Faction Lore

Factions are an interest facet of a DND experience and Boa Vista is no different. Especially in this Modern Setting along with the added detail of the "Hidden World". While not only a cool backstory detail belonging to a faction sometimes means having responsibilities, but it also carries with it support and rewards for service. If you ever switch factions or leave a faction, you could lose all ranks and renown with the old faction, and you may have start at the lowest rank with zero renown with your new faction.

Additional information on the specific factions available for play in Boa Vista can be found below with additional leading to more information.

## Burnt Wick

Summary

* The Burnt Wick is the local name of the Boa Vistan Sparked anarchy group. They follow the belief that magic should not be exclusive to the already sparked and gullible few everyday folk who fall into the magical view of the world.
* The Burnt Wick has a well-known history from their early days for causing estranged magical surge riots in an attempt to force a large community of everyday folks to spark at once.

Attitude

* Today, the Burnt Wick has made the effort to be incredibly methodical about its attempts to wake the locals up to the existence of magic.
* The agents of the Burnt Wick will often seek out paranoid or open minded people to bring under their wing. A good handful of sparked around Boa Vista owe their enlightenment to these groups. They recall masked or disguised individuals bringing them to now abandoned hideouts and taking the time to expose them in increments to the magic they now know.
* Most members of the Burnt Wick notably never expose their own personal information. Most members of the group do not know any personal information about the others and go through great lengths to work around the possibility of magical influence exposing them.

Relations

* They hate CARMA. Plain and simple.
* Sparked organizations that support their goals are welcome in their ranks.

## Association of Natural Preservation (ANP)

Summary

* ANP is a group dedicated to the preservation of the natural world, working in conjunction with the civilized world.
* A good majority of their members are either politicians who actually want change for the better in the world; a few greedier types who simply have stocks in green energy businesses; and regular citizens who choose to side with activism. However, there are several sparked members of this organization, typically druids and rangers, though more than a few servants of the gardener or foreign nature gods are members.
* Boa Vista holds national pride in the fact that they never had major reliance on fossil fuels, and largely just used green energy. This is in large part attributed to influential figures of the ANP and a few other individuals. Since then the ANP has strived to continue their work in Boa Vista and beyond, holding respect from many preservation groups throughout the world.

Attitude

* ANP dedicates itself to both protecting existing wilderness reserves, endangered species, and any location that poses a danger should people exploit it, as well as petitioning as many people, groups, and nations to adapt to green power, as well as protect natural environments.
* They take a harsh disapproving stance towards anyone that endangers any of the above causes, and use their influence to interrupt such actions. While supporting those of a like mind in some small ways they can.

Relations

* The ANP often works closely with members of the church of Horticalus, and indeed several worshippers are members of ANP. Their relationship isn’t a given between all members, but there is rarely animosity of any kind.
* Most other groups the ANP practices professional relationships with, trying to maintain their position, and win others to their side.

## Center for Arcane Resource Management and Acquisitions

Summary

* Center for Arcane Resource Management and Acquisitions – CARMA is the secret government faction that deals with research and instances of Veil cover-ups. When magic manifests out of nowhere, when a magical creature is on the rampage, when Sparked deal damage and cause a huge scene, these are some of the scenarios CARMA steps in to help the people and resolve the issue.
* CARMA was founded in 1908
* They do have a few research facilities, the locations of which are secret from the public

Attitude

* CARMA is generally wanting to maintain status-quo and keep Boa Vista peaceful
* Agents generally act like the FBI (Or MIB/SCP more accurately), they act like authority and are not inclined to tell anyone exactly what they are doing
* CARMA being a section of government by those “In the Know,” is still subject to the government as its higher power, and thus follows orders coming from above them

Jobs

* Players can join this faction, there is a Chain of Command

Trainee/Intern, Access level E only

Special (Field) Agent, Access levels up to C

Supervisor, Access levels up to A

Director, All Access levels

Information Access Levels

Characters in good standing with CARMA can access information about the threats/creatures of the below CR at the Listed Access Level. Players will need to accomplish tasks to raise their Access Level. If you want to be an agent of CARMA, you need to speak with a DM first to decide which rank is most appropriate for you. New characters cannot begin with an access level above D.

E Level: CR below 1

D Level: CR 1-5

C Level: CR 6-10

B Level: CR 11-15

A Level: CR 16-20

## Chimera

Summary

* Chimera is the predominant organized crime group in Boa Vista. They deal in most crimes you can think of, and probably some you can’t. They have contacts all across the peninsula, and in many important groups.
* Chimera has safehouses, businesses, and resources all over the city and beyond

Attitude

* Chimera is pretty much set, they control damn near everything that won’t put the spotlight on them. They make good money already.  The main way they are trying to expand is by making more contacts in the wider world. Better to build bridges rather than try and fix what’s not broken after all.
* Members of Chimera run the gamut of personalities, from the classic cocky thug who thinks they run the city, to the almost benevolent gang member, who tries to genuinely protect the people in their territory. Regardless, they all keep profit, and the status of Chimera in mind.
* Chimera runs their illicit businesses with a good deal of professionalism, its less often disputes rise up over personal differences rather than efficiency. This same attitude tends to lead them into conflict with many of the street gangs that crop up and interfere with effective business.

