Catsmate
13th Incarnation
No longer living in a bad adaption of "A Journal of the Plague Year".
Posts: 3,730
Favourite Doctors: Thirteen, Six, Five, Two, Eight, Twelve, Nine, One, Eleven..
Traits: Eccentric, Insatiable Curiousity.
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Post by Catsmate on Apr 4, 2022 15:24:32 GMT
Section 9J
Here is a bit of background from my gaming universe.
I've mentioned elsewhere that archaeology in the Whoniverse is a dangerous business, with a tendency to unearth things that are, well, Unearthly. Mind controlling artefacts, not-quite-dead aliens, Things From The Dungeon Dimensions, et cetera
So who keeps an eye on such dangerous individuals? In the UK it's UNIT's Section 9J, or officially UKARP (the United Kingdom Archaeological Review Panel). An obscure QUANGO1 attached to either the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, the Office of the Deputy Prime-Minister or the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs1, depending on who you ask. UKARP has the power to initiate, investigate, supervise, and if necessary, shut down archaeological digs in the UK and other British territories (like the Channel Islands). Officially it's of utterly negligible importance. Unofficially they've saved the world a few times.
Their man function is to ensure that no evidence of alien or paranormal creatures, artefacts, or activities is unearthed, except by appropriately vetted Section 9J personnel. Those personnel are archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, media specialists, lawyers, scientists, technicians and bureaucrats, mainly drawn from UNIT, though outside specialists are also used.
Section 9J personnel are not (generally) 'Authorised Officers' within the various Enabling Acts that governs the activities of UNIT, nor are they empowered by the various United Nations resolutions3. Neither are they police officers4 or hold military rank or powers. They are not armed (without the express, written and advance consent of the Controller). If agents get into a dangerous situation, they’re expected to depart rapidly or fort up and scream for help from mainstream UNIT forces or standard police channels, depending on the nature of the problem.
It should be noted that UKARP was originally attached to Torchwood, and absorbed into UNIT in the 1970s. Hence they are not necessarily fully trusted by UNIT and older agents may have Torchwood connections or contacts.
1. Quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisation.
2. Making good use of Matrix Management.
3. Starting with UNSC S231 of 1966 ("Resolution on Global Policy Regarding Vehicles, Life Forms and Technology of Extra-terrestrial Origin") which is the legal basis for UNIT, it’s operations, jurisdiction, organisation, funding and related matters. Adopted unanimously by the Security Council and later confirmed, less than unanimously, by the General Assembly.
4. Actually a few are sworn in as Special Constables.
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Post by grinch on Apr 4, 2022 16:44:12 GMT
Fascinating. I imagine they’ve probably dug up a few Osiran artefacts in their time (with probably the odd Osirian consciousness knocking about in a few of them) although a great many may have found themselves in the hands of private collectors or auctioneers of alien paraphernalia.
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Catsmate
13th Incarnation
No longer living in a bad adaption of "A Journal of the Plague Year".
Posts: 3,730
Favourite Doctors: Thirteen, Six, Five, Two, Eight, Twelve, Nine, One, Eleven..
Traits: Eccentric, Insatiable Curiousity.
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Post by Catsmate on Apr 4, 2022 20:00:05 GMT
Fascinating. I imagine they’ve probably dug up a few Osiran artefacts in their time (with probably the odd Osirian consciousness knocking about in a few of them) although a great many may have found themselves in the hands of private collectors or auctioneers of alien paraphernalia. Thanks! 9J was the fruit of a post-game discussion over the weekend, regarding the dangers of archaeology and how it would be 'managed'. A bit of background for a UNIT campaign (they haven't appeared in our games yet) but they do have potential for a PC group.I have a few more scenario ideas that I hope to post over the next couple of days.
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Post by grinch on Apr 4, 2022 23:07:32 GMT
It does occur to me that Section 9J has more than likely been responsible for overseeing digs which have unearthed Silurian hibernation chambers. Although as soon they discover evidences of Silurian activity, they probably have to call in UNIT to take over operations. Although, I could see a few members of Section 9J trying to map out potential Silurian sites. Considering the shifting of the landscape from prehistoric Earth to the modern day it’s easier said than done.
