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Wicked

"Dress like you plan to be the life of the funeral."

The jacket went on with such a satisfying feeling, the fibers gently gliding across Luke's shin as he donned the armor of the modern knight. The suit was tailored just for him, the largest and most sensible purchase he could make. The ceramic plating made it slightly heavier than it should be, but he barely noticed it anymore. Mary zipped up her military jacket, hiding the police vest underneath. Abigail sat in the corner, loading the bullets into magazines and organizing them into three stacks.

When finished, they exchanged glances and quickly left the hotel room. Their weapons were discreetly hidden, their minds focused on the task at hand. The car ride seemed like ages, each light turning red as if a warning to turn back and try another night. They were all thinking it, and Mary made it obvious with the slightest hesitation when the light turned green. Luke gazed to the clouds above. He searched for a sign, some indication that the night would end in success. When his moment never came, he took a deep breath, staring at the road ahead as if walking to his death. At least they would be dressed for the occasion. Above them, lightning flashed. Had Luke been paying attention, the sign he longed for was in plain sight. As the light shot across the clouds of the storm, the face of a woman lingered for only a moment, the light casting shadows across the clouds just so to make it clear as day.

They finally arrived at their destination, leaving the cars and marching with purpose toward the warehouse door. They stopped, positioning themselves on either side and exchanged silent conversation with nods and glances. The rain was calm, but steady, drenching them as they sprang their ambush. Luke brought his colt up, ready to fire, Abigale held the rifle, and Mary looped the shotgun over her shoulder by its strap. She pulled out their bomb, a compact explosive made from fireworks over the course of hours. The charge was set, and Mary pressed a button, shifted out of harm's way, and the explosion echoed through the city streets, drowned out by a convenient roll of thunder...
Wicked, whose members are often referred to as Heaven's Harlots, is a group of men and women who deal specifically with the human element of The Web. They focus on pseudo paranormal crime, targeting cultists, serial killers, and any other criminal that gains an advantage through less mundane means. They are rarely involved in the larger scale operations of the web, hilariously outgunned by both their enemies and their allies. Like most Troubleshooters , they take the minor jobs, especially if local law enforcement are ill-equipped or not knowledgeable enough to handle whoever they hunt.   Wicked has nothing particularly special going for them. They don't have The Gift of Tall Tales like The Black Betties, nor do they have access to vehicles that possess unique qualities like the The Midnight Riders. Heaven’s Harlots need little in the way of gadgets and powers. They'd rather be out of the fight, and the one sneaking around to stab their foe in the back. They are always at a disadvantage, and that is how they succeed.   Their only advantage comes from knowing the odds are against them. The Harlots of Wicked have tricks up their sleeve ready to throw at their unsuspecting enemy at a moment's notice. They have connections all over the world, some in high places, some in the seedy underbelly of society. If The Web had spies or scouts, an organization suited more for recon than any other, Wicked would be it.
 

The Struggle

Wicked began as a liberal movement and non-profit charity named Polaris, that sought to assist victims of various crimes, domestic violence, and to assist runaways. In 2005, They enjoyed many anonymous contributions that reached well into millions of dollars. By 2007, they fell victim to extortion, forced to perform many unsavory acts. Those they removed from the streets and swore to help were sent promptly out again to do the bidding of criminals.   Wicked was a small group of men and women who split from Polaris, dismantling the organization from the inside out. Their methods were as brutal as their criminal masters had been. Pimps were hitched to the trunk of cars and paraded through the streets of the bad parts of town. Hitmen were captured, tortured, and killed. The bodies were displayed in full view of the organized crime bosses who reckoned themselves the masters.   Wicked wouldn't merely destroy Polaris, but went on to dismantle many human trafficking rings, drug lords, and other criminal syndicates tied to Polaris. They wouldn't join The Web until they met The Black Betties. The Betties sparked the candlelight in The Harlots, and a new world opened up for them. Dealing with mundane crime became effortless as they gained what little they could. Soon after, they realized the world of The Web was far worse than what they were used to.
     

