| From: | Mark Mark@******.demon.co.uk |
|---|---|
| Subject: | [Nerps] Current articles : Repost included |
| Date: | Sat, 17 Apr 1999 22:47:49 +0000 |
> The articles I now have for the current project (whatever that may be) are
> the following:
>
> * Air and Water Tools 'n' Toys (Paul Chamberlain, <junior@*****.net.au>)
> * Decking Options (Gurth <gurth@******.nl>)
> * Foci, Fetishes and Astral Plane (Earl <earl"meridian.es>)
> * Harryngtons Security Services (Bruce <gyro@********.co.za>)
> * Iron Mike and the CCs (Bruce <gyro@********.co.za>)
> * Novi Illuminati Magi, Initiatavent in Sacrum Christum in nomine Mariae,
> Mater Dei (Bruce <gyro@********.co.za>)
> * Pocket Secretaries (Wordman <wordman@*****.com>)
> * XS-3 Series Exoskeleton Walker Frame (Patrick E. Goodman <remo@***.net>)
>
Ok lets update that, repost comming up of mine: note the 'commenting'
in the article is Shadowland comments, New FASA style looking like
quoted text. Also the character statistics on the linked web pages
are now SR 3 compatible (Magic in the Shadows awaited to fix the
initiates!)
While i'm on other possibilities, though given how busy i am
currently these may take a few weeks to get organised.
1) 'Mist's' Magical group (in quotes because 'that what it was known
as', the truth being a 'little' more complicated!). I won't given all
the secrets of this away, i have had far too much fun with certain
campain plots to ever give all the secrets of my campain world away,
well i still use it! Would be written up for reuse, rather than just
boring facts, which would help avoid reuse failing to match my ideas
of the various members of it! See
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/Mist.html for a taster on the
fun (no the article would not appear there but it may help one become
interetsed or not.
2) I also have a rather entertaing group of mages etc i once used as
a plot. They basically became an investigative adventure, only well
what they were actually doing was kind of 'dangerous'.
I might also have the odd corporation and gang lying about but they
are hardly likely to make for more than skeleton entires unless i
give away stuff i am saving for reuse myself / don't have the time to
write up.
Yes rather magic biased but i put the best of the tech stuff i did on
the web already. Um.... thinks, yes i have aother but it needs
written up on paper let alone the computer!
If folks will comment on things, things may happen. And now i've gone
and told Gurth i have more than i voluntered him the last
time...drat!
Mark
================================================From: Self <mark>
To: NERPS@********.ITRIBE.NET
Subject: [Organizatons] Organised Crime
Date sent: Thu, 31 Dec 1998 20:35:07
NERPS ORGANISATIONS
Triad : Black Lotus Clan : version 3
------------------------
> This file on the Black Lotus Triad Clan came to Shadowland
> anonymously, which is usually enough for it to end up straight in
> the virtual dustbin, as such files rarely contain anything but
> inaccurate propaganda. However I received a couple of references
> from known sources indicating that the source is reliable. I suspect
> at least one of these sources was probably responsible for assisting
> in the routing of this document, given at least one relay through
> Zurich Orbital. Anyway make what you will of it as usual. Sys
Introduction:
-------------
The Black Lotus Clan are based in Seattle. They are a relatively small
operation as organised crime gangs go but then most Triads are.
(>) One of the larger Seattle gangs tried to do something about the
Black Lotus triad a couple months back. I reckon they thought the
triad was getting too big for their britches, or some stupid drek like
that, and they wanted to teach them a lesson about territorial rights.
They sent a force of about 25 gangers, mostly Humans and Orks with
some Troll muscle. Three of them came back alive; one of those died
in hospital four days later. Does size matter? You tell me. (>)
Thomas Magick
They more than make up for their lack of overall numbers through a
particularly aggressive approach of open arms to the sixth world. The
Triads generally are notable for being far more open to magic than the
other major syndicates given the fact that cybernetically enhanced
people are typically barred from the higher levels of the
organisation. Even for the average Triad though these folks are
prepared to judge people far more by their abilities and loyalty than
external factors that bar so many potentially useful people from other
syndicates. The core group of the Triad or, Tin Tei Wui (Heaven and
Earth Association), as they prefer to be called are notably difficult
to track down unless they want to be found. Some of them are better
noted than others. It is a noteworthy fact that very little is known
about some members of the group that appear to be key to the central
group, but play a more supporting role in the activities the group has
been seen to get up to.
(>) And if they want to be found, it's a fair guess that it's not a
good situation. (>) Les Tango
Shall we dance?