## The Delvers League

Summary

* Dr. Fizzlewix’s League of Delvers, an explorer’s guild dedicated to exploring the Abyss below the city
* Established and run by an Artificer Tiefling, the League of Delvers develop technology and tools for exploring, pushing the limits of how far people can explore.
* They actively explore and attempt to map out the ever-shifting Abyss, making money off of the treasure and curiosities brought up from expeditions
* They do currency conversion for any currency found down below

Attitude

* They are very neutral towards pretty much everything going on in the city
* Their only concerns really pertain to any organization trying to hedge its way into what the Delvers do, or if anyone tries to restrict them

Relations

* The Delvers work with CARMA on occasion, as the massive mysterious mega-dungeon right below everyone’s feet is concerning
* They also partner with museums and corporations who sponsor expeditions

## Faust Holdings Group

Summary

* Hellfire Incorporated, both a Telecoms company as well as Tech Innovator. They have their own brand of cell phones, tablets, and laptops. Their service is the dominating cell phone and internet provider in Boa Vista.
* Their brand is sleek and cool, and the service is moderately cheap.

Attitude

* This mega corporation cares about publicity and deals, binding people into pretty hefty legal contracts. (As well as having people sign away their souls in certain cases)
* Hellfire Inc. cares about its public image a lot. They shell out a lot of money to continuously be the most relevant, sexy, modern, and sleek company around. They sponsor a ton of entertainment events and often make public shows to garner attention

## Hoard Capital Holdings

Summary

* Hoard Banking & Finances, a popular bank chain
* Well known for its security and protection over patron’s funds, however their fees are notorious for being hefty
* A popular place to get loans for housing and other larger items

Attitude

* Hoard is money-oriented, and does investments into secure things that will yield good turnout for increasing wealth

## Imago DEI

Summary

* Imago DEI is an overseas megacorporation, possessing its own sovereign territory and private army. Regardless of their own lands, the nature of capitalism dictates expansion, and Imago sees BV as a lucrative place to have offices and conduct work. While Imago owns land in BV, they are still little more than a foreign corporation.
* Currently Imago’s operations in BV are largely restricted to trade and shipping work, though they are working on getting more fingers into the commodity market.
* Imago fields a branch entirely dedicated to Professional Heroics, containing contracted heroes and adventurers, mercenaries, and assassins (Heroes, Goons, and Auditors).

Attitude

* Their Professional Heroics division is generally seen as a way for sparked individuals to make money fast and potentially earn sponsors and boost their career. Despite this, it works on a system of “The quest will be completed or the heroes assigned will die trying.” Occasionally multiple adventurers will band together into sub-organizations, offering the protection of more experienced agents and an established armory to train newer agents.

Jobs

* Imago’s PH department is one players can join, though it does mean wearing a uniform. Ranking up awards more notoriety and potential for better gear and potential within the organization. Licenses rank up depending on missions completed of the next CR. Imago Rank System <- Example Idea. Instead of working for the hoard, Imago jobs entail a flat wage and a cut of the loot that is recovered. Other shares of the hoard have been sold off to those willing to speculate on its value. But hey, you get healthcare and reliable money.

Reactions

* As one works more in Imago’s PH division, they can expect their company-issued gear to increase in quality to represent their prominence, and have the potential to be sponsored by various companies. Effectively becoming a celebrity at the highest ranks.
* Imago does not have TTC’s benediction. Breach of contract is a serious offense and they will carry sentences out according to the fullest extent of greed-based moral judgment.

## Magical Freedom Association

Summary

* The MFA is a social media movement of like minded individuals, with the same driving motive. They believe that magic should be free for all to use, and can greatly help many people.
* While they generally share some of the same goals with the Burnt Wick, they choose to resort to diplomacy, and gentle waking attempts, rather than anarchy, and targeted conversion.

Attitude

* Most associated with the MFA do so from a humanitarian perspective. If magic were able to be openly practiced, people could heal wounds that modern medicine just can’t cope with, it could be far easier to feed those who are hungry, manifesting elements could help produce far more green energy, regions of the world that have been devastated could be returned to flourishing environments. Among many more reasons.
* The more prominent members make petitions to formal sparked organizations about widening the magic world, or researching a method to lift the veil. Meanwhile the more average associates find ways to widely and subtly rouse people to the real world

## Leucistic Peacocks Paranormal Society (LPPS)

Summary

* The Leucistic Peacocks are a Non-sparked paranormal investigative group that bases in the Canary District of Boa Vista.

* The LP team spends its time researching and documenting the paranormal events happening all over boa vista.

