Big Daddy Dawson and the Ruthless Riders
Context
Mr. Dawson is simply a tough outlaw biker, seen but once in 1973.
But he was one of Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze)’s earliest opponent, so that gives him a bit of cachet. And heh, if the Sons of Anarchy could have a whole TV show, surely there are stories to tell about Big Daddy !
Background
- Real Name: Gary Dawson.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Leader of the Ruthless Riders.
- Base Of Operations: The highways of California.
- Height: 6’4” Weight: 235 lbs.
- Eyes: Grey Hair: Black
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Powers and Abilities
Dawson is huge and quite muscular. He seems to be an experienced outlaw biker, brawler and fighter and he doesn’t afraid of anything. Yet he’s no fool, and will flee like a bat out of Hell if faced by vastly superior force.
Big Daddy could drive his hog at high speed through traffic, making it difficult for even the Ghost Rider to catch him.
History
Gary “Big Daddy” Dawson operated during the early 1970s. He was the leader of Californian outlaw motorcycle gang the Ruthless Riders. From the captions and their general attitude it seems that the Riders were a fearless, successful bunch. Whether they were affiliated to one of the Big Four is unrevealed.
One night, the Riders stumbled upon the Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze) confronting the Witch Woman on a desert road. Roxanne Simpson was also present. Dawson had apparently already heard of the Ghost Rider, who had barely begun his career. The biker had been looking to fight the Rider to gain cred.
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The Riders circled those present. Meanwhile, Daddy dismounted to beat up the Ghost Rider and see how tough he was. The inexperienced Blaze did not dare use his abilities and was thrown around a bit. However, the Witch Woman teleported to Hell along with Blaze so they wouldn’t be interrupted further. Left alone, the terrorised Simpson was captured by Big Daddy.
Minutes later, the Son of Satan arrived as he tracked down the Witch Woman. He dispersed the Riders, melting Big Daddy’s .45 when he tried to shoot him. The Son’s goal was interrogate Simpson.
Furious at having been forced to flee, and apparently deserted by his men, Dawson realised that the Son of Satan had also left Simpson behind. He found her running along the road and recaptured her. Learning that Johnny Blaze was hospitalised, Dawson decided to confront him and demand a ransom for Roxanne.
They arrived at sunset. That was to Ms. Simpson’s relief, as she knew that Johnny would have transmogrified into his nocturnal self.
Motorbike to Heaven
The Rider now had a better handle on his power. He ignored Dawson’s gunfire, forcing the biker to flee. Big Daddy got to his hog and charged the Ghost Rider, then rode away when he saw him get back up. Blaze, who had just learned how to create a motorcycle out of hellfire, gave chase.
Driving like a maniac, Dawson bobbed and weaved through traffic and made it to the highway. He was determined to find some way to kill the Rider – then come back and have his revenge. However, the Rider eventually caught up with him.
Fearing that the chase would trigger a big pile-up on the highway, the Rider tried to melt Dawson’s bike with hellfire. But he lacked accuracy and destroyed Dawson’s rear tyre instead. Surprised, Big Daddy Dawson crashed his bike into a semi’s trailer.
Big Daddy Dawson was never seen again. Yet it is entirely possible that he survived the crash.
Description
See illustrations.
Personality
Big tough guy, obsessed with proving that he’s a real man and a true badass. He’s used to be feared, like it, and will violently defend his rep.
Big Daddy seems to see himself as a real outlaw, a sort of barbarian raider and warlord who just takes what he wants.
Quotes
“Circle ’em, boys ! Let’s see how tough the Ghost Rider really is !”
“Say your prayers, Blaze… ‘cause I’m gonna pound you into grease for my gears !”
“Face it, little lady – yer gutless Romeo done split with another chick ! But that’s his loss — and your gain ! After all, now you got yourself a real man to take care ’a ya ! Trust me — Big Daddy’s gonna make ya forget that creep ever lived !”
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Big Daddy
| Dex: 04 | Str: 04 | Bod: 04 | Motivation: Power |
| Int: 03 | Wil: 03 | Min: 04 | Occupation: Outlaw biker |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 03 | Spi: 04 | Resources {or Wealth}: 005 |
| Init: 011 | HP: 010 |
Skills:
Gadgetry: 03, Vehicles (Land): 04, Weaponry (Melee, Firearms): 05
Bonuses and Limitations:
Gadgetry only to build, repair and maintain motorbikes, choppers, trikes and similar vehicles.
Advantages:
Area Knowledge (Californian highways), Expertise (Drinking), Familiarity (The routes to major biker events, motorcycle mechanics, biker culture and events), Iron Nerves, “Rank” (“Sergeant”).
Connections:
Outlaw motorcycle gangs (Low), Underworld (Low), California Highway Patrol (Low).
Drawbacks:
None demonstrated.
Equipment:
- Hog [STR 03 BODY 05, Running: 06, R#02]. A 1970s-style chopper motorcycle. Dawson also had a small bus – probably a ten-seater – which could hold a chopper in the back, ready to roll.
- Chain [BODY 03, EV 03 (05 w/STR), Stretching: 01].
- Colt M1911A1 [BODY 03, Projectile weapon: 04, Ammo: 07, R#03].
- Back in the days, the Riders were armed with blunt melee weapons (such as chains, bats and lengths of pipe), and Big Daddy seemed to consider that his .45 handgun was a showstopper. Were they to appear nowadays, they’d be more heavily armed – for instance a SPAS-12 shotgun for most Riders (using the distinctive stock to shoot as they ride) and a heavier shotgun for Dawson. See our Modern Firearms – Small Arms articles for ideas.
Bad to the bone
Big Daddy’s “Rank” corresponds to his gang, apparently a successful fighting force. About 8-10 outlaw bikers were seen, though the gang might be larger. See our “Stock thugs and criminals” for comic book outlaw biker stats.
Only one Rider – Crusher Crowder – was named. The gang seemed volatile, and to only follow Dawson if they were convinced that he was the toughest, meanest man around.
Source of Character: Ghost Rider in 1973.
Writeup completed on the 11th of December, 2011.