| “ | It’s a nickname. | ” |
—Duck
Wayne "Duck" Newton, is a player character in the Amnesty campaign controlled by Justin McElroy. Duck is a straight-laced forest ranger at the Monongahela National Forest trying to avoid his mystical destiny.
Duck is passionate about his job and takes pride in maintaining the forest and protecting the visitors and wildlife under his purview.
History[]
Early Life[]
Duck attended Kepler High as a teenager. He was described by Justin as being "kind of a burnout [...] he'd just want to play Tony Hawk and hang out". When Duck turned eighteen, he started to experience visions revealing his destiny to one day defeat an unnamed evil. Around this time, he also manifested certain magical abilities and received a magical weapon to aid him in battle. However, Duck decided early on to ignore his supernatural calling in pursuit of a normal life. Currently in his mid 40s, he works as a forest ranger with a love of the forest and had partially convinced himself that his visions from his past were dreams. As a result of neglecting his powers, his Weird skill is -1.
Current Affairs[]
Lives in Brazil to help with the reforestation effort, working alongside his childhood friend and coworker, Juno Divine, and his romantic partner, Minerva.
Relationships[]
Ned Chicane[]
Ned and Duck had a unique bond of respect and trust. Because of their shared history as friends, Duck entrusted Ned with his Chosen Weapon, Beacon, for safekeeping. They were also colleagues in the Pine Guard.
Aubrey Little[]
Duck and Aubrey are more formal colleagues within the Pine Guard, especially in earlier episodes, but still trust and respect each other. In later episodes they have more of a friendship
Minerva[]
Minerva began contacting him since he turned 18, describing an important destiny he was foretold to fulfil. Duck chose to ignore his visions and saw her less over time. After joining the pine guard, he began to be more friendly towards Minerva, and was genuinely saddened by her leaving. Her return did make him happy, but it's unknown whether or not it was just because he got his powers back. After the events of the finale, Duck and Minerva attempted to part ways, but were unable to and moved to Brazil together when Duck moved to help with the reforestation efforts. There was a tremendous amount of respect, and eventually they began dating. At this point, due to the fulfilled destiny and romantic relationship, they no longer have a mentor-and-mentee relationship.
Leo Tarkesian[]
Leo and Duck are neighbors and good friends. Leo often leaves groceries and sundry items at Duck's door for him when he hasn't come into the general store recently. In Episode 14, Duck saves Leo from certain death when a Pizza Hut sign comes crashing through the roof of the general store. It is later found out that Leo also worked with Minerva in the past as well, and was seen briefly as a mentor and support after Minerva left. It was also revealed that Leo left Beacon for Duck to find, which implies that he also created the sword.
Beacon[]
Beacon is a sentient magic sword Duck owned ever since he found it outside an abandoned building, his arrival announced by Minerva. Before joining the pine guard, he was entrusted it to Ned who kept the sword in the Cryptonomica. Beacon is far more rash and violent than Duck, willing to kill the monster they were using as a hostage. They frequently argue, but still fight as a team. After the events of Episode 36, when Beacon fulfilled his destiny, Duck said that him missing Beacon is not technically true, but he was glad he was there.
Jane Newton[]
Jane is Duck's younger sister, who is only actually seen in flashbacks. When she was a child (and Duck was 18), Duck had a dream of rescuing her from a house fire. When he woke up and ran out shouting, she was the one to come out and check on him, only to pout and go back into her room when he brushed her off and called her a goofus. In this flashback, Jane calls him Duck rather than Wayne, showing that while their mother is not a fan, she accepts his nickname.
It is established that, during their adult lives, they often spend the holidays together. When on Locus Prime, The Countenance decided to try and take the form of Jane, to help put them at ease (an attempt which revolted Duck and caused him to lash out). It seems that Duck cares for his sister a great deal.
Mother[]
Duck's mother is never seen, and it is not mentioned whether or not they get along. However, it is mentioned when Minerva visited him in his teenage years that his mom "hates" his self-imposed nickname, and that he knew Minerva could not have been a friend of his mom's because she addressed him as Duck (implying that his mother and her friends called him Wayne).
Billy[]
Billy was an entity who took the figure of a goat man and was encountered during the arc of the tree that could change reality. He seemed to be working for this tree with two other goat men and accosted Duck in the woods. He is injured, taken hostage, then nursed back to health by Duck, whom he seems to take a shine to. Duck even got into an argument with Minerva over this decision. When Billy is given the limited ability to speak, Duck is the first of the 3 words he can say. During the lead-up to the finale, Duck visits Billy and it is revealed that he is in actuality a four-armed person, and was deteriorating, as he was not meant to be on Earth this long. Billy also informs Duck about the existence of Locus Prime. Duck strikes Billy down as he is focused on his game, seemingly upon Billy's request and/or as a mercy kill.
