Vanguard’s new headquarters is under construction on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building! Blueprint schematics show a secret elevator entrance, a gymnasium, a massive laboratory, library, hanger for the Vanguard Manta Craft, a training room, living quarters and more!
Security Clearance is given to each member of Vanguard: a clearance level of confidential. The United States has three levels of classification — confidential, secret, and top secret. Each level of classification indicates an increasing degree of sensitivity. Thus if one holds a top-secret security clearance, one is allowed to handle information up to the level of top-secret including secret, and confidential information. If one holds a secret clearance, one may not then handle top-secret information, but may handle secret and confidential classified information. Declassified information is available to the public.
Vanguard’s CHESS Liaisons are Director Grey himself, Agent Sam Drake, Sgt. Stone and Doc Rocket. The last two will work closely with Vanguard in an unofficial, advisory capacity.
A modest salary, board, excellent health care benefits, 401k and paid vacation days are outlined.
Wrist communicators are given to each member of Vanguard. They transmit scrambled, secure messages on several CHESS frequencies. Tracking transponders can be activated by the wearer.
An Identification Card, connecting the hero to Vanguard and CHESS, is given to each member.
In a press release, the US government announces the existence of Vanguard, and that it was they who stopped the Doomsday Robot atop the Empire State Building, saving all passengers onboard a docking zeppelin. Vanguard members are each identified by name, but no powers or abilities are disclosed. Public interest in Vanguard is very high and right now they are the media’s new obsession!
Viper, Forester and Venus have declined to join Vanguard, and have gone their separate ways.
Hip Hop, Clone and Ghost will soon be completing medical observation and debriefing.
Ratman and Shockwave have been transported to the CHESS Castle, an ultra-high security extranormal prison, where they await trial.
Today, Director Grey requests that Vanguard assemble onboard the CHESS Omni-Carrier. In the Ready Room, Vanguard meets Director Grey, Sam Drake, Sgt. Stone, Doc Rocket and Nathan Lamb (an African-American CHESS Knight now unarmored and in his CHESS uniform).
After greetings are exchanged, Sam Drake reports: “We have a small lead on the whereabouts of Morgue and Skin Deep.” (Two villains who escaped from Dr. Swastika’s Body Farm one week ago.)
“A Star Giant escape pod was found on the bottom of the East River, 200 yards from Lower Manhattan. Theirs was the only one unaccounted for. These two are extremely dangerous, with no respect for the law or human life. The brave men and women of the NYPD aren’t equipped for extranormal work. This falls under CHESS’s jurisdiction.”
Grey said: “Here are their CHESS files*.
Of the two, Morgue should prove easier to find. He has known ties to New York organized crime and might seek refuge there. It’s as good a place as any to start looking.
You’ve had recent contact with them, more than anyone at CHESS. I need Vanguard to lead the search, and bring them both to justice.”
“You’ve proven adept at blowin’ stuff up real good. Let’s see how you rookies handle more subtle work,” Grey smiled good naturedly.
To be continued!
OOC: Replies, Actions, Plan of attack?
GM Hint: This issue will likely be investigation/ legwork/ manhunting. (What a time for Forester and Viper to go on hiatus!)
At the bottom of your character sheet is a list called “Skills.” These might prove as useful as superpowers for this kind of work. “Subculture” skills mean you are comfortable in that world, and can easily make contacts/ get information there. Some of you already have contacts in NYC.
Be sure to let me know when you are working “undercover” or in costume. Thanks, G-Men!
Reminder: Tone and Feel of the Campaign World:
All this is covered in depth on the game web page under ‘The Secret History of the World,' but as a reminder…Dr. Change’s complete removal from Time Itself has results both subtle and far-reaching.
The world’s development has changed course without his invisible guiding hand. The result is that the world now looks like a hybrid of the 1930s and 2007! Art Deco zeppelins and autogyros coexist alongside VTOL jets and helicopters. Gats and mobsters exist alongside cell phones and the internet. 
Swing jazz bands and ipods (kind of like Bruce Timm’s Batman the Animated Series and Superman the Animated Series). But, unbeknownst to the world and our heroes, none of this is as it should be.
