uncontrollable rage.
Secret (Must Remain Hidden From Public View)
Reputation (Jerk)- Raph to Foot Clan opponents: "You guys must be studying the, ahh... ABRIDGED book of ninja fighting."
Responsibility (Rage)- Raphael possesses great anger at the world, and often turns it inward, towards himself. This makes him volatile, moody, and dangerous, in addition to putting him in dangerous situations. If he cannot learn to control his fury, it may destroy him.

Total: Abilities: 48 / Skills: 66--33 / Advantages: 33 / Powers: 7 / Defenses: 12 (134)

-Raphael has always been the most antagonistic of the four Turtles, shown pretty easily in the movie, where he was arguably the central breakout character. While Leo was always in charge and Mikey was always more flashy, Raph had more solo scenes than anybody, going off on his own, fighting Casey Jones, fighting the Foot Ninjas on the rooftop, getting injured and making his big comeback, etc. This is a pretty far cry from the suicidal Mirage Raph, the generic foulmouthed black-wearing Archie Raph (he said "Hell" once! In an ARCHIE book!), and the 'just one of the guys but slightly more sarcastic and witty' Cartoon Raph. Thus, he had all the drama and character development, and even got a bit of a solo run in the SECOND movie, where he helped their New Buddy join the Foot as a spy... and then got captured. In any case, his sarcasm and bad attitude have earned him a LOT more of a fanbase among the adult fans, while the kids mostly like Michaelangelo. I know I used to not care for Raph, and now he's practically my favourite.

-Raph fits in pretty well, with his own unique set of Advantages & Skills. He's slightly stronger than Leo and slightly more accurate (and the best overall Unarmed fighter of the brothers), to make up for his short-range, much weaker weapons (he was ALWAYS the worst guy to play in the video games, especially the first NES one, legendary for it's ridiculous "Nintendo Hard" difficulty). And instead of Leo's high Mental Stats, Raph just gets more Combat stuff, especially using All-Out Attack & Power Attack, along with a bunch of Sai-related Disarming tricks. So he's actually a bit handier in a fight, but less useful overall- note that he has lower Parry than the other Turtles.

[Jabroniville]

"Uhhh.... Perestroika?"
-Donny, failing to come up with a proper catchphrase.

DONATELLO
Created By: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird
First Appearance: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May 1984)
Role: Does Machines
Other Roles: Team Scientist, The Nerd
Group Affiliations: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Played By: Corey Feldman, Adam Carl & Leif Tilden
Named For: Donato di Niccolò di Betto Bardi
PL 8 (134)
STRENGTH 2 STAMINA 4 AGILITY 5
FIGHTING 10 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE 5 AWARENESS 2 PRESENCE 1

Bodacious Skills:
Acrobatics 6 (+11)
Athletics 5 (+7)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 1 (+11)
Close Combat (Bo Staff) 2 (+12)
Deception 2 (+3)
Expertise (Ninja) 2 (+7)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 2 (+7)
Expertise (Science) 7 (+12)
Insight 4 (+6)
Perception 5 (+7)
Persuasion 4 (+5)
Sleight of Hand 6 (+6)
Stealth 4 (+9)
Technology 7 (+12)
Vehicles 5 (+5)

Gnarly Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Agile Feint, Beginner's Luck, Defensive Attack, Defensive Strike, Equipment (Bo Staff), Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Critical (Bo Staff), Improved Critical (Unarmed), Improved Defense, Improved Disarm, Instant Up, Inspire, Jack-of-All-Trades, Precise Attack (Close/Concealment), Quick Draw, Ranged Attack 5, Set-Up, Takedown 2, Teamwork, Uncanny Dodge

Radical Equipment:
"Bo Staff" Strength-Damage +2 (Feats: Split, Reach, Improved Trip) (5)

Tubular Powers:
"Turtle Physiology"
Movement 1 (Environmental Adaptation- Aquatic) [2]
Swimming 2 (2 mph) [2]

