More for me than thee, I have concocted a go-to reference list of law-enforcement “units” for roleplaying games, specifically tiered to the BITS system.
While leaning more heavily into cyber-punk or grimdark futures like 1984, Fahrenheit 415, and Warhammer 40K – all woefully dystopian – there are modern equivalents and by replacing revolvers with crossbows pivots this tool becomes genre agnostic.
Follow along as I also tie each tier into the OODA Loop:
- Tier 1 – The “Gestasi” / “Stastapo” Regulars
- Tier 2 – The “Response” Adepts
- Tier 3 – The “Agent” Heavies
- Tier 4 – The “Justice” Elites
- Tier 6 – The “Letter” Champions
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Tier 1 – The “Gestasi” / “Stastapo” Regulars
Observe, and report on what is happening.
Thought police, street spies, handlers of Spider-Hound robots (direct inspiration from Fahrenheit 415), general drone operators, deputized civilians, the mall security guard.
Not useful for much, but capable of causing trouble if not dealt with. More than likely to stab their target in the back or retreat if they know what is good for them! Good for supporting whatever “policy” needs enforcement. Bootlickers.
Tier 2 – The “Response” Adepts
Orient, contain and manage whatever “is” in the moment.
“Firemen” (I like to think armed with both flame throwers and water cannons, saws, and axes), inquisitors (who would have expected!), riot control, medics (for sedation and interrogation), well trained police, and general “influencers” of civilian action.
Here to deal with whatever is actively escalating in the streets. Meant to be first on site.
Tier 3 – The “Agent” Heavies
Decide, as this tier works with the information and situational awareness provided by the earlier tiers.
The “Mister” and “Miss” people in suits and sunglasses, on-the-ground tactical commanders, SWAT and public security military enforcement (such as the armored “wolves” from The Wolf Brigade).
The true enforcement of “policy.” Equipped and capable of fighting a war in the streets. Or striking so thoroughly that war was never an option.
Tier 4 – The “Justice” Elites
Act, and execute “policy” ruthlessly.
Justices (carbon copies of Judges from Judge Dredd), “peacekeeper” Robocops, zealous paladins, and any nearly super-powered onsite executors of the Law. Eat, breath, and live the ideals of policy.
Why have a court system when sentencing can be made at the scene? Why have prisons or cells if the punishment can be dished out by a singular =beast= of policy? A bona fide keeper of the peace by giving the pain.
Tier 6 – The “Letter” Champions
OODA, they do it all. Less outright enforcers of policy, but makers by their influence and action. They are the letter of the Law.
A list of singular individuals and their inspirations:
| Inspector | An “Inspector Gadget;” full of surprises to get to the truth. |
| The Darkest Knight | Batman; vigilante justice that stalks the streets. |
| “Sheep Herder” Rachel Deck | Blade Runner; investigates digital and robotic crimes. |
| “Lucky” Harry East | A Clint Eastwood ‘punk.’ Relentless. |
| Bruce Clane | A Die Hard hero; a reluctant servant. |
| Ranger Korris | Chuck Norris; martial-arts extra-urban enforcer. |
| Mr. Doe | Matrix‘s Agent Smith; not surprised to see you. |
| Sheriff Jim Goe | James Gordon from Batman; makes backroom deals for high ideals. |
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Fit for any Big Brother dystopia, I like this list being a quick lookup that I (and now you!) can reference any time!
Think I will make more of these, stop reinventing the wheel when brainstorming game design problems. What do you think I should make a list of next?
Regardless, cheers to you and I staying out of the eye of the Law ~
Jimmy Chattin 