Ghostbusters

[Pierrew]

So how would the Ghostbusters work in this world? I wonder how the Bound would react to the Ghostbusters? Would they find them as enemies or allies?

[Second Chances]

I've always written the Ghostbusters as being Bound, but that's me and my obsession with reinterpreting pop culture through the lens of different gamelines. They could very easily be Hunters as well.

[Pierrew]

I've always written the Ghostbusters as being Bound, but that's me and my obsession with reinterpreting pop culture through the lens of different gamelines. They could very easily be Hunters as well.

That's interesting maybe there both.

[nofather]

If you go human with endowments (play them straight, I mean, like right out of the movie), they'd be a Hunter compact with a very limited set of powers.

If you want to go supernatural (thus, not specifically Ghostbusters, but a group that beats up and binds away ghosts) you can go werewolf or mage.

[2ptTakrill]

Wouldn't they be mad Geniuses? I mean they are each carrying an unlicensed nuclear reactor on their backs.

[ArcaneArts]

Wouldn't they be mad Geniuses? I mean they are each carrying an unlicensed nuclear reactor on their backs.

If you go the fansplat route, sure.

Tying into this, actually, it's worth noting that if the Ghostbuster's methods were seen through the Sin-eater filter....Well, they aren't Sin-Eaters so much as Bound, and likely an antagonist krewe if not Tyrants. Seriously, instead of working with ghosts to the best of your ability and the view on what ghosts most need for letting go, the Ghostbusters just zap the dead and stick them in a box, and then into a containment center. Any Sin-Eater who catches wind of that is going to be appalled.

BUT there are a group of entities who view the sciences and the supernatural as having a very coinciding relationship to one another who would not give one shit about the morals or ethics of caging the dead forever and would likely do so with nuclear powered laser lassos.

What I'm saying here is that Bill Murray is Unchained.

[proindrakenzol]

I've always written the Ghostbusters as being Bound, but that's me and my obsession with reinterpreting pop culture through the lens of different gamelines. They could very easily be Hunters as well.

They seem pretty solidly Null Mysteriis to me. Hell, Dr. Venkman has his PhD in parapsychology, which is what the one dot Status (Null Mysteriis) gets you. And every explanation they have is grounded in (pseudo-)science.

[Almarck]

On retrospect, I just realized how utterly unreasonable some of the ghosts in Extreme Ghostsbusters were. Specifically, in that a sizable number of them are extremely hostile and outright predatory towards human beings.

Like, a few of them... such as the golem were just following their faulty programming, but it was never alive or a person to begin with. But then you have the House, which just... digests souls that gets sucked up in it. Then the ghosts that come out from stories... and then, well, basically, alot of these beings are the sort that any Krewe wouldn't have any problems with eradicating.

Like, when you think about it, ghostbusters aren't there for if you have to deal with your dear old deceased relatives, but rather when things are too hostile and need to be exterminated.

[Satchel]

Like, when you think about it, ghostbusters aren't there for if you have to deal with your dear old deceased relatives, but rather when things are too hostile and need to be exterminated.

So… if there's something weird… and it don't look good…?

[Almarck]

So… if there's something weird… and it don't look good…?

"If there's something strange... in the neighborhood... Who're you gonna call?"

[Almarck]

So… if there's something weird… and it don't look good…?

"If there's something strange... in the neighborhood... Who're you gonna call?"

[Reighnhell]

RE:Ghostbusters

This sparked an idea-

I will see about stating up their equipment a bit later (I have some old ideas, but I wanted to update them a bit )

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Ghostbusters Inc.
Established in the early-eighties, the “Ghostbusters” are a for-profit organization of paranormal troubleshooters, specializing in tracking and neutralizing ghosts, spirits, and other, less-quantifiable ephemeral entities. Despite being considered con-men by the public at large (and known for laughably amateurish commercials),the Ghostbusters have demonstrated the effectiveness of their methods and equipment during several large scale supernatural incidents and many smaller engagement. While most of the founding members are no longer active, the organization continues on as a franchise, with local chapters springing up wherever a group of individuals can afford the steep licensing fees.

