Captain Fun was a popular show on Saturday mornings. The title character, a jovial clown cut from the Bozo mold, was applauded by parents and media watchdogs for his wholesome, educational material that proved a surprising hit with youngsters. Though his show was a hit and kids across the country adored Captain Fun, the actor behind the clown, Harry Reed, was no overnight success. Reed was fifty-two when he finally hit it big after years spent working circuses. Harry had been working birthday parties on the side, and through a stroke of luck was called in as a last second replacement for the birthday party of a network TV executive’s daughter. Harry’s instant chemistry with children piqued the exec’s interest. After several test auditions, a stint on a children’s variety show, and a scene-stealing appearance on a network special, Harry had his own show.

The circus years were not kind to Harry. After two broken marriages, he finally met his soulmate, Brenda Blackmon, only to watch her succumb to breast cancer a mere four years after their marriage. Moving to television and leaving his old circus friends only aggravated the situation. Harry turned to the occult for meaning, dabbling in seances in a desperate attempt to regain contact with his beloved Brenda. It was during one of these attempts to contact his love that something went wrong. Harry became possessed, though no one at the seance knew what had happened. Possession alone is enough to wreck anyone’s life, but the demon inside of Harry was into animals, bears to be more exact. Harry noticed nothing wrong, until three months later, during a taping of his show, the bear took control of his body, killing three youngsters on the set and maiming five others. In the confusion, the bear escaped. Two months later, Harry woke up in an alley. His clothes were ragged, and his pockets empty save for one trinket: a newspaper clipping of the attack, complete with pictures of Harry on his rampage. Scrawled in blood on the reverse were three words: You did it.

Harry constantly contemplates suicide. Only his strong desire to figure out what happened keeps him going. Still, Harry is close to the breaking point. He has little to fear from law enforcement, for now. He always appeared on TV in full makeup, and most people try to ignore him like they do any other homeless bum. The media furor has died down and left him almost completely forgotten. The bear was shot several times, and most people now assume that Harry crawled off somewhere to die. Harry hasn’t dared to try and contact any of his old associates, nor has he touched his money for fear of discovery. In short, he’s alone, desperate, and willing to trust almost anyone who can offer help.

Personality: (Cancer) Harry’s intuitive empathy makes him great with kids.

Obsession: Attention. Harry loves it when all eyes are on him. His entire career is just an excuse to hog the limelight.

Wound Points: 50

Rage Stimulus: Unprovoked cruelty.

Fear Stimulus: (Violence) Pain terrifies Harry.

Noble Stimulus: Harry knows what it’s like to be at the end of your rope. Anyone who seems depressed or beaten down by life can inspire Harry to acts of self-sacrifice and heroism.

Body: 50 (Stout)

Speed: 40 (Old and creaky)

Mind: 55 (Creative)

Soul: 65 (Sensitive)

Body Skills: General Athletics 20%, Struggle like a Wildcat 35%

Speed Skills: Dodge 25%, Drive 15%

Mind Skills: Carny Lore 35%, Notice 55%

Soul Skills: Charm 65%, Lie 40%

Ragged set of clothes, a shopping cart, small mound of dirty blankets, $5.37 in change.