Adventurous Occupations: Journalist
for GURPS
by Paul Stefko
The journalist is often a standard feature of adventure fiction. Curious, resourceful, and dedicated, the reporter will often break the case, poking into holes and discovering clues that other investigators miss. They are also good at spotting lies as well as telling them, manipulating witnesses and sources into giving them the information they need.
The intrepid reporter fits into just about every genre and in any setting that includes organized media. Superheroes maintain secret identities as journalists because it gives them an excuse to disappear at a moment's notice, off to catch the latest scoop. Paranoia thrillers see conspiracies split open by the lucky reporter in the wrong place at the right time. Horror reporters are often the first to discover the mysterious and terrifying (and just as often the first to die).
Journalist PCs
As a player character, the journalist can often serve as a walking adventure hook. Three things make the journalist ideal for spring-boarding the party into an adventure: professional interest in solving mysteries and uncovering obfuscated truths, reliable sources of information, and strong investigative skills.
A reporter is nothing without the scoop. His job hinges on being able to recognize an important story, being in the position to investigate, and actually being able to unravel the case. Success in his career can lead the journalist to major awards (granting Reputation or even Wealth . . .
This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.
Article publication date: November 23, 2007
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