JUSTICE INC.
I am a old fan of the pulp adventure version of the hero system. I have collected and writed a
number of article for the JUSTICE INC. game. I have modernized theses articles for the hero
system 4th edition. My firts entry have for subject a very helpful batch of package deals for 1930
adventurers. Theses articles were originaly puplished in the Adventurers Club and the Justice Inc.
games.
The pulp magazines and movies of the 1930 wich inspired JUSTICE INC. varied widely in
subject. The pulps chronicled far more than the crimefighting exploits of the Shadow, the Avenger
and Doc Savage. They ranged from science fiction to romance, from the wide western prairie to
the crowded capitals of Europe.
CRIMINAL MASTER MIND PACKAGE DEAL.
The criminal mastermind is a staple of crime fiction of the 30's. All criminal masterminds have
certain common characteristics that lead them into conflict with brave adventurers. Their plans are
grandiose, and their weapons and methods are often more advanced than the normal technology
of the 1930s. Unfortunately, they also have a fatal weakness, wich when properly exploited by
ingenious crimefighters leads to their inevitable demise.
SKILLS POINTS ORATORY 3 INVENTOR 5 FAMILIARITY WITH SMALL ARM 2 SCIENTIST 3 SCHOLAR 3 WELL-CONNECTED 3 PASSPORT 1 CHOOSE 11: 33 AREA KNOWLEDGE 12- OR INT BASED+1, BRIBERY, CITY KNOWLEDGE 12- OR INT BASED+1, CONCEALEMENT, CRYPTOGRAPHY, DEMOLITIONS, DISGUISES, INTERROGATION, LOCKPICKING, SCIENCE 13- OR INT BASED+2,SHADOWING, STREETWISE,SURVIVAL. DISADVANTAGES POINTS COWARDLY(CS,TC) 20 GREEDY(CS,SC) 15 OVERCONFIDENCE(VC,SC) 15 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 0MUSICIAN PACKAGE DEAL.
The musicians of the 30s were not quite the wanderers that today's musicians are. Generally, they
found a place to stay and stayed there. Often they hooked up with specific clubs or nightclub
syndicates for a steady job. They had to know more than just their instruments to get ahead. They
had to know the business of music, and they knew the seamy underworld that so often supported
them. They were watched by other musicians and club owners, and often by police, who
suspected them of underworld links.
SKILLS POINTS CITY KNOWLEDGE 15- OR INT BASED+4 6 PROFESSIONAL SKILL: MUSICIAN 15- OR INT BASED+4 6 STREETWISE 3 CONVERSATION 3 KNOWLEDGE SKILL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT 14- OR DEX BASED+3 5 HIGH SOCIETY+1 5 PERSUASION+1 5 DISADVANTAGES POINTS WATCHED BY POLICE 8- 15 WATCHED BY MUSICIANS AND CLUB OWNERS 8- 10 DISTINCTIVE FEATURE: MUSICIAN 5 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 0COWBOY PACKAGE DEAL.
The cowboy, that mythic figure of the west, was still very real in the 1930s. The cowboy no
longer herded cattle along the Chisholm Trail to the railyards of Kansas City, but he still acted as
a combination of ranger and freelance law enforcement. Regarded with an odd mixture of disdain
and awe by his city cousins, the cowboy had his own code, and regarded violations as personal
affronts wich he was always ready to answer with violence. The cowboy credo included respect
for property, deference to woman in personal matters, and a headstrong disregard for the
formalities of trials and lawyers.
SKILLS POINTS RIDING+2 7 PROFESSIONAL SKILL: COWBOY 13- OR INT BASED+2 4 FAMILIARITY WITH SMALL ARM 2 CHOOSE 5 15 PS:RANCHING 12- OR INT B.+1,GAMBLING 11- OR INT B. ,AREA KNOWLEDGE 12- OR INT BASED+1,+1 WITH PISTOL,COOKING 12- OR INT BASED+1, PS:SINGING 12- OR PRE BASED+1,PS:MUSICAL INSTRUMENT 12- OR INT BASED+1 DISADVANTAGES POINTS CODE OF THE WEST (CS,TC) 20 DISTINCTIVE FEATURE:COWBOY 5 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 0PRIEST PACKAGE DEAL.
The priest, whether a Catholic Archbischop or a Baptist preacher, was always subject to a higher
authority. And if he didn't follow the wishes of his church, he was out of a job. Despite these
rather severe restrictions, being a priest was loaded with advantages, not the least of wich was the
respect of the community and he was a capable speaker. The priest ministered to the needs of the
congregation, both spiritualy and educationally. He provided a strong sense of continuity and
purpose, and instilled respect for authority while providing leadership.
