Operation Conclusion and Interlude - Fri, Sep 9, 2016

The session begins with a casual discussion about social media and notable figures related to Delta Green, such as Sandy Peterson and Dennis Detwiller, with Chris expressing an interest in engaging with them online.

Chris mentions Caleb Stokes, the writer of the “God’s Teeth” campaign, sparking a humorous exchange about his name and contributions to Delta Green.

Luke, the Handler, mentions a recording link, indicating a transition towards more serious gameplay elements.

As the conversation shifts, there’s a focus on technical setups and background noise, with Luke stepping away to address a distraction from his wife’s activity.

Luke returns, and the group confirms they are ready to continue, with a discussion about McCarter’s questions during a previous session and attempts to recall specific details.

The conversation turns to the bizarre coincidences and supernatural experiences the agents have encountered, with McCarter expressing concerns about possible communication from a supernatural entity.

The agents reflect on past strange occurrences, such as birds and bats behaving erratically, raising questions about the nature and source of these events.

McCarter shares his belief that something is trying to communicate with them, eliciting varied reactions from the group, with Drummond appearing sympathetic.

A discussion ensues about the nature of the supernatural influence, with references to hypergeometry and entities of supernatural origin.

McCarter claims that the entity referred to itself as “God,” prompting a debate about the nature of this claim and the possibility of an alien hacker or supernatural being.

The agents consider the implications of Kalamatiano’s notes, suggesting she believed in a god-like entity and sought power from it, but did not consider herself a god.

The group discusses the possibility that the entity or person behind their experiences wants them to kill certain individuals, referred to as “unsubs” or unidentified subjects, possibly relating to the children involved in their investigation.

Steel Monroe speculates on the motivations of the entity, questioning whether it aligns with the actions of the babushka, who might have sought to harm the children.

Discussion on the Entity’s Influence:

• Robert (playing McCarter) expresses uncertainty about the entity’s role in the previous events, specifically its involvement in killing “the babushka.”
• Mark (playing Monroe) agrees, questioning the entity’s intentions and whether it truly assisted them.
• McCarter mentions the entity communicated with him and acknowledges that his experiences might align with schizophrenia symptoms.

Drummond’s Reaction:

• Chris (playing Drummond) checks his gun and apologizes to McCarter, metaphorically indicating a need to take drastic action, possibly referring to the stress of the situation on McCarter’s mental state.

Rabies Analogy:

• Chris makes a comparison to rabies, suggesting that McCarter is like someone with rabies needing treatment, which is discussed humorously by the group.

Monroe’s Concerns:

• Mark, as Monroe, expresses worry about the entity possibly using McCarter as a conduit and the potential dangers of deriving power from it.
• McCarter insists that the power he used was from a different source, unrelated to the current concerns.

Group Dynamics and Mental Health:

• Drummond and others suggest McCarter seek help for his mental health, emphasizing the stress they are all under and the need for recovery.
• The conversation shifts to McCarter’s personal life, joking about his complicated marital status and the impact of their work on personal relationships.

Investigation Loose Ends:

• Robert inquires about the investigation, particularly about identifying a third person from the images, and learns there was no name found, just a facial recognition hit from Florida.
• Discussion reveals that although police are on the lookout, the investigation is paused, and the group is advised to take a break.

McCarter’s Use of the Book:

• Monroe advises McCarter against using the book of spells they found, concerned about its influence.
• McCarter debates the utility of the spells but acknowledges the potential danger.

Decision on the Book:

• McCarter offers the book to the group, expressing trust in them to use it wisely.
• He decides to give it to Cortez (Brian’s character) as the leader, who jokes about focusing on reversing a specific spell, “Withered Genitals.”

Handling of the Book:

• The group discusses whether to destroy the book, with Monroe being particularly adamant about its dangers.
• They ultimately decide to keep it locked up, not turning it over to external authorities like Pizzarelli.

Operational Concerns:

• The group acknowledges they have no hot leads and need a break, with Pizzarelli indicating they will return to the investigation soon.
• The session ends with the decision to hold onto the book, understanding its potential dangers and opting for caution.

Discussion on McCarter’s Fate:

• Brian, playing David Cortez, mentions the potential necessity of killing McCarter, which is echoed by Chris, playing Graham Miles Drummond, who jokes about being resigned to the idea. This reveals a tension and dark humor within the group regarding their missions.

Delta Green Procedures:

• Robert, playing Matthew McCarter, inquires about the strictness of Delta Green concerning the turnover of mission-related materials. Luke, as the Handler, explains that McCarter has limited knowledge of these procedures, having only participated in meetings related to folklore and the occult.

Clarification on Delta Green’s Stance:

• The group discusses the organization’s expectations regarding the handling of sensitive documents. Chris and Luke confirm that Delta Green would likely disapprove of agents keeping such materials.

