[hr] [h1]|| [i]Overview of Verthaven[/i] ||[/h1] [b]Size:[/b] 38,442 acres [b]Population:[/b] 936,128 [b]Time:[/b] July 20th, 2015 [b]Crime:[/b] High [hr] [center][img]http://i795.photobucket.com/albums/yy234/lonestar4545/tumblr_n9ij4sTYdG1qkfpxgo1_500_zpswy6cumw8.jpg[/img][/center] [hr] [indent]Verthaven is a metropolis on the very beaches of California, in between San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The city started out centuries ago as a coastal settlement during the Californian gold rush. Gold was found in the mountain, so they formed a small town for a place to rest. During this period, Verthaven grew into a mighty city - just like it's rival city, San Francisco. Even after the Gold Rush ended, and they milked the mountain dry, the city continued to boom. In a few years, the population absolutely quadrupled, and continued to grow. Rows and rows of houses were built, and because of it's location, it became a hub for fisheries, traders, and rich families. Who helped the city thrive. Pushing into the 1900's, the city quickly became a massive boom-town capable of rivaling it's neighbor cities. Skyscrapers, row-houses, businesses, and more, quickly filled up the budding city until it reached it's peak. It's technically bigger than San Francisco, but no where near as large as San Diego. It's location also made it a great spot for the overprivileged, and vacationers. Even to this day, not much has changed. The population of the city is slightly higher than that of San Francisco too. The population is large, diverse, and open to a myriad of change. It's population is diverse in terms of Ethnicity too. Plenty of people chose Verthaven as their destination when they immigrated. The city is comprised of a wide range of Caucasian, Asian, African, cultures, with some Middle-Eastern people making the place their home. This has influenced the city being very multi-cultured, and tolerant of each other. However, like Black Fall, it has become a hot-spot for Metahuman activity. Many Metahumans gathered in Verthaven during the early 50's, after Metahumans were outed. The Black Fall effect gathered the westward Metahumans in Verthaven, just like how the Metahumans on the Eastern part of the United States went to Black Fall. A large minority of its large population is Metahuman, and it's another reason the city has so much to note. Crime used to be pretty low, but as the years went by, and more organizations sprung Verthaven, it has gone up. The city's poverty and levels of homelessness has also been on a steady increase and shows no signs of stopping. However, a major blow has been dealt against the city's organized crime. The Fifth-Seed Crime Syndicate, Verthaven's mafia, and La Familia De Asesinos, a Mexican cartel, have been eliminated by the police (With support of NEST). Removing two major players from Verthaven's crime world. The side-effect was that it left a power vacuum. One of the main draws of Verthaven is it's rather unique geography. Starting off with the miles, and miles of pure sandy beaches (And other noteworthy landmarks like rocks, and businesses). It makes it a great place for people to relax - whether you're on vacation or not. The sea beyond the beaches are pure Atlantic Ocean. Easily the city's most distinguishing feature is the network of waterways that go through the city like a large web. These rivers are what the city was built around, and they're well integrated into the city's design. The largest and most notable river is the [b]Cross-River[/b], which, as the name implies, is cross-shaped, and miles wide. One end comes from the oceans, while the other leads into other places in the United States. It splits the city into four large sections, with a network of smaller rivers running through them. Each of the rivers lead into a large lake in the very center of the city, and inside of this lake contains an island. Giving the city a very unique look when walking through it. The city itself appears to be a mixture of New York, San Francisco, and Venice. It's a very populous city, and it's lined with all sorts of houses, businesses, and places to just have fun. The streets are lined with palm trees, and other bushes. The city is absolutely massive, and thus, there are plenty of ways to traverse the lands. There is a massive network of highways connecting each part of the city with one another, along with a trolly network that'd give everyone a scenic way to get around. What the city is mainly noted for contributing to the Metahuman community, other than it's high population. Inside of the city limits of Verthaven contains the NEST National Headquarters. It's a major contributor to NEST activities all over North America. This is where the most NEST Agents are trained, and is the home to the very first NEST team. Weather is generally fairly sunny around Verthaven. It's very unexpected for any weather conditions other than rain. The city is warm and sunny during the summer, and moderately cold in the winter months. Year round, the city is very humid due to all the water that flows through the streets. The city sees rain quite often. It's also at risk for flooding, and tsunamis. The city has faced floods more often than any other city on the Californian coast. In 2003, the city was hit with the largest and most destructive tsunami in the city's history. The city was flooded, and hundreds of people died, many more were injured. Massive damage was caused to the city, the very same damage that is being fixed to this very day.