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The Syndicate
TW - DRUGS & VIOLENCE!
A Private Faction Carrd for The Syndicate of Shadow's Forge
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General
The Syndicate is a far-reaching, carefully constructed criminal spiderweb of drug trade across many different parts of Pern, founded and led by the deeply mysterious and unquestionably powerful Valesco family.The Syndicate is shrouded in secrecy and delicately guarded information, functional based largely on the incredibly intentional decisions made by the current Head of The Syndicate, Felix Valesco. Though The Syndicate has existed for many generations at this point, Felix has been uniquely diligent with the care he handles his enterprise with.The Syndicate is a well-known criminal organization in the same way many parents make the boogie man a household name to teach their children a healthy level of caution, but few know it's real world influence. Many of the low-level members of The Syndicate don't even realize they're a part of it.Felix has spent his life making delicate and dedicated moves to place lower level Syndicate leadership in positions of connection between product and customer, or product and distributor, than distributor to customer, or perhaps even customer to product! It may seem like pointless distinctions to some, but for Felix, criminal connection became the lifeblood of The Syndicate.If your character might be criminally inclined in some... less than savory ways, and would have sought out a way to profit off of this, there's a decent chance they might have run into some part of The Syndicate in some Hold or Weyr of Pern, whether they knew it or not.
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Legality
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Progressive States
The more flexible legality of drug distribution and use in the south has allowed The Syndicate to thrive (in some ways) more openly in the Southern Holds and Weyrs, compared to northern ones.While The Syndicate is still an explicitly criminal organization in the south (known affiliation with them still being a criminal offense in most places), the present, more lenient drug regulation allows for 'front' businesses in the south, that act both as wide distributors of legal product, and under the table distributors of illegal product, as well as providing an additional avenue for money laundering.The lower priority of drug offenses has also allowed The Syndicate to work more expansively, since (certain) precautions may not be quite as necessary, at least not to the same extent that they are in the north.This has not stopped The Night Watch from being a concern to business though. Between their strict moral code and operations outside of the law, TNW has become one of the more limiting factors of southern production comparatively.
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Traditional States
Syndicate work in Traditional northern states is starkly varied from southern business, largely driven by the overwhelming Order presence and traditionalist control over their Holds and Weyrs.Syndicate members are heavily prosecuted in the north, either through their affiliation with criminals or their inevitable criminal actions within the organization. This is enacted by The Order largely, but is certainly perpetuated by most other organizations of 'law' as well. This has led Syndicate presence to become much thinner in the north, and much more intentional, as to mitigate the risk of larger legal action befalling the organization as a whole.This does not alleviate the threat of legal consequence for many though, and most who base their work in the north are silently aware that should push come to shove - it could be their job to take the fall for the good of The Syndicate.The Order opposes Syndicate work entirely, and actively works to prevent it. Known affiliation with The Syndicate is explicitly criminal.
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Notoriety
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Average citizen
Northern The average traditional Northern citizen likely doesn't have very high opinions of The Syndicate - much like the bogey man or a political straw-man though, their vocal hatred of The Syndicate becomes more of a conversation about drug policy and use. Still - your average citizen would likely be terrified or entirely enraged to be told they were speaking to a Syndicate Member, depending on their personality. Southern Progressive Southern citizens are less likely to have made such a character trait out of disliking The Syndicate. Known affiliation is still certainly criminal, but many grow suspicious of their introduction into conversation, all-too-familiar with traditionalist talking points. A progressive northern citizen with an overly flexible moral code or an interest in drugs might think a Syndicate member is kinda cool, in a scary way, but a morally strict citizen likely has negative opinions about their encouragement of dangerous substances and abuse of poverty for profit.
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Syndicate Member
Dealers Many dealers are not aware they are members of The Syndicate at all, rather, just know they have a good, well-priced, safe and potent supply. Many individuals around a dealer likely don't even realized this dealer is associated with The Syndicate for that same reason. Heads and Sources Heads and Sources are well-aware they are a part of The Syndicate, and have likely even met Felix himself. They are the middle-management of The Syndicate, enjoying the perks of it's success - but expected to get their hands a little more dirty because of it. These individuals would keep their Syndicate affiliation VERY secretive. Council Most are known members of The Syndicate, if not entirely famous criminals on their own. Only these individuals know the true scope of The Syndicate's work, and as a result very few are easy to track down. They are well-known criminal masterminds with ostentatious wealth. Known affiliation would be grounds for immediate suspicion of criminal activity.
