//Ok this is just a proposal to get feedback like that Blood Dragon one. Also warning, obscene walls of text approaching.//
***News article from low-brow lifestyle magazine in extremely high circulation on Planet Manhattan***
817's 100 New Rich and Famous!
#7 Timothy Cryer
With the death of David Cryer earlier this year[*file in archives, see below], Timothy Cryer stepped out of comparitive obscurity and in to his father's shoes in style. One of the richest men under 30 in Liberty, and therefore all of Sirius as well, Timothy Cryer has struggled in the past to shake off 'playboy' description, and he was sent to Atka Research Station way out in Sigma 17 as the head of Research two years ago by his father, in an attempt to restore his image and help him change. Since becoming the CEO of Cryer Pharmaceuticals he seems to have reformed his ways, and is trying to reform the company as well: "I don't want to be the backroom visionary my father was. I am going to grab this company by the horns and drag it all the way to the top." Whether he'll do that or not remains to be seen, but he definitely doesn't seem the rakish libertine he was a few years ago. That doesn't mean he's dull however! He has been a constant presence at important events on Manhattan and Curacao, not to mention in Bretonia and Kusari alike. He never appears in an outfit worth less than many thousands of credits and, true to his eligible bachelor status, has been seen with a variety of different women. It seems he has a dark side as well - rumours indicate that his father's early death terrified him, and he wants to push Cryer Phamaceuticals towards developing the heavily-speculated anti-ageing drug Cryer has been researching for the last few years. Does he really want to live forever? If he stays like this, we wont mind.
[*Retrieving file...]
***Obituary of David Cryer, Colony News Service***
Denver, May 16th, 817 A.S.
Billionaire David Cryer, 54, passed away today after suffering a brain aneurysm at his home, the Cryer Estate, on planet Denver. It was sudden and unexpected, and statements attest to Mr Cryer being "in good spirits," right up until the event, which was instantaneous. David Cryer was the Chairman and CEO of Cryer Pharmaceuticals, as well as the majority owner. In accordance with his will, his eldest son Timothy Cryer, 27, the current Vice President of Research and Development, will take over the position of Chairman and CEO, bypassing current President and COO Richard White, who retains the position. David Cryer's controlling 51% stake in Cryer Pharmaceuticals, however, is to be split equally between his children and spouse, leaving the company without a single controlling owner for the first time since 782 A.S.. Members of the Cryer family, however, still control almost 70% of the company's shares.
***Cryer Pamphlet, distributed to visitors to its facilities, first-year Denver University students, and available from the Cryer Pharmaceuticals Neuralnet node***
Welcome to Cryer Pharmaceuticals. At Cryer Pharmaceuticals we provide the entire Sirius Sector's medicinal needs, retaining our position as outstanding market leader with constant expansion, research & development, and a close relationship with our consumers. Our unparalleled research is also bringing the company into new and emerging markets as we constantly strive to provide the best services and goods possible.
After Max Cryer founded the company in 330 A.S., Cryer Pharmaceuticals has grown from a small research institution on Denver to a huge company spanning much of the discovered sector, researching, designing, fabricating and distributing medicines to one and all. However, the Cryer family still remains in control of the company and its prices are kept affordable because the company understands and appreciates the wants of its customers along with their needs.
Denver: In 332AS, the first Cryer research lab was built on planet Denver. Because of a lack of large-scale pharmaceutical suppliers Max Cryer used his billions to build a large factory and enjoyed instant success. The combined research and production facilities quickly outgrew their competitors in the industry and Cryer Pharmaceuticals gained a monopoly on the market. This facility has grown larger since, and has become part of Denver University. Today, top-level students fight to come to the Denver Research Institute for medical studies, as it is the most advanced medical educational centre in Sirius. The company is also headquartered on Denver, and the planet is home to the majority of its production facilities. Cryer Pharmaceuticals has received credit in assisting with the regeneration of the planet's economy and continues to expand, offering well paid jobs at all levels to the planet's population.
