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MCU: A series kit for Primetime Adventures This document is a fan-created work for players of Matt Wilson’sPrimetime Adventures. The author is associated with neither the game nor Dog-eared Designs. All of this -related stuff is owned by DC Entertainment.

v 1.2 MCU: Gotham A series kit for Primetime Adventures

They didn’t seem too interested in the dungeon crawl game I had brought to the monthly game day. “…Or I have another game where you’re playing cops in Batman’s ,” I continued. I instantly had a full table. We ran a session of the series that day, complete with a large audience. Next month, some of the players wanted to continue the game, so we did. A few players came and went, but we had a core crew that stuck with the game. By the time we were done, we had completed two seasons of MCU: Gotham. PREMISE

Inside the Gotham City Police Department, Three: There are criminals and then there there is a task force that deals with some of are Criminals. Freaks get names like The the city’s worst cases. These are the stories of Zodiac Killer. The Unabomber. The Mad the Major Crimes Unit. Hatter. The . Mister Freeze. But they’re just criminals with fancy gadgets MCU: Gotham is a police procedural. While and dementia, nothing more. the pursuit of for a crime can span episodes, there is an overarching theme to each season, and the character’s interac- In addition to the regular tions drive most of the stories. line of Batman comics DC has put out over the THE THREE RULES OF years, MCU: Gotham is MCU: GOTHAM heavily based off of Gotham One: does not exist. Batman is Central (DC), Powers (Oni), an urban legend, a story that criminals tell and the movies No Way Out their children to scare them to sleep. If a and L.A. Confidential. civilian claims that Batman saved him, the proper response would be “Sure, and then he and Bigfoot jumped into their UFO and THE MAJOR CRIMES UNIT lew off to meet up with the Jersey Devil, Here’s how the MCU was structured in the right?” Batman does not exist. original series with DC regulars in inter- esting positions. Your MCU could be com- Two: It’s early in Batman’s career. There is pletely different. no . There is no Bat-Signal on the roof of GCPD. No Ace the Bat-Hound. Very few The MCU is headed by Lieutenant Jim people have even heard of him yet. Maybe Gordon, new to the unit. Gordon refused there’s a rumor in the underworld to testify against his former partner, Harvey of someone hunting them down. Maybe Bullock, a dirty cop through and through. some street people tell stories of a monster Harvey Dent, current Head of Internal Affairs, that flies between rooftops. If we see thinks that Gordon is dirty as Bullock. Dent Batman in the show at all, it’s a shadow in is pressured by the city’s mayor, Oswald the background that moves. While we’re in Cobblepot, to bring down Gordon. (In the Gotham and focusing on the cops, we prob- episode, we had in ably won’t hear anything about , charge of the MCU, but we all wanted Jim , or the . Gordon there.) THE CAST This isn’t the actual cast that played in the original series, but something close. Six different cast members you can choose from to get your series started, plus four more concepts for you to flesh out.

