D*C Review: Ram

In honor of the Tribal Gathering at Dragon*Con 2006, a review's in order. Our focus today is Ram, played by Tom Hern, returning to D*C this year.

Ram entered The Tribe in S-4, and the world was never the same. With his Technos, Ram quickly took over. With sophisticated (often unexplained) technology, he ruled the city. First the Technos divided & conquered (trucking some off to parts unknown). Then Ram amazed them by returning electricity & water to the city. Then he hooked them on the addictive "Paradise" alternate-reality cyberspace. He gave them their hearts' desires...but there is always a price. They had to work for the privilege.

Ram was anything but simple. With Jay to lead his troops & 2 warrior-wives (3 when he added Ebony), it didn't matter that he was unable to walk & was germophobic. Ram was definitely the master.

Then came S-5, the downfall of Ram & the rise of Mega. Changes came fast 'n furious--Ram learned to walk again, discovered his true love in Java then watched her die, joined the Resistance that once opposed him, discovered how much his student Mega surpassed him...and watched the city die because there was no way he could prevent it.

Tom Hern had challenges that few in The Tribe had known--creating a major character who was handicapped. (Well, maybe just 1 other, right? I'm thinking of Paul, who was speech-impaired. Can't think of any others.) That effectively took away half his ability to emote. He made up for it with expressions & gestures that brought the maniacal Ram to life in a big way.

Fans are eager for this 2nd chance to meet him at Dragon*Con!
--Chyna

Photo source: copyright Cloud-9 "The Tribe"