...NOT A WHISPERED WORD IS SAID...
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...RULING GOTHAM FROM A SHADOWED PERCH...
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Comprised of Gotham's oldest and wealthiest families, the Court has controlled the city from behind the scenes for centuries. However, we were not always as far-reaching as we are today. At its very beginnings, the Court was little more than an alliance of Gotham's key families, those oldest, wealthiest, and most loyal to the city; the Arkham's, Cobblepot's, Elliot's, and the Kane's.The families' arrival in our city of Gotham was once spurred by the dreams they'd had regarding the fountain of youth being hidden somewhere under the city. Their quest for literal immortality soon proved fruitless, however, and so their minds turned to a more figurative form of immortality: one in the way of combined power, control, godhood in secrecy. By allying together, along with their considerably unending resources, the great families set their sights on morphing Gotham City into one of immeasurable power, all under their control, of course.Although our Court will never disregard any of its members, and all are equal within this perfected structure, the four aforementioned families continue to be revered and held to the utmost respect above all, leading to whispers of displeasure that none dare to speak too loudly.The Arkham's, Cobblepot's, Elliot's and Kane's reputation, however, come highly merited. Through their station in the Court, their creation, they have carved Gotham themselves out of granite and lime, turning it from a humble settlement and into the glorious metropolis that it is today. Through their greatness alone, this city persists and thrives. We can only imagine the blinding progress our great city will make in another ten years...fifty years...one hundred. The dream of immortality is not dead. We see to its continuation. Under wraps, of course.The Court does not welcome prying eyes or the notion of fame, we have and always will prefer to live amongst shadows. However, as our machinations and our membership expands, there is of course the concern for betrayal. A witness, a loose tongue...Mythologizing ourselves was the perfect means with which to remain covered. We've planted ourselves into the minds of Gotham's people. Like folklore, boogeymen, cryptids, sightings or mentions of us and our work are too easily dismissed by the masses.
The Court of Owls is watching
From inside Gotham's walls
They lurk in every shadow
And they rule us one and allBut no one talks about them
Not a whispered word is said,
For if you try to cross them
Then the Talon strikes you dead!
THE VOICE - As our elected leader, the Voice stands above all others, specifically when it comes to decision-making and tactics to preserve our long-standing parliament. Such is why the election of said individual is of the utmost importance. The Council must be certain on their vote, lest we disintegrate into nothing, our dreams and immortality dead.THE COUNCIL - While the Voice stands as our figurehead, the Council holds seats below, and arguably are the true reigning power. Twenty-four members currently preside over our dealings, to discuss and vote on matters pertaining to our Court and our continued existence. While the Voice can, with discretion, overrule the Council, the Council holds the power to recall the Voice. Such an arrangement encourages careful consideration in all decision-making. For the Court to continue to prosper, infighting must be discouraged.THE COURT - Not every member is deemed of high enough importance to have a place on the Council. Some members are simply that, an addition to our ranks, gifted higher opportunities in payment for what they bring to us. Every member was independently wealthy before coming to us and joining, but soon learn that we work together, as family. We are one and we are everywhere.TALONS - Split into several vital roles, our Talons ensure our our every plot and idea is played through to perfection.
▶ Our aptly named 'Gladiators' are trained to execute the most important tasks that might involve violence, or the disappearing of an individual or family. They make excellent body guards both personally, and for our many nests, too. Their sheer bulk is enough to deter any troublemakers. Their size and skill cement their status an unstoppable force; swiftly dispatching anyone and anything in their path.
▶ The typical Talon you may see are our volunteers - those who have come to us seeking greatness and purpose. There's no lack of directionless souls in our city, and we make use of them. Their skills and their desperation make them perfect for battle and necessary skirmishes. More discreet than our Gladiators, they're the perfect pick when requiring the quiet assassination of a problem, or simple reconnaissance operations.
