Mark - Minerva

"What price can you put on enlightenment of a weary soul?"

Cult Following -d4- Minerva can count on her followers to buy her albums and DVDs. But lately she can't get much traction outside her devoted fans.  Her artistic nature struggles with the thought of Harmonious Humanity as the most devious gilded cage ever.

Dominant Diva -d12- Minerva rose to fame thirty years ago as a huge force in entertainment. Her pop music career fed into her acting career which fed into her fashion career and so on. Her artistic endeavors camouflage a ruthless businesswoman who knows how to pry every last cent from her adoring public.

Harmonious Humanity Hears Everything -d12- Minerva turned Harmonious Humanity from a collection of upper middle class hippies going through their mid-life crisis collectively into a billion dollar organization. Harmonious Humanity encourages its members to clean their chakras by revealing secrets to higher ranking members. The organization carefully documents these confessions for blackmail and use against external enemies.

Roman Appetites -d4- One of the allures of Harmonious Humanity is its open policy on relationships. Minerva is notorious for taking advantage of anyone she finds desirable. Those who express jealousy or who rebuff her advances often find themselves kicked out of the sect...after their bank account has been drained.

Wigged Out -d8- It seems like she never wears the same hairstyle or hair color twice.

Mark - Governor Julian Newton

"America is progress. Why should I cry about the bumps in the road that get paved over?"

Ambition -d4- Newton moved quickly up the political chain. He is expected to announce a bid for the presidency after his term is complete. Every move he makes in public is calculated to put him one step closer to Washington.

Barbarians at the Gate -d4- Newton is well protected by his political contacts. But he's made plenty of enemies in his climb in every newspaper and amongst the power players in DC. He's safe in the nest he's built for himself through a combination of obligation and fear. The forces outside his control, however, would love to see him fall.

Dot Governor -d12- Newton embraced technology in his home state. While government turns slowly, he's quickly adapted to new technologies ranging from free wireless in every city park to an app that displays how much time left on the parking meter. This mastery of tech also gives him plenty of ways to monitor enemies, hack political rival's emails and blackmail anyone who messes with him.

Patron of the Arts -d8- The Governor always has his press conferences at a gallery or museum. His personal collection is also extensive.
  
You Scratch My Back, I'll Stab Yours -d12- Newton comes from an old money family. Money means connections, and old money means many connections. He's got old friends in every office and stacks of favors ready to get him out of any scandal. Anyone that crosses him  finds themselves under extreme pressure to leave the state.

Mark - Laura Poston

"Who am I? I'll tell you if you tell me why you were in the vault of the Venice Antiquities Ministry last year."

Body of Work -d8- Laura has hidden in plain sight when it comes to searching for her background on the Internet. She either had or created a career as a fitness model. A search for her name turns up several swimsuit, lingerie and tasteful-yet-nude photos from about ten years ago.

Double Agent -d4- Nobody's really sure where her loyalty lies. Is she a government operative trying to bring down the competition from the inside? Is she the reason no heat comes down on the contestants? There are plenty of powerful people who would be quite happy to know her operations are not what they seem.

Highest Bidder -d4- Laura plays the game for one person - herself. If she can get away with a triple cross to come out on top, she'll do it. Even if she gets cornered she'll do whatever it takes to make sure she lives to run away again another day. She feels there is always a place for people of dubious loyalty like her.

The Green Initiative -d12- When a crew proves to be too dangerous to be let go but too useful to be eliminated, Laura is sent to recruit them into a program called "The Green Initiative". All is forgiven - if you steal for the government. Some of the best criminals in existence trading in a new life for their unique skill sets. This also means she has their expertise to draw upon when you try to run a con on her.

No Such Agency -d12- Is she CIA? FBI? NSA? GSA? Some agency so top secret they haven't even invented the letters for it yet? Nobody knows. She has powerful friends inside the US government that are willing to clean her operational history with a toothbrush. She has access to records and resources people can't even imagine and carries herself with the demeanor of someone who knows that they can have you on a flight to an undisclosed location before you finish ordering your coffee.

Mark - Skylar Koss

"Why kill someone when you can ruin their credit?"

Big Brother's Little Brother -d12- Skylar is the COO of KossWare and the power behind their software development throne. KossWare develops the code for on-line transactions ranging from the worldwide stock exchanges to downloading music legitimately. It knows who you are, what you are buying and how much of it.
Skylar himself is a virtuoso programmer.

Caffeine-Free -d8- Skylar isn't a health nut but he doesn't drink any caffeinated beverages. No soda, no coffee, no tea. He has no qualms partaking in other chemicals and mind-altering substances.

Corporate Patricide -d12- Skylar seized the throne from his father, Leonard Koss, two years ago. Koss Industrial Technologies was already a powerhouse in the industry but got tripped up in some shady dealings and lost the company a ton of money. Skylar pulled the company back from the brink of collapse. He has the loyalty of his top executives and shareholders firmly in his grasp.

