Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

[Karmakaze]

This is not entirely unrelated to the Superhero Legal Disclaimers thread...

 

I have a feeling plenty of folks have come up with similar acronyms, but M.E.T.A. (Metahuman Evaluation and Training Agency) came to mind for a government regulation branch. (As in "Sure, you could call META on them, but is it really worth the paperwork?")

 

I'd thought before of placing metahuman regulation under the CDC (Center for Disease Control) rather than one of the law enforcement agencies, treating the existence of metahumans as primarily a public health issue. Given that while probably a larger population of metahumans go into crime or vigilantism than the general public, the majority still probably do not. On further examination, it would make more sense for META to be under HHS (Health and Human Services) as a parallel organization to the CDC rather than under the CDC itself.

 

Of course, post-Patriot Act I could see DHS (Department of Homeland Security) trying to claim the agency, but I'm not sure how well that would go. It could lead to some fun jurisdictional fights, as DHS would want to take over certain cases.

[teh bunneh]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

In one game I ran, I had BSHA (pronounced BEE-shaw), the Bureau of Super-Human Affairs. I'm not sure who they reported to; it never came up in-game. Probably the Justice Department, since they were essentially well-armed cops and ran their own special prison.

[OddHat]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

Sounds good.

 

I generally place the public start of the Supers phenomena in the late 1800s, with the first official American use of Supers on the battlefield in WWII under the OSS. My reasoning, half serious, is that the real OSS was saddled with quite a few borderline loons; the OSS in my campaign therefore gets handed the job of coordinating people with powers, mostly volunteer and draftee Mystery Men whom no one takes seriously. In the course of the war the Mystery Men and OSS prove themselves. After the war the OSS splits into the NSA, CIA, and OSI, with the OSI keeping the job of coordinating military and government supers both at home and abroad (and running into rivalries with the FBI and CIA in the process). The first director is Harold Smith, who later officially retires but secretly goes on to head CURE (Black Ops with Supers). The OSI's second director, Oscar Goldman, holds on through the 1970s and 80s and is succeeded by Steve Austin, the current director and first Super to hold that position. The draft for Supers ended in 1972. Currently states and municipalities sponsor Super Teams and individual supers, receiving matching funds through the OSI; the Supers on these teams are given training and legal powers similar to law enforcement officers at the same level (i.e. a municipal Super Team member has legal powers similar to a police officer, a federal Super to an FBI agent, etc). Among other things, Supers on an OSI sponsored team may testify while masked, and may not be sued for actions taken in the performance of their duties. Supers who do not join an OSI sponsored team have the same legal status as any other private citizen; if they end up repeatedly involved with "crime fighting", they'll be pressured to join an OSI team or face the legal consequences of their actions. Any Super may apply for a Fictitious Name License, allowing him to receive funds an otherwise do business under his Code Name (this is standard for an OSI Super).

[freakboy6117]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

working on my UK hero project and trying to work out a better way to run marvels initiative i came up with this its rather long so apologies

 

The LENT programme

 

The Licensed Extra-Normal Training programme is the corners stone of the British Governments response to extra-normal capabilities and incidents in the UK.

 

Beginning with the most basic stage,

LEN benefit any UK citizen or appropriate alien can apply for a monthly benefit payment, As long as they have evidence of a demonstrable extra normal power.

 

Once and applicant is assessed they will be placed on the national register of extra normal people. This gives them access to special assistance with problems of housing and employment.

 

Registered extra-normal’s will also be assessed for any unique medical problems there powers may cause as required by law for correct treatment in NHS hospitals most people stop here.

 

The requirements are fairly straight forward a successful applicant receive a monthly benefit payment in exchange they are required to attend quarterly review sessions and report promptly any changes to your powers attend an annual physical with a department specified GP.

 

All registered Extra-normal’s are required to be available to use their powers in the service of the country if required (there are a number of ethical clauses that mean that they can choose conscientious objection to some duties) the government pay for days off work due to working for the department and all employers are required by law to give employees time off for these duties.

 

That’s the carrot the stick is as follows failure to report an extra normal power is cause to be refused medical treatment in a NHS hospital.

 

Use of an unreported extra normal ability is a crime punishable by up to 5 years in jail use of a dangerous extra-normal power in the course of a crime is punishable by an automatic life sentence. Accidental deaths caused by unregistered extra normal powers are classed as manslaughter.

 

There is some leeway (sudden activation of powers massive inflation of minor abilities etc) but the longer the powers have been unreported the more severe the crime is considered.

 

Those claiming the benefit are known as Lennies or are said to be one the LENd and the Daily Mail is full of stories about bogus benefit claims for people with fictitious powers (big news last years was the man who claimed the LEN due to his hair growing 4 times faster than normal)

 

Those who have registered their powers and wish to peruse crime fighting to do so first they must find a sponsor usually a city but corporate or emergency service support is another option. Once sponsored has agreed to vouch for and pay for the training of the trainee.

 

They will undergo a 6 week intensive fitness and assessment course at the secret LENT facility near Basingstoke where trainees undergo an intensive 6 week course where there powers are assessed by specially trained personnel who will help them reach their full potential.

 

The trainees will undergo intensive physical train gin not just general fitness and unarmed combat training but also receive practical training in paramedic’s emergency response survival and other hands on disdains.

 

The trainees also spend several hours a day on such topics as extra normal history national and global super humans as well as police procedure and the law.

At the end of this the trainee is a probationary sanctioned hero (not the official term) they then go off to work with their sponsoring body to further enhance their skills, during this initial period they engage in supervised patrols assisting either an extra normal mentor or emergency services personnel.

 

usually After 6 months or so of supervised activity providing live up to expectations the trainee will be given full sanctioned status and be able to operate independently (though many still partner with someone) after full status is awarded former trainees usually return a couple of times a year for advanced training and certification the best return to assist in training new recruits.

 

There are various sub qualifications in The LENT program these represent legal requirements necessary to be properly insured and protected against legal action whilst performing some type of action.

 

So to use ranged weaponry or powers a trainee must complete first the appropriate force training then the general weaponry course and finally the marksmanship courses.

 

Those with ranged power usually get streamed into these course first whilst those without might concentrate on unarmed combat coming back later in their career to develop there ranged weaponry skills and knowledge.

[Killer Shrike]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

PREDATOR (Paranormal Research Experimentation Development Training Operations / Regulation)....Project: PREDATOR is featured in an issue of Digital HERO in fact.

 

ZED (Zero Enemy Division) is another dimensional dark reflection of PRIMUS...also featured in an issue of Digital HERO.

 

 

The ICARUS Agenda (Immediate Combat Action Response Units)

[Karmakaze]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

Do I have to register with META?

 

No. You are not legally obligated to register with META, unless your abilities pose a potential hazard, which will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

 

How do I know if my abilities pose a potential hazard?

 

Even if you are not sure you want to register, you can still come in for a confidential screening. In cases where META is alerted to a potential hazard via complaints or other evidence, META will investigate and offer screening to affected parties.

 

Can META force me to undergo a screening?

 

Yes. With a court order, META can require an individual to undergo screening.

 

What happens if the screening finds that my abilities pose a potential hazard?

 

Our specialists will work with you to find ways to mitigate or eliminate the hazard. In most cases, a short training program is all that is needed. If specialized equipment is required, we will subsidize developent, and we have caseworkers who can help you apply for loans and/or grants to cover any remaining costs. You will be assigned a registration number and may be asked to schedule regular follow-up evaluations.

 

How can I schedule a screening?

 

There is a form on our website or you can call our toll-free number. We have offices in most major cities. Some locations may offer home visits, on a very limited basis.

 

What if, after the screening, I still do not want to register?

 

Assuming you are not found to pose a potential hazard, we will issue you a temporary screening number. Your records will be held under that number, stripped of all personal information, for three months. You may complete the registration process at any time during those three months. If we don't hear from you after three months, we will destroy your file, as required by federal law.

 

If I choose to register, do I have to join a government agency?

 

No. All registration entails is a full evaluation and a short orientation class. While we offer placement asisstance for those who are interested, but once you have you registration number, anything else is purely voluntary.

 

How do I know my registration information is secure with META?

 

We use a similar system as the CIA uses to tracks its covert operatives. In fact, we employed many of the same programmers who worked for the CIA and Military Intelligence. In over fifty years of operation, we have not had a single large-scale breach of confidentiality. You stand a greater chance of being exposed by a nosy neighbor than by our database.

[Karmakaze]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

Are there any other circumstances when registration might be mandatory?

 

Yes. If you are arrested on a charge that is aggravated by the use of metahuman abilities, the court will almost certainly order a screening. If you are convicted, that data will be filed and you will be assigned a registration number.

Can I have more than one registration number?

No. Registration numbers are unique to each individual. You may, if you wish, ask to have your name and address not included in your file, and be tracked solely by registration number.

 

Can a minor register?

 

A minor can register, with permission from a parent or guardian. In cases where the minor's abilities pose a potential hazard, the minor will be screened and a parent or guardian will be notified. A minor may undergo a confidential screening anonymously. In that case, a minor may ask that his or her temporary id be held until he or she turns 18, without requiring parental notification.

[StGrimblefig]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

I was inspired by (i.e. I stole large parts of) OddHat's excellent timeline. However, I made the OSI a part of the U.S. Secret Service (which is, according to this website, a part of DHS). Of course, the agency has been largely dormant for 30-some-odd years, because there have been no supers for that long (There is one employee in the entire state, and he is about to be horribly overworked).

[StGrimblefig]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

If anyone is interested, I have an OSI registration form that I created based on an old security clearance form. It is a MS Word doc, so you could modify it to fit whatever agency you choose to use. I especially like the "evaluation" page that I added.

[Chris Goodwin]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

I'd thought before of placing metahuman regulation under the CDC (Center for Disease Control) rather than one of the law enforcement agencies' date=' treating the existence of metahumans as primarily a public health issue. Given that while probably a larger population of metahumans go into crime or vigilantism than the general public, the majority still probably do not. On further examination, it would make more sense for META to be under HHS (Health and Human Services) as a parallel organization to the CDC rather than under the CDC itself.

 

Of course, post-Patriot Act I could see DHS (Department of Homeland Security) trying to claim the agency, but I'm not sure how well that would go. It could lead to some fun jurisdictional fights, as DHS would want to take over certain cases.

 

Idea: When did superheroes start appearing? Pick whichever agency was the newest and sexiest and whose star was on the rise. Roaring 20's? FBI. 30's? Some New Deal agency, maybe, or maybe FBI. 40's? Department of Defense. 50's? CIA. 60's? NSA. 70's? Maybe FBI again, or Secret Service; you could work HHS in there I think (is that when it got its start?). 80's-90's? It gets kinda muddy with jurisdictional fights. CDC is most likely here, I think. Post 9/11 it's definitely Homeland Security.

 

Edit: Ooh. ATF in the 80's-90's. Maybe it becomes ATFS or ATFM or ATFP or whatever you're calling supers in your world.

[Karmakaze]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

Idea: When did superheroes start appearing? Pick whichever agency was the newest and sexiest and whose star was on the rise. Roaring 20's? FBI. 30's? Some New Deal agency, maybe, or maybe FBI. 40's? Department of Defense. 50's? CIA. 60's? NSA. 70's? Maybe FBI again, or Secret Service; you could work HHS in there I think (is that when it got its start?). 80's-90's? It gets kinda muddy with jurisdictional fights. CDC is most likely here, I think. Post 9/11 it's definitely Homeland Security.

 

Edit: Ooh. ATF in the 80's-90's. Maybe it becomes ATFS or ATFM or ATFP or whatever you're calling supers in your world.

 

The CDC was founded in 1947, I think. I'm not sure that Health and Human Services existed at that point or not. These things get shuffled 'round.

[OddHat]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

If anyone is interested' date=' I have an OSI registration form that I created based on an old security clearance form. It is a MS Word doc, so you could modify it to fit whatever agency you choose to use. I especially like the "evaluation" page that I added.[/quote']

 

Sounds interesting.

[StGrimblefig]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

Okay, here it is.

[OddHat]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

Okay' date=' here it is.[/quote']

 

Very cool.

 

I might steal it, but I'd add a box for Fictitious Name License Number and Tax Payer ID Number. In real life the Fictitious Name License allows businesses to open bank accounts, enter into contracts, and pay taxes as "Company Name"; in a Supers world, it's a fun device to allow the heroes to take checks made out to "Super Guy" rather than "Bill Smith".

[StGrimblefig]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

I might steal it' date=' but I'd add a box for Fictitious Name License Number and Tax Payer ID Number.[/quote']

Have at it. You could consume part of the green "for OSI Use Only" box at the top of either the main or privacy sections. Depending upon whether you wanted the local OSI liason to have access to that information.

 

And don't forget to change the dates on the form, as they are currently set to reflect the fact that they haven't been updated in over 30 years.

 

In real life the Fictitious Name License allows businesses to open bank accounts' date=' enter into contracts, and pay taxes as "Company Name"; in a Supers world, it's a fun device to allow the heroes to take checks made out to "Super Guy" rather than "Bill Smith".[/quote']

Is that license for companies that are not incorporated? Or is it somehow tied in with incorporation?

[Balabanto]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

In my game I have the Paranormal Tactical Analysis Headquarters.

 

This agency serves two functions. It replaces PRIMUS and UNTIL in timeline as far as who runs superprisons. I cannot in good conscience say that that US government would ever allow United Nations personnel to run their incarceration facilities.

 

The agency also serves as a semi-capable super powered law enforcement arm for fighting super powered threats when the local heroes are unavailable. (Or when the local heroes ARE the super powered threat.)

 

For everything else about this agency, you'll have to wait for Mind Over Matter.

 

Warning: This agency also engages in black operations on foreign soil, uses supervillains as forced labor to do things heroes can't or won't, and acts in the best interests of the United States at all times, REGARDLESS OF WHAT THE GOVERNMENT WANTS OR WHO IS IN CHARGE. As far as PTAH is concerned, it's secret branch that controls it believes that the end justifies the means, and allowing superheroes to be heroic is part of that end. Only if the heroes completely fail should the organization be brought to bear, and even then, as quietly as possible, and events glossed over to make the heroes contributions greater than they seemed.

[OddHat]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

 

Is that license for companies that are not incorporated? Or is it somehow tied in with incorporation?

 

It's for small businesses and partnerships. Not sure if Corporations use the same licensing process.

[Karmakaze]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

A little thread necromancy, as I came back to this thread to look something up recently...

 

What is the Reserve Program?

 

The Reserve Program is a volunteer database made available to FEMA and other government agencies as appropriate. If an emergency arises for which your abilities would be helpful, listing with the Reserve Program gives us permission to contact you with requests for volunteer activity. Volunteer activity through the Reserve Program is generally short-term and not compensated. Compensation for regular activity should be negotiated with the pertinent agencies directly.

 

What legal protections come with registration?

 

For one thing, your META file is admissible evidence in court. This can help if you are falsely accused - we can often cross-reference signature elements of your powers that we have on file with evidence to eliminate you as a suspect. Registration does also provide some protection similar to many 'good samaritan' laws, if you injure anyone in the course of offering assistance. Simply registering with META does not confer police powers, however - additional training and certification is required for that.

[bubba smith]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

sounds good.

 

i generally place the public start of the supers phenomena in the late 1800s, with the first official american use of supers on the battlefield in wwii under the oss. My reasoning, half serious, is that the real oss was saddled with quite a few borderline loons; the oss in my campaign therefore gets handed the job of coordinating people with powers, mostly volunteer and draftee mystery men whom no one takes seriously. In the course of the war the mystery men and oss prove themselves. After the war the oss splits into the nsa, cia, and osi, with the osi keeping the job of coordinating military and government supers both at home and abroad (and running into rivalries with the fbi and cia in the process). The first director is harold smith, who later officially retires but secretly goes on to head cure (black ops with supers). The osi's second director, oscar goldman, holds on through the 1970s and 80s and is succeeded by steve austin, the current director and first super to hold that position. The draft for supers ended in 1972. Currently states and municipalities sponsor super teams and individual supers, receiving matching funds through the osi; the supers on these teams are given training and legal powers similar to law enforcement officers at the same level (i.e. A municipal super team member has legal powers similar to a police officer, a federal super to an fbi agent, etc). Among other things, supers on an osi sponsored team may testify while masked, and may not be sued for actions taken in the performance of their duties. Supers who do not join an osi sponsored team have the same legal status as any other private citizen; if they end up repeatedly involved with "crime fighting", they'll be pressured to join an osi team or face the legal consequences of their actions. Any super may apply for a fictitious name license, allowing him to receive funds an otherwise do business under his code name (this is standard for an osi super).

steve made good i see, BUT WHAT became of jaime summers THE BIONIC WOMAN?

[Cold Steel]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

steve made good i see' date=' BUT WHAT became of jaime summers THE BIONIC WOMAN?[/quote']

 

Or Steve Austin (No not the wrestler.), The Six Million Dollar Man?

[bubba smith]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

yes thats what i'm asking

[Enforcer84]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

>Insert Namedropping

 

My mother went to High School with Lindsy Wagner (who played the Bionic Woman)

 

> Exit Namedropping

[bubba smith]

Re: Worldbuilding Musings - META government agency

 

interesting