The Low Down on Big City: Vanguard knows that crooks call New York City ‘Big City’ and their world is a gritty, film noir one where it’s always night, usually raining, and no one can be trusted. Populated with desperate grifters, con men and hired killers, Big City’s underworld is a world of back alleys, pool halls, wharfs, racetracks, boxing rings, pawn shops, all night taverns, illegal gambling houses and opium dens.
When the Freedom Force took down Intercrime in the 1980’s (complete with iced-floor cave-in!), they created a power vacuum for control of Big City’s underworld. After years of bloody mob wars, Big City finally came under control of the mysterious “Five Bosses” who’ve ruled for 9-10 years now.
*CHESS files: Classified Confidential
Code Name: Skin Deep
Aliases: Unknown
Affiliations: None, captive of Dr. Swastika 2006
Known Extranormal Abilities: Shapeshifting. Disguise.
Gender: believed female Height: NA Weight: NA Age: Unknown Hair: NA Eyes: NA
Unusual markings: NA
M.O.: Independent operator, self sufficient, planner, cautious, cunning.
Wanted for burglary, identity theft, assault. Warrant issued.
Never in captivity. No image available.
Code Name: Morgue
Aliases: Unknown
Affiliations: NYC organized crime, captive of Dr. Swastika 2006
Known Extranormal Abilities: Reputed to kill others with a touch.
Gender: Male Height: 6’5” Weight: 240 Age: 40-ish Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
Unusual markings: Skin is pale and corpse-like.
M.O.: Hired contract killer, cruel, brutal, professional.
Wanted on multiple counts of murder and assault, racketeering, coercion. Warrant issued.
Never in captivity. No image available.
End.
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Sentinel:
OOC: Quick question:
Would the CHESS Knights be trained in handling undercover covert operations or are they strictly over the top high powered fly boys in armor? If not the Knights, does Chess have a separate "spy" type operative force? Have we met any of them yet?
What computer systems has Kirk been introduced to thus far at Chess - has he had access to the "real" systems yet or has his "confidential" only security kept him from the good stuff thus far?
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OOC GM Replies:
Sentinel wrote:
Would the CHESS Knights be trained in handling undercover covert operations or are they strictly over the top high powered fly boys in armor? If not the Knights, does Chess have a separate a "spy" type operative force? Have we met any of them yet?
GM Reply:
Sentinel doesn't know so he asks Grey. Grey replies, "Yes, we have field agents capable of that work. Not the Knights. Actually, the slang for them internally is "Bishops." I used to be one. Drake here is another."
Sentinel wrote:
What computer systems has Kirk been introduced to thus far at Chess - has he had access to the "real" systems yet or has his "confidential" only security kept him from the good stuff thus far?
GM Reply:
Sentinel hasn't seen a division between "real" systems and other systems.
He logs on to a computer station and the system recognizes his security clearance and filters info according.
Grey's clearance is higher than Sentinel's. If he logged onto the same computer, he would be able to access more sensitive material.
Over time, the heroes' clearance may rise, but right now it's your first days on the job.
Best,
Jeff
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Sentinel:
"Since the pods were found near Manhattan, that looks like the place to start, and a place where they'd feel they could easily get lost.
I'd assume your Bishops have filters combing the internet for chatter relating to underground activity that might point to them or their activities. I'd like to get with the Bishops working on this to perhaps refine their search patterns and key words. I've got my computer systems set up at home for information related to super-heroic activities and such and have spent time refining my searches over the years, but I've got to think that your systems make mine look like toys and would be much more powerful and effective. Perhaps some of the jargon I've picked up over the years might not be used by your department and might help. Of course, you'd likely have to give me access to some of the more secure systems for this ...
As a supplement to that or perhaps using information gleaned from the web searches we need to start combing the dives that these types are known to frequent. Do the Bishops know which bars or clubs the underworld's super element are know to frequent in their downtime?
Seems like the best way to get some leads would be to check on these places as a "new face" in town checking the scene and looking for work.
Sentinel seemed to look himself over and continued, "some of us would be more suited to this type of work than others (he was clearly indicating himself as being out of character for this assignment), shoot where's Viper and Forrester when you need them?, but perhaps with a makeover by the Bishops and some training we could get by ... (Sentinel tugs on his brightly colored shirt) but this costume just isn't going to cut it for this sort of mission. I'm thinking darker leather and trading the cape in for an overcoat and not shaving for the foreseeable future ...
