Chapter 2: Factions & Power Players
"In space, no one can hear you scheme."
The galaxy's criminal organizations, shadow agencies, and corrupt institutions become the backdrop for your adventures.
The Orion Syndicate
History, structure, and current operations
Historical Overview
- Origins in Orion slave trade
- Evolution beyond slavery
- Expansion across the galaxy
- Modern organizational structure
Current Operations
- Smuggling networks
- Information brokerage
- Protection rackets
- Legitimate business fronts
Key Figures and Territories
- Major syndicate bosses
- Territory divisions
- Rival factions within the syndicate
- Relationship with other criminal groups
Working with the Syndicate
- Recruitment and membership
- Codes of conduct and loyalty
- Punishment for betrayal
- Benefits and protection offered
Independent Operators
Smuggling rings, pirate fleets, and freelancers
Small-Scale Smuggling Rings
- Family operations
- Species-specific networks
- Specialized cargo types
- Regional territories
Pirate Organizations
- Raiding fleets and bases
- Codes of honor among thieves
- Recruitment and hierarchy
- Relationships with legitimate governments
Freelance Criminals
- Solo operators and small crews
- Specialists for hire
- Information brokers
- Technical experts
Criminal Cooperatives
- Temporary alliances for large jobs
- Resource sharing agreements
- Mutual protection pacts
- Information exchanges
Section 31 & Shadow Agencies
The Federation's dark side
Section 31 Operations
- Recruitment methods
- Operational structure
- Typical mission parameters
- Relationship with Starfleet Intelligence
Other Government Shadow Organizations
- Klingon Intelligence
- Romulan Tal Shiar connections
- Cardassian Obsidian Order remnants
- Independent planetary agencies
Deniable Assets
- How shadow agencies recruit criminals
- Benefits of unofficial status
- Risks of government work
- Extraction and abandonment protocols
Corrupt Officials
When Starfleet ideals aren't enough
Types of Corruption
- Personal enrichment schemes
- Ideological compromises
- Blackmail and coercion
- Gradual moral decay
Common Corrupt Practices
- Customs and inspection bribes
- Information selling
- Selective law enforcement
- Resource diversion
Corrupt Networks
- How corruption spreads
- Mutual protection schemes
- Internal investigations
- Whistleblower dangers
Faction Mechanics
Reputation systems and loyalty tracks
Reputation System
- Faction standing scales
- Gaining and losing reputation
- Benefits of high standing
- Consequences of hostility
Loyalty Mechanics
- Personal loyalty vs. organizational loyalty
- Betrayal consequences
- Loyalty tests and proving ground
- Redemption possibilities
Faction Conflicts
- Territorial disputes
- Ideological differences
- Resource competition
- Personal vendettas
Information Networks
- How factions share intelligence
- Information as currency
- Security and counter-intelligence
- Double agents and infiltration
Creating Custom Factions
Building your own criminal enterprises
Organization Types
- Hierarchical crime families
- Loose criminal networks
- Corporate criminal fronts
- Ideological movements
Defining Characteristics
- Core values and codes
- Operating methods
- Territory and resources
- Leadership structure
Faction Relationships
- Allies and enemies
- Neutral parties
- Historical conflicts
- Potential future alliances
Story Integration
- How factions drive plots
- Personal connections to characters
- Ongoing faction developments
- Player agency in faction politics