Sources and Methods: a design-contest draft of a tabletop RPG about being in the FBI
This is an unplaytested first draft of a satirical tabletop roleplaying game created for a design challenge that may itself be a joke. Therefore one should not infer or assume anything about the political positions of the author based on the content of this document. Furthermore, I can promise that it is an original RPG designed for this contest and is definitely not a training exercise from an American organization acquired through clandestine means by Russian hackers.
Sources and Methods: a single-player RPG about being in the FBI
Working for the FBI is important and prestigious, but it's also fun! With these rules and the power of your imagination you can get a taste of what it's like to work for the FBI.
What's the situation?
You are a high-ranking FBI official. You have been requested to appear before a congressional oversight committee. Your staff has prepared a memorandum with some talking points on the subject of an investigation of extreme public interest. Naturally you will have the final say about what is reported to the committee.
What you'll need to play
- These rules
- A printout of your staff's memorandum (attached below)
- A black permanent marker for redacting things
Step 1: Choose a character to play:
Step 2: Read the memorandum. Use your redacting marker to eliminate any parts you would rather the committee not hear.
Step 3: Decide whether you would like to leak the memo to the press before your congressional appearance. If so, scan or photograph the redacted memo, then choose any social media account you have access to and post the image there.
Step 4: Simulate your appearance before the committee: Read the redacted memo aloud. Then say that you would be happy to answer any questions in a closed session where secrecy can be maintained but are unable to provide any further information in an open session.
Step 5: Reflect on what a wonderful person you are and how great you feel about yourself.
Here is the memo from your staff. Print it out before play so you can complete Step 2:
I feel like I already have an actual published RPG to play the follow-up sessions for yours.
[rummages around in his shelves] Ah ha!
MSG(tm): the Executive Edition
Replace "evil corporation" with "standard government" and everything else works just fine.