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Faction Member
The Order Staunchly opposed to The Syndicate and all of it's work, due largely to a perceived moral failing surrounding drugs entirely, and the explicit illegality. Will prosecute members on affiliation alone. Would like to rid Pern of The Syndicate's influence entirely. The Night Watch Heavily opposed to Syndicate work, based largely on moral concerns and beliefs. Does not agree with the continued distribution of dangerous substances nor the corporate preying upon individuals affected by poverty, as is done by many large-scale drug operations. Opposes Syndicate when possible, but careful of making an enemy of their enemy. Diphylleia Grayi Largely opposed for the same reasons as The Night Watch, though more flexible in their interactions with The Syndicate. The two have often worked together, or sent clients between one another as to best improve business. The leaders of Diphylleia Grayi and The Syndicate have known each other, at least somewhat amicably, for many generations now. The Rainbow Brigade Staunchly opposed, for similar reasons to The Night Watch. Affiliation is strongly discouraged, and attention is more often focused on addiction resources, mental health treatment, and community building to prevent others from harming them.
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Influential Figures
Law-Abiding They often carefully downplay their personal knowledge of The Syndicate, but many are well aware of the continued, growing danger the organization poses. Organizations of law and order might even have a group or individual tasked with researching The Syndicate. Corrupt The Syndicate is a name traded between corrupt lips as a fantastically anonymous and wonderfully safe source for drugs and vice for the secretive elite. Even if they don't do business in your specific local, if this character knows about drug sourcing for high-powered executives and politicians, they've probably at least heard of The Syndicate.
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Reach
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General
The Syndicate is far-reaching, if varied in it's control over all of the business it facilitates. Specific locations are added in as they are canonized through characters added to Shadow's Forge, or roleplay.If you want to have a character start doing Syndicate business in a specific location not yet mentioned, that's totally doable! Make sure to reach out to AB, either with a ping or DM, to review specifics first though!
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Progressive States
The Syndicate operates much more widely with much less caution in progressive southern states. Between the increased ease of front businesses and the low-priority criminalization of drug offenses, it makes the most sense for the largest parts of Syndicate organization to happen in the south.Progressive states will often see more front businesses, like 'legal' dispensaries and sketchy night clubs, both as sources for distribution and destinations for money laundering. Progressive states will also often see many more 'nobody' dealers interacting more closely to The Syndicate than they likely realize.Southern heads may be more directly involved in the selling of drugs to dealers, or the distribution of drugs to buyers, often expecting a cut to come back towards The Syndicate.
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Traditional States
The persecution of The Syndicate in northern states prevents the organization from operating in the same capacity, leading much of their northern operations focusing more heavily on intentional, limited, individual moves.You may often see small, trusted, 'elite' teams of Syndicate members conducting large-scale, illegal importation and exportation of drugs between the north and south.You may also see specialized, small teams of Syndicate members setting up in an area to be a carefully guarded secret of the corrupt influential elite - seen by some politicians and celebrities as the gold standard of confidential, potent, safe sources of vice.
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Places of Business
List of the actual locations that have current Syndicate business occuring.
Honshu - Headquarters and Base of Operations - Led by Felix Valesco
Myriani - Business Limited by TNW Involevment - NPC Run (OPEN FOR HEAD)
Brita - Syndicate Run Casinos - NPC Run (OPEN FOR HEAD)
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Services
The Syndicate offers a variety of services, but by and large their focus is on the drug trade in some capacity or another. Whether they're sourcing a drug 'manufacturer', selling drugs to dealers, importing or exporting drugs between where they're made and where they're sold, laundering money made from drugs.The Syndicate has it's hand dipped in many criminal enterprises as a whole, but at the end of the day, each interaction boils down to selling vice. At times The Syndicate has done work that doesn't quite fall within this description, simply because their skills fit the bill, but this is often a rare gift for an influential figure, or a well-paid price tag.
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Products
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Culture
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General
Currently, The Syndicate has a strict culture of efficiency and capitalistic gain. Their goals are entirely monetary, and their morals are generally flexible to meet this end, with certain exceptions.Syndicate history has led to certain moral expectations being implemented throughout the organization, at least initially as a means to create a stronger community.Syndicate leaders vehemently weed out explicit bigotry within the organization to the best of their ability. Felix is uninterested in the business of individuals so sexist or homophobic they can't even pretend to make him happy. As a flamboyantly gay man himself, he does not take well to anyone who does underestimates him because of this.Syndicate leadership do not condone or facilitate dishonesty either. They believe strongly in the informed consent of their customers and enforce this as the expectation throughout The Syndicate in all of their work.