Cambridge Research Station: As the Sirius Sector was slowly colonised and tamed, more and more people spent more and more time in space. Zero gravity environments create new ailments and require different treatment. Cryer Pharmaceuticals responded by building the Cambridge Research Station in 642 A.S. in conjunction with the Cambridge Research Institute. A permanent research and development facility in space allows Cryer Pharmaceuticals an unparalleled advantage in the diagnosis of new diseases and the development of new treatments. The joint partnership with the Cambridge Research Institute means that the very finest minds in Sirius are devoted to this work. Advanced pharmaceutical research has now yielded an entirely new class of bespoke drugs. Using scanners and optronic computers, scientists can now determine the precise molecular structure required for medicine to be most efficacious in treating a particular disease or affliction. The resulting drug is then assembled molecule by molecule from raw polymers; however, prototype drugs must be researched in zero-g to avoid the effects of gravitational pull, which could disturb the delicate process. Also because of the Alien Import Prohibition Act of 500AS, in which importing Alien Organisms onto inhabited planets is illegal, this station enabled Cryer scientists to study the organisms found in the distant Edge Nebula.
Atka Research Station: In 727A.S. Cryer Pharmaceuticals opened their latest project, the Atka Research Station. Built in the far edges of space, it shows Cryer Pharmaceuticals' drive and commitment to producing the very best, despite risks or expenses. Along with the dangers, the surrounding area of space is also very interesting. The nearby planet Kurile was found to be the home of the now-famous Alien Organisms, and they are also found in space in the nearby systems of Omicron Theta and Beta. These organisms have been found to assist remarkably in several fields, including the terraforming, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries. Cryer Pharmaceuticals founded the station so as to be close to the source of these organisms, enabling it to remain at the forefront of research and discovery in this emerging and exciting field, and the station has so far been a resounding success.
Recruitment: Cryer Pharmaceuticals' close relationship with Denver and Cambridge Universities, along with many other education facilities, and its employment policy on planet Denver, keep its planet- and station-side operations functional with minimal headhunting. However, our extraplanetary divisions are always in the need of highly-motivated new pilots. The following divisions are currently hiring:
Logistics Division: Concerned with the delivery of pharmaceuticals to consumers, and the transference of goods between corporate facilities. Pilots must be highly motivated and possess strong initiative, as they are expected to operate very independently, but are therefore granted a high degree of freedom. A strong knowledge of interstellar markets and the galactic economy is essential.
Security Division: Concerned with the security and safety of Cryer facilities, ships and personnel. Patrolling Cryer stations and facilities, escorting freight convoys. Pilots must be able to keep a cool head under pressure and thrive in a high-risk environment.
Research Division: Concerned with the discovery and classification of alien organisms, drug creation and testing, the discovery and classification of new diseases. Afforded a high degree of freedom and independence. Pilots must have a thirst for knowledge and a drive for exploration. Reticence and fear have no place in this role. You must be willing to venture in to new and unknown space if your research demands it. Once established, however, you will receive full support from Cryer Pharmaceuticals to pursue your research in any methods and down any avenues you wish. Creativity has always been at the forefront of Cryer Pharmaceuticals' success and we are no strangers to the concept of serendipitious discovery. We currently employ a large number of researchers in incredibly diverse roles and enjoy a strong reputation as the biggest financial supporter of independent research in the Sirius Sector.
Executive Division: Concerned with management, personnel, operations, marketing and finance. With the recent management change at Cryer Pharmaceuticals, and several long-time staff members reaching retirement age, Cryer is currently seeking outside recruitment for various senior management positions. Only the strongest and sharpest business minds will be accepted, and a strong background in business or as an independent entrepeneur is almost essential. When in space you will have the onus of representing the entire Cryer Pharmaceuticals company and must have the drive, initiative and responsibility necessary for this high-pressure role.
Naming conventions:
Cryer| Escort, Executive and R&D divisions may go with their name: Cryer|Your.Name
Logistics and R&D may also name themselves after their ship. Cryer|Ship.Name
Cryer Pharmaceuticals is a company founded on innovation and creativity, and we endeavour to keep this spirit alive in all levels of our company. Therefore there is no enforcement of any naming style, and employees are encouraged to name their ships in a manner appropriate for themselves.
***Current Corporate Heirachy of Cryer Pharmaceuticals***
***An encrypted message transmitted to high-level employees of Cryer Phamaceuticals***
********** CLASSIFIED ********** Project Atka
Atka Research Station's position, far away from the jurisdiction of house police forces, enables it to conduct research that would be seen as unsavoury in house space. It is the basis for several Cryer Pharmaceuticals ventures which would not be possible in house space.
