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This is the out-of-character thread for a Top Secret play-by-post campaign.

Characters
The campaign may involve a full range of espionage activities, so a diverse team of Agents is desirable. We're beginning with an investigation, so an Investigation Bureau character has a good chance to earn early experience.

The agents are representatives of various Western intelligence or law enforcement agencies, assembled in August 1980 as a task force to investigate the connection between a rebel leader’s death in Angola and an arms merchant in Tangier.

The agents are contract agents, what the Top Secret Companion refers to as 'stringers.' All agents begin at first level in their respective bureaus – this is the first real field assignment for these operatives, an opportunity to prove themselves ready for more challenging missions.

The action may take the agents from posh resorts to shadowy alleys to the bush and back again, so a broad range of espionage and martial knowledge, skills and abilities will be required. Ideally the three main bureaus – Investigation, Confiscation and Assassination – will be represented in the team; the Technical bureau is also an option for agents. Agents may not be members of the Operation or Administration bureaus to start.

The Top Secret rules provide for random character generation, and while players are encouraged to generate their characters randomly, players who want more control over the character creation process may do the following:

• Roll seven attribute scores, modified as per the core rules, and keep the six you want.
• Assign the scores as you wish and calculate your character's secondary and tertiary attributes in accordance with the core rules.
• Roll scores for the number of Areas of Knowledge to which your character is entitled, plus one, and assign the scores to the Areas of Knowledge as you wish.
• Roll scores for the number of languages to which your character is entitled and assign them as desired.
• All other details - height, weight, and so on - about the character may be selected as desired.

Each character may purchase equipment as desired. Keep in mind that laws pertaining the possession of firearms are in effect during the game, particularly while traveling. Agency equipment may be acquired as provided by the rules.

Each character is assumed to have a driver’s license and a passport – all other licenses and permits will need to be purchased normally.

Agents may be of either gender, and may come from pretty much any Western-aligned nation.

This is an espionage game which may take the Agents to various parts of the Third World. Player characters will be interacting with friendly and enemy Agents, officials, soldiers, mercenaries, civilians, irregulars, terrorists, and paramilitaries over the course of the campaign. While combat skills are useful, the ability to gather information from informants, conduct surveillance, or navigate and survive in the bush may be just as important to the success of your missions as your ability to bring firepower to bear on a target. Agents are general issue humans, with a variety of interests, abilities, backgrounds, and skills – please don’t feel pigeon-holed into playing any particular archetype.

Administration
The game will begin with a briefing from the case officer assigned to the task force; this is a great opportunity to ask questions and confer with your fellow Agents.

I do not write plan 'adventures.' I know what the non-player characters are doing, and I will present your characters with a situation, but where the game goes from there is driven by the choices you and your characters make during the game. Let your Agents' personal and professional objectives be your guide.

There may be lulls in the action, during which the Agents may have weeks or even months to pursue other activities, such as taking an Espionage College course.

Remember, Top Secret combat can be deadly and, aside from Fame and Fortune points, there is no 'plot protection' for your characters. The dice fall where they may.

While I will introduce a fair amount of historical detail for purposes of campaign flavor, this is not a strictly historical campaign – rather, the game is inspired by the events of the Cold War, particularly in the Third World. Players looking for a simulation or scenarios of actual events may want to consider looking elsewhere.

Players are asked to approach the game with maturity and sensitivity to the subject matter.

House Rules
It's not necessary to have either the Companion or Dragon articles; I'll introduce material as needed through the campaign, and if you want something, just ask and I'll let you know what you need to do.

Top Secret Companion rules supplement

• Vital Statistics: All except Sex and Physique (optional at player's discretion).
• Areas of Knowledge: Players may choose to use either the table in the core rules or the table in the Companion for generating their characters'; Areas of Knowledge.
• Organization: All.
• Missions: All.
• Traveling: All, particularly the rules on traveling with firearms.
• Hostilities: Accelerated specific injury determination may be used; other rules from this section may be applied on a case-by-case basis as needed.
• Physical Limits: All.
• Administrating Style: Logical use of Fame and Fortune points is in effect.
• Special Equipment: All.
• Weaponry: All; yes, you can get the Beretta machine pistol, and yes, the Opposition may have them, too.
• Espionage College Course Book: All.