"Half-Shell"
Protection 1 [1]
Enhanced Dodge & Parry 1 [2]

Righteous Offense:
Unarmed +11 (+2 Damage, DC 17)
Bo Staff +12 (+4 Damage, DC 19)
Initiative +5

Awesome Defenses:
Dodge +10 (DC 20), Parry +11 (DC 21), Toughness +4 (+5 Shell), Fortitude +7, Will +7

Bummer Complications:
Responsibility (Master Splinter)
Secret (Must Remain Hidden From Public View)
Reputation (Nerd)- Donatello has trouble with the totally radical lingo of his brothers sometimes, and comes across a little weird when he counteracts "Bodacious!" and "Wicked!" with "uhh... Bossa-nova? Frere-jacques?"

Total: Abilities: 58 / Skills: 62--31 / Advantages: 26 / Powers: 7 / Defenses: 12 (134)

-Now, Donatello is my FAVOURITE Ninja Turtle. That's mostly because the day after the cartoon ended, my mom, being overall an awesome mom-person and hearing about the shitstorm about the series beforehand, went out and bought all four of the bros to give to my brother and I, and I picked the two coolest colours, blue & purple, for mine. My love affair with purple (I wonder if my dad was concerned...?) led to me picking Donnie as my personal favourite, and his scientific ways & bo staff, and general likeability (in any continuity, he's usually the last one to be yelled at, or be doing the yelling, and he isn't a stoner surfer-boy like Mikey was). Now, in the movies, he was played by Corey Feldman, then a famous mega-star who's now more of a punchline and a gag story than anything else (Note: Apparently he's not the dead one after all. I always mix those two douchebag failed child stars up). And he was portrayed a bit differently, lacking the technical know-how at first (he works on a car with Casey Jones in the first flick), but by the second, he's a genius working with the Doctor dude to make a cure for the mutations of Tokka & Rahzar. He was always Mikey's co-conspirator in most of the jokes, which was kinda necessary for a comedic duo, since Raph was marked as the "grouchy one", and Leo was the "serious one". So Donny kind of became everyone's best pal in the movies.

-Donatello stats up the most oddly of all the brothers, being much weaker in combat (the other three max out on Combat Advantages), but having a set-up of Skills that makes him the resident Skillmonkey, packing small amounts of Scientific & Technology-know-how onto a reasonable intellect (not an uber-version like the Cartoon series), so he can do most anything at a +9 or +10 bonus. Not that he sucks at fighting- he's +11 with the Bo, has the same Takedown Advantages as his bros- he's just lacking the sheer AMOUNT of Combat stuff (like Power Attack), and more dependant on his weapon than the others, who tend to just be melee specialists.

[Murkglow]

Donny was my favorite too (and for the same reason, I liked his color best though the fact that he wasn't as "extreme" as his brothers in personality helped). To be honest though I can't remember much about them any more. I vaguely remember my collection of turtle toys, the various games (man I hated that water level in the first game), the movies (I've only seen the live action ones, I haven't seen the CGI one yet), even the concert/live performance (did you ever go to one? I don't remember much about it at all, in fact my only real memory was that they threw soft/spongy pizza toys into the crowd) but I can't remember anything about the TV series and I know I never read a comic of theirs.

I will say though that I disagree with your comment about Raph being the worst turtle in the video games. Well in the first game Raph and Mike were the worst (Donny was by far the best in the first game because his weapon owned so hard with Leo being the only real backup) but in the beat'm ups Raph was an excellent choice, in fact considered by many the best (He is the turtle picked for speed running the games). Sure his melee sucked but his charging flying kick/shoulders were excellent and his special moves were often top tier. If I had to pick a turtle that was the "worst" in the games it would probably be Mike or Leo, I can't think of a game where they were the best (Leo at least was a good replacement for Donny in the first game and Mike is a fair Raph replacement in the third game).