▶ Those deemed 'Feral' are named so for a reason. Children brought into our care when no one else would have them, they've grown in isolation with one another, as animals in the dark. Their postures are broken and their bodies often contorted. Few have a learned language, and instead communicate with grunts and screeches. Perfect for the labyrinth, and aid in our ruling with fear. They're less likely to make a clean kill, however, and are only let loose on those we have little care for. The mysterious 'animal attacks' in Gotham are not so animal...
▶ 'Hunters' or 'Knights' are our brand new prototypes. Fitted with long blades and skilled in fast hand-to-hand combat, these creatures of ours appear more human than their Feral cousins, though they prefer the darkness just the same. Fashioned after our own Phoenix Wayne's blend of brutishness and ill-fitting poise, and the Bat's penchant for stealth in shadow, they're unlikely to be seen until bring the axe down, so to speak. Trials so far indicates female volunteers are best suited.
One of our best tools, Project Polias, has allowed our expanded growth and the tightening of our fist around Gotham's neck for decades. Originally founded and funded by one Julius Kane, Project Polias has been used as a recruitment method for our foot soldiers, our Talons, since 1965 and remains one of our greatest investments.Though it has had many evolutions throughout the years — the most modern of which being our recruitment of former Skizm champions —, Polias began as a mercy to our Veteran soldiers. In the wake of a bloody and brutal warfare in Vietnam, many of our servicemen returned "home" to find nothing of the sort awaiting them. Cruel violence and the pointlessness of death had very much become them, and many who were lost upon their return —"lucky" enough to have made it through to their "wake-up" after their year-long tour— found that they had nowhere to go. Ever military-minded, Julius found empathy to be his impetus. Ten years into the war, he began the recruitment strategy. Using his own rank within the military as a Veteran himself, he sought to "discover" those individuals who had made it home, but were irrecoverably changed.Polias offered a chance for purpose and meaning, as well as stability in the work. Those who could not leave the violence behind, were offered a haven and anonymity in that release, the price only being their lifelong loyalty to our Court. For any man with nowhere else to go, and nothing and nobody to think of, it was the perfect solution.Throughout the years, and more specifically after the flood of unhoused Veterans ended, Polias had to adapt and change with the times. Fortunately, further discoveries in medicine, and performance enhancers, soon allowed us to evolve our Talons from common, furious men, to the modern-day super soldier. In the mid-eighties, our volunteer program began. From recently released violent criminals, to those hidden underground, hunted but not yet found— we welcomed all of those with a use for us. In exchange we asked only for loyalty, and the understanding that the decision to join us was a one-time decision to make. Such is how we worked for a decade alone.In the early nineties, with control over Polias handed down through two generations of the Kane family, the decision was made to make use of our city's children. Those forgotten and lost, those who might die in the institutions within which they were kept. Those who would not be missed, under our care, would become great warriors, their humanity stripped and animal instinct alone remaining. A diagnosis of criminal insanity in 2003 turned our focus to Phoenix Degraves, whose credentials made her a classic candidate for our program. She is the only candidate we failed to claim. A failure that, to this day, we have not healed from.When red-room sensation Skizm began to go viral in late 2010's, our interest was piqued once again. Over time its creator, Riktor's, venture grew from dark-web torture livestreams, to viral gladiator-style fights to the death. Each member of Skizm —"players" as they were— was the perfect candidate for Polias. It just so happened that they had a nasty habit of ripping one another apart for the enjoyment of the masses. The popularity boom made it difficult for us to intervene, and so we instead observed. Skizm became a global business, with Riktor claiming resources on every continent. He even claimed our once-prized Phoenix, who became a fan-favourite and world famous, alive, and vicious. She brought about Riktor's downfall, alongside her husband Arthur Wayne (then, Fleck). Skizm's sudden dissolution left many of its players without cause or direction, which is exactly what we have offered them. They've made their home within our nests as Talons ever since, and continue to offer themselves up to us.Since Project Polias' founding we have been fortunate enough to sit upon a relative goldmine for our cause. Gotham and its surrounding areas are a breeding ground for the delinquent and the forgotten in society. All it takes is the offer of sanctuary, structure, and an inclusive society, to draw those we need close. To an outsider, it may appear as our Talons are here under duress, kept like pets, but they are just as important to us as those on our Council. Without them, we could not have survived. And we will survive, long after everyone else is gone.
