Horned Bear

Horned Bear

"Invictus Ad Mortem"
HTR for hire
Connection	1
Type	PMC
Player May Join	No
Health	Maintaining
Area of Operation	Seattle

Faction Information

Summary

Horned Bear is a Private Military Company whose members are comprised of elite operatives. Primarily consisting of ex-special forces or HTR with some in training to become on par with them. 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 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

• Always follow the parameters of a given mission above all else. Only deviate if absolutely necessary to complete said mission or given explicit permission by the individual that assigned it.
• 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.
• Do not use lethal force when not on a mission. Only use the abilities, equipment, and skills you possess on a given mission unless absolutely necessary and in self defense.

Rules of the Faction

• There will be no discrimination against fellow members. Whether of a different metatype or if they be metasapient. They are a member of Horned Bear and will be treated equal no matter what.
• On and off assignment the Rules of Engagement are to be respected and followed.

Rules of Discipline

• Minor offense: A minor offense will often result in janitorial duties, extended guard shifts, or assisting in training the privates.
• Moderate offense: A moderate offense will result in demotion to the rank of private where they must intensely train fellow privates. They cannot reattempt the crucible of death for at minimum 1 month.
• Major offense: A major offense may risk execution.

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

• Ashen Hand - Cap. Ashen Hand is one of the three leaders/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. So far he has seemed a competent leader alongside the other two.

• Crimson Tide - Cap. Crimson Tide is one of the three leaders/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 mages not just on how and when to use their powers but also how to live in a world that will idolize and demonize them for what they are without seeking vengeance against it.

• Yellow Circuit - Cap. Yellow Circuit is one of the three founders/leaders 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.

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. If discrimination is found either against them or they discriminate against others there will be punishment involved for the guilty party.

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. 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 and must undergo training to reach the skill level of HTR or special forces operatives. Before doing the fitness test a form of payment is discussed. Whether it be simple nuyen or support for their family and friends. Said 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, said recruit however must 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: 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 64 in total with a group of 16 currently in training hoping to join their ranks. Most of said 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

Contacts

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

PCs

None

Notable Members

• Bubbles:

• Corkscrew: Among the rank of their riggers, 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 however he 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
All I Want for Christmas is K-10	Sarcarian	It's Always Wednesday in Seattle	23 December 2081