Task Force Hermes

During the The Great Cyber War (2030-2036), Prof Mag and The Ordo Via formed a covert investigation and special operations unit to locate and retrieve significant works of art and culture to prevent their loss to humanity. This unit – Task Force Hermes — was composed of a mix of highly-skilled Mag School alumni and private security contractors.

Type: Thread

Position: STF | ?.?

Setting: 2031-2044 | The Labyrinth (HQ), Various

Teaching Points

Initially, I thought of a single mission or series of missions that would introduce players to various fine arts periods/genres and famous pieces as a way to foster art appreciation. The idea has grown from there.

History:

Art/culture theft and destruction in times of war. Efforts to save art and culture during wars.
Cultural movements and events that gave rise to great works of art.

Art:

Major art periods / genres
Major/representative works of periods and masters
The art collection industry
Issues of artist compensation in the art trade

Science:

Physics & chemistry related to investigating and preserving art and rescuing it. Esp as relates to covert ops.
Coding: hacking into systems holding art hostage.

Proposed Gameplay

Training missions to form the elite Hermes team
On going “detective” missions to locate missing items of significance.
On going “rescue” missions to acquire these items and place them in safe storage.

Dragon’s Tower

The Labyrinth

Story Outline

Story outlines use [7] The Seven Questions and [7] The Shape of Stories frames for their structure.

Why | Theme / Plot Potential

Caring About Culture. Revelation 21:24-26 — the glory and honor of kings and nations will be gathered into the Kingdom of God in the New Jerusalem.

Alpha | Imperative

Beta | Situation & Setting

What (Internal) | Characters

Prof Mag (minor role) – Oversight, Funding Consultation

[Primary Investigator] – In charge of detective work prior to missions

[Investigator’s Assistant] – Mag School student in apprenticeship

[Strike Team: research squad roles, and typical role playing team roles]

What (External) | Challenge

The team is covert since the legality of the missions would be considered “grey area,” and arguments of what to do with the liberated cultural items would further imperil their future.

Who | Meetings

How | Events

Assault on a pillager stronghold to liberate several pieces.

Using command blocks to freeze or blind mobs.

At some point, the command blocks stop working due to mysterious force. Is it MARTIE?

Crux | Climax

Maybe a huge job that, once completed compromises the identity of the squad and requires them to retire.

Where | Character Review

To What Extent | Connections

A significant amount of art is left in the Labyrinth vault due to the work of this team. This art is once again in jeopardy as The War of the Americas threatens MetroCity and the old site of Mag’s School. There should be a future covert op/ engineering mission to move this art, maybe first to Star City, but then on to a Remnant facility.

Teaching Points

Proposed Gameplay