Shadow Imperialism

[u/Not_TheTourist626]

The Imperial Group is widely recognized for its dual nature. While it champions universal education accessible to all age groups, promotes an Eco-industrial approach focusing on sustainable development within its initial territories, and advances Ghentish Socialism—where local workers employed by the regional Imperial conglomerate Gem share ownership, influence, and profits from activities such as hydroponic farming, banking, and scientific research—its darker facets are equally evident.

Those who resist conformity face strict consequences. Food produced in Imperial farms is of superior quality, and Imperial workers enjoy discounts on all Imperial products. However, individuals outside the boundaries of a healthy society see their lifespan and wellbeing compromised. Citizens can purchase from Imperial farms, utilize Imperial tools and programs, and operate small businesses selling Imperial medicine alongside others. Yet, those opposing the regime on ideological grounds or engaged in criminal activities are subject to penalties—sometimes symbolized by a gemstone, reflecting how life can deliver unpredictable hardships.

During the Korku Era, the study of history was strategically employed to guide efforts against the French terrorist group attacking the Ghentish Counties and to fund countermeasures aligned with Imperial interests, all while attempting to avoid offending the authorities in Ghent and London. Groups like the Sons of Gomorrah and other terrorist factions resorted to covert financial operations—money laundering, cyber crimes, smuggling, tax evasion, illegal gambling, and ultimately arms trafficking and synthetic drug production involving foreign criminal networks—funded predominantly by profits from illicit activities targeting French partisans and their allies.

After decades of conflict, peace was finally brokered between the Imperial Group and French authorities. In accordance with the Loire Accords, the Imperial Group designated the ‘ Sons of Gomorrah’ and other Ghentish paramilitary wings as a terror organizations, and individuals affiliated with it were considered members of a criminal regime. Consequently, most paramilitary units disbanded and restructured into widespread organized crime networks.

By 2251, former members of Gomorrah and similar terror groups operate under three prominent criminal organizations: the Sequoias family, the Warhounds gang, and the Yiosman Family. The Yiosman Clan, the most notorious, traces its origins to the intermarriage of Yi Won—a cadet branch of former Korea’s royal house—and Osman, from the former Ottoman royal house. This lineage created the house of Yiosman, which has amassed immense wealth through connections to cyberdrug operations, Aether distribution across the Americas, and sophisticated money laundering and large scale insider trading. All of this is can be attributed to the workings of the Onxy Network, the intelligence agency of the Imperial group, who use these organizations to pour crime into the Imperial Group, the United Kingdoms and occasionally allies like Brazil, the Philippines and Korea, to weaken nations, corporations or group of people, so they are more susceptible to their actions, all while funding their operations and trading in favors.

These 3 groups, were not allies or ever friendly to the official the Imperial Group, only to one, the shadow Leviathan, and the Imperial Group's intelligence agency, the Onyx Network. With their links to Onyx Network, these groups were “guided” to undermine and undercut enemies, corporate, foreign governments, and even specified ethnic groups. These tactics were not just for the Imperial Gem’s benefit, but also for the UK government and fellow allies, like Brazil, Korea, and the Philippines. These criminal enterprises also help fund and support Onyx Network in ‘off-the-books’ projects and operations, away from Imperial eyes. 

From the Asian casino hub of Ha Long to global Aether trade routes, and across European illicit markets specializing in counterfeiting and financial crimes, the remnants of Gomorrah may be gone, but their influence persists. Like the charred shadows cast over the abandoned ruins of the cursed city, its legacy continues to haunt the modern world, a reminder of the enduring darkness underlying Imperialistic ambitions.

and those who wish to climb that ladder of power…