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Dealers and Muscle
The dealers and muscle of The Syndicate often do not voice much descent to the culture enforced by leadership. Whether it is satisfaction with their goals or fear of retaliation is hard to say, but the result is the same either way.Notably, though, their is an undeniable culture of fear among the lower level members of the Syndicate. Secrecy and intentional shows of strength from leadership leaves many in fear of even appearing out of line.
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Leadership
Those who know Felix - higher level leaders of The Syndicate - are shrouded in a complicated mix of seemingly limitless success and exponential terror and paranoia.Those on the lower level, mostly Heads, are living a dangerous, complicated life. They must carefully hide their ties to The Syndicate, as well as any implication of criminality. They exist as a last line of defense to keep the larger organization from falling to legal action.As well, those who know Felix usually remember his Loyalty Crusade, and very very few want to ever relive that kind of terror.Those closest to Felix are often of a similar mindset and status to him, the ends justify the means.
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Code of Conduct
This is a carefully guarded code of conduct that leaders are expected to abide by and enforce in their jurisdictions.____ 01. Treat every customer and client the same, regardless of race, class, identity, orientation, or otherwise. 02. Do not accept business from customers and clients who cannot grant '01' in return. 03. Do not lie, misrepresent, or 'stretch-the-truth' about our products or their prices. Client's and Customer's informed consent is key. 04. Do not meddle or tamper with product you have received, including 'cutting', mixing, diluting, or otherwise. 05. Do not speak to law enforcement. Your punishment will be far worse than anything they will do to you, and your reward for silence will be greater than you can imagine.
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Punishments
The Syndicate is, at the end of the day, at times as dark as they are sometimes made out to be. Felix has personally killed members who he has felt stepped too far out of line. Though punishments are often more mysterious threat, when they are enacted, they are often public and violent.Listed below is the general severity of certain conduct breaks, and their punishment. 01. Engaging in bigoted behavior or conducting business with a similar client.This sort of issue is most often simply corrected with immediate severance with The Syndicate. Unless your offense was particularly direct, egregious, and offensive, you would likely simply find all of your Syndicate contacts seemingly vanish, though... somehow you feel that there are still eyes ensuring you don't end up speaking with law enforcement. 02. Lying About or Tampering With Product.This sort of issue is more severe, and in Felix's eyes, must be met with a clear sign to their organization and customer base that they do not condone this behavior. Felix will often have someone harm this individual in some public or obvious way as a public message 'This is Not Ok With The Syndicate'. Sometimes, this will be maiming them, sometimes, this will be exposing something about them, or finding a way to close off their connections to the criminal world. 03. Engaging with Law Enfrocment.This is always punished with immediate attempts at execution. If you speak with law enforcement and The Syndicate finds out, you are on their hit list. Dead men don't tell secrets.
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Meta
Please Note: This information is not widely available! Please do not have your character know this information unless it would make sense for them to do so!
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History
The Syndicate has existed for many many generations, passed down from mother to daughter nearly as long as there has been organized civilizations on Pern - that is, until recently. Felix Valesco, only child, and son of Isabella Valesco is the first man to rule The Syndicate.The Syndicate has been run as a business foremost for nearly all of it's existence. Beginning as a necessary evil for many of the women involved so long ago as a means to gain some kind of financial and social independence. Since then though, they have prided themselves on flourishing in the conditions. Success is built on consumer trust and sustainable strategies. Horny men and greedy lies do not encourage either of these things.Felix took The Syndicate in perhaps one of the most significant events of it's history, almost 15 years back leading a crusade with himself and his closest allies to purge the rising insurgence in The Syndicate that had killed his mother in an attempted coup.Ever since this 'Loyalty Crusade', The Syndicate has been tightly run with a deep culture of fear, though, notably, has been successful in some purely monetary regards.During this time, Felix began to secretly raise an heir, Astrid Valesco. Astrid is an adopted heir, though, given Felix's sexual preferences and the culture of silence, few have said anything against this. Astrid's identity is largely kept a secret for her own saftey, but in the interim she has been sent to impress a dragon, and return as a dragon-riding heir of The Syndicate.