[Kreuzritter]

ah the clan hamato, proof you can pick your freinds, but you're born with family

[Devastation Bob]

Corey Haim died of a drug overdose, pretty sure Feldman is still alive and sucking. Awesome writeups as useful J-ville.

[Spam]

Yup, Haim overdosed. Feldman is just a vegan douchebag, which is arguably worse.

[luketheduke86]

My favorite Ninja Turtle has always been Raphael and also because of the favorite color thing (I'm noticing a trend ). I lucked out as a kid because my mom bought me the awesome TMNT base (with the connecting pipes and the telephone pole swing), of course even with that I was envious of my cousin who had the much vaunted Technodrome toy...

[Jabroniville]

I was pretty spoiled as far as having awesome toys went, but yeah, the Technodrome was a kind of holy grail (and I thought the Android Body Krang instead of the crappy Walking Bot Krang was a myth until I got the internet and saw one with my own eyes), along with the "Dino Riders" Brontosaurus.

And dammit, I'm always getting the two Coreys mixed up. Especially since both were drug addicts.

[Rakumi]

I really enjoyed the Turtles builds. My fav was also Donnie. Not so much the color at all... lol, I am not a huge fan of purple (though it is not bad). He was my favorite because amongst me, my brother and cousin growing up, we picked our favorite on the one that most closely mirrored our personality. I was always the thinker of the group.
Great builds, once again.

[Jabroniville]

MICHELANGELO
Created By: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird
First Appearance: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May 1984)
Role: Party Dude
Other Roles: The Whacky Guy, The Surfer, The Dumb Guy
Group Affiliations: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Played By: Robbie Rist & Michelan Sisti
Named For: Michelangelo Buonarotti
PL 8 (134)
STRENGTH 2 STAMINA 4 AGILITY 6
FIGHTING 10 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 0 PRESENCE 3

Bodacious Skills:
Acrobatics 8 (+14)
Athletics 5 (+7)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 1 (+11)
Close Combat (Nunchucks) 2 (+12)
Deception 4 (+7)
Expertise (Ninja) 6 (+6)
Expertise (Pop Culture) 7 (+7)
Insight 4 (+4)
Intimidation 1 (+4)
Perception 6 (+6)
Persuasion 5 (+8)
Sleight of Hand 8 (+8)
Stealth 3 (+9)

Gnarly Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Agile Feint, Daze (Persuasion), Defensive Attack, Defensive Strike, Equipment (Twin Nunchucks), Fascinate (Persuasion), Follow-Up Strike, Hide in Plain Sight, Improved Critical (Nunchucks) 2, Improved Critical (Unarmed), Improved Defense, Improved Disarm, Improved Initiative, Improved Smash, Improved Trip, Improvised Weapon, Instant Up, Power Attack, Precise Attack (Close/Concealment), Quick Draw, Ranged Attack 5, Set-Up, Takedown 2, Taunt, Teamwork, Uncanny Dodge

Radical Equipment:
"Twin Nunchucks" Strength-Damage +2 (Feats: Split, Improved Disarm) (4)

Tubular Powers:
"Turtle Physiology"
Movement 1 (Environmental Adaptation- Aquatic) [2]
Swimming 2 (2 mph) [2]

"Half-Shell"
Protection 1 [1]
Enhanced Dodge & Parry 1 [2]

Righteous Offense:
Unarmed +11 (+2 Damage, DC 17)
Nunchucks +12 (+4 Damage, DC 19)
Initiative +10

Awesome Defenses:
Dodge +10 (DC 20), Parry +11 (DC 21), Toughness +4 (+5 Shell), Fortitude +7, Will +7

Bummer Complications:
Responsibility (Master Splinter)- Mikey frequently disobeys and ignores the master, showing him the least amount of reverence, but when Splinter gives them a final goodbye from the spirit world, it is he who sheds a tear.
Secret (Must Remain Hidden From Public View)
Reputation (Joker and Fool)

Total: Abilities: 50 / Skills: 60--30 / Advantages: 33 / Powers: 7 / Defenses: 14 (134)

