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The hot shot is good at what he does, maybe even the best, and he knows it. The typical hot shot is relatively young, which means his abilities are more likely due to natural talent or unorthodox methods than training and experience. Hot shots are very self-confident, often to the point of dickishness, and therefore tend to be impulsive, preferring decisive (if reckless) action to deliberation and planning.
Likely Stories
Hot shots exist in most areas of human endeavor, and therefor can appear in just about any type of story. In fiction, most hot shots are members of professions that are action-oriented (pilots, cops, soldiers) or high-profile (athletes, lawyers, politicians). There are probably hot shot plumbers and steel workers out there somewhere, but they rarely get stories written about them.
The Name Game
Action oriented hot shots will have names or nicknames that reflect their abilities or devil-may-care attitude. Other types of hot shots are more traditional names. Nearly all hot shots have some sort of cool nickname.
The Numbers
The hot shot’s Numbers will depend on his profession. Action heroes will nee a high Body. Lawyers, doctors, and the like will need good Brain Numbers. Because they think so well of themselves, hot shots will always have above-average Nerve Numbers (or a Gimmick to reflect their cockiness).
Suggested Jobs: Advertising Executive, Astronaut, Boxer, Burglar, Campaign Manager, Cop, Daredevil, District Attorney, Doctor, Entrepreneur, Explorer, Extreme Athlete, FBI Agent, Fixer, Hacker, Hatchet Man, Highwayman, Journalist, Lawyer, Marine, Musician, Pilot, Pirate, Politician, Professional Athlete, Power Broker, Race Car Driver, Real Estate Agent, Salesman, Self Help Guru, Soldier, Spy, Strategist, Stock Broker, Stunt Man, Super Hero, Swordsman, Wrestler
Suggested Gimmicks: Best of the Best, Famous, Friends in High Places, Gets Invited to All the Cool Parties, Good Instincts, Kingmaker, Ladies’ Man, Lightning Reflexes, Local Hero, Media Savvy, Midas Touch, Nerves of Steel, Reputation, Smooth Talker, Wealthy
Suggested Weaknesses: Addiction, Adrenaline Junkie, Dames, Enemies, Issues With Authority, Famous, Narcissism, Never Leave A Man Behind, Overconfidence, Pop Culture Trivia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Red Tape, Victim of the Past
Suggested Skills: Acrobatics, Business, Dogfighting, Fast Talking, Fencing, Finance, Firearms, Fund Raising, Gambling, Golf, Horsemanship, Intimidation, Martial Arts, Networking, Office Politics, Politics, Public Speaking, Seduction, Showmanship, Skiing, Skydiving, Stunt Driving, Viral Marketing
WWPHITM? Alec Baldwin, Jordana Brewster, Bruce Campbell, George Clooney, James Coburn, Bradley Cooper, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, Rosario Dawson, Vin Diesel, Cary Elwes, Emillio Estevez, Chris Evans, Colin Farrell, Harrison Ford, Gina Gershon, Josh Hartnett, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Lucy Liu, LL Cool J, James Marsden, Matthew McConaughey, Rose McGowan, Demi Moore, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Piven, Elvis Presley, Michael Rosenbaum, Tim Roth, Sean William Scott, Charlie Sheen, Will Smith, Christian Slater, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Chow Yun-Fat
Tag Line: “You know the difference between you and me? I make this look good.”–J, Men in Black
Tools of the Trade: I depends on their profession, but most will be very well dressed. They also often drive flashy cars.
Where You’ll Find Him: When they’re not showing off, most hot shots will be enjoying the fruits of their labors, whether that means carousing at expensive parties or picking up chicks at the local bar. Many hot shots prefer the finer things in life, and they can usually afford them.
Social Circle: While a few hot shots are narcissist enough to be their own social circle, most prefer an audience and some travel with an entourage. Anyone who appreciates how wonderful they is welcome to apply, but the people who are powerful, beautiful, or useful will be given preference.
Sample Character
Johnny Storm
Body: 14
Brain: 11
Nerve: 16
Job:Â Race Car Driver (14)
Gimmick: Flame On! (15)
Weakness: Impulsive (15)
Skills: Showmanship +3; Hand To Hand Combat +2; Mechanic +1
WWPHITM? Chris Evans
Dumb Fact: Was cast as The Rawhide Kid in a major motion picture, but decided not to take the job (it was given to a Skrull instead).
Tag Line: “Oh, and just for the record – they love me!”
HP: 14
YY: 3
Inspirational Materials
Comics
Batman & Robin (Damien)
Fantastic Four (Johnny Storm)
Green Lantern (Guy Gardner)
Movies & TV
The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard (Don Ready)
L.A. Confidential (Johnny Vincenness)
Men In Black (Agent J)
Star Wars (Han Solo)
Top Gun (Maverick)
Very Bad Things (Robert Boyd)
Music
“Danger Zone,” Kenny Loggins
“The Devil’s Song,” Marcy Playground