(>) A districts Chinatown is always the place to start looking for
these guys. Just be careful you don't come back in a bag. The locals
are on THEIR side (>) One Gyro
Operations:
-----------
The Triad appears to operate mostly in illegal drugs, particularly the
less lethal but more addictive forms (presumably for the benefit of
customers who survive long enough to come back for more rather than
any altruistic ideals) and extortion. They still deal however in the
full nasty list as it suits them. Drugs known to be distributed by
this group include such old favourites as opium and amphetamines. The
usual selection of designer products including novacoke, ice and bliss
are also on the list. They also distribute a number of designer
products of their own creation, though I don't know who designed them.
(>) Rave Magic is killer. Stay as far as possible from this one
kiddies (>) Rafe Safe
These include:
Rave magic: Basically puts the user into a rather merry and
semi-hallucinogenic state, like most softer drugs only this doesn't
have so much of a crash effect except making one tired. It will perk
someone up if they take more encouraging repeated hits and it is much
more addictive than many weaker drugs leaving the user lethargic and
eventually with cravings for more. It doesn't seem to be too bad on
the users system though. Zoom: Pretty hefty 'I am god' maker with the
typically short peak period. Somewhat slower acting than the average
according to the rumours so it doesn't burn you out, however the state
of the poor souls who don't have enough newyen for more is pretty
pitiful. It seems 'gentler' describes the speed of its effects not
their depth, which pretty much just seems to ensure the user stays
standing up long enough during the crash phase to get more in their
system.
The groups principal means of street distribution and enforcement is
through a series of gangs which seem to be more or less closely
connected with the Triad itself. Typically the gangs will deal with
lowly members of the Triad, the basic enforcers that are the front end
of every syndicate on a day to day basis. These folks are under the
command of Su Lung, the Hung Kwan (Red Pole or military commander).
They fulfil the day to day jobs of getting merchandise to the gangs,
collecting money from them, and keeping the gangs in line. Several of
them seem to have made this somewhat more direct by making themselves
the boss of the gang in question, but basically they are general
runabouts and troops. However some of the more senior members who are
discussed in the personalities section have been seen dealing directly
with gangs in more important discussions and woe betide those that
don't listen then, or worse, interfere with their activities. This
sort of influence from the top of the Triad seems to be limited to
activities such as, getting to know a new gang, or making an example
of those that fail the Triad, usually messily.
> Yeah one of the gangs in real deep with this lot are the 'Black
> Razors' nasty bit of work they are too. Their activities seem mostly
> centred around protection rackets and large amounts of designer drug
> distribution but they also get some leg breaking work from the
> Triad. Dicin Dangerous
> The Hounds gang is worth mentioning because I noted one of their
> members talking to Night Shroud no less, see the personalities
> section. Quite what they were discussing isn't my business, I don't
> want to find out what he would do to me if I got caught spying but.
> Pol Rat
The Triad collects protection money, both by skimming the profits of
gangs under their influence, in return for affiliation with the Triad,
and directly. Several events and rumours suggest that senior members
of the group make regular visits to some runners and, business men of
questionable standing, in their turf to collect substantial amounts of
money. This appears to happen on a regular basis with the implicit
threat of their direct attention if they don't get paid. Certainly
payments seem to have gone more smoothly after a couple of incidents
where runners that tried to say no to paying up ended up asking
Docwagon for assistance standing up, and one business man found
trading rather more difficult after a salvo of ripple rockets
'rearranged' his premises.
It would appear that the Triad does not deal in BTL chips. Given this
age of chips rather than drugs, at first sight this would seem rather
odd, but whether this is because they prefer not to compete with the
Mafia and Yakuza for the trade, or find drugs easier to manufacture,
with a relatively small organisation is unknown. Whatever the truth
this decision almost certainly wasn't made for our benefit.
Organisation:
-------------
The Triad overall numbers maybe 30 to 50 souls. The core is a group of
eight who hold the principal command positions discussed in the
underworld file. [ref: The Triads p51 'The Criminal Underbelly'
(Underworld Sourcebook)] These eight are all wanted quite seriously by
competing organisations, and have managed to get mixed up with a
number of shadow runners as well. Why this is so is not obvious;
though like most Triads the Black Lotus Clans standard method of
dealing with potential competition, and they consider other forms of
product for their marketplace fair competition, is pretty unpleasant
even by the standards of the shadows. It is also reasonable to assume
that such a small group has to result from their breaking away at some
point from a larger Triad, some rumours suggest they may be the
competent arm of a Triad that was seriously annoying the Yakuza a few
years back which later seemed to suffer a reversal. The truth is
difficult to discern and they appear to be in reasonable standing with
their own kind, although the truth and public image need bear no
resemblance.
Personalities:
--------------
A review of the principal personalities and what we know about them is
much in order. A word of warning to those thinking of using this
information against them though, as will be noted those that have
crossed them or challenged them before have generally had unpleasant
accidents.
