Syndicate
Overview
The Syndicate is an organised criminal group frequently encountered in Praetoria. It is heavily factionalised, with some Syndicate in alliance with the Resistance. Players can learn all about the Syndicate, and gain a first-hand perspective, by undertaking the story arcs of Chance McKnight. The Syndicate is often encountered as an enemy, and at other times as neutral or allies.
Background
Intercepted Police Transmission: Multiple Crimes in Progress
Dispatcher: "Unit 77, respond to public disturbance at 5th and Imperial Avenue, over."
Unit 77: "Negative, Dispatch, on scene of convenience store robbery at 17th and Adams, over."
Dispatcher: "Report of shots fired at loading docks on Scranton Street. Requesting visual confirmation. All units in area respond, over."
Unit 213: "Roger that, Dispatch, 213 responding. It's busy tonight, over."
Unit 188: "This is 188 on scene. Automatic weapons fire, multiple suspects--waiting for backup, over."
Dispatcher: "All units in downtown Aureas, respond to escalating disturbance on Imperial Avenue, 5th, 6th, and 7th streets. Situation is now classified as a Class 2 riot. Three civilians reported injured. Requesting confirmation from officers on scene that Go-gangers are present, over."
Unit 309: "Officer down! Officer down! Robbery in progress at Imperial Bank of Praetoria! Requesting immediate backup! Requesting . . ."
Dispatcher: "All units, all units, priority command. We have an officer down at Imperial Bank of Praetoria in downtown Imperial City. I repeat, officer down at Imperial Bank of Praetoria. All units respond immediately, over."
Unit 77: "Dispatch, this is 77. What the hell is going on out here tonight?"
Dispatcher: "Unit 309, this is Dispatch. Requesting visual identification of suspects, over."
Unit 309: "This is 309. Suspects are in black, high-powered automatic weapons, and . . . swords? They're moving in on my position!"
Dispatcher: "All units bulletin. Lethal force has been authorized for all current engagements. Visual confirmation has been acquired. They're Syndicate."
- Taken from Syndicate Official Enemy Group Profile
Enemy Types
Minions
Blade Initiate
The Syndicate has survived by recruiting only those with at least some psychic potential. The initiates are the bottom rung of Syndicate ladder, they have yet to prove themselves and ascend to the ranks of Adept.
Powers
Burst (Ranged) Lethal, Damage over Time, Foe -Defense
Thne Machine Pistol has reduced your defense.
Gambler's Cut Melee, Minor damage, Lethal, Foe -Defense
You perform a quick slash with your ninja blade. This attack is very fast but deals only minor damage. This attack can reduce a target's defense, making him easier to hit.
Sword Adept
Only those that have achieved enlightenment through brutal combat, have proved themselves worthy members of the Syndicate and unlocked their true potential may call themselves Adepts.
Powers
Burst (Ranged) Lethal, Damage over Time, Foe -Defense
Thne Machine Pistol has reduced your defense.
Gambler's Cut Melee, Minor damage, Lethal, Foe -Defense
You perform a quick slash with your ninja blade. This attack is very fast but deals only minor damage. This attack can reduce a target's defense, making him easier to hit.
Resistance Res( P20 )
Auto, Self
Brawler Initiate
The Syndicate has survived by recruiting only those with at least some psychic potential. The initiates are the bottom rung of Syndicate ladder, they have yet to prove themselves and ascend to the ranks of Adept.
Powers
Burst (Ranged) Lethal, Damage over Time, Foe -Defense
Thne Machine Pistol has reduced your defense.
Thunder Kick Melee, Smash Damage, Foe Disorient
You can perform a strong Thunder Kick that hits so hard it can disorient your target.
Brawler Adept
Only those that have achieved enlightenment through brutal combat, have proved themselves worthy members of the Syndicate and unlocked their true potential may call themselves Adepts.
Powers
Burst (Ranged) Lethal, Damage over Time, Foe -Defense
Thne Machine Pistol has reduced your defense.
Thunder Kick Melee, Smash Damage, Foe Disorient
You can perform a strong Thunder Kick that hits so hard it can disorient your target.
Storm Kick Melee Smash
Unleashes a flurry of quick attacks to pummel you foe.
Resistance Res( P20 )
Auto, Self
Pistol Initiate
The Syndicate has survived by recruiting only those with at least some psychic potential. The initiates are the bottom rung of Syndicate ladder, they have yet to prove themselves and ascend to the ranks of Adept.
