Criminal Organisations

Notorious Interstellar Criminal Groups

The Human Universe rife with whispers of shadowy interstellar criminal organizations. Some of these groups' names have become legend—whether real, imagined, or exaggerated by conspiracy theorists. The interstellar criminal underworld is a complex tapestry of fearsome legends, secretive operatives, and shadowy dealings. While some of these groups may be myths, their alleged actions continue to stoke paranoia among governments, corporations, and civilians alike.

The truth remains as elusive as the groups themselves.

The Hand

A shadowy organization known for its involvement in assassinations and infiltration operations. The Hand operates in the background of numerous political and corporate power struggles. Their operatives are said to be highly trained in stealth and combat, and their presence often marks the tipping point of a conflict. Their true leadership and goals remain elusive, adding to their aura of menace.

The Zodiac Cartel

Named after the old Earth zodiac signs, this syndicate is believed to be a loose coalition of interstellar smugglers, drug lords, and pirates. Each division operates semi-autonomously under a sign of the zodiac, with a focus on specific criminal enterprises, such as arms dealing or narcotics distribution. Some analysts believe the cartel exaggerates its influence to intimidate rivals.

SPECTRE

Short for Specialist Piracy, Espionage, Counterintelligence, and Terrorism Ring Elite, SPECTRE is alleged to be the epitome of interstellar criminal coordination. Said to have advanced technology and government insiders on payroll, SPECTRE is rumored to orchestrate operations from heists to planetary coups. Critics argue it’s a convenient scapegoat for governments to explain major intelligence failures.

The Maggia

The Maggia is a quasi-feudal network of crime families that originated in Quadrant 0 but has since expanded into Quadrant 7. Known for its tight-knit organizational structure, the Maggia is believed to fund piracy, extortion, and money laundering operations. Despite their brutal methods, they are said to operate with a twisted sense of honor.

Hydra

Hydra is alleged to be a cult-like organization that blends criminal enterprise with a zealous ideology. Its followers reportedly engage in sabotage, blackmail, and even bio-terrorism to advance their mysterious goals. Some believe Hydra’s power is exaggerated, while others warn they are an existential threat lurking in the shadows.

The Silent Veil

An enigmatic network specialising in espionage, the Silent Veil is believed to sell classified data to the highest bidder. Rumours suggest their agents are able to change their appearance at will, making them nearly impossible to detect. They are accused of orchestrating massive data leaks and influencing major political outcomes.

Oblivion Syndicate

A criminal organisation dealing in rare and dangerous technologies, including illegal AI development and experimental weaponry. The Oblivion Syndicate has been implicated in several catastrophic "accidents" involving rogue AIs. They are suspected of manipulating Quadrant 7’s black markets to spread chaos for profit.

The Revenant Order

A mysterious group believed to consist of rogue military officers and mercenaries. The Revenant Order is known for targeting abandoned or poorly defended colonies and salvaging advanced Forerunner technology. Their motives remain unclear, with theories ranging from revenge against their former employers to a desire to establish a breakaway polity.

Crimson Quasar

This organization is rumored to be behind many high-profile robberies and heists in Quadrant 7. Crimson Quasar operates like a thieves' guild, training and deploying highly skilled operatives to target valuable shipments, corporate vaults, and even governmental treasuries. Their symbol, a red starburst, is often left behind as a calling card.

Black Nebula Syndicate

Operating primarily in the independent worlds, the Black Nebula Syndicate specializes in smuggling and piracy. They are thought to be connected to several hidden pirate bases, including some identified in Operation Iron Fang. Some suggest they also engage in the trafficking of alien artifacts.