Leatherface from 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre'

‘The events of that day were to lead to the discovery of one of the most bizarre crimes in the annals of American history, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.’

In the pantheon of slasher films, few figures stand as tall as Leatherface. Both from the perspective of being the first real ‘slasher’ to the concept surrounding him, Leatherface has his own mystique, and it is something that truly strikes at the core of some people (myself included, although as stated years ago, I like Jason a bit more than all of them). Tobe Hooper’s 1974 film is still the best of all of the follow-ups, and is one of those films which is visceral – it’s not what you see, but what’s is implied you see.

Why Leatherface?

I had been saving Leatherface for a few years on purpose: It was one of those figures I’m hesitant to write-up (like Pinhead, Jason, and Cthulu) because of both the fear of screwing it up somehow or not capturing what I liked about the character. The Leatherface write-up, more than perhaps any other character for these Halloween write-ups has made it on my list every year, and just never happened. I decided this year that he had to go in.

Again, this is my take based purely on the first movie. Hope you enjoy!

The real reason to include Leatherface is that it’s not proper to do a series of Halloween write-ups and not include Leatherface. Without Leatherface, it is doubtful that the modern slasher film would exist, and more importantly, the use of daylight and implied actions would be largely ignored in such films. Sure, you had modern horror already taking large steps in film-making with Night of the Living Dead , the Dario Argento films, and The Exorcist, but this was the first time that visceral horror was really mainstreamed. I’ll always appreciate my Universal Monsters and horror probably more than anything, but I have to admit, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is important (Although not Phantasm important ;D).

So, Leatherface!


Leatherface

Leatherface, alternatively known as Bubba Sawyer or Jed Sawyer.

F: Ex (20)
A: Ex (20)
S: Ex (20)
E: Rm (30)
R: Pr (04)
I: Gd (10)
P: Typ (06)

Health: 90
Karma: 20
Popularity: - 5 (To law-enforcement after the events of 1974's movie, status unknown - See 'Notes').
Resources: Pr (04)

Talents:
Leatherface has the following talents:

- Edged Weapons
- Blunt Weapons
- Area Knowledge: Home-front and surrounding areas
- Butcher
- Hunting*

Powers:
No real powers, but several effects which have power-like abilities:

• Immune to pain - Leatherface reacts to pain, but pain and even significant damage does not slow him down in the least. Leatherface will take damage, but instead of requiring a roll again stun effects, Leatherface simply needs to make a Gd (10) Intensity Endurance FEAT to shake off effects. In addition, Leatherface will continue pursuing opponents until down to 1/5th of his Health.
• Horrifying Visage: Leatherface's mask and general demeanor grant him a +1cs to surprise and reaction checks. Those with Psyches of Typ (06) or less must make a Psyche FEAT or freeze in place for one round due to his appearance.
• Preferred Weapons: Although not specifically a weapon specialist, Leatherface is known for his chainsaw (Although in the 1974 movie he kills a lot more with a sledgehammer). As such, when wielding either weapon, Leatherface gains an additional attack and gains karma for kill results. The amount of karma depends on three factors: If the victim is aware of the incoming attack, if the victim is 'prepared' first, and if the victim is killed instantly. The greater the horror in the situation, the more karma Leatherface gains. Therefore, Leatherface may not instantly kill an opponent, but rather would take them into the preparation area of the family farm and 'prepare' them for rendering. Such actions would actually grant Leatherface greater karma than an instant kill.

Contacts:
Leatherface's only contacts are with the Sawyer family.

Limitations:

Leatherface has the following limitations:

• Horrifying Visage: Leatherface's mask, appearance, and general behavior place him at a -2cs for any social interactions or encounters. Law Enforcement individuals gain a +2cs to instantly recognize Leatherface as a member of the Sawyer family and the associated crimes committed. Note: This does not conflict with the power-like effect 'Horrifying Visage', rather, is in effect for those attempting to deal with Leatherface or are aware of him.
• Low Intelligence: Leatherface has lower than normal intelligence, and communicates only through a series of grunts and short answers if at all.
• Cannibal: Leatherface is a cannibal, like the rest of the Sawyer clan, and dines almost exclusively on human meat.
• Loyal: Leatherface is loyal to the members of the Sawyer clan, and will not go against the family in most things.

Notes:

First and foremost, this is Leatherface only from the 1974 original film. I did not include any of the other movies nor did I include any of the comics or other background material. I wanted to reflect solely on the version of Leatherface I liked, and that was the most memorable to me. Secondly, I was tempted to include the other members of the family, but I think that they are fairly typical except for Leatherface. I placed Leatherface's FASE as I did primarily because I think he's a massive, physical being but with limited reason and cognitive skills based around the idea that it was openly stated that he wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed. I think that since we know as movie watchers Leatherface survived the 1974 movie, it's safe to assume he's still on the run, hence his popularity and status.