Horned Bear

Horned Bear

"Invictus Ad Mortem"
HTR for hire
Connection	1
Type	PMC
Player May Join	Yes
Health	Maintaining
Area of Operation	Seattle

Faction Information

Summary

Horned Bear is a Private Military Company whose members are comprised of elite operatives including ex-special forces and HTR. Alongside them being a select group in training to reach their level of expertise. Given their particular skillset Horned Bear is often employed by individuals/corporations without the funds to devise an HTR force of their own. Or those that simply do not want to risk their own on a particularly dangerous assignment. There are rumors of a hidden goal/agenda but so far none outside the faction have been able to decipher one if there is.

Goals

• Carefully seek out and train new recruits to join their official ranks.
• Ensure every member is performing the best they possibly can be and are always in peak fighting capability.

Rules of Engagement

• Follow the orders and commands of the Sergeant or individual in charge of the mission. Make every action and intention you perform clear to them if you were not ordered to perform said action.
• Never target civilians. Only target hostiles that pose a threat to the mission, your squadron, or civilians if they are in the area.
• Do not cause needless/unnecessary destruction and violence. Stick to the mission and draw as little attention to it as possible, preferably none.
• Care for others while on mission even opposed to you. Treat civilians as humanely as possible and respect hostiles that surrender.

Rules of the Faction

• Attention to Detail: At all times a member of Horned Bear's equipment is to be in as pristine condition as possible. This includes uniform, armor, foci (if applicable), and all weapons issued to and owned by the member.
• By any means: The Rules of Engagement may vary based on mission parameters and are expected to be followed as detailed in briefing.
• Discipline: On and off duty a member of Horned Bear is to be composed. To act with honor and respect while being ever vigilant. Always seeking to improve themselves however possible.
• Duty unto death: Once a member has been fully initiated and achieved the rank of Corporal, they are assumed to be members for life. Dismissal and service can end but it must be agreed upon by the higher ups if they trust them enough. If the member is discovered to have shared classified and secret intelligence with anyone outside of Horned Bear they will be hunted and questioned with execution likely following the interrogation.
• Mutual Respect: There will be no discrimination against fellow members for any reason. Whether it be awakened status, metatype, if they be metasapient, or any other similar reason. They are a member of Horned Bear and will be treated accordingly.
• Self-Control: All members are not allowed to use lethal force when not on mission or guard duty. Exceptions exist like in self defense but such cases will be brought up and discussed with higher ups.
• Willing Obedience: All members are expected to follow orders out of loyalty and willingness. Not out of fear or habit.

Rules of Discipline

• Minor offense: A minor offense can result in extended janitorial duties, extended guard/patrol duties, a minor fine, correctional custody for a minimum of 1 month, or requirements to train alongside recruits. Said training will oftenly be far more intense than usual, made to push the punished member beyond their limits. Tailor made punishments may also be applied.
• Moderate offense: A moderate offense will result in a reduction of rank to the standing of Private and lose their discussed pay for a minimum of one week with rare exceptions. Only afterwards can they reattempt the Crucible of Death to regain their official rank. Additional punishments may be added including a hefty fine, correctional confinement for a minimum of 1 month, or permanent reduction in pay. Tailor made punishments may also be applied.
• Major offense: A major offense results in execution. Acts such as treason will not be tolerated.

Major Locations

• Mother Base - A heavily renovated factory and surrounding field in northern Auburn.
• The Mothership - A HEAVILY renovated and upgraded Titan C-260 that acts as an FOB if a given deployment would be long enough to warrant it.

Leaders

• The Colonel - The Colonel as she has been dubbed is the leader of Horned Bear. A cybernetically enhanced Oni who was once an elite HTR operative of EVO with an incredibly skilled squadron under her control who now are among Horned Bear's ranks. Under he leadership despite the various differences and backgrounds of every Horned Bear member they somehow remain loyal. The faction despite its various setbacks, limited resources, and vehicles/artillery being... suboptimal on good days is continuing to be effective and deadly under her leadership. Despite knowing a lot of the various members of Horned Bear and how best to communicate with them to ensure their loyalty, very little is known about the Colonel other than what is on the tin. Though the few that do try to know don't get very far.

• Ashen Hand - Cap. Ashen Hand is one of the founders of the PMC. A heavily augmented soldier who knows how to handle excessive ware incredibly well. Loosing very little of his sanity and humanity despite what is seen with his cold demeanor. Dedicating time to training others to be capable of the same. Under the table he is known to reach out to and employ runners on various assignments. Often for their aid, to fill out ranks Horned Bear cannot for a given mission, or to see if they have what it takes to join.

