Triple Helix (Sovereign City)

Triple Helix
Leader(s)	Maniac
Alliances	none
Rivalries	Freebooters, LORE

Founded in August 1976 by Vietnam veteran Manfred "the Man" Tucker and several old army buddies, Triple Helix began as a simple biker gang. All members, Tucker included, had been affected by the use of the "Rainbow Herbicides" during the war, which had mutated them into powered posthumans. Anti-establishment and angry at the world, they travelled up and down the east coast, but always considered Sovereign City - Tucker's hometown - to be their "base of operations".

During the mutant boom of the 1980s, membership in Triple Helix swelled to almost one hundred members, putting it on the FBI's watchlist as one of the most dangerous organisations in the country. By the end of the decade, Tucker had two promising lieutenants: Jason Eagan, also known as Maniac, and Robert Dawson, also known as Zephyr.

Maniac was a born mutant, and considered anyone with powers to be above the "low-genes" who made up the majority of the population. During his time in the gang, he grew more aggressive in his beliefs, to the point where Tucker frequently had to rope him back into line. As the only man Maniac respected, Tucker was the only one who could keep him under control.

Zephyr was an idealistic young man who had been mutated by an industrial mishap, and found refuge in Triple Helix. He often argued at length about the gang with Tucker, who argued back just as loudly. Gang members said that Zephyr became a lieutenant not just because of his talents, but so Tucker could keep an eye on him.

In 1992 Tucker was found, shot dead in a motel room, by state troopers. Maniac immediately pointed the finger of blame at Zephyr, and rallied most of the gang to his cause. Zephyr and his few followers fought back, but they were outnumbered and outpowered. Triple Helix took many casualties, with Zephyr missing presumed dead, and Maniac as undisputed leader of the gang.

Under Maniac's control, the gang shifted focus radically. Only those naturally born with powers would be able to join - those who gained theirs through accident or experiment were "cheats". Criminal activities became the norm, as Maniac preached the superiority of the mutant over the low-gene. Though the smallest gang in the city, they wrested control of Darwin Square from LORE, and later Fort Oppenheimer.

Key Members

Maniac

Present leader of Triple Helix and one of the most dangerous men in America. The exact extent of his powers is unknown, but known aspects include super-strength, invulnerability and atomic fire breath. His invulnerability seems to be variable, since he has a number of mutant power tattoos.

Cannon

Maniac's right-hand man and petty sadist, Cannon's power is to launch projectiles of pure kinetic force from his mouth. Although he can tear a truck in half with one shot, if necessary, his preferred method is a constant barrage of sub-lethal shots that eventually kill.

Murk

One of only two teleporters in the gang, and the only one who can transport more than just himself, Murk is much of Triple Helix's ticket out of prison. Because of the value Maniac puts on his services, and the value Murk himself puts on his own life, he is never seen in public.

Emerald

The only female lieutenant in Triple Helix, Emerald is Maniac's consort and (some would say) the brains behind the gang. She has the power to create solid green constructions with the durability of diamond, including armor and weapons for herself.