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Headquarters
The Syndicate's headquarters are a closely guarded secret - Felix’s office. It's opulent, though somehow still discreet.From the outside, it appears to be a small scale financial institute, offering some bland promise of “money management” that never seems to catch anyone's eye. The main lobby is dimly lit and poorly managed, usually manned by a quiet receptionist who acts relatively uninterested in any accidental “customers”.Partially covered by a filing cabinet, there is an unassuming door off to the back of the main lobby. When asked, people are told it leads to the basement, mostly housing unused junk. Upon investigation, this would at first appear to be true, several piles worth of broken furniture, shelves upon shelves of files containing pointless financial information, old newspapers stacked to the ceiling.Within, it nearly feels like a portal. Immediately, you are met with delicate warm lighting, and marble stairs, opulence apparent even just when gazing in.The stairs spiral downwards for what feels like a ludicrously long time, before opening into a magnificent waiting area, also manned by a much more put-together looking receptionist.The floors reflected an expensive marble, a crystal chandelier dangling from the absurdly tall ceiling. Stolen paintings and statues radiate wealth.From here, there is only one other room, Felix’s office. It is a strange, terrifying, expensive room, dimly lit with little in the way of furniture. His desk is squarely placed at the end of the room, centered perfectly.
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Structure
Serpent's Head.......⚶ Leader Requirements:
Valesco Family
Notoriety:
Famous
Location:
Honshu
Level:
Head
Status:
closed
Ask To Join:
N/A
Felix Valesco - The unquestioned leader of The Syndicate. The leadership position of The Syndicate has been passed down between mother to daughter for generations, eventually landing on Felix, the first man to run the organization.The leader is the end-all decision maker for The Syndicate, it's goals, and it's practices. He is often making movements and taking actions that have larger goals than some of his closest advisors are even let in on.His descisions are final, and unquestionable. Though he takes great advice from his council and even Heads at times, he is not one to respond well to descent once he's made his decsion clear.Felix at times has existed as a political figure head for the organization, internally and externally. He is the known leader, even to civilians, though he is careful that there is a lot of mist between his acts, and The Syndicate's actual business.Knowledge - Highest Clearence, Aware of Most to All Innerworkings of The SyndicateLifestyle - Oppulent, and Avoidant of The LawFunctions - Sets Organizational Goals and Practices, Final Decision Maker, Orders or Deals Severe Punishments
Serpent's Fangs.......⚶ Council Requirements:
Felix's Circle
Notoriety:
Famous
Location:
Honshu / Travel
Level:
Head
Status:
OPEN
Ask To Join:
Yes
The Council is a small circle of Felix's closest and most trusted advisors, individuals who have proven themselves reliable, successful, loyal, and dedicated to the cause. They enjoy the most authority and monetary success of The Syndicate next to Felix, and often exist as his 'right-hand-men',These members are often known criminals as well, perhaps having built a name for themselves elsewhere, perhaps raising through the ranks of The Syndicate. They spend a significant amount of time advising Felix and aiding him in carrying out his decisions.At times, they are his sheild, at times, they are his blade. All, though, know the kind of person he can become when double crossed, and, at least so far, none of thought to try it, much less wanted to.The Council will often be in charge of electing or appointing a new Head to an area as well, either when a previous Head falls, or a new business opportunity opens. They each have the freedom to engage in their own personal projects within the organization too, of course, but at the end of the day, they answer to Felix.Knowledge - Highest Clearence, Aware of Most to All Innerworkings of The SyndicateLifestyle - Oppulent, and Avoidant of The LawFunctions - Advise Felix and Carry Out His Most Important Jobs, Set New Heads, Personal Projects
Serpant's Venom.......⚶ Sources Requirements:
makes drugs
Notoriety:
100% Secret
Location:
Anywhere
Level:
'Contract'
Status:
Open
Ask To Join:
Yes
Drugs are predominately sourced through contract work by The Syndicate. These individuals are referred to as “Sources”, they often have made a direct deal with a Council Member, or Felix himself, to create a certain quantity of product, to be sold at an agreed upon interval for an agreed upon price.Sources enjoy a significant amount of benefit from contract work with The Syndicate, due to their important connections, they are kept carefully protected from legal and criminal interference, and are offered a very consistent amount of work.For many, it allows them to “focus on their craft” with significantly more stability. They do not like to think of themselves as a part of The Syndicate, but many have found they are uncomfortably beholden to Felix when push comes to shove.Knowledge - Usually Know Some Informaiton, Know Their 'Contractor', Information Is Carefully Chosen ThoughLifestyle - Oppulent, Hidden From The Law, And PrivateFunctions - To Produce Product.