The Hustle

The Harlots refuse to be selective of their members. They can't afford it. Clergy and ex-convicts alike are welcome into their ranks. Most of their members were once or still are members of the sex trade. Strippers, escorts, adult performers, and the like make up the highest demographic drawn to the organization. These men and women have more than enough experience manipulating others, and this charisma is their bread and butter.   Each has their own methods of getting what they want. When that doesn't work, they show how wicked they can be. Despite the enemies they face, they are never one to shy away from crime so long as it benefits the greater good. They are forced to push twice as hard as others would due to their insufficient power when facing The Web.   This isn't their only trick. The Harlots have plans ranging from B to Z and can switch quickly in the heat of the moment. They study what little they can of arcane practice, perhaps using the gifts bestowed by some artifact that took years to learn how to use. They train with weapons, learn how to fight as a team, and are always more dangerous in numbers.

Absinthe

Initiations are simple. The recruit will be told the true nature of the organization, what will be expected of them, and just how wicked they must become. Upon agreement, they will be given a glass of Absinthe and will share a toast with all members present. This tradition stems from the connection Wicked has with Madame Wormwood. It is considered an omen of great fortune if the goddess appears to toast with the recruit.


The Life of Heaven’s Harlots

Members usually shift from safe house to safe house, provided by other organizations. They investigate problems, shoot for trouble, and move on when their job is done. They travel in packs, unless part of an Eberstark Unions. and work together to accomplish this goal. Money is rarely hard to come by, but having the right tools for the job can be. Standard weapons are not always effective and many other organizations still distrust these newcomers in The Web.   Heaven's Harlots despise The Memento Initiative, and consider them to be sworn enemies, earning them brownie points with The Black Betties. They have had many members fall from these killers, and seek out the initiative everywhere they go to trade an eye for an eye.   Gathering connections is also a must for members of Wicked. They bribe the homeless to be their eyes and ears, have plenty of criminals and members of law enforcement to contact for information, and it isn't unheard-of for a politician or two to end up in their back pocket.

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Cover image: by Piqsels

Comments

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Feb 13, 2020 08:30

They seem like a marriage of PIs and movie stars. I guess they're like 80s action heroes, but with a much higher mortality rate.   So why don't they use the Gift of Tall Tales? it seems like such a simple magical law to take advantage of...   The ceramic armor sounds cool. Where'd you get that idea?

Feb 13, 2020 14:51 by R. Dylon Elder

Alot of things inspired these guys, from noir to spy movies, and yeah, action movies too. I'm still working on them to flesh them out.   The gift of tall tales can take a VERY long time to start working. Your basically building your own legend. Wicked just hasnt had the time and was forced to adapt. They started in 2005, the betties started back in the 50s lol.     The ceramic is something that actually exists. Numerous examples of concealed body armor can be purchased online, usually with small steel plates sewn into the clothing. Then you have the bug out community. Several survival guides claim, and this has been proven to some degree, that ceramic plates in a book can stop quite a few small arms rounds. Not all though. I plan on working more in that.

Feb 13, 2020 15:23

Oh, so to use the gift of tall tales you can't ever benefit from starting a legend yourself; you have to make a name for yourself in order for others to follow in your footsteps or follow in the footsteps of someone who already did. So, in 20 to 50 years wickeds will begin to have their own legends and they can stop being so squishy and vulnerable?   I particular their opposition to the memento initiative is fun and interesting to me. It defenitely makes them feel more like PIs. It's a perfect nemesis for them, because they have similar but opposite skills.

Feb 13, 2020 15:47 by R. Dylon Elder

Well, yes and no. It's more about believing the legend than it being true. Everyone knows that wicked is underpowered. Its unlikely they would be able to change that without some serious help. Then they could potentially use it for sure. the betties lie all the time, Beatrice herself who runs the organization has never told a true story about how she joined, adding to her legend every time she tells a new one.   Yesss, the initiative is very much a great enemy for then, and they are one the main reasons the initiative is kept from gaining too much in power.

Mar 6, 2020 15:55 by Amy Winters-Voss

I love that you put an interesting story snippet with the organization info! I really helps flesh out the feel of the org!

Author of the Liminal Chronicles urban fantasy series | Author Website
Mar 7, 2020 00:21 by R. Dylon Elder

I love doing the story snippets. They can be fun to write though this still needs quite a bit of editing. lol I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for liking, commenting, and following! Also love the little signature on the comment. gonna have check the book out!

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