Cryptix

   

Buy-In

Cryptix started in 3118 with a handful of people dealing in narcotics. Their specialty was a substance they called Crypt, which put its user in a deep, relaxed state for several hours. However, in its pure form, Crypt was dangerously addictive, causing users increased anxiety and aggression unless under its effects. Cryptix laced more common narcotics with it, granting users the added relaxation with fewer of the drawbacks.    

Dealing In

By 3200, Cryptix had surpassed its competition. They were the main dealer of most narcotics. Their gambling dens ranged from neighborhood pool halls to multi-story casinos, and many were used for shady deals by locals and off-worlders alike. Everyone across Galendra knew to pay special attention to those with skull tattoos across their faces, and no tattoo parlor could be bribed enough to give fake ones.   The respect they earned was out of fear. Cryptix's focus on loyalty made most members fanatics. They rarely accepted surrender from other groups, and their own members would fight to the last before admitting defeat. Many joined the group for the power it gave them, and side effects from their drug use made many unreasonably violent. They demanded "protection fees" from those who lived in their territories, demanding funds to prevent untold bad things to happen to the home and family.    

Downswing

Starting in 3228, everything Cryptix built came undone. Saimon, having been in power for thirty years, was not accustomed to losing. He lashed out in retribution for minor losses, in turn taking larger losses, some more public than others. With her virtual intelligence spy network, Cordelia Isoto continued fanning the flames of his paranoia, spreading rumors and secretly providing weapons.   Saimon's two most trusted officers, Skullder and Elvira, had always been two sides of a coin, and their differences grew as the situation worsened. Elvira reveled in violence and encouraged further shows of force lest others think Cryptix weak. Skullder preferred more subtle action, and advised restraint until the time was right.   With false information from Cordelia's VIs, Saimon followed Elvira's methods to his own downfall.  

Saimon paced across the circular window. Behind and beneath him was the main gambling hall, still a mess but void of bodies.   The plan failed. Instead of being publicly punished for their betrayal, the traitors were freed. By intruders. By these "gal pals".   "We need to show them why nobody fucks with Cryptix," Elvira said, tapping her nails on the table's surface.   "If we respond at all," Skullder said from the other side of the room, "we're proving that they won tonight. Leave them, and we can focus on bigger fights."   "You'd have us appear weak?"   "It's not weak to ignore lesser concerns."   "It's weak to let our enemies--"   "Find them," Saimon interrupted from the window. "Find their homes. Find where they think they're safe."

— Coping with failure

 

Dead Money

What at first seemed a victory has developed into a series of other problems. Communities already struggling have been hit worse, but even the more affluent areas are feeling the sting of the power vacuum left in Cryptix's wake. Across Galendra, people are beginning to realize what stability the gang provided. Some claim to have seen Cryptix officers throughout the Residential District, but even the lower-ranking members have only been told to wait for orders.