The Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense The B.P.R.D. was founded in late 1944 by Professor Trevor Bruttenholm to combat various occult threats uncovered in operations against Nazi Germany. It initially had strong links to the United States Army Air Forces and was based at a military airbase in New Mexico. By 1948, the Bureau relocated to a custom built facility in Fairfield, Connecticut. It maintains strong links to various branches of the United States Armed Forces to this day. It is a private organization that receives funding from several major governments (mostly the United States and United Kingdom, although other countries like Canada, Japan, France, and Italy have been mentioned). Professor Bruttenholm served as director until the late 1950's when he stepped down to return to field work. The current Director is Dr. Thomas Manning. Since the 1970's, additional paranormal agents have joined the ranks, such as Liz Sherman, Abraham Sapien, Johann Krauss, and Ben Daimio. The B.P.R.D. is the premiere human organization charged with protecting America and the world from the occult, paranormal and alien threats that would otherwise destroy it. In addition to protecting the world from these threats, the B.P.R.D. also functions as a cover up agency designed to keep the common man from learning of magical dealings and situations, for the vast bulk of humanity cannot handle nor would believe the truth were they confronted with it directly, as widespread knowledge of the eldritch abominations from the vastness of the eternal void would spell the doom of humanity should they ever become widely worshiped and acknowledged. Outside of dealing with the horrors of the unknown, the B.P.R.D. also handles management and control over more sensitive matters, such as the capture of monsters, some interaction with fae-folk, and conflict with occult cells and groups operating around the world. Additional Information: World and Characters Players in this game are expected to take up the roles of various rookie agents in the B.P.R.D. These agents can be almost anything, from mundane humans with exceptional training and skills to enhanced talents agents with paranormal traits, be they hereditary or gained through unknown means. Players are expected to have somewhat original ideas if they choose to chase roles as Enhanced Talents Agents. Knockoffs or imitations of existing characters from the Hellboy Universe are not going to be excepted. The game takes place in 1984, before the advent and rise of the global internet network. The closest thing to the traditional internet that we know and love available to the PC's would be ARPANET . Which primarily connects various universities and educational institutions from across the united states. The vast majority of research in this game will be done through books, tomes, and under advisement from various experts. Smart characters will go far. Mechanically speaking, this game is going to be played using Savage Worlds Core, the Savage Worlds Super Powers Companion (2nd edition), and a small amount of personalized DM created content. You do not need to own either of these books or have experience with the system to apply, just know that it runs fast and it runs loose. Prey to RNJesus. Players shall start as Novice characters with 15 points worth of Power Points from the Super Powers Companions. Note that these points can be mechanically used to represent exceptional skill and talent, rather than literal superpowers. These points can also represent magical equipment, with a great example from the B.P.R.D. comic books being field agent Ted Howards and his hyperborean sword. As a GM? I am narrative focus and don't bother with maps. If this rustles your jimmies, this may not be the game for you. If violence, sex, mutilation, monsters, satanic imagery, religious elements, lovecraftian horror, ghosts, and potentially one sided combat situations also rustle your jimmies, this may not be the game for you. The first session is currently scheduled to take place on Saturday the 30th, from 9 PM - Midnight EDT. As it stands, this time is inflexible, but this may change in the future. We are likely going to be using google hangouts for communication. If you have any questions or uncertainties, feel free to post below or ask me directly via private messages.
