Lunar Setting

Luna Colony

In the 2130’s, with the Transcendence War burning the history that was left behind, the Moon stood as humanity’s immediate hope for survival. A once industrialized cargo and research outpost dubbed as Earth Observation Post and Supply Facility #17: Mare Nubium would slowly, and eventually grow into what is known today as Luna Colony.

And while the embers of extermination were still burning, Luna Colony underwent massive changes. For the next several decades the landscape would change, sculpted by corruption, wealth, and elitism. Luna Colony became the standard of what the summit of corporate life should be, the standard everyone and anyone working towards a better corporate future should aim to.

History however, never stops. And in 2492, with an upset victory over then Lunite Governor Anthony Bancroft, Wayne Thomas Russell became Governor. Soon, many of the elite had their own opinions on the new Governor, their own misgivings and their own misconceptions. Wayne Thomas Russell was an outsider, he didn’t come from money, and he didn’t grow up in Luna Colony either, he could be easily manipulated. But in yet another twist of fate, the new Governor proved himself not only clever, but ambitious as well, and would drop his facade: He wasn’t just the hopeful self made billionaire trying to change the world, he was a man trying to bend the rules of corporate society to his advantage, he knew how to play the game and how hard he could push to get what he wanted. In other words, the man was a consummated gambler, and while he was aiming for further riches and wealth, he also understood that the face of Luna Colony would have to change with the times, and to make it happen, he would need to have allies, or at least former enemies in his payroll to keep the relative peace that comes with aligning the ultra rich, and the ever so powerful titans of industry.

With many faces under its name, Luna Colony is more than the most luxurious location on the Sol System, the pearl of corporate society. Concealed by its marble, gold, and holograms lies a darker face. A face that never sleeps and is witness to every dark deed, from industrial espionage, corporate sabotage, bribes, smuggling, illegal arm and augmentation deals, and unholy alliances between powerful organizations. It all happens under the glamor and the riches.

To the untrained eye, Luna Colony is simply the home to the snobbiest rich families on the Sol System: The Ferrera Family, the Magnus-Sorensen Dynasty, the Giancarlo-Borgia Bloodline, and many more that populate and orbit the precious pearl. But to the most experienced of observers, and most importantly, the residents of Luna Colony know that they are to steer clear from certain places, or to speak to certain groups with nothing but respect, because as many have come to discover, in Luna Colony, the Law merely a guideline.

Groups

With Wayne Thomas Russell as Governor of Luna Colony, a whole new world of opportunity was opened to the discerning entrepreneur: Those smart enough to make things happen are also smart enough to make credits, and keep those credits flowing. Lunite lifestyle is extremely expensive, so unlike any other locations on the Sol System, the credit volume that flows from Luna deals is many times larger. With his first move being the Luna Docks, Governor Russell hasn’t stopped there, and has even taken under his wing groups and organizations that had openly opposed him. It’s like the saying: Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.

The Giancarlo-Borgia Bloodline

Formerly the rulers, and executives to the Borgia Conglomerate, they openly opposed Wayne Thomas Russell during the election, and backed Governor Bancroft instead, donating millions of credits to his campaign and speaking openly against Russell while favoring Bancroft. When the leaks came about and Bancroft’s corruption was exposed to the Sol System, the Giancarlo-Borgia family was financially ruined, as several investors withdrew, a New Geneva investigation was called, and all the assets and accounts to the Borgia Conglomerate were seized. Unfortunately, the Giancarlo-Borgia patriarch, Antonino Borgia would take his life a few weeks later in shame. Governor Russell approached Antonino’s widow, Lucrezia Giancarlo-Borgia with an offer she couldn’t refuse: Either become destitute and face ending the entire family line right there and risk deportation from Luna Colony, and work with him in his new enterprise. Reluctantly, and after holding a conference with her numerous family, Lucrezia Giancarlo-Borgia accepted Russell’s terms and the Giancarlo-Borgia Bloodline was born, and now Donna Lucrezia Giancarlo-Borgia sits at the high table, overseeing the operations of her family, while continuing to enjoy the lavish lifestyle both her and hers grew so accustomed to.