It is the current home of Max Cryer's other great legacy: Synthetic Marijuana. The product which made Max Cryer's fortune is still produced and distributed from this station, and continues to make billions annually off the books, laundered through recursive research grants, pharmaceutical sales to organisations without transparent records and front research companies and contractors. Employees in the Logistics Division with sufficient clearance to read this document are permitted to distribute this product on the black market.
Being at the forefront of research requires controversial methods. It is best to eliminate the controvery by not making the methods known. If you have the clearance to read this, however, you are trusted enough to assist in our most cutting-edge and exploratory investigations:
Gaian Wildlife: Although Cryer scientists from the Cambridge Research Station were occasionally allowed to visit Gaia and see the wildlife first hand, it was all extremely closely monitored. It is only now, with a steady stream of flora and fauna being brought off the planet, that the true research can begin. Because of the political controversy regarding Gaia, it is best to do this on Atka, away from the prying eyes of sympathetic journalists.
Cardamine, the Outcasts and Nomads: These three are all linked, it appears. Nomads are largely a mystery to us, but since the Nomad war, a handful of details have emerged. Cryer has recently discovered a jumphole into what is known as 'Nomad space,' a truly alien site. Researchers with the highest clearance are encouraged to investigate these strange new systems, but be warned that it is most likely as dangerous as it is fascinating. As for Cardamine and the Outcasts, the link between Cardamine and its anti-aging effects has yet to be determined. We have yet to harness it from out studies on the similar effect provided by Alien Organisms, so now we must look to Cardamine itself. Obtaining it, however, is incredibly difficult, as it is guarded zealously by the Outcasts. Outcasts themselves would also be a useful commodity to have access to, as they are all heavily addicted to the drug, and its physiological and psychological effects can be studied.
Atka Project Committee
Timothy Cryer
Richard White
Marcus Owen
Mark Van Patten
Roland Cryer
Reeve Palmer (Head of Research on Atka Research Station)
Alexander Tseng (Head of Security and Department of Investigations on Atka Research Station)
Logistics Division
Trading. Goods that sell high and buy low on Cryer bases or Planet Denver, and other commodities relating to cutting-edge science or technology. Don't worry, there's a bunch of high-profit routes available, and you get to fly the big transports.
I don't want to crack down on all commodities and have some fascist RP, but I also don't want Cryer transports hauling light arms or engine components between two bases that have absolutely nothing to do with Cryer. Also, if involved in less-legal work, don't get caught. But, if you do get caught, don't try and bribe your way out of it or run away. It was a one off shipment for critical research purposes, remember? It wont happen again, of course, but it's imperative it reaches its destination! Pay fines promptly if demanded and don't get a reputation for smuggling for the faction. The only illegal commodities you should really be transporting are Synthetic Marijuana and Gaian Wildlife; which we will look in to acquiring the necessary licences for where available anyway.
Allowed Ships:
Rhino
Dromedary
Grizzly
FR-2302-K
Camara
Armored Transport
Transport
Large Transport
Mammoth
Train
Borderworlds Transport
Large Train
Advanced Train
Mastodon
Security Division
Escorts. You know that bit. But also rather nefarious activities on the sly. Basically, we hate outcasts. We want to chop them up and steal their drugs. I always thought corporate escorts kind of got the shaft so I wanted to make them fun for Cryer. Killing Outcasts will get you an internal 'bounty' payment (escorts make money too hoooray), but chiefly, you want to be interdicting Cardamine shipments. The Sigmas are a thoroughfare for Cardamine smuggling. Get in your 'escort' ship, find a transport to come with you if you can, and go find people smuggling Cardamine out of Beta. Stop them and insist they drop all their cargo. Feed them SNs if they say no. If they say yes, then tractor what you can carry, destroy what you can't (tis filth after all) and then take what you got back to Atka for 'research purposes' (profit). Basically envisioning this stuff happening in the Sigmas (Sigmas are out of the way, Cardamine comes through the Sigmas, Atka is in the Sigmas, the Sigmas are pretty dead activity-wise) but if you want to fly around Liberty shooting Outcasts for the glory of Cryer Pharmaceuticals then knock yourself out. Don't go crazy with the anti-outcast stuff though. Beta is okay, but don't go past Ruiz. There are some high-end pharmaceuticals purchase points in and around Coronado, so maybe catching cardamine smugglers at that end is feasible too. But hauling cardamine all the way from Coronado to Atka is a no. Just destroy it. But yeah, no Alpha.