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Post by spydalek on Apr 5, 2022 7:19:23 GMT
It does occur to me that Section 9J has more than likely been responsible for overseeing digs which have unearthed Silurian hibernation chambers. Although as soon they discover evidences of Silurian activity, they probably have to call in UNIT to take over operations. Although, I could see a few members of Section 9J trying to map out potential Silurian sites. Considering the shifting of the landscape from prehistoric Earth to the modern day it’s easier said than done. Side-job for Section 9J. Mapping the Silurian bases around the world.
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Catsmate
13th Incarnation
No longer living in a bad adaption of "A Journal of the Plague Year".
Posts: 3,730
Favourite Doctors: Thirteen, Six, Five, Two, Eight, Twelve, Nine, One, Eleven..
Traits: Eccentric, Insatiable Curiousity.
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Post by Catsmate on Apr 5, 2022 7:40:01 GMT
It does occur to me that Section 9J has more than likely been responsible for overseeing digs which have unearthed Silurian hibernation chambers. Although as soon they discover evidences of Silurian activity, they probably have to call in UNIT to take over operations. Although, I could see a few members of Section 9J trying to map out potential Silurian sites. Considering the shifting of the landscape from prehistoric Earth to the modern day it’s easier said than done. Oh yes, it's likely that there are members of the section with their own interests and agendas, connections to academia and elements of Torchwood (assuming it's now stood down). There's also the possibility that some members have "souvenired" a few artefacts, perhaps for private study.
Hmm, imagine the opening scene for a campaign: It's the funeral of <insert name>, the Old Man, who'd worked for Section 9J since "the old days" and retired only a few months ago. A couple of his old friends are invited back to his house by his daughter, who seems distracted, and accept her offer (they're supposed to check and see if his home needs to be 'sanisited' of sensitive material, notes, et cetera.
There his daughter goes upstairs for a moment, only to disappear, seemingly into thin air. Eventually the police are called, and decide she's wandered off under the stress. Has she just wandered off? Was she disintegrated by some seemingly harmless keepsake (à la The Curse of the Bronze Lamp)? Been kidnapped by aliens? Fallen through the time-space portal her father was working on? Had her mind replaced by his and gone off to implement the nest part of his Great Plan?
Meanwhile back at the office the new boss is screaming for them to get back to 'real work'.
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Catsmate
13th Incarnation
No longer living in a bad adaption of "A Journal of the Plague Year".
Posts: 3,730
Favourite Doctors: Thirteen, Six, Five, Two, Eight, Twelve, Nine, One, Eleven..
Traits: Eccentric, Insatiable Curiousity.
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Post by Catsmate on Apr 5, 2022 7:45:03 GMT
It does occur to me that Section 9J has more than likely been responsible for overseeing digs which have unearthed Silurian hibernation chambers. Although as soon they discover evidences of Silurian activity, they probably have to call in UNIT to take over operations. Although, I could see a few members of Section 9J trying to map out potential Silurian sites. Considering the shifting of the landscape from prehistoric Earth to the modern day it’s easier said than done. Side-job for Section 9J. Mapping the Silurian bases around the world. "Don't worry, they're all safely asleep". Until someone tries to loot their base and sets off an alarm.....
Hmm, I'm getting a Journey to the Centre of the Earth vibe, lots of narrow tunnels, improbably large caverns, rockfalls, strange glowing fungi, animals mutated by Strange Emanations from the Silurian base, et cetera. Perfect for a running fight between a group of unarmed archaeologists and the Mad Scientist and his small army of machine-gun equipped mercenaries...