The Giancarlo-Borgia Bloodline (Sometimes simply referred to as “The Bloodline” by outsiders) deals smuggling and distributing weapons and augmentations, it’s rumored they have an agreement with Matsumoto for this matter. They are also known to have taken assassination contracts in the past. While the talk of industrialism is no longer prevalent in the family, their wealth has never been higher.

The Asakura-Gumi

An organization that showcases the rise, fall, and rise in modern times. Decades ago, they were a very powerful Yakuza Family ruling under the Council of Oyabuns, established in New Edo. A group of the twelve most powerful Yakuza Families that could dictate terms to anyone in the underworld, and stood firmly against any and all outside threats, be it triads, cartels, or even corporations. The Asakura head was present in the Oyabun Tower when the Council was brutally destroyed, and all the Families were shattered and fragmented into hundreds of small-time gangs. Yakuza as the Sol System knew them, were finished. There was a moment in which the once mighty Asakura-Gumi was reduced to a couple dozen active members and were delegated to menial gang activity on Cocoon Station to survive. However, thanks to their perseverance, and the work ethic of Asakura Shinnosuke, the Asakura-Gumi slowly embarked on the road of recovery. As the gang slowly grew their numbers, they also grew their influence and they were able to return to their former hubs of activity such as Shin Tokyo, and New Edo. It wouldn’t be long until They got a call from Governor Russell with an offer that could change their lives: An invitation to join him in Luna Colony, an invitation that Asakura Shinnosuke and his lieutenants accepted.

Today, the Asakura-Gumi has added Luna Colony as one of their main activity hubs. With Shinnosuke having a heavily guarded residence on the top floor of Hotel Q, where many members of the Asakura-Gumi can be spotted at any time. They specialize in kidnappings, disappearances, and the slave trade, with many rumored undeground slave auctions rumored to take place thanks to them. While no longer part of the traditional Yakuza structure, they like to think they are better off, and they have the wealth and power to show for it.

The Ferrera Family

Fast, artisanal, expensive, and exotic cars. That was Ferrera. While there were many companies out there focusing on affordable vehicles, Ferrera thought bigger, better, classier. A regular corporate employee could have to work twenty years non stop to afford one of the unique designs that Ferrera has created. In 2487, one of Ferrera’s iconic creations saw reality: The Rarog. A mix of power, elegance, and speed. It broke all the records with incredible acceleration, and top speed, and Ferrera’s stock went through the roof, making it the best automotive company to invest in, and their products the hottest commodity to get in the Sol System.

It is unclear (at least at first glance) if the Ferrera Family is on good terms with Governor Russell, their speedway in Luna Colony was shut down, and there were rumors of downsizing their presence on Luna Colony. On their part, no one on Ferrera speaks ill of the Governor, and no one in the Governor’s Office speaks ill of Ferrera either, but there’s tension between the groups. There are rumors of a strict operation that focuses on blackmail that Giovanni Ferrera spearheads, as it stands now, Ferrera may have a wide information network that has given them power over other organizations, and they have the manpower to act on it, which would explain why they aren’t part of Governor Russell’s alliance, but they haven’t been removed from Luna either. Ferrera members all dress with the most expensive neo-kitsch fashions, some opting for neo-militarism for business and meetings, and while they are hermetic on their functions, they are known to work with other organizations as long as there are common goals on the horizon.

Vulca Group

Matsumoto, Berskbury and Solbank towers from left to right.