• Crimson Tide - Cap. Crimson Tide is one of the founders of the PMC. She is known to be a bit of a punk but effective at securing loyalty. An incredibly charismatic woman who takes little to no shit from anyone. She is also hailed as an exceptionally gifted mystic adept, having immense astral power despite a decent amount of augmentation. She is often seen training fellow awakened how to use and be responsible with their powers. Mentoring them on how to live in a world that will idolize and demonize them for what they are. How to live in that world without seeking vengeance against or exploiting it.

• Yellow Circuit - Cap. Yellow Circuit is one of the founders of the PMC. Little is known about him given his nature as a shut in. But he is regarded as being incredibly effective, terrifying at being both a rigger and decker when the moment calls for it. Anything to do with the matrix or vehicles he accomplishes with flying colors. Yellow Circuit is in charge of training the several matrix personnel and riggers under Horned Bear's command. While rarely reaching them on a personal level, thanks to his tutelage and... unorthodox yet harsh methods, Horned Bear's matrix and vehicle/drone combat capabilities are second to VERY few. Their only limitations being the equipment they can afford.

Joining Horned Bear

All who join Horned Bear must agree to an intense and extensive background check being conducted on them. This will include assensing and truth magic being cast during their interview. No metatype or metasapient is discriminated against from joining their ranks. The only individuals not allowed to join are those who match the following.

• Bad Reputation: Any individuals who are currently a member of any known terrorist organization or gang/syndicate that exploit, kill, or diminish any innocent people. Sinned or not. This also applies to individuals who have performed similar acts to said organizations/gangs/syndicates.
• "Dark" Magic: Any individuals who have affiliations with or whose tradition pertains to any of the following. Blood Magic, Toxic Magic, Necro Magic, Invae/Insect Spirits, or anything related to the horrors. (This last one is not spoken aloud, but they have the capabilities to know and find out.)
• Dissonance: Any individuals who bear the taint of dissonance or are at risk of spreading it.
• Infected: Any individuals who are infected with or at risk of spreading strains 1A, 1, 2, or 3 of HMHVV.

Additional Note 1: Those who have made spirit pacts or have ally spirits may join the ranks. However, the associated free or ally spirit must also agree to become a member and undergo training. Both the spirit and caster/pact holder are subjected to the procedures listed below. And if one suffers consequences the other does as well.

Additional Note 2: For any shifter that wishes to join, legally they will be "owned" by Horned Bear. But strict doctrine and culture states they are to be treated like any other member.

Joining Horned Bear is a very strange yet intense process that is conducted over a span of time. To join Horned Bear a recruit must undergo a mental and physical test to ensure they are fit enough and ready for recruitment. Before performing said test a personalized form of payment is discussed. Whether it be simple nuyen or support for their family and friends. (Reconnaissance on an individual who has wronged the individual is also a surprisingly common option.) When they pass the test and are approved they are a member by technicality, formally given the rank of "Private." However they are not a fully realized member yet and must undergo training to reach the skill level of HTR or Special Forces operatives. The aforementioned and agreed upon payment will not be received till they have undergone training and gain the rank of "Corporal" with some rare exceptions.

Training is tailored towards every recruits skillset with some overlap. Learning both through mentorship and "on the field." Doing runs or mercenary work is considered a good form of practice but the member must agree to follow the rules of engagement during said work. Once the recruit has gone through enough training they can deem themselves ready of undergoing an intense trial known as "the crucible of death." Commonly referred to as just "the crucible." If they complete this trial they are deemed worthy and are officially given the rank of "Corporal." If they fail the crucible of death they may either quit or undergo more training until they are ready to make another attempt. (It is rumoured fighting a bear with your fists is part of the trial but that is neither confirmed nor denied.)

Additional Note 3: If a fully initiated Corporal or higher is severely injured or unable to operate they lose their rank and must undergo the crucible of death once again to rejoin and receive the payment discussed for them.

Background

Founded by 3 mercenaries who met across multiple assignments and a small contingent of ex-EVO HTR, Horned Bear is a PMC built upon the skill of those well above the average soldier. Every member worthy of the stories told of HTR and similar forces. They are few in numbers. Numbering only 60 (not including their leaders) in total with a group of 16 currently in training hoping to join their ranks. A notable portion of their members however seem to be comprised of former EVO and Ares HTR members. Said EVO members reportedly attempting to form a PMC of their own before unknown factors caused them to fail. All Horned Bear members come from various backgrounds. Whether it be mercenaries, criminals, HTR, soldiers, or runners. It means little provided they meet the criteria and pass the various trials. Once they do, they are a Horned Bear. And they have earned that name.

Allies

None as of right now.

Enemies

None as of right now.

