Dr. Solan Ezar, obsessed robotocist
Total points: 60
Dr. Ezar is 42 years old, with light golden skin, black hair with grey streaks, and black eyes. He stands 5' 7" and weighs 165 lbs.
ST: 9 [-10] -- Thrust 1d-2, Swing 1d-1
DX: 10 [0] -- Basic Speed 5, Move 5, Dodge 5
IQ: 14 [45]
HT: 10 [0]
Advantages: Mathematical Ability [10]; Single-Minded [5]
Disadvantages: Callous [-6]; Curious [-5]; Obsession (must pursue robotics research) [-10]; Stubborn [-5]; Workaholic [-5]
Quirks: Prefers to wear jumpsuits rather than lab coats; Likes "getting his hands dirty"; dislikes biological pets
Skills: Administration-12 [0.5]; Beam Weapons (Laser)-11 [0.5]; Computer Programming-18 [8]*; Electronics (Computers)-17 [4]*; Electronics Ops (Computers)-17 [2]*; Engineering (Robotics)-17 [6]**; History (Robotics/Other)-17/11 [1]; Mathematics-17 [4]*; Mechanic (Robotics)-14 [2]; Psychology (artificial intelligence)-14 [4]; Research-16 [6]; Scrounging-14 [2]; Writing-14 [2]
* includes +3 for Mathematical Ability; ** inlcudes +2 for Mathematical Ability
All /TL skills are TL10
Languages: Native-14 [0]; two common alien @13 [1 each]
Equipment: mini-tool kits (electronics and mechanical), jumpsuit, small portable computer with several technical databases, laser pistol (hidden)
Biography:
The son of two biologists, Solan Ezar always had a strong interest in science and was raised in the right kind of background to foster this desire. However, unlike his parents, who worked with living creatures, Ezar preferred to create non-living creatures. While Solan wasn't a child prodigy, he proved to be very talented with computers and graduated college with distinction. Several groundbreaking papers helped pave the way to his doctorate.
Dr. Ezar enjoyed a noteworthy career as a robotics engineer for the military until he offended a mid-level government official and was removed from his post. Only his rescue by a small group of rebels saved him from spending the rest of his life repairing labor robots in a mining camp. He now lives on a backwater planet, unable to do much research as the rebels keeps him constantly busy with repairing and modifiying their obsolete robots and computers.
Ezar has always considered his research above any 'petty' political situations (which he considers the rebellion) and would gladly work for the governmant again. Despite the lack of sufficient funds and materials, there are some benefits to working for the rebels; there are no bean-counting bureaucrats looking over his shoulder or (for the most part) unrealistic project deadlines to meet.
Regardless, Dr. Ezar is unhappy with his current situation. His overriding concern is to engage in advanced robotics, which he isn't close to doing now.
Encountered:
Ezar can be encountered on just about any backwater planet where the "galactic" government has little pull.
Canonicality:
Dr. Ezar is designed as per normal rules. Due to the way he was removed from his job, I have assumed he has lost creditability (ie. Good Reputation) in his field -- optionally, GMs may want to give him a +2 reaction from scientists unaware of his removal and a -2 reaction from those who do. Note that Ezar is not actually wanted for any crime (yet; the government is not aware he is actually working for the rebels though some may suspect it).
What If?
While many space campaigns feature a rebellion of some sort, others do not. Instead of rebels, Dr. Ezar could have been 'recruited' by terrorists (such as the Ine Givar In GURPS® Traveller®), pirates or perhaps even a rival galactic power.
Dr. Ezar would work reasonably well in a cyberpunk campaign; with a bit of modification (for example, he could be a notable cyberneticist), he could be also used in an Atomic Horror or Steampunk setting (though he is not exactly a Mad Scientist, he could easy be recruited by one).
Adventure Seeds:
The Fuzz: Ezar accidentaly discovers a government secret agent and strikes a deal: in return for turning over several rebels and information vital to government forces, he will get his post back. Or so he is told. In truth, the government considers him just as expendable and untrustworthy as the rebels. Assuming the PCs are the rebels, this could get interesting …
The Monstrosity: Just as Ezar put the finishing touches on rebuiding (and improving) a badly damaged robot, it goes berserk -- apparently, there was hidden damage to the computer brain (or perhaps a hidden virus which was partly responsible of the robot's original demise). Unfortunately, the party is in a remote location (a starship works best) and they are in no position to call for help (unless they want to be arrested as rebels or worse on the spot). The robot prefers not to attack directly, trying to pick off the party one person at a time. Ezar is sure he can disable the robot, if the party can find some way to immobilize it for a few seconds (as a twist, the robot could be too valuable to destroy, or at least that's how the rebel leader feels until he falls victim to it …).