User blog comment:AgentXA564/Syndicate Agents (X-Files) vs. Cultists of the Old Ones (Cthulhu Mythos)/@comment-5795750-20130426135041

BG1's "Magic vs Science, where have I heard this argument before?" Edges:

Close: The Enchanted Dagger wins out here since it can give its wielder a bit of a token when he kills someone

EDGE: Cultists

Medium: Sacrificing ammo size for power and reliability? I don't think so... also the S&W revolver has a lower rate of fire than the SIG which could mess up accuracy in an open and heated fight unless the Cultists are that skilled gunslingers...

EDGE: Agents (just)

Long: When I think about it, a mind blast/telekinetic/telepathic power can easily beat anyone with a sniper rifle but there are two things to take into account: 1. The Agents may have dealt with telepathic/telekinetic beings before (hence their affiliation with the Men in Black and Area 51 and all that supernatural and paranormal stuff) and thus are trained to resist mental attacks; 2. What good is an attack if you can't see the target and he/she is at a great range away from you which is what the sniper rifle gives - a range that allows someone to hide.

EDGE: Agents

Assault: Again, sacrificing range for power does not make up for a decent weapon - the MP5 also has a bigger magazine and higher rate of fire meaning that an Agent can take down a Cultist whilst the latter is reloading the shotgun

EDGE: Agents (just)

X-Factors: Average of 73.2 for the Cultists; average of 84 for the Agents

EDGE: Agents

Overall Winner: To me, I think that Agents of the Syndicate will win out here although it will be close. Despite not being brutal or creative in their attacks, they pack the more devastating weapons, are more physically powerful, mentally stable (and resistant to mental attacks thanks to their exposure to alien technology) and very loyal to their cause (hence their attempts to silence the X-Files when they get too close) plus they would know more about stealth (with the rifle and stiletto and compact handgun). The Cultists may bring magic into the battle but it will take a while for any one of them to gain the actual powers (since the Dagger is needed and it can easily be knocked out from their hands) needed and even then, they won't be able to use it tactically - maybe accidentally giving one of their own a mental shock. With regards to the situation set out, the Cultists expect to be attacked, but the Agents are smart enough to pull off decoys and false attack flags.