Dresden Files RPG: Low Profile OOC

Sakutian

What is this?
This is a Dresden Files RPG game set in Washington D.C. after the events of Ghost Story. If you haven’t read that book yet than you might want to avoid this game as there will be spoilers.

Recent Events for those who have read Changes and Ghost Story.

The Red Court has been wiped out.
The Fomor and other supernatural powers are coming out of the woodwork to fill the power vacuum.
Harry Dresden in now the Knight of the Winter Court.

Can I play?
Absolutely, I'm hoping for a group of 3 players to volunteer their services for this game. If you have an interest all you need to do is make a post to verify that you want to join in on the fun. I will be choosing the players based on who has an interest, not character submissions. This is A Dresden Files game and I don’t want people spending hours on a character that will never be chosen. I will allow people to submit their interest for a week or until I get three players I think would make for a good party.

Will We Get to do City Creation?
I have already laid out the major elements of city creation by myself. Now I love creating a city, to me it is one of the most enjoyable parts of the Dresden Files RPG. However in the strict pbp format it just takes too long and leads to the death of half the games that get started. I would like to see some locations and npcs added to the game by the players but I’m not making that a requirement.

What Are the Guidelines for Character Creation?
*No Red Court Infected characters.
*Submerged Power Level(10 refresh, 35 skill points, skill cap at Superb)

Please include some sort of a backstory of your character, and answer the following questions for you character in you submission post:
1. Why is your character living in Washington D.C.?
2. Has the destruction of the Red Court had an impact on him/her?
3. How does your character feel about the Fomor?
4. What does your character love?
5. What does your character hate?
*Please cooperate when it comes to character creation.
*You may submit up to three locations for the city if you wish.

How often do I need to post?
Please try and post at least once per day. If something occurs that prevent you from doing so fine, I'm realistic and I do understand that sometimes lives are too hectic to plan for everything. If you can't post for more than a day or two though let me know what the situation is. This is an obligation that goes both way and I will make a sincere effort to post as often as possible. If something occurs to prevent me from doing so I will of course try to let everyone know what is going on.

Rolls
You can do your rolls on orokos, invisible castle, or any other online dice roller of your choosing.

Party
my character sheet



Francis Drake Stone



The Supernatural History of Washington D.C.

As the relationship between the mortal inhabitants of England and America soured, a similar change began taking place among many of the new world’s practitioners. While the colonials were burdened with crippling taxation and no voice in their own governance, many had become disenfranchised with the White Council’s leadership. The inclusion of Joseph-Listens-to-Wind and Ebenezar McCoy as members of the Senior Council only served to increase their anger. Cries of “No domination without evocation!” became a common disturbance during Council sessions. When Americans took up arms and made a mad grab for freedom many wizards, sorcerers, and minor talents also rallied to the cause. Dozens of British troops were killed, crippled, or hurled into the Nevernever by wizards in the battles of Lexington and Concord. This open defiance of their authority and the laws of magic did not go unnoticed by the White Council.

Directed by Joseph-Listens-to-Wind and Ebenezer McCoy, the Grey Wardens were dispatched against the rebellious practitioners. Though they were tenacious and they greatly outnumbered the Wardens, the American wizards were no match for their power and skill. Becoming increasingly desperate they sought alliances with those whom they thought might be able to turn the tide in their favor. Envoys were sent before the White Court and into the Nevernever to appeal to the Faeries. The ambassador to the White Court met with Lord Raith very briefly before he found himself delivered into the waiting arms of Wardens. Though Lord Raith declared his loyalty to the White Council publicly, he exerted his influence within the French court in order to secure aid for the Americans. The savage winter that claimed more lives than the British troops during the war would suggest that Queen Mab did not look favorably upon the offer of an alliance.

As their mortal counterparts came ever closer to achieving a victory over the crown, those who rallied against the White Council seemed doomed to failure. Elias Rannon, one of the most influential figures within the group, attempted the sanctum invocation on a plot of swampland in a desperate attempt to gain a winning edge. However he failed to realize that the land was owned by Ebenzer McCoy, who arrived just in time to prevent the ritual from taking place by killing Rannon.