[/indent] [hr] [h1]|| [i]Districts of Verthaven[/i] ||[/h1] [hr] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/tVXMzJm.jpg[/img][/center] [indent]As stated above; Verthaven is divided into four sections called isles, and from there, their land is sectioned into various sub-districts. Each isle has it's own name, which has it's own special theme. Each isle has a female name ending in a. [b]Isabella Isle[/b] is the[i] top-left[/i] section of the city, holding it's pore official districts. [b]Estella Isle[/b] is the [i]bottom-left[/i] section, and is more of the city's business and shopping center. [b]Rosalina Isle[/b] is the [i]top-right[/i] section of the city, being it's the leisure center and its primary commercial area. [b]Priscilla Isle[/b] is the[i] bottom-right[/i] a more domestic district that is primarily residential. Now, the city's shape is best described as squarish, with a cross shaped river separating these locations. At the very center of the city is a massive lake known as the [b]Centerpiece Lake[/b].[/indent] [hider] [hr] [h1]| ISABELLA ISLE |[/h1] [hr] [indent] [h3]| Ferris Square (AKA. City Hall) |[/h3] One of the oldest sections of the city. Ferris square is the political heart of the city, and houses some of the first buildings, known as City Hall Square. City Hall Square contains large garden for tourists to walk through, leading up to the stairs of City Hall. City hall itself is a massive building that stands over the garden like the White-House. It's the center of all the official Verthaven decisions. Around City-Hall Square are some of the first houses that were planted during the Gold Rush. These houses are considered to be Antique Homes, and kept to the highest standard. Only those willing to shell out money, and put considerable effort into maintaining these houses are allowed to even purchase them. Some of these houses (The especially old ones) are inhabited, and merely kept around as tourist attractions. Other than that, Ferris-Square has to be the smallest district of the City. There aren't too many residential areas, as everything here is kept official. Not too far away from City-Hall is the primary police headquarters. [h3]| Knightdale Rows |[/h3] Surrounding Ferris-Square is the Knightdale-Rows Residential district. The more high-end neighborhood due to it's proximity to Ferris-Square. Unlike the other districts, Knightdale rows consists more of nice Apartments, and Condos rather than houses. In fact, houses are scarce. The district itself has a very lowly, modern feel. It looks a little bit. It's a hot-spot for Hipsters because plenty of it's locations cater to the Hipster-Demographic. It's jam-packed with Dive-bars, parks (For music festivals), and clubs. Along with stores that sell Hipster fashion. It's ideal for the over-privileged music lover, artist, or Tumblr Warrior. Knightdale Rows doesn't have too much crime due to the high police presence. Certain organizations operate within the Knightdale Rows, however. [h3]| The Ghost Town |[/h3] Originally a section of Knightdale Rows, a terrible accident was caused by a Metahuman which destroyed a couple houses, and left the area in hospitable. It's been long evacuated, and closed off by the city officials. Leaving nothing but ruins here. Damaged homes, businesses, and parks. However, the location is often hit up by teenagers off on dares. The place is spooky, and that's the appeal of it. Often enough, they're picked up by VPD and told to get out of there. Strangely enough, some of them said they saw strange creatures lurking outside their peripheral.... [h3]| NEST Headquarters |[/h3] Far west of Ferris-Square is the Tower that overlooks the city. This is the NEST National Headquarters, and it's where much of the nationwide NEST decisions are made. It's where the NEST Chairmen, and City-Directions, come to meet in times of Crisis. It's a massive base that's several miles large, and contains plenty of buildings - merely a few miles away from the beach, and some of the base is touching the Cross River. The main building is a massive Skyscraper that touches the cloud. A beauty of modern architecture made out of concrete and steel - what people generally see is the glass windows (Bulletproof and reinforced) going from the very top to bottom. This building contains office after office, meeting room after meeting room, and plenty of databanks. Surrounding the main building are several