SARAH ESSEN, ELLORY “HURRICANE” HAMILL, DETECTIVE DETECTIVE Detective transferred from This new guy, Gordon, doesn’t appreciate Homicide well over a month before Jim how things are supposed to be done. Some- Gordon was picked to head up MCU, which times perps “resist arrest” or “slip and fall” means that now she’s working directly for or “he came at me with a knife”. He’s used the man she’s sleeping with on the down to working the streets with his fists. Some- low. As far as she knows, nobody in the times he thinks that’s all he’s good at. His MCU knows about the affair. She’s a capable wife of five years and three-year old child detective, possibly the smartest officer in are the two calm spots in his life. Ellory’s the room. Her issue deals with her status in issue manifests in his temper: small things the unit. Sarah is the first female detective tend to set him off, but he would never hurt in the boys-only detective club. Her gender, his family. intelligence, and drive are seen as an attack on the established order. What caused you to be filled with such rage? What calms Is Jim Gordon still married? you down? Which co-worker really has it out for you? Concept: Leftover brute from the previous administration; husband. Concept: The only female detective in Issue: . the MCU. Impulse: Ellory is prone to angry outbursts Issue: Self-Worth and can be downright scary, even to Impulse: Sarah often takes more risks than those who know him well. neccessary to show that she’s just as Edge: Family Man good as the others. Edge: “Sometimes the blood just doesn’t Edge: “All that and brains, too.” come out.” Edge: Former Homicide Detective Connection: “Matches” Malone, criminal Connection: Jim Gordon informant Personal Set: Her small walk-up apartment Personal Set: The men’s room on the third Spotlight Episode: in mid-season after a floor of HQ with the chipped tiles on screen presence 2 episode the wall and the broken mirror over the filthy ceramic sink Spotlight Episode: in late season. If possible, just before Natasha Hamill’s if she is a protagonist LIAM MCTAVISH, NATASHA HAMILL, DETECTIVE FORENSIC TECHNICIAN Everyone is dirty, it’s just a matter of how The lead tech in GCPD’s forensics depart- much. Liam has been well compensated ment, Natasha has been with the GCPD for for doing all the things you’re supposed to seven years and married for the last five. like letting some rules slide here, turning Nearly two years ago, she was kidnapped a blind eye there. That’s just how Gotham by someone the MCU was tracking down; is, you know? Family life—his actual family, after rescue, Natasha turned to using drugs mind you—hasn’t been so good. His wife to cope with the stress. Her issue deals with moved out and, well, there hasn’t been any that dark temptation: She has been clean paperwork filed. Yet. Maybe there is time for exactly six months at the start of the to change things. His issue as a dirty cop is series, but the anniversary of the kidnap- forefront. He’s trying to get out, but it won’t ping is coming up. be easy.

Which capital-C Criminal Which mafia family are kidnapped you? Is he or she you working for? Can you locked up or still on the loose? reconcile with your wife? Can How did your husband find you trust her? out about the drug use?

Concept: Cop on the take trying to get out. Concept: Crime Scene Unit Forensic Issue: Divided Loyalties Technician; wife. Impulse: Liam can be paranoid, and with Issue: Temptation—drugs good reason. He’s keeping secrets and Impulse: Natasha can be overly-controlling, it’s showing. trying to keep her life in a regimented Edge: Did a stint in Afghanistan order. Connection: Harvey Bullock, all around Edge: Six Months Sober good guy who’s got your back no matter Edge: Science! what, winds up getting kicked from the Connection: Amelia Weston, childhood GCPD on some trumped up B.S. charge. friend and sponsor Can you believe that? Nemesis: That capital-C Criminal Connection: Family connections Personal Set: Sobriety Pin Nemesis: Harvey Dent, the two-faced s.o.b. Spotlight Episode: in late season. If that heads up Internal Affairs possible, just after Ellory Hamill’s if he is Personal Set: A photo of his estranged wife a protagonist Spotlight Episode: in early season KAT O’DONNELL, BRYCE ROSSLAND, ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY EMBEDDED REPORTER From the well-to-do slice of society, Kat Bryce Rossland is possibly best known for has her eye set on the Governorship. With his four books covering his journalism expe- a large social circle (including old college riences around the world. As part of Mayor friend ), Kat is confident in her Cobblepot’s recent reforms of the GCPD, chances with attaining her goal. Currently Bryce reports from the front lines of law working from the DA’s office, she’s already enforcement in a weekly column, which will on her way to the top. Her issue manifests sure to be book number five (and hopefully in what steps she will take to get there. a mini-series). He begins the ride-along just before or just as the series begins. His issue deals with the public perception: he wants Where is your ex in all this? to be known as successful and competent. What is your next step in the Everything doesn’t have to be about him, grand plan: the DA’s office or but Bryce knows the real story isn’t Gotham, straight to the Mayor’s office? its Bryce’s experience in Gotham.

