Thing
(Benchmark #4 - modern)
Context
Our Thing writeups are very old sets of notes that were done as early benchmarking.
The numbers are still reasonably correct and the writeups have been modernised a bit, but these entries remain rough benchmarking notes, not researched profiles.
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Background
- Real Name: Benjamin Jacob Grimm.
- Marital Status: Single.
- Known Relatives: Daniel Grimm, Elsie Grimm (parents, deceased), Daniel Jacob Grimm (brother, deceased), Jacob “Jake” Grimm (uncle), Alyce Grimm (aunt, deceased), Petunia “Penny” Grimm (aunt), Franklin Benjamin Grimm (godson).
- Group Affiliation: Fantastic Four ; also an Avengers reservist. Former member of the Avengers West Coast, Thunderiders, UCWF and Yancy Street Gang.
- Base Of Operations: Baxter Building, NYC ; Four Freedom Plaza, NYC.
- Height: 6’ Weight: 500lbs.
- Eyes: Blue Hair: None
Powers and Abilities
This is the Thing for the 1990’s, and thus the latest stats for him at the time of this writeup.
History
Holding to a college promise, Ben Grimm piloted an experimental spacecraft that his friend Reed Richards has created on its first test flight into space. Along for the ride were Reed, his fiancée Sue Storm, and Sue’s brother Johnny.
Ben’s preflight worries became prophetic when cosmic rays bombarded the ship and forced them to land. The exposure to these rays granted the 4 amazing powers, but robbed Ben of his human appearance. He became a rocky-skinned, super-strong monster. Morosely taking “the Thing” as his heroic name, he joined the other 3 in founding the Fantastic Four.
Ben’s acceptance of his inhuman appearance has come only after years of soul-searching, and even now he sometimes rails against his fate. His companions – esp. Reed, who feels guilty about Ben’s plight – have tried to help him deal with his transformation.
The kindness and care of blind sculptress Alicia Masters, who was once his lady love, has also helped Ben cope with his condition.
Both as a part of Marvel’s “first family” and on his own, Ben has proved himself one of the major heroes of this Earth and has fought innumerable menaces, from the mundane to the toweringly cosmic.
Description
The Thing is bulky (the same figure as the Kingpin) and looks covered with orange stone fragments all over his body. While working as a super-hero, he often wears a pair of blue trunks. He has sunk in blue eyes and no hair. The lips are missing and there is just a crack where the mouth usually is.
To some he might look funny, but most people are scared of his appearance. When taking a walk in private he usually wears a trench coat – although he still looks big. The Thing’s movement might look a bit clunky and clumsy, but he actually moves much faster than what his size would indicate.
Personality
The Thing is a bit less caricatural then he used to be, and his leadership experiences (he notably lead the FF when Reed and Sue took a leave of absence) have further strengthened him. Gruff, abrupt, cynical and always ready for combat, the Thing is still kind, protective and downright softhearted when it comes to his friends.
The modern Thing is often the voice of reason in the FF, the perfect place in the group’s dynamics along with Reed’s analytical intellect, Sue’s caring willpower and Johnny’s devil-may-care courage. He’s respected by his opponents, and loved by his teammates.
Quotes
“It’s clobberin’ time !!”
DC Universe History
See Invisible Woman writeup.
Game Stats — DC Heroes RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
The blue-eyed Thing
| Dex: 05 | Str: 18 | Bod: 12 | Motivation: Upholding Good |
| Int: 06 | Wil: 09 | Min: 07 | Occupation: Adventurer |
| Inf: 06 | Aur: 05 | Spi: 07 | Resources {or Wealth}: 010 |
| Init: 019 | HP: 110 |
Powers:
Damage capacity (Mental, Physical, Spiritual): 03, Density increase: 01, Flame immunity: 02, Invulnerability: 07, Super-breath: 05
Bonuses and Limitations:
Density Increase is Always On and already factored in (-1).
Skills:
Martial artist: 08, Vehicles (Land): 04, Vehicles (Air, space): 10, Weaponry: 05
Advantages:
Conditional Soaking (Blunt), Expertise (Aircraft mechanics and maintenance), Headquarters (Expansive), Leadership, Popularity.
Connections:
Fantastic Four (High), Hero community (High, Powerful), Uatu the Watcher (Low).
Drawbacks:
Public ID, Creepy Appearance.
Game Stats — DC Adventures RPG
Tell me more about the game stats
Thing (modern) — Averaged PL 12.4
| STR | STA | AGL | DEX | FGT | INT | AWE | PRE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 12 | 02 | 04 | 08 | 02 | 03 | 02 |
Powers
Rock-like body ● 11 points ● Cosmic Rays, Physiological
– Growth 1, Permanent.
– Impervious Toughness 8, Noticeable.
– Second Chance (Blunt Impact Damage), Second Chance (Fire Damage).
Super-Strength ● 2 points ● Descriptors: Cosmic Rays, Physiological
Enhanced Strength 2, Limited (to Lifting).
Strong Lungs ● 20 points ● Descriptors: Cosmic Rays, Physiological, Super-Strength
Move Object 5, Area (Cone), Limited Direction, Linked to Nullify Gasses 5, Area (Cone).
Combat Advantages
Accurate Attack, All-Out Attack, Close Attack 4, Daze (Intimidation), Defensive Attack, Defensive Roll 1, Diehard, Leadership, Power Attack, Ranged Attack 4, Startle, Ultimate Toughness.
Other Advantages
Benefit (Member of the Fantastic Four), Benefit 2 (Popuarlity – most civilians are automatically Favorable), Connected, Skill Mastery (Vehicles).
Skills
Deception 1 (+3), Expertise (Aircraft Mechanics and Maintenance) 8 (+10), Insight 5 (+8), Intimidation 3 (+5), Perception 5 (+8), Persuasion 3 (+5), Vehicles 2 (+6), Vehicles 8 (+14) (Limited – air and space only).
Offense
| Initiative +1 |
| Unarmed +12, Close, Damage 15 |
Defense
| Dodge | 8 | Fortitude | 12 |
| Parry | 12 | Toughness | 13/12* |
| Will | 10 |
* Without Defensive Roll
Complications
- Upholding the Good Underneath it all, Ben is a compassionate, self-sacrificing soul.
- Appearance Ben has an unusual and potentially startling appearance.
- Public Identity Ben Grimm is a bona-fide celebrity, with all that entails.
Power levels
- Trade-off areas Attack & Effect PL 14, Dodge/Toughness PL 11, Parry/Toughness PL 13, Fort & Will PL 11.
- Point total 183. Abilities 92, Defences 17, Skills 19, Powers 33, Devices 0, Advantages 23. Equiv. PL 13.
Uncapped !
If using the optional, open-ended equivalencies, the Thing’s Strength is 18. Drop his lifting-only Strength. This raises his Attack/Effect PL to 15, costs 4 points, and raises his average PL to 12.6.
Source of Character: Fantastic Four comics (Marvel Universe).
Helper(s): Mark Ayen, Z, Angel, JKCarrier, Phil Dixon, Marvel SAGA FF Roster book, Ethan Roe.