Paranormal Phenomena Investigation Cadres
"Whoa. Get a load of this!"
To be a vampire is to know that there are things that go bump in the night, monsters in the closet and a whole host of mysterious horrors hiding in the world’s shadows. Each covenant of Kindred has its own way of dealing with this, including the inevitable conclusion that there are scarier things out there than the Kindred themselves. The Carthian response is unique: they form committees, bureaus and offices. This practice originated in Germany; in fact, where The Ordo Dracul failed to ingratiate themselves with the Nazis (see Ordo Dracul, p.27), some Carthians succeeded. Some of the Materials seized from Dragon havens made their way into Carthian hands during this time, starting the spread of a Carthian subculture fascinated with the occult. Little came of this fascination, however, and the committees in Germany were disbanded with the fall of the Third Reich.
The idea did not die, however. Lupines and stranger things continued to spark interest in Carthians of various stripes, and the successes of the Sonderbarergenissebüro (Bureau of Strange Events) were whispered of in secluded corners where everyone involved knew of the gravity of the world’s occult secrets. New offices were created in several different American cities, as well as in Europe, though the original title of these bureaus was dropped in favor of something more professional-sounding to modern ears. Several names circulated for the groups, including the derogatory nickname “Ghostbusters,” but the official name that became most common was the Paranormal Phenomena Investigation cadre. In more formal speech and writing, the abbreviations PPI, PPI Bureau and simply “the Bureau” are also used.
These cadres have had some notable successes, and some dreadful failures as well. One American team is reported to have successfully laid to rest over 100 hauntings, either by proving them false or actually driving out the ghosts somehow. This reputation is tarnished by several imitator teams, though, who have been known to fake hauntings just so they can “flush them out.” This is not a popular scam, though; Carthian urban legend says that one such team was caught by a real ghost, and forced to stand stock-still outside the haunted house until the sun burned them to ash.
PPI cadres often run into other, more quantifiable supernatural archetypes as well, from werewolves to mystery-weaving sorcerers. Wise PPI cadres build these relationships carefully, as dealings with such creatures reveal them for the thinking individuals they are, and not a fear-tainted stereotype. In Carthian domains that host PPI cadres, look to these Kindred to be among the most in the know about the actual habits and affairs of other supernaturals.
Similar to many Carthians, early adopters in the PPI phenomenon have usually published manifestoes. Anybody with Covenant Status (Carthians) may have heard of them. One of the most widely circulated came from a Carthian identified only as Nathan, entitled, “The Necessary Qualities of a Paranormal Investigation Team.” The document makes no specific reference to Kindred abilities, though there are vague references to “extrasensory Perception” and a few other points where any of the undead could easily infer the use of a Discipline. Because of the vague nature of the manifesto, no great outcry went up when it was discovered to be available online. (The online version can be discovered with a successful Intelligence + Computer roll.)
In addition to a variety of relatively good, though vague, advice on effective paranormal investigation procedures, Nathan’s document includes a short statement on the value of such investigation: “We have all seen more than we admit of monsters. Many of these monsters are entirely human, but not all. There is a monstrous quality in all of us. We can never overcome it if we do not seek to understand it. By understanding the outer monster, the inner beast may be conquerable. If a werewolf rages, and can be stopped, perhaps a bane can be found for any man’s rage. If a ghost seeks revenge, and can be placated, perhaps all our differences can be solved. The simple danger presented by the unknown is insignificant compared to the lessons to be learned. If any great work is to be completed in this state, we must overcome all enemies, within and without. This can be done only through understanding.”
The reference to “great work” rather than “experiment” at the end leads some to believe that Nathan may have held at least joint membership in The Ordo Dracul, not an uncommon occurrence at all for early PPI adopters. His moral curiosity is far from the norm, though; mostly the inquiry conducted by these groups is of a more scientific nature, or driven by a specific goal such as making communicative inroads with a local Lupine pack.
