So @Daedalus and I are hoping to push forward roleplaying in the community. First order of matters? A business/club/etc. front. A name we'd use for the papers and presentation for those uninvolved, but just as importantly a false name that we recognize as a codename for The Black Watchmen. ...But really something mostly as email/IRC/etc. name so that we can keep in touch with each other without taking up official TBW space or whatever. Suggestions for name and other details are welcome.
Well I'd say option A would be to choose something with the same acronym, such as...Tom Brown's Waterhole, a pub and grill opening up next week in Brooklyn, with a theme leaning towards...rustic western. Y'know, like all good all-american pub and grills. If we're going for something more formal, we could definitely use a different acronym. Something simple to change it though, like shifting the letters down one (UCX) or up one (SAV). Universal Care X, or Sightline Aviation Vehicles. Or something along those lines, I'm just tossing an idea out there.
And what about "Nortel" or "Northern Electric Company (limited)" ? Spoiler Not sure if it would require or not autorisation from the actual company, but in my opinion, it would be a nice reference to Alice&Smith and HumanEquation. The actual company has ceased operations in 2009, so using this name for RP only wouldn't really be hindered by real world considerations. While it was a worldwide company, using Nortel as a cover could also be used to reference some (former) existing sites used by the company (Canada, USA, Europe, etc...), other than just the HE reference. Nb: Funny thing: many hackers have been freely using Nortel's hardware/servers for years... Black Watchmen already? Behind the yellow curtain? Qadhos?
Yeah, what they said. Depending on how in-depth we go with things, it could require authorization, but otherwise, I think that's a damn good front.
Yeah, we're just doing roleplay shenanigans. It's not going to be THAT intensive. Nortel could work. c: We'll see though, if anyone has more ideas we can consider those. (EDIT: Though also if others are playing around with it and if it exists already it might lose the "exclusivity" and secretive factor. )
What about a bit of a compilation of ideas. "Nortel Executive Solutions" Plus it's vague enough to mean anything from network techs mercenaries.
I was always partial to secret organization names derived from some specific obscure or pedestrian origin. Charles Stross gave us "The Laundry", which is my favorite. You could follow along those lines with with The Mill, The Farm, The Library, or whatever. You'd first need to come up with an appropriate origin story, though. If you want to get more cute and obscure it could be something like Algernon's Flowers, Apiario de Isidore, or IKB Dockyards.
Alternatively, if part of the reason for the name is also to remain hidden, we could, instead of having a single set name, have a system with a variety of names, the method of decoding only known to those "initiated" - or at the least, a method not readily decipherable by anyone but members, or those who might observe us for an extended period of time. To give an example: A list of 43 names. The name to be used depends on the specific date of when the communication is taking place/started, or when a document was published - to avoid confusion, the date should, perhaps, be determined by a specific timezone. The day and month are added - which also neatly circumvents the issue of date format - and the sum points to the name that should be used on that day - so, for example, today would call for name #32 to be used (if we go by UTC). While it's nothing major in terms of encrypting the name, the system also has a natural rotation as each subsequent month shifts the name used for a specific date by 1. The downside, of course - beyond it being less intimate than a set name - is it might be rather hard to come up with 43 "acceptable" names, as well as keeping track of what name is to be used when, without a handy list nearby. The upside, is that the group would have an easier time spotting hostile Agents attempting to infiltrate the group. Beyond the names that have already been suggested, here are a few more: The Observatory The Lighthouse (*shoos away Morning Light with a broom*) Theia's Resort Hachiman Collective Hotei's Casino Apesh Prison (alright, sorry about all the deities ) *proceeds to draw a blank*
I have been looking more into the Nortel thing. They were previously named Northern Electric and for many years ran their primary manufacturing in Montreal out of a building now named The Nordelec. http://www.lenordelec.ca/ Doesn't look like such a bad place for a condo or office or secret agency.
You do realize that *is* the building HE (and Alica and Smith) are located in, right? the plot thickens...
I have an idea, what about DIrect innoVatIonS-makIng technOlogy siNce 1966 Direct Innovations being the company name, and the "making..." part being the slogan. It also hints at being a front for TBW, making it easier for agents to find.
Well, I think a front would be smart. Start with an overarching shell company, then set out smaller more legitimate businesses, granting some agents needed civilian cover, gaining financial revenue, and well... it would allow us to filter our activities through multiple points of contact. so the list of names could be easily made, but also run on as small, self-sufficient places. granting revenue and cover. guess you really do learn something from the ideals of the illuminati.
I think that is a great idea! I like things that are cryptic but also relevant. Something like "Sovereign B", for example (though the use of the letter B may be too telling).