Dragon magazine articles -

• "Pop the Clutch and Roll! Rules for Car Chases in Top Secret Play"
  
• "Agents and A-Bombs: Nuclear Devices in Top Secret Game Play"
  
• "Guilty as Charged: The Legal Process in the Top Secret Game"
• "Roughing It: Wilderness and Survival in the Top Secret Game
  
• "There Are Ways of Making You Talk: Modifying the Top Secret Game Contact System"
  
• "New Tools of the Trade"
• "Pull the Pin and Throw: Grenades Get More Detail for Top Secret Play"
  
• "Chopper Power: Helicopters in Top Secret"
  
• "Sighting In: Sniper Rifles in Top Secret"
  
• "When Only the Best Will Do: Heckler and Koch Weaponry in Top Secret Gaming"
  
• "Top (Secret) Guns: Military Aircraft in Top Secret"
  
• "Keeping a Good Watch"

Hi Vulmea,

Since I lack the rules as well, could I also beg a pre-gen?

My ideal character would be one from the Assassination Bureau - along the lines of the Red Grant character from "To Russia with Love".

Thanks in advance for your help!

Quote from: pbj44;748932My ideal character would be one from the Assassination Bureau - along the lines of the Red Grant character from "To Russia with Love".

I'm going to grab a set of stats from one of the adventures - it'll be up to you to decide what to do with them.

Butcher, are you still in? Anyone else want pregen stats?

Right here. I like technical, cerebral types, but if that's already taken I'll be the guy taking point with a big gun.

I randomly rolled up my character...

Character Name: Marcellin Aldric Pelletier
Player Name: Drohem
Bureau: Technical, Specialty Division
Organization: DST (Direction de la Securite du Territoire)
Level: 1, Trainee
Cover Occupation: Engineering, Industrial (Armaments Engineer)
Social Level: Lower Lower Class
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 139-lbs.
Age: 26-yrs.
Eyes: Hazel
Hair: Sandy Blond
Handedness: Right
Glasses: No
Physique: Average
Blood Type: A-Positive
Alignment: Neutral-Radical-Neutral
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

===  Primary Personal Traits  ===

[58] - Physical Strength
[34] - Charm
[49] - Willpower
[67] - Courage
[38] - Knowledge
[59] - Coordination

===  Secondary Personal Traits  ===

[63] - Offense
[51] - Deception
[47] - Evasion
[49] - Deactivation
[11] - Life Level
[166] - Movement Value
[44] - Observation
[58] - Shock Resistance

===  Tertiary Personal Traits  ===

[105] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[121] - Wrestling Value
[98] - Surprise Value
[56] - Perception

===  Languages  ===

[86] - French Language
[40] - English Language

===  Areas of Knowledge  ===

[60] - Computer Science
[124] - Chemistry, M.D.
[73] - Engineering, Industrial
[89] - Military Science/Weaponry
[19] - Other Areas of Knowledge

===  Money  ===

Starting fund = $403
Current funds = $72

===  Equipment  ===

-- Casual outfit (2-lbs.; $50)
-- Belt ($5)
-- Jacket (3-lbs.; $30)
--  Shoes (1-lb.; $30)
-- Socks ($2)
-- Suit, functional (2-lbs; $100)
-- Underwear ($1)
-- Work Clothes (1-lb.; $30)
-- Attache case (3-lbs.; $10)
-- Sword cane (3-lbs.; $50)
-- Miniature tape recorder (1-lb.; $25)

=== Description ===

Marcellin Aldric Pelletier is a thin, yet wiry, Frenchman.  He has sandy blond hair that is cut above the collar and trimmed neatly.  He has a neat and trimmed mustache with a thin goatee.  

=== Background ===

Marcellin Aldric Pelletier was born on October 24, 1954 in the small village of Bretagne-de-Marsan, France.  The village is a commune in the Landes department in southwestern France.  Although it was a small rural community his parent encouraged him from a young age to read and supplied with all sorts of books with what little extra money the could afford.  He excelled in elementary and middle school and earned a scholarship to a prestigious secondary school in Toulouse, France.  He continued to excellence in his studies and through scholarships and government assistance programs he attended collage in Paris.  

