Big Thunder
Context
This guy is the giant bruiser type. He fought Captain America that one time, in an obscure 1979 story.
Most researchers would ignore him, but we like giant bruiser types. Especially when they fight wearing flip-flops.
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Background
- Real Name: Unrevealed.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: Coney Island Cruisers gang.
- Base Of Operations: Coney Island, New York City.
- Height: About 6’8” (2 metres). Weight: About 260 lbs. (118 Kg.).
- Eyes: Grey. Hair: Blondish red
Powers and Abilities
Big Thunder is a huge man whose strength is at least peak human.
He once wrecked two thick concrete pillars, Samson-style – by pressing his arms and shoulders against them. Howbeit, this presumably superhuman feat required extreme effort.
He’s a good fighter (albeit miles below Captain America (Steve Rogers), obviously).
And though he’s quite clumsy, his strong grip makes him a good climber.
History
in 1979 Big Thunder was the leader of the Coney Island Cruisers, a street gang beginning to develop mob connections.
As the gang was attempting to evict an old squatter from an abandoned building they wanted to use as a hideout, Captain America (Steve Rogers) stumbled upon them.
Cap easily dispersed the gang. However, Big Thunder used the old man as a hostage to challenge Cap to single combat. By proving his strength against the star-spangled Avenger, he hoped to impress his mob contacts. He also reasoned that Cap would throw the fight to save the hostage.
However, Cap was aware that Big Thunder would kill the hostage no matter what. The old man just knew too much. Therefore, Steve tricked the gang leader into having the fight leave the room, then quickly knocked him out and rescued the squatter.
Personality
Old-school gang leader who talks big with his New York City working class accent, and shows no weakness in front of his men or mob contacts.
Quotes
“I’ll get ya for this creep ! I don’t care if ya are up there ! Just means I have to bring ya *down* !”
“All right man — here comes the Big Thunder express – and my throttle’s wide open !”
Adνеrtisеmеnt
DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Big Thunder
| Dex: 04 | Str: 06 | Bod: 05 |
| Int: 02 | Wil: 02 | Min: 03 |
| Inf: 04 | Aur: 03 | Spi: 03 |
| Init: 010 | HP: 015 |
Powers:
Skin armour: 01
Bonuses and Limitations:
Skin armour only against Unarmed and Bludgeoning descriptors.
Skills:
Acrobatics (Climbing): 04, Charisma (Intimidation): 03, Weaponry (Street weaponry)*: 04, Vehicles (Land): 03
Bonuses and Limitations:
Acrobatics (Climbing) is Contingent Upon STR.
Advantages:
Schtick (Burst of strength).
Connections:
Coney Island Cruisers (High), Street (Low).
Drawbacks:
Unluck (Manifests as clumsiness on his part).
Motivation:
Power.
Occupation:
Gang leader.
Wealth:
004
Design notes
The STR is based on most versions of Batman probably not being able to perform the feat of strength Big Thunder pulled. But there certainly is a case for giving Thunder a STR of 05 instead.
The caption mentions that the concrete pillars were old and partly rotten. Between this and his Schtick, you can easily justify a STR of 05 if you’re more comfortable with that.
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DC Adventures RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Big Thunder — Averaged PL 5.4
| STR | STA | AGL | DEX |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05 | 03 | 01 | 01 |
| FGT | INT | AWE | PRE |
| 03 | 00 | 00 | 01 |
Powers:
Big Thunder is big ● 1 points ● Descriptor: Psychic
Protection 2 (Limited 2 to Bludgeon and Unarmed Descriptors or similar).
Combat Advantages:
Close Attack 2, Defensive Roll 2, Improved Grab, Move-by Action.
Other Advantages:
Ultimate Effort (Strength).
Skills:
Athletics (Limited 1 to Climbing and Swimming) 2 (+7), Close combat (Unarmed) 1 (+6), Expertise (Street gang leader) 4 (+4), Insight 1 (+1), Intimidation 2 (+3), Perception 1 (+1), Vehicles 2 (+3) (Limited 2 to common land vehicles).
Offence:
| Initiative +1 |
| Unarmed +6, Close, Damage 5. |
Defence:
| Dodge | 05 |
| Fortitude | 08 |
| Parry | 06 |
| Toughness | 03*/05/07** |
| Will | 02 |
* Without Defensive Roll.
** vs. Bludgeon and Unarmed Descriptors or similar.
Complications:
- Gangs of New York BT leads a street gang trying to graduate to organised crime.
- Appearance BT is easily noticed in a crowd.
- All-thumbs hands BT is clumsy, which will often trigger Complications as he fumbles something.
Powers Levels:
- Trade-off areas. Attack/Effect PL 6, Dodge/Toughness PL 5, Parry/Toughness PL 7, Fort/Will PL 5.
- Points total 55. Abilities 28, Defences 14, Skills 5, Powers 1, Devices 0, Advantages 7. Equiv. PL 4.
Notes
The STR is based on most versions of Batman probably not being able to perform the feat of strength Big Thunder pulled. But there certainly is a case for giving Thunder a STR of 04 instead.
The caption mentions that the concrete pillars were old and partly rotten. Between this and his Ultimate Effort, you can easily justify a STR of 04 if you’re more comfortable with that.
Source of Character: Captain America vol. 1 #240.
Helper(s): Roy Cowan, Nick Yankovec.