Shapers

Runners are a fractious and varied group. It’s nearly impossible to generalize about them, except to say that individuality is core to their identity. By definition they live outside the law, and as a consequence they mostly lead a solitary existence. They do not have overarching organizations or affiliations, or indeed much of anything that makes any one runner similar to another. They come from all walks of life, vary dramatically in skill sets, goals, and available resources, and don’t even have a dress code.

To others, Shapers seem like idealistic naifs. They’re not motivated by rage against the corporate injustice that is a daily fact of life for the underclass. They’re not in it for the money. Many never understand why Shapers do what they do, but it’s not actually very complicated. Shapers are motivated by curiosity and a certain amount of pride. A Shaper may orchestrate a data raid as underhanded and destructive as the most frothing Anarch, but his goals are different: the Shaper just wants to see if he can do it. Shapers are also tinkerers and builders, and they push their hardware and software beyond their limits.

Case Study: 14K

Founded in Guangzhou, China shortly after World War II by high-ranking members of the Kuomintang, 14K is the largest and most powerful of the Chinese triads. 14K’s criminal empire stretches from their headquarters in Hong Kong across the globe and out into the solar system thanks to their operations in Kampala, SanSan, New Angeles, and Heinlein. 14K has long been the world’s leading supplier of opiates, and they have their hands in illegal arms trafficking, money laundering, and counterfeiting. 14K has also positioned itself in the world of corporations and politics, especially in America. Marshall, Applewhite, & Dow, one of the biggest lobbying firms in South California, is one of many corporations with suspected ties to 14K. 14K in New Angeles is led by Li Cheong Hua, aka Charles Li, a man of great experience and power more commonly known simply