other buildings. Such as a Prison, Barracks, a Hangar to house NEST vehicles, a Hospital, and Docks. Other than those buildings, a majority of the Headquarters is dedicated to training future NEST Agents. There's miles of training grounds (Obstacle course, shooting ranges, etc). Finally, surrounding the NEST Headquarters is a massive fence. [h3]| The Crystal Shores |[/h3] Northern parts of the sandy white beach. Separated from it's lower half, The Fire Shores, by merely a few mile wide river. The Crystal Shores are much nicer and more expensive than it's sister beach. Despite being the smaller one. While there's plenty of public beaches - it's shore is lined with private beaches for those who can afford them. The Crystal Shores are dotted with hotels, casinos, and high-end apartments/condos. There's even a few mansions on the beach. [h3]| Academy 12 |[/h3] Academy 12 is one of the very first Superhuman Academies set up. It's located to the far north-west of the NEST HQ, built not too far off the beaches of the Crystal Shores - and on the very city limits of Verthaven. Academy 12 is one of the primer Academies set up by the Academy Project (It's main rival being Academy 218). Built with the idea of educating, and training young Metahumans with using their powers, so they may safely be integrated into society. It has everything that students need. Dorms, Training Rooms, Education Rooms, Shops, and etc. Dorms are entirely optional because of the proximity of Residential areas. [/indent] [hr] [h1]| ESTELLA ISLE |[/h1] [hr] [indent] [h3]| Bazaar Riviera |[/h3] Overlooking the shores of the Cross River is the Bazaar Riviera. Which is basically row after row of various stores on the water front, going to the very center lake. A historical location coming from the time the city was just growing. Stores here have items imported from various countries, and offer wares from many cultures. They offer special items that people can't get anywhere else in the city. Whether it's an antique, or even food that comes from different countries. The Bazaar is also home to many Apartments. The Bazaar has plenty of crime. Mostly in the form of purse-snatchers waiting for women to drop their guard, and thieves that'll snatch items at the first available opportunity. [h3]| Eureka Harbor |[/h3] On the river-bank towards the point where the rivers meet is the Harbor district of Verthaven. Similar to the Iron District below, it's comprised of, you guessed it, docks. Large cranes can be seen from all over the Estella Isle, and this is usually the first destination for boats. However, it's pretty seedy, hookers, pimps, and drug dealers hit this place up pretty often. It's also wear many illegal goods are smuggled in and out of Verthaven. [h3]| Union-Point Hills |[/h3] South of the Bazaar Riviera is the Union-Point Hills, another major residential area that makes up the majority of the Estella Isle. It's called Union-Point [i]hills[/i] because the District is on ground much more elevated than other parts of the city. It's just as historical as the Bazaar Riviera. Union-Point is rowhouse, after rowhouse, after rowhouse. Consisting primarily of middle-class families. There's not as much diversity here than there is in other Residential Districts. Union-Point consists primarily of Caucasian people, with other Ethnicities being uncommon. Pushing southwards, the housing drastically drops in quality. As many of the people who live in the lower parts of Union-Point are low-income. It has a distinct Italian influence, as many Italian families moved in. It has plenty of Italian Eateries (Like Pizza). [h3]| Chinatown |[/h3] Not too far off from Union-Point is the city's Chinatown. The section of the city dedicated to Asian culture - not just China's. The streets and buildings are covered with Chinese decorations, and structures. Plenty of neon signs gives the place a distinct look at night. People go here if they want to get some good Asian food. Chinatown is famous for it's restaurants. It's also known for it's various Martial arts studios. There are plenty of houses and apartments that are home to Chinese families. [h3]| The Iron District (AKA. The Industrial District) |[/h3] Located south of [i]Union-Point[/i] is what make jobs. It's a massive sector that consists of plenty of factories, warehouses, docks, and etc, providing jobs for the big burly men of Verthaven. Times are hard around Verthaven, so it's not as populous as it used to be. Many of it's locations have been shut down. Leaving once prosperous buildings empty, and decaying. This part of the city has become a bit of a Ghetto. The houses are cheap, so people are quick to flock to them, and there's plenty of rundown Projects. Thus, the location has become an invitation for crime. [h3]| The Fire Shores |[/h3] The Southern half Verthaven's massive beachlands. It's always alive with beach-goers coming from all over the country. It's a popular spot for surfers, and tanners. Unlike the Crystal Shores, the Fire Shores are more accessible. Meaning less private-beaches, as a great majority of it is public beaches. It's dotted with Beach houses for whoever can afford them. It has plenty of restaurants, hotels, and there's even a massive amusement part built on top of a boardwalk in the center of the beach.