In college he fell in with a radical extremist group and became heavily active in their agenda.  The group was broken up by the government when their words turned into actual plans of terrorism.  Marcellin nearly lost everything that he had worked for up to that point in his life, but he was given a chance by the authorities to turn his life around and he wisely took it in earnest.  He broke all ties with the group and focused on his studies in Computer Science and Chemistry.  Shortly after earning his Master's Degree in Chemistry he was recruited by the Direction de la Securite du Territoire.

Looks good, Drohem. Judging from his first name, you know a bit about the history of DST.

I've been combing through the written adventures for appropriate pregens and most of them are pretty amped up for tournament play; I'll put together some random characters instead and let whoever wants one choose.

Drohem, did you remember to adjust your primary attribute rolls per the chart on page 5?

Quote from: Black Vulmea;749824Drohem, did you remember to adjust your primary attribute rolls per the chart on page 5?

Yes, those are the adjusted scores.  Unfortunately, I didn't roll too well for original scores.

Please do not select a pregen character until all five options are posted!

Character Name: Pregen One
Codename:
Player Name:

Bureau:
Organization:
Level: 1
Cover Occupation:
Social Level: Lower upper class
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 205
Age: 35
Eyes:
Hair:
Handedness: Right-handed
Glasses: No
Physique: Average
Blood Type: AB+
Alignment:
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

===  Primary Personal Traits  ===

[100] - Physical Strength
[94] - Charm
[96] - Willpower
[94] - Courage
[95] - Knowledge
[67] - Coordination

===  Secondary Personal Traits  ===

[81] - Offense
[94] - Deception
[81] - Evasion
[81] - Deactivation
[96] - Observation
[95] - Shock Resistance
[20] - Life Level
[263] - Movement Value

===  Tertiary Personal Traits  ===

[181] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[176] - Surprise Value
[95] - Perception

===  Languages  ===

[89] - Native Language
[40] - Other Language
[40] - Other Language
[40] - Other Language

===  Areas of Knowledge  ===

[100] - Metallurgy
[94] - Social Sciences
[88] - Photography
[78] - Engineering, Electrical
[76] - Education/Indoctrination
[66] - Animal Science
[139] - Ecology/Earth Science
[124] - Physical Education
[72] - Arts and Crafts
[72] - World History/Current Affairs
[48] - Other Areas of Knowledge

===  Money  ===

Starting fund = $2,587
Current funds = $

===  Equipment  ===


=== Description ===


=== Background ===
No military service
Bachelor of Science, Earth Science

Character Name: Pregen Two
Codename:
Player Name:
Bureau:
Organization:
Level: 1
Cover Occupation:
Social Level: Lower lower class
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lb.
Age: 24
Eyes:
Hair:
Handedness: Right-handed
Glasses: No
Physique:
Blood Type: O-
Alignment: Neutral - Neutral - Neutral
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

===  Primary Personal Traits  ===

[54] - Physical Strength
[37] - Charm
[46] - Willpower
[58] - Courage
[48] - Knowledge
[86] - Coordination

===  Secondary Personal Traits  ===

[72] - Offense
[48] - Deception
[62] - Evasion
[67] - Deactivation
[47] - Observation
[52] - Shock Resistance
[10] - Life Level
[186] - Movement Value

===  Tertiary Personal Traits  ===

[116] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[110] - Surprise Value
[53] - Perception

===  Languages  ===

[88] - Native Language
[70] - Other Language

===  Areas of Knowledge  ===

[107] - Animal Science
[130] - Military Science/Weaponry
[129] - Education/Indoctrination
[121] - Physical Education
[60] - Chemistry
[24] - Other Areas of Knowledge

===  Money  ===

Starting fund = $403.00
Current funds = $

===  Equipment  ===


=== Description ===


=== Background ===
Military service (6 years) - rank equivalent Pfc/Seaman/Airman 1st class/Lance Corporal

Character Name: Pregen Three
Codename:
Player Name:

Bureau:
Organization:
Level: 1
Cover Occupation:
Social Level: Middle upper class
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 210 lb.
Age: 31
Eyes:
Hair:
Handedness: Right-handed
Glasses: No
Physique: Average
Blood Type: O+
Alignment: Neutral - Reactionary - Neutral
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

===  Primary Personal Traits  ===

[88] - Physical Strength
[34] - Charm
[78] - Willpower
[52] - Courage
[96] - Knowledge
[80] - Coordination

