Hannibal
(Colonel John Smith)
Context
The A-Team was a silly action/adventure TV show that ran from 1983 to 1987. A band of colourful soldiers, famously condemned “for a crime they did not commit”, is forced to become white-hat roving mercenaries.
With their improbable skills, supposedly military weapons and techniques, and improvised vehicles they always save the day with plenty of violence and explosions. Which seldom hurt anybody seriously.
This show is a common subject of nostalgia for people who grew up watching TV during the 1980s (and may thus need help).
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Background
- Real Name: Colonel John Smith.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: None.
- Group Affiliation: The A-Team (A is for Alpha).
- Base Of Operations: Mobile.
- Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown.
- Height: 6’ Weight: 175 lbs
Powers and Abilities
He is the man the team revolves around. Like his namesake , Hannibal is a master tactician. However, his plans never quite turn out as they are supposed to. Still, while they don’t work well, they work.
Hannibal is also famed for his “mastery” of disguise. For instance he has impersonated the Monster in a series of movie horror flicks.
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History
In 1972 a crack commando unit who fought during the Việt Nam War was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit, the robbing of the Bank of Hanoi. But eventually, they escaped from a maximum security prison (Fort Bragg ).
In the years that followed, still wanted by the government, they were on the run and survived as soldiers of fortune, helped out victimised people in America and beyond, usually for very little money.
Description
See picture.
Personality
The cigar chomping leader of the A-Team is forever “on the jazz” (meaning he loves the adrenaline of action). He just loves to play it tough and cocky to the biggest bad guy.
He was named after the Carthaginian general who almost destroyed the Roman Empire 2200 years ago. This is not only for his military talent, but also for the destructive character of many of his methods.
Quotes
“I just love it when a plan comes together !”
DC Universe History
As they are they can be played on the late 80’s, and even be the inspiration for the later The Losers (bringing them, too, from Vertigo to the DCU).
If one wants to update them, and play with them nowadays, the second Gulf War, with it’s prisoner torture scandals, may be the better replacement for Nam when taking them into the XXIst century.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith
| Dex: 03 | Str: 03 | Bod: 03 | Motivation: Seeking/Thrill |
| Int: 06 | Wil: 06 | Min: 07 | Occupation: Mercenary |
| Inf: 06 | Aur: 07 | Spi: 06 | Resources {or Wealth}: 004 |
| Init: 017 | HP: 045 |
Skills:
Acrobatics (Climbing)*: 03, Artist (Actor): 07, Detective*: 06, Gadgetry: 02, Martial Artist: 05, Military Science: 07, Scientist (Analysis): 03, Vehicles (Air, Land, Water)*: 03, Weaponry (Firearms, Heavy): 06
Advantages:
Leadership, Rank (Colonel).
Connections:
The “A” Team (High).
Drawbacks:
Enemy (Lynch, Decker, Fulbright), MIA (Monster Flicks), Mistrust.
Equipment:
Usually a Colt M1911A1 .45 pistol [BODY 05, Projectile weapons: 04, Ammo: 07, R#03] ; on mission it may vary, but a light assault rifle or a submachinegun are not out of order.
Helper(s): Jackson, David Johnston, www.ateamshrine.co.uk .
Source of Character: “The A-Team” TV series.