With all hope for victory lost, many of the rebels surrendered to the White Council in exchange for the promise of their familys’ safety. Nearly one hundred survivors were executed under the orders of the Council. Fearing that someone else would tap into the genius loci, McCoy manipulated the founding fathers into establishing the capital city of their new nation on top of it, in an effort to drain some of its strength. Mortals carrying secretly enchanted stones to mark the new borders for Washington D.C. were used in a complex ritual to place the loci into a period of hibernation.

It wasn’t until around 1821 that the genius loci began to stir. When Congress began carrying out a plan to establish a botanical garden, the presence of the entity within the plot of land they intended to build on made itself known. Despite their best efforts, a sinister feeling drove investors away from idea for decades. In time, determination and money saw a few greenhouses established and thriving on the grounds. Accidents, property damage, and frayed nerves continued to be a problem. Eventually a botanist with a sensitivity to the supernatural pushed for the garden to be relocated. The land was left to sit idle and unused in the center of the National Mall.


City-wide Themes and Threats

Theme
The Idea: True loyalty is not something that is often found in D.C. In a city where everyone is looking for an edge no one is likely to offer more than a brief alliance.
The Aspect: If You Want a Friend in Washington Get a Dog
The Faces: Anansi, DC, Elizabeth Raith, James Clark, Michael Raith

Threat
The Idea: With the destruction of the Red Court numerous factions are moving to fill the power vacuum in D.C., violent clashes are becoming ever more frequent in this struggle for dominance.
The Aspect: Turf War
The Faces: Elizabeth Raith, George Abbot, Grash, Inez Seros, Morc

Theme
The Idea: Nothing happens easily in D.C. if the bureaucrats who run the city have anything to say about it.
The Aspect: Bureaucracy is the Death of All Sound Work
The Faces: Elizabeth Raith, Frederick Collins, Samantha Tenworth

The Balance of Power

What is the Supernatural Status Quo?

It’s every monster for itself.

What is the Mundane Status Quo?

Faced with a major economic depression and a sudden rise in violent crime mortals are carrying on much the same as ever. Some struggle against a tide of the supernatural choking the city while others seek to bend it in their favor.

Places

Name: Botanical Garden
Description: A collection of breathtaking plant life gathered in a number of greenhouses and gardens near the national mall.
Theme
The Idea: Unable to resist such an enticing home several members of the Summer Court have been known to reside in the garden over the years.
The Aspect: It’s a Jungle in Here
The Faces:
Dwen, Garden Gnome

Name: Club Boast
Description: A three story nightclub that caters that offers wealthy and elite of the city everything their hearts desire.
Threat
The Idea: The club is used as a trap for members of the local White Court who feed from the patrons on a nightly basis.
The Aspect: Intoxicating Atmosphere
The Faces:
Michael Raith, White Court Playboy
Andre Mallory, The Best Bouncer in D.C.

Name: Congressional Cemetery
Description: A cemetery where 55,000 people are buried or memorialized.
Theme
The Idea: Each night this place is filled to the brim with ghosts of politicians, bureaucrats, and soldiers.
The Aspect: Cemetery of National Memory
The Faces:
James Clark, FBI Spook

Name: DC Metro
Description: Five lines, eighty-six stations, and nearly two-hundred miles of track.
Threat
The Idea: With so many dark places to hide in the metro that runs throughout DC is an ideal hunting ground for creatures from your worst nightmares.
The Aspect: Beware of Moving Trains
The Faces:
Douglas Harper, Metro Cop
Helena Montez, Metro Technician
Grash, Head Hob

Name: Georgetown University
Description: A sprawling campus riddled with historic landmarks.
Theme
The Idea: A place where many cultures and faiths come together in the pursuit of knowledge.
The Aspect: Ultraque Unum
The Faces:
David Meru Pre-Med Seer

Name: JAWB (John A. Wilson Building)
Description: An enormous building that takes up the entire block between 13th and 14th Streets NW.
Theme
The Idea: Housing the mayor’s office and the meeting chamber for the city council many vital decisions about the way the city is run are made within these walls.
The Aspect: You Can’t Fight City Hall
The Faces:
Elizabeth Raith, White Court City Council Chairman
Samantha Tenworth, Corrupt City Council Member

