There is an underlying plot element starting to heat up that aims to put some PCs and the Wardens in direct conflict with Murder Incorporated. Here’s how we will address the way this plot, involvement in it, and opt outs will work at Dystopia Rising: Colorado, as this conflict has the potential to generate bleed for players. The information in this post regarding Murder Inc. should be considered Out Of Game information, should not be taken as In Game knowledge, and is provided solely to give OOG context and background to those looking to get involved in this plot line.
Who are the wardens?
The Wardens are a group of law enforcement who work at the behest of the Financial Institutions to keep a certain minimum threshold of order in Lorado. The Marshal (the head Warden of an area) of Barker Meadow is bounty hunter Ephraim Butcher and his posse, the Hangmen, who have set their sights on Murder Incorporated, a mysterious group that they believe to be a threat to the safety of the Greater Wastes.
What is Murder Incorporated?
Murder Incorporated is a secret network of ritualistic assassins engaged in a sweeping conspiracy in service of what they see as the “Greater Good” of the Wasteland. Its existence is largely unknown in the wastes: if mentioned at all, it is in whispers and rumors. (If you know, you know, but for the most part, especially if you do not have Criminal Influence, you won’t know until someone tells you.) The local MI Families are established groups with their own resources that could be valuable allies, but are also under suspicion in Butcher’s hunt.
This plot line will see these two forces, and player characters on both sides, brought into direct and bloody conflict with potentially lethal consequences.
how plot engagement and optING out will work
You may — before engaging with this plot — choose to completely opt out of it, no questions asked. Please notify an Operations lead of your intent to do so. Your character's name will be kept out of any information trading, and should it come to light that you are part of MI, will be ignored by the Wardens. You MAY NOT engage with this plot in any way if you choose to opt out — with the exception of being able to attend other MI events where this might be discussed such as general MI meetings and activities. If you decide you wish to join the plot at a later time, you must inform Sorin.
While engaging with this plot, you are considered to have consented to involvement and consequences that come from this — up to and including character death. If you decide, after engaging in the plot, that you would like to deescalate and disengage, you must speak to Sorin in order to do so. If you are triggered by an action occurring in the moment, please take care of yourself and leave situations that may be harmful to your OOC mental health, then seek out Sorin at the earliest possible opportunity.
There are four ways that the Wardens could find out about a character’s criminal involvements:
The character was seen out of disguise by an enemy while participating in a Criminal or Murder Inc. module.
The character was brought in for questioning and forced to reveal their criminal involvements while under interrogation.
The character’s name was willingly given by another PC — this is a CvC action and should be negotiated between involved parties beforehand.
The character’s name was unwillingly given by another PC under the effects of an interrogation. Note: This is not a CvC action, as the player providing the information would not have had any control over what information they provide.