- 5 Hives - Factions and Patrons in Necromunda setting / Criminal Syndicates

08 Dec, 2024

3. Criminal Syndicates

Criminal syndicates are a cornerstone of Necromunda’s underhive, thriving in the shadows of its sprawling cities. Each organization brings unique challenges, conflicts, and opportunities for players.

Criminal Syndicate Descriptions and Story Hooks

The Recidivists

• Description: A loose network of exiled Imperial officials, disgraced enforcers, and rogue nobles who have banded together to exploit their connections and knowledge of the Imperium.
• Reputation: Organized, strategic, and focused on undermining Imperial authority while profiting from its weaknesses.
• Narrative Hooks:
  • Data Destruction
    • The syndicate wants critical data erased from a secured vault. The gang must infiltrate and ensure no backups remain.
  • Silent Uprising
    • The Recidivists plan to incite a riot as a diversion. The gang is hired to lead the unrest without revealing the masterminds.

Cold Traders

• Description: Smugglers dealing in xenos artifacts, exotic technology, and alien contraband. Their operations are highly illegal and dangerously lucrative.
• Reputation: Mysterious and elusive, they risk Inquisitorial wrath for their dealings in forbidden goods.
• Narrative Hooks:
  • The Alien Artifact
    • A xenos relic is up for auction. The gang is hired to secure it before it falls into Inquisitorial hands.
  • Ghost Ship
    • A derelict vessel containing forbidden tech drifts into orbit. The gang must board and retrieve valuable cargo while avoiding lurking dangers.

Imperial Imposters

• Description: A cunning group of con artists posing as Imperial officials, ranging from rogue inquisitors to Administratum clerks, to swindle and manipulate the unsuspecting.
• Reputation: Deceptive and resourceful, they thrive on exploiting the faith and loyalty of Imperial citizens.
• Narrative Hooks:
  • False Prophets
    • Imposters posing as Ecclesiarchy officials are swindling citizens. The gang must expose them without causing a public uproar.
  • The Great Masquerade
    • The syndicate plans to infiltrate a noble gathering. The gang is hired to either assist in the con or prevent it.

Rogue Factoria

• Description: Illegal manufactorums producing counterfeit goods, weapons, and industrial equipment. They operate in secrecy to avoid detection by guilds or the Adeptus Mechanicus.
• Reputation: Pragmatic and ruthless, they prioritize efficiency over morality.
• Narrative Hooks:
  • Counterfeit Crisis
    • Fake goods flood the market, undermining the economy. The gang is tasked with destroying the rogue factories producing them.
  • Mechanized Menace
    • The syndicate creates unauthorized combat servitors. The gang must stop them before they are unleashed.

Narco Lords

• Description: Masters of the hive’s drug trade, controlling the production and distribution of substances ranging from combat stims to recreational narcotics.
• Reputation: Powerful and dangerous, they maintain strict control over their territories and workers.
• Narrative Hooks:
  • Supply Chain
    • A new, highly addictive substance hits the streets. The gang can choose to control its distribution or help eradicate it.
  • Drug War
    • Rival Narco Lords are in conflict. The gang is caught in the crossfire and must navigate alliances carefully.

Fallen Houses

• Description: Noble families who have lost their status or been exiled to the underhive, now operating as crime lords or mercenaries.
• Reputation: Cunning and vengeful, they use their aristocratic connections to manipulate and control.
• Narrative Hooks:
  • Reclamation
    • A Fallen House seeks to retrieve an artifact that could restore their status. The gang is hired to secure it before their enemies.
  • Underhive Uprising
    • The house plans to destabilize the hive's power structure. The gang must decide to aid or hinder their revolutionary efforts.

Psi-Syndica

• Description: A shadowy organization of rogue psykers and individuals trafficking in psychic services, forbidden Warp artifacts, and illicit sorcery.
• Reputation: Feared and distrusted, they operate on the edge of heresy, often attracting unwanted attention from the Inquisition.
• Narrative Hooks:
  • Mind Games
    • A rogue psyker offers the gang powerful abilities in exchange for loyalty. Accepting could bring immense power—or doom.
  • Shadow Network
    • The gang is hired to disrupt a Psi-Syndica communication relay that's influencing local populations.