Powers
Dual Shot Ranged, Lethal, Light Damage
Fires both pistols at once at a time target. Firing both pistols at once is slower, but deals more damage and the target may get knocked down by the force of the impact. Damage: Moderate. Recharge: Fast.
Pistol Whip Melee, Smash, Minor Damage
When all else fails, you have only two fists to depend on.
Pistol Adept
Only those that have achieved enlightenment through brutal combat, have proved themselves worthy members of the Syndicate and unlocked their true potential may call themselves Adepts.
Powers
Dual Shot Ranged, Lethal, Light Damage
Fires both pistols at once at a time target. Firing both pistols at once is slower, but deals more damage and the target may get knocked down by the force of the impact. Damage: Moderate. Recharge: Fast.
Single Shot Ranged, Lethal, Foe Knockdown
You have been knocked from your feet
Pistol Whip Melee, Smash, Minor Damage
When all else fails, you have only two fists to depend on.
Resistance Res( P20 )
Auto, Self
Lieutenants
Striker
When the Syndicate needs muscle they call in their Strikers. Whether it's to put the hurt on someone who has crossed the Syndicate or to rally Initiates and Adepts under them; the Strikers command respect within the Syndicate ranks.
Powers
Buckshot (Ranged) Cone, Lethal, Foe Knockdown
Good at close range. Fires a cone of Buckshot pellets and can knock some foes down.
Slug Ranged, High Damage, Lethal, Foe Knockdown
Fires a large slug at a single target at a very long range. This very accurate weapon hits hard, and can knock down foes.
Jab Low (Melee) Foe Disorient
You have been Disoriented.
Punch Melee, Smash, Foe Knockback
A Super Strength Punch is a powerful pummeling attack, and it may knock foes off their feet.
Resistance Res( S20 L20 P20 )
Auto, Self
Pyrokineticist
The Syndicate encourages their Adepts to advance their psychic powers, so it isn't uncommon to see Pyrokineticists within their ranks. These fiery Adepts are capable of not only hurling bolts of fire, but also stealing power from their foes to build their own.
Powers
Flares Ranged, Fire, Damage over Time, Fire
A quick attack that throws Flares at the target. Little damage, but very fast.
Fire Blast Ranged, Fire, Damage over Time (Fire)
Sends a blast of fire at a targeted foe and sets the target on fire for a short period of time. Slower recharge rate than Flares, but more damage.
Scorch Melee, Fire, Damage over Time
This power engulfs your hands in flames, and can ignite the target of your scorching attack. Once on fire, the target will suffer damage over time.
Siphon Power Ranged, Foe -Damage, Team +Damage
You can siphon the power from a targeted foe, reducing his damage potential. The power is transferred back to you, increasing your own damage potential and that of all nearby allies.
Resistance Res( F20 P20 )
Auto, Self
Telekineticist
The Syndicate encourages their Adepts to advance their psychic powers, so it isn't uncommon to see Telekineticists within their ranks. These Adepts are capable of manipulating kinetic energy to crush their foes, but also to steal power from their foes to build their own.
Powers
Force Blast Ranged, Energy/Smash, Foe Knockback
A much more powerful, yet slower version of Power Bolt. Power Blast sends a focused beam of energy at a foe that can knock him back.
Kinetic Shackles (Ranged) Damage over Time, Smash, Foe -Speed, -Recharge, -Fly
Your movement and recharge rate have been slowed by the kinetic shackles, and they continue to crush you.
Kinetic Strike Melee, Energy/Smash, Foe -Damage
Your damage potential has been reduced by the kinetic strike.
Siphon Speed Ranged, Foe -Speed, Self +Speed, +Recharge
You can siphon the speed from a targeted foe, slowing his movement and attack rate while boosting your own.
Resistance Res( E20 P20 )
Auto, Self
Bosses
Sword Master
These Syndicate diehards were once initiates who rose through the ranks of their organization through dedication, skill and no small amount of craziness. Sword Masters can cut the very air causing blades of wind to slice at their foes from range.
Powers
Air Cutter Ranged, Moderate Damage (Lethal)
The sword Master cuts the very air, causing a blade of wind to slash their foes.
Nimble Slash Melee, Minor Damage (Lethal)
A quick swipe with your blades. Does minor lethal damage, but has a quick recharge rate. This attack begins both the Empower and Weaken combination attacks.