Concept: Divorcee with political ambitions How well do you know Issue: Temptation—power Gotham, really? What would Impulse: Kat can be manipulative and you do to get the real story? dishonest. Her over-confidence can cause her to veer into recklessness. Edge: Assistant District Attorney Concept: Veteran Reporter here as a Edge: Knows the right people publicity stunt Connection: Bruce Wayne, philanthropist Issue: Pride Personal Set: Her smartphone Impulse: Bryce can be a gloryhound, Spotlight Episode: early or mid-season diminishing the efforts of others. Edge: “I’ve reported from Afghanistan and Iraq. Gotham’s a cakewalk.” LIam, Natasha, and Kat all Edge: Ride-along have personal sets that aren’t Connection: Victoria Vale, reporter for the actual places. Instead of a Gotham Tribune location, consider using an Personal Set: 30, a newshound’s bar near object that signifies a scene the Tribune has something to do with Spotlight Episode: early to mid-season the protagonist. JULIANA CHRISTINOPOLI, THOMAS DIDYMUS, FBI LIAISON INTERNAL AFFAIRS With Gotham City on the state line, the Thomas works directly under Harvey Dent, MCU has to coordinate with the FBI when- helping to clean house in the “newer, more ever dealing with crime that could cross the gentler” GCPD. river. Agent Christinopoli has held this posi- tion for almost two years. STACY BLACK, GCPD LIAISON TO THE MAYOR’S OFFICE DAVID MOORE, She works for Hizzoner Mister Mayor Cob- DETECTIVE blepot. The money is good, the working Freshly transferred from . Gosh, conditions aren’t, and she knows she was does it ever stop raining here? hired more for her looks than anything else. GETTING STARTED There are detectives in your cast or the meeting together are walking by One Police reporter is in your cast: Put one or two in Plaza, back to the HQ. Allow for a line or two an unmarked police car with the embed- of banter as the player find their characters. ded reporter in the back seat (even if Bryce Up on the steps, the police commissioner is Rossland isn’t a protagonist). It’s Bryce’s giving an impromptu news conference to a first day as a ride-along and everything is gaggle of reporters. Suddenly, gunshots are being recorded. Allow for a line or two of heard! A van pulls up and masked gunmen banter as the players find their characters. rush out, firing at the commissioner and Suddenly, an explosion from the storefronts uniformed police officers! ahead! Dark greenish clouds of gas pour out of the building as a van pulls up and masked For either scenario, possible conflicts could gunmen rush out, heading into the smoke! include looking competent (yourself or the GCPD) in front of the reporters, the There are no detectives in your cast: Well, overall impression of the GCPD in the public that’s odd, but okay. Two members of (i.e., “If I win, I can take these guys down, the cast most likely to be going to coffee cleanly.”), your protagonist’s relationship together or coming back from an off-site with the GCPD. KEEP GOING Stuck for a scene? With Primetime Adven- But life isn’t all about the actual investiga- tures’ emphasis on creating interesting tion: It’s the end of shift and some of the characters, just putting those protagonists cast are heading out to drink the day away. next to each other should provide fodder There is a secret rendezvous in the evi- for the next scene. dence room. Someone shows up and needs help. Someone shows up to collect a debt. MCU: Gotham at heart is a police proce- Someone shows up to send a message. dural: Move detectives to a crime scene. Someone stole our undercover car. Sexist Have the Forensic Technician discover remarks in the locker room. Showing off something important in the evidence. at the target range. Called in to go over Have the people that report to the DA, your testimony. Internal Affairs, FBI Chief, or the Mayor be called in and get yelled at because If all else fails, ask yourself which two char- progress hasn’t been made on their acters would most hate to be stuck in an ele- boss’ agendas. vator with each other. You know what to do. CRIMINALS Adapting Criminals from the Batman lore to MCU: Gotham is surprisingly easy for the majority of Batman’s villains. Most of Batman’s Rogues Gallery is full of normal people with twists. The Riddler is just this guy. The is just this guy. Killer is just this guy in a stupid suit. Here is a look at some of the more colorful people from the Batman comics for your own MCU: Gotham game.