Name: The Key Bridge
Description: A six lane reinforced concrete arch bridge that connects Georgetown to Arlington.
Threat
The Idea: The structure is patrolled by a former changeling turned full troll who guards against the supernatural predators of Washington.
The Aspect: Don’t Look Down
The Faces:
George Abbot, Friendly Neighborhood Troll

Nam: The Library of Congress
Description: The largest library in the world.
Theme
The Idea: Housing a wealth of information this place draws the curious, the desperate, and the nerdy by the busload.
The Aspect: Library of Last Resort
The Faces:
Anasi, Keeper of Stories
Jennifer Reiley, Amateur Occult Researcher

Name: National Cathedral
Description: The second largest cathedral in the United States.
Theme
The Idea: The resting place of a fallen Knight of the Cross who died foiling a Denarian plot to corrupt president Theodore Roosevelt with one of their coins. It serves as a powerful symbol of faith and a safe haven for those with the greatest need.
The Aspect: National House of Prayer
The Face:
Reverend Edgar Moon, Cursed Man of God

Name: National Mall
Description: A spacious national park in the heart of the city that is adjacent to some of the most recognizable monuments and landmarks in D.C.
Theme
The Idea: Attracting millions of visitors each year the mall is usually swamped with visitors both mortal and supernatural, all of whom unconsciously avoid a marshy corner of the property.
The Aspect: Major Tourist Attraction
The Faces:
Red O., Know-It-All Bum

Name: Washington Highlands
Description: The largest residential neighborhood in the poorest and least developed part of the city.
Threat
The Idea: Gangs, drug dealers, and the worst examples of humanity terrorize the Highlands, even the police are hesitant to take any action here. The Fomor have made their presence known here as they begin to infiltrate the city like germs invading through an open wound.
The Aspect: Gang War
The Faces:
Inez Seros, The Craziest Gangster in D.C.

Name: The White House
Description: An enormous mansion like residence surrounded by sprawling grounds at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Threat
The Idea: A modern day fortress surrounded by some of the most impressive fortifications known to man or monster.
The Aspect: High Security
The Faces:
Frederick Collins, Secret Service Warden
DC, Demon Cat

The Faces of Washington D.C.

Name: Anansi
Face of: The Library of Congress
High Concept: The Keeper of Stories
Motivations: I will collect and protect the stories.
Relationships:
Jennifer Reiley Promising Student

Name: DC
Face of: The White House
High Concept: Demonic Cat
Motivation: Attracting mortals and making bargains.
Relationships:
Edward Moon Irksome Foe
Frederick Collins Overconfident Jailer

Name: Doug Harper
Face of: Metro Center
High Concept: Transit Cop
Motivation: Keep the metro’s patrons, personnel, and facilities safe.
Relationships:
Grash My Worst Nightmare
Helena Montez Close Friend
Inez Soros Habitual Pain in the Ass

Name: David Meru
Face of: Georgetown University
High Concept: Pre-Med Seer
Motivation: Get my degree and keep anyone from locking me up in a psych ward for the rest of my life.
Relationships:

Name: Dwen
Face of: Botanical Garden
High Concept: Garden Gnome
Motivation: Keeping myself safe and keeping the plants in the garden healthy.
Relationships:

Name: Edgar Moon
Face of: National Cathedral
High Concept: Curse Man of God
Motivation: Doing the Lord’s Work.
Relationships:

Name: Elizabeth Raith
Face of: JAWB
High Concept: White Court City Council Chairman
Motivation: Secure White Court dominance in Washington D.C. and my own dominance within the Raith household.
Relationships:
Michael Raith Nearly Useless Nephew
Samantha Tenworth Minor Annoyance

Name: Frederick Collins
Face of: The White House
High Concept: Secret Service Warden
Motivation: Protect the Presidents from supernatural predators while keeping them in the dark about their existence.
Relationships:
DC Monster in the Basement
Elizabeth Predator Deadly Threat

Name: George Abbot
Face of: The Key Bridge
High Concept: Friendly Neighborhood Troll
Motivation: I will keep the supernatural war in D.C. from spilling over into my hometown.
Relationships:
Colin Abbot Eager Younger Half-Brother
Katie Abbot Disbelieving Half-Sister
Dana Abbot Mother

