TNX:Faction - Triads

= Description =
* Name: Triads
* Type: Criminal
* Subfactions: Hong Ya, Xing Chen, Triad branches in other countries
* Headquarters: Hong Kong HEAVEN
* Entry Condition: 
The Triads, a group which arose from amongst the Xia Dynasty in old East Asia, are now one of the world's largest criminal organizations. Their authority and manpower has spread even to North America and Japan, making them one of the major players in the worldwide undeground.
The Triads are divided into 72 societies, or 'hungs.' Each hung has 108 stars, which answer to an Incense Master, who in turn answers to a Grand Incense Master. Notable hungs are the "14K" federation embedded into the royal court of the Xia Dynasty, the New Righteousness Army dominant in OSAKA MOON (but originally from Chaozhou,) and the Wo Hei Li hung that represents most of the Triad presence in N◎VA. A countless number of other Triad-affiliated organizations and agents are scattered throughout the world, and they are estimated to have on the order of 600,000 members in total.
This massive organization is helmed by the "Leader Star"* Xizing Guan, an alias of Emperor Huang Zixing. Knowing that, it is no surprise how this group from the Xia Empire diffused to become one of the world's most prominent criminal organizations.
Though their specialty is naturally illegal profiteering, the Triads are notable for their emphasis on martial achevements. In immigrant slums and Chinatowns throughout the world, they have a presence as mercenaries willing to work for nations, corps, or whoever's willing to pay the most. Heilong, the most prominent Chinese megacorp, is deeply entwined with the Triads and provides them with the latest drugs, cyberware, and psychoapps. Ancient societies from long before the Hazards have joined the criminal federation passed down their martial arts techniques, honed over millenia, to the warriors of the Triads. And even mystics, who command the powers of the elements and of illusion, are said to number inm their ranks.
The most feared members of the Triads are the Hong Ya, an elite team of superhuman assassins under the direct command of the Emperor himself. But not far behind are the Seven Stars, who serve the Incense Master of TOKYO N◎VA, and the Xing Chen, another team of skilled Triad assassins that operate in N◎VA.
Forged with bonds as strong as family, the Triads are distrustful of outsiders, but they also possess honor and will always repay their debts. Freelancers who prove their ability and good will to the Triads may find themselves invited to work together once again.
*A "Water Margin" reference: see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/108_Stars_of_Destiny#36_Heavenly_Spirits
= Faction Items =
(Triads: Melee Weapon) Senmeiken [Buy: -/70] [Hide: 5/-1] [Attack: S+10] [Parry: 2] [Range: Close] [Hack: -] [Slot: One Hand]
- A dao forged for the hand of an expert wielder. Activate with a Minor Action. You get +1 to the Use Limit of one Style Skill of your choice that is not an Ultimate Skill. Limit 1/Act. Katana and Chakra Only.
(Triads: Artificial Mutation) Tigerman [Buy: -/30] [Hide: 10/0] [Hack: -] [Slot: Muscles]
- This mutation allows you to strengthen your muscles in an instant, giving you the might of a tiger. Activate with a Minor Action. Until the end of the Scene, you get a +2 bonus to [Life]. Limit 3/Act.
(Triads: Artificial Mutation) Dragonlike [Buy: -/20] [Hide: 15/0] [Hack: -] [Slot: Organs]
- This mutation gives you the power to breathe fire. Treat it as a Ranged Attack with [ATK: Your <Passion>, Parry: -, Range: Close, Target: Area (P)]. Limit 1/Scene. Legger Only.
(Triads: Tool) Seiryuu's Bell [Buy: -/5] [Hide: 13/0] [Hack: -] [Slot: Charm]
- An old bell made of bronze. All those familiar with the Triads understand the significance of you possessing one; no one in any Chinatown gets in your way if they hear its ring. You get a +2 bonus to the Result of <Society: Street> Checks.
(Triads: Magic Item) Kattatsu Jizai [Buy: -/15] [Hide: 12/0] [Hack: -] [Slot: Shoes]
- A mysterious pair of shoes so light they feel like walking on air. When equipped, you get +3 to [CS] and +2 to the Result of <Athletics> Checks.
= Faction Skills =
Seven Stars
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
This is a [Position Skill] that marks you as a member of the Seven Stars, the direct subordinates of the Incense Master.
You get +[SL] to the result of Major Action Checks made with <Mundane>.
Xing Chen
Combo: Free
Max SL: 4
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
This is a [Position Skill] that indicates you're one of the mysterious team of Triad assassins operating in TOKYO N◎VA - the Xing Chen or "Stardust."
When you acquire this skill, choose Melee Attacks or Mental Attacks. When you make an attack of the chosen type, you get +[SL+1] to the Wound Rating.
I Ching
Combo: Free
Max SL: 3
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
As a superstitious person, you are acquainted with fortune tellers who can give you insight into more than the future.
You gain a +[SL] bonus to the Result of <Society: Street> and <Society: Astral> Checks.
Great Unity (lit. "Xia Cooperation")
Combo: Free
Max SL: 5
Timing: Constant
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
You benefit from the spirit of the Chinese people to cooperate in all things.
You can acquire up to [SL] Outfits and Skills exclusive to the Heilong Faction. However, when you do, you must pay their XP costs.
Calisthenics
Combo: <Athletics>
Max SL: 4
Timing: Major
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: None
Versus: None
Thanks to traditional daily exercise, your body and mind are in tune and your reflexes sharp. You can smoothly use your movements to prepare yourself for your next action.
If successful, you may discard a card from your hand and draw a new one from the deck.
This skill may not be used during Cut Progression.
Chinatown
Combo: <Society: Xia Empire>
Max SL: 1
Timing: Refer
Target: -
Range: -
Difficulty: -
Versus: -
You can acquire information from the worldwide network of Xia emigrants.
When you make a Check, you may use this skill as a substitute for any <City Society> skill, unless it is one you already have.
Knox's Ten Laws
Combo: <Stealth>
Max SL: 4
Timing: Appearance Check
Target: Self
Range: None
Difficulty: Appearance Check Difficulty
Versus: None
"All supernatural or preternatural agencies are ruled out as a matter of course. Also, no Chinaman must figure in the story."
Use this skill in an Appearance Check Combo.
If successful, you gain the effect of the Scene Player's RSC.
Treat this skill as an RS Skill.
Dragon Blood
Combo: <Melee>
Max SL: 4
Timing: Major
Target: -
Range: -
Difficulty: -
Versus: -
You possess knowledge of ancient martial arts passed down within the Xia Empire.
If any Style Skill in the Combo Check uses your <Passion> in a calculation, use your <Life> in that calculation instead.
Category: TOKYO N◎VA