(>) Not all of us, however. Fortunately for all involved, they know
their limitations. (>) Texas 2-Step
El Paso: Never surrender. Never forget. Never forgive.
(>) Not too concerned with your own health, are you, 2-Step?
(>) Rover Red
(>) He's survived alone against worse, Rover. He can take care of
himself. (>) Thomas Magick
(>) Thomas!! A compliment, from you? I'm flattered, truly I am. (>)
Texas 2-Step
El Paso: Never surrender. Never forget. Never forgive.
Reference to the organised crime download on Shadowland [ref: The
Triads p51 'The Criminal Underbelly' (Underworld Sourcebook)] is
advised for further explanation of some of the terms used, I'm not
going to repeat stuff here that you will find there.
The leader of the Triad or, Shan Chu (lodgemaster) or 489 is Fui Chi
San, or Black Blade as he is usually called. Black Blade is a human of
Chinese descent, measuring some 1.9m tall and well built with it. He
has long flowing black hair and grey eyes, which look about ready to
kill you on contact. He wears a silver trimmed black robe over black
leathers, all of it cut from the finest materials. Obviously he
intends to impress and the effect, coupled with his clear assurance in
his abilities to deal with any problem that comes his way generally
has the desired affect. If his appearance and demeanour do not have
everyone suitably respectful his usual solution is to make an example
of the offender, with his long sword, which writhes with magical
flames when in use. He is believed to be a very capable physical
magician; given his awesome melee skills and rarely noted spellcasting
abilities. A few folks have annoyed him but the trail of mutilated
bodies tends to discourage further examples. For those of you with
ideas of solving that problem there are a couple of things to bear in
mind, one he has backup keeping an eye out for, and eliminating,
snipers, drones, swat teams etc. and secondly; challenging has been
tried. The event that most comes to mind was the case of a guy named
Shive. Shive took a very reasonable dislike to Black Blade, and having
rather more morals than interest in self preservation, despite being
one of the best guys about with a sword, challenged him straight up to
melee combat. Black Blade didn't even think about whether he would
accept that, and turned a threat into an example. The so called fight
lasted all of about a second and enough folks were there to watch. I
think here it's sufficient to say it was brutal and despite only a few
sword strokes the decapitated corpse was anything but complete when
Black Blade decided poor Shive would make a nice trophy.
> Shive was a honourable man and deserved better, unfortunately there
> was not much to be done to talk him out of trying. Wildfire
> You actually believe all that rhetoric he sprouted oh come on.
> Taste of reason
> Why doesn't someone get organised to get rid of this guy before
> anyone else goes the same way, it's not like the current; 1.5Myen
> reward isn't ample compensation for those that don't care to do it
> because it's just. Bounty 9
> Shive was a good man, somewhat unusual, but. He was fully aware of
> the risk he took and freely accepted it, however much some may
> regret it. The fact that Black Blade was within his rights reflects
> on society, not on one member. Some are working on changing things,
> but removing one man won't change the greater picture.
>>>>>>>>
> Um excuse me! Who posted that.
> Net watch
> Lets just say the routing file attached indicates its not a safe
> subject for discussion shall we. No I'm not sure who sent it but it
> was someone with connections in the big league. SysA4
The Fu Shan Chu (Deputy Lodgemaster) is a Korean Elf called Silver
Blade. This graceful, if more than a little cold-hearted lady has long
silver hair, blue eyes, and wears a long dark green leather coat. She
is fairly attractive, and turns more than a few heads, but is noted as
being married to her pair of swords and adept enhanced martial arts
skills, as more than a few would be suitors have found out to their
cost. She leaves less bodies lying about than her boss but where he
makes an example of folks in a professional, if rather messy manner,
to discourage others she seems to take pleasure in putting folks off
in a manner they will remember (corpses don't tend to remember much)
and that gets the message across. At least one shadow runner that
decided he liked her looks is still around and if reports are true has
been instructed that if he takes advantage of Docwagons clonal
replacements again he will regret it. Exactly what she did to him
isn't known but the rumour mill has plenty of (one track) ideas.
Night Shroud is the third very notable member of the group. As Heung
Chu (Incense master) one would not expect to see all that much of him
except for when serious magical backup is required. He is a Korean Elf
with blue eyes and long black hair. He is a member of the 'black
trench-coats' solution to survival in the shadows of Seattle. Rather
surprisingly he is seen out and about fairly often but generally
fleetingly, or amongst the shadows. He is very definitely the opposite
of Silver Blade, being a very dignified gentleman and polite graceful
negotiator. He is most often seen in the role of negotiator,
presumably because apart from Black Blade he is the only 'level
headed' magician of the group and is discrete and very capable of
looking after himself and conveniently vanishing if someone decides to
gate crash. Night Shroud is a very capable mage, by all accounts,
though he seems to prefer stealth and negotiation rather than brutal
displays of power. In some ways though his quite competence is far
more dangerous. Especially when if he doesn't intend you to see him,
it seems you don't till it's far too late. Certainly he manages to get
some very good deals out of various gangs he deals with for the group.