-Michaelangelo (spelled with or without the first "a", since the Renaissance artist didn't have it, but Eastman & Laird screwed up when they wrote the first issue)... I have mixed feelings on him. As an adult, I recognize the need for kids to have a 'class clown' type to be a fan of. He was pretty much the 'identify with this guy' character of the Turtles, but I hated him. Mostly because EVERY FREAKING KID IN MY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL was a Michaelangelo fan, and I was the only kid who liked Donatello the best. Stupid kids. Even back then, I knew Mikey was kind of a pandering character archetype (plus he was the most in love with pizza... and yes, I am the only person in the ENTIRE UNIVERSE who hates pizza), and his "Totally Radical" dialogue bugged me, especially when it made him the unofficial spokesman for the entire team, the only guy getting into that "Cartoon All-Stars To The Rescue" anti-drug special (itself an epic symbol of the '80s, by telling some dumb kid to not smoke weed). But nunchucks are still cool, and he fits in better in other continuities, whereas the first Cartoon kind of over-did it. He's still my least favourite, but I get the necessity.

-Mikey surprisingly matches up to his brothers, mainly by being very charismatic, having lots of Interpersonal Skills (he's the most likely to make pals with the New Kid Sidekick), and a few different Advantages. Mikey's the best at bluffing, messing guys up, and disarming people with his Nunchucks. He's also the most agile Turtle by a bit, though everyone on the team is a bit athletic, so it doesn't always mean that much.

[Jabroniville]

ELITE FOOT SOLDIER
Created By: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird
First Appearance: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May 1984)
Role: Mooks
Group Affiliations: The Foot Clan
Played By: Assorted Stuntmen
Named For: Parody of Marvel's "The Hand"
PL 5 (62)
STRENGTH 1 STAMINA 2 AGILITY 4
FIGHTING 5 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 0 PRESENCE 1

Skills:
Acrobatics 3 (+7)
Athletics 3 (+4)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 2 (+7)
Deception 5 (+6)
Expertise (Street Rat) 6 (+6)
Insight 4 (+4)
Intimidation 3 (+4)
Perception 5 (+7)
Ranged Combat (Ninja Weapons) 3 (+6)
Sleight of Hand 4 (+4)
Stealth 2 (+6)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Defensive Attack, Equipment 2 (Ninja Gear), Fast Grab, Grab Finesse, Improved Hold, Ranged Attack 3, Teamwork

Equipment:
"Ninja Weapons" Short Sword +2, Battle Axe +3, Shuriken +2, Chain +1- Reach 4, etc.

Offense:
Unarmed +7 (+1 Damage, DC 16)
Weapons +5 (+2-3 Damage, DC 18-20)
Initiative +4

Defenses:
Dodge +6 (DC 16), Parry +6 (DC 16), Toughness +2, Fortitude +3, Will +1

Total: Abilities: 26 / Skills: 40--20 / Advantages: 11 / Powers: 0 / Defenses: 5 (62)

---

STANDARD FOOT SOLDIER
Created By: Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird
First Appearance: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May 1984)
Role: Mooks
Group Affiliations: The Foot Clan
Played By: Assorted Stuntmen
Named For: Parody of Marvel's "The Hand"
PL 4 (47)
STRENGTH 1 STAMINA 1 AGILITY 3
FIGHTING 4 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE 0 AWARENESS 0 PRESENCE 0

Skills:
Acrobatics 2 (+5)
Athletics 2 (+3)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 1 (+5)
Deception 5 (+5)
Expertise (Street Rat) 4 (+4)
Intimidation 3 (+3)
Perception 4 (+4)
Ranged Combat (Ninja Weapons) 1 (+4)
Sleight of Hand 4 (+4)
Stealth 2 (+5)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, Defensive Attack, Equipment 2 (Ninja Gear), Fast Grab, Grab Finesse, Improved Hold, Ranged Attack 3, Teamwork

Equipment:
"Ninja Weapons" Short Sword +2, Battle Axe +3 (note- usually one less Accuracy for this weapon), Shuriken +2, Chain +1- Reach 4, etc.