Name: Grash
Face of: DC Metro
High Concept: Head Hob
Motivation: Keeping the pack fed.
Relationships:
Douglas Harper Killer
Helena Montez Trespasser

Name: Helena Montez
Face of: DC Metro
High Concept: Metro Technician
Motivation: Keep the trains running on time.
Relationships:
Doug Harper Best Friend
Grash One Big Work Order

Name: Inez Soros
Face of: Washington Highlands
High Concept: The Craziest Gangster in D.C.
Motivation: Keep the monsters from taking over my neighborhood.
Relationships:
Doug Harper Arresting Officer
Morc Rival for the Highlands

Name: James Clark
Face of: Congressional Cemetery
High Concept: FBI Spook
Motivation: Making sure the dead can rest in peace.
Relationships:

Name: Jennifer Reiley
Face of: Library of Congress
High Concept: Amateur Occult Researcher
Motivation: To learn as much as I can about the supernatural.
Relationships:
Anansi Study Buddy

Name: Michael Raith
Face of: Club Boast
High Concept: White Court Playboy
Motivation: Keep the party going and keep my aunt off of my back.
Relationships:
Elizabeth Raith Pushy Aunt
Andre Mallory Employee of the Month

Name: Morc
Face of:
High Concept: Fomorian Prince
Motivation: Take over D.C. and prove myself worthy to my father.
Relationships:

Name: Red O.
Face of: National Mall
High Concept: Know-It-All Bum
Motivation: Will work for food.
Relationships:

Name: Samantha Tenworth
Face of: JAWB
High Concept: Corrupt City Councilman
Motivation: Unseat Elizabeth Raith and take control of the city council.
Relationships:
Elizabeth Raith Overbearing Rival

Desy

I would love to play in this. So much.

No idea what character I'd propose though.

Either way, I will be following this game closely.

Sakutian

You should certainly hang around Destroyah. I'd be very excited to see what sort of character you would come up with when this gets going.

Sakutian

Just to give you some insight into my mind Destroyah I left the spot of D.C.'s Warden open in case someone wanted to take on that role. I'm also hoping that somebody might craft a member of the local Paranet. Those were just a couple of ideas that came to mind as I was working on the setting.

Kilnaga

Man, I love me some Dresden. I've just never played the Dresden RPG, so I'd have 0 idea on how to make or play a character. :P

EDIT: After looking over the character creation section in the book it doesn't seem too complicated. ;>_>

Sakutian

Character creation is fairly simple, however it is almost totally story driven and it requires a lot of coordination with the other players. I'd suggest getting the pdf of the Dresden Files Rpg: Your Story if you are interested in joining. I believe it is only twenty dollars now and it is well worth the price. You get a great game and as a fan of the books I find all of the little asides and notes on the universe to be very entertaining.

Kilnaga

I prefer story driven games. :P

I think I could make a decent Paranet affiliated character. I'd have to take a few more minutes of reading over the PDF to get it down though. He'd even have a Place to add to the setting as part of his character. I'm thinking he'd be some kind of focused practitioner/shopkeeper.

Sakutian

That could be an interesting concept. Let me know if you have any questions as you're looking over the PDF. Just make sure you don't delve too deeply into character creation yet. It is helpful if you wait until you can bounce ideas off of the rest of your group so they mesh a bit better. I don't want any actual character submissions until the final group is chosen.

Kilnaga

I was also thinking something demon related for the spell focus would be cool. Who doesn't like demons?

JacquesCousteau

This should be a good read. New book next month!

Sakutian

Well Kilnaga there is at least one resident demon operating out of the city. I could easily see someone making a deal with DC for a power boost. Perhaps gaining sponsored magic, ala Hellfire, or even a mark of power.

Kilnaga

Either fueled by demons, or demon hunter... probably both. It would seem to me you'd end up doing both in that line of work at some point or other if you're not straight up evil.

Sakutian

I'd imagine there are way more scion hunters than demon hunters. I mean you can't really kill the damned things, just destroy their body and force them back into the Nevenever at best. Then they have an ax to grind. You'd have to be pretty stupid to tick one of those things off...oh wait. Sorry Harry.