The Whisper Gang
Hailing from Ukraine, they are the most vicious and brutal of the five gangs controlling the subways. Under Kiev-born Court agent Luka Volk's leadership, The Whisper Gang has become Gotham's leading arms dealers. Crossbows are their preferred equipment. Where Volk has failed us is failing to uphold his oath of secrecy. Word has reached the parliament that Volk has revealed his dealings with a Talon from Project Polias.Sixths are given extensive weapons training in Ukraine before being permitted to travel to United States. Upon arrival, each sixth is fitted to an iron mask symbolic of loyalty. It is meant to prove they will never speak of their nefarious activities, especially to authorities. These masks are soldered to the backs of their head for at least a year until the sixth has proven his worth.Due to Luka Volk's inability to respect his vow of secrecy and Court member Arthur Wayne's Russian fluency, control of The Whisper Gang will be transferred to Arthur Wayne. He has already expressed the desire for their iron-soldered masks to resemble his own harlequin appearance. This has been authorized by The Voice.Arthur Wayne has also assigned them to privately-owned Wayne Terminal, where they control the service elevator belonging to Wayne Tower. They will guard the service elevators to Wayne Tower, but must pay a stipend from their arms sales to the Court. A Talon has been dispatched to reside in Wayne Terminal and observe the gang and Arthur Wayne's candor.
The Regulators
While not famous for their skills in physical combat, The Regulators make up for any aforementioned losses with their weaponised technology. Known for building and trading black market tech, this widespread gang are a useful tool to take note of if or when required.Little so far has been done to effectively increase Gotham's cyber security and combat The Regulators' exploitation of the city's many crumbling and desperate firms. Because of this, the group has been allowed to expand and grow at something of an exponential rate, underground and out of sight.Their reach, though modest compared to our own, is not to be understated. Given that their most frequent form of allyship are Gotham's corrupt police force, it's not incorrect to assume that they could have access beyond the layman's imagination.They once controlled the majority of Downtown, but since seawater and electronics tend to mix poorly, have since expanded their presumed stronghold. The lack of a clear leader, however, offers a chance for manipulation and exploitation. However, the group is made up of a mass of individuals, unafraid to use everything they have at their disposal.Note: Regulator drone masters are of high interest.
Falcone Crime Syndicate
Once led by late Court associate Carmine Falcone, this foundering organization once regaled as "The Roman Empire" has been taken over by Court affiliate Oswald Cobblepot.Their primary operation involves a hallucinogen known as "Drops." This substance is dropped into the eyes and can be very fatal if abused. The syndicate also carved the largest cut from the Renewal Fund left behind by former Court member late Thomas Wayne. The Roman used the stolen money to control operations throughout Gotham and station moles throughout every government body to ensure his nefarious activities went uninterrupted.Mr. Falcone was reluctant to pay the Court dues and would hire corrupt accountants to explain why his contributions were dwindling. His termination was necessary to establish the syndicate's place beneath the parliament.They are well-armed, carrying pistols and sometimes Micro-Uzis. Known affiliates include his daughter Sofia, his bastard daughter Selina Kyle, explosives runner Reed "Piggy" Porcello, Iceberg Lounge bouncers known as "The Twins," Vinnie, Briscoe, and police informant William Kenzie.This neutered mafia was once headquartered at the Shoreline Lofts, above the Iceberg Lounge and 44 Below prior to the flood of 2022. Since Gotham Bay swept downtown away and this syndicate belongs to Court affiliate Oswald Cobblepot, how he restructures the once-revered empire remains to be seen.
Dockyard Dogs
These arms traffickers control the ports and once had a chokehold on southwest Gotham, however since the 2022 flood they have since shifted their base to the seaport in Hinckley.Their leader, one Frederick "The Boot" Hood was once a well-respected manager of his stevedores. However in the wake of economic downfall, and the sordid history of our city's imports and exports, has since fallen into the Dog's leadership role. His hands-on approach makes him easy enough to find, once you discover exactly where the Dogs are working at any certain time.Otherwise there is admittedly little structure to this bare-bones "gang." Working men seeking further pay and compensation for their time and effort have seemingly come together as one, admittedly turbulent on occasion, team. There's a certain loyalty amongst these men that is nigh-on impenetrable. To gain access, and to gain their aid, you must first have every man onboard.