===  Secondary Personal Traits  ===

[66] - Offense
[43] - Deception
[57] - Evasion
[88] - Deactivation
[92] - Observation
[65] - Shock Resistance
[17] - Life Level
[246] - Movement Value

===  Tertiary Personal Traits  ===

[140] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[100] - Surprise Value
[72] - Perception

===  Languages  ===

[82] - Native Language
[59] - Other Language
[40] - Other Language
[40] - Other Language

===  Areas of Knowledge  ===

[66] - Ecology/Earth Science
[77] - Engineering, Aeronautical
[125] - Physical Education
[126] - Political Science/Ideology
[99] - Metallurgy
[145] - Engineering, Construction/Civil
[89] - Law
[55] - Astronomy/Space Science
[57] - Education/Indoctrination
[128] - Economics/Finance
[48] - Other Areas of Knowledge

===  Money  ===

Starting fund = $6,961.00
Current funds = $

===  Equipment  ===


=== Description ===


=== Background ===
PhD. Civil Engineering
No military service

Character Name: Pregen Four
Codename:
Player Name:

Bureau:
Organization:
Level:
Cover Occupation:
Social Level: Lower middle class
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 170 lb.
Age: 27
Eyes:
Hair:
Handedness: Right-handed
Glasses: Yes (COO 41/OFF 61/EVA 60/MOV 136/HTH 91/SUR 140 without glasses; cannot wear contact lenses)
Physique: Average
Blood Type: O+
Alignment: Neutral - Neutral - Socialist
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

===  Primary Personal Traits  ===

[31] - Physical Strength
[79] - Charm
[66] - Willpower
[80] - Courage
[91] - Knowledge
[62] - Coordination

===  Secondary Personal Traits  ===

[71] - Offense
[80] - Deception
[71] - Evasion
[77] - Deactivation
[79] - Observation
[72] - Shock Resistance
[10] - Life Level
[159] - Movement Value

===  Tertiary Personal Traits  ===

[102] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[151] - Surprise Value
[80] - Perception

===  Languages  ===

[89] - Native Language
[83] - Other Language
[75] - Other Language
[40] - Other Language

===  Areas of Knowledge  ===

[67] - Fine Arts
[69] - Metallurgy
[76] - Education/Indoctrination
[86] - Engineering, Hydraulic
[80] - Arts & Crafts
[78] - Military Science/Weaponry
[111] - Photography
[138] - Social Sciences
[86] - Economics/Finance
[50] - Literature
[46] - Other Areas of Knowledge

===  Money  ===

Starting fund = $481.00
Current funds = $

===  Equipment  ===


=== Description ===


=== Background ===
Military service (2 years) - rank equivalent Private/Airman Basic/Seaman Recruit)
MA in Sociology

Character Name: Pregen Five
Codename:
Player Name:

Bureau:
Organization:
Level: 1
Cover Occupation:
Social Level: Middle middle class
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 190 lb.
Age: 38
Eyes:
Hair:
Handedness: Right-handed
Glasses: No
Physique:
Blood Type: A+
Alignment: Neutral - Conservative - Socialist
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

===  Primary Personal Traits  ===

[80] - Physical Strength
[42] - Charm
[99] - Willpower
[94] - Courage
[46] - Knowledge
[78] - Coordination

===  Secondary Personal Traits  ===

[86] - Offense
[68] - Deception
[60] - Evasion
[62] - Deactivation
[70] - Observation
[87] - Shock Resistance
[18] - Life Level
[257] - Movement Value

===  Tertiary Personal Traits  ===

[140] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[128] - Surprise Value
[82] - Perception

===  Languages  ===

[86] - Native Language
[72] - Other Language

===  Areas of Knowledge  ===

[125] - Engineering, Aeronautical
[51] - Law
[107] - Engineering, Electrical
[129] - Military Science
[103] - Physical Education
[23] - Other Areas of Knowledge

===  Money  ===

Starting fund = $643.00
Current funds = $

===  Equipment  ===


=== Description ===


=== Background ===
BA in Aeronautical Engineering
Military service (13 years) - final rank Lt. Col/Commander, two commendations

Okay, those are the five pregens - if two of you want the same character, work it out or dice for it using the online dice roller.