Ablating Strike Melee, Moderate Damage (Lethal), Foe -Defense
You slash at your foes with your blades, dealing a good amount of lethal damage. This attack can reduce a target's defense, making him easier to hit. This power is needed for the Empower and Weaken combination attacks, and is the beginning of the Attack Vitals combination attack.
Sweeping Strike Melee (Cone), Superior Damage (Lethal)
You make a sweeping strike with your blades, hitting all foes in a cone in front of you and dealing moderate lethal damage to each. This power is the finishing move for the Attack Vitals combination attack.
Resistance Res( S20 L20 P20 )
Auto, Self
Suit
Suits are there to keep the Syndicate Initiates and Adepts in line and to make sure they don't fall prey to Mother Mayhem's Seers. They act as a sort of psychic shield for their men. The Suits are cold and calculating, one part business man, one part heartless killer.
Powers
Psionic Dart Ranged, Minor Damage, Psionic, Foe -Recharge
This basic attack does minor Psionic damage, and can slightly reduce a target's attack speed, but has a very fast attack rate.
Mesmerize Ranged, Psionic, Foe Sleep
Hypnotize painfully enraptures a target with psychic energy rendering him unconscious. The target will remain asleep for some time, but will awaken if attacked.
Dominate Ranged, No Damage, Foe Hold
Tear at the mind of a single target foe. Dominate renders a victim helpless, lost in his own mind and unable to defend himself.
Psychic Scream (Ranged) Cone, Psionic, Foe -Recharge
The howl of Psionic energy resonates in the mind of all foes within its conical area of effect.
Aura of Empowerment Point Blank Area of Effect, Team +To Hit, Res (Confuse, Fear), +Perception
While this power is active, your chance to hit and that of all your nearby teammates is increased. Your advanced Tactics also protect you and your team from Confuse and Fear effects, as well as your Perception so you can detect Stealthy foes.
Named Bosses
Chance McKnight
Main Article: Chance McKnight
Chance McKnight is a Ministry of Information investigator working undercover in the Syndicate.
Powers
Chain Gun Ranged, Lethal, High Damage over Time, +Accuracy (Self)
Sprays a massive burst of lead at a target. Lots of damage and a bonus to hit, but slow to reload.
No Resistances
Chance McKnight does not have any special Damage Resistances
Elite Bosses
Wu Yin
Main article: Wu Yin
Mega Corp titan and CEO of Yin Corp, Mr. Yin is a household name. In the wake of the Hamidon Wars, Mr. Yin's hard work ethic galvanized his workers, forming the world spanning Yin Corp in a matter of a few short years. Invaluable in the reconstruction efforts, Mr. Yin enjoys a privileged life along with his daughter and heiress to the corporate throne, Penelope Yin.
Powers
Psionic Dart Ranged, Minor Damage, Psionic, Foe -Recharge
This basic attack does minor Psionic damage, and can slightly reduce a target's attack speed, but has a very fast attack rate.
Mesmerize Ranged, Psionic, Foe Sleep
Hypnotize painfully enraptures a target with psychic energy rendering him unconscious. The target will remain asleep for some time, but will awaken if attacked.
Dominate Ranged, No Damage, Foe Hold
Tear at the mind of a single target foe. Dominate renders a victim helpless, lost in his own mind and unable to defend himself.
Psychic Scream (Ranged) Cone, Psionic, Foe -Recharge
The howl of Psionic energy resonates in the mind of all foes within its conical area of effect.
Aura of Empowerment Point Blank Area of Effect, Team +To Hit, Res (Confuse, Fear), +Perception
While this power is active, your chance to hit and that of all your nearby teammates is increased. Your advanced Tactics also protect you and your team from Confuse and Fear effects, as well as your Perception so you can detect Stealthy foes.
Resistance Res( P20 )
Auto, Self
Archvillains
Tub Ci
Main article: Tub Ci
The personal bodyguard of Mr. Wu Yin, and director of security for Yin Corp. Tub Ci Tang abandoned his life as leader of the crumbling Hmong Tsoo criminal organization and has instead sworn to defend the Yin family with his life. Rumors persist about how he lost his eye, but Tub Ci has refused to confirm any of the stories.
Powers
Aimed Shot Ranged, High Damage (Lethal)
Though it takes longer to execute, your Aimed Shot deals greater damage than Snap Shot.
Blazing Arrow Ranged, High Damage (Lethal), Minor Damage over Time (Fire)
You fire a Blazing Arrow at your foe, dealing some Lethal damage and causing him to catch on fire and burn.
