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Far above the asphalt and concrete and poverty lies the ever-present skyscrapers. Large holographic logos and advertisements ensure the streets remain bright both night and day. Police cars and ambulances are branded with familiar names like "CSS" or "Valkyrie." Gone are the days of governments and states maintaining these services. Everything is branded and sold as a commodity, from emergency services to trash collection. In 2080, money is powerful, but ruling the world isn't just a matter of being rich. It's a matter of knowing when to bend the knee and when to stab your superior in the back. It's a matter of putting money and capital above all else. If you want your company to be more powerful than any government, then the consequences are an afterthought.
While many view the CEOs and corporate agents of the world as above them, and lucky to be where they are, the world of corporate espionage and business can be just as deadly as the concrete jungle. Whether you dwell below or within those skyscrapers, it's eat or be eaten.
Top 5 Most Influential Corporations in 2085:
-1. Aether Road -
Logo: (See above)
Aether Road is by far the largest fintech company in the world. With branches anywhere humanity or ahumanity has stepped foot, branches across finance, banking, stock, and almost anything else related to money, their rule has yet to be meaningfully challenged by any competitors.
Aether Road was founded in 2037 shortly before a major financial crisis leading up to the Third World War. As WWIII ended (along with the Billion Deaths War, to be described in a later post), all major currencies suffered inflation and depreciation. Aether Road took advantage of this by offering a new currency, one which could be used globally and only via their network; the United Earth Credit, or UEC.
Backed by titanium and with a network maintained by hundreds of thousands of Verifying Nodes (similar in design and purpose to mining rigs of today), the UEC is by far the most used currency of 2085. Unlike cryptocurrencies of the past, the UEC is mainly controlled by Aether Road, and only they can push out updates across the whole network. Forks of the UEC are typically only used in small, localized areas such as a mall or city, and are not backed or maintained by Aether Road.
While Aether Road does not make their transactions public, it is estimated that they move billions of UEC in a given day, and their value is estimated to be in the tens of trillions of UEC.
-2. Council of Magic International-
Logo:
With the introduction of magic into everyday life, laws and regulations were needed to be put in place to ensure that this force would not be abused. The Council of Magic is an international organization consisting of some of the most powerful and influential magi, coming from all schools of magic (even those who are typically outlawed).
Founded by a group of 9 mages in 2040, the Council of Magic is responsible for creating laws on the international trade and usage of magic and magical artifacts. They're the reason that a grimoire containing spells to raise the dead or create natural disasters won't end up in the wrong hands. While they typically allow most nations to create their own laws regarding magic, they have the final say. Those who choose not to abide by their laws lose their funding and anti-mage security services.
To raise funds, they tax the sale of magic artifacts, sell the services of their combat mages to security companies, and will even auction rare artifacts. While the council's members change somewhat frequently, they are usually able to act as one group when a situation calls for it.
Many claim that the Council's power is far too great for any given group, however their efficiency is not in question. Their combat mages have proven highly effective in combating threats that the average infantry battalion could not hope to match.
-3. Crucifix Security Solutions -
Logo:
One of the most divisive corporations on the planet, CSS was founded in 2031 in response to increasing crime rates following the introduction of Ahumans to human society. They specialize in the creation of weaponry and gear to combat ahumans specifically, such as stake drivers, UV flashbangs, or even bullets loaded with a compound which can disable magic in their target. They also hire out their security forces for private contractors, other companies, or even for use as police.
They are widely criticized by many as profiting on the fear or ahumanity, as well as being responsible for many incidents regarding excessive force when detaining Ahumans. However, supporters claim that their attitude and methods are necessary in this new age.
Most employed by the company are human, and while the company claims this is simply happenstance, many believe that this is done on purpose or as some sort of security measure. They employ several million people worldwide, and their military strength rivals or even outpaces many developed countries.
-4. Alexandria Incorporated -
Logo: [To Be Designed]
Following the closure of Russia's borders in 2040, Alexandria Incorporated is one of only three corporations allowed to do business outside of Russia. Alexandria's primary business is military grade weaponry and cybernetic enhancements. While acquiring a piece of their hardware is prohibitively expensive for the average mercenary, doing so has given many a crucial edge over their enemies.
Despite the public's generally positive view of their equipment and services, there have been rumors of corporate espionage, and Crucifix Security Solutions often blames them for stealing or illegally modifying their designs. Nevertheless, they maintain their position as one of the world's best arms dealers, and arguably Russia's most powerful corporation.
-5. Valkyrie -
Logo: [To Be Designed]
As crime rates began to rise and the criminals themselves became more dangerous, many police and even military forces became unwilling to handle them. This is where Valkyrie steps in.
Valkyrie Combat Squads are highly trained, well equipped, and all members have had at least one year of combat experience. Whether it's a mage gone mad, a hijacked mech, or even a rogue dragon, Valkyrie will go where the average security or police force would fear to tread. In areas where Valkyrie operates, their squads can be deployed to any location within their field of operation within six minutes or less. Valkyrie units are granted legal permission to shoot to kill whenever they deem necessary, and are not bound by the same laws and regulations of police. As a result, they tend to operate and end situations much quicker, but this has not been without the occasional incident.
While critics view their members as acting above the law, most who have been saved by a Valkyrie squad will stand by their steadfastness and compassion. Members come from all walks of life, however an overwhelming majority are either Sirens or Harpies. Members not capable of flight are granted wing-like jetpacks allowing them to keep up with their flight capable squadmates.
While considered by many to be one of the few "good" corporations, they are still a for-profit company. Their protection comes with a price, which usually comes at the expense of the taxpayers of the areas they defend. However, this money goes towards equipping their squads with the best gear, cybernetic and genetic modifications, and state of the art training. While many gangs consider themselves above the police, few will even dare to call a Valkyrie Combat Squad their equal.
These are the five most powerful corporations in the Crucifix Universe! I hope you found this interesting. If you missed the first part of this Crucifix World Guide, which I am writing parts of daily, feel free to read the first part here.
Concerning today's chapter, what do you think of these corporations of the future? If you had to work for one, which would you pick and why? What other aspects of this world would you like to see fleshed out in a future chapter?
Tomorrow, I will be writing on the races present in the Crucifix Universe.