[/indent] [hr] [h1]| ROSALINA ISLE |[/h1] [hr] [indent] [h3]| Downtown |[/h3] A great deal of money is poured into The Crowns to make sure it's the very pinnacle of Verthaven. It's a large tourist attraction that lies on the South-western part of the Rosalina Isle. Containing hundreds of shops, restaurants, and various hotels - and the District is known for it's restaurants. There are many different kinds of restaurants here (From many different cultures), and they are all delicious and high-classed. The streets are usually lined with residents and tourists walking to their destinations. The Crowns is lined with massive skyscrapers, and tourist attractions. [h3]| Turtle-Creek |[/h3] North of Downtown is Turtle-Creek, the richest neighborhood in the city. Turtle-Creek is lined with expensive house after expensive house, with some high-end apartments and mansions thrown in for good measure. The people who live in Turtle-Creek are among the city's wealthiest people, and they support the city in the only way they can, by pouring money into the city. Thus, Verthaven holds Turtle-Creek on a higher priority than the rest of the city. Crime response is near instant, along with the district being the cleanest and shiniest section. Inwards, there are plenty of private schools, and colleges for the rich and important. [h3]| Las Palmas Strip |[/h3] East of Downtown is the Las Palmas Strip, a Las Vegas like strip of Casinos, Clubs, Strip Clubs, and hookers. It's the smallest section of the Rosalina Isle, but it's by far the most memorable. It's the center for sinners who want to go out at night and have some fun. During the day, it's nothing special - A few restaurants, and casinos are open - but during the night it comes alive. Full of all sorts of people. From the saints who want a little sin. To the sinners who want to be saints. Crime is pretty high in this section. It's just loaded with drug-dealers, pimps, prostitutes, and drug addicts high out of their mind. Other than those locations, there's a few raceways, and hotels - along with some dingy apartments on the outermost parts of Las Palmas. [h3]| Eagle-Rock Row |[/h3] Forming an L around Downtown, Turtle-Creek, and Las Palmas is the City's "ghetto" located right on the very edges of Verthaven. Contrary to belief, Eagle-Rock Row [i]is[/i] easily the largest district of Verthaven, and it also holds the title of being the worst part of it. It's the poor district of the city, and because of it's low property taxes, it's full of the less desirable people. And run down houses. Eagle-Rock Row is just strife with crime - with three major gangs working out of the district. The Row also has shady motels, shitty casinos, and STD infested strip clubs.[/indent] [hr] [h1]| PRISCILLA ISLE |[/h1] [hr] [indent] [h3]| Central Valley |[/h3] One of the primary Residential Districts in Verthaven. Central Valley contains a good amount of it's population centered in this densely populated district. True to it's name, Central Valley is located within a somewhat steep valley. Central Valley is very suburban, there's not too many row houses or apartments. It's generally comprised of nice looking single houses. Obviously, this section of the city is populated by the middle-class. There are plenty of children in this segment of the city because of the schools, and the proximity to University Row. [h3]| University Row |[/h3] A district that is West of Central Valley. University Row was created because back in the day there weren't too many schools in Verthaven. Most of the young students went to other cities in order to get a higher education. This was corrected when several colleges were set up, along with plenty of grade-schools. Houses and apartments were also set up close by in order to provide cheap housing for college students. There's also some families living in University-Row, but they are far and in between. [h3]| Columbian-Heights Park |[/h3] Sandwiched in between Central Valley, and University-Row is an upper-class neighborhood, known as Columbia-Heights Park. It is, as the name implies, a massive park that has been declared it's very own district. This area is a very nice looking part of the Priscilla Isle. It has tall trees, and the rivers flowing through it are very clean. Columbian-Heights has paths, and bridges going throughout it. Which makes it ideal for the bike-rider or jogger. Along with picnic areas, stages, and more. There's some houses in Columbian-Heights, and they are fairly nice. Though, Columbia Height's housing is generally comprised of Apartments. [/indent] [hr] [h1]| Misc. Locations |[/h1] [hr] [indent] [h3]| Centerpiece-Lake |[/h3] The