What do you guys think? ..."
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Slingshot:
Scott reads the files. That Morgue is gruesome. Skin Deep's going to be difficult to track down, if we ever find "her". At that moment, he thinks of Nanite. He wonders what she's going through. He can't quite think of her as a robot. She's a she, not a it.
He thinks back to that rendez-vous with her. Good thing the HQ is in NY, he might be able to make it a weekly thing. Scott can't help feeling concerned. He thinks back to the last email she sent him..
..
.. Oh my god. Who's been following her?! Slingshot slaps his forehead, he can be such a dunce sometimes.
Everyone's looking at him now. Agent Grey has an eyebrow raised in an obvious question.
"I forgot something. Nothing I can do about it right now".
[Sentinel speaks] ..What do you guys think? ..."
Slingshot smirks, "I think you might as well go with the superhero costume. You'll still stick out like a sore thumb. Instead of looking like Neo, you might want to just wear a pair of jeans and a T. But if you can manage that, you should be able to pull it off nicely."
He waves his hands at himself. "I know there isn't much that can be done about me. I'm not exactly conspicuous. If you'll be a sore thumb, I'll be a throbbing leg." He shrugs. "So I won't try. Unless the Chess Boys can come up with something real funky."
"I'll certainly pound the pavement and dig where I can. I've got a few things I can come up with, hopefully." but first, he has to make sure that Nanite is ok, then he'll ask her for a favor.
He turns to Grey and asks: "I was just wondering if there's been a rise in dead bodies in the last few days? Maybe mob related deaths? I'm sure you have access to police records.
[OOC] Actions:
1- Reply to that email and warn Nanite that Morgue and Skin Deep are at large in NY and to contact me as soon as possible. Her follower might be one of them.
2-If she comes up, I'll ask her for a favor and have her do some digging for me about these people. I'll treat her to a steak and lobster dinner if she finds something. (Now that I have a job..) ;)
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Lightning Strike:
LS confers with the rest of the team, "Given that Morgue has ties to organized crime, we should set up a surveillance on the top figures to see if there is going to be a meeting set up between them. Does Chess have anyone on the inside of the crime families who can let us know if Morgue shows up? If not then we may have to do some covert surveillance ourselves. Perhaps one of us could infiltrate the Five Bosses."
"Skin Deep is an entirely different matter. Since she can shapeshift, she could be virtually anyone. Does she have any accomplices? The file is a little sketchy."
OOC GM Question 1: Does LS have any of his senses when he is in electrical form? If he does, then he could simply assume electrical form and enter the crime bosses house and observe who comes and goes and I would propose that to the team.
OOC GM Question 2: How well known are we to the underworld? If we were to pose as muscle for hire (in a different costume of course) would our powers give us away?
That's all for now. Will post more based on answers to above questions.
Thanks,
Tony
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GM OOC Replies:
LS wrote:
"OOC GM Question 1: Does LS have any of his senses when he is in electrical form? If he does, then he could simply assume electrical form and enter the crime bosses house and observe who comes and goes and I would propose that to the team."
GM Reply: Strike has NO organic senses in electrical form. But he can "see" through video cameras and other sensory electronics. The crimeboss might have security cameras you could use for this. It's a great idea.
However, first you have to FIND these mysterious Five Bosses. Their identities are unknown even to CHESS!
"OOC GM Question 2: How well known are we to the underworld? If we were to pose as muscle for hire (in a different costume of course) would our powers give us away?"
GM Reply: You guys are relatively unknown. The Vanguard press release didn't explain your powers. However, Morgue saw some of you using your powers.
Furthermore, Nathan Lamb, former NYPD, will tell you the underworld is not known to be populated with extranormals. Morgue is an exception to the norm.
This is why CHESS has little info on the NYC underworld; CHESS's jurisdiction is extranormals. The underworld doesn't have them, or at least doesn't have them openly.
"It could be by design," offers Lamb. "Low profile. No extranormals. Keeps CHESS out of their face."
So if you, or Sentinel, want to pose as hired muscle, you might opt to do it as non-extranormals. Or you COULD try it as extranormals and see where that gets you. If it's the latter, what are your new names and costumes? And either way, will you two hired guns work separately or as a team?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Lightning Strike:
It is time to put the foot soldiers of Chess to work. We need to know the base of operations of the five bosses. Lightning Strike will do an electronic appraisal once a location is found. If no leads can be found, then we start from the ground up, Lightning Strike will electronically survey known drug locations in an effort to trace things back to the underworld bosses.
