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  #1  
Old Dec 28th, 2014, 06:20 PM
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Dark*Matter: The Hoffmann Institute

Dark*Matter: The Hoffmann Institute
Hall of Fame Game 2007
CLOSED
0 positions open

Game System: Alternity 2.0 (2018) and Dark*Matter
Previously - d20 Modern/Past/Future (Acts 1-10), Fate Core (Acts 11-15), Alternity (16+)
Skill Level: Experienced preferred (no experience with Alternity needed)
Max # Players: 8
You've Been Pre-Approved!!: Previous Cast Members that complete the application process will automatically be ACCEPTED.
Post Frequency: Fast Paced - 1/3+ One post every three days or better.
Deadline: Stays open for at least one week and until until the positions are filled.

The Hoffmann Institute is Hiring: Read About Our Opportunities Here!

Imagine every story of alien visitors, psychic powers, occult lore, unexplained miracles, strange cults, and secret societies that you’ve ever heard. Now imagine if they were all true, and your job was to investigate them.

Welcome to the world of DARK•MATTER



Powerful organizations plot world domination, otherworldly forces infiltrate our power structures, and creatures from our nightmares lurk in the shadows. Working for a clandestine organization called the Hoffmann Institute, you explore hidden mysteries while eluding forces—both human and alien—that scheme to control the truth:

All that you see is not all that there is.


left-aligned image
Your character has been recruited (see “public” brochure) by the Hoffman Institute as a provisional mission specialist. If selected for inclusion as part of a mission team, your character will be given access to OSIRS (Operating System for Internal Real-time Security) at an appropriate level for the details of your mission.

Game Concept: Players will create characters that will become part of Hoffman Institute teams to complete specific missions. Some of theses missions will be short, and in time as the character grows and he/her security clearance and abilities increase, longer, more complex assignments will be assigned. Characters will navigate the complex organization of “The Institute” through each other while assigned to a team, and their OSIRS interfaced computer. Players will be expected to solve a few ‘real world’ problems to mimic character problem solving and to draw on “real science” and internet resources to guide their decision making. Players with backgrounds in technology, science, and/or history make preferred character candidates.

Example: Your character’s team finds itself near the little town of Charleston, South Carolina but everyone is missing! The Institute has dropped you in for “first look recognizance.” The last contact anyone had from the city was from an individual calling from what sounded like a military compound due to "Where We Go Everywhere we go - oh People wanna know - oh Who we are Where we come from So we tell them We are Tango Mighty Mighty Tango Rough - n - tough Tango Straight shooting Tango Who is Alpha, What is Alpha, Better than Bravo Big baby Bravo Better than Charlie Chicken chicken Charlie Better than Delta Dumb-dumb Delta Better than Echo Icky icky Echo We are Tango Mighty mighty TangoJodies" being heard in the background according to the OSIRS report filed by the audio specialist. Where will you start your search? (Now typically, most players will start barraging the GM with questions like, so what do I see? Is there a phone book? so and so on. In this campaign, players would be expected to do some research on the problem themselves and come up with at least a place to start.)

ExpectationsI will draw largely from the WOC setting, Dark*Matter. Players do not need either of these resources. I just want you to know what to expect.

Alternity is a skill-based system that is easy to learn. If you get Dnd 5e, you'll have no problem with Alternity 2.0. You will not be expected to buy anything. I'll post everything you need to know to play in our forums and explain it all in a way you can understand as we play. But, there are a few differences you need to know...

Alternity characters are fully developed and competent right out of the box. No zero to heroes here! Levels and classes don't mean much if anything in Alternity. You just get a bit cooler as you go.

There will be blood. The world is a deadly place. Hoffmann Institute agents will die. We serve, we will be of service. Don't worry though, The Hoffmann Institute Academy is back in full swing so raw recruits are usually available to fill the shoes of those that have fallen before them.


Where we are in the world of todayDark*Matter: The Hoffmann Institute was once one of the longest running campaigns on this site so there is A TON of in-game lore on top of one of the what is arguably WOC's coolest settings. It is important to know that we will be picking up the story a few years after the Hoffmann Branch Office in Charleston was destroyed in an explosion (the end of Act 15). Things have not been going well in the world since that time and much of the thin veil between worlds has worn visibly thin to the point where creatures and magic has started to return to the modern world. Most people understand something has gone terribly wrong but also choose to pretend that its "business as usual."

What remains of the Hoffmann Institute doesn't have that liberty.


How to apply with The Hoffman Institute as a provisional mission specialist:
right-aligned image


The layout format is yours decide. I hope you understand that this type of game is not for everyone so please bear with me if it takes a little longer to select players for this campaign and that I'm asking a bit more from an application.

1. Please read this before you apply: Its my gaming Foundational Principle and FAQ. If you have a problem with what you see there, please stop reading now and don't apply.