THE THE JOKER Oswald Cobblepot is a short, obese, toad You really don’t need to change the Joker of a man from a family of old money. His at all. He would completely fit within a connections with the criminal underworld Batman-less Gotham. didn’t stop him from becoming Gotham’s mayor. Now, he uses his position to avenge slights against him and settle old grudges, You don’t need to change Selina Kyle, either. but he’s clever, always keeping his hands She’s a world-class cat burglar that works clean. He doesn’t see himself as Mayor of for herself. Gotham. He sees himself as king. TWO- During the first season, keep Harvey Dent That cosmetics company that horribly as Harvey Dent, head of Internal Affairs. A scarred Mark Hagan was run by one of duplicitous and smug s.o.b., he is convinced Gotham’s many mafia families and now that Jim Gordon is a dirty cop and is egged Clayface is out for revenge. In order to alle- on by the mayor’s office to remove the only viate the constant pain from the “accident”, good cop from the GCPD. After the accident he coats his body with a special type of cos- that creates Two-Face, he wouldn’t need metic mud, which just turns out to be toxic. many changes from traditional Batman lore.

CALENDAR MAN THE RIDDLER A serial killer that tied deaths to holidays Edward Nigma is the smartest man alive (but not always on holidays), forcing the and he’s going to prove it. Having already victims to ingest a lethal dose of poison. stolen a fortune via wire fraud, he’s still in Victims included a woman with the last town because they haven’t recognized his name of Nieujahr, found with confetti in her genius. While any incarnation of The Riddler stomach for New Years Day; three members would work well in an MCU: Gotham game, of the King family, for Three Kings Day; and I am particularly fond of the mastermind so on. of deadly traps from the series of video games. Jordan “Killer” Croc is a wrestler in an under- ground fight club. He’s a huge guy with a skin An arsonist-for-hire working for one of condition that makes him shed dead layers Gotham’s many criminal families. You won’t of skin off, as if he’s constantly sunburned. need much to change him to fit into MCU: His teeth are filed to points (although that’s Gotham—just as the name and suit have really a prosthesis). “The win-nar and still traded hands many times in the Batman champ-y-ohn… KILLLLLLLLLLLLLER CROC!” comic books, you could give the suit to just He has anger management issues. (Killer about anyone. Croc is played by Brock Lesnar.) THE Similar to , Pamela Isley is a Another person we don’t need to change poisoner. Take away the magical man-eating much: Helena Bertinelli seeks revenge on plants and focus on the plant-based poisons the mafia families that ordered her parents’ and ecowarrior ethos. She is an Earth-first murder over a decade ago. With her in the fanatic and willing to destroy anyone that show, we have to ask if the criminal scum of harms the living earth. The city is a blight, Gotham deserve the protection of the law, an affront to nature. Eventually she will just like civilians? work her way up to ridding the world of the cesspit that is Gotham. She is secretly backed by Ra’s Al Ghul. Iris Harleen Quinzel, Ph.D, is a respected psychiatrist at . She implants RA’S AL GHUL post-hypnotic suggestions in her patients to Ra’s al Ghul is an eco-terrorist fanatic, but commit crimes in order to impress the one not as direct as Poison Ivy. Where she takes inmate she is utterly infatuated with… drastict, direct action, Ra’s plays the long game. If we include both her and Ra’s in the show, Ivy is a pawn in Ra’s greater goal: to words and stuff destroy Gotham to return the world to a Thomas Deeny perfect environmental utopia. He heads a group of killers—The League of Assassins— special thanks to and charges them to affect change one body at a time. primetime adventures Matt Wilson All members of the GCPD’s SWAT unit have dancing light press nicknames. Floyd Lawton’s is “Deadshot”. Berin Kinsman He pulls in side jobs that aren’t exactly legal, for the CSI: Gotham City like murder-for-hire. With his knowledge inspiration of police procedures and close quarters combat, Deadshot is a deadly foe. mcu: gotham players Hayward THE ROYAL FLUSH GANG Matt Hydeman The five members of the Hoyle criminal Joel Minturn family uses cards as codenames during Kat Minturn their heists: armed car robberies, bank and all who joined thefts, and other low-level “that’s where for a session or two the money is” crime. The King and Queen of Diamonds are husband and wife; Jack and Ace of Diamonds are their sons; Ten of visit Diamonds is Jack’s wife. They wear custom-­ denaghdesign.com painted hockey goalie masks that feature follow their playing card. @denaghdesign

Optional Rule: If a Royal Flush Gang mem- creative commons info ber’s card is revealed to resolve a , that attribution-noncommercial- card counts for the Producer. The Royal sharealike 4.0 international Flush Gang cheats at cards. CC BY-NC-SA