Attitude

* LPPS team members are often seen as Wingnuts. They’ll take many opportunities to “enlighten” the “Flock” on what they believe is the truth.
* Most are generally enthusiastic and always looking for a scoop. Most carry cameras or even on-the-go equipment just in case a paranormal event happens during their resting hours.
* The LPPS will go anywhere and do whatever means necessary to get the scoop they're looking for. They will trespass, sneak into dangerous places, and follow people if they feel it is necessary to get what they need. They are most often explaining their actions as “Peacock hunting.” If they are caught somewhere illegal.

## Armed Forces of Boa Vista

Summary

* The armed forces of Boa Vista are the combined army, navy, and airforce of the sovereign nation thereof.
* The highly organized but small force is mostly for peacekeeping and consists of a relatively small Self-Defense Force. They do not possess a large supply of equipment or assets, instead having only a small navy for coastal defense, a small wing of fixed and rotary wing craft for air space defense, and a garrison of infantry to patrol the border with Almeirosa and occasionally conduct international exercises with other nations like The Federation.
* The armed forces do not like to operate outside of any situation they are directly called to action with and do not interfere with daily life unless outside threats demand their intervention. Likewise they do not like civilians and mercenaries encroaching on their duties.

Attitude

* Professional, loyal, and dedicated. The armed forces serve their role in the city-state happily and without complaint. Typically trying to remain removed from civil affairs and focused on the defense of the city from an outside force.
* Most of the armed forces are unsparked, but there are always exceptions. There happens to be a higher percentage of sparked in the officer class as the command thinks it prudent these individuals be in leadership positions in any case that sparked affairs need to be dealt with by the armed forces.
* The armed forces avoid civil affairs and are just as dedicated to maintaining the veil as anyone else. They do have certain precautions to ensure their own preparedness in relation to the sparked. Section 7, or the Strategic Operations Section as it is sometimes known, is a clandestine group that prioritizes maintaining a few squads worth of sparked soldiers who are action ready in case of emergency demanding their mobilization. Section 7 does not perform the job of CARMA and does not interfere with civilian life. It exists to combat and gather intelligence on foreign sparked threats.

## Government of Boa Vista

Summary:

* The government of Boa Vista is divided into two chambers and each chamber has different responsibilities as it relates to the city. The Federal Council and the National Assembly are the government’s two groups with the Federal Council comprising 9 Councilors and the National Assembly having 32 members(16 Aldermen and 16 Assemblymen). The Federal Council represents Boa Vista as a federal government and the National Assembly represents Boa Vista as a city government. Boa Vista’s 16 Boroughs are represented by two elected officials, an alderman and an assemblyman. National Assembly members serve a term of three years before going up for reelection while Federal Councilors serve a five year term. All elections in Boa Vista are general elections, meaning all boroughs vote on the same day.

Attitude:

* It is the job of the government to administer the city-state and represent itself on the international scale. They fiercely believe in Boa Vistan sovereignty and in serving the communities they represent, however are always friendly to business with their neighbors like Imago DEI, Nielsbath, and the Federation who bring much needed industry and trade to the city.
* The government is fair, democratic, and small enough to resist large scale corruption. The city officials are passionate about their jobs and come from the same places many within their districts come from as well.

## Tonalli Technical Concern

Summary

* Tonalli Technical Concern is an engineering and design firm, frequently working as defense contractors.
* Their relatively small Paranormal R&D department seeks out and creates new magical artifacts and techniques to further company products (Magical circuitry, anomalous computing hard/software)
* TTC has a subsidiary company, Whitewing, that is a PMC and handles their “acquisitions”. It is less than reputable.

Attitude

* TTC is very corporate, and at times very cutthroat.
* Agents for TTC tend to be dry and to the point, with some exceptions. Sparked TTC agents are generally incredibly loyal, and very well paid. They’ll get the job done.
* TTC focuses on profit and progress above ethics.
* Whitewing and its Sparked are cutthroat and generally hired based on loyalty. Paid well to ensure loyalty. Well trained, well equipped. Lots of former military.

## Twin Moons University

**Summary**

* Twin Moons University (TMU) is the biggest university in Boa Vista, its campus located in the Harmony District. It teaches a large variety of subjects and is both prestigious and well known for having a high graduation rate.
* There is a secondary campus within the boundaries of the University, it is hidden to Normal people. This secondary campus is referred to as Dark Moon Academy and is for the Sparked population. It serves all the schooling needed for arcane casters, but also recently started allowing any Sparked to take classes there, ranging from Fighter courses to Druidcraft.
* The college is also where the Sparked Council meets, consisting of older adventurers. They help with the governance of the Sparked community and help to resolve issues that CARMA can’t or won’t get involved in.
* The campus police is the only source of petty-crime prevention to the Sparked community. They do not appreciate the responsibility.

**Attitude**

* This academic institution advertises itself as the best in education. It takes pride in its Alumni succeeding, both in the public eye and among the Sparked.

***It does shun those who have turned to crime, or who try to cause problems within the city.***