One shot - Temporal Probability Agency using Strands of FATE

[joshuha]

Running my first one shot of Temporal Probability Agency using Strands of FATE as the RPG system starting Saturday 12 PM CST (GMT-6). I expect the session to last 2-3 hours with the first 30-35 minutes getting people familiar with the Strands of FATE ruleset and the FATE rules themselves.

For those that are unfamiliar with FATE I would ask you read these series of articles (you can skip the last one). https://stuffershack.com/table-of-contents/special-projects/playing-with-fate-learn-how-to-play/. This will give you the core idea about what FATE is all about but it doesn't really explain all the mechanics, I can do that in game. Also a good review of Strands of FATE that goes a little into the mechanics is here https://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/15/15255.phtml.

Temporal Probability Agency is a modern setting put out by Apathy Games that deals with a time computer sending information back into the present to agents who try to prevent bad things from happening. Note its designed as a fun setting though and does have a sprinkling of humor in the adventures. More on the TPA below.

Normally I would use a mic and require the players at least login to a ventrilo or skype session to listen as it makes OOC and game rules questions much quicker but my headset is in a moving truck with my other stuff on the way up from Florida at the moment.

Also I do have an Ultimate license so if you are still exploring the idea about Fantasy Grounds you can install the unregistered client for free.

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Server is up, alias is epic ogre cold keep
Or you can use the IP 69.180.161.211

[joshuha]

Welcome to the TPA!
You have been chosen as our latest recruit. This may be quite unexpected and sudden for you, and you probably have many questions.

What is the TPA?
You have probably heard of us. We have been around since the year 2000, making small changes to the timeline. Perhaps you have seen our substation in your local mall. Since our inception, we have prevented terrorist attacks, space shuttle explosions, wars, and simple accidents. We have a computer that keeps track of multiple news and data sources, and then analyzes that information for ways the recent past could be changed to make things better. It sends those objectives back in time, and it is our job to effect those changes.

A time computer?
Yes! The computer is called the Temporal Probability Analysis and Manifest Destiny Enforcement Synthetic Intelligence, or TPAMDESI, but like the rest of us, you can just call it Daisy. Daisy cannot send objects through time, only information. And no, it cannot be used for personal reasons.

Why was I selected?
Because you are unique. Daisy determined that in the entire population of the world, you had the absolute best probability of successfully completing a group of connected, upcoming missions. It was then simply a matter of making sure you got this information at the correct time.

What do I do?
Chances are this pamphlet came with additional instructions. Just carry out the objectives given to you. If you cannot find additional instructions, continue with your day as normal, and instructions will be provided when needed.

Don’t worry about doing something wrong; Daisy has already taken your personality into account.

Does this mean I can kill indiscriminately and rob banks?
No. Despite what TPA antics you may have seen on TV, it is expected that you will behave in accordance with the rules of society. You are given plenty of leeway, and a certain degree of immunity in how you accomplish goals, but we do not appreciate a lack of common sense.

What about compensation?
Generally, you will be notified beforehand of the amount you will be paid for completing goals. When your tasks are complete, just report to the nearest mall substation to receive your pay.

What about equipment?
We will provide you with the tools that are most statistically likely to ensure your success. They may be issued to you at a substation, or provided to you on location when needed.

What if you get me killed?
While that has happened on occasion, it is rare.

Daisy’s knowledge of events both limits harm and allows emergency help to be dispatched prior to an actual injury. Even if you are harmed, help should arrive shortly. If the worst should happen, all field agents have an extensive medical and life insurance program.

Ask at a substation for more information.

[joshuha]

Pre-gen backgrounds. If you are a definite for showing up and a particular background jumps out at you it will be whoever claimed him first on this thread.

The Cowboy (Claimed)
For the Cowboy, leaving the farm was an easy choice: too much land, too few people, but mostly not enough doctors. Struck with an ailment no local quack could diagnose and a new found desire to experience life, she traded away wrangling flesh and blood bulls for mechanical ones.

Stoic in the face of an unknown illness, she seeks answers through medical specialists. She needs to know what and why—maybe even whom. Daisy, seeing this willingness to upturn her life for a greater good, selected the Cowboy as an ideal candidate for the TPA.

The Gadgeteer
From birth the Gadgeteer has been a fiddler, the moment he was able to disassemble items he began to recombine them in new, yet (much to his parents dismay) typically non-functional ways. Over the years his aptitude and curiosity have only increased.

Anything he can get his hands on gets changed. Give him two bits of string, some gum, and a paperclip and he’ll make you a nuclear bomb and then go on to tell you how you’re too slow to understand the finer details of cognitive architecture and how it’ll strongly influence the future.

The Patriot (Claimed)
The Patriot is a TPA man through and through.

After being honorably discharged from a decade of military service, he grew restless. He tried anything: private security, bodyguard, high-risk international courier. Wherever there was need, he was there, but he grew consumed with a sense that he was intended for something more.

The TPA didn’t find him. He found them. He trained until he could handle any challenge, and then put himself anywhere danger might arise, knowing that Daisy would have to choose him eventually. Now he serves with the heart of a man who has found his destiny.

