The Syndicate
Also known as: The United Babushka Syndicate, The UBS, Syn
The United Babushka Syndicate, colloquially known as the UBS or simply "Syn", is the nerve center of Gred's governance. This formidable coalition has evolved from the remnants of the city's old federal administrative organs and now comprises three principal sub-factions: The State University, christened "The University"; the city's military force, "The Battalion"; and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, dubbed "The Hive". Alongside these powers is the neutral "Admiralty", steering the waters with a poised equilibrium.
At the Syndicate's pinnacle, the Board stands tall, led by the Pra Matrons — Doctor Anastasia Zakharovna representing The University, Tatyana Romanova from The Battalion, and Yelena Petrova of The Hive. Every four years, the Chairmanship of this assembly rotates amongst these powerhouses, a transition celebrated by the elaborate Ascension ceremony. Here, leadership is chosen not by popular vote, but by authoritative decree.
Bolstering the strength of this triad are six additional Matrons, hailing two apiece from each sub-faction, culminating in a nine-seat assembly. Quarterly, they gather, debating and deciding the city's fate through majority votes, epitomizing Gred's distinct Principle of Ascent in its corporate-inspired governance.
The University
Boasting a network of campuses and research facilities that rival the expanse of Gred itself, the University's flagship institution, the Research Center for Medical Genetics (RCMG), stands proudly at the foothills of the majestic Koryaksky Volcano. Helmed by the Pra Matron Chair, Doctor Anastasia Zakharovna, a genius and visionary, this location is no mere coincidence; it symbolizes the institution's unquenchable thirst for pioneering discoveries and its relentless pursuit of knowledge, echoing the towering ambition and resilience of the volcano itself. While the University's inclination towards peace and scholarly pursuits is evident, make no mistake about its stature. With a sophisticated web of spies, informants, and a war chest of substantial funding, the University commands access to some of the city's most exclusive and coveted resources. It is a faction that commands respect and wields influence in realms far beyond mere academics. The University's avatar, an open book encasing a vibrant yellow rose set against a field of white, is more than just an emblem. It is a declaration of their enduring commitment to knowledge and education, a symbol that intertwines the beauty of enlightenment with the thorns of the challenges they overcome in their noble pursuit.
The Battalion
In the winding, enigmatic streets of Gred, one finds the Battalion, a stubborn bastion of traditionalism amidst the city's fervent embrace of technological advancement. Clinging to their roots, they begrudgingly accept the necessity of Gred's immortality serum, a decision that garners both concealed mockery and overt criticism. They stand, somewhat quaintly, in staunch opposition to what they deem intrusive or unnatural technologies, especially those meddling with the sanctity of the human psyche. The Battalion is more than a mere moniker; it is a testament to their unwavering commitment to old-world discipline. Their headquarters, entrenched in underground bunkers reminiscent of mid-last-century nuclear shelters, are a clear indication of their perpetual state of defensive readiness. They are a group seemingly out of step with time, their soldiers a parade of rigorous training and strict adherence to a code that venerates honor and duty above all. Their avatar, a resplendent golden rune set boldly against a green shield, is a fitting emblem. It reflects their steadfast adherence to a bygone era, a symbol of an ethos that, while admirable, increasingly feels like a relic in the face of Gred's dynamic, technology-driven transformation.
The Hive
The Hive, with its meticulous devotion to order, efficiency, and a utopian ideal of equality, presents itself as a model of collective human endeavor. They espouse the noble belief in humanity's ability to forge a better future, a stance that, while commendable, often veils their readiness to make sacrifices that are more self-serving than they would have us believe. Their prowess in the realm of business is undeniable. The Hive commands a formidable grasp over the city's physical supply chains, a feat achieved through an extensive network of union executives and a keen sense of resource and manpower coordination. This efficiency, though impressive, sometimes masks their more opportunistic endeavors and raises questions about their true intentions. Their avatar, a stark black honeycomb against a yellow backdrop, is an apt representation of their professed values—the strength in unity and collaboration. However, beneath this emblem of teamwork, one can't help but sense an undercurrent of cunning and self-interest. Their seemingly altruistic agenda often clashes with the city's progressive ambitions, as their overemphasis on human well-being, however noble, can be a hindrance to the unbridled technological advancement that Gred so passionately pursues.
The Admiralty
The Admiralty maintains a prominent yet somewhat antiquated role in the city's governance structure. Commanded by the Grand Mariner, the Admiralty oversees the naval fleet, a function that increasingly appears out of step with the rapid pace of technological advancement. Their primary role in maritime control is overshadowed by their unique responsibility as arbitrators in disputes that fall outside the Board's purview. Their avatar is a pair of anchors within a golden wreath on a white background.
Black Wolves
The Black Wolves, the city's sanctioned police force, are a symbol of valor and order within the social fabric of Gred. As the enforcers of The Board's will, they carry out their duties with adamant loyalty and efficiency, unrivaled in urban operations and jurisdictional control. Their contribution, especially notable during the pivotal Wars of Formation, has been crucial in the shaping of Gred's political landscape, solidifying their status as the cornerstone of the city's governance and resolve. Their avatar, a stark combination of black and blue that forms a wolf set against a crimson backdrop, stands as a testament to their steadfast loyalty and the resolute spirit they carry.
The Outlaws
Situated outside the urban sprawl of Gred, the Outlaws stand as a beacon of freedom and autonomy. Unfettered by government intervention or other authoritative constraints, they fiercely advocate for the unfettered liberty of individuals to determine their own destiny. Holding dominion over the west side of Gred, an area renowned as the Derge, the Outlaws thrive amidst chaos. Notably, unlike in Gred, the Derge sees a significantly higher population of men. Renowned for their expertise in guerrilla warfare, the Outlaws weave an intricate network of covert alliances and associations across the city's factions. The Outlaws' emblem, a rat's skull superimposed on a brown background, serves as a stark testament to their spirit of rebellion and fierce independence.
The Vory
Lurking beneath the pulsating cityscape of Gred, within the subterranean labyrinth of its metro, operates the unaligned criminal syndicate known as the Vory. With a proficiency in smuggling and assassination that is nearly unrivaled, they command a sprawling web of informants and spies. Their avatar, a serpent tightly coiled around a dagger, vividly portrays their calculated cunning and lethal nature.
Vatraliyna's Coven
The Coven is a secret society that was formed by survivors of the Great Dark who were determined to never become reliant on technology again. They believe that the best way to win a war is to never fight it and use their knowledge of human behavior to manipulate those around them. The Coven is skilled in propaganda and misinformation and excels at making people believe what they want them to believe. They value secrecy and subterfuge and use these tactics to achieve their goals. Their avatar is a burning stiletto on a black background, symbolizing their stealth and deadly precision.
DATA ANGELS
The DATA ANGELS are a group of anonymous hackers who operate in Gred's metaverse. They use their skills to solve crimes and conduct espionage and are known for their ability to navigate the virtual world with ease. Unlike other factions in Gred, the DATA ANGELS have no physical territory, and their only allegiance is to their cause. The DATA ANGELS' avatar is a pink lotus on a black background, symbolizing their transcendence of the physical world and their mastery of the virtual realm.
