ARREST-Session-Zero

This was a meeting prior to the start of the ARREST campaign
You say, "Thanks for coming."

Ayesha /                  Ben  /                     Carpenter     / Guest /                   Magda  /                  Mordecai  / Quiver /                   Sir Charles

You say, "So, I suggest the first thing to do is take a poll on who is interested to taking part in such a campaign as that proposed."

Mordecai holds up hand and/or paw.

Sir Charles raises hand

Guest raises hand.

Carpenter says, "I'm interested."

Ben raises a hand"

You say, "... and 5. Sufficient. So we'll proceed. Although I will provide NPC specialists if needed, I'd much rather have those specialities filled by player character. Off the top of my head, IT specialist, Profiler, Data Analyst, Medic/coroner, Forensic specialist, etc.."

Mordecai nods. "Do we have takers for any particular roles? Two of us, of course, have proposed alts built already."

You say, "I should make a disclaimer too. I'm a Brit. My 'knowledge' of FBI proceedures is gleaned from movies and tv shows. Don't suppose there's a real live FBI agent among us? :)"

[OOC] Carpenter says, "Mmm...I was thinking that on 400 points, the characters might be more Black Widow like, rather than Ducky from NCIS."

[OOC] Magda says, "I think there is probably a lot of overlap between the IT specialist and the data analyst, and/or between the data analyst and the profiler."

Guest says, "Are those the must be filled roles?"

ooc I'd imagine more like the guys andgals from Blacklist. Each with one or two specialist fields but all capable door-kickers.

[OOC] Quiver says, "I'd imagine more like the guys.gals from Blacklist. Each with one or two specialist fields but all capable door-kickers."

Sir Charles doesn't watch Blacklist

[OOC] Ben says, "Nope. And cinematic FBI is fine. This is a supers game not a procdural TV show. ;)"

You say, "There are no Must Be Filled roles. I do think it will work better RP wise if there's more RP'ed legwork style play and less formal legwork request in/answer out."

[OOC] Ben says, "Sir Charles is more an investigator type, right, Sir Charles?"

[OOC] Sir Charles says, "Sir Charles is good at getting into places he shouldn't and removing small items therefrom."

[OOC] Ben says, "Mordecai seems to be a tech head, correct? Those are the only two who are written up yet."

Mordecai (who of course could be modified or replaced if need be) has a wide range of INT-base skills, though avoiding the medical for the most part. He could maybe fill a couple of those roles if required. He's basically a stealth techy and tinkerer. A bit Barney from Mission Impossible, a bit MacGuyvery maybe, a bit of a gadgeteer.

Carpenter already plays a detective, so I was trying to figure out what kind of character I might play which won't feel redundant in my list of alts.

Mordecai nods. "I went techy not least because that sort of is missing from my current alt line-up."

You say, "How did I forget attached agents from other organisations (interpol, scotland yard, mossard, etc)."

[OOC] Ben says, "So, Sir Charles is on loan to us from MI5? Scotland Yard?"

[OOC] Magda says, "more likely Scotland Yard than MI5."

Wraith says, "I have an unfinished techy rat in my lineup. And Sir Charles has never worked for Law Enforcement in the past."

Wraith says, "He's based in part on Sir Charles Lytton."

[OOC] Magda says, "Why would he be working for/with the FBI, then?"

[OOC] Mordecai says, "Ah, Wraith = Sir Charles. Got confused by sudden name change."

[OOC] Epsilon says, "Sorry- had workstuff blowing up unscheduled."

Guest says, "I'm thinking of a historian and profiler. Older guy, frail, loves his books."

[OOC] Wraith says, "To make up for past (unproven) transgressions."

You say, "That's a good question, Magda. I'm guessing, as it is a staple of tv FBI shows, it's interchange of skills and knowledge."

Mordecai says, "Sounds good to me, Guest. My notional best match for those roles is probably (non-medical) forensics."

[OOC] Magda says, "I'm wondering more 'how'. The scenario/group seems to be less 'ex-criminals working for The Man' and more 'special team of actual agents.'"

[OOC] Ben says, "But, that's for Wraith and Quiver to work out."

You say, "I agree. Although attached from MI5 would be a decent BG for someone with no formal lw enforcement experience. Such as Sir Charles for example."