The idea did not die, however. Lupines and stranger things continued to spark interest in Carthians of various stripes, and the successes of the Sonderbarergenissebüro (Bureau of Strange Events) were whispered of in secluded corners where everyone involved knew of the gravity of the world’s occult secrets. New offices were created in several different American cities, as well as in Europe, though the original title of these bureaus was dropped in favor of something more professional-sounding to modern ears. Several names circulated for the groups, including the derogatory nickname “Ghostbusters,” but the official name that became most common was the Paranormal Phenomena Investigation cadre. In more formal speech and writing, the abbreviations PPI, PPI Bureau and simply “the Bureau” are also used.
These cadres have had some notable successes, and some dreadful failures as well. One American team is reported to have successfully laid to rest over 100 hauntings, either by proving them false or actually driving out the ghosts somehow. This reputation is tarnished by several imitator teams, though, who have been known to fake hauntings just so they can “flush them out.” This is not a popular scam, though; Carthian urban legend says that one such team was caught by a real ghost, and forced to stand stock-still outside the haunted house until the sun burned them to ash.
PPI cadres often run into other, more quantifiable supernatural archetypes as well, from werewolves to mystery-weaving sorcerers. Wise PPI cadres build these relationships carefully, as dealings with such creatures reveal them for the thinking individuals they are, and not a fear-tainted stereotype. In Carthian domains that host PPI cadres, look to these Kindred to be among the most in the know about the actual habits and affairs of other supernaturals.
Similar to many Carthians, early adopters in the PPI phenomenon have usually published manifestoes. Anybody with Covenant Status (Carthians) may have heard of them. One of the most widely circulated came from a Carthian identified only as Nathan, entitled, “The Necessary Qualities of a Paranormal Investigation Team.” The document makes no specific reference to Kindred abilities, though there are vague references to “extrasensory Perception” and a few other points where any of the undead could easily infer the use of a Discipline. Because of the vague nature of the manifesto, no great outcry went up when it was discovered to be available online. (The online version can be discovered with a successful Intelligence + Computer roll.)
In addition to a variety of relatively good, though vague, advice on effective paranormal investigation procedures, Nathan’s document includes a short statement on the value of such investigation: “We have all seen more than we admit of monsters. Many of these monsters are entirely human, but not all. There is a monstrous quality in all of us. We can never overcome it if we do not seek to understand it. By understanding the outer monster, the inner beast may be conquerable. If a werewolf rages, and can be stopped, perhaps a bane can be found for any man’s rage. If a ghost seeks revenge, and can be placated, perhaps all our differences can be solved. The simple danger presented by the unknown is insignificant compared to the lessons to be learned. If any great work is to be completed in this state, we must overcome all enemies, within and without. This can be done only through understanding.”
The reference to “great work” rather than “experiment” at the end leads some to believe that Nathan may have held at least joint membership in The Ordo Dracul, not an uncommon occurrence at all for early PPI adopters. His moral curiosity is far from the norm, though; mostly the inquiry conducted by these groups is of a more scientific nature, or driven by a specific goal such as making communicative inroads with a local Lupine pack.
Structure
Organization: While PPI cadres exist for the benefit of The Carthian Movement, they maintain Contacts in the other covenants for obvious reasons. Any Carthian with Status in the Movement and another covenant at the same time often has the PPI’s attention, because such Carthians are considered highly reliable sources for the Bureau’s purposes. Carthian Dragons are especially valuable, because of The Ordo Dracul’s tendency to amass occult knowledge even if it’s unrelated to their specific mission of transcendence.
Duties of the PPI usually come in two parts: analysis and fieldwork. The analysts are in charge of caseby- case objectives, but the field teams are self-governing when pursuing those objectives. Both teams tend to be small, topping out at five or so Kindred each. Analysts are more likely to keep Ghouls than field agents. Retainers are helpful as extra help, but generally just get in the way of field ops. The two teams sometimes work closely with each other, or sometimes resent each other. Both models work out for different reasons, and each has its own failings. Very close teams tend to make more mistakes, feeling less need to check each others’ work. Antagonistic teams, of course, have teamwork problems. Neither solution is perfect, but Carthians are used to experimenting with imperfect systems.