SKILLS POINTS PEARK: MINISTERIAL POWERS 1 PROFESSIONAL SKILL: PRIEST 15- OR INT BASED+4 6 KNOWLEDGE SKILL:CHURCH HISTORY 15- OR INT BASED+4 6 CONVERSATION 3 ORATORY 3 PERSUASION 3 BUREAUCRATICS 3 STREETWISE 3 HIGH SOCIETY 3 LATIN FOR CATHOLIC PRIEST ONLY(completely fluent with accent,literacy) (2) AREA KNOWLEDGE:PARISH 15- OR INT BASED+4 6 +1 LEVEL WITH PRESENCE BASED SKILL 5 DISADVANTAGES POINTS WATCHED:CHURCH 8- 15 SUBJECT TO ORDERS (VC,MC) 15 DISTINCTIVE FEATURE:PRIEST 5 PACKAGE BONUS 1 TOTAL (CATHOLIC): 8(10)HOLLYWOOD STAR PACKAGE DEAL.
SKILLS POINTS HIGH SOCIETY+1 5 KNOWLEDGE SKILL: HOLLYWOOD RICH AND FAMOUS 14- OR INT B.+2 4 ACTING+1 5 AREA KNOWLEDGE: HOLLYWOOD 12- OR INT BASED+1 3 CONVERSATION 3 DISGUISE 11- OR INT BASED 3 GAMBLING 11- OR INT BASED 3 PERSUASION 3 SEDUCTION 3 KNOWLEDGE SKILL: THEATER 12- OR INT BASED+1 3 ORATORY 3 DISADVANTAGES POINTS DISTINCTIVE FEATURE: FAMOUS 5 WATCHED: STUDIO 11- 15 WATCHED: THE PRESS 11- 15 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 0PLAYBOY/SOCIALITE PACKAGE DEAL
This character is one of the idle rich, always looking for some new thrills. The playboy/socialite is
familiar with socializing in upper circles and understands the impact of appearance on
relationships. He or she has knowledge of the city in wich he or she lives and has some skill in
dealing with people. There is, however, a price for being rich, this is reflected by the
playboy/socialite being reconized and watched by the press.
SKILLS POINTS HIGH SOCIETY +2 8 AREA KNOWLEDGE: CAMPAIGN CITY 11- OR INT BASED. 2 BRIBERY 3 BUREAUCRATICS 3 CONVERSATION 3 GAMBLING 11- OR INT BASED 3 PERSUASION 3 SEDUCTION 3 WEALTHY: MILLONAIRE 10 DISADVANTAGES POINTS DISTINCTIVE FEATURE: PRESS EXPOSURE 5 WATCHED: THE PRESS 8- 15 WATCHED: THE FAMILY AND THE HIGH SOCIETY 8- 15 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 0SCIENTIST PACKAGE DEAL.
The scientist character, motivated by a curiosity about the forces that govern the world, was often
portrayed in the pulps as an amoral person. The difference between a good scientist and a bad
one was the degree to wich the person believed that science should serve man. Edison and
Frankenstein were simply two sides of the same coin. The scientist, in addition to his field of
expertise, was broadly educated in mathematics and generaly familiar with other scientific arenas.
He knew the great minds in his field, as well as a variety of colleagues across the country. Of
course, whether the scientist was an independent inventor grappling with the patent office, a
university professor arguing for funding, or an engineer with a great company, they all dealt with
their peculiar bureaucracies.
SKILLS POINTS INVENTOR 5 CRAMMING 5 ORATORY 3 SCIENTIST 3 SCIENCE(CHOICE) 12- OR INT BASED+1 2 SCIENCE(CHOICE) 11- OR INT BASED 1 SCIENCE: MATHEMATICS OR INT BASED 1 KNOWLEDGE SKILL: SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY 12- OR INT BASED+1 3 BUREAUCRATICS 3 DISADVANTAGES POINTS CURIOUS ABOUT THE FORCE OF NATURE (CS,SC) 15 SEEKS TO PUNISH THOSE WHO ABUSE SCIENCE 5 ENRAGED WHEN PEOPLE ABUSE SCIENCE (UNCOMM,8-,14-) 3 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 0PRIVATE DETECTIVE PACKAGE DEAL.
The private detective is less restricted in his operations than a policeman, but he does not have the
manpower resources to call upon that the policeman has. The private detective knows the city in
wich he works and the surronding area. he is also familiar with the city underworld. He is familiar
with handguns and carries a license to carry a concealed weapon. A private detective knows
some of the tricks of the trade and will usually have contacts on the police force. A detective has
various skills wich help him deal with various sorts of people. On the other hand, a private
detective is usualy know, has made some enemies, and his watched by the law enforcement and
the underworld of the city.
SKILLS POINTS KNOWLEDGE: UNDERWORLD,POLICE,CITY,ONE AREA. 8 FAMILIRITY WITH SMALL ARM 2 PERKS: PRIVATE DETECTIVE,CONCEALED WEAPON PERMIT. 4 DEDUCTION+1 5 PROFESSIONAL SKILL: DETECTIVE 2 BRIBERY,BUREAUCRATICS,CONVERSATION,CRIMINOLOGY. 12 LOCKPICKING,PERSUASION,SHADOWING OR INT BASED,STREETWISE. 12 DISADVANTAGES POINTS DISTINCTIVE FEATURE: PRIVATE DETECTIVE 5 HUNTED: SOMEONE YOU SENT UP, 8- 15 WATCHED BY THE POLICE AND UNDERWORLD OF THE CITY 11- 20 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 1EXPLORER PACKAGE DEAL.
The explorer package deal is suitable for explorers, and for archeologists, big game hunters,
missionaries, or any other persons who regularly operate outside civilized areas. The explorer is
familiar with the area wich he has explored, including the country or colony in wich the
exploration took place. The langage of the area is known to some extent, and the explorer may
also know some of the culture of the inhabitans. The explorer will also develop survival skills for
wilderness and/or bureaucratic areas. In order to explore an area, the explorer must have the
cooperation of the area's governement. This governement may not reside in or near the
exploration area but may be a foreign country (in instances of colonialism). The explorer also
requires financial backing. Thes two problems are reflected by the watched disadvantages.
SKILLS POINTS AREA KNOWLEDGE: EXPLORED AREA 15- OR INT BASED+4 6 AREA KNOWLEDGE: COUNTRY OR COLONY 15- OR INT BASED+4 6 LANGAGE: BASIC CONVERSATION 1 +1 WITH LANGAGE OF EXPLORED AREA 1 SURVIVAL 12- OR INT BASED+1 5 +1 WITH FAVORITE WEAPON 2 CHOOSE TWO FROM: BRIBERY, SCIENTIST OR BUREAUCRATICS. 6 CHOOSE TWO FROM: STREETWISE,TRACKING OR TRAVELER. 6 DISADVANTAGES POINTS WATCHED: GOVERNEMENT OF EXPLORED AREA 8- 15 WATCHED: SPONSORING ORGANISATION 11- 15 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 0MILITARY MAN (ENLISTED) PACKAGE DEAL.
In the 1930s pulps, the military man, even a lowly private, commands respect wherever he goes.
The US has never lost a war thanks to these brave men in uniform, and they are volunteers
defending the last best hope of the world. They have fight human foe in Europe and inhuman one
in the state (Insmooth) and they always win. They are well equipped and trained, and enjoy the
support of the governement. On the other hand, the military man is severely limited by the fact
that he his completely under the sway of his commanding officers. He has his mobility severely
restricted, and he has to get special permission to be off his base for any appreciable length of
time, or to travel any great distance.
SKILLS POINTS FAMILIARITY WITH SMALL ARMS 2 POLE ARMS (BAYONNET) 1 CHOOSE ONE: FLAMETHROWER,MORTAR,HEAVY MACHINE GUN. 1 PROFESSIONNAL SKILL: SOLDIER 11- OR INT BASED 2 KNOWLEDGE SKILL: ARMY 11- OR INT BASED 2 RUNNING +2" 4 SWIMMING +1" 1 SURVIVAL 11- OR INT BASED 3 CHOOSE ONE: DEMOLITION 11- OR INT BASED,BREAKFALL. 3 CHOOSE ONE: GUNSMITH,BUREACRATICS AND STEALTH. 3 CHOOSE ONE: CLIMBING,MECHANICS,TACTICS, 3 CHOOSE ONE: +1 TO OFFSET RANGE PENALTIES WITH ALL RANGED ATTACKS,COMBAT DRIVING. 3 RIDING AND SWORD FAMILIARITY FOR THE CAVALRY (5) +3 WITH RIFLE 9 KNOWLEDGE: ENNEMY ARMY 11- OR INT BASED 2 CONCEALMENT 3 SYSTEMS OPERATION 3 DISADVANTAGES POINTS DISTINTIVE FEATURE: SOLDIER 5 WATCHED BY THE ARMY 14- 25 SUBJECT TO ORDER (VC,MC) 15 PACKAGE BONUS 3 TOTAL: 0 (5)NEW SKILL: SAFECRACKING.
This skill allows character to break open safes using drills, stethoscopes and nimbles fingers, acid
(ks: chemistery complementary roll), or others means. Back in the 20s or 30s it was still possible
to open combination locks on safes by listening to the tumblers (mechanic complementary roll).
Of course, there's always the direct method of explosives, but that comes more unders the heading
of demolotion skill (in this case the complementary roll is the safecracking skill). The
safecracking skill cost 3 pts for a base 11- or int based. A +1 costs 2pts. This skill was originally
puplished in the Justice Inc. game.
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