Mordecai says, "I've written Mordecai up as an actual agent, albeit one with a very strange background. Of course, I'll change that if it's felt to strain credibility too much. But this is a world where sentients are generally considered people and notional equsl rights."

[OOC] Ben says, "I should say, that in looking online, the FBI has a mandatory retirement age of 57 for special agents. But, non-agent personnel have no such limits. But, also, subject to GM's fiat. RL need not apply."

[OOC] Ben says, "And a questoin: Do you want us to pay for standard FBI gear like radios, computer access, bulletproof vests, and 10mm pistils out of points, Quiver?"

Mordecai says, "That was one of my main concerns, truthfully. :P THere would have to be some waiving of standard requirements."

[OOC] Ben says, "Well, I don;t think they'd probably, in a meta world, have a problem with that. So long as an agent you can defend yourself. :)"

[OOC] Quiver says, "No. Standard equipment will come free. Same as team comms does now. Because, after all, what the average neta has, even lower end metas, is significantly better than the standard gear."

[OOC] Magda shrugs. "How that question/background is handled will be indicative of the feel of the campaign/group, Ben. If a criminal foreign citizen background is just handwaved, then it's more 'Agents of Shield'. If that BG is revised to be ex-MI5 -- a secret agent, someone her Majesty's government trusts implicitly -- being 'on loan', then it is more NCIS.

[OOC] Carpenter says, "Handcuffs are stupidly expensive to build anyway."

Mordecai says, "And the 3-pt Federal Police Powers - do we pay for that? (I have.)"

[OOC] Ben says, "Same question as Iron Rat"

say Yes. Unlike standard gear that you'll have paid for better equip, Federal Police Powers is going to be a huge benefit.

You say, "Yes. Unlike standard gear that you'll have paid for better equip, Federal Police Powers is going to be a huge benefit."

Mordecai nods. "Yay! Got it right."

[OOC] Mordecai says, "I really hope Mordecai is allowed to be an actual agent. It's funnier that way. :)"

[OOC] Ben says, "What type of agents are you looking for, Quiver?"

[OOC] Wraith says, "Extraordinary Gentlemen and Ladies?"

Guest says, "AFK for a bit, I have a meeting for an hour."

[OOC] Ben says, "So, yes, NCIS with powers, SHIELD agents, something in between? Our job is to deal with lower level metas and metacrimne, correct?"

[OOC] Quiver says, "Scenic, handsome, smart, ideally wealthy and single. Oh.. In the campaign? Wraith has it. Not the average 9-5 agent. The ones that get called in when regular agents are stumped, have hit a dead end, or are outclassed by the opposition."

[OOC] Epsilon says, "Also- since I came late, what's the power level we're talking about? Super Agents, or actual agent level characters?"

Mordecai says, "Super agents, I think. The power level suggests that."

[OOC] Quiver says, "Somewhere between superagents and lower powered metas. In that wide borderland."

[OOC] Epsilon has been drowning in RL lately, but work related flash floods should be waning after this week. So I'm... mostly blind. Interested in what I've heard though.

[OOC] Ben says, "So, extraordinary, but not morally grey chars like the 'heroes' of League of Extraordinary Gentlemen? People who are interested, at least in theory, in fighting lower lever meta criminals and solving such crimes?"

[OOC] Magda says, "People who actually went through Quantico or someplace similar, maybe?"

[OOC] Ben says, "I don't know if that necessary as not everyone who works for the FBI is a special agent. But, some level of ability to protect themselves/others so people don;t just end up sitting in the office?"

[OOC] Mordecai says, "That's the impression I have, generally. With the consultant option being open if someone's character concept can't be shoehorned onto it."

[OOC] Epsilon scratches 'super-paper-pusher powers' off list

You say, "Yes. Maybe occasional tweaking of the rules but no breaking, and those tweaks will need justifying. Not Blacklist! If anyone has seen that. More NCIS morals, etc.. (excluding Gibbs' murdering streak.)"

[To Ben] Carpenter says, "That's my concern. NCIS works as an ensemble show, but that's not the same kind of setup here."