Cryer ID and Researcher ID both permitted. Chiefly research into Alien Organisms, Nomads, Cardamine/Outcasts, Gaia/Gaian Wildlife and perhaps Gallia. For people who want their researchers tenured and their RP focused!
Executive Division
'Leaders' essentially. Represent the company in diplomacy and the like. Will probably be largely members of the actual Cryer family. If the RP fits, more than possible for a character to be both Executive and also Research and Development.
These last two are just vehicles for individual RP, and I want to be fairly loose with restrictions. There's a fair few researchers doddering about doing their thing, and I'd like some under the Cryer banner I guess. You don't have to spend all day in Theta shooting alien organisms. Just run wild, chase your RP all over Sirius. Executives obviously shouldn't be getting themselves killed or other daft activity, but should have enough independence and responsibility to try and open diplomacy with various factions, or just go get drunk on the Hawaii and crash in to Ogashawa, whatever.
Research & Development and Executive Allowed Ships:
Armored Transport
FR-2302-K
X-Shuttle
Grizzly
Yacht
Kusari Luxury Transport
All the allowed ships are more general use and guideline than set in stone. If you have a decent reason and a reasonable demand, you can fly something else if you have your heart set on it. Researchers and such I am expecting to do their thing in all weird manner of ships, and that's cool. And the various delineations of roles aren't that set in stone either. You can be a trader and also a researcher, an escort and also an executive, an executive and a researcher and a trader all at once, whatever. Don't want to be Mr Restriction. Just don't be the Vice President of Public Relations and get caught with 5000 units of synth weed or something.
Things I would like feedback on:
ZoI: Cryer seems to have a pretty far-reaching ZoI compared to other house corporations, being the only one, in my knowledge, with a presence/stake in the Omicrons. In my view, Cryer traders would travel to Freeport 9 in the Omicrons, and the 'open' bases in Omicron 74, whilst Researchers would also continue into Kappa and Delta, but definitely not Minor or Gamma.
We'd stay out of Gallia, at least until the beta is over and these things can be hammered out, because I can see some interest in sending some researchers there in the future. But off limits for now at least.
I'm not exactly sure on Rheinland, but I'm guessing 'no' for now. Liberty corps have the benefit of being written first, and therefore have a lot of corporations that are kind of pan-sirius rather than Liberty, specific. So Cryer, for example, makes all the drugs in sirius. But still, it has a dark history with Rheinland and Rheinland and Liberty are at war after all. Staying out until further notice (except for sneaking in and running off with Advanced Trains of course. sorry about that). Otherwise, fairly lenient. We wont be parading through the edge worlds or guard systems, but I think it's safe to say people know the way through Omega 5 by now.
I could do with some feedback regarding Omicron 74. I understand it's a guard system, but I don't know who is in charge of it, and how much freedom is allowed within it. I've heard varying opinions. Sparta Station aside, all the bases sell commodities that Cryer has a strong interest in (Alien Organisms, Human Organs, Bio Neural Processors) not to mention that getting to Kappa involves either going through 74 or Gamma (and that is 'no' for so many obvious reasons)
Commodities traded: Like it or not, about half of the goods Cryer has business moving around are illegal. That puts them in a weird spot as a house corporation. I can't roleplay the company properly without transporting these goods, but also, it doesn't look good for a house corporation to get caught smuggling. I mean obviously it would be done through holes and asteroid fields, not gates and lanes, but still, I'd like some feedback about it.
Bounties: Was thinking of posting bounties on Outcasts in the Sigma systems, Omicron Theta and possibly Omicron Beta. Reason being 'kidnapping' as much as killing I suppose. Beta feels pretty invasive, but base rumours confirm that Cryer does know where it is. So I guess I'd like some feedback on that.
