X-Men Movieverse

Guys, we're noticing a few trends in general game atmosphere that we aren't happy with, and a lot of negativity that can easily poison the entire game. Our game relies on mutual cooperation and teamwork, both IC and OOC, to ensure that everyone has fun and gets a chance to shine. Emphasis on a character's prowess and IC conflicts are inevitable, but both need to come with OOC consideration.

We are asking that everyone keep in mind that this is a /team/ ICly first and foremost. Characters who harm the team will be removed from it. Carpenter's sole driving force is to protect the team and its mission, and it is staff's OOC mission to likewise protect the game and maintain a positive atmosphere. We have been trying to give everyone's characters all the leeway we reasonably can, but we expect you guys to be similarly respectful of each other and of the game as a whole. The increase in antagonistic, competitive attitudes IC have been reflected OOC, and that is a problem. It stirs up resentment and creates divisions in the playerbase. Neither our characters, nor us as players, are in high school, and we expect a certain level of maturity and professionalism from everyone. This is not an OOC competition, and any level of IC competition should be begin with a respectful OOC attitude.

We don't want a homogeneous, coffee-shop game where all our characters are pleasant and cookie-cutter. We do want a pleasant, respectful game where even when people are at each other's throats, ICly, the players are willing and able to work with each other. We expect players to communicate and come to a mutual understanding and/or compromise when they have a conflict. We expect everyone to assume the best of their fellow players, and we expect everyone to /deserve/ that assumption. 95% of conflicts and disagreements can be resolved with OOC respect, even in situation of IC conflict.

It's not a big game, guys. We all have to work together in order to build the best sandcastles in this sandbox. Be respectful of each other, and try to think about how what you are doing affecting the game atmosphere.

Staff

TO: X-Factor Agents
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Disciplinary Action

07/02/09

In the event that the behavior of an agent endangers the general welfare of the X-Factor team, we must act to alleviate that danger and to discipline that agent. We do so through the placement of a strike upon that agent's record. When an agent has earned three such disciplinary strikes, they will be expelled from the team. This is not a discipline lightly laid down. Only when a breach of discipline places the cohesion of the team or the objectives of the mission in active jeopardy will it rise to this level. Once a strike has been placed upon an agent's record, it will remain there for the length of one year. At the conclusion of that year's period, the strike will be wiped clean.

Agent Nord has had a strike placed on his record due to his use of excessive force against Agent Thomas in the course of a private disagreement.

Carpenter

---

TO: Agent Christoph Nord ("Maverick")
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Strike

We are placing a strike on your record in light of your recent use of excessive force during the course of an arguement with Agent Thomas. We expect agents to behave toward each other with a certain level of professionalism that does not include shooting them, whether or not simulation ammunition was used. In the future, disagreements should be settled with minimal violence, or passed up the chain of command. If you receive two more disciplinary strikes upon your record, you will be removed permanently from the team.

At the end of one year, this strike will be cleared from your record.

Carpenter

TO: X-Factor Agents
SUBJECT: Fountain Project Wrap-Up

07/03/2009

As most of you are no doubt aware, all agents have now been returned to their proper bodies by the mutant Joey Christian. The disposition of the briefly occupied clones has been handled with all possible respect. It has been arranged that Joey will be receiving proper training, and Neil Moore has been transferred to another facility for further questioning.

Agents are commended for their patience in dealing with the delay in rendering Joey ready for transferring them back. With this completed, the mission's objectives can be considered successfully achieved. While the events at the lab itself are judged to be primarily due to inadequate intel, not any particular fault in leadership decisions on the ground, it does highlight not only the foolishness of trusting too much in inhibitor technology, but also the importance of emphasis on agents functioning as a team in the future, not as individuals.


OOC: Thanks, everyone, for coming along for the ride, and being patient with my learning all the ins and outs of whole gaming plotting as I went along!

TO: Agent Nadia al-Razi ("Nightmare")
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Probationary Status

06/16/2009

On review of your performance following approximately two months of probationary status, we have determined that for the purposes of the current mission you shall be restored to active duty. You are expected to continue to maintain adequate control of your mutation and to comport with the standards of conduct applied to all active agents. Failure to comply with these conditions, especially any mutational outbreaks or emotional episodes that could place your team at risk, could result in the permanent revocation of your active status.

The time to prove yourself is now. Good luck, Nightmare.