Purpose: The purpose of the Ghostbusters is three-fold; to test and advance the scientific theories proposed by Dr. Spengler and Dr. Stanz, to protect mankind from the depredations of hostile entities, and to make a profit while doing so.
Relic: Letter of Franchise Acceptance; signed by Louis Tully (Executive Financial Officer for Ghostbusters Inc), this document grants the holder the rights to use the Ghostbusters name, the exclusive right to purchase and to operate patented Ghostbusters equipment, and an exclusive territory within which they act as representatives of Ghostbusters lnc.
Doctrine: Despite (or perhaps because of) the organizations tendency to attract eccentric individuals as operative’s, a given squad of Ghostbusters tend to be a tightly knit team with a genuine desire to help people and explore the fringes of paranormal science.

Initiation Benefits
● - Rookie Ghostbusters are taught the basics of using and maintaining Ghostbusters equipment and other tools common to paranormal science. They gain a Craft specialty in “Paranormal Equipment”
●● - Ghostbusters in good standing have seen enough of the strange and bizarre that it has become routine. They gain a dot in the Tolerance for Biology Merit.
●●● - Seasoned Ghostbusters have the tools and the talent to get the job done. They gain a dot in Crafts, Occult or Science.
●●●● - Veteran Ghostbusters learn to trust their instincts when there is something strange happening in their neighborhood. They gain the Eye for the Strange Merit. In addition, they gain a dot of Resources as their hard work begins to pay off.
●●●●● - Tenured Ghostbusters have seen it all and are nearly unflappable even in the face of apocalyptic threats. They gain either the Indomitable or Iron Will Merit. They also gain the Area of Expertise Merit for an existing Crafts, Occult, or Science specialty.

[Second Chances]

...

YOINK!

[Reighnhell]

playing with the format - I am using the Endowment system from the Hunter the Vigil 2nd Edition playtest.

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Endowment: Ghostbusting Gear
Many of the devices employed by the Ghostbusters detect, interact with or utilize Psychokinetic Energy, a “5th” state of energy proposed by the theories of Dr. Spengler and Dr. Stanz. This energy is what allows entities native to different dimensions (of which there are eleven, possibly twelve)to manipulate microscale quantum disturbances and make themselves manifest in this reality in a variety of ways. The theory further proposes that a conscious human observer can manipulate PKE directly.

In addition to Endowments, Ghostbusters also make use of mundane equipment such as vehicles and their signature jumpsuits.

Endowment Concept: Loadout
Ghostbusting Gear Endowments are always Indefinite, since they represent authorization to use advanced technological equipment in the field. Loadout represents ammunition or expendable resources, and is spent reflexively to activate Ghostbusting Gear Endowments.

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Ecto-Visor (Keyword; Indefinite, Superior)
These modified Night vision Goggles have the added benefit of being able to detect and perceive ephemeral entities in Twilight that would otherwise be imperceptible to human senses.
Prerequisite: Ghostbusters Status • Source: Franchise license to purchase and operate Ghostbusters equipment
Effects
Action: Instant
Calibration: The Ghostbuster adjusts the settings to perceive ephemeral entities with an Intelligence+(Crafts or Science) roll.
Roll Results
Success: While wearing the Visor, the Ghostbuster can perceive entities in Twilight until the end of the Scene. The visor defaults to perceiving ghosts, but the Ghostbuster may take an instant action at anytime for the rest of the Scene to re-adjust them to perceive other beings. As long as the Ghostbuster can perceive the entity, they can be targeted by other Ghostbuster Gear endowments.
Exceptional: The Ghostbuster sees any ephemeral entities in nearby Twilight without having to re-adjust the Ecto -Visor.
Failure: The Ecto -Visor does not reveal any entities.
Dramatic: The Ecto-Visor suffers a malfunction that renders them inoperable until repaired or replaced.
Backlash
• The Ecto-Visor is bulky, uncomfortable, and limits peripheral vision. While the device is worn, the wearer suffers a -2 penalty to vision based perception rolls.
• The Ecto-Visor cannot passively observe an Entity – if you can see it can see you.
Resolution: Return Ecto-Visor to the local Ghostbusters Inc. regional headquarters.
Beat: Drawing the attention of a hostile (or at least bothersome) entity not related to the immediate mission.