Thunder Kick Melee, Smash, Foe Disorient
You are Disoriented.
Storm Kick Melee, Smash
Unleashes a flurry of quick attacks to pummel you foe.
Crane Kick Melee, Smash, High Damage, Foe Knockback
A slow, high damage kick that can send your target flying!
Dragons Tail Point Blank Area of Effect Melee, Moderate Damage, Smash, Foe Knockback
This low spinning kick deals the same damage as Thunder Kick, but has a chance to hit all enemies in melee range. Successful hits will trip and knock down your opponents. Damage: Moderate, Recharge: Slow
Resistance Res( S10 L10 F10 C10 E10 N10 P10 ), +Def( M10 R10 A10 )
Auto, Self
Resistance Auto, Self
Archvillain Resistance
Named Bosses
- Thornton (Suit)
- Stevens (Striker)
- Richard Lombard (Suit)
- Anderson (Suit)
- Lance (Sword Master)
- Ms. Carmine (Suit)
- Vincent Case (Suit)
- Ms. Graves (Suit)
- Adept Pham (Sword Master)
- Marisa Delany (Sword Master)
- Lauren McAllister (Sword Master)
- Marcus Kirchmer (Sword Master)
- Vincent Soto (Sword Master)
- Decker (Telekineticist)
- Fiona (Pyrokineticist)
- Jaxon (Telekineticist)
- Renee (Sword Master)
- Francois (Sword Master)
- Blueshift (Suit)
- Blueshift is a notorious Syndicate data courier who disappeared from the grid two years ago. The PPD reported him killed during a botched raid on a Syndicate hideout, but apparently they got somebody else instead.
- Bowman (Striker)
- Sigg Bowman has made a name for himself among the underworld as a brutal and efficient hitman. Whoever hired him to kill Fields and the others has deep pockets.
- Erica Swift (Suit)
- Erica Swift is the CEO of Swift Microcomms, a telecomunication company that has done very well for itself in the wake of the Hamidon Wars and the Rebuilding. It would seem that some of some of Mrs. Swift's success comes from her asociation with the Syndicate, and the mental powers she has learned from their mysterious leaders.
- Charles Monroe (Suit)
- Charles Monroe is the CEO of Syfotine Industries, but he is much more than that, he's also a powerful member of the shadowy criminal organization known only as the Syndicate. With his secret affiliations revealed, Monroe has no need to hide his powerful psychic abilities any longer.
- Byron Wade (Suit)
- Byron Wade is a high level executive at Kantir Corporation. He's also a powerful lieutenant of Octavian's, the man who may very well be the leader of the Syndicate.
- Edge (Sword Master)
- Edge is a master swordsman and one of Boss Masamoto's most trusted lieutenants. If he's here, then blood is sure to be spilt.
- Gunther (Telekineticist)
- Gunther Stevens is a psychic known to be working within the Syndicate. Like his fellows he continues to escape notice from the Seers through some means of blocking their second sight. There is no way of telling how many dangerous psychics like Gunther exist under the protection of the Syndicate.
- Jon Shen
- Jon Shen was born in Praetoria city. His parents were respective heads of the Yakuza and Italian Mafia. When the Syndicate Corp Wars exploded across Praetoria city, Jon Shen's parents were killed and he inherited both of his parent's assets. In the ensuing chaos following the end of the Corp Wars, Shen is one of the largest power brokers in Imperial City, a fact which Neuron, apparently, is well aware of.
- Masamoto (Sword Master) (Players meet him in It's Raining Lead from Chance McKnight)
- Masamoto is one of the top Syndicate leaders. He has enjoyed great success in the Syndicate Corp Wars due to his own martial prowess.
- Maxine (Sword Master)
- Maxine is one of the top Syndicate killers. Her psychic mastery over her own body turns her into a lethal killing machine.
- Metzger (Striker)
- Metzger is a veteran of the Hamidon Wars, a former soldier of fortune, an security consultant for Pharmatek Global in Praetoria City. That he is a member of the Syndicate is actually, not all that surprising.
- Octavian (Suit)
- Octavian Mensk has an immense following within the Syndicate. He is charismatic and intelligent, making him the perfect candidate to lead the Syndicate when the old leadership is dead.
- Tanya (Pyrokineticist)
- Tanya isn't known so much for her fiery temper as much as she's known for turning people who hurt her friends into charcoal.