Founded by Edward Volk in alliance with James Hawkwood and Ludwig Sterz in 2217, Vulca Group spent most of their existence in the background. Not exactly a small corporation, but definitely far from being big. In the words of many of their critics at the time, they were simply unremarkable. It all changed when they developed a reputation for aggressive expansion and even hostile takeovers. Controversial more than anything, it yielded them a healthy dose of attention and an even healthier dose of wealth. Specializing in urban development and habitat expansion, they eventually grew enough to secure both biotechnology and weapons development contracts, as well as the coveted contract to the now defunct Earth Site X-17. The current CEO Reginald Volk, as well his main advisor, Cecil Hawkwood came under fire when in February 2492 they made the highly controversial decision to abandon Earth Site X-17 while an errant city sized fragment of Jericho V was on a collision route with the site. Not only that, but their exclusive contract with Free Company was terminated at the same time as well. During the aftermath, the group came under heavy scrutiny from New Geneva due public pressure and general protests, and saw their forces severely diminished, their assets seized, and part of their accounts frozen. While they developed rumors that Vulca Group had found new contracts near the Belt, the truth was that these contracts were not as big and profitable as rumors suggested. Floating in limbo, Vulca Group was bleeding funds, assets, and most importantly: People. They were looking at the very real possibility of shutting down, and New Geneva didn’t look like they would be offering a helping hand, not with the general discontent against them still raging.

This is when Governor Russell’s helping hand showed up. In a meeting with both Reginald Volk and Cecil Hawkwood, the new set of terms and conditions for Vulca Group were laid on the table, and almost overnight, Vulca Group saw itself revitalized, and granted the contract to the Luna Docks. An obvious front for what Vulca Group was really doing, the position was perfect for Russell’s plans: A corporation that was more than willing to listen to what he had to say, with a profitable contract to the docks, and with him controlling all the goods, and individuals that enter Luna Colony in a container unit.

Vulca Group has grown enough to have its own security force patrolling the docks and controlling logistics for ingress and egress. At the same time, they still have their licenses for biotechnology and weapons development, it’s rumored that both Reginald Volk and Cecil Hawkwood have started relations with other heavy hitters in Luna Colony. All according to plan, always according to plan.

Structure

Luna Colony is the pearl of the corporate world. For those on the outside, it looks like the epitome of corporate life: Exclusive living space, exclusive commodities, exclusive everything.

Society is extremely elitist, looking down to anyone who’s either not a Lunite, or whose bank account is not as discerning either. Moguls of Entertainment and Titans of Industry can easily be spotted anywhere on Luna Colony. Sometimes closing multi billion credit deals, sometimes just kicking back and enjoying their lavish lifestyle.

Far from a classic corporate structure, Luna Colony has a Governor who is not directly linked to any corporation, but still owes their allegiance to New Geneva, The Governor’s Office is the ultimate authority on all things Luna. They can determine which corporation gets what contracts and which corporation loses what contracts. Operating under New Geneva’s blessing, the Governor is free to enact any rules and laws he deems necessary as long as those turn in profits. As the credits continue to flow to New Geneva, New Geneva will continue to look the other way.

To this effect, there’s also the New Geneva Embassy, a modest building (Modest in Luna’s terms) that houses the New Geneva Ambassador. Mostly a cushy job that New Geneva rewards one of their top loyalists with, it’s a position that changes at New Geneva’s discretion.

And finally, properties run by corporations and particulars are considered to be an extension of their organizations, even if they are rented. Which means that while in a determined property, the owner or renter establishes the rules and regulations to be followed. In turn, a percentage of their weekly profits get sent directly to the Governor’s Office to ensure that services such as power, life support, and all the commodities a Lunite has come to expect, continue to work as intended.

Legends of Luna

The entrance to the Revenant Hotel Casino and Resort.

Lucrezia Giancarlo-Borgia

With her husband now gone, Lucrezia was facing the very real possibility of spending her final years begging in the gutter to survive. However, and after Governor Russell approached her and gave her another chance at life, she became the Donna to The Bloodline, that is, the Giancarlo-Borgia Bloodline. Approaching 100, biosculpts and biotech in general make her look someone half her age. Indulging completely in the decadent lifestyle that her new position allows her too, she takes paramours of old corporate families that are old enough to be her great-grandchildren. She’s an avid reader, and with time, has become even more ruthless to anyone she perceives as an adversary.