Centerpiece-Lake is the large circular body of water that the Cross-Rivers lead into. The Centerpiece lake is what the corners of each isle touch. They each have beaches on the corners of them. It's not uncommon to see yachts, and such boats going through it. The lake goes fairly deep, and has a island (More of that below) right in the center of it. [h3]| Standing-Rock Mountain |[/h3] The mountain-island in the lake that lies within the very center of the city. It's a massive island, with a tall mountain that can be seen from most points in the city, touching the clouds. Because of urging from Historical, and environmental, groups, the island has zero industrialization, and is completely untouched by companies, and the housing market. The base of the mountain is surrounded by a dense forest of trees, brimming with wildlife. From Verthaven's origins as a gold town, there is a complex network of mineshafts going through it. Normally, it's only used as a tourist attraction, all other times it's strictly closed off. There are old towns that were well used during the gold-rush, and, like the Mineshafts, they are only used as tourist attractions. There are no roads or bridges to the island - the only way on is by boat, or by swimming. [h3]| Eastover Woods |[/h3] The very east-end of Verthaven is surrounded by thick woods, known as the Westover Woods. This area is full of swampy wilderness, and wild animals. Relatively devoid of human life, other than a few houses and cabins. Roads and trails run through these woods - and beyond them, are clear Californian plains for miles. [h3]| The Sewers |[/h3] Underneath the city is a complex network of tunnels that act as the sewers. They are dark, cold, concrete tunnels, full of human waste and trash. They are often used by gang members as a way to get around, and to act as a hideout. Plenty of the city's rejects have also taken residence in the sewers. [h3]| Island of Providence |[/h3] Technically not apart of Verthaven, the Island of Providence is a island that rests several miles off the coast of Verthaven. One large tropical island, with a archipelago on the east end of it. It has a small village on it, along with plenty of resorts and hotels, with it's intention being a vacation hot-spot. [/indent] [/hider] [hr] [h1]|| [i]Gangs & Organized Crime of Verthaven[/i] ||[/h1] [hr] [hider] [h3]| The Fiends |[/h3] [indent][s]Easily the most dangerous and unpredictable gang that has taken the Iron District, and Union-Point hills as their territory. Responsible for a number of robberies, murders, rapes, and riots. They do whatever they want, and what places them above the other factions is that they lack subtlety. They're willing to open fire in a crowd of people, bumrush a line of police officers with knives and hammers, and walk into the White House and announce they have a bomb in their back pocket. Most of this recklessness comes from the fact that most of the fiends are hopped up on experimental drugs that makes them willing to do just about anything. They are a band of vicious drug-dealers that distribute experimental new drugs to the inhabitants of Verthaven. These drugs range from hallucinogenics, and drugs that induce mutations. These "experimental" drugs come from the Hands of Science, who are merely using the fiends as a middleman in order to test their drugs on unsuspecting people. The Fiends are a very large gang, consisting of adults, teens, and even children. Whoever the gang can get hopped up on their drugs counts as one of their soldiers. A small percentage of the Fiends are Metahuman. Members of the Fiends often wear gas-masks, and cover their body with tattoos. This is their downfall, however. A Fiend alone is easily managed, but a group can be a massive headache. Their arsenal inevitably, varies. They can go from using fire-arms, to garden tools. Just whatever a single member can get their hands on. It's very hard to peg their leadership, but the Fiends seem to be ran by a man named "The King", and six of his lieutenants, who relay the orders from him. NEST and Verthaven's Police Department have been working hand in order to stop the Fiends. NEST is involved because they want to know where the Fiends are getting drugs that mutate people (And destroy the source), along with stopping Metahuman members of the faction. To the point where a great deal of the city's Police efforts is going towards stopping the Fiends.[/s] [indent][h3]| The Fiend Remnants |[/h3] After the crushing defeat of the Fiends, the gang has been reduced to nothing but a group of ragtag remnants. Scrounging up what weapons, drugs, and mutagen that were left behind. The Fiend Remnants are no where near as dangerous as the original Fiends. Selling drugs, and barely holding on to what little territory that wasn't claimed by other gangs. These remnants are lead by the Metahuman known only as "Deez Nuts".