Neon Rain
With cybernetics connecting his nervous system directly to his vehicle, Balaga specializes in high-speed chases, narrow escapes, and running his enemies over. He spent his youth as a race car driver, turning to organized crime in his forties. Balaga got his heist crew out of all sorts of scrapes, though he was so low in the hierarchy that he hardly ever knew what his buddies were stealing. He never cared much for the what or why, anyway; all Balaga wanted to do was drive like hell. Those were the happiest years of his life, but the era came to an end when every single one of his comrades was killed in a job gone wrong. Balaga's single-minded focus meant that he didn't know details of the heist—and doesn't know what could have gone so wrong—but that hasn't stopped him from blaming himself.
In the years since, Balaga's rarely been sober. He's done some gig work as a chauffeur for low-level executives who eschew self-driving cars in favor of old-school flair. Because Balaga's nervous system integrates with the car, a privacy partition doesn't muffle what goes on in the back seat. He's overheard all kinds of corporate secrets and under-the-table deals . . . but he doesn't pay that much attention to the boring details. What Balaga really wants is the same thing he's always wanted: to drive like hell. He wouldn't mind belonging to a crew again, too.
Motive: Demonstrate his mettle behind the wheel; join a band of criminals
Environment: The alleyways and thoroughfares of Edge City
Health: 12
Damage Inflicted: Moderate wound (4 points)
Movement: Short; very long when driving
Modifications: Tasks related to driving, mechanical repairs, and attacks using a vehicle as a weapon as level 6; perception and navigation as level 5; hand-to-hand combat as level 3
Combat: Balaga can fire a pistol while driving, inflicting a moderate wound (4 points) on a successful attack.
When using the vehicle itself as a weapon, Balaga's attacks inflict a major wound (11 points) and can target multiple characters within an immediate distance in a single action.
Interaction: Balaga is always drunk and usually existentially weary. He speaks slowly and thoughtfully—a huge contrast from his behavior behind the wheel. He is easily bribed with high-quality alcohol.
Use: Characters plan an exploit that requires a getaway driver. The NPC characters are pursuing escapes in a car driven by Balaga.
Other Equipment: Balaga carries two doses of Dex® and a legendary amount of liquor.
GM Intrusion: A tire blowout causes Balaga to lose control of the vehicle, endangering anyone inside or nearby.
GM Intrusion (group): After an especially daring maneuver, characters in the car must succeed on a Might defense roll or else become motion sick, hindering their next action.