General anti-outcast behaviour: It's no secret that escorts for corporations are normally pretty boring and as a result, pretty rare. The extremely anti-Outcast stance of Cryer, and the stuff in the IDs about demanding Cardamine from traders, even the stuff about allying with Corsairs against Outcasts, makes me think of the Cryer 'Security Division' as a standalone unit, with things to do other than just escort traders. They could hunt Outcasts in various places, but specifically near Atka, and a Roc with a transport in tow could even steal cardamine shipments and take them off to Atka to be analysed. If the Corsairs were in a fight with the Outcasts in the Sigmas or Theta or somewhere close, I don't think it would be unreasonable for a Cryer eagle or two to go in and try and kidnap an Outcast. But I understand that these are all fairly big steps for what is ostensibly a corporation's escort division, so I'd like some feedback on this. Obviously this wont be a big thing. One ship would be a rare sight, there's definitely not going to be a Cryer fleet swarming into Eta and unbalancing some Corsair/Outcast fight or anything.
Faction relations feedback:
Didn't want to write up anything at all really without running it by people first. Don't want to claim friends and enemies without checking in with them, you know?
Basically, the vast bulk of it will be extremely obvious and prosaic, something like this:
Allied: None, possibly Planetform.
Friendly: Police, Navies, corporations
Neutral: Basically everything.
Unfriendly: Pirates and all their ilk, Rheinland police, navy and corporations, dirty junk-selling thieves.
Hostile: Outcasts
Cryer is pretty divorced from general house business. I mean, it's a Liberty corporation with no bases in Liberty. I don't think it would really have any allies. Planetform possibly, since they work together on a few things (Alien Organisms for California Minor and Harris, Gaian Wildlife for Atka, they're both working on 'fixing' planet Carlisle).
Cryer are just too damn seedy to be allies with anyone truly lawful, but still too civilised and middle class to be friends with any unlawfuls. Maybe Interspace Commerce is a good fit?
Factions that aren't quite what you'd expect:
Zoners: Friendly. Because of Freeport 9, basically, and potentially Omicron-74, I would have these as friendly.
Samura: Friendly. Isolationist they may be, but Atka and Kurile's geographic proximity, the research they are both doing on AOs, Atka buying a whole bunch of AOs from Kurile etc, makes me think these two would probably be quite friendly with each other.
Hogosha: Neutral. Once again, they might be disliking foreigners and all that, but these two groups will run in to each other a fair bit - Atka is right in the middle of the Artifact smuggling route, for one. They both have a magnificent hatred of Outcasts, they both get on well with Samura (obviously this depends on the Samura relationship being approved of. I guess the two kind of help each other out legitimacy-wise), and Atka, and Cryer shippers, are the quickest and easiest/safest/most legal way for Kabukicho to sate its Human Organs obsession. Plus I suppose they'd like a steady supply of medicine and pot. Obviously I'd like to RP this out with the BDS, in game or on the forums, but I think it would be a nice touch to make diplomacy a little bit more interesting. Related factions: Gaians - very unfriendly or hostile because of the gaian wildlife thing. Farmers Alliance - Unfriendly. Torn between the gaians' hatred and the hogosha's business deals and neutrality, and their own dislike of foreign corps. Basically, if they find a Cryer carrying things for the Hogosha, they'd probably let them go? Otherwise, they'd do their thing I guess. Are Cryer even allowed to land on Kabukicho? I mean, Hogosha aren't exactly unlawful, but I'll accept it if not.
Corsairs: Neutral. Still going to pirate you of course, but I think the high-up Corsairs and high-up Cryers would know each other vaguely, and assist in general outcast-harassing. No 'Cryers in Gamma' nonsense.