Interactions with Mission Materials:

• Brian, as Cortez, is seen handling a document that is of interest, and there is a humorous moment where Mark, playing Steel Monroe, pretends not to notice Cortez with the document in hand. Brian acknowledges that Cortez is aware of the importance of the document but is unsure about the exact contents.

Chris’s Character Concerns:

• Chris expresses concern over the safety and well-being of McCarter, urging him to take care of himself. This highlights a level of camaraderie and concern among the agents, despite the dark humor.

Transition to Personal Lives:

• Luke describes the agents returning home after the mission, emphasizing their fatigue and the relief of rejoining their families. This serves as a transition to personal scenes after the intense mission.

Player Break and Humor:

• The group takes a break, with Robert mentioning McCarter’s need for a drink, followed by a humorous exchange among players about the implications of “taking care of” McCarter.

Sanity Mechanics Discussion:

• The players engage in a discussion about the game’s sanity mechanics, focusing on the challenges of regaining sanity and the risks involved, such as losing sanity during therapy or personal pursuits.

Personal Pursuits and Home Scenes:

• Luke prompts the players to consider their characters’ trauma and personal lives, encouraging them to focus on the consequences of their missions at home. He invites players to share ideas for their home scenes.

Drummond’s Home Scene Setup:

• Chris outlines an idea for Drummond’s home scene, where his brother Danforth visits due to Drummond’s unexplained absence. This interaction is intended to explore the strained bond between Drummond and his brother.

Role Assignment for Danforth:

• Mark is selected to play the role of Danforth, Drummond’s more successful lawyer brother. The scene is set to explore their relationship dynamics and Drummond’s personal struggles.

Chris discusses his character, Graham Miles Drummond, revealing he is married, then divorced, with three daughters.

Luke, the Handler, sets the scene where Drummond arrives unexpectedly at his home, unaware that his brother Danforth is present.

Mark inquires whether the location is their parents’ home or his home, to which Luke confirms it is Drummond’s home.

Chris states he keeps his personal and private life separate. Brian adds that Drummond’s wife is surprised to learn he has a brother.

Luke establishes that Drummond’s wife, Ellie, is present at the scene.

Chris requests Luke to role-play as Ellie Drummond, adding humor by asking him to use a specific voice.

Luke, as Ellie, expresses worry and relief at Drummond’s return, noting attempts to contact him.

Chris acknowledges Ellie’s concerns, apologizing for his absence and attributing it to work obligations.

The narrative unfolds with Drummond’s brother, Danforth, extending his visit due to Drummond’s disappearance, intending to support Ellie.

Mark confirms Danforth is on Drummond’s list of bonds, implying a significant relationship.

Luke indicates the scene’s purpose is to depict Drummond’s deteriorating relationship with Danforth.

Chris continues to apologize to Ellie, explaining his work constraints and the impossibility of communication.

Luke highlights the tension by reminding Drummond that it’s been years since his last disappearance, referencing his time in Afghanistan.

Drummond expresses exhaustion and hunger, signaling emotional and physical fatigue.

Luke describes the kitchen setting with takeout containers, wine, and a candle, suggesting an intimate dinner scene.

Mark, as Danforth, urges Drummond to understand the impact of his actions on loved ones, emphasizing Ellie’s concern and Danforth’s own struggles.

Chris portrays Drummond as dismissive, attributing his absence to work and expressing frustration over Danforth’s lecture.

The conversation escalates as Danforth criticizes Drummond’s neglect of family responsibilities, while Drummond deflects by highlighting Danforth’s past marital issues.

A heated exchange ensues, with Drummond accusing Danforth of projecting his failures onto him, and Danforth accusing Drummond of hiding behind his duties.

Chris depicts Drummond’s internal conflict, torn between his duty and the personal sacrifices it demands.

Chris emphasizes Drummond’s unwillingness to discuss his experiences, reflecting the burden of secrecy and stress.

Mark, as Danforth, decides to leave, urging Drummond to reconsider his priorities and warning against letting family suffer due to his absence.

Danforth exits dramatically, gathering his belongings with an air of finality, highlighting the strained relationship.

Luke notes Ellie’s silent reaction, not intervening in the brothers’ argument, reflecting her learned detachment.

The scene concludes with Danforth leaving the house, affirming his disapproval of Drummond’s choices.

Luke transitions the scene to focus on Robert’s character, Matthew McCarter, discussing his strained relationship with his ex-wife, Isabella.

Robert envisions a family dinner scenario, suggesting occasional gatherings despite a poor relationship.

Luke suggests legal matters or issues concerning their daughter Cecilia as potential reasons for McCarter and Isabella’s interaction.

Robert considers the possibility of cessation of alimony payments as a contentious point, given Cecilia’s adulthood.

