The beginning: The Case. This is where we prove that there is at all a problem to be solved or an opportunity seized by identifying the problem.

The middle: The Wire. This is where we try to identify the system the problem operates under and/or catch people who make the problems making the problem happen.

The end: The Score. Were we settle the matter of the case, which does not necessarily mean solving the case or resolving the underlying problem to begin with.

I am not sure if the show continues this way in the third, fourth, and fifth seasons.

Is a twist(GM) and a turn(PC) two separate pieces of currency for the phases? Is it procession of a dozen twists before a dozen turns?

I wanted to do a Neon Genesis Evangelion hack for mouse guard and The infection mechanics applied, but preferred MG b/c I found creating settings worth of lifepaths too daunting. What I am getting at is that you are a genius.

The Premise of The Wire is, “Will you let the system make choices for you, or will make your own choices.”

Everyone in that series is part of an institution that demands its staffers feed the needs of institution first: The cops; the gangs; the unions are all introduced in the first two seasons. Later City Hall; the Public School System; and the City Paper are added.

Each character has a choice – constantly – to do the “right thing” (be a good cop, be a good teacher, stop murdering each other) or to help perpetuate the needs of the Institution (through monkey with crime stats, illegal contributions, selling drugs and murdering their friends).

RE: “I didn’t see the whole Disposition mechanic there”: I didn’t see the Wire series through the lens of Burning Empires’ Disposition mechanic and structure until you posted about it. I’m slow that way, but I now see how that fits like a glove.

Stringer Bell is a protagonist in Series 2 right? Shucks, that guy is low. But also hot… in a manly way.

I’d also want the theme to arise naturally through play. The premise must always the same though ‘cos it’s a natural hook into the game.

You coming to Conpulsion? If so, you bringing [MG:BE]: The Wire? Or even vanilla MG/BE?

Cheers
Pete

Re: Pete’s comments about theme. Yes, The Wire is about that both the law and the criminals are people – they’re human beings, and there are assholes and good guys on both side of the fence. But the protagonists in The Wire are the unit of police officers – or you could boil it down to one protagonist for both season 1 and 2: McNulty. He gets things moving, it’s his actions that gets it all into motion.

Personally, I prefer creating theme during play, and I would do that even when playing this. So, what’s the premise of The Wire?

I’ve not goten around to watching The Wire yet. But I know the cast comes and goes a bit. So could you tie the seasons to phases of cast?

Maybe you’re right, SG might be a good place to discuss this. Maybe I’ll post there as well:)

One of the central themes of The Wire is that the ‘good’ guys – the cops – are really no better than the ‘bad’ guys, and vice versa. It’s all “a part of the job” or “that’s the way the game is played” respectively.

Your post seems to have the players playing the role of the cops… but I’d want both sides of the coin to be played out: it’s really at the heart of The Wire. Structurally how does that fit into the BE/MG mould: do we tell a story from the cops POV one campaign, and the criminals POV the next? I want both at the same time.

Break this out onto Story Games already

Cheers
Pete