On another note, LS suggests that Chess track any crimes committed by people with no known criminal background, especially those who claim to have an alibi that can't be disproven. It could be Skin Deep masquerading as a known individual in order to perpetrate a crime.
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Sentinel:
OOC: From Sentinel's reply he is looking to get the intel and where it leads before making decisions on what to do with it. From his background and skills he felt that working on the internet chatter and leads from that might be his best method for getting useful intel and that was his suggestion for himself; this would be the best he could come up with and would hopefully combine what he learned with the information gleaned from other sources (ie. LS great eavesdropping techniques, etc)
Once they had additional facts, unless a lot of info stumbled into their laps easily, it seemed to him that trying to infiltrate would be the next logical step to learn more. He was willing to try to do this, although he certainly felt like a fish out of water doing so - but perhaps he'd surprise himself.
If they got that far, he was suggesting a low key approach, no flashy costumes... just to toughen his appearance so he'd have a chance of being accepted - without a complete physical makeover Kirk wouldn't have a chance of passing as part of the underworld, and even then, with his personality it would be a stretch, but he would try. (Note my weakness which will get him in trouble quickly in this role).
If he did get to that role, given what was just revealed about extranormals not being used as a norm, he'd likely hint to the right people that there was more to him than what appeared but that he wanted to keep that about himself "lowkey" so as not to attract unwanted attention and interference.
Seth
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Blue Comet:
"A modest salary, board, excellent health care benefits, 401k and paid vacation days are outlined."
No dental?
Anyway....
The Blue comet confides in the group.
"Obviously, I'm not the most subtle of hero types when in flames, but I used to be a decent reporter at one time." BC rubs the back of his head as if trying to remember physically hurts. "I think I was, anyway. I'll head to NY right off and see if I can do some research on the bosses. Maybe I can even remember some contacts to look up. I'm sure something will come back to me. I'll have to figure it out as I go. You can reach me on the communicator... and I'll be there in a flash!"
OCC: So BC will try to use his old skills and contacts to find what he can on the bosses, but he'll put one item at the top of the list. First up is a visit to the hospital to find what he can about the patient who murmured "Yellow Jack."
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NPC Replies:
Slingshot commented on his conspicuous appearance. “…Unless the Chess Boys can come up with something real funky."
Doc Rocket said that they didn’t have anything that would do the trick (maybe an idea for a future invention, Sling?).
“Stick to night work,” muttered Sgt. Stone, “with a hat and gloves… and you might get by.”
Slingshot turns to Grey and asks: "I was just wondering if there's been a rise in dead bodies in the last few days? Maybe mob related deaths? I'm sure you have access to police records.”
“Actually, there have,” said Grey. “But they began before Morgue was freed. About 3 weeks before. And they’re still escalating.”
Lightning Strike said: “It is time to put the foot soldiers of Chess to work. We need to know the base of operations of the five bosses.”
Agent Sam Drake didn’t conceal his displeasure. “The NYPD don’t know the identities of the Five Bosses. How long do you think it’ll take CHESS, starting from zero, to build the contacts to find their homes? We’re not your pawns,” he added, without intending a pun.
Grey stepped in, “Yer right. And a wave of newcomers asking questions is sure to get attention. But maybe it’ll also get a reaction. I’ve never been afraid to stir the pot and see what comes to the top. Let’s get started on it.”
Drake said, “Fine. I just hope that what floats to the top isn’t a bunch of dead agents.”
On another note, LS suggests that Chess track any crimes committed by people with no known criminal background, especially those who claim to have an alibi that can't be disproven. It could be Skin Deep masquerading as a known individual in order to perpetrate a crime.
“Good idea,” said Grey. “We’ll check it out.”
So, first steps were decided as:
-Sentinel will monitor internet chatter, searching for leads.
-Lightning Strike will electronically survey known drug locations in an effort to trace things back to the underworld bosses.
-Slingshot will contact Nanite.
-Blue Comet will visit the hospitalized burn victim.
If Grey was unhappy that half the team wasn’t actively searching for Morgue, he didn’t let on.