The Wireman
Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean the TPA won’t call upon you. The Wireman is an ex-intelligence operative who remembers a time when “getting the wire” was the difference between knowing and bluffing. Despite a sordid and interesting past, she is a true professional, and is unlikely to disclose much of her history as a trained interrogator.

For the Wireman, words and knowledge are power; she has seen her fair share of situations, none of which she couldn’t talk her way into or out of. When the TPA needs someone where they shouldn’t be, the Wireman is a perfect asset.

The Boxer (Claimed)
An amateur-circuit champion touting a no-loss record, the Boxer is hounded by people looking for favors or offering a shot at “The Big Time.” These well-wishers see the Boxer as a tool to be used for their own benefit, a tool easily discarded after his usefulness is concluded. One could argue that Daisy sees him the same way, but it seems that he is willing to forgive as long as he gets to hit people for a good cause.

While perhaps lacking brains, the Boxer does pack brawn. Years of fighting have left the Boxer clueless about most things—except punching people in the face.

The Dropout (Claimed)
Growing up in the city’s low-rent housing was rough at the best of times.

By age six, the Dropout found sanctuary in libraries. He consumed knowledge voraciously, focusing on practical survival skills. He learned to navigate, outsmart, deal, and beat his way through life. Even when his parents were home they weren’t there for him. Repeatedly coming home to find a locked door encouraged him to learn ways into and out of places where he wasn’t wanted.

Daisy sees the Dropout as a versatile tool in the TPA arsenal. While young and occasionally troubled, he is endlessly curious and ready for action.

The Scalpel (Claimed)
The Scalpel saw her parents murdered before her eyes. Although she saw the killer brought to justice, the experience left her hollow and angry.

She had decided to end her own life when the TPA brought her into its embrace, and she feels indebted to them for giving her life meaning again. She sees her work as the only reason to go on living, and will end her life if the TPA dismisses her.

Daisy picked the Scalpel to be the surgical tool that her name implies. When the TPA is in need of stealth or a silent take-down, the Scalpel cuts through challenges like no other.

The Stuntman (Claimed)
Following instructions piped through the car radio, the Stuntman drove her car over the wall of the studio lot where she was filming and dropped directly on top of a serial killer’s Prius. She found herself suddenly looking for full-time employment, and the TPA happily obliged.

She can drive anything with wheels, and almost anything without. If you need to get somewhere in a hell of a hurry and don’t care about your paint work, the Stuntman will make it happen. She has also made the Cannonball run, twice, and competes in any legal or illegal racing she can find.

[aerine]

*beg whine whimper and grovel*

[XpressO]

I'm in, taking The Dropout, thank you very much.

[aerine]

I will be there tomorrow, and I would like the Scalpel

[mr_h]

I am out of town this Saturday (and mountain biking), but if you ever do a one shot again, I'd love to try out the setting.

[Andugus]

I'm going to snap up the Stuntman and witness both FATE and TPA in action. Thanks for putting this together Joshuha.

[joshuha]

Just as a note only the first 4 characters have provided portraits, the last 4 listed do not. So if you want to find an appropriate portrait (around 63x63, PNG) please be my guest.

[kalmarjan]

Josh, count me in! That would be 11 am my time, right? How long is the session about? I would like the boxer!

[jh127876]

Im compleatly new to FATE but would like to give it a try, would be a def show. PM me if you would like me in the group, Change the pronoun and I can be Cowboy(can I make my own)

[joshuha]

Im compleatly new to FATE but would like to give it a try, would be a def show. PM me if you would like me in the group, Change the pronoun and I can be Cowboy(can I make my own)

Would be glad to have you. You can change it to a he but I would find a portrait that you would like to represent your character then. The pre-gens are already created, if I ever turn TPA into a full fledged campaign (there are multiple adventures/arcs in the series) I will let players create their own.

[joshuha]

Right now we have 5 which is a good number I will accept maybe 1 more for a 6 person group. However, anyone still interested after that go ahead and post because if we have a no show I will PM you or you can hang out in the FG chat tomorrow before the game just in case.


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Update: Had a friend who is claiming the Patriot to make us 6 and a full group.

[joshuha]

Ok guys Had 1 person cancel and 1 person trying to get their internet repaired before we start. However, even if they both end up not being able to make it that leaves 4 which is fine.

Also, I got a call from my movers and they will be here this afternoon instead of tomorrow. It may be as early as 2 PM which couldn't potentially mean I need to cut the session a little early but we'll have to play it by ear. We may be done by then or they may show up later.


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Server is up, alias is epic ogre cold keep
Or you can use the IP 69.180.161.211

Give it about 5-10 minutes to download the ruleset.

[kalmarjan]

Cool Josh.. what is the alias I need? Also, here is a pic of the boxer...

[joshuha]

Well things could have went better hehe. A few people had time zone issues and had a couple of cancellations. Ended up with 2 of the original 6 showing up and we recruited another from the FG chat. We went through a quick run down of FATE and began the adventure and then my movers promptly showed up early. So I had to call the session and do apologize for that.

I am quickly unpacking though and hope to attempt this again within a week and will start a new thread and try again. Next time I will link to a handy time converter to make it a bit easier.