2. Character Concept: Tell us the story; how did you come gain the attention of the Hoffman recruiters? I'll leave you a few prompts below but please let this be a good example of what to expect from your writing. Tip: Go high on feeling and low on details.
Are you a Demon Killer Priest or a Gun Slinging Highwayman Avenger? Are you a modern black hat hacker or a white witch that discovered that all that stuff you read about is actually real? Its up to you... don't worry about the mechanics of the 'modern' part of it. We'll take care of that latter in the process. For right now, just narrate what is in your imagination as your character's concept. Remember please don't just tell us the facts, tell the story.

* Were you the sole witness to your parents abduction by Men in Black?
* While fighting in the jungles of South America did you encounter an other-worldly predator?
* Did you encounter a demon at the local Piggly-Wiggly in your small home town in Texas?
* When visiting the library did a book seem to call to you on the shelf and in time, reveal to you the mystic arts?
* Has fighting always come easily to you and then you discovered your inner chi?
* Did a camping trip under the big sky turn scary when you spotted a sasquatch?
* Was there an experience on your spring break trip to London that ended with a party and some unexplained bite marks?
* Computers are something you understand and love but one day it seemed like one of your programs was writing corrections to itself...

3. A 1st Level Character Alternity description as described here. Be sure your character description has these elements:
* Character Name (you make this up.)
* Character Archetype (you make this up. If you know FATE, this is like the High Concept)
* Character Headshot (google is your friend on this one.)
* Key Skills/Abilities/Talents (use the link below for this part)

4. I've set up character creation as a bit of a mini game for you. Follow this link to the thread that takes you through the process. Once you are done there, return to this recruitment thread and post your character 'here.' I hope you enjoy it!

That's all there is to it!!

I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with and as always, if you have questions or would like more details, please post them below.

Num Character Archetype Player Status
1https://www.rpgcrossing.com/showthread.php?p=8883812#post8883812TBA TBA Schroedingerdude Interest
2TBA TBA Cap Ut Interest
3Fintan Ağmuna Aware Oghain ACCEPTED
4Bobby Barone Streetwise Smarts Begon Ugo ACCEPTED
5Katey Ann Peters The Spy Next Door Oakie ACCEPTED


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Last edited by savoylen; Sep 20th, 2020 at 04:01 PM. Reason: Updating for 2019
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Old Dec 28th, 2014, 11:46 PM
SpatulaOdoom SpatulaOdoom is offline
Pretty cool Wyrm
 
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For those that don't know, Savoylen's Dark Matter campaign started way back in early 2006, making it a long running game indeed. It ran for several years before going on hiatus for a while and restarting in late 2013. I doubt it is the longest running game, but given that it's first game post is older than hvg3akaek's Three Evils by a month, it's the oldest still running game I'm aware of (unless Birched manages to kick The Perimeter back into gear).

Savoylen is an excellent GM and Fate is a great system for those who like imagination, storytelling, and flexibility.
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Old Dec 29th, 2014, 02:08 AM
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I've really wanted to try fate. Read up the rules and found it fascinating.

Will try to think up something. Any deadline?
If I read correctly you are looking for two players, correct?

Wow an extensive faq and great explanation of how to play fate. Great stuff, very informative and well written. Haven't fully read everything yet, but will look it all over.
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Last edited by Sageheart; Dec 29th, 2014 at 02:24 AM.
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Old Dec 29th, 2014, 12:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sageheart View Post
....Any deadline?
If I read correctly you are looking for two players, correct?
Initially about two weeks, but we'll run it until we have filled the positions.
I'm hoping to fill two team slots.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sageheart View Post
Wow an extensive faq and great explanation of how to play fate. Great stuff, very informative and well written. Haven't fully read everything yet, but will look it all over.
Thanks! I have a lot of respect for several systems out there, but I've really enjoyed watching Fate Core (FC) help drive the storyline. The Golden rule for us is, Story First, Rules Second. Thats actually FC's golden rule too!

What makes our game a bit different to all the other FC games out there, is that it is a conspiracy/mystery theme - so I can't put all the cards on the table 'face up'. That would kill the suspense that drives a conspiracy based game like D*M. So to get some of that back so to speak, the players will draw many of their details, clues, and solutions from RL material. I'm often as surprised where we end up as they are

Right now is a good time to add a player or two to our team because they have advanced through the organization to the point, that they are considering opening a "branch office" of their own in the south. The Institute is stretched a bit then at the moment - of course, there are a few plot complications to getting that going. Hiring some additional help 'could' help them move in the right direction, so that is where this recruitment is coming from

I'm looking forward to see your character concept! Remember, since you are new to FC, all you need to start is a Name, a High Concept (a phrase that describes the character's defining characteristic), a trouble (a phrase that encapsulates what keeps your character's life complicated or 'interesting'), and a little flavor text (short description). The rest is optional. Once selected, we can help you finish the rest of it if you like.

- Savy
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New here? Try a New Player Solo Game for 13th age, CoC, DnD, FATE, Pathfinder, Traveller.

Last edited by savoylen; Dec 29th, 2014 at 12:35 PM.
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Old Dec 29th, 2014, 02:54 PM
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Thanks again for the response. Very informative.

