KA. Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 I am not sure of the genre yet, I am thinking of something set in the modern age, but with more of an upbeat, two-fisted, pulpy feel. That part is not the problem. The problem is the occupation of the party. My concept is this, a mixed group of characters with various useful background skills and some type of negative past. For example, a mixed group of ex-military types, who met during a group therapy session at a VA facility. (Think 'The A-Team' but with a little less silliness.) The random group forms a friendship and decide that they want a little less excitement in their lives. So they go into business together dong something seemingly mundane. That is the part I need help with. Movers? Carpet Cleaners? The point is, I want something that doesn't seem exciting, but can easily be tied in to all sorts of weird adventures. Basically the idea is that they don't want any sort of trouble, but they keep getting drawn into it, and when they do they have the skills to deal with it, even though they don't really want to. Also, between being slightly distressed veterans, and dealing with things like zombies, aliens, cults, etc. they really prefer to keep things quiet. I have an idea for a tagline at the end of each adventure, with one of the characters saying something like: "We probably shouldn't bring this up in group . . ." Any ideas on possible occupations? KA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenbriar Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. theatre cleaner most overnight jobs overnight convience store clerk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
csyphrett Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. That part is not the problem. The problem is the occupation of the party. Movers? Carpet Cleaners? Basically the idea is that they don't want any sort of trouble, but they keep getting drawn into it, and when they do they have the skills to deal with it, even though they don't really want to. Also, between being slightly distressed veterans, and dealing with things like zombies, aliens, cults, etc. they really prefer to keep things quiet. Any ideas on possible occupations? KA. Plumbers. The founders of the Ghost Hunters work for Rotor Rooter. CES Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtelson Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. A Band? Crew of a Road Rules style reality show? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Liaden Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. Plumbers. The founders of the Ghost Hunters work for Rotor Rooter. CES Taking this further -- general housing contractors. Plumbing, concrete pouring, bricklaying, carpentry, wiring, painting and insulation, furniture and decorating, as well as clearing out old structures. This justifies applying knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering, chemistry, demolitions, geology, transport and construction vehicle driving and maintenance, architecture and surveying. Possible scenarios: breaking into a hidden chamber and releasing Something Bad; discovering a buried treasure, or body, at a construction sight; being hired by criminals to level the home of an innocent family; discovering evidence of toxic waste dumping; running afoul of a corrupt union; being hired to construct a secret bunker for mysterious purposes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba smith Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. Package delivery i think dark champions woul fit these characters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peregrine Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. A Band? I like this one. If you can find it, the old Hero System Almanac 2 has an article entitled "So You Want To Be A Rock'n'Roll Star", which gives ideas for Heroic Rocker characters. Just let the PCs have enough points to be both Heroic Rockers and Action Heroes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobGreenwade Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. They could work for Roto-Rooter! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sinanju Posted June 26, 2009 Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. Maybe they start a company that specializes in cleaning up crime scenes. Such companies exist. When someone is murdered (or kills himself), after the police are done, you can hire them to come deal with the situation. Clean up all the blood and gore from floors, carpets, furniture, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Monster Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. My first thoughts also were plumbing/general contracting. It gives them a reason to go just about anywhere, on new construction (are you sure this wasn't an old indian graveyard?), repairs (rats. with six-inch claws. riiiight.), or remodeling (you want this room perfectly round, with no corners? why?). They'll also deal with all different kinds of people, cultures and languages. Given the vagaries of contracting, it also gives them a little slack in dealing with deadlines and materials, and they can have a fairly wide range of locations. Plus they have a ready supply of weapons*ahem*tools, and one or more small-truck vehicles. For a little more excitment - and a reason to have some exotic chemicals available - make it a pest-control company. Again, go-anywhere, meet-anyone job, with good reason to pry into dark places. Taxi drivers? Excellent if you want a late-night, somewhat noir flavor; great for that go-anywhere, meet-anyone potential (even more so if the firm includes a limo or two for those higher-paying customers); and a ready supply of 'innocent' NPCs to get into/out of trouble. Even normal events can be dangerous, but not too much for battle-hardened vets to handle. Gives them vehicles and radios ready at all times (and you can add an NPC as the cranky, harassed dispatcher). A delivery-truck firm gives almost the same work, but with less direct public interaction. I like the band idea, but I'd be more tempted to use it as a hobby rather than their regular job. Though a 'sultans of swing" vibe, where some have regular jobs and some are 'full-time' musicians, might make for interesting interactions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Monster Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. A Band? Crew of a Road Rules style reality show? That could be fun; being the roadies for a local band or a venue. They aren't on stage during the concerts, but have to be around to prevent trouble. And they have to keep it quiet. Considering some of things musicians and their fans get up to... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtelson Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. They open a bar? Problems can come to them, there can be issues with the location, the staff, the regulars ... the irregulars... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Mackinder Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. I really like the pest exterminators idea - excellent cover for being just about anywhere whilst carrying all sorts of bizarre equipment. Also a built-in way of convincing innocent bystanders to evacuate the area ("The stuff we use is REALLY toxic, so it's best if you leave for a while, etc..") Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GhoulMaster Posted July 5, 2009 Report Share Posted July 5, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. I like the idea of Movers. I'll add to those saying "general contractors." Repairs more than building. Landscapers. A lot similar to contractors. Plus all the "fun" of the great outdoors. Cleaners (not just carpet, the whole house/office). Running a bar or a restaurant is good, but the PCs would be tied to one location a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trencher Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. Safty inspectors. Social services. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nothere Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. I'm with Bubba. Package delivery/transportation. It seems simple enough. You get the box/ person at point a and take them to point b. But you never know what the person hiring you is up to, whats in the bag, or what your going to find at the other end. A clean cut young woman hires them to deliver an object to an art gallery. The knock and no one answers. So they try the door and the owner's body falls on them. Now his blood is on them, and one of them accidently touched the knife. Shame the cops can't find the woman they clamed hired them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawnmower Boy Posted September 17, 2009 Report Share Posted September 17, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. "Special Deliveries Our Specialty!" -Go to 1213 Chestnut. Go through the front door. There's a hole in the wall. Walk into it. Turn to the left. See the castle? It's right through the woods, and the postern guard will sign for the package. Watch out for boojums. -Fat Tony wants you to deliver this to the Old Man. Don't mention his name. Don't worry about any noises it makes. Deliver it only to him, and get out fast when he receives it. -I want you to deliver this to my great-great granddaughter. No, I can't tell her where she lives. Her mother hasn't been born yet. Fortunately, I'm willing to wait a hundred years for delivery. -This organ is going to a very special patient at Campaign City General. -The kidnapper wants a shoot from the tree in from our front yard. No, of course I don't know why. I just know I want my daughter back, and I can't call the police. -Just cut a circle in the hayfield and stand in the middle. There will be guys along shortly to give you the package. I want you to bring it to me. But run away if they're grey-skinned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Makiaveli Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. I too was thinking along the lines of plumbing/construction but the Pest Control would work best I think. My reasoning is same as the others above, it covers them moving around to new places around the city/county, old and new buildings, etc. The evacuation excuse is a bonus. And like someone mentioned, rats are the cause of alot of hauntings, so many plot hooks there. The problem I see with a bar or Stop-N-Rob (conv. store) is that you have to stay put and wait for trouble to come to you and then go hunt it etc. The OP said that the PCs didn't want to look for trouble, it just found them. Now that's no reason they can't hang at a bar that has troubles, think Cheers with issues or make friends with a store clerk (they have to go somewhere when they get the late night munchies), ie they stop in and stock up on snacks on the way to a job and maybe he drops some hints on a job for them. Unfortunately for them, he really is a certified Freak Magnet.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SSgt Baloo Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. I am reminded of the character called in to fix the wiring in House II, the Second Story, portrayed by John Ratzenberger. "There's your problem. Looks like you've got some kind of alternate universe in there or something." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawnmower Boy Posted September 19, 2009 Report Share Posted September 19, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. I am reminded of the character called in to fix the wiring in House II' date=' the Second Story[/url'], portrayed by John Ratzenberger. "There's your problem. Looks like you've got some kind of alternate universe in there or something." That was exactly what I was going for in one of my examples. Missable movie, classic moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Mackinder Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. I am reminded of the character called in to fix the wiring in House II' date=' the Second Story[/url'], portrayed by John Ratzenberger. "There's your problem. Looks like you've got some kind of alternate universe in there or something." Hmm. Adam Savage of 'Mythbusters' has always been fond of using that line "There's yer problem ..." , and I have always wondered who / what he was quoting or misquoting or otherwise channelling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kickback Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. Security consultants. Caterers. Efficiency experts. Traveling salespeople. Pilot/flight attendant. Film crew. Bike courier. Temp. Escort. Package tour bus driver/tour guide. Julie, your cruise director. But band is my favorite. I'm imagining a cross between A Team and Josie and the Pussycats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lawnmower Boy Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. ... Package tour bus driver/tour guide.... Now there's a perfect setup for a mashup campaign. "Mordor? You know it's not exactly high season there, right? I've got another group booked through to Coruscant via Tatooine, could get you aboard, all mod cons? No? Okay, look, there's going to be a layover and bus/driver change at Rivendell. And it won't exactly be a bus. You okay with that? [sigh.]" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kickback Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. I would totally take that trip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clonus Posted September 25, 2009 Report Share Posted September 25, 2009 Re: Campaign Idea . . . almost. Rosemary and Thyme used landscapers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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