I rolled these characters randomly - when asked for 'player choice' on Areas of Knowledge, I defaulted to Military Science and Physical Education, since these to AOKs bear directly on martial arts knowledge.

And yes, I rolled some insane rolls at times - I haven't rolled 00 in years, and I got two of them while rolling up these characters.

Each one tells a story - if you're looking to bounce ideas off me, please feel free.

And anyone who tells you random rolls don't make for interesting characters can fuck right off.

Since The Butcher wants the cerebral type as his first choice, I will take the muscleman #1 pregen (unless he wants that then I will pick something else).

I'm sorry to report that RL is encroaching bad these days and I'm loath to commit to the regular posting required of a PbP. I'll have to bow out.

BV, sorry for taking your time.

pbj, feel free to take any character. They all look awesome. :o

Good gaming, gents.

Quote from: The Butcher;750450BV, sorry for taking your time.

Thanks for the heads-up.

I like the charming and brainy pregen 4, even if he's a bit on the weak, non-muscley side. If it's OK, I'll start thinking a few ideas about him.

Quote the post with the character you want, remove the quote tags, and personalise the character as you like.

The operation begins in August 1980.

Okay, we seem to have stalled coming out of the gate. How can I help?

Character Name: Matt Slade
Codename: Lafayette
Player Name: pbj44

Bureau: Assassination
Organization: MI6
Level: 1
Cover Occupation: Fitness Instructor
Social Level: Lower upper class
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 205
Age: 35
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Brown
Handedness: Right-handed
Glasses: No
Physique: Average
Blood Type: AB+
Alignment:
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

=== Primary Personal Traits ===

[100] - Physical Strength
[94] - Charm
[96] - Willpower
[94] - Courage
[95] - Knowledge
[67] - Coordination

=== Secondary Personal Traits ===

[81] - Offense
[94] - Deception
[81] - Evasion
[81] - Deactivation
[96] - Observation
[95] - Shock Resistance
[20] - Life Level
[263] - Movement Value

=== Tertiary Personal Traits ===

[181] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[176] - Surprise Value
[95] - Perception

=== Languages ===

[89] - English
[40] - Swahili
[40] - Spanish
[40] - German

=== Areas of Knowledge ===

[100] - Metallurgy
[94] - Social Sciences
[88] - Photography
[78] - Engineering, Electrical
[76] - Education/Indoctrination
[66] - Animal Science
[139] - Ecology/Earth Science
[124] - Physical Education
[72] - Arts and Crafts
[72] - World History/Current Affairs
[48] - Other Areas of Knowledge

=== Money ===

Starting fund = $2,587
Current funds = $1,755 - $100 = $1655.00

=== Equipment ===
Colt M1911A1
X3 clips of .45ACP
Shoulder Holster
Switchblade Knife in ankle holster
Casual outfit
-- Belt
-- Jacket
-- Shoes
-- Socks
-- Suit, functional
-- Underwear
-- Work Clothes
=== Description ===
A former fitness/martial arts instructor, Matt Slade seemingly wants nothing more than to enjoy life. Although trustworthy, he isn't very industrious. In part, this is because he is a bit flighty. Although not reckless, he is no coward and gets a thrill out of danger. He's very easygoing about things and comes across as genuinely warm, charming, and friendly, which happens often since he deeply enjoys personal interaction (which he does with a lot of laughing, flirting, physical touching, and eye contact). As much as he likes to talk and laugh with others, he is actually very closed about his internal world and background, and always finds a slippery way to change that subject. Cultural norms don't play an important role for him, except that he enjoys breaking them—not because he enjoys chaos, but simply because he thinks most rules are uselessly restrictive.
=== Background ===
No military service
Bachelor of Science, Earth Science

Here I go, hope I got it right (just finished reading the core rules). I need to get the equipment, and I will ASAP. Mike, does everything check?