The teams often change themselves up to keep everything fresh, switching members between the field and analysis teams to bring new insight to different problems. The method of leadership varies as well, with teams sometimes functioning as direct democracies within themselves, or sometimes electing a leader. Leaders are chosen based on votes sometimes, but, more often, if one Kindred is chosen to lead, it’s because of specialized knowledge important to the current objective. Field teams are more likely to need a leader; analysts have little requirement for quick decision-making.
Duties of the PPI usually come in two parts: analysis and fieldwork. The analysts are in charge of caseby- case objectives, but the field teams are self-governing when pursuing those objectives. Both teams tend to be small, topping out at five or so Kindred each. Analysts are more likely to keep Ghouls than field agents. Retainers are helpful as extra help, but generally just get in the way of field ops. The two teams sometimes work closely with each other, or sometimes resent each other. Both models work out for different reasons, and each has its own failings. Very close teams tend to make more mistakes, feeling less need to check each others’ work. Antagonistic teams, of course, have teamwork problems. Neither solution is perfect, but Carthians are used to experimenting with imperfect systems.
The teams often change themselves up to keep everything fresh, switching members between the field and analysis teams to bring new insight to different problems. The method of leadership varies as well, with teams sometimes functioning as direct democracies within themselves, or sometimes electing a leader. Leaders are chosen based on votes sometimes, but, more often, if one Kindred is chosen to lead, it’s because of specialized knowledge important to the current objective. Field teams are more likely to need a leader; analysts have little requirement for quick decision-making.
Culture
Appearance: PPI cadres often prefer formalwear in the field such as dark suits, ties and sunglasses, owing to the effectiveness and professional mien such attire suggests. They can even get away with this look, since Kindred have no trouble seeing in the dark. Analysts, on the other hand, usually dress informally except when presenting briefings and conducting debriefings. Depending on the teams in question, they may not even dress up at those times if they don’t feel they need to impress their field team for one reason or another. This can grow out of trust, or a simple disregard for the importance of the field agents’ opinions.
Assets
Haven: PPI cadres have simple needs. They may lease office space or may have temporary havens in close proximity to cases they investigate. PPI Carthians are generally a paranoid bunch, because the creatures they deal with are often hostile, inscrutable or territorial. Thus, the most popular solution is to find an out-of-the-way, defensible building, and set up shop.
In addition to meeting rooms, personal offices with computers for each analyst and sleeping accommodations, PPI havens should have good storage space. Valuable or not, PPI investigations produce paperwork. Keeping these records is generally considered to be one of the more important parts of the job the PPI agents do for the covenant. If any Carthian in the city is having a supernatural problem outside of Kindred society, the PPI is expected to search their files to help their fellow Carthians with such problems, providing information and possibly even training and direct assistance in methods to cope with the sources. Thus, these files are kept under heavy security. If they are stolen or destroyed, the PPI can expect to lose favor very quickly.
In addition to meeting rooms, personal offices with computers for each analyst and sleeping accommodations, PPI havens should have good storage space. Valuable or not, PPI investigations produce paperwork. Keeping these records is generally considered to be one of the more important parts of the job the PPI agents do for the covenant. If any Carthian in the city is having a supernatural problem outside of Kindred society, the PPI is expected to search their files to help their fellow Carthians with such problems, providing information and possibly even training and direct assistance in methods to cope with the sources. Thus, these files are kept under heavy security. If they are stolen or destroyed, the PPI can expect to lose favor very quickly.
History
Background: Salient skills are the first thing a nascent PPI cadre looks for when adding members. Most have college degrees or exemplary qualifications in relevant fields of study or activity. Degrees in social sciences and humanities are valued for insight into the stories of monsters passed down by the kine, as well as physical science degrees (especially forensics) for attempting to analyze various kinds of physical evidence. Other degrees might be sought out for people and management skills, or to acquire funding. Of course, the degree of discrimination in a particular city depends on who starts the cadre. The less educated and serious the founders, the less strictly the guidelines are followed.
Type
Political, Activist
Alternative Names
PPI
Ruling Organization
Parent Organization