OSR NPC's - Rocambole For The Victorious Rpg & The Red Room's Belle Epoque Rpg

 Created by Pierre Alexis Ponson du Terrail in 1857, Rocambole is one of the most pivotal figures in French pulp fiction. He holds a unique place in literary history: starting as a ruthless, mercenary villain, his immense popularity led his creator to resurrect and reform him into the ultimate proto-superhero—a brooding, brilliant master of disguise who uses the tactics of the underworld to fight for the oppressed. His adventures were so wild and full of improbable twists that he gave rise to the French word rocambolesque (meaning fantastic, bizarre, or outrageously adventurous).

Here is how to bring the world's first reformed criminal vigilante into both Victorious (Troll Lord Games) and Belle Époque (MicroRed Engine).

1. Rocambole for Victorious (Troll Lord Games)

In the SIEGE Engine framework of Victorious, Rocambole fits best as an Infiltrator / Investigator (Hero or Anti-Hero). He relies on physical agility, uncanny disguise mastery, and an intimate understanding of the criminal mind to protect the helpless.

Attributes & Profile

• Class/Archetype: Infiltrator / Vigilante (Hero)

• Hit Dice: 7d8 (38 Hit Points)

• Prime Attributes: Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom

• Attributes:

  • STR: 14 (+1)

  • DEX: 18 (+3) [Prime]

  • CON: 15 (+1)

  • INT: 17 (+2) [Prime]

  • WIS: 16 (+2) [Prime]

  • CHA: 15 (+1)

Superpowers, Knacks & Abilities

• Master of Disguise (Rank 3): Rocambole can alter his posture, voice, skin tone, and features with shocking speed. Spotting his true identity requires an Intelligence or Wisdom Check against a Challenge Base of 18.

• Underworld Lore & Counter-Tactics (Rank 2 Skill/Knack): Having once run the criminal networks of Paris, Rocambole receives a +4 bonus to checks made to detect traps, recognize criminal symbols, negotiate with street gangs, or track black-market contraband.

• Superhuman Evasion / Acrobatics (Rank 2): Rocambole adds +2 to his Armor Class against ranged and melee attacks when wearing light or no armor, and gains a +3 bonus to Dexterity checks for climbing, leaping, or picking locks.

• Gadgets & Equipment:

  • Weighted Cane: Deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage and can be used to attempt a trip/disarm maneuver without incurring an attack penalty.

  • Smoke Bombs & Lockpicks: Carries custom tools concealed in double-lined coat pockets.

Shortcoming

• Haunted by the Past: Rocambole’s villainous youth continuously catches up to him. Former associates view him as a traitor, and straight-laced law enforcement officers (like inspectors or magistrates) will instinctively distrust him if his true identity is discovered.

2. Rocambole for Belle Époque (MicroRed Engine)

In the d6-based Belle Époque RPG, Rocambole serves as an ideal High-Tier Ally, Mentor, or Playable Anti-Hero operating out of the shadows of 19th-century Paris.

Profile Stats

• Archetype: The Penitent Mastermind / Shadow Vigilante

• Threat/Power Level: Veteran Hero

• Hit Points: 28

• Key Attributes / Ratings:

  • Agility & Athletics: 4d6

  • Cunning & Infiltration: 5d6

  • Combat & Brawl: 3d6

  • Subterfuge & Disguise: 5d6

Special Abilities (MicroRed Rules)

• Rocambolesque Twist: Once per session, Rocambole (or a player controlling him) can spend 1 Will/Luck Point to declare a sudden, outrageous revelation in the scene—such as a hidden passage behind a tapestry, a carriage conveniently passing by under a window, or an enemy guard turning out to be one of his undercover double-agents.

• The Redemptive Strike: When fighting to protect an innocent or save a hostage, Rocambole rolls his attack actions with Advantage (keep the highest d6 rolls).

• Ghost of the Sewers: Rocambole can vanish from plain sight during a chaotic moment or turn of combat by rolling a success on Cunning & Infiltration, relocating anywhere in the immediate scene without drawing opportunity attacks.

Tactical & Roleplay Guidance for the GM

1. The Dynamic: A Dark Mirror to Fantômas

Where Fantômas represents pure, irredeemable sociopathy, Rocambole represents redemption through ruthlessness. He won't hesitate to break the law, break into a bank, or threaten a corrupt noble if it achieves a noble end. He is the ultimate "ends justify the means" protagonist.

2. Plot Hook: "The Knaves of Hearts"

A shadowy secret society known as the Club of the Knaves of Hearts—an organization Rocambole helped found back in his villainous days—has resurfaced in Paris, orchestrating blackmail against high-ranking government officials.

Rocambole approaches the Player Characters in disguise, offering them crucial intelligence to break into the Club's subterranean vault. However, the police believe Rocambole is the one leading the ring. The PCs must navigate a three-way dynamic: working with an ex-villain they aren't sure they can fully trust, avoiding the overzealous police, and taking down a criminal syndicate before Paris falls into chaos.