Here are stats for the agents who serve the Special Branch of Scotland Yard, along with suggestions for how to use them and their organization in adventures and campaigns set in the world of The Sixth Gun and Shadow Roads.
-Nate
Special Branch of Scotland Yard
Background
Officially, the first Special Branch of London's Metropolitan Police was established in 1883 to deal with dangers presented by the Irish Republic Brotherhood. In truth, a Special Branch for Occult Investigations was actually created earlier, during the reorganization of Scotland Yard that occurred as a result of the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Peel, during the reign of King George IV. The king, in fact, had a very personal interest in pursuing occult investigations, since he believed that malign eldritch influence was the cause of his own father's debilitating madness. What is more, he had access to information acquired by his predecessors, most notably the material that King James I assembled while writing his treatise Daemonologie.
Organization
This Special Branch of Scotland Yard does not have its own headquarters or offices. Rather, they work alongside other agents of the Metropolitan Police—often with their colleagues being unaware that they have occult training. For Constables and Sergeants, typical activity is walking the beat—just like other Bobbies, but in a location where occult activity is expected to occur. Inspectors, on the other hand, are sent to investigate specific crimes. When they do, of course, they can always call upon the constables for assistance.
Presented below are stats for typical members of the Special Branch.
Constable (Novice)
Those London “bobbies” who experience occult or other supernatural events—and thus learn that such things are indeed real—are recruited to join the Special Branch. They are then assigned to walk specific beats, in neighborhoods where that kind of activity is known or suspected to occur. Note, too, that they are trained in the use of firearms, even though they do not usually carry them.
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d6, Driving d6, Fighting d6, Healing d6, Notice d6, Persuasion d6, Shooting d6, Stealth d4
Pace: 6, Parry: 5, Toughness: 5
Edges: Alertness, Connections
Hindrances: Code of Honor
Gear: Uniform, whistle, lantern, billy club (Damage Str + 1d6).
Sergeant (Seasoned)
Constables who prove their mettle when it comes to dealing with problems—more often without using physical force, but able to do so when it's needed—are promoted to the rank of sergeant, giving them some command over their less experienced fellows.
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d8, Driving d6, Fighting d8, Healing d6, Notice d8, Persuasion d8, Shooting d6, Stealth d4
Pace: 6, Parry: 6, Toughness: 5
Edges: Alertness, Connections
Hindrances: Code of Honor
Gear: Uniform, whistle, lantern, billy club (Damage Str + 1d6).
Inspector (Veteran)
As constables learn more an more about the supernatural elements in the world around them, they are eventually transitioned from walking a regular beat and given the assignment of investigating specific crimes and cases.
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d8, Driving d6, Fighting d8, Healing d6, Notice d10, Occult d4, Persuasion d10, Research d4, Shooting d6, Stealth d4
Pace: 6, Parry: 6, Toughness: 5
Edges: Alertness, Connections
Hindrances: Code of Honor
Gear: Suit, whistle, casebook, billy club (Damage Str + 1d6), pistol (Damage 2d6, Range 12/24/36).
Chief Inspector (Heroic)
More experienced detectives can be promoted to the position of Chief Inspector, the individual who is in charge of an entire London borough. As such, the Chief Inspector gives assignments to the other Inspectors and Constables in that jurisdiction.
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d8, Driving d6, Fighting d8, Healing d6, Notice d12, Occult d6, Persuasion d12, Research d6, Shooting d6, Stealth d4
Pace: 6, Parry: 6, Toughness: 5
Edges: Alertness, Command, Connections
Hindrances: Code of Honor
Gear: Suit, whistle, casebook, billy club (Damage Str + 1d6), pistol (Damage 2d6, Range 12/24/36).
Chief Constable (Legendary)
More experienced detectives can be promoted to the position of Chief Inspector, the individual who is in charge of an entire London borough. As such, the Chief Inspector gives assignments to the other Inspectors and Constables in that jurisdiction.
Attributes: Agility d6, Smarts d6, Spirit d6, Strength d6, Vigor d6
Skills: Athletics d6, Common Knowledge d8, Driving d6, Fighting d8, Healing d6, Notice d12, Occult d6, Persuasion d12, Research d6, Shooting d6, Stealth d4
Pace: 6, Parry: 6, Toughness: 5
Edges: Alertness, Command, Connections
Hindrances: Code of Honor
Gear: Suit, whistle, casebook, billy club (Damage Str + 1d6), pistol (Damage 2d6, Range 12/24/36).
Plot Hooks
The Special Branch of Scotland Yard might become involved with the heroes in any or all of the following ways.
If they become involved in any illicit activities, then the heroes would likely run afoul of the Metropolitan Police.
Alternately, they might be present for, and then become embroiled in, the pursuit by the Police of one or more suspects.
Taking that a step further, they could be drawn into a disaster, such as fighting a fire. Indeed, that would provide an opportunity for a Dramatic Task, one that involves moving buckets of water, coordinating the workers, and similar challenges.
Heroes who have Arcane Backgrounds could be asked to consult with the Police when an investigation involves their area of expertise.
Connections to Other Material There are a few other supplements that have natural connections to the Special Branch of Scotland Yard; here are a few of the possibilities.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment