Unconventional Warfare
Secondary Ability
Perhaps the biggest hot-button topic of the new millennium, unconventional warfare is as old as war itself. Originally referred to as the Knowledge: Terrorism, this field of expertise deals with the techniques of mass terror, the instruments of fear, the underworlds associated with unconventional warfare, and the most efficacious methods for “sending a message” or catching the people who do.
Combined with Traits like Computer, Demolitions, Intimidation, Security, Politics, Media, Covert Culture, and so forth, this Knowledge can reflect the practical as well as the organizational, ideological, and social aspects of terrorism. Theology or Occult may let a character recognize the religious or mystic aims of terrorism, while Expression and Cultural Savvy unlock the potentially artistic side of mass murder. Since the difference between heroes and terrorists is almost entirely subjective, experts in this field often veer into exceedingly hazy moral territory with regards to the people they know and the things they’ll do. And while terrorism is unquestionably a dirty business, it can be profoundly effective… especially for mages locked in a shadow war to control Reality on a global scale.
• Dabbler: You know the major organizations involved in terror, as well as their usual tactics, targets, methodologies, and key personnel.
•• Student: You’re a consultant for the UN Security Council, the U.S. Army, al Qaeda, or some other interested party.
••• Scholar: You know the majors, the fringes, and the fakes.
•••• Professor: You’re a key player in the terror-wars.
••••• Master: You’re either a leader or the power behind one.
Possessed by
Terrorists, Counterterrorism Ops, Hacktivists, Activists, Vigilantes, Mob Leaders, Intelligence Agents, War Buffs, Bloggers, Commandos, Reporters, Spies, Arms Dealers, Guerilla Fighters, Would-Be Revolutionaries
Specialties
Domestic Terror, Ethnic Conflicts, History of Terror, Media Effects, Watchdogs, Counterterrorism Agencies, Intelligence Collection, Kidnapping, Ideology, Secrets, Networks, “Celebrity Figures,” Alliances, Sponsors, Weaponry
Ratings
| Rating | |
|---|---|
| • | Dabbler: You know the major organizations involved in terror, as well as their usual tactics, targets, methodologies, and key personnel. |
| •• | Student: You’re a consultant for the UN Security Council, the U.S. Army, al Qaeda, or some other interested party. |
| ••• | Scholar: You know the majors, the fringes, and the fakes. |
| •••• | Professor: You’re a key player in the terror-wars. |
| ••••• | Master: You’re either a leader or the power behind one. |