I read through the forum, even some of the game threads. Very cool stuff there, and great descriptions of the gameplay from you. Loved the exploration of Seasons vs. Arcs, and other such stuff. Well done. Excited to get this started.

Working out some ideas. As a Classical Fencer (8 years) I've always wanted to play a fencer on here.



 


 
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Last edited by Sageheart; Dec 30th, 2014 at 07:52 AM.
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Old Dec 29th, 2014, 03:22 PM
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@Sageheart

Looking good... nice start. I like the concept. Fun stuff!

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Old Dec 29th, 2014, 05:35 PM
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App Edited.
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Old Dec 29th, 2014, 09:29 PM
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What an odd coincidence. My character is the flipside of yours. Heavy on history and education, light on fencing from his anachronistic upbringing amid the landed gentry of Scotland. Both dealing with a game leg as well.
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Old Dec 29th, 2014, 10:56 PM
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I just wanted to throw my accolades into the ring for this game. It is by far the best most interesting game I have ever played. I have been playing in it since 2007 and I have loved every post of it.
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Old Dec 30th, 2014, 12:38 AM
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So, I've been scratching my head trying to figure out where these names sound familiar, and finally I remembered I had actually read some of the Dark*Matter novels back when I just had gotten out of high school. And this Fate Core system looks way interesting, so I'm going to give this the ole college try.

 


*Its a bit late at the time of this writing, so I will try and finish things in the morning.

App completed.
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Last edited by Shaman Of Ohio; Dec 30th, 2014 at 11:05 PM.
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Old Dec 30th, 2014, 01:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ogamodyna View Post
What an odd coincidence. My character is the flipside of yours. Heavy on history and education, light on fencing from his anachronistic upbringing amid the landed gentry of Scotland. Both dealing with a game leg as well.
Did realize we were so close. Hadn't fully read all the characters due to reading all of the posted mechanic threads. Didn't mean to be so similar. Should be interesting if we get to work together.
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Old Dec 30th, 2014, 02:21 AM
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Nice app so far Shammy. I like the government LEO aspects. We sometimes have to deal with counterparts in the more mainstream legal system in this game. Be nice to have someone who knows the games to play.
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Old Dec 30th, 2014, 04:09 AM
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Looks like a great game, so I will throw my hat into the ring. It is the first time I have looked at the Fate system, so let me know if there is anything else you wanted.

Application
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Dr. River McGurk
High Concept: Sociologist specialising in Cults
Trouble: Completely Paranoid –“Everyone’s trying to get me – Just say you never met me”

Physical: 3 Mental: 5 Fate: 3
Scale: Medium Consequences: 3

Skills:
+4 Social Science
+3 Investigate, Will,
+2 Deceive, Notice, Stealth,
+1 Physique, Shoot, Survival, Lore

Doctor River McGurk became interested in cults after growing up in Indian Ashram with his hippy parents until he was 13. His parents returned to Australia and young River never really fitted in. Academically he was a whiz kid and excelled at the University of Melbourne becoming a lecturer in Sociology. His area of expertise was Cults. His talent was spotted by ASIO and he was employed as an undercover operative infiltrating various organisations for a period of 10 years including the Rajneeshs, Scientologists and a little known group the Eighth Day.

McGurk is a brilliant analyst of human relationship and has amazing insight into group dynamics. He has practical and theoretical knowledge of behaviour modification and persuasion techniques. Since finishing up his fieldwork for ASIO he has become reclusive and paranoid. McGurk has become a bit of a survivalist nut and lives on an isolated property near the Daintree Rainforest. The position with Hoffman Institute interests him greatly as he believes, although he would never state it publicly, aliens or other forms of intelligent life maybe using cults and even social media as form of mind control and indoctrination. He would also welcome the chance to move overseas to escape the eyes that are always watching him.

Last edited by Neqq; Dec 30th, 2014 at 07:26 AM.
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Old Dec 30th, 2014, 07:53 AM
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Major edits done. Still WIP.
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Old Dec 30th, 2014, 02:59 PM
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Kevin McCormack
High Concept: Holy Rolling Skeptic
Trouble: Penchant for the psychedelic
Aspect 1: Used Mind Control on Flock (FX)
Aspect 2: Thinks someone used worse on him
Aspect 3: When words just aren’t enough, there’s bullets

Skills:
+4 Domination FX
+3 Rapport, Shoot
+2 Provoke, Investigate, Medical Science
+1 Will, Deceive, Resources, Law

Kevin is a bit of an eccentric soul. He believed in a Holy God, believed so hard that he led a small charismatic church by the time he was in his late 20’s. He still believes in a god, but he’s no longer sure it’s holy. Since leaving his Georgia-based church he’s spent his time (and some of the money he swindled from them) investigating the source of his own powers, sometimes believing that potent psychotropic drugs could hold the answers, if only their messages could be deciphered. He’s applied to the Institute hoping for a little steady income and he has a tip that his skills could be used with less harm there.

Last edited by Ssays; Dec 30th, 2014 at 03:03 PM.
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