Kilnaga

Sakutian wrote: »

I'd imagine there are way more scion hunters than demon hunters. I mean you can't really kill the damned things, just destroy their body and force them back into the Nevenever at best. Then they have an ax to grind. You'd have to be pretty stupid to tick one of those things off...oh wait. Sorry Harry.

Well who says my guy has to be smart? :P

Sakutian

Nobody. PCs who make choices that aren't always smart can be a blast from a GMing perspective.

Kilnaga

Sakutian wrote: »

I'd imagine there are way more scion hunters than demon hunters. I mean you can't really kill the damned things, just destroy their body and force them back into the Nevenever at best. Then they have an ax to grind. You'd have to be pretty stupid to tick one of those things off...oh wait. Sorry Harry.

I suppose he could be both of those as well. Start out as one, realizing pissing off the demon proper is a bad idea, then just go after demonic scions instead? :P

Sakutian

Sure. Plus, and this is just one opinion, I think the scions are a bit more of a threat than the proper demons.

jdarksun

!

I live in DC. Expressing interest here, I should be able to access my books on the iPad...

Sakutian

Neat. I lived in Arlington right across the bridge from DC while I was in college. It'd be nice to have someone who is familiar with the city in the group.

Kilnaga

Sakutian wrote: »

Neat. I lived in Arlington right across the bridge from DC while I was in college. It'd be nice to have someone who is familiar with the city in the group.

No kidding. I mean.. I've visited DC before, but I have no idea what the city layout would actually look like. Although, I could just ask my brother, what with state department internships and whatnot I'm sure he could help me with knowledge of the area.

Desy

I have no idea what DC actually is like, except what the TeeVee tells me it's like.

As for possible character archetypes, I like all of the differing flavor of Were's. A specialized practitioners of some strip or another could be fun. (you just know an ectomancer would have no end of historical contacts in DC.)

Kilnaga

destroyah87 wrote: »

I have no idea what DC actually is like, except what the TeeVee tells me it's like.

As for possible character archetypes, I like all of the differing flavor of Were's. A specialized practitioners of some strip or another could be fun. (you just know an ectomancer would have no end of historical contacts in DC.)

See, an ectomancer would be swell, but then I'd be stuck thinking I'm just DC's version of Mort Lindquist all game, and I couldn't stand that. :P

Desy

Kilnaga wrote: »

destroyah87 wrote: »

I have no idea what DC actually is like, except what the TeeVee tells me it's like.

As for possible character archetypes, I like all of the differing flavor of Were's. A specialized practitioners of some strip or another could be fun. (you just know an ectomancer would have no end of historical contacts in DC.)

See, an ectomancer would be swell, but then I'd be stuck thinking I'm just DC's version of Mort Lindquist all game, and I couldn't stand that. :P

I could live with being Lort Mindquist in DC if it meant I got to shoot the shit with old statesmen. Or maybe find that the ghost of some prominent presidents do haunt the White House (Honest Abe, for one.)

Or maybe a wizard that plays the part of Stage Magician to the hilt.

Or a were. I could play a were.

JacquesCousteau

Where the White Council folk at? They just "finished" a big war. Stories abound.

Sakutian

I think you could make an ectomancer who isn't the Mort of DC. I like the idea of visiting with the spirits of old statesmen quite a bit. The congressional cemetery offers a great backdrop for someone considering the ectomancer route, and I admit Mort became much cooler after I finished Ghost Story.

The idea of a stage magician who is actually a wizard is appealing. Reminds me of Zatanna.

Weres are good.

It seems the White Council has fallen back on their tried and true method of sitting on their butts and stepping in only when they absolutely have to.

Cala

I'm not sure if you're still looking for players but I'd definitely be interested as well. Been itching to give this game a try ever since I found out about it.

Be forewarned though that I'm new to PbP and don't have any familiarity with DC ;-)

I was thinking of making a character that was the Emissary of the dragon Smaug (from the Hobbit) since the books already established that popular culture in that world is sometimes based on events that actually did happen (like Dracula). I haven't fully thought this out yet but my idea is that Smaug really was mortally injured by that arrow and is still slowly recovering for his eventual return and needs a (hapless) agent to prepare things in the meantime.