When summoned by Aubrey on Locus Prime, Billy helps Duck and crew not be harmed by the Countenance. Afterwards, Duck expresses happiness that Billy is back and well, but he has much to help fix, which he agrees with. Billy also assures Duck that he did not delete Billy's dad.
Through all of this, they seemed to be friendly with each other, making it likely that they are somewhat friends.
Ranger Juno Divine[]
Juno is Duck's coworker and childhood friend. They grew up together and have a companionable relationship. It is mentioned that, when they were teens, they and other friends would get high together. After the finale, she moves with Duck and Minerva to Brazil. She playfully holds her higher rank above his head, poking fun at him for minor "infractions", which Duck is aware are goofs (although Minerva initially is not).
Pigeon Wilson[]
Pigeon Wilson is a resident of Kepler who was attacked by the abomination in arc one. She started a fire which Duck was called in to help deal with. He calmed her down, recognizing her as "Vicky's girl", and prevents a run-in with her and the police as he agrees to check out the beast. Later, he brings her in to help with the water monster. Pigeon seems to trust Duck on some levels and Duck is friendly and companionable with her.
Duck's interaction with Pigeon kicked off his joining the Pine Guard and eventually fulfilling his destiny.
Powers and Abilities[]
Moves[]
Basic Moves[]
- Act Under Pressure: Used for any difficult or dangerous action that isn't covered by another move.
- Help Out: Used to help another hunter do something. If Duck succeeds, he'll give them a bonus on their task.
- Investigate a Mystery: Used to work out what kind of monster Duck is dealing with, what it can do, and what it's planning.
- Kick Some Ass: Used for fighting. Fighting monsters, mainly.
- Manipulate Someone: Used to try and get someone to do something for Duck, after he gives them some kind of reason.
- Protect Someone: Used to save someone from danger.
- Read a Bad Situation: Used to work out what dangers are immediately threatening Duck. For instance, if he thinks he is walking into a trap, or wants to do some tactical analysis.
- Use Magic: Used to cast magic spells or use enchanted items.
The Chosen Moves[]
- Destiny’s Plaything: At the beginning of each mystery, Duck must roll +Weird to see what is revealed about their immediate future. On a 10+, the Keeper will reveal a useful detail about the coming mystery. On a 7-9, he gets a vague hint about it. On a miss, something bad is going to happen to him.
- I’m Here For A Reason: There’s something Duck is destined to do. He cannot die until it comes to pass. If he dies in play, then he must spend a Luck point. Duck will then, somehow, recover or be returned to life. Once his task is done (or he uses up all his Luck), all bets are off.
- Invincible: Duck always counts as having 2 armor.
The Mundane Moves[]
- Always The Victim: When another hunter uses protect someone to protect Duck, they mark experience. Whenever a monster captures Duck, he marks experience.
- The Power of Heart: When fighting a monster, if Duck helps someone, he doesn't roll +Cool. He automatically helps as though he'd rolled a 10.
- Panic Button: When Duck needs to escape, he names the route and he’ll try and roll +Sharp. On a 10+ he's out of danger, no problem. On a 7-9 he can go or stay, but if he goes it’s going to cost him (he leaves something behind or something comes with him). On a miss, he is caught halfway out.
- Trust Me: When Duck tells a normal person the truth in order to protect them from danger, he rolls +Charm. On a 10+ they'll do what he says, no questions asked. On a 7-9 they do it, but the Keeper chooses from:
- They ask him a hard question first.
- They stall and dither a while.
- They have a "better" idea.
On a miss, they think he's crazy and maybe dangerous too.
- Don't Worry, I'll Check It Out: Whenever Duck goes off by himself to check out somewhere (or something) scary, he marks experience.
Haven[]
- Infirmary: Duck can heal people, and has the space for one or two to recuperate. The Keeper will tell him how long any patient’s recovery is likely to take, and if he needs extra supplies or help.
Gear[]
Gear both currently owned and lost by Duck throughout the show.
Weapons[]
Weapons Duck has or has had in his possession.