Luke proposes the notion of McCarter, with legal assistance, attempting to stop alimony payments, adding a layer of complexity to their dynamic.

Drummond’s Perspective: Chris expresses that Drummond holds a grudge against McCarter, indicating tension between the two characters.

Law Office Scene Setup: Luke describes the setting as a law office where McCarter and his wife are discussing matters with their respective lawyers. McCarter’s lawyer is a woman in her mid-30s, matching McCarter’s preferences, and his wife’s lawyer is an older man with thinning gray hair.

Character Interaction: Chris suggests that McCarter’s wife’s lawyer is Drummond, adding a layer of complexity to the interactions. The scene is characterized by McCarter receiving disapproving looks from his wife, reflecting her disdain towards him.

Background on McCarter’s Marital Issues: The conversation reveals McCarter’s history of infidelity, suggesting he had multiple affairs, and that his wife discovered this after repeated incidents. This led to a tumultuous divorce process.

McCarter’s Children: It’s noted that McCarter had children with Dasha, his affair partner, which complicates his family dynamics. His relationship with his daughter Cecilia is still strong, partly because Cecilia is on good terms with Dasha.

Divorce Details: The details of McCarter’s divorce are discussed, including the strain it placed on his relationship with his daughter Cecilia, especially after the traumatic events at Cornucopia House.

Paranoia and Financial Concerns: The conversation shifts to McCarter’s paranoia about his undisclosed Delta Green income, which is not being reported in his alimony payments. This becomes a point of contention in the divorce proceedings.

Legal Strategy and IRS Concerns: McCarter’s lawyer advises him on the risks of not declaring his Delta Green income, warning that his ex-wife’s lawyer might report him to the IRS, prompting McCarter to consider settling to avoid IRS scrutiny.

Scene Resolution: The negotiation concludes with McCarter being forced to agree to higher alimony payments, despite his frustration and anger at the situation. The tension between McCarter and his ex-wife is palpable.

Cortez’s Home Scene: The narrative shifts to Cortez returning home. He checks his personal email and finds a message from his uncle Edgar. Without opening it, Cortez chooses to delete the email, indicating a desire to distance himself from his past connections.

Session Transition: The session ends with a brief pause for players before continuing with more home scenes for other characters, allowing them time to contemplate their next moves.

Scene Transition: The session begins with a focus on player Mark, who discusses burning a bond with his son, Caleb. This bond reflects Caleb’s early courage and resilience, which once inspired Steel Monroe but has since faded as Caleb grew older.

Character Background and Scene Setting: Mark elaborates on Caleb’s current life stage, describing him as an aimless young man in his early 20s, struggling to find his path. Steel Monroe, Caleb’s father, is portrayed as somewhat distant, often critical, and not very empathetic, leading to a strained father-son relationship.

Role-Playing Caleb: Player Brian is asked to play Caleb, adopting the role of a young man whose father does not understand him. The scene is set with Caleb working on a beat-up motorcycle, a symbol of his efforts to find direction.

Interaction Between Steel and Caleb: Steel approaches Caleb, suggesting he check the fastenings on the motorcycle, which Caleb dismisses, indicating a history of such unsolicited advice. Steel brings up community college programs, a recurring topic of discussion, emphasizing his hopes for Caleb’s future beyond hobbies.

Character Dynamics: Caleb’s retort about a neighbor, Steve, whose father is home every night, underscores the perceived lack of presence and understanding from Steel. Despite Steel’s efforts to push Caleb towards a more structured path, Caleb remains non-committal, highlighting the disconnect between them.

Shift to Another Player: The narrative transitions to Brian’s character, David Cortez, who, despite his recent sanity loss, doesn’t project it onto his bonds. Brian remarks on the lack of a specific home scene, noting that his children are now adults, leaving him primarily with his wife.

Dream Sequences: The session explores vivid dreams experienced by the characters. Monroe dreams of sitting in a forest clearing with a child, surrounded by ominous, unseen creatures, culminating in a disturbing sense of anticipation and the child’s bloody, sharp-toothed maw. Monroe wakes with unease.

McCarter’s Dream: McCarter walks a gray road with a child, encountering a house with children playing, juxtaposed against a backdrop of corpses. The dream ends with a feeling of satisfaction and fullness, reflecting a sinister undertone.

Cortez’s Sleep: Cortez avoids a dream, waking from a potential nightmare with a sense of stress, highlighting his mental fatigue.

Drummond’s Reaction: Drummond opts to wake up from his sleep, engaging in mundane activities like doom scrolling to distract himself, a reflection of his character’s coping mechanism for stress.

Discussion on Personal Pursuits: The session shifts focus to the agents’ personal pursuits, with discussions around choices that affect their sanity and bonds. McCarter contemplates studying the unnatural, hinting at his inclination towards understanding the mysteries they’ve encountered.