[/indent][/indent] [h3]| The Highway Stars |[/h3] [indent]The Highway Stars are a rather ruthless Biker gang that claims to merely be a group of harmless motorcycle enthusiasts. That couldn't be any further from the truth. The Highway Stars are vicious, and show little mercy. They attack people, sell drugs, rape women, and steal cars. Many people have fallen prey to the Highway Stars and have left with only their lives. As their name implies, they claimed Verthaven's highways as their territory. They operate out of various garages, bars, and strip-clubs (Namely the ones close to the Highway). They'll let anyone with a motorcycle join, race does not matter to them. Their initiation into the gang is decided by older members. It could range from stealing something, to downright murder. They patrol up and down the highways of Verthaven looking for easy picking. Either a car they want to jack, or someone walking down the Highways. Once they find their targets, they'll box the person in and brutally beat them down (Even killing some of their victims), and take everything they have. They believe in returning the favor against all who cross them. They remember who pisses them off, and they'll set up a trap for the person. They'll lure the target onto the Highway (Or wait for them), then they'll go wild. They'll violently attack their mark while they're on the road. Throwing objects at them, breaking their windows, shooting out their tires, and eventually knocking them off the road. If the person survives, then they'll either leave them alone, or go in for another beating. They're known for being very volatile. So much as saying the wrong thing to one of them is enough for them to mark you. The Highway Stars are a large gang, and they have enough members to keep eyes on the city's highways. Members usually wear leather jackets with the gang's Star logo on the back. Despite their tendency for violence, the Highway Stars primarily sell drugs (Mainly heroine) along the city's Highways. The gang often gets into conflicts with the Fiends and the Red Crown.[/indent] [h3]| The Iron Cross |[/h3] [indent]One of the city's oldest gangs, formed in the 50's during the height of racial tensions. Operating in the Priscella, Estella and Rosalina Isles, The Iron Cross, at it's core, are a group of violent white supremacists. They were credited for many violent attacks on non-white people, and plenty of deaths. The Iron Cross are responsible for a number of hate-crimes across Verthaven. Their mission is a ethnic cleansing of the city. Because of their ideology, they are very hard for the police to get rid of. Along with being very large - they have even recruited people from other cities. Their members is very high, and dangerous - along with diverse in age group (Some of their members are old people). Many of their members look the part - they're covered in tattoos, shaved heads, and jackets with patches of Nazi symbols. Membership includes committing a sufficient enough hate-crime for the Iron Cross to consider them dedicated enough. A bit of their membership consists of Metahumans. The Iron Cross are armed with all sorts of weapons, mostly the weapons that their members brings. The Iron Cross are very organized, and they take orders from a man known as Kaiser Plage. People don't know who he is, but he's known to be a Metal manipulating Metahuman. Their main opponent is the Red Crown, a smaller, but equally dangerous, gang. For... obvious reasons. They have declared all out war on each other, and plenty of people are being caught in the cross-fire.[/indent] [h3]| The Red Crowns |[/h3] [indent]The self proclaimed "Kings" of Eaglerock Row. Compared to the Crips, and the Bloods, The Red Crowns are the newest part of the "gangster" craze (Fueled by bad rap music). They are mainly comprised of African-American, and Hispanic males (With some Asians) who couldn't get good jobs, or simply didn't want to. The Red Crowns were originally two smaller gangs, the Reds, and the Spanish Crowns. They united because of the common enemy they saw in the Iron Cross, who were utterly demolishing both of them in numbers. The Red Crowns formed an alliance, and that alliance quickly became a combination of the two factions, and they quickly grew from there. Gathering people that were abused by the Iron Cross, they became a massive threat within Eaglerock Row. Despite having a bit of infighting, and rivalries within the members. They distribute drugs to the community, and do things you'd expect such a gang to do (Rob people, break up stores, and etc). They have a very small percentage of Metahumans (At least three) among their ranks, and they're treated as soldiers of the highest degree. They have been known to attempt to force other Metahumans to join them. Their members are denoted by red colors, and symbols of royalty. It's not uncommon for them to spray-paint their territory with Crowns, or Thrones. Most of their efforts have been combating the Iron Cross - the organization they declared war on - and the Fiends - their main competition in the drug trade. It's best not to cross the Red Crowns, as they are very numerous and dangerous.