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Post by grinch on Apr 5, 2022 21:32:08 GMT
It does occur to me that Section 9J has more than likely been responsible for overseeing digs which have unearthed Silurian hibernation chambers. Although as soon they discover evidences of Silurian activity, they probably have to call in UNIT to take over operations. Although, I could see a few members of Section 9J trying to map out potential Silurian sites. Considering the shifting of the landscape from prehistoric Earth to the modern day it’s easier said than done. Side-job for Section 9J. Mapping the Silurian bases around the world. Certainly beats trying to map out the Sea Devil bases. I imagine that particular folder is sparse and filled with conjecture at most. With such possible locations as The Marianas Trench and The Bermuda Triangle being circled as possible locations.
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Post by spydalek on Apr 5, 2022 21:40:15 GMT
Side-job for Section 9J. Mapping the Silurian bases around the world. Certainly beats trying to map out the Sea Devil bases. I imagine that particular folder is sparse and filled with conjecture at most. With such possible locations as The Marianas Trench and The Bermuda Triangle being circled as possible locations. Technically speaking, the Sea Devils are a subspecies of Silurian so they're mapping those too. It's just a slower thing, because so many operatives go missing...
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Post by grinch on Apr 5, 2022 21:46:08 GMT
Side-job for Section 9J. Mapping the Silurian bases around the world. "Don't worry, they're all safely asleep". Until someone tries to loot their base and sets off an alarm.....
Hmm, I'm getting a Journey to the Centre of the Earth vibe, lots of narrow tunnels, improbably large caverns, rockfalls, strange glowing fungi, animals mutated by Strange Emanations from the Silurian base, et cetera. Perfect for a running fight between a group of unarmed archaeologists and the Mad Scientist and his small army of machine-gun equipped mercenaries...
Actually think such a scenario would work well as a lead in to a finale for a campaign. After managing to fight off the opportunistic Mad Scientist and mercenaries and put the Silurians back in hibernation one of their number suddenly gets an alert. One of the previously Silurian bases has suddenly become active. And another. And then another. And again another. All across the United Kingdom the Silurians are waking up... Obviously, it would be revealed that someone has stolen Section 9J's mapping of the Silurian bases and has begun simultaneously reviving them. But who is the culprit? Clearly a mole within their organisation but for what reason? Someone who wishes to possess their technology or merely some fanatic who believes that the Silurians should once again inherit the Earth?
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Catsmate
13th Incarnation
No longer living in a bad adaption of "A Journal of the Plague Year".
Posts: 3,730
Favourite Doctors: Thirteen, Six, Five, Two, Eight, Twelve, Nine, One, Eleven..
Traits: Eccentric, Insatiable Curiousity.
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Post by Catsmate on Apr 5, 2022 21:57:15 GMT
Side-job for Section 9J. Mapping the Silurian bases around the world. Certainly beats trying to map out the Sea Devil bases. I imagine that particular folder is sparse and filled with conjecture at most. With such possible locations as The Marianas Trench and The Bermuda Triangle being circled as possible locations. I assumed there was one around the Azores.
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Catsmate
13th Incarnation
No longer living in a bad adaption of "A Journal of the Plague Year".
Posts: 3,730
Favourite Doctors: Thirteen, Six, Five, Two, Eight, Twelve, Nine, One, Eleven..
Traits: Eccentric, Insatiable Curiousity.
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Post by Catsmate on Apr 5, 2022 21:59:14 GMT
"Don't worry, they're all safely asleep". Until someone tries to loot their base and sets off an alarm.....
Hmm, I'm getting a Journey to the Centre of the Earth vibe, lots of narrow tunnels, improbably large caverns, rockfalls, strange glowing fungi, animals mutated by Strange Emanations from the Silurian base, et cetera. Perfect for a running fight between a group of unarmed archaeologists and the Mad Scientist and his small army of machine-gun equipped mercenaries...
Actually think such a scenario would work well as a lead in to a finale for a campaign. After managing to fight off the opportunistic Mad Scientist and mercenaries and put the Silurians back in hibernation one of their number suddenly gets an alert. One of the previously Silurian bases has suddenly become active. And another. And then another. And again another. All across the United Kingdom the Silurians are waking up... Obviously, it would be revealed that someone has stolen Section 9J's mapping of the Silurian bases and has begun simultaneously reviving them. But who is the culprit? Clearly a mole within their organisation but for what reason? Someone who wishes to possess their technology or merely some fanatic who believes that the Silurians should once again inherit the Earth? Obviously it's their new boss, or rather whomever is pulling his strings.