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Ghost Trap (Keyword; Indefinite, Scourge)
This trap is a sturdy box with a hinged lid and tethered to a cable (usually 3-5 yards) with a foot pedal at the end. Pressing the lever opens the box, which generates a force field capable of drawing in and trapping ephemeral entities. Ghost Traps may be positioned, or treated as a thrown weapon.
Prerequisite: Ghostbusters Status • Source: Franchise license to purchase and operate Ghostbusters equipment
Effects
Loadout: 2
Action: Instant
Cost: 1 Loadout
Place Trap: Dexterity + Athletics; to deploy the grenade remotely by throwing it. Alternately, the trap may be positioned preemptively with Wits+ (Larceny or Survival).
Roll Results
Success: The trap springs open, engulfing the targeted manifested entity in a brilliant cone of energy. Successes scored treat the attack as a Grab, initiating a Grapple. The Ghostbuster uses Wits + (Athletics or Crafts) when grappling with the entity in this fashion. The trap applies the Hold move or the Restrain move if the entity is already held. If the entity is Restrained, (or otherwise gains the Immobilized tilt), they are drawn into the trap at the start of the following round, placing them into indefinite Hibernation.
Exceptional: The Ghostbuster may apply an additional Grapple move, if this gives the entity the Immobilized tilt, they are drawn into the trap immediately.
Failure: The Ghostbuster misses the attack.
Dramatic: The Entity now anticipates the Ghost Trap, and gains a +2 bonus to escape grapples until the end of the scene.
Limit
• If Loadout is 0, this Endowment cannot be used.
• No Effect on non-ephemeral creatures.
Refresh: One Chapter
Resolution: Transfer any trapped entities into the Containment Grid; Return Ghost Trap to the local Ghostbusters Inc. regional headquarters.
Beat: The entity escapes or is unintentionally released from the Ghost Trap. It is likely to either attack its captors or escape and plot its revenge.

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PKE Meter (Keyword; Indefinite, Superior)
PKE (Psychokinetic Energy) Meters are hand held devices that detects the presence of otherworldly influences. The device has a light display and arms that raise and lower based on the power and proximity of such entities.
Prerequisite: Ghostbusters Status •• Source: Franchise license to purchase and operate Ghostbusters equipment
Effects
Action: Instant
Calibration: The Ghostbuster adjusts the settings to detect a particular type of supernatural entity with an Intelligence + (Crafts or Science roll)
Roll Results
Success: The Ghostbuster may choose a type of supernatural being (Ghost, Spirit, Claimed, Werewolf, Vampire, etc.).Until the end of the scene, they Ghostbuster has the equivalent of the Unseen Sense merit for the chosen creature type. The Ghostbuster may re-adjust the device as an instant action, but each such re-adjustment that Scene imposes a -2 penalty on the Calibration roll.
Exceptional: In addition to presence and proximity, the PKE reader gives an impression of strength, conveying the Rank, Potency, or similar trait to the Ghostbuster.
Failure: The PKE meter makes noises and sounds, but gives no useful information.
Dramatic: The PKE gives a false positive or negative, alerting to dangers where there are none or ignoring obvious threats.
Backlash
• The PKE meter makes noises and displays flashing lights, imposing a -2 to stealth checks while using the device.
Resolution: Return PKE Meter to the local Ghostbusters Inc. regional headquarters.
Beat: If the PKE Meter is damaged or destroyed; the devices are relatively fragile and expensive.