[/indent] [h3]| The White Spider Society |[/h3] [indent]The White Spider Society are a very mysterious organization that specializes in sex, basically. They own several clubs and brothels all over the nicer parts of Verthaven - having a heavy presence in Las Palmas, and Downtown. The White Spider Society in Verthaven is merely a branch of a larger organization that is situated in Europe (And still have heavy connections to them). The Organization itself is owned by White Arachne, a very wealthy and mysterious woman. She has enough money in order to support the Society, and pay off anyone who might bring up any issue. She doesn't exactly run Verthaven's branch, she leaves her daughter to handle it (With her orders in mind, of course). Yet, she sometimes appears in Verthaven (Because she constantly remains on the move). The White Spider Society is very mysterious, despite having public brothels and clubs open to everyone. They keep as much about the inner-workings of the organization a secret. For good reason, the Society runs Verthaven's prostitution ring, and manage high-quality prostitutes all over the city. Along with importing/exporting prostitutes into other countries. The Society also has an interest in catering to "acquired tastes" which come in the form of Metahumans. They primarily recruit Metahumans with Bestial power-sets to work in their brothels. The Society is incredibly classy, and well organized. The members are recruited, and only those who can uphold the Society's standard are allowed in. Men or women, they do not discriminate. It's members are noted for wearing animal themed masquerade masks, white, pinstriped, suits, and having incredibly polite, butler-like, personalities. These are to make the members blend in to each other as much as possible (And keep their identities a secret). Despite these traits, the Society is easily the most docile gang. They do not commit violent crimes unless they are pushed. When someone does cross them, they tend to go missing. White Arachne has been bribing the police and NEST to keep off of her for a little while now...[/indent] [h3]| The Good Magic Family |[/h3] [indent]The Good Magic Family are a splinter group of a organized crime family that works out of Highroller Heights called the Noctis Family (Ran by one of their princes, Cyril Noctis). The Family calls themselves a sort of high-class mafia like the old Chicago gangs - despite owning relatively little territory. They are a small gang that mainly extorts "protection" money out of businesses in the Bazaar Riviera, though they cheat Casinos out of their money over in Las Palmas. Their members are adorned in suits, fedoras, and white porcelain masks, and often walk around with poker cards. The Good Magic family focus on subtlety above all else. They're an organization that would get wrecked by the police, or any other gang, if they attracted their attention. Which is why they're not known to be particularly violent - they refrain from murder. They attempt to handle their problems with money, and stealth. If violence is required, they are swift, dangerous, and quiet. They're not [i]known[/i] for being violent, after all. Their leader, Cyril Noctis, is noteworthy for his actions before forming the Family. Doing everything he can to amass as much money as possible. It's left him a trail of enemies, but he uses his discreteness in order to avoid getting flayed alive. He is a Metahuman with the power to control Casino-items, along with a few other neat tricks. He's often accompanied by his silent assistant Morgana Ogmur, a woman who is a living plant.[/indent] [h3]| The Pure |[/h3] [indent]The Pure have a sizable chapter within the bounds of Verthaven. Because of it's heavy Metahuman activity, and the presence of the NEST HQ, they feel it's necessary to put more effort towards "making it pure". They have killed a large amount of Metahumans over the years ruthlessly. They have most notably butt heads with many of Verthaven's criminal organizations. Getting into fights with them because they have Metahumans. Recently, members of the Pure from all over the nation have been gathering together in Verthaven....[/indent] [h3]| The Hands of Science |[/h3] [indent]Ever since the conception of the Hands of Science, they have had a heavy hand in Verthaven. They have several secret labs within the city limits, and have been kidnapping Metahumans off the street to experiment on them. Along with tricking Metahumans into taking experimental injections (In order for them to test what would happen). However, they have a hand in several of the factions listed above. They are in contact with the Fiends to provide them with drugs they need to test. They also have a hand in NEST, The Pure, The White Spider Society, the Iron Cross, and various small time crooks (Spoilers!). Pulling their strings behind the scenes.[/indent] [/hider]