Carpenter

TO: All X-Factor Agents
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Agent Nightmare

06/16/2009

Agent Nadia al-Razi, codename Nightmare, has been restored to active status.

Carpenter

Having looked into the matter of the brawl between Agent Harper and Mr. Summers, the management has concluded that the event was provoked by Agent Harper and swiftly escalated. Both have been spoken to regarding the occasion, and Mr. Summers received an offer of employment after a discussion of reasonable levels of force. Agent Harper, for her undue use of force against the civilians we are there to protect, has received a second strike on her record, expiring one year from this date.

Other new agents joining Mr. Summers are:
- Andrew Swifte
- Ashleigh McAllen
- Kirk Wolfe
- Wade Wilson

Last, a note to the entire team. Given the successful performances in Nicaragua and in Colorado, any members who feel that they joined under duress are free to submit their resignations with our thanks for their service so far. The prior negatives that brought you to our attention may be considered as waived.

TO: X-Factor Agents
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Disciplinary Action

06/03/2009

In the event that the behavior of an agent endangers the general welfare of the X-Factor team, we must act to alleviate that danger and to discipline that agent. We do so through the placement of a strike upon that agent's record. When an agent has earned three such disciplinary strikes, they will be expelled from the team. This is not a discipline lightly laid down. Only when a breach of discipline places the cohesion of the team or the objectives of the mission in active jeopardy will it rise to this level. Once a strike has been placed upon an agent's record, it will remain there for the length of one year. At the conclusion of that year's period, the strike will be wiped clean.

Agent Harper has had a strike placed on her record due to her breach of professionalism regarding Sid Garringer, which put the team at risk.

Carpenter


TO: Agent Sal Harper ("Psycho Bitch")
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Strike

We are placing a strike on your record in light of your breach of professionalism during the Lost Waters affair, that is, your sexual and romantic relationship with one of the prime suspects. The level to which you were emotionally compromised put the team and the mission at risk. If you receive two more disciplinary strikes upon your record, you will be removed permanently from the team.

At the end of one year, this strike will be cleared from your record.

Carpenter

TO: X-Factor Agents
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Colorado Wrap up

06/03/2009

It's good to have you all back, safe if not exactly sound. I know many are anxious for further information on the situation following Colorado - there are some things yet to be investigated, but for now, let me provide you with what information I have after having processed your reports and what testimony could be gained from Sid Garringer and Jacob Hendrickson (Jeff Hatfield).

( Read more... )

Since people have been asking, a quick update on civvies:

- Alex and Jess are still minus official job offers (looks like Kitty gave Luke one).
- There are pretty darn nice guest suites in the admin building - all civvie visitors are living there. They are allowed in public areas, but not secured areas. This means that the admin building (upstairs) and outside are okay. Nowhere else is without being escorted by an agent.
- The more we can do to get an ICly sense-making offer to our floating agents, the better! It might be best to leave their scans til last to buy time, but that's up to the people involved.
- ETA: A reminder that nothing should be said to civvies about the location of the base, what surrounds it, what's nearby, what state they are in, etc, etc. I mean.. some things are more obvious than others, but try not to give it away!

- New agents are now undergoing tests to see which certifications they should be given and where they'd make sense in assignments. See the certifications list for details on that, as well as where they'd be starting their training (basic certs). If you've forgotten what certs you apped, feel free to ask us!
- They also have an apartment!
- Now is a great time for writing dossiers! We use these to help gauge where your character should be assigned, and others use them to check out what your character is capable of.

Any other questions? Just ask!

Hi, guys! As we wrap up the loose plot threads and tie off Colorado into a nice bundle, a few final details:

1) Remy, Kitty, and Bahir would ICly be submitting reports. While there is certainly no need for you write out the entire thing, we do ask that you toss us a final analysis / wrap-up with particular focus on anything that would stand out.
2) ICly, other agents would be asked to submit their own reports, which you are welcome to post in whole or in part if you like, or assume written otherwise. Again, if anything would stand out (suggestions, concerns, revelations, etc), please post it specifically.

Sometime tonight, Jeff will be coerced into removing the compulsion to stay on the ranch. Unfortunately, his injuries mean that he's too weak to do much more, and he's since been shipped off to Carpenter. Things don't look good for him.