Current Status

A new player in the PMC scene ready for whatever awaits them.

Members

Organization

While simplistic in organization. Each mission conducted by Horned Bear takes members from every platoon and squadron to form a cohesive team. With each Platoon more serving as a form of organization and training based on the specialization of the specific member. Platoon Alpha focuses primarily on physical combat and stealth, Platoon Bravo focuses on astral threats and awakened individuals, Platoon Charlie focuses on matrix security, support, and reconnaissance.

• Platoon Alpha, led by Captain Ashen Hand:
  1. 1st squadron consists of 4 shock troops. Led by Sergeant Bubbles.
  2. 2nd squadron consists of 4 rifleman.
  3. 3rd squadron consists of 4 rifleman, 2 aware among them.
  4. 4th squadron consists of 4 snipers, 1 aware among them.
  5. 5th squadron consists of 2 deckers and 2 riggers.

• Platoon Bravo, led by Captain Crimson Tide:
  1. 1st squadron consists of 4 adepts. Led by Sergeant Breaker.
  2. 2nd squadron consists of 3 mages and 1 adept.
  3. 3rd squadron consists of 2 alchemists and 2 aware rifleman.
  4. 4th squadron consists of 4 snipers, 2 aware among them.
  5. 5th squadron consists of 4 rifleman.

• Platoon Charlie, led by Captain Yellow Circuit:
  1. 1st squadron consists of 4 deckers.
  2. 2nd squadron consists of 4 riggers. Led by Sergeant Corkscrew.
  3. 3rd squadron consists of 2 deckers and 2 riggers.
  4. 4th squadron consists of 4 shock troops.
  5. 5th squadron consists of 4 rifleman.

Contacts

Name	Connection	Archetype	Profession
Ashen Hand	5	Fixer (A,G,N,K)	Private HTR

PCs

Name	Position	Faction Rep
Hypnos	Private	1
Mirage	Private	1

Notable Members

• Breaker: Sergeant Breaker is a quiet soul among the ranks of their adepts. An elven master of stealth who specializes in reconnaissance and assassination. She does not openly speak much of her past but many have discerned she is likely a former member of the Tir Ghosts. Her skill with a rifle while remarkable has been stumped with her expertise with blades and general hand to hand combat. Her skill almost on par with those seen on trideo shows and games. Only the wind heard with no one alive or conscious left in her way when on assignment. Breaker has also been known to have a nice singing voice and some guitar skills. Often using them late at night for those that wish to listen in either in the barracks or rarely around a campfire when permitted. Apart from these events however her socializing mainly only pertains to those in her squadron and when on assignment... if that even counts. But when on assignment or interacting with those she chooses to, Breaker gives it her all and her all tends to always deliver.

• Bubbles: Alexei Kuznetsova, aka "Bubbles", is Sergeant of the Alpha Platoon First Squadron, a position he worked very hard to earn. In his late 30's, the Russian native from St. Petersburg served in the Russian Federation's Spetsnaz special operations unit for a few years, swapped to HTR for Evo, and then was approached by Ashen Hand to join the Horned Bear PMC. A mountain of a man, Alexei is easy-going and loud. Outside of a mission, he can be found cooking for his men, playing cards, drinking, telling stories, and enjoying bubble baths, which is where his wholeheartedly embraced callsign originates. When tasked with a mission, he is quiet, precise, and utterly fearless. He places the well-being of the shock troops under his command before his own, and makes sure that everyone under his command comes home. Preferring to carry a heavy shotgun along with a massive shield, Alexei will gladly put himself in harms way to keep his soldiers safe, and spray a deadly storm of destruction at his enemies.

• Corkscrew: Among the rank of their riggers, Sergeant Corkscrew was once (and still is) an incredibly skilled pilot and mechanic that served in the UCAS Air Force. Somehow always able to outperform whoever was sent to fix his aircraft with a small army of drones helping around the hanger when he did so. While he would often get in trouble with his superiors for always attempting to upgrade his said aircraft without permission, he proved too effective to let go. After his 5th tour Corkscrew decided it was enough and entered an early form of retirement. Years later however for reasons he has not (nor likely will) explain, he has been recruited to Horned Bear to assist in their endeavors. Primarily maintaining the... operational vehicles at their disposal and upgrading them however he can with his army of drones. While a bit absent minded seeming and a general demeanor of an asshole. Corkscrew is as dedicated to his fellow soldiers as he is to his work.

Narrative Significant Runs

Name	GM	Metaplot	Date of Run
Shenanrigans	TidanShock		13 July 2085
All I Want for Christmas is K-10	Sarcarian	It's Always Wednesday in Seattle	23 December 2081