Just general feedback too. Seems like on the whole, people like corporation factions, and they like NPC factions being represented. Cryer is one of the last of these left free. But I didn't just want to make it another trading faction; an excuse to fly 5k transports around shipping whatever we wanted. I mean yes, 5k transports are available, and yes we will probably make a lot of money trading (we have some juicy routes, legal or no), but I wanted something a little more fun. Cryer has a LOT of unlawful things going on, moreso than most house corporations, so there's some interest to be had there. I didn't want to brush it under the rug and act like it never existed, only focusing on the elements of the company I wanted. I thought it better to embrace it and try and make something new and interesting with it, but also not too controversial or really game-changing in any way. Plus the Researcher ID seems to have been well received by quite a few people, and I think Cryer, as one of, if not THE main researching corporations in Sirius (both of its bases have the word 'Research' in), could work well with this. People who wouldn't be interested in Cryer otherwise might want to make a Researcher and RP that angle, and that's cool. And maybe independent Researchers who feel a little aimless could join Cryer to focus their efforts and guide their RP. They're not just interested in Alien Organisms, and the ZoI precedent gives them a lot of researching to to. Nomads, Alien Organisms in the Omicrons, Outcasts, Cardamine, Planet Carlisle, even Gallia's technological advances are just some of the obvious choices.
Basically I've tried to set it up with a whole lot of options, so that anyone even vaguely interested in Cryer can find something they want to do, or even someone with no interest at all. I've tried to incorporate elements that will appeal to all playing styles, having Cryer Pharmaceuticals as a banner under which all sorts of activities can be done by all sorts of players. I hope there isn't anything too offensive in there, but if there is, that's what this thread is for!
I must say, I like it. I've always thought Cryer to be one of the more interesting corporate factions, with its semi-lawful smuggling and the whole 'amoral scientist' angle, the 'seediness' that makes it stand out from the various corporations who are just money-makers.
I like the route you're going with a more proactive 'Security Division". No one wants to just wait around for someone else in your faction to log a transport. Giving them goals and freedom of their own, along with the inherently wide ZoI of Cryer, makes them an attractive option.
About Omicron-74: I'm pretty sure no one 'owns' it anymore, since the faction which did dissolved some time ago. But even when it was owned, the Freeport was a Freeport, and open to friendly visitors. An official IC request to the Zoner Council wouldn't be amiss, but I don't think access will be a problem.
Calvert: Well, I've been colluding with Lameos since I started thinking about this, I think I even lifted text pretty much straight from that thread. If you want to be a part of this that would be very cool.
Ktayn: Thanks, less huge logo edited in.
Reavengitair: Yeah I stole the title and subject line because I wanted the exact same thing you guys had in that thread. If it aint broke!
As for the liberty supertransport, I thought I included it. I don't know the names for all the transports so well, but I thought it was Mastodon. Corrections welcome!
Both Mastodon and Advanced Train are fine for the big ones I think, since they're pretty much the least 'Liberty' Liberty company. A Mastodon going through Omicron Theta is a bit weird I thought, so I personally have a train. But I think either is fine. Potentially even some others. I don't want to restrict the ship line too much.
Drake: Thanks. Basically all the stuff that appealed to you is the stuff that appealed to me too. The escort thing was something I've thought about for a while. There's a Daumann escort who's always around in Rheinland fighting my various LWBs VFs and RHAs, and to me that was just cool. Not a merc, not police or army. Different and interesting. Plus, the line in the ID about demanding Cardamine be jettisoned from ships is just begging to be utilised. I mean it's there for a reason right?
As for 74, Yeah I was hoping to open up some diplomacy, since they have quite a presence in the area around Atka, which is otherwise fairly dangerous, and the partial use of 74 would be beneficial for us.
My ultimate goal is to get all the names on the heirarchy thing switched out for real players. My hope is that the 'outside directors' box would be taken up by senior executives from other player factions. Wouldn't really expect them to do much really, mostly just as an RP ornament that would, in my opinion, be pretty cool. It would also be a way to promote ties, if say we could get a CEO from some Zoner company (who could it be?!) or a Samura exec on the board or something.
I'll prolly read the whole thing once I have had something to eat, until then, change the logo, the horizontal test tube reminds me of something naughty, well, actually, several naughty things, but they are all based on the same concept...
![[Image: cryer_logo.png]](http://bradius.net/freelancer/cryer_logo.png){kind=logo}
![[Image: cryer.png]](http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff37/Wulong_Album/Freelancer/cryer.png)
![[Image: 4986_s.gif]](http://signavatar.com/4986_s.gif)
![[Image: obec.png]](http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk162/MarvinCZ/BAF%20Sig/obec.png)
![[Image: l2gnAQh.png]](https://i.imgur.com/l2gnAQh.png)