Vory v Zakone
Gotham's resident "Thieves in Law" are far less organized than their American counterparts. This group dates back to Russia's Soviet era and must abide by "Vorovskoy Zakon" or what Court member Arthur Wayne has translated as, "the thieves' code." There are eighteen codes that must all be obeyed under pain of death.They have formed networks that operate in situations of mutual interest and will often shift alliances to meet particular needs. The "brotherhood" is not to be mistaken with The Whisper Gang, for The Whisper Gang is merely a branch of this group.Each "pakhan" controls four cells through an intermediary called a "brigadier." The pakhan employs two spies that watch over the action of the brigadier to ensure loyalty and that he does not get too powerful. At the bottom of the structure are cells specializing in various types of nefarious activity and "enforcers."A similar structure places an elite leadership on top which is buffered by support and security personnel from the street operators who are carrying out the will of their pakhan. Street operators are not privy to the identity of their leadership. Strategy and planning is done only at the top echelon in order to minimize the risk of detection.A notable location for members of the brotherhood is Gotham's only Russian Orthodox Church: Our Lady of Kazan. Notable associates are Vory v Zakone spy Ilia Nikolaevich Dmitriev, manager of Court member and Vory v Zakone associate Arthur Wayne's career as a recording artist and composer.
Skizm Freaks
Those of deceased leader, Riktor's, countless children whom we haven't indoctrinated into our cause still continue their chaotic existence throughout the underbelly of the city. Unlike most degenerates, however, the Freaks very much prefer the limelight. They thrive on calamity before an audience, much as they've been taught to, and much as they always have done.Though perhaps once enemies to one another, the shreds left of Skizm have done the impossible - banded together to form one "society" of their own. Known to make homes in Gotham's most abandoned places - Amusement Mile as a particular favourite- they are only seen en masse in these "hideouts."Gangs are typically large, and predictably fueled by drugs and violence. It's unwise to approach, even the GCPD largely leave them to their own. Killing inside of these "societies" is hardly unheard of, thanks to their very clear devolution.Bank heists, freak murders, and gaudy displays of carnage point toward the Skizm Freaks. Follow the blood and glowsticks, and you're bound to find them. However, they are largely unsuitable for any of our causes, too unpredictable and gratuitous. We do continue to recruit from this field, despite the aforementioned. These sad creatures seek purpose since the dissolution of Riktor's brains, and his cult along with that, and we can offer them such a thing.
Lucky Hand Triad
By the early 1990's, Chinese triads were siphoning one billion dollars a year from Gotham. Leader Ekin Tzu managed to drain a portion of former Court member Thomas Wayne's Gotham Renewal Fund to fuel the narcotics trade.Their primary base of operations remains Chinatown even though the Downtown island was flooded in 2022. Chinatown has proved to be resilient and appears to be using Venice as a model.Lucky Hand remains Gotham's largest trafficker of heroin, however, as of late their product has been subpar. There has been an epidemic of addicts dying from poisoned heroin supplied by the Lucky Hand Triad. This was accomplished by a sixth from the Odessa faction tampering with the heroin after the Triad receives its imports, but before it distributes the contraband.
Street Demonz
Gotham's original motorcycle gang is led by Dallas. They are recognizable by branded leather jackets and other paraphernalia. In recent years, they superseded the market for a lucrative psychedelic called "Fever" on the street. The Demonz are known for their safe houses across the city that have since been revealed to their new leader, Court affiliate Oswald Cobblepot.Known to be fiercely protective over their territory, the group uses violence to silence witnesses and favors hand-to-hand melee weapons over firearms, but resort to them if needed. They have been known to recruit children and brutalize any who might report their activities to the authorities. Their recruits reside in their safe houses and will grow to become members themselves.