Asakura Shinnosuke

The current head of the Asakura-Gumi was a lieutenant when he was given the news that his Oyabun had been killed alongside the other eleven that formed the Council. Facing the aftermaths and witnessing the disintegration of his Family, he fell from grace and soon found himself with his face against the filth of the lower levels, both figuratively and quite literally. Shinnosuke wasn’t exactly a stranger to hard work and hardships, and decided to take over the remnants of the once great Asakura-Gumi of old, and with perseverance and ruthless ambition, he made the Asakura-Gumi appear on Governor Russell’s radar. Now operating from Hotel Q, Shinnosuke is not a man who would lower his guard easily. In his mind, if tragedy befell him once, it can happen again, this line of thought has made him into a paranoid man who hardly trusts anyone outside his family.

Giovanni Ferrera

A middle aged silver fox who’s aging like a fine wine. A pleasant man to have a conversation with, and a scholar whose affections for Firenze Wine are only surpassed by his love for his family and his legacy. Giovanni was a boy when he was exposed to the craft behind every Ferrera vehicle. The time it took to assemble them, the care behind every single piece, and the service provided to every owner of a Ferrera vehicle instilled in him a strong sense of pride in his family and friends. The other side of the coin is that the man doesn’t appear to have any dark sides. No one can remember when was the last time he was drunk, or whenever he took a lover, or anything pertaining to his private life. And that’s exactly how Giovanni lives his life, as the most mysterious pleasant middle aged man in Luna Colony.

Reginald Volk and Cecil Hawkwood

Childhood friends whose families are deeply intertwined to Vulca Group and its history. They both work as a tag team when it comes to projects, investments, and presentations. When they are not hard at work during one of the many conferences in Vulca Group, they can be found enjoying life at the Casino, running high stakes poker games. Or more expectedly, hard at work on a different kind of tag team in their suite. Reginald and Cecil are keen executives who learned how to play the corporate game years ago, and have survived all the storms that the corporate life has summoned for them. They aim to increase their success taking Vulca Group to new heights, and if they have to take out smaller groups to make it happen, they won’t hesitate to make it happen.

Ambassador Mumbasa

The current Ambassador from New Geneva. A man who has lived all of his life under corporate rule and has climbed the corporate ladder until he was awarded the position of Ambassador in Luna Colony. A man whose deviancy can be sated by all that Luna Colony has to offer, he enjoys only the most exotic dishes and the rarest of drinks, as well as the most controversial of pleasures. He wields power and he knows it, and will do everything and anything to ensure he continues to wield that power.

Governor Wayne Thomas Russell

The man behind Luna’s facelift, and behind its current transformation. He was born in New Vegas and had nothing to his name. However, he grew to become a sensation of the corporate world and soon, he became the poster boy of “From rags to riches” stories to inspire others to continue working for corporations. Russell managed to finance his education, and the more he learned, the more he yearned to learn. Eventually, and when he saw an opportunity, he pitched himself as a candidate for the office of Luna Governor when the election was announced. It was a challenge and many saw Russell as a sacrificial lamb to Governor Bancroft. While Russell had radical ideas and was younger, Bancroft had the experience and the connections to ensure he would remain in office for the foreseeable future. However, and thanks to the infiltration of confidential and controversial information that affected Bancroft, Russell was able to turn the tables at the very last second and managed to pull a historic upset victory.

It’s definitely not clear what Wayne Thomas Russell’s endgame is, so far, he is preserving Luna’s lifestyle while opening the door to working with less than savory characters all over the Sol System. New Geneva is watching, but considering the constant flow of credits that Russell has started to send New Geneva’s way, they have elected to do what they do best and look the other way.