The 80’s taught me how to play #1: The Leader

Being born in 1980 put me right smack in the middle of a time when Western animation was in full swing, coming up with all sorts of great shows with all sorts of awesome characters who would eventually influence the games I ran and the characters I played.  I figure there should be a lot of people out there of my generation who can relate to this as these are the heroes we looked up to, the villains we reviled (and secretly loved), and the stories that we eventually wove into the games we ran.

And so today, we start off with the the one 80’s cartoon character that defines Leadership in my eyes:

Optimus Prime

"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings."

From his incredible presence, his tireless determination, and his Stentorian Voice, Optimus Prime stands first and foremost among all cartoon (and anime) characters that have ever donned the title of being the “Leader.”  This came not only due to mere formality such as rank, but because of who he was, and the courage and loyalty he inspired in his troops.

Father Figure

In many ways, Optimus Prime was a father figure.  His wisdom, kind manner and understanding nature makes him someone that the Autobots under his command don’t hesitate to come to.  They’re not afraid to be honest with him, and feel terrible if they kept anything from him.  At the same time, he commands the same kind of respect as a father does, and it takes very little effort on his part to get people to follow orders.  They hear and obey, trusting that this commander will not fail them.

Leading By Example

Optimus Prime is never at the rear of any engagement.  Instead, he’s right up front, in the thick of the battle.  Aware of his abilities, he puts himself where he can be of the most aid to his troops.  His presence shines like a beacon, raising morale and encouraging his troops to fight on and harder, firm in the belief that they will pull through.

Uncompromising Integrity

Optimus Prime never cheats.  While this might draw some criticism from autobots of a more flexible morality, it’s his uncompromising stance on fighting and winning honorably is what makes him even more worthy of respect.  It’s this kind of personality that allows the Autobots to follow him and believe him when he says that he will get something done.

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In many ways, all the leader types I’ve ever played have been inspired by Optimus Prime.  I can totally see the Leader Role as defined by 4e working with him, as both a Warlord and even a Cleric.  My own experiences with Wayward Falling Star, a Zenith Caste Exalted proved that an Optimus Prime-ish personality works well, as he was able to draw the trust and cooperation of various disparate groups to his cause.  It also helps to be able to deliver kickass speeches too…

And with that, I leave you with Optimus Prime’s speech at the end of the live action movie:

“With the All Spark gone, we cannot return life to our planet. And fate has yielded its reward, a new world to call home. We live among its people now, hiding in plain sight, but watching over them in secret, waiting, protecting. I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us, there’s more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars. We are here, we are waiting.” [Download the MP3]