DoubleZero: Detective Agencies
 |
A faction toolkit for DoubleZero: Modern Roleplaying
The rain pelted against the window of the Columbia Detective Agency¸ a steady drumming that seemed to match the rhythm of the city outside. Inside¸ Detective Roy Darrow sat at his desk¸ his eyes flicking back and forth between the computer screen and the folder of case files in front of him. He had been working the case for weeks now¸ following leads and chasing down dead ends¸ but he still couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right. As he sipped his coffee¸ he heard a knock at the door and looked up to see a new client standing in the doorway¸ rain dripping from her coat. Another case¸ he thought to himself¸ and pushed aside his fatigue to focus on the task at hand.
A detective agency is a private organization that provides investigative services to clients in need of assistance in solving a crime or finding information. Typically¸ these agencies employ experienced and skilled investigators who use a variety of tools and techniques to gather evidence and information¸ including surveillance¸ interviews¸ and research. An agency could provide player characters with the opportunity to engage in detective work¸ solving mysteries and tracking down leads in a variety of settings. Whether operating as a criminal investigation team¸ a group of private investigators¸ or a specialized unit within a larger organization¸ a detective agency could add a layer of intrigue and suspense to any roleplaying setting.
This book includes: Factions: The central organizations for DoubleZero: Detective Agencies¸ including their purpose¸ how they're organized¸ the resources at their disposal¸ and key supporting characters. Worldbuilding: How to utilize and develop the setting elements you'll need to successfully run DoubleZero: Detective Agencies¸ including the genre¸ setting¸ theme¸ and tone. Characters: Information on the types of player characters¸ antagonists¸ and supporting characters most appropriate for DoubleZero: Detective Agencies. Adventures: Elements you'll to run DoubleZero: Detective Agencies adventures. This chapter covers the premise¸ goals¸ obstacles¸ and stakes¸ and includes a selection of plot hooks to get you started.
A copy of DoubleZero: Modern Roleplaying is needed to play.
Why a Toolkit?
Roleplaying is a creative and collaborative activity. A large portion of the joy it brings is from making up the things that add to the experience. The reason DoubleZero: Detective Agencies is a toolkit and not a highly developed setting with tons of worldbuilding details is so there's room left for your imagination. While it can be cool to read setting guides that cover everything down to the last detail¸ in play it can box you in and make you feel that your own ideas don't fit or aren't valid. The goal here is to give you as much as you need to get started¸ then step aside and let you turn this into whatever you and the other players want it to be.
Content Warnings
Here is a list of potential content warnings that might come up while using a detective agency in a modern roleplaying scenario:
Abuse: Depictions of emotional¸ physical¸ or sexual abuse¸ which may include characters experiencing or perpetrating abuse. Death: References to mortality and fatalities¸ which may include descriptions of murder¸ suicide¸ or accidental death. Drug Use: References to drug addiction or drug-related criminal activity¸ which may include depictions of drug use or trafficking. Gore: Depictions of graphic or disturbing imagery¸ like mutilation¸ dismemberment¸ or excessive blood and gore. Human Trafficking: References to the illegal trade of humans for exploitation or forced labor¸ which may include kidnapping or slavery. Mental Health: References to mental health issues¸ including trauma¸ anxiety¸ and depression¸ which may include depictions of characters struggling with these conditions. Racism: References to discriminatory attitudes and practices based on race or ethnicity¸ which may include characters using racial slurs or engaging in hate crimes. Sexual Content: This may include depictions of sexual activity or references to sexual violence¸ like rape or sexual harassment. Violence: This may include depictions of physical harm and injury¸ like fighting¸ shootings¸ or assaults.
It's important to consider the comfort level and boundaries of all players when planning a roleplaying series¸ and to provide content warnings for any potentially disturbing material.
The DoubleZero System is a tabletop roleplaying toolkit. First designed for action¸ espionage¸ and thriller adventures¸ the skill-driven tabletop roleplaying system is perfect for mysteries¸ police procedurals¸ and crime dramas based on your favorite television series¸ movies¸ and novels. DoubleZero works with any "realistic” modern setting that doesn't lean into magic¸ the supernatural¸ or superpowers.
Lightspress Media is a tabletop roleplaying company with a lo-fi approach. The utility of content takes precedence over ostentatious production value. Graphic elements should enhance the message of the text¸ not act as page filler and eye candy. Physical books need to be compact¸ portable¸ and sturdy. This minimalist aesthetic results in powerful toolkits that are both useful and affordable. After all¸ tabletop roleplaying isn't the book. It's the creativity and collaboration that takes place around the tabletop.