Character Name: Alexander Stern
Codename: Mockingbird
Player Name: Ramón / Imperator

Bureau: Confiscation
Organization: MI6
Level: 1
Cover Occupation: Salesman
Social Level: Lower middle class
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 170 lb.
Age: 27
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Blonde
Handedness: Right-handed
Glasses: Yes (COO 41/OFF 61/EVA 60/MOV 136/HTH 91/SUR 140 without glasses; cannot wear contact lenses)
Physique: Average
Blood Type: O+
Alignment: Neutral - Neutral - Socialist
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

===  Primary Personal Traits  ===

[31] - Physical Strength
[79] - Charm
[66] - Willpower
[80] - Courage
[91] - Knowledge
[62] - Coordination

===  Secondary Personal Traits  ===

[71] - Offense
[80] - Deception
[71] - Evasion
[77] - Deactivation
[79] - Observation
[72] - Shock Resistance
[10] - Life Level
[159] - Movement Value

===  Tertiary Personal Traits  ===

[102] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[151] - Surprise Value
[80] - Perception

===  Languages  ===

[89] - Native Language
[83] - German
[75] - Russian
[40] - French

===  Areas of Knowledge  ===

[67] - Fine Arts
[69] - Metallurgy
[76] - Education/Indoctrination
[86] - Engineering, Hydraulic
[80] - Arts & Crafts
[78] - Military Science/Weaponry
[111] - Photography
[138] - Social Sciences
[86] - Economics/Finance
[50] - Literature
[46] - Other Areas of Knowledge

===  Money  ===

Starting fund = $481.00
Current funds = 13$

===  Equipment  ===

Miniature tape recorder
Wired mike
2 smoke bomb capsules
4 sleeping gas capsules
Gas mask
Switchblade
Rubber gloves
Camera 35mm
Suit, functional
--Shoes  
--Belt
--Socks
--Underwear
=== Description ===
A cheery man, quite handsome, frequently smiling, always dressed with well-done suits (as good as he can afford). He looks a bit younger than he is, and checks himself frequently for neatness. He always conducts himself with confidence, and always takes some time to observ and size up the person he's talking to. He tries to accomodate his behaviour to every situation, and is always learning as much as he can about social mores, customs and the like. He dislikes violence and considers its unnecesary use the mark of the amateur.

=== Background ===
Military service (2 years) - rank equivalent Private/Airman Basic/Seaman Recruit)
MA in Sociology

pbj44, could you please fill in the eye and hair color and choose languages for your character?

Imperator, is your character's native language English?

The in-character thread is posted; right now it contains only your mission briefing, so don't post anything yet. Sometime later today you'll each receive a private message containing a rumour or rumours with which your character is familiar. Tangier is a legendary hotbed of intrigue and stories of the city swirl in the intelligence community.

Quote from: Black Vulmea;753798pbj44, could you please fill in the eye and hair color and choose languages for your character?

Okay, done!

Quote from: Black Vulmea;753798pbj44, could you please fill in the eye and hair color and choose languages for your character?

Imperator, is your character's native language English?

Yes, I'm thinking on the last touches of background, but let us say that my PC is a chav-turned-into-a-gentleman from Manchester.

Quote from: Imperator;753834Yes, I'm thinking on the last touches of background, but let us say that my PC is a chav-turned-into-a-gentleman from Manchester.

It looks like he did two years national service then went to uni. In which branch of the services did he serve?

Quote from: Black Vulmea;753900It looks like he did two years national service then went to uni. In which branch of the services did he serve?

He served in the Royal Navy because he wanted to get out of Manchester and as far away as he could. Also, he thought that he could get to travel a lot. He served on a battleship, where he got a bit around in military exercises and got a bit interested in engineering and the liked. Also, he got laid around a lot, a girlfriend in each port, you know.

He left the service because of an affair with his CO's wife, and because he didn't like the discipline. He tried his hand at the uni, and there he was contacted by a man from MI6, who had heard about the affair with the CO's wife and thought that a guy with Alexander's skills could come in handy. At that time, Alexander had also started a successful career as a con man, which was cut short once he was recruited. Now he only cons the enemies of Queen and Country, while he pretends to be an insurance salesman in the City.

Hey Mike, let me know if you need any additional detail about Alexander's background. I try to keep them bried and to the point, a couple paragraphs, but if any detail is needed, just ask.

Background looks good.

Are you going to buy equipment before we get rolling?

Quote from: Black Vulmea;754093Background looks good.

Are you going to buy equipment before we get rolling?

Yeah, just edited my PC sheet. I forgot, apologies.

Why is that muscle man has more than 2K $ to buy equipment and Face-man only has 400 $? THE BUREAU DOES NOT VALUE ME :D

Quote from: Imperator;754332THE BUREAU DOES NOT VALUE ME :D

Probably even less than you know . . .