Mechanics of Personal Pursuits: The session covers the mechanics involved in personal pursuits, such as the impact on bonds. McCarter decides to study the tattoos on suspects, a choice that aligns with staying on the case, suggesting his deep investment in unraveling the ongoing mysteries.

Session Mechanics: The GM, Luke, guides the players through the mechanics, reminding them of the rules and consequences of their actions, such as reducing bonds when focusing on personal pursuits rather than maintaining relationships.

Agent McCarter’s Investigation: Robert discusses the investigation into the occult significance of tattoos, emphasizing a connection to a cult. Luke makes a secret roll for the investigation.

Sanity Mechanics Discussion: Chris and Brian discuss the impact of rolling for sanity, with Chris noting the potential for sanity loss. Luke informs that a secret roll indicates the tattoo of a toothy maw on an unnamed man is significant, linking it to the Iron Wolves Motor Club, a biker gang based in Florida, identified as having a neo-Nazi connection.

Research Findings: Luke describes McCarter’s findings, including news articles connecting the gang to crimes, although no recognizable individuals are named.

Sanity Roll Outcomes: Robert rolls a 1 on 1D6, resulting in a -2 sanity loss, hitting his breaking point. Luke explains this would result in a new disorder unless Robert chooses to project onto a bond, which he does.

Projection onto a Bond: Robert decides to project onto a bond, reducing a bond by two, avoiding acquiring a new disorder.

Willpower Recovery: Chris inquires about willpower recovery, and Luke confirms it returns after sleep, unless it is a fitful sleep.

McCarter’s Personal Pursuit: Luke describes McCarter’s personal pursuit as researching tattoos online, spending significant time on Instagram.

Cortez’s Personal Pursuit: Brian considers having Cortez study the unnatural tome he received, but due to time constraints and lack of translation resources, he opts for fulfilling responsibilities. Cortez plans a trip with his wife to visit his daughter at Boston College.

Family Visit Details: Brian describes Cortez spending quality time with his family in Boston, enjoying sights, meals, and a hotel stay, resulting in a successful bond roll.

Drummond’s Personal Pursuit: Chris chooses to have Drummond go back to nature, initially considering therapy but opting for a weekend retreat. Drummond returns to work briefly before taking a short trip to New York City.

Travel Complications: Luke reveals Drummond is on a no-fly list, forcing him to drive to New York City. In New York, he immerses himself in solitude and cultural activities, reducing a bond by one.

Alertness Check and Incident: Luke asks Chris to make an alertness check, which fails. Subsequently, Drummond is unexpectedly struck by a bat in New York City, leading to a series of checks for rabies and sanity.

Sanity and Constitution Checks: Drummond successfully makes a sanity check but fails a constitution check, indicating potential complications.

Steel Monroe’s Reaction to a Bat Attack: Steel Monroe experiences an unusual attack by a bat in New York City. Despite the bizarre incident, the public remains indifferent, with only a few people glancing at him before continuing on their way. Monroe, expressing frustration, discusses the commonality of rabies shots in the city due to such incidents.

Rabies Test and Shots: After the bat attack, Monroe decides to have the bat tested for rabies. The test confirms that the bat had rabies, but Monroe does not. Nevertheless, he receives a series of rabies shots as a precaution.

Skill or Stat Improvement: The characters discuss the possibility of improving skills or stats. Monroe chooses to attempt improvements in alertness and constitution. He successfully increases his alertness significantly, rolling a high improvement, but fails to improve his constitution due to spending too much time with family rather than focusing on physical training.

Impact on Bonds: Due to focusing on skill improvement and other pursuits, Monroe and other agents reduce one of their bonds by one point, reflecting the strain on personal relationships caused by their secretive activities.

Receipt of a Mysterious Package: Each agent receives a small package at their home, as expected from Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonia Pitzerelli. The package contains innocuous items, but the shipping label includes a string of numbers that provide a date, time, room number, and return address, directing them to a meeting in Washington, D.C., at the Attorney General’s office.

Preparation for Washington, D.C. Meeting: The agents prepare for the upcoming meeting scheduled for September 9th in D.C. Drummond informs his wife about the impending trip, as suggested by Pitzerelli, to lay the groundwork for another absence from home.

Session Conclusion and Next Steps: The session concludes with plans for the next session, where the agents will begin their briefing in Washington, D.C. The campaign will progress to the next chapter, titled “WHITE TEETH.” The GM, Luke, mentions the existence of optional scenarios, explaining that they will be part of the campaign, with the current scenario being the fourth.

Discussion on Campaign Structure: There is a brief discussion about the structure of the campaign, revealing that the agents are currently on the fourth chapter, with a total of eleven planned, some longer or shorter than others. The previous chapters were “RED THOUGHTS” and a span covering 15 years.