Rick Deckard
Context
Blade Runner was a 1982 noir-ish, cyberpunk-ish science fiction movie.
It was very, very important back then for genre movie enthusiasts, sci-fi readers, role-players, etc.. It broke a lot of ground in establishing an adult, credible, sophisticated and exotic aesthetic for a future world. It was hugely influential.
Blade Runner draws themes from Philip K. Dick , particularly the paranoid concepts around fake persons and the dystopian, deliquescent atmosphere.
Since Blade Runner was such a must-see back in the late XXth century (now we have way, way more genre movies) this old profile for the protagonist, Rick Deckard, was mostly written for those familiar with the movie and its setting.
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Background
- Real Name: Rick Deckard.
- Marital Status: Divorced.
- Known Relatives: Iran (ex-wife).
- Group Affiliation: LAPD’s Blade Runner Unit.
- Base Of Operations: Los Angeles.
- Height: 5’11” Weight: 178lbs.
- Eyes: Gray Hair: Brown
Powers and Abilities
Deckard is a competent, smart detective and executioner.
He’s especially good at analysing clues and conducting legwork.
He has also demonstrated the ability to endure considerable physical punishment, and to hit targets under difficult circumstances.
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History
In the early 21st century, the Tyrell Corporation perfected the Nexus architecture for man-like robots. This allowed for the construction of actual synthetic humans. These were commonly known as “Replicants” or “skin jobs”.
Earth was choked by over-urbanization, pollution and the near-complete destruction of nature. It had sought for years to extend to other planets, establishing numerous colonies, known collectively as “off-world”. Replicants were mostly used for slave labor in the colonies.
The following movies were envisioned at one point or the other as taking place in the Blade Runner setting – Outland, Total Recall and Soldier.
Blade Runner units
However, there was a bloody mutiny of synthetic humans. As a result, they were made illegal on Earth. To enforce this, special police squads (known in the US as Blade Runner Units) were formed. Their orders were to shoot to kill upon detecting a Replicant.
Deckard was one of the most competent Blade Runners in the LAPD. But he retired out of general disgust at the nature of his work. He had come to despise being a legal murderer of human-like machines trying to be free.
However, it is not so easy to retire from the LAPD. In 2019 his superior, Captain Bryant, had a problem with an embarrassing case. Bryant pressured Deckard into service again.
Nexus Six
The problem in question was four Replicants. These were of the latest generation, Nexus 6, the most life-like of all. So lifelike, in fact, that they could develop emotions over time. Their very existence asked very awkward questions as to how one should define “human”.
These four Replicants had stolen a shuttle and crash-landed on Earth. They had to be eliminated. Although the official term for it was not “execution”. It was “retirement”.
Video
The neat trailer for the final cut version of the movie, in 1080p.
Description
Deckard is clad in drab clothes, which look like something from the 1930s due to the reto-future aesthetics of the setting.
He also has a distinctive scar on his chin.
Personality
Deckard is tired, and bitter about his job and the world around him. He does not speak much, and prefers going straight to the point even if that is awkward. In fact, he can seems impatient at times (especially during legwork) out of bitterness.
He’s a mostly normal corp, but stronger, more focused than usual – and probably far too serious and thoughtful. His seriousness making him too lucid to live in dysfunctional world. He drinks too much and generally puts whatever distance he can between himself on the world.
He behaves in a professional, sometimes forceful way. He is particularly straight in his dealings.
Quotes
Deckard : “Part of the business”
Rachael : “Well I’m *not* part of the business.” [pause] “I am the business.”
DC Universe History
The “false humans” theme loses much of its power in a super-hero universe, where such things are commonplace.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Deckard
| Dex: 04 | Str: 03 | Bod: 05 | Motivation: Uphold the good |
| Int: 06 | Wil: 05 | Min: 04 | Occupation: Blade Runner (retired) |
| Inf: 05 | Aur: 04 | Spi: 05 | Resources {or Wealth}: 05 |
| Init: 015 | HP: 035 |
Skills:
Artist (Piano, acting): 03, Charisma (Interrogation): 06, Detective: 06, Vehicles (Air, land): 03, Weaponry (Firearms): 05
Advantages:
Credentials (LAPD, Low).
Connections:
LAPD (Low – from Credentials).
Drawbacks:
MIA toward alcohol, Misc.: Post-Combat Shakes (see below).
Equipment:
Blade Runner handgun [BODY 04, Projectile weapons: 05, Ammo: 06, R#2, Bonus: Glaser-type bullets will inflict +1 RAP if any RAPs are scored [10]]. More discussion about this famous handgun in our article about fictional handguns.
New Drawback – Post Combat Shakes [5]
The Character shakes and feels sick after combat. This occurs only after all his enemies are incapacited or have left the vicinity. He then suffers a -1CS penalty for all rolls involving an Acting Attribute for an hour or two.
Source of Character: Blade Runner (movie).
Helper(s): Pufnstuff, Mace.