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I am trying to work on a villain's "shadow organization", which was established in the guise of a "charitable organization" in 1930 (close to the end of the prohibition; but at the start of the great depression) with 12 million dollars...Money that was made by the sale of alcohol. Through the right channels during wartime in WWII, it has become a multinational conglomerate. The "figurehead" is the 2nd son of a very wealthy British Count, so no one questioned where he got the 12 million. (But the reality was he owned a ship and sailed it to collect the alcohol and used magic to conceal the bottles. His older brother will inherit.)

The game is set in the 1950s.

Questions, comments, and suggestions are most welcome as they help me think.


Thanks ahead of time,


Shawn.

Okay, post-war...maybe establish what they were doing during WW2...Did they work with organized crime and cut a similar deal as the Mafia to provide intelligence in return for the government looking the other way? Did they fort up and stay out of things altogether? Post-war, did they do their won Project Paperclip pick up any Germans, Italians, or Japanese fleeing the tribunals? And what's their place in the Cold War?

taalismn wrote:Okay, post-war...maybe establish what they were doing during WW2...Did they work with organized crime and cut a similar deal as the Mafia to provide intelligence in return for the government looking the other way? Did they fort up and stay out of things altogether? Post-war, did they do their won Project Paperclip pick up any Germans, Italians, or Japanese fleeing the tribunals? And what's their place in the Cold War?

Oh crap...I did forget to mention that. During wartime, they would basically set up a shop with goods, soup kitchens, medical aid, and medical supplies. They claimed to be a neutral party and to some extent, they were...In that, they didn't care who they took from, spied on, sabotaged, etc. Although they did secretly help the allies to win WWII, they had their own reasons to do so. Mainly looting and exacting revenge on the Natzi party for looting their already looted stuff, and sinking the ship of the figurehead (whose name I didn't write down.), the concentration camps (they were the first to report them to the allies), among other reasons.

Point of interest: Those who were basically starving during the great depression were made into very loyal followers/"wartime missionaries". In addition to food, people were given jobs at fairly good pay for the time. So, from the very beginning of WWII, they had their own army of wartime missionaries, who were very loyal to them. The organization is called the Three Ravens' Circle Charity, or TRC Charity. Their shadow organization is called Raven Darkly.

Cold War: In Russia, at the start of the cold war, they "own" 3 palaces and 1 hunting lodge of the former Czar and are using them as bases of operation for their soup kitchens, medical care, English schools, charity, etc. They are again doing the whole "We are an independent charitable organization, there to help the people!" bull to export goods from both Russia and their allies. Although, they are no longer looting, at least at this point. Just exporting things that they have looted back to their island base. They are taking their time moving things SLOWLY and carefully during this time out of Russia. Just sending never more than 3 items, pre-week.

Your idea for the villain's "shadow organization" is fascinating! The combination of starting as a charitable organization in the 1930s with funds from the sale of alcohol during prohibition and evolving into a multinational conglomerate during World War II sets the stage for an intriguing storyline. The figurehead being the 2nd son of a wealthy British Count adds an element of secrecy. The 1950s setting adds a nostalgic touch. Best of luck developing your concept further!

Did you take into account 12 million dollars was like 12 billion dollars today? Like the idea of the 1950s setting era.

boxee wrote:Did you take into account 12 million dollars was like 12 billion dollars today? Like the idea of the 1950s setting era.

True, you would have to adjust the funds up or down to account for change in the economy.