Sakutian

I'm still casting the net wide to see who has an interest in this game. I figured I would wait until monday before deciding on a party and starting the character creation process.

Having played in a couple of Dresden games that took place in cities I have never been to I know that familiarity isn't always a requirement. A bit of research can give you a good basis to build on.

Now I have to be a bit of a jerk. The dragon emissary character has been in every Dresden pbp I have ever taken part in and I would like to avoid it this time around. It is a popular idea but I think it has been played on a bit too often.

Cala

Fair enough. In hindsight, I should've realized that the dragon emissary idea was a very popular one. I'll go back to the well for ideas.

Is there room for a governmental agent or consultant who would work on behalf of the white house to investigate the supernatural? a la x-files. Could probably play this up as a minor talent or a pure mortal.

Just a thought, does anyone sell insurance against the supernatural? I wonder if an insurance investigator for such a company would have an interesting job...

jdarksun

Heh. Like a modern (fantasy) Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar?

I bet there are legs to that X-Files-ish idea. I was mulling over a norm or a champion idea, trying to figure out how they'd be connected to the scene or why they'd be in DC. Job is always a reason.

Kirindal

This seems like fun, I'll like to cast my lot in with you.

I was of playing a changeling who wants formal recognition and protection by one of the Courts and they would be willing to do anything to get it. Kind of like that easy catspaw the Courts like.

Or perhaps a wizard moonlighting as a Congressional aide. He's been in there so long that he's gotten a little weird.

Sakutian

Well Cala there is already a member of the White Council closely positioned to protect the President. Keep in mind though, the White Council doesn't tend to want mortals to know about the supernatural. I doubt any mortal authority sells magical coverage though. I could see there being some sort of power within the supernatural forces that offers that service. I mean with Harry Dresden walking around I'm sure people would pay for it happily.

I do like the idea of a sort of X-Files like character with ties to the magical world. A bit like Murphy only working for the government rather than the local police.

Krindal the congressional aide idea is interesting.

JacquesCousteau

Ha. Looks like DC will provide some awesome stories all on its own.

Desy

Say ...

Anyone ever watched Warehouse 13? What about something similar but different to that is afoot in DC? I think doing something related to that could be fun.

Or a Special Investigations-like devision of the FBI as well?

Cala

Ok so the x-files idea is starting to sound pretty good so how about if like Sakutian was suggesting, there's a department like Murphy's SI that reports to the government rather than the police? So as to not butt heads with the white council, the department doesn't officially recognize magic as existing and everything has to have a "realistic" explanation.

I was thinking of a minor talent character who works for the department but is in the know about the supernatural and needs to keep things under wraps due to the White Council's mandate.

On that note, would you be okay with the incite emotion ability being able to incite guilt? It might be getting a bit close to the 4th law of magic but technically, they're still in control of their own actions..they're just being persuaded a bit. I figure it would be a pretty neat ability for an investigator to have.

Sakutian

I've never seen Warehouse 13 but it seems like a solid line of thought Destroyah.

I would be ok with the ability to incite guilt. I think that is one of those things that might dance of the line of the laws of magic without stepping over them.

jdarksun

Sakutian, I noticed that the White Court has a pretty significant presence in the city. How would you feel about a WCV PC? Parts of DC and politics in general makes me think of House Skavis...

Sakutian

I have no issue with a WCV PC.

jdarksun

Then if picked, I will flesh out Desiderio Skavis, DC CPS agent and White Court Vampire.

Kilnaga

I have no idea what I'd name my guy if he got picked. Something something Wallace, Diabolist and Bookstore owner.

Sakutian

Well I think we have a fair amount of interested parties which is a good thing, and I even got some ideas of characters which is helpful. I'm going to give anyone else who might be up for this one more day to post their interest then I will make a party selection.

Kirindal

I'll further flesh out my wizard Aide then. He would be a little weird since part of his job is to keep an eye on all the possible rumors and leads that the White Council would be interested in. And there's so many of them that he's learned and kept track as being one of the only wizards in Washington that he's stopped screening them out and assume they're all true. It's hard being taken seriously when he's trying to persuade someone that Monoc has currently been engaged in a turf war with Faerie for the control of America's biggest coffee shop franchise.