If everyone's good to go, I'll put up the first post tonight or tomorrow.

Quote from: Black Vulmea;754667Probably even less than you know . . .

If everyone's good to go, I'll put up the first post tonight or tomorrow.

I am game.

Ready!

Drohem, are you still with us?

I sent Drohem a message to check on him, he hasn't posted in a while on our SWN game either.

Thanks, Mr Kent.

I'm going to hold on through Wednesday, to see if Drohem checks in, and if not, we'll figure out where to go from there.

Okay, so Drohem is incommunicado (Where's that? It's near Cognito!) since 5/25 - do we run his character as an npc in the event he returns, recruit another player, or insert an npc agent and bring his character back in at a later time?

Thoughts?

Quote from: Black Vulmea;757913Okay, so Drohem is incommunicado (Where's that? It's near Cognito!) since 5/25 - do we run his character as an npc in the event he returns, recruit another player, or insert an npc agent and bring his character back in at a later time?

Thoughts?

I's go with options 2, 3, and 1, in that order.

Quote from: Imperator;757929I's go with options 2, 3, and 1, in that order.

Sounds good to me.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v410/OhSiris/Sharp.png)

Character Name: Gideon Sharp

Codename: Mosaic
Player Name: Mr. Kent

Bureau: Investigation
Organization: CIA
Level: 1
Cover Occupation:  Philanthropist
Social Level: Middle upper class
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 210 lb.
Age: 31
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black w/ grey streak
Handedness: Right-handed
Glasses: No
Physique: Average
Blood Type: O+
Alignment: Neutral - Reactionary - Neutral
Experience Points: 0
Fame Points: 1

===  Primary Personal Traits  ===

[88] - Physical Strength
[34] - Charm
[78] - Willpower
[52] - Courage
[96] - Knowledge
[80] - Coordination

===  Secondary Personal Traits  ===

[66] - Offense
[43] - Deception
[57] - Evasion
[88] - Deactivation
[92] - Observation
[65] - Shock Resistance
[17] - Life Level
[246] - Movement Value

===  Tertiary Personal Traits  ===

[140] - Hand-To-Hand Combat Value
[100] - Surprise Value
[72] - Perception

===  Languages  ===

[82] - English
[59] - French
[40] - Spanish
[40] - Mandarin

===  Areas of Knowledge  ===

[66] - Ecology/Earth Science
[77] - Engineering, Aeronautical
[125] - Physical Education
[126] - Political Science/Ideology
[99] - Metallurgy
[145] - Engineering, Construction/Civil
[89] - Law
[55] - Astronomy/Space Science
[57] - Education/Indoctrination
[128] - Economics/Finance
[48] - Other Areas of Knowledge

===  Money  ===

Starting fund = $6,961.00
Current funds = $

===  Equipment  ===


=== Description ===
Gideon is clean-cut and well-dressed. He has a kind smile, but he doesn't smile very often. As the son of a US diplomat and a noted international photographer, Gideon grew up in comfort and wealth. He accompanied his parents on many of their international journeys, including his mother's trips to the Third World, and Gideon developed a strong sense of civic duty despite his privileged upbringing. He's quite serious minded, and hides deep-seated optimism beneath the veneer of a weary cynic. He is loyal but aloof.

=== Background ===
PhD. Civil Engineering
No military service[/QUOTE]

Next, I'll just need to purchase some after we wrap up the briefing...

I'll be caught up and able to post shortly!

Great! Shall we resume the game? We're barely past the briefing!

Yep, let's get stuck back in this!

Okay, got a post in! So many things to pursue...

Cool. It's a busy weekend, but I'll pick things up again no later than Monday.

Btw, you guys are asking good questions. :)

Quote from: Black Vulmea;760049Cool. It's a busy weekend, but I'll pick things up again no later than Monday.

Btw, you guys are asking good questions. :)

Cool! Waiting for Monday! :)

Is everyone clear on what's happening? Anything I need to explain out-of-game before the agents are turned loose in Tangier?

Quote from: Black Vulmea;761555Is everyone clear on what's happening? Anything I need to explain out-of-game before the agents are turned loose in Tangier?

