Needle Riders

Overview: The Needle Riders are a notorious street gang known for their ruthless control over the drug trade and their unmatched prowess in motorcycle handling. Their name comes from their primary mode of transportation—high-performance motorcycles—and their involvement in the distribution of a powerful, hallucinogenic drug called "Needle."
History: Formed in the 1980s in response to the economic decline of their urban neighborhood, the Needle Riders quickly established themselves as a dominant force in the local underworld. Originally a group of disenfranchised youth looking for solidarity and protection, they evolved into a feared and influential gang with connections to larger criminal organizations.
Hierarchy: The Needle Riders have a well-defined hierarchical structure: • The Warlord: The leader of the gang, known for their strategic mind and ruthless enforcement of loyalty. The Warlord makes all critical decisions and commands respect through fear and charisma. • Lieutenants: A group of trusted members who oversee various aspects of the gang's operations, such as drug distribution, recruitment, and enforcement. Each lieutenant has their own crew of loyal members. • Enforcers: The muscle of the gang, responsible for protecting their territory, collecting debts, and dealing with rival gangs. Enforcers are often the most physically imposing and violent members. • Riders: The rank-and-file members who handle day-to-day operations, including drug sales, transportation, and minor enforcement tasks. They are known for their skill on motorcycles and their willingness to take risks. • Prospects: New recruits who are on probation. They must prove their loyalty and value to the gang through various tasks and trials before being fully initiated.
Activities: The Needle Riders are involved in a range of criminal activities, but their primary focus is the drug trade. They manufacture and distribute Needle, a potent hallucinogenic drug that is highly addictive and has a loyal user base. Their activities include: • Drug Production and Distribution: They operate clandestine labs to produce Needle and have a sophisticated network for its distribution across the city. • Protection Rackets: The Needle Riders extort money from local businesses in exchange for "protection" from other gangs and criminals. • Illegal Racing and Betting: They organize underground motorcycle races, attracting significant bets and generating substantial income. • Arms Dealing: While not their main focus, they also deal in illegal firearms, supplying other gangs and criminals.
Symbols and Attire: Members of the Needle Riders are easily recognizable by their distinctive attire. They wear black leather jackets adorned with the gang's emblem—a stylized syringe entwined with a snake, set against a pair of crossed motorcycle handlebars. Many members have tattoos of the gang's emblem and other related symbols. During rides and public displays, they wear bandanas and helmets with intimidating designs.
Territory and Strongholds: The Needle Riders control several blocks of their urban neighborhood, marked by graffiti and territorial tags. Their main stronghold is a converted warehouse that serves as their clubhouse. The warehouse is heavily fortified and equipped with a garage for their motorcycles, a drug lab, and living quarters for core members.
Allies and Enemies: The Needle Riders have tenuous alliances with certain criminal organizations and corrupt officials who benefit from their drug trade. However, they have many enemies, including rival gangs, law enforcement, and community activists. Their most dangerous rivals are other drug-dealing gangs that vie for control of the lucrative market.
Influence and Ambition: The Needle Riders wield significant influence within their territory, instilling fear and demanding respect from residents and local businesses. Their ultimate ambition is to expand their control beyond their neighborhood, establishing a city-wide network that would make them one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the region. They are constantly looking for opportunities to expand their reach and eliminate competition.
Ambiance: The atmosphere around the Needle Riders is one of constant tension and volatility. Their presence is marked by the roar of motorcycle engines, the sharp scent of gasoline, and the pervasive undercurrent of violence. Their operations are shrouded in secrecy, with an ever-present threat of sudden, brutal enforcement against those who cross them.

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF MEMBERS: 85
ACTIVE LOCATIONS:

1. The Barrens 
2. The Narrows

MOST KNOWN FOR:

1. Heavily involved in drugs and burglary

RIVALRIES:

1. The Reapers

NOTES:

Type

Mercenary

Assumed Veterancy

Experienced