Probably this is because they are scared to death of him, though they
do have good cause for concern.
(>) If Lone Star had been able to recruit and afford him, they would
never have another hostage crisis in Seattle. He can talk just about
anyone down from just about anything, and make it look like it was
their idea to start with. (>) Shadow Badge
(>) He does it by casting mind control spells, violating their basic
right to free will. (>) Anonymous
(>) It has the benefit of achieving the desired effect. That's my
measurement. (>) Shadow Badge
(>) There is still no evidence that he actually bothers with such
things. Scaring the life out of those he's meeting by appearing out of
thin air and then proving he's overheard all the pre meet conversation
those he was meeting have been having seems to work though. I grant
you though that his tricks would seriously benefit hostage rescue
work, if silk tongued diplomacy doesn't work, slip in, recover your
hostages and resume negotiations. I believe Lone star have
'unofficially of course' offered to 'lose' a great stack of warrants
for the guy if he would just 'do one or two little jobs'. I believe at
least one senior VP had a heart attack concerning the number of zeros
following the last reply. (>) Searing Forge
The remaining five members of the core group of the Triad are.
Yan-thi:
Chinese, male human who is easily summed up as a competent street
samurai. He fulfils the role of Tai-Lo (Elder Brother) admirably
though.
Su Lung is the second samurai of the group and Hung Kwan (Red Pole or
military commander). A male elf of Korean descent he is noted for
being very fast, and absolutely lethal with a pair of knives. Far too
many who think samurai means guns, or maybe a Japanese sword, have
found this out the hard way, to their cost.
Where the big bangs magic isn't found in Night Shroud it's all too
evident in his Shamanic opposite Hung Lau Chan. Although only rated as
Sing Fung (deputy) this Chinese madman is a human wolf shaman with a
decided liking for big nasty combat spells, and by big I really mean
big. Sure you may see him coming which is a decided advantage, but if
you don't leave rather sharply, goodbye.
Chi Som, or Steel Whirlwind is another Chinese male and provides the
groups principal link with the realities of the modern world. A very
competent rigger he is L-Lo (second elder brother). He is also the
reason why those who try and use remote snipers and drones to fix
meets tend to find that technological solutions to a group of nasty
magic wielding madmen and women is just a good way to watch new-yen
explode. Oh and for those thinking they can find the group in transit
and solve all their problems he has one of those absolutely wonderful
Jensen V12 interceptors and a big ordinance budget.
Finally there is Wui Ses San, the Pak Tsz Sin (accounts and matrix
organiser) or 415. Well we know she is a Chinese dwarf and that she is
good, but that's about it. About all that anyone can be certain of is
she is very capable and probably cybered heavily. Some even
contemplate the idea that she is the hidden tactical co-ordinator that
seems to make the group as a whole such a lethal team. Certainly
observation suggests that unless some seriously interesting magic is
involved someone is helping Black Blade co-ordinate things when folks
really do attack the group. Some rumours have gone so far as to
suggest it is this lady and her tactical computer, though all anyone
has for sure is guesswork.
Yeah, not a nice collection at all but forewarned you may have the
sense not to cross them like the last, oh the list is simply too long.
Yes the Mafia have an outstanding seven figure bounty on some of their
heads. I think the simple fact of that matter is they are fed up of
getting their own hit-men shipped back in smaller and smaller pieces
and would prefer to farm out competition distraction services to
another graveyard.
Finally no I'm not mad enough to add my name to this, I like my head
where it is thanks. Rumour has it there is someone out there that may
be prepared to comment with a name, well I can but hope. > Anonymous
NERPS : notes
I have some more information on the individuals, more complete
descriptions of some for GM purposes but this article is all in
character above so I think its better to leave GM's open to interpret.
The remaining data and full character sheets for the eight described
here are available for download from my web site,
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/ but this overview isn't
there.
Direct links to further data on the 8 primary characters (compliments
the overviews given above). Any feedback on this data, should it be
included in the Article etc., welcome. Note these 'direct' links are
not guaranteed to stay valid in the long term.
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/Chan_lushi_(Mage).html
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/Chi_som_(rigger).html
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/Fui_chi_San.html
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/Hung_Lau_Chan_(shaman).html
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/Sansi_Lau_(Phys-ad).html
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/Su_lung_(sam).html
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/Wui_Ses_San.html
http://www.mist77.demon.co.uk/Shadowrun/yan_thi_(sam).html
Comments more than welcome, do folks want more data in NERPS, for
example the character sheets or is this in game form more useful.
Mark