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Post by grinch on Jul 2, 2022 13:30:34 GMT
It occurs to me that maybe members of Section 9J were responsible for unearthing the helmet that contained Publius’s’ consciousness. Then for whatever reason, maybe it was stashed among other Roman artefacts or sold off by a disloyal member to the Auctioneers it found its way into the hands of PROBE where they discovered its properties.
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Post by soultaker666212 on Jul 2, 2022 14:36:54 GMT
It occurs to me that maybe members of Section 9J were responsible for unearthing the helmet that contained Publius’s’ consciousness. Then for whatever reason, maybe it was stashed among other Roman artefacts or sold off by a disloyal member to the Auctioneers it found its way into the hands of PROBE where they discovered its properties. Or stored into The Vault and fell into PROBE hands when The Vault was under PROBE?
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Catsmate
13th Incarnation
No longer living in a bad adaption of "A Journal of the Plague Year".
Posts: 3,730
Favourite Doctors: Thirteen, Six, Five, Two, Eight, Twelve, Nine, One, Eleven..
Traits: Eccentric, Insatiable Curiousity.
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Post by Catsmate on Jul 2, 2022 22:56:54 GMT
It occurs to me that maybe members of Section 9J were responsible for unearthing the helmet that contained Publius’s’ consciousness. Then for whatever reason, maybe it was stashed among other Roman artefacts or sold off by a disloyal member to the Auctioneers it found its way into the hands of PROBE where they discovered its properties. Very plausible, it might not have been recognised as 'alien' and simply filed away until someone put it on. Or someone 'souvenired' it.
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Post by grinch on Jul 2, 2022 23:25:51 GMT
It occurs to me that maybe members of Section 9J were responsible for unearthing the helmet that contained Publius’s’ consciousness. Then for whatever reason, maybe it was stashed among other Roman artefacts or sold off by a disloyal member to the Auctioneers it found its way into the hands of PROBE where they discovered its properties. Very plausible, it might not have been recognised as 'alien' and simply filed away until someone put it on. Or someone 'souvenired' it.I rather like that. Most professional archaeologists usually don’t try on the relics they discover so the true nature of the helmet probably went unnoticed until it fell into PROBE’s hands. It was probably just discarded or overlooked for some more active alien artefact and was ultimately sold as a part of a collection of Roman artefacts. It went from private collection to private collection until PROBE got their hands on it. Ironic really, Section 9J lost not only a valuable resource into the ancient world but also information regarding one of humanity’s earliest attempts to defend Earth from alien threats.
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Catsmate
13th Incarnation
No longer living in a bad adaption of "A Journal of the Plague Year".
Posts: 3,730
Favourite Doctors: Thirteen, Six, Five, Two, Eight, Twelve, Nine, One, Eleven..
Traits: Eccentric, Insatiable Curiousity.
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Post by Catsmate on Jul 3, 2022 9:50:40 GMT
Very plausible, it might not have been recognised as 'alien' and simply filed away until someone put it on. Or someone 'souvenired' it. I rather like that. Most professional archaeologists usually don’t try on the relics they discover so the true nature of the helmet probably went unnoticed until it fell into PROBE’s hands. It was probably just discarded or overlooked for some more active alien artefact and was ultimately sold as a part of a collection of Roman artefacts. It went from private collection to private collection until PROBE got their hands on it. Ironic really, Section 9J lost not only a valuable resource into the ancient world but also information regarding one of humanity’s earliest attempts to defend Earth from alien threats. Hmm, if you wanted a less than professional archaeologist to cause problems/be possessed then I'd recommend a student; 'volunteers' are often roped in to work on digs during holidays. If 9J didn't detect anything odd about the helmet (and failed to pass it on to UNIT proper) then it'd be entirely likely for it to go to a museum or collector, and hence to PROBE. Where it can cause trouble....
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