Yeah, is it usual to ask for additional money or gear or how in the hell are we going to pay the tab in bars? XD

Do we have individual hotel rooms arranged? (not that Gideon's planning to bring anyone over! Heh heh)

Also, as I don't have the book, could you explain my Alignment array to me?

Sorry for the delay, guys - my son is in the midst of his All Star season, so it's a hectic time. As a heads up, we'll be out of town from 10 to 15 July - I'm taking my laptop or my tablet, but I wouldn't expect a lot of updates during that time.

Quote from: Imperator;761624Yeah, is it usual to ask for additional money or gear or how in the hell are we going to pay the tab in bars? XD

You'll get some walking-around money along with your reservations. If you want equipment, just ask - no guarantees, though.

Quote from: Mr. Kent;761774Do we have individual hotel rooms arranged? (not that Gideon's planning to bring anyone over! Heh heh)

The rooms are individual, but on the same floor and near, but not adjacent, to one another.

Quote from: Mr. Kent;761774Also, as I don't have the book, could you explain my Alignment array to me?

I don't have my copy of the companion handy - I'll dig it out tomorrow and give you a rundown.

I'd like to know, how frequently are we expected to post, specially if some combat arises? I am quite available, but I'd like to know what is expected.

Quote from: Imperator;763166I'd like to know, how frequently are we expected to post, specially if some combat arises? I am quite available, but I'd like to know what is expected.

I don't have any specific expectations - I'll do my best to keep up with you guys, but the next three weeks are pretty busy, depending on how the boys do and how much we need to travel.

Hi, guys - sorry for the delay. All Stars is finally done for the summer, so I'll get caught up quick as I can and get us rolling again no later than Friday.

Quote from: Black Vulmea;769448Hi, guys - sorry for the delay. All Stars is finally done for the summer, so I'll get caught up quick as I can and get us rolling again no later than Friday.

WOOOT!

Excellent!

Splendid :D

Well, I did catch up on the thread, and then we ended up going out on both Friday and Saturday nights. Given that we are married with children, that never happens, so I didn't plan that into my schedule.

We're not going anywhere tomorrow night, so thanks very much for your patience. Morocco awaits!

If you have anything else you want to try in Algeciras, go ahead and post it in the in-character thread, otherwise I'll assume you're done and we're off to Tangier.

Off to Tanger for me!

Ditto for Slade!

Gid's good as well :)

pbj44, how does Slade plan to transport his pistol across international borders?

Mr Kent, is Gideon going to buy all his equipment as we go, or did you want to pick out a few things first, before we continue?

I can buy as we go, but perhaps Gideon will have a small firearm to begin with.

Do we have to purchase these?:

Quote from: pbj44;7637351) 3 cars
2) 3 Lockpick sets
3) 3 Torches
4) 3 hand radios
5) Floorplans and wiring diagrams for the villa
6) A translator and bug monitoring equipment

Quote from: Mr. Kent;772443I can buy as we go, but perhaps Gideon will have a small firearm to begin with.

Then I need to know how you plan to transport it from Spain to Morocco,

Quote from: Mr. Kent;772443Do we have to purchase these?:

So far you haven't been able to make a request to the agency for them. I will say, out of game, that first level agents are generally not given a great deal of material support out of the gate.

But hey, you can always ask.

Holster, clips, ammo, and weapons all wiped clean and then hidden inside the front passenger door panel of the rental vehicle after being carefully wrapped in cloth to prevent movement or noise.

Quote from: pbj44;772585Holster, clips, ammo, and weapons all wiped clean and then hidden inside the front passenger door panel of the rental vehicle after being carefully wrapped in cloth to prevent movement or noise.

The rental is in Tangier, not Algeciras.

Since we will need two cars for this operation anyway, in the morning Slade will see if he can rent a car (out of pocket) in the morning locally in Algeciras and then transport it on one of the car ferrys over to Tangiers for his holiday tourism. He can stash Gideon's weapon in the vehicle cache as well.

Or if it'd be easier I could attempt to acquire one at our destination. Easier, or more complicated? hmm

Well, since I have a weapon and ammo I need to conceal and transport as well, we can just see what the morning brings in terms of an auto rental locally.

Okay, let's just wait and see--I'll hold off on that plan for now and follow Slade's lead in the morning. :)