Last week was the launch of the movie Logan, starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. After 17 years (and approximately 300 movies), the actor has decided he’s done playing this character. To honor and celebrate the fun he’s brought us over the years; we’re going to think of several ways how to create a Wolverine-like character using the Cypher System. (We’re just going to pick types, descriptors, foci, and a few low-tier abilities—in other words, aim for his most common representation in the main storyline, rather than “samurai Logan,” old Logan, Logan fighting an alien invasion, or any other extreme versions.)
Of the three character types in the Numenera corebook, he’s definitely a glaive. Obvious fighting moves for him are Thrust, Trained Without Armor, Successive Attack, Lunge, and Slice. If using The Strange corebook, he’d be a vector, with moves like Endurance, Fleet of Foot, No Need For Weapons, Quick Recovery, and Skill With Attacks.
Of the descriptors in the Numenera corebook, Wolverine matches best with Rugged (physical tasks, dealing with animals, inability in interactions with people) or Tough (extra Armor, bonus to recovery rolls, trained in Might defense). Of those in The Strange corebook, he might be Sharp-Eyed (trained in initiative and perception) or Tough (just like in Numenera).
Of the foci in the Numenera corebook, Fuses Flesh and Steel initially seems like a great fit, but that’s actually much more of a mechanical/machine connection than an augmented skeleton, and the restrictions on healing and the device interface don’t fit him at all. Hunts With Great Skill works pretty well, giving him Tracker, Sprint and Grab, and Quarry. Other interesting choices are Masters Weaponry, Murders, Rages, and Wields Two Weapons At Once. If playing The Strange, good choices are Looks For Trouble, Regenerates Tissue (at least in the lower tiers), and Wields Two Weapons At Once.
What if you’re using Numenera Character Options and Numenera Character Options 2? Say hello to the fighting moves Surging Confidence, Block, Bloodlust, Quick Recovery, and Fury. Appropriate descriptors are Abrasive (NCO2), Aggressive (NCO2), Hardy, Passionate, or Resilient. For a focus, try Charges Right In (NCO2), Lives on the Road (NCO2), or Never Says Die.
What if you’re using Alternate Origins for The Strange? Give him a descriptor like Resilient or Unforgiving. Of the foci in this book, the best choice is Goes Berserk.
As you can see, Numenera and The Strange give you many, many options for creating a character like Wolverine, inspired by the comics, videogames, film, and TV.
Have a better idea how to build this character, bub? Tell us about it on Facebook, Google, and Twitter!