Chosen Weapon[]
| Item | Status | Episode Acquired/Mentioned | Form | Business-end | Tags | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beacon | In inventory | 5 | Handle | Artifact, Blade, Long | 2-harm, innocuous, messy
|
Blade is coiled like a spring and it can talk (voiced by T̶i̶m̶ ̶C̶u̶r̶r̶y Justin McElroy) |
Other Weapons[]
| Item | Status | Episode Acquired/Mentioned | Tags | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting rifle | Lost | 1 | 2-harm, far, loud | Given to Duck by Pidgeon; Thrown at The Beast |
Armor[]
| Item | Status | Episode Acquired/Mentioned | Tags | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Guard Patch | In inventory | 4 | A patch worn by members of the Pine Guard; Woven with Sylvan wool, allowing him to safely travel through Sylvain | |
| Skateboard Helmet | In inventory | 20 | 1-armor | A regular helmet made by Heathcliff |
Other[]
| Item | Status | Episode Acquired/Mentioned | Tags | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fly Master | In inventory | 9 | quick, volatile, fragile | A magically powered jet-pack; Summoned from the ether by Heathcliff |
| Skateboard | In inventory | 20 | Duck's sole means of transportation |
Fan Art[]
Trivia[]
- "Duck" is a self-imposed nickname. His true name was unknown until Episode 35, in which Duck revealed his name to be Wayne just prior to the climactic cliffhanger.
- In the 2019 MaxFunDrive TTAZZ, before its reveal, Justin confirmed that Duck's real name was preestablished and written on his character sheet.
- In the TTAZZ: Amnesty Wrap-Up episode, Justin explained that his character was named for Wayne Newton, a famous singer, actor, and entertainer of Las Vegas. Duck's mom was a big fan of the celebrity, and named her son after "Mr. Entertainment."
- Duck mentioned that his mother did not like his nickname.
- Duck's nickname may be a reference to famous Australian rules footballer Wayne Carey, whose nickname was also Duck. This is further supported by Ned's middle name reveal potentially being a reference to a famous Australian criminal.
- The TAZ fandom theorized many possible birth names for Duck during the period in which it was unknown. Some popular ones included:
- Jupiter or Zeus was a fringe theory for a long time due to the presence of Minerva. It gained incredible traction after Episode 28, as Minerva's entry into Earth bore an extreme resemblance to the Roman goddess Minerva being birthed from her father Jupiter's head.
- Ruchard was proposed by Travis in Episode 9, with the idea being a reflection of "Dick" being a shortened form of the name Richard. It was a one-off joke, but it soon took on a humorous theory life amongst some fans.
- Fig was a similarly humorous theory name, although some pointed out that it would have been the third (possibly fourth) time he'd have named a character after something to do with food.
- Many duck-related pun names were thought up by the community, with popular ones being Mallard or Donald.
- Barring duck-related names, many common theory names were ones similar to Duck, including names like Doug, Duke, and Duncan.
- Duck briefly called himself a "bear", and not necessarily the animal kind. Thank you Justin.
- He has a cat at his apartment.
- He's a boat model nerd.
- He has asthma.
- This is typically not an issue for him, as his Chosen powers handle any of his issues. Unfortunately, after losing said powers, it becomes more obvious.
- His apartment complex has four separate apartments. One of those is empty. He has two neighbors: Leo Tarkesian and Kepler's former police chief Mrs. Pearson, who he is friends with and checks up on every now and then, because of her advanced age. She was on the first woman police officer in Kepler and was in the force for 40 years, granting her with plenty of stories about her time on the force that Duck is fond of hearing.
- He gave up his destiny for French onion soup.
- The story Duck tells about the French onion soup is based on a real life event in Justin's life, in which he fell while skiing for the first time. He was so hungry after this and his wife Sydnee's friends were making French onion soup. He now orders the soup without fail anytime its on a menu.
- A cursory Google search reveals that the Garfield and Friends animated television program features a minor character named Newton Duck; the forgetful cousin of Wade Duck, who was the cowardly deuteragonist and contemporary of Orson Pig in U.S. Acres; a spin-off show within the Garfield Cinematic Universe. Due to the brother's fondness for references to Garfield and Garfield-related properties, one might be led to assume that Justin lifted the name for his character—but this is nothing more than a hypothesis.
- Duck is terrible at lying.
- Duck has a skateboard and used it to get to work while he did not have his powers.
- In Episode 36, it is revealed that, after the events of everything, he goes to Brazil to help with the reforestation effort, along with Ranger Juno Divine and Minerva. Duck did not know when he moved if this was a permanent move for him.
- He took Spanish in high school (and presumably knows some still).
- After he moves to Brazil, he starts learning Portuguese.