Overprotective -d4- Regan Koss is Skylar's twin sister. Despite being involved in the sort of behavior that would make the editors of Maxim blush, Skylar eyes any guys hanging out with his sister as bad news. More than one potential suitor has ended up with their name synonymous with search engine queries of "hepatitis", "Dr. Who erotic fan fiction author", or worse.

Spoiled Punk -d4- Even when his father was on the downward spiral, Skylar partied like there was no tomorrow. He likes all the best toys and all the new gadgets. If someone gets something, he has to have the digitally enhanced version of it.

Mark - Generalissimo Alejandro Cortez

"It is unfortunate you refused my offer and have the loyalty of a dog. Now let's see if you have the lives of a cat."

His Own Private Island -d12- Cortez is the CEO of ORO, a private detention logistics firm. He holds several contracts with multiple governments to handle the transport and processing of prison inmates. He recently expanded into his own detention facility off the coast of Argentina. He hopes to entice his government contacts to send their most troublesome prisoners to his private facility.

Let Them Eat Cake -d4- Cortez runs his island like he were a petty dictator. His workers are paid in company scrip and he grossly overinflates prices at the stores he owns. While the prison is state of the art and secure, the towns surrounding it are rat-infested slums that visiting dignitaries never get to see.

Leones y Tigres y Osos, Aye Carumba! -d8- A lifelong fascination with exotic animals has turned Cortez's expansive estate into a large private zoo. A few of these animals were captured illegally but Cortex donates to animal rights charities to offset his guilt.


Military Obsession -d4- Records show Cortez has never been enlisted in a standing army. However, he runs the prison side of the complex like a military operation complete with uniforms, drills and inmate discipline programs. Cortez wears a uniform during the day.The title of Generalissimo is one he gave himself.

The Best of the Worst -d12- Most of the guards in Cortez's prison are disciplinary washouts from proper militaries and mercenaries looking for a regular salary. They are brutal, amoral and highly trained. As if that wasn't bad enough, rumors abound that Cortez has a secret band of prisoners he sets upon troublemakers and whistleblowers amongst the townsfolk and employees.

Mark - Katherine Hanratty

"My gift will be unforgettable."

Cougar -d4- Katherine has never wanted for lovers. A pretty girl connected to a powerful family has her pick of the handsome soldiers serving in her father's name. She was always faithful to her husband and anyone that suggested otherwise usually got a visit from Trash Man Han. The pretty girl is now a beautiful widow, and she takes what she wants, especially if it's young, blond, and Catholic.

Lady MacBeth -d12- She's the oldest of Cormac's children but has never been in an official position of power. Her younger brother Elias became head of the family when Cormac went into seclusion. Her husband Robert became her proxy when Elias was killed shortly before he was to go to prison. Rumors believe Katherine has struck up an alliance with her remaining brother Cillian to continue her control of Hanratty interests if he takes over as the head of the family.

Gaelic Bling -d8- The color green always seems to make its into Katherine's wardrobe. But she's a sucker for jewelry with an Irish theme. The bigger the better. Her choice for the wedding day is a shamrock broach featuring real emeralds in each of the shamrock leaves.

IRA Ties -d12- Hanratty spent her summers abroad in the home country from first grade all the way to high school. She likes to believe she was sent away to learn about her heritage but the truth is a bit more grim. While she went away to Ireland, a boy named Eamon Driscoll was sent to America. These trips were a classic hostage exchange between the Cormac Hanratty and Eamon's father, ordered because of a feud between them. Katherine and Eamon bonded because of it and Eamon is now in control of his father's interests.

Just A Girl -d4- There is a fair amount of macho bullshit posturing inside an Irish crime family. Katherine has seen it all. She mostly suffers in silence out of respect for her father, but the quickest way to set off her smoldering temper is to imply she can't do something because she's a woman.

Mark - Cormac Hanratty

 "There's no reason we can't settle this like civilized adults. Because if we can't, you'll be dead."

Cheap Sunglasses -d8- It doesn't matter if it's in church, at the hospital, or bar time. Cormac never takes off his sunglasses. One of his cousins mocked him about it at the pub once. Cormac mails him one of his teeth back every year the anniversary.

Danny Boy -d4- Cormac thinks the world of his grandson. He's spoiled the boy every chance he's got and he's taking a big risk showing up for the wedding. But he gave his word to look after the boy after his son Elias was killed. He paid for Danny's college and set up a trust fund all without him knowing it. He wants the boy to get out from underneath the Hanratty name and make a new life for himself and his family.

Elephant Man -d12- This is the nickname nobody uses in Cormac's presence. He never forgets. Ever. He remembers everyone's name, what they drink and the names of their spouses. He remembers every joke you've told, every waitress you've hit on and every favor you've asked. If things get heated, he stays calm and watches how things play out. He never yells, he never acts out of anger, but if you've crossed him, you will get yours.