Serpent's Eyes.......⚶ Head Requirements:
Internal Success
Notoriety:
Secretive
Location:
Anywhere
Level:
Middle
Status:
Open
Ask To Join:
yes
Outside of Felix’s personal circle, there is usually an individual “in-charge” placed at each of the Holds that The Syndicate does significant business in. These individuals have a lot of lee-way on how they choose to structure the people working with them, as to help diffuse suspicion of connection. They are referred to as “Heads”.These individuals are carefully selected by Felix and his close associates by hand, and are given a significant amount of dangerous information. For this reason, they are not chosen lightly. They exist as the last line of defense between Felix and the actual work done, so, while they are incredibly well-compensated for the work they do, there is an understanding that at the end of the day, they may be expected to take the legal fall to keep The Syndicate up right.Often, these individuals choose to have a second in command, poised to take their position up should they ‘fall’. They refer to these as “Seconds”, and they are often carefully removed from any actual illegal activity, and rather are close, trusted, unrelated associates of Heads, who are not involved in The Syndicate, but are aware and willing to take on the work. Lovers, and Bonded Dragon-Kin are a popular choice for Seconds.Seconds are usually temporary, and are expected to step aside when a new Head has been selected, though some Seconds are willing and able to take up the position of Head in specific circumstances.Knowledge - Most Important Knowledge, Carefully Chosen ThoughLifestyle - Opulent, Hiding Syndicate TiesFunctions - Maintain Local Syndicate Work In Accordance With Felix's Guidance (Specifics Vary)
Serpent's Tongue.......⚶ Elites Requirements:
Proven Loyalty
Notoriety:
Varies
Location:
Anywhere
Level:
Middle
Status:
Open
Ask To Join:
No
In your average base of operations, the Head employs several larger dealers directly, usually somewhat promising or capable individuals, who have shown their potential in some capacity or another. They very rarely ever know what happens above their Head, and may either believe the Head is the leader of the group they exist in, or know they are not privy to that information.These individuals often have potential for upward mobility, as Heads are often chosen from these “Elite” dealers. They usually, though not always, start as street dealers, and prove their loyalty in some form or another. They sell in semi-large quantities, either to large buyers, or often to your average dealer. They often enjoy more legal protections from The Syndicate, as they hold more dangerous information then your average Street Dealer.These individuals are not always 'dealers' exactly though, as this level tends to catch anyone who does more 'grunt work', but has proven some promise, and been given some level of trust alongside it.Knowledge - Often Nothing Above HeadLifestyle - Varies, Often Comfortable, Avoiding LawFunctions - More Important or Delicate Jobs, Varies Greatly, Ready To Take Legal Fall If Neccessary
Serpent's Muscle.......⚶ Dealers Requirements:
None
Notoriety:
None
Location:
Anywhere
Level:
Low
Status:
Open
Ask To Join:
No
Below “Elite” dealers are your average street dealers. These street dealers are often not very involved in any significant capacity, and may not even realize who their “Elite” dealer works for. They are the type to sell in small quantities, often at bars and clubs. Some are given specific places to sell, others are left to their usual market.Street Dealers often enjoy the benefit of working for a very successful organization, with good product, and decent price, as well as a steady source of customers, without realizing the true scope of what they are engaged in. For this reason, they often take the fall when legal attention becomes dangerous.Knowledge - Next to None, Potentially of Elite.Lifestyle - Varies Widely, Often Has Steady Income Rather Easily, Often Caught In LawFunctions - Varies Wildly, Dealing Drugs, Transporting Drugs, Fronting Businesses, Muscle, Etc.
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Members
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How to Join
01. Read up on the position that interests you! Is it open? Is it ask to join? What are the requirements? 02. Start making your new character, or plotting your existing character's entrance! Make sure to reach out to AB on discord if necessary for approval, or with any questions or thoughts while making a character! 03. Once you're approved by AB (or, if you don't need approval at all) and you're ready to go, submit your new character to staff, or roleplay your existing characters enterance into the organization!Congrats! You're done! Let AB know and your new character can be added to the roster!