[Thundayy] Notorius NPC: Tye, the Swamp Urchin

Greeting for the last time, Mutant Neighbors. Today is our last day together where we meet some of the survivors living in my Mutant Future neighborhood. Today we'll visit the world of Thundarr the Barbarian and meet one of his closest allies. She may not be strong and she may have a smart mouth, but she has something no other person has. Can you say "locomotive"? I'll bet you can. Good for you.

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Tye, the Swamp Urchin
3rd Level Pure Human

STR: 9 --- INT: 12
DEX: 8 --- WIL: 15
CON: 10 --- CHA: 14
HPs: 38 --- AC: 9
Mutations: none

Tye is a young human girl who is one of Thundarr's closest friends and allies - although he'd never admit it. She is bull-headed, stubborn, and sharp of tongue. She claims that she's seen "12 summers," making her 12 years old. She has long platinum hair and is usually seen wearing a tattered dress. Thundarr refers to Tye as "the swamp urchin," as that's where she and Thundarr first met - in the swampland that has overtaken the former Texas/Mexico border.

Although she is a child, Tye possesses two resources unique to the World of Thundarr that makes her a very valuable ally.

First of all, Tye owns and runs an ancient steam-driven locomotive throughout the lands. This train consists of a steam engine, two flat cars, and three boxcars. Tye ships goods and supplies for many merchants and dealers throughout the area (for a nominal fee). She also transports passengers and refugees. Since she is the only one who seems to know how to repair and run it, even the most ruthless of villains leave her alone lest those who depend on it rise up in revolt.

Tye's other resource is her long-standing friendship with the Marsh Hulks that roam throughout swamplands. Because Tye has lived in the swamps her entire life, she has developed a relationship with the Marsh Hulk species; she is able to communicate with them, and they view her as one of their own. If Tye is in danger, she can call upon 1d4 Marsh Hulks who will rise out of the watery depths and defend her to the death. Tye will not call upon the Marsh Hulks unless her life is in danger though, as she does not want to abuse this connection with them.

Tye should be portrayed as very worldly and wise beyond her years. But she is still a 12-year-old girl at heart with all of the interests and flightiness that entails. She will lose her temper at the drop of a hat, but she also realizes her importance in the world, giving her a bit of an ego. If Tye is befriended, she'll gladly transport the party anyplace the rail line travels - at a discounted price, of course.

Two bits of real-life trivia: Tye was voiced by Nancy McKeon who went on to play "Jo" on The Facts of Life. And Tye's second appearance in "Last Train to Doomsday" also marks the second appearance of another classic Thundarr character - Gemini the Wizard!

NOTE: This ally was inspired by the episodes "Harvest of Doom" and "Last Train to Doomsday" from the classic Ruby Spears post-apocalyptic cartoon "Thundarr the Barbarian."

Sniderman's note: Hope you found something useful in the visits to Mister Mutant's Neighborhood. Perhaps we'll visit again in the future. Also, due to irregular commitments, I have decided to change the nature of "Thundarr Thursday." I am no longer able to post a weekly Thundarr post, but there is still a lot of material to mine. So I have renamed this series as "Thundayy," as any day with a Thundarr post is now "Thundayy"!