[OOC] Mordecai says, "Ben, it is a supers campaign, if a low-level one. Combat ability is I think a given. :)"

[OOC] Carpenter says, "That's just it: Combat ability ISN'T a given, when the roles are listed as: 'IT specialist, Profiler, Data Analyst, Medic/coroner, Forensic specialist'"

[OOC] Epsilon doesn't follow either of those example shows- and I'm sorry if this has already been stated, but what are the 'roles' in need o ffi..... thank you Carpenter. That is exactly the list I was looking for.

Mordecai says, "Mordecai is built so he can normally function without his armour. But in a combat situation, he can suit up and pull his weight (well, more than his weight!) in a fight."

[OOC] Magda says, "Carpenter, it /was/ mentioned that everyone should be able to handle themselves in a fight."

You say, "I think I missed something. I would expect every character to be combat capable at the level of the campaign. With any special roles being in addition. Not office/desk roles."

Mordecai nods. "I was mostly through typing that was my understanding. :D

Mordecai says, "Which is fairly common in many action-y genres. People can fight but also have specialities."

[OOC] Ben says, "We also need regular investigators, maybe a weapons/tactical specialist, a leader type maybe."

[OOC] Ben says, "And I think the roles listed were one's that Quiver"

[OOC] Ben says, "that Quiver's willing to fill with NPCs as necessary. Can be filled by chars, but not required."

You say, "Yes."

[OOC] Mordecai says, "Yep. It's just best if mostly filled by PCs, for the usual reasons."

[OOC] Epsilon says, "OK so the roles available were- IT specialist, Profiler, Data Analyst, Medic/coroner, Forensic specialists, regular investigators, maybe a weapons/tactical specialist, a leader type."

[OOC] Epsilon says, "Which of those have already been filled?"

[OOC] Ben says, "So, if you make a plasme throwing special agent who good at profiling, cool. Same if you make a psionic person who's good at investigating."

[OOC] Ben says, "Likely be heavier on skills than most metas which is balanced by not being as powerful as most metas, but, having a steady day job fighting lower level meta crime."

[OOC] Magda says, "And a face."

[OOC] Ben says, "Yes, need a face...it always helps when interacting with people ;)"

[OOC] Wraith says, "Wraith could be a face"

[OOC] Mordecai definitely isn't. :)

[OOC] Magda says, "Someone with a lot of contacts, organized crime, the meta community, that?s sort of thing."

[OOC] Quiver says, "Costumes are allowable wear. Someone high up.. high up.. will need to know your SID. Not getting in unless you can be vetted. But local agents need not know."

[OOC] Carpenter nods. "I had the wrong idea, clearly."

[OOC] Magda says, "Ewww. Costumes?"

[OOC] Mordecai puts on a false moustacne so no one will recognise him?

[OOC] Magda says, "Well, anyhow."

[OOC] Quiver says, "Allowed. Not mandatory."

[OOC] Ben says, "YOu mean wearing something other than a conservative suit and tie with brightly polished shoes? How will people know we're FBI? ;)"

[OOC] Epsilon says, "Oh I thought that was the costume :D"

[OOC] Magda snappoints at Ben. That's the team costume right there.

Mordecai says, "Costumes are silly! Battlesuits are another matter! :D"

[OOC] Ben says, "I agree. Break out the low level powered armor! Crimebuster Model Mark II!"

[OOC] Mordecai says, "Ooh, Mordecai must get a suit etc. For when looking official FBI :)"

[OOC] Mordecai says, "Mark II?! But my Iron Rat armour is still only Mk I..."

[OOC] Ben says, "I've been playing with the idea of Forensic Medicine specialist attached to the team. Former instructor at Quantico."

[OOC] Magda says, "Battlesuits are silly!! Anyhow. Considering a transfer from CBPD OrgCrime for a face/streetsmarts character v"

[OOC] Ben says, "But, I;m not married to the idea."

Mordecai says, "Sounds good, Ben. I think a forensic medical type is a good one for a PC."

[OOC] Ben says, "Exactly. Though her signature quote would be: Yes, of course I know how they died. Now, I just hvae to prove it legally."

[OOC] Wraith says, "It is perfectly natural for someone to die when their head is removed."

[OOC] Ben says, "Yes, but /how/ was their head removed? You see, by the stretching of the skin, here and here, and the tearing, someone either used a crane or superstregth. Anyone find the head yet? ;)"

Mordecai says, "I should ask - are people ok with my claimed techy role?"

