Korben Dallas
Context
The Fifth Element is a 1997 French science-fiction action epic. It is an over-the-top movie with a semi-gonzo plot, and lots of scenery-chewing. It is particularly notable for its rich, inventive visual designs and adolescent spirit.
Korben Dallas, played by Bruce Willis, is a down-on-his-luck taxi driver. Of course, he soon turns out to be an ex-Special Forces master fighter.
Background
- Real Name: Korben Dallas.
- Marital Status: Divorced.
- Known Relatives: Mother (name unrevealed), unnamed ex-wife.
- Group Affiliation: Former member of the Federate Army (special forces).
- Base Of Operations: South Brooklyn (New York).
- Height: 5’10” Weight: 175lbs.
- Eyes: Gray Hair: Blond
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Powers and Abilities
Dallas is a highly trained soldier, with nerves of steel and absolute coolness under fire. He’s known as an ace space fighter pilot (an ability he can use on pretty much any current flying vehicle). But it is his marksmanship that is actually jaw-dropping. It seems he can hit up to four or five enemies in a heartbeat with any gun, almost without looking at them.
Other feats include shooting the ground off all around a man lying prone – on the floor above the one where Dallas stood, while only seeing his head through a hole, and without even scratching him. Or popping in and out of a doorway and shooting six opponents dead with a pistol in about half a second, while counting remaining targets and assessing the situation.
History
Major Korben Dallas lives in the XXIIIrd century. This is a time of advanced space exploration, huge megalopolises and flying cars. Yet, it still retains most of the feel of the close of the XXth century.
The Earth of this period is united in a word government called the Federate. Dallas served as a member of the special forces of the Federate Army. While one of the Federate’s most decorated soldiers, he resigned. Apparently, one operation broke real bad and he was the only survivor.
Trying to go back to civvie life, Korben became a cab driver. But had trouble with the routine, and was disappointed that he remained single.
Six months after he left the army, a literal perfect woman literally fell from the sky. She perforated the roof of his cab and dragged him into a very special situation. This led to Korben’s re-enlistment for a desperate mission to save the Earth – broadcast live on world TV.
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Description
In combat, Dallas moves without any stress, like if strolling down the street. He handles his weapon with detachment – it seems he doesn’t have to look at his targets to mow them down. Only his steely gray gaze betrays his determination.
Personality
Korben Dallas is, basically, a nice and surprisingly sensitive man. Although he can handle any level of pressure and is a formidable warrior, he was quite moved by Leeloo’s almost unintelligible pleas, to the point of blowing his life up for a complete stranger.
He likes cats, dislikes crowds and mass media, and instantly fell in love with Leeloo.
Video
Movie trailer in not-really-1080p.
Quotes
Mugger: “Give me the caaaaash !”
Korben Dallas: “Been here long ?”
Mugger: “Yeah, long enough. Come on, give me the cash !”
Korben Dallas: “Is that a Z-140 ? Alleviated titanium. Neurocharged assault model.”
Mugger: “Yeah, yeah.”
Korben Dallas: “Good thing for me it’s not loaded.”
Mugger: [giggles] “What do you mean it’s not loaded ?”
Korben Dallas: “You have to… push that yellow button to load it.”
Mugger: [pauses, then laughs hesitantly]
Korben Dallas: “Take your time.”
Mugger: [continues to shake while reaching for the yellow button of the rifle]
Korben Dallas: “You want me to – there you go.”
Mugger: “Give me the cash !”
[Pulls trigger, but nothing happens]
Korben Dallas: [points gun at mugger] “That’s a very dangerous gun. Maybe you better let me hang on to this one for you, huh ?”
[grabs rifle and places it in rack of other guns]
Priest Vito Cornelius: “What are you doing ?”
Korben Dallas: “Trying to save your ass so you can save the world.”
Police: “Are you classified as human ?”
Korben Dallas: “Negative, I am a meat popsicle.”
Taxi computer: “You just had an accident.”
Korben: “Yes, I know I just had an accident, you daffy bastard !”
“Anybody else wants to negotiate ?”
DC Universe History
The Fifth Element has its own self-contained mythology, and upstaging the final victories will be difficult. However, an encounter with Dallas before he meets the Fifth Element would be an interesting possibility.
One could also have a subtler encounter with Korben and Leeloo after the confrontation with the Great Darkness. The two of them might have gone on to explore the universe they had saved. Leeloo would be learning the joys and tragedies of human existence in more detail. The jaded Korben would be seeing the world through new eyes thanks to Leeloo.
They might also be found working to overcome residual elements of the return of the Evil. It may have minions other than Zorg or inspired other villains in its wake.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Korben Dallas
| Dex: 05 | Str: 04 | Bod: 05 | Motivation: Uphold good |
| Int: 08 | Wil: 05 | Min: 06 | Occupation: Cab driver, former special forces |
| Inf: 06 | Aur: 05 | Spi: 06 | Resources {or Wealth}: 004 |
| Init: 024 | HP: 070 |
Skills:
Acrobatics (climbing): 04, Acrobatics (dodging): 06, Evasion (Ranged only): 06, Martial artist*: 05, Medicine (first aid): 04, Military science (all except cryptography)*: 06, Vehicles (air, space): 09, Weaponry (firearms): 11, Weaponry (other infantry and special forces weapons): 06
Advantages:
Credentials (Military, Low), Expertise (Threat Forces), Iron Nerves, Lightning Reflexes, Security clearance (Low), Shtick (speed shooting).
Connections:
None.
Drawbacks:
Dependent (Leeloo, 0 pts).
Equipment:
- Combat pistol [BODY 04, Projectile weapon: 06, Ammo: 20, R#3].
- Heavier weapons are normally OSP .
- FLYING TAXICAB [BODY 10 STR 05, Danger Sense: 08, Flight: 07, Obscure: 06, Hardened Defenses, R#02. Bonuses & Limitations : Danger Sense only works against weapons with active sensors (-2FC) ; Obscure only works against electronic scanners (-2FC). In the future New York depicted in the Fifth Element, most personal vehicle of choice is the flying car. Korben made his living after leaving the service piloting a flying taxi. This taxi was heavily modified, being sufficiently well-armored to punch through obstacles and withstand heavy machine gun volleys without loss of function. It also had a scan blocker that kept police from pulling personal identification data from the vehicle and a warning system advising the pilot of imminent attack by other vehicles].
Source of Character: Fifth Element (movie).
Helper(s): IMDB for quotes, Roy Cowan.