For Tomorrow We May Die -d4- Years of doing business in dingy taverns and foggy docks have taken their toll. Despite his doctor's wishes, Cormac continues to smoke and drink like a man forty years his junior. He especially likes to sit at tables near no smoking signs and light up.

Trash Man Han -d12- Everybody knows a different story for how Cormac got this nickname. Most of the stories involve similar elements, such as a disappearing rival, an aluminum trash can and a variety of cutting tools purchased from a variety of hardware stores.Trash Man Han works like a ghost. He comes to your neighborhood, takes away the garbage, and leaves before you wake up in the morning.

Mark - Oleg Kuryakin

"You have already cost me fifty-thousand American. If you ruin my suit with your blood you'll be worth even less to me."

Ex-KGB -d12- Oleg spent most of the 1980's as a recruiter for the KGB. He turned other agents, tortured the ones that wouldn't flip, got people in compromising positions, and looked for the worst people in the world to work for the Soviet government. The haircut is a dead giveaway.

Money is No Object -d4- Perhaps because of the sparse years of his youth, Oleg lives lavishly. He makes a lot of money for his bratvas, but he spends a lot of money as well. Criminal organizations aren't known for their 401k programs. Oleg always figured that he would be killed before he had a chance to retire.

Sharp Dressed Man -d8- It doesn't matter if he's in a boardroom or showing his goons how they used to extract info in the old days. Oleg dresses in three piece suits and hand-crafted Italian shoes. Even if someone has just cost him a ship full of talent, he will take time out of pulling fingernails out to compliment someone on their taste in clothes.

Thieves in Law -d12- After the fall of the Soviet Union, Oleg brought his talents to the various criminal organizations that sprung up in the provinces. He's not connected to a specific gang, preferring to bring in talent wherever young, pretty girls are needed to whoever is willing to pay top dollar. But as long as he has the girls, he has the backing of the Vory.

Primae Noctis -d4- The girls Oleg acquires for his clients run all races and tastes. He likes the young ones and prefers to "sample the goods for quality". He is smart enough to leave the looking untouched. That doesn't account for starvation, forced drug addiction, or hauling out some of the KGB's Greatest Hits to break the girl's will to escape.

Mark - K-Rome

"I want to give a shout out to Nero Negro and Little Boots! This empire will never burn!"

All Bark, No Bite -d4- K-Rome is more than willing to push around underlings, syncophants and desperate artists willing to anything to make it big. But anytime he comes up against someone with a hint of backbone, he folds.

Arrogant Self-Promoter: -d12-  K-Rome is an aggressive salesman without rival. He has pushed his brand into every market conceivable, from K-Runk energy drinks to K-Real organic seafood in your grocer's freezer. Those he can't over through force of personality he plies with his vast resources.

Media Mogul -d12- K-Rome's rise to the top of the rap game has been nothing short of meteoric. He has an ear for talent, an eye for spectacle, and knows to to spend money to make even more money. He has producer credits on the majority of the year's top albums and those he doesn't have he's released top singles with those artists.

Roman History Buff -d8- K-Rome majored in history and quickly developed a love of Roman history. He took inspiration for creating his own empire from the first great Western empire. The symbol for his empire is a platinum laurel wreath. His New Year's Eve bashes typically embody this theme, featuring designer togas, sexy dancers in gladiator gear and other touches that combine the decadence of today with the spectacle of old.

Wannabe Gangster -d4- K-Rome's real name is Wallace Endicott. He was born in Danbury, Connecticut and attended the University of Massachusetts - Amherst for two years before dropping out and starting a record company with a loan from his parents. His posturing and his foul-mouthed demeanor are part of his image. Real rap fans know he's fake but his influence on the record industry is inescapable.

Mark - Isaac Adeniji

"A chicken's prayer does not move the hawk."

Blood Diamonds -d4- Isaac escaped Nigeria with almost two million dollars worth of blood diamonds. He is selling them to K-Rome at a deep cash discount to fund his return to his country. He will use the money to buy guns, hire soldiers and bribe officials to take back what he believes is his.

Man Without A Country -d4- Issac was run out of Nigeria by a coalition of his rivals and a newly elected government looking to make an example. He needs money to return to the life he carved out for himself, but while in New York he has no friends other than those he can buy or intimidate.

Nigerian Warlord -d12- Issac was taught how to kill when he was five years old. He climbed the ranks until he was the one teaching children how to shoot and die for him. He's hijacked food drops, shot up UN delegations and locked missionaries in their churches before setting them on fire because they hid his enemies.

Religious Tattoos -d8- He spent a lot of time holed up in churches and taught himself to speak English using the Bible. He's studied multiple religions in between campaigns, looking for the answer to a simple question - If God exists, why are men like him allowed to live?

Ruthless -d12- Adeniji is not a man to be crossed. Those who do die slowly and those who best him earn an enemy for life. He gives off the intimidating aura of a man who knows how to do terrible things to you with any object in the room.