Operatives

The Operatives Methodology functions as the hands-on division within the New World Order. While the Ivory Tower engages in strategic thinking and the Watchers maintain surveillance, the Operatives take on the practical tasks. Their primary responsibility is to contain threats to the Consensus, involving the neutralization of Reality Deviants, including Tradition mages, Marauders, and Nephandi, along with addressing the aftermath of their activities. Additionally, the Operatives serve as enforcers of the policies and philosophies set forth by the Ivory Tower. In instances where Technocrats deviate from these ideals, White Suits are promptly dispatched to correct their actions and bring them back in line with the overarching principles.

## History

The Operatives Methodology emerged during a period of conflict within the Technocratic Union. As the Ivory Tower defined its purpose, it became evident that its members were ill-suited for essential fieldwork required to combat pockets of powerful resistance across the globe. The First World War witnessed the rise of Lord Vargo, a crazed Etherite Reality Deviant who proclaimed himself the "Zeppelin Emperor" and aimed to conquer the world. In response, the Operatives swiftly mobilized to neutralize Vargo, employing coincidental Mind Procedures as their primary tactic. The successful mission solidified the Operatives' role as the first line of defense against Reality Deviance and established a strategic shift towards subtle psychological operations.

Rupert Sparrow, a decorated agent, led the mission against Vargo and implemented the tactic of psychological manipulation. This approach not only led to the defeat of Vargo but also earned Sparrow a promotion to a key leadership position within the Operatives. Sparrow's tactics, emphasizing subtlety over brute force, became ingrained in the Methodology's playbook.

In the subsequent decades, the Operatives faced new threats, including Marauder attacks in the 1950s. Sparrow, now the director of the Operatives Methodology, responded by generating clones dressed in black suits reminiscent of the Skeleton Keys. Deployed to the field, these operatives mitigated the psychic impact of strange phenomena, but their mysterious appearances led to legends and conspiracy theories about the enigmatic "Men in Black."

Sparrow, criticized for creating a myth contradicting the Consensus, nonetheless continued to implement successful methods. He applied the concept of the "Men in Black" to the entire Methodology, resulting in the birth of the White, Gray, and Black Suits.

During the Cold War era, the Operatives Methodology extended its involvement to geopolitics. Recognizing the potential for mass destruction by the unEnlightened, Gray Suits infiltrated governments and militaries globally. Leveraging the aftermath of the Second World War, Sparrow recruited experts in intelligence, espionage, and analysis from various agencies. This infusion of talent and knowledge propelled the Operatives Methodology into an espionage powerhouse, shaping its contemporary identity.

## Organization

### Intelligence Analysts

Within the Operatives Methodology, the backbone of information processing lies with the Intelligence Analysts. Engaging in the less thrilling but crucial work, they meticulously sift through reports and telemetry from the field, identifying patterns and extracting crucial information. These analysts play a pivotal role in directing the activities of field agents. Collaborating with other Methodologies, they form essential liaisons and ensure the Ivory Tower remains well-informed, avoiding a vacuum of information.

### Black Suits

On the dynamic and engaging side of the Methodology are the field agents, initially placed in the Black Suits after a rigorous vetting process. Equipped with powerful Mind Procedures and cutting-edge devices, these individuals operate on the Front Lines against Reality Deviance. Engaging in various aspects of the struggle, from assaulting Tradition Chantries to reeducating witnesses, Black Suits are the frontline warriors. Many are Sympathizers, while others are drawn from unEnlightened government or military roles. The Methodology's amalgams often comprise clones, monitored for consistent behavior, with Extraordinary or Enlightened leaders directing their activities.

### Gray Suits

Ascending the chain, Gray Suits specialize in the nebulous world of infiltration and espionage. Their focus is on infiltrating Reality Deviant organizations through guile, fabrication, and personal alteration. Trained by Director Sparrow, Gray Suits ingratiate themselves with target groups, often Tradition mages, gaining trust to destabilize the group or provide valuable intel. Operating independently or occasionally with support from Watchers or Black Suits, Gray Suits must possess a diverse set of skills and traits, often promoted from within the Methodology.

### White Suits

At the apex of the organizational chart are the vaunted White Suits. Possessing broad powers and the highest security clearances, these seasoned individuals have a primary mission of strategically leading the Operatives Methodology. While receiving marching orders from the Ivory Tower, White Suits have the autonomy to implement orders as they deem fit. Tasked with providing security for all Convention-controlled facilities and acting as the orthodoxy police, White Suits ensure uniformity within the Convention. Typically promoted from within the Methodology, they hold a position of utmost trust to execute their duties faithfully.

## Convention

Amidst the New World Order (NWO), the agents of the Operatives stand out as the most formidable. The White Suits, conducting investigations, scrutinize personnel from every Convention within the Union. Whispers about the feared Processing echo across various levels of the Technocracy's operational structure. Occasionally, this pervasive anxiety transforms into resentment among Citizens who increasingly feel insulted by the unyielding scrutiny and harsh techniques seemingly reserved for Reality Deviants. However, few dare to voice such sentiments, as doing so contradicts the cherished ideals they hold and could invite the very investigations they believe they don't deserve.

A concerning trend within the Methodology is the emergence of wetwork cells. Recognizing that Operatives might not excel in direct confrontations, especially against heavily fortified targets, they employ coincidental Mind Procedures rather than relying on brute force. The New Wetwork Order, a term coined for this group of White Suits, decided to adopt technology discarded by Iteration X. They construct their own controlled entities using processed Reality Deviants trained to use their powers in a more Enlightened manner. The initial tests proved highly successful, and the project is continually expanding.