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Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 7:34 am
by mobuttu
Hi,

I need a NPC to be a Tolkeenite spy on CS during Coalition Wars.

Bearing in mind CS has many forms of magic/psionic detection speacilly through Dog Doys, witch OCC would best suit this role?

Thanks.

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 8:18 am
by Grazzik
Context? Without some context, impossible to advise.
What's their background?
Spy on who?
To learn what?
Where is this based?
Why are they doing it?
How do you expect them to communicate with their handler?
When do they turn or get inserted during the conflict?

How about just a husky voice on the phone that passes messages and refuses to meet?

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:25 am
by desrocfc
As Grazzik pointed out, lots of context missing. Here's the rub, it most certainly isn't a practitioner of magic, likely not a psionic (without being tagged), which leaves mercenaries (men at arms) or adventurers.

The merc/adventurer are infinitely likely to be supporting such a massive war effort *somewhere.* The issue is how much clearance do they get to be beneficial.

Alternatively, have a CS go turncoat (double-agent) or even better (triple-agent) and have the PCs eventually caught up in a CS military intelligence bust (that goes wrong, allowing PCs to escape).

Cheers.

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:02 am
by mobuttu
Wow!! I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition!! Hahaha!

You are right, though. So, here you are my thoughts on it:

Adventure is placed at the start of Coalition Wars ar the border between CS and Tolkeen Baronies. The NPC spy is tasked by Tolkeen to scout and infiltrate CS Divisions in order to know CS movement, camps, logistics. Communication would be done through Tolkeen army in the Barrens.

Thank you for you help!

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:08 am
by mobuttu
desrocfc wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:25 amAlternatively, have a CS go turncoat (double-agent) or even better (triple-agent) and have the PCs eventually caught up in a CS military intelligence bust (that goes wrong, allowing PCs to escape).
I like this double-agent idea!!! CS Specialist or Commando maybe?

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:53 am
by desrocfc
mobuttu wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:08 am
desrocfc wrote: Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:25 amAlternatively, have a CS go turncoat (double-agent) or even better (triple-agent) and have the PCs eventually caught up in a CS military intelligence bust (that goes wrong, allowing PCs to escape).
I like this double-agent idea!!! CS Specialist or Commando maybe?
Basically anything that could be sent "outside the wire" would work. CS Mil Spec, Commando, Special Forces, Scout, Juicer, Combat Cyborg, psionic classes tied to Psi-Net or the ISS. Maybe they posed as a mercenary for a while to gather intel; perhaps they turned against the CS or confirmed that Tolkeen is a hell-scape of demons and the inhumane.

If a turncoat and still within the good graces of the CS, perhaps they haven't been caught (yet.....!) or are being leveraged by CS intelligence to allow and identify Tolkeen penetration into their Lines of Communications.

If still loyal, perhaps they leverage their connections to gain a better idea of the Tolkeen military intelligence networks.

Lots to play with! ;)

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 2:16 pm
by Nekira Sudacne
City rat. He's there to get info and stay under the radar. City rats are ubiquitous in CS territory, virtually invisible, can have useful cybernetic implants, and don't trigger dog boys or psi stalkers.

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 2:25 pm
by darthauthor
Nekira,

You are brillant.

I completely forgot about cybernetics and hacking.

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 11:33 pm
by Grazzik
Given the context outlined, I'd agree along the lines that Nekira suggested, but would avoid cybernetics as camp security would be on the look out for that sort of thing. They'd probably have scanners deployed monitoring camp visitors for metallic or EM signatures. However, a camp follower would be a good infiltrator.

Prostitute, drug dealer, pawnbroker/trinket trader, even roadside cook... all these folks could glean valuable intel from troopers looking for some comfort either just outside the wire or, if a larger camp, a small market set up for vetted locals to enter a secure area to peddle their goods.

An old trope is the orphan kid shining shoes or running errands for chocolate, often gathering data from those they hang around with, perhaps tagging along with a specific unit. (See the Kids OCCs in Dead Reign SB7 pg 117)

Anyone external and in any way involved with action would likely be vetted six ways from Sunday, tested with fake intel, or given limited compartmentalized data. Even active troopers would be under constant surveillance as they could be exposed to psychic or magical influences in the field.

The best turncoat... supply depot staff. They know who's coming and going through requisitions, they see trends in troop movements or anticipate force build ups as supplies arrive, they can develop extensive networks of contacts (including black market... that "special" pick up for the CO could be good cover for leaving camp...), and they can secure privileges in the motor pool, admin, and throughout the camp by giving out extra socks, poncho liners, sanitary pads for boots, or maybe even civilian toilet paper. Yup, imagine the state secrets that could be bought for some surplus jalapeño cheese spread sachets from the latest MRE shipment.

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:29 am
by mobuttu
Great! Thank you all for your suggestions!

As I want a military approach, I think I'll finally opt for a CS Special Forces (from BW11) with Intelligence skills. I want him to be transformed into a Secondary Vampire (Hero Vampire from WB1 revised), so cybernetics are off.

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 4:40 pm
by Fenris2020
Freelance Spy would probably be the best, since that's... already their OCC.

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 5:35 pm
by NMI
mobuttu wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:29 am Great! Thank you all for your suggestions!

As I want a military approach, I think I'll finally opt for a CS Special Forces (from BW11) with Intelligence skills. I want him to be transformed into a Secondary Vampire (Hero Vampire from WB1 revised), so cybernetics are off.
Wouldn't this be easily picked up by Dog Boys, Psi-Stalkers and other psi senstives?

Re: Best OCC for a Tolkeenite spy on Coalition

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2023 7:25 am
by mobuttu
NMI wrote: Fri Dec 01, 2023 5:35 pm
mobuttu wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 8:29 am Great! Thank you all for your suggestions!

As I want a military approach, I think I'll finally opt for a CS Special Forces (from BW11) with Intelligence skills. I want him to be transformed into a Secondary Vampire (Hero Vampire from WB1 revised), so cybernetics are off.
Wouldn't this be easily picked up by Dog Boys, Psi-Stalkers and other psi senstives?
Yes, but that's the scenario amb planning: A Tolkeen double-agent infiltrated behind enemy lines transformed into a Vampire (Hero Vampire) needs the PC for extraction.