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Proton Pack (Keyword; Indefinite, Scourge)
These small nuclear accelerators fire a stream of energy capable of injuring or subduing ephemeral entities, the Proton serves as a Ghostbuster’s primary weapon.
Prerequisite: Ghostbusters Status • Source: Franchise license to purchase and operate Ghostbusters equipment
Effects
Action: Instant
Proton Beam: The Ghostbuster may make ranged attacks out to approximately 50 yards against a Manifested Ephemeral Entity that they can perceive with a Dexterity + Firearms (- targets Defense) roll. The weapon can be used against non-ephemeral targets, but is less effective.
Roll Results
Success: The Ghostbuster may choose to disrupt or contain a Manifested ephemeral entity. If choosing to disrupt, each success on an attack roll removes a point of essence (or equivalent) from the Entity. If choosing to contain, treat the attack as a Grab, initiating a Grapple. The Ghostbuster uses Dexterity + (Crafts or Firearms) when grappling with the entity in this fashion. The only moves than can be utilized this way are Hold and Restrain. The entity may try to escape the grapple as normal.
If used against a non-ephemeral creature, the weapon deals bashing damage equal to the number of successes.
Exceptional: If choosing to disrupt, in addition to essence removed, the entity also suffers a point of Lethal damage. If choosing to contain, both the Hold and Restrain moves may be applied at once. If used against a non-ephemeral creature, the weapon deals a point of lethal damage in addition to the bashing damage dealt by a successful attack
Failure: The Ghostbuster misses the attack.
Dramatic: The proton beam goes wild, inflicting 2-3 points of structure damage to a random object in the vicinity.
Backlash
• The Proton Pack imposes a -2 penalty to Initiative when used.
• Crossing the Streams is Bad. This only happens if done intentionally or if multiple Ghostbusters attacking the same target each suffers Dramatic failures on the same turn. What results is a Damage+4, Area 5, Force 5 explosion (Chronicles of Darkness: Hurt Locker, pg.134-135). Any ephemeral entities in the area take aggravated damage instead of lethal.
Resolution: Return Proton Pack to the local Ghostbusters Inc. regional headquarters.
Beat: If a significant, unintentional property damage is caused by using the device.

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Slime Blower (Keyword; Indefinite, Scourge, Ward)
These devices project a stream of psychomagnetherically charged ectoplasm over a wide area. The ectoplasm has been infused with a strongly positive Resonance, which can counter the power any influence of many types of hostile entity. This weapon is used infrequently as it requires vast amount of difficult to obtain ectoplasm.
Prerequisite: Ghostbusters Status •• Source: Franchise license to purchase and operate Ghostbusters equipment
Effects
Loadout: 3
Action: Instant
Cost: 1 Loadout per use
Discharge Ectoplasm: The Ghostbuster may spray the charged ectoplasm over a wide area (roughly the size of a large room),or focus the blast against a single target as a (Dexterity+ Firearms) ranged attack.
If sprayed over an area, apply the Ice Environmental Tilt (due to the slippery texture of the ectoplasm) and suppresses any Anchor or negatively aspected Resonant conditions until the end of the scene. Entities can resist this suppression with a Clash of Wills against the Ghostbusters Resolve+(Occult or Science).
If targeted against a specific individual, apply the Insensate Tilt and suppress any Open Conditions that are currently effecting the target.
Backlash
• The Slime Blower imposes a -3 penalty to Initiative when used.
• If Loadout is 0, this Endowment cannot be used.
• The Slime Blower is heavy and Bulky, requiring the Ghostbuster to have a strength of 3 to use effectively.
Refresh: One Chapter
Resolution: Return Slime Blower to the local Ghostbusters Inc. regional headquarters.
Beat: If the Slime Blower is damaged or destroyed, the devices are difficult to build and hard to replace.

[moonwolf8]

"The Franchise rights alone will make us Rich beyond our wildest dreams!"

Thank you Reighnhell the Ghostbusters as a Hunter group is exactly what I picked up Hunter the Vigil for. Have you seen the trailer for the new Ghostbusters movie allegedly coming out in the Summer of 2020?