Offense:
Unarmed +5 (+1 Damage, DC 16)
Weapons +4 (+2-3 Damage, DC 18-20)
Initiative +3

Defenses:
Dodge +5 (DC 15), Parry +6 (DC 16), Toughness +1, Fortitude +2, Will +0

Total: Abilities: 18 / Skills: 28--14 / Advantages: 11 / Powers: 0 / Defenses: 4 (47)

-Foot Clan Ninjas are the ultimate cannon fodder minions, being just capable enough to kick a hero's ass en masse, but nothing resembling a challenge one-on-one. The movie versions are honestly my favourite ever, having the cool 'mesh eyepieces' and an all-black look, instead of being generic skull-headed robots who explode on contact with anything solid. They had their own set of bad-ass moments (the guy slapping April telling her to "Shut it!", throwing Raphael through a SKYLIGHT), and had a cool origin, being an old ninja clan now filled with street kids and other runaways, trained by The Shredder and his second, Tatsu.

-Foot Soldiers are pretty capable Minions all things considered, being PL 4-5 melee fighters, but are pretty limited in combat, being quick guys with weapons who have to team up to do their best work. They don't even have Power Attack, since I never saw a powerhouse Foot Soldier, and most of 'em fit the "Skinny fast guy" schtick.

---



TATSU
Created By: Bobby Herbeck (movie's main writer)
First Appearance: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (film) (March 1990)
Role: The Dragon (to The Shredder), Mook Trainer
Group Affiliations: The Foot Clan
Played By: Toshihiro Obata, Voiced by Michael McConnohie
PL 7 (83)
STRENGTH 2 STAMINA 3 AGILITY 4
FIGHTING 10 DEXTERITY 0
INTELLIGENCE 1 AWARENESS 2 PRESENCE 0

Skills:
Athletics 3 (+5)
Close Combat (Unarmed) 1 (+11)
Expertise (Ninja) 5 (+6)
Insight 2 (+4)
Intimidation 8 (+8)
Perception 5 (+7)
Sleight of Hand 6 (+6)
Stealth 2 (+6)

Advantages:
Accurate Attack, All-Out Attack, Assessment, Chokehold, Daze (Intimidation), Defensive Throw, Diehard, Improved Critical (Unarmed), Improved Hold, Improved Trip, Power Attack, Startle

Offense:
Unarmed +11 (+2 Damage, DC 17)
Initiative +4

Defenses:
Dodge +8 (DC 18), Parry +11 (DC 21), Toughness +3, Fortitude +6, Will +5

Total: Abilities: 44 / Skills: 32--16 / Advantages: 12 / Powers: 0 / Defenses: 11 (83)

-Tatsu was a great minion in the TMNT movies, filling a necessary role of #2 in the Foot Clan organization that was missing with a lack of Bebop & Rocksteady, as well as being kind of "The Dragon" for The Shredder, being a top-notch combatant on his own, and enough to intimidate rookies, punish guys when he's mad, beat the crap out of a weaponless Casey Jones, etc. He didn't speak alot (his actor couldn't speak English, so he was dubbed), he was grouchy, and he was just the right kind of side-character a fighting-based movie needs.

-Tatsu is a VERY capable henchman, being quite strong, fast and REALLY accurate for what amounts to an extra or speed-bump character for the heroes in an RPG. He's almost tough enough to beat a Turtle one-on-one, but certainly no match against all of them (in fact, by the second movie, all four curbstomped him with EASE with a four-man shell-check maneuver), but he's good. He can beat the snot out of a ton of his own henchmen, he can challenge a Turtle in a pinch, and he beat the SNOT out of Casey Jones when the latter was unarmed. Seriously, it was a comedic beat-down with poor Casey being tossed all over the place, until he fell into a chache of (gasp!) SPORTS EQUIPMENT.