Post by Gemini on Jan 18, 2011 12:16:38 GMT -5
Roger Zelazny once wrote, "Money buys things. Power makes things happen." If you're going to be a criminal mastermind, you're going to need both.
For money, there's the Wealth Modifier. And now, for power, there's the Army of Goons Modifier.
For Army of Goons you get a supply of disposable lackeys that can be set to perform criminal tasks for you. Usually, there's some level of insulation between you and your goons, either a code of silence (Omerta), or intermediaries who relay orders for you, or even suicidal loyalty.
Three levels: 6-stone, 9-stone, and 12-stone versions:
Would-be criminal masterminds who buy the Modifer will likely need the Wealth and Social Skills to keep everything going, among any other Actions as might be required.
I'm not sure how this might be adapted for heroes. It ain't cheap, at the very least. But it is very cool. And it separates those who are merely wealthy from those who are to be truly feared.
For money, there's the Wealth Modifier. And now, for power, there's the Army of Goons Modifier.
For Army of Goons you get a supply of disposable lackeys that can be set to perform criminal tasks for you. Usually, there's some level of insulation between you and your goons, either a code of silence (Omerta), or intermediaries who relay orders for you, or even suicidal loyalty.
Three levels: 6-stone, 9-stone, and 12-stone versions:
- Criminal Empire (6-stones): You get a gang equavalent to a Mafia Don or a local crimelord. Generally centered around a city, thugs can still be sent out of town or overseas to "whack" enemies and traitors. Other goons may serve as drones or soldiers in criminal enterprises such as numbers running, racketeering, drug dealing, and more. Extent could be national in small to medium countries. In larger countries, singular control is rare; more usually in large countries you have a "Commission" of the heads of different Empires. Examples include the Kingpin, Don Corleone, Columbian drug lords, etc.
- Multinational Organization (9-stones): You get operatives roughly equivalent to a multinational corporation or international terrorist organization. These include not only armed mercenaries, but also evil scientists and inventors, and possibly other specialists as well. Examples include the Hellfire Club, Justin Hammer, Roxxon, AIM, and the Right. The Red Skull might fit here too.
- Infinite Undying (12-stones): Cut off one limb and two more shall take its place. You get a vast terrorist organization of worldwide scope and fanatical loyalty such as HYDRA or the Hand. Other examples are the legions of Kang and Immortus.
Would-be criminal masterminds who buy the Modifer will likely need the Wealth and Social Skills to keep everything going, among any other Actions as might be required.
I'm not sure how this might be adapted for heroes. It ain't cheap, at the very least. But it is very cool. And it separates those who are merely wealthy from those who are to be truly feared.