[OOC] Ben says, "So, 400 pts total with 350 base and up to 50 pts in disads. Any required disads, like Watched by FBI, 8-?"

[OOC] Quiver says, "No required complications."

[OOC] Ben says, "I say we pay Iron Rat's relatives to keep the office clean."

[OOC] Ben says, "Only one MP if you choose to have one, tight SFX on it, no more than ten slots, right, Quiver? No powers over 50 AP and no VPPs."

[OOC] Magda says, "Watched by FBI is rolled into the 25 we don't have to take. ;)" Quiver nods. "Yes. That's listed in the BBS post about the campaign. +bbread 4/377 as I recall.

[OOC] Ben says, "Just giong over it to be sure. Ticking off my checklist. ;)"

[OOC] Ben says, "Or is that checking off my ticklist?"

[OOC] Epsilon says, "Well I'm glad you did. I didn't see that post"

[OOC] Wraith says, "I'd like clarification. Is it no Characteristics, no Characteristics as Powers, or something else?"

[OOC] Ben says, "?"

You say, "Not well explained I agree. No unifed limitation for characteristics. CHA as powers is possible but will be looked at quite carefully. Will need a better reason that just to save points. Yes, I am a meanie."

[OOC] Wraith says, "For example, an armored costume with both resistant and normal defense."

Mordecai says, "How are we doing now for people having character ideas and/or claiming roles?"

[OOC] Ben says, "But, could have Unified as a limitation on other powers?"

ooc That would be valid. Armor isn't worn all the time. There's a downside to match the point saving.

[OOC] Quiver says, "That would be valid. Armor isn't worn all the time. There's a downside to match the point saving."

[OOC] Quiver says, "No the wording should be - No Unified limitation on Powers or on Characteristics. Linked powers are allowed."

[OOC] Ben says, "Cool."

[OOC] Quiver says, "Unified limitation was introduced to replace Elemental Control. Anyone remember that? It's effectively a oddball form of a framework."

Carpenter says, "I still need to mull over an idea. Which types of concepts are already in the works?"

[OOC] Epsilon was waiting for a similar list, but wasn't sure if that had already been scouted

OOC Ben says, "To quote from early on from Quiver: Although I will provide NPC specialists if needed, I'd much rather have those specialties filled by player character. Off the top of my head, IT specialist, Profiler, Data Analyst, Medic/coroner, Forensic specialist, etc.

But those are not the only roles people can fill. You can make you own role and there'll likely be overlap with others in some skillsets. Magda suggested a face role, a speicalist is people skills with knowledge of the underworld, metas, etc. Could also be tactical/weapons specialist, undercover specialist, the field is wide open

I;m leaning towards a Forensic Medicine specialist who can also handle herself at least OK. Mordecai is a tech rat. Covers the tech side of forensics and maybe IT.

[OOC] Ben says, "But, if someone else wants to cover Forensic Medicine, have at it. I have other ideas. :)"

Guest says, "Ok I'm back and caught up on the conversation."

[OOC] Ben says, "Does that about cover the roles, Quiver?"

[OOC] Quiver says, "I think so. As you said, those are not the only possible roles. So if you want to try something, I'll try to provide good RP for it?"

[OOC] Epsilon says, "I'm leaning towards 'regular investigator' with a singular meta ability and a decent kit, but I'm going to think on the specialities and backgrounds a bit more"

[OOC] Mordecai says, "I agree that 'forensics and maybe IT' is what I cover."

[OOC] Carpenter nods. "I'll have to give it some thought. I need to make sure that whatever I pick is different from...well, Wade, Carpenter, and DH."

[OOC] Carpenter says, "All of whom are kind of agent-ish."

[OOC] Ben says, "A by the book agent. A McGee rather than a Tony, Carpenter. ;)"

You say, "After this chat, any changes wanted for Wraith or can I start a review?"

You paged Ben with 'I'll start a review then.'

You say, "This chat seems to have come mostly to a pause. Page or text me anytime if I can help."

You say, "I'll start reviewing as characters hit the applist."

Mordecai says, "You've got two to be going on with. :D"

Carpenter says, "Sounds good."

Quiver nods.