Sid has been removed to a privately guarded medical facility where he is being treated and held for questioning when and if he's able. He looks likely to survive, but he's not going to be riding horses ever again. His prognosis is a twisted leg unlikely to ever heal right and disfiguring scars across his face and upper torso.

Once the compulsion to stay has been removed, Emma, Jean, Bahir, and Tom will be deep-scanning all agents to make sure that they are good to go. No agent will be returned to active duty until they have been cleared and certified as free of any sort of compulsions. They're working non-stop on this, but it is a long and thorough process (hope everyone trust their friendly neighborhood telepaths!) and will take some time.

Some will get done while still preparing to leave the ranch, others will be left until back Home, but no one will be allowed to leave Old Home until they're returned to active duty. Ranch staff has been scanned already, and Dinah and Theo will stay here to try to pick up the pieces. Other civvies have not been done yet, and will get a blind-folded trip to Old Home to undergo their scan. Grab a telepath for RP or to chat off caming if you want to be considered active duty again, and post when you are!

Kelsey and Kitty have had their 'try to kill your fellow agents' compulsions removed. Kelsey has something more sinister inside that has yet to be noticed, but will be picked up on her deep brain scan. It will likely take some work to get out.

XF and Co will be packed up and headed back home Tuesday morning. It's good to be home.

Journal stats!

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Two brief things to add to Remy's very good sum-up:

- Old Home would have sent in some medical attention, using the 'FBI' cover, last night - we mean real doctors, not mutant healers - so anyone who needed fer real stitches, blood transfusions, or other types of attention would have gotten it. They would have been instructed not to ask about such things like taking them to a hospital. Even though they probably really wanted to for a few of them. XF IS GOOD AT HUSHING PEOPLE UP. Because...
- Unfortuntately, you've got the baddies (albeit in really terrible physical condition and either sedated or comatose), but that compulsion to stay on the ranch? It appears to still be in effect, along with all other compulsions.

Look for further details this afternoon - we'll start to work on wrapping things up and moving things out, but until then, here is info on where things stand!

Teamspeak server is set up for any interested.

http://www.teamspeak.com/?page=downloads
You want to download the top link. Client2

The IP for the XMM server is -
71.77.159.205

Password is -
xmmrocks
all lower case.

Your name can be set up to whatever. You can fiddle with the settings for yourself however you wish, though for the sake of everyone, push to talk, is always the best!

Poke Alex or me with any questions.

Tonight, no one sleeps well.

( Alex )

( Amadeus )

( Amber )

( Bahir )

( Illyana )

( Jess )

( Kaci )

( Kelsey )

( Kitty )

( Luke )

( Natalie )

( Percy )

( Pete )

( Remy )

( Sal )

( Terry )

( Tom )

( Will )

( Zenith )

( Cameras )

( Food )

( Alex )

( Staff House )

( Flash Drive )

- Old Home has shipped over rather old surveyor's plans for the ranch, and old maps of the mine.
- The ranch is large, and the boundaries are pretty much the same as what they know, marked where the fencelines are, which tend to correspond with their own limitations save for...
- The mine. Their personal boundary continues to grow thicker at the mine's entrance, dependent largely on their intent (are they looking for an escape? better go home. intend to go back? well... it's flexible, then).
- The map of the mine sketches out main passageways and the general sprawl of the thing. It's clear that they've only explored the very near parts, and that the further reaches of the thing stretch far beyond where their compulsions will let them go. The tiny side passageways where gold has been stripped out are not marked. Neither are things like the giant holes and pits that have been dug, or the small room Pete and Kelsey and Illyana found. There's nothing but the main branches (if I get /really/ ambitious, I'll draw a map, but if not, we can manage to GM like you know where you're going when you do, etc.).
- There's also a back entrance further up the mountain, in the direction the sniper was seen. It is, however, sadly far past the distance where anyone has been able to make it, intentions or no.

Sid Garringer is nowhere to be found on the ranch.

Dinah's 'in charge' now, and not happy about it, so guests would probably be better off staying out of her way as much as possible and hoping she forgets they're there.

The stables are apparently Theo's now. Poor Theo.

( Tom )

( Bahir )

( Kelsey )

As of today, the desperate need to stay /on/ the ranch seems to have spread. Every person on the ranch, outside of staff, is finding it impossible to get beyond that front gate, beyond the fences that mark the ranch's boundaries. For Illyana, the compulsion to stay put is just as strong - teleportation on the ranch is fine. Anything beyond finds itself right up against that compulsion to stay put.

And the mine, that remains tricky. Any thought at all beyond exploration starts to whip up that urge to go back and soak in the sauna for awhile.

Strangely, though, nothing else seems to have changed on the ranch. Same faces, same routines, same... everything.

And an OOC note:

Just so new people are aware about the bulleting practice. Bullet points are required for assuming IC communication amongst the team. That is, anything that's bullet-pointed is information that other team members can assume that they know. This means that you are welcome leave things out of the bullet points if your character would not share them. It's just a short-cut for a world where we don't have enough time to RP every interaction or write every IC note.

If you are not an XF agent, it's up to you whether you want to bullet - if you do, we're going to assume that this is info shared amongst the XF team. If not, cool.

So! Thus are the bullet points.

TO: X-Factor Agents (including Remy's comlink)
FROM: Carpenter
SUBJECT: Hatfield ID

05/23/2009

We've IDed Jeffrey Hatfield as thirty-eight year old Jacob Hendrickson. Hendrickson was an early X-Factor employee, tasked with identifying potential recruits and making final-cut decisions about where our offers were made. He had a good deal of knowledge about the early organization of the group, as well as security measures. He left X-Factor last year under what seemed, at the time, good terms. It seems likely that, with some work, Hendrickson could have worked his way through some of our defenses.

Addtionally, Hendrickson is a mutant. Although his power involves psionic compulsion similar to hypnotism, he should not have anything approaching the power we have seen on the ranch. During his time with X-Factor, Hendrickson's mutation was not capable of creating an irresistable compulsion of even the smallest sort, let alone the types of mass-influence we've seen in the images Aletheia gathered or the report Gambit submitted.

It seems likely that Hendrickson is a piece of our puzzle, but it's a simplistic explanation, and there are places his actions seem sloppy beyond what we'd expect from the man who was an exceedingly detail-oriented and capable employee. This means that despite this information, anything we do must be done with extreme caution.

Surveillance indicates that Hendrickson left the ranch earlier today. This seems our best chance to move. All active and able agents are to attend a briefing at 13:00, to be immediately followed by deployment to Colorado. Agents will be supplied with telepathic inhibitors, and will carry enough to outfit the rest of X-Factor upon arrival. Agent al-Razi has warned us, however, that inhibitors are not fail-proof and can be gotten through by telepaths with adequette power and know-how. If they seem to be creating a false sense of security or otherwise causing more problems than they solve, al-Razi is authorized to deny their use.

We'll also take equipment to make use of the robot already on the ranch, and agents will be fully armed. We prefer to take Hendrickson alive, but if absolutely neccessary, use of deadly force is authorized.

Arriving agents will be under the continued mission authority of Gambit and Shadowcat. Al-Razi will provide additional secondary support.

Be careful. Get our agents back.

Carpenter.

If there is something you want to explore, steal, investigate, try, or otherwise do, please feel free! Just bug staff and we will either set up a time to GM for you or let you know the result of what you'd try. Please do not hesitate to bug us!

The ranch-boundary problems remain. Upon approach, minds come up with any number of fantastic reasons why they must /turn back now/. They forgot something. It's too far to walk. Their leg hurts. They'd rather take a nap. It was a stupid idea anyway. The reason varies, but it always materializes, with crystal clarity and absolute power of conviction. It's only later, away from the attempt, that the reaction feels weird at all - and for the very new, it still feels entirely natural.

On the ranch, guests are being increasingly asked to help pitch in if they're willing, with Angela gone and Sid half laid up. There's a lot of minor structural damage to some of the buildings from the storm, and several large trees halfway up the mountain have fallen and are being chopped into firewood. Those who are deemed able (that is, they know their way around a horse) would be allowed to help out in the stables as well. They're given a discount on their stay in return.

Again, if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

The local police followed Jeff to Lost Waters today and spent about half an hour in the stables before they allowed the paramedics to take away the body of one Angela Corpo. Their report ruled the death accidental - it's clear, they say, that Angela died from blunt trauma to the back of the head, and there are numerous wounds after a night in a stall with a stallion panicked by the thunderstorm.

For now, the ranch is a quiet place, with trips up into the mountains, horseback riding, and other activities put on hold until the estate can be put in order. No one has been asked to leave, however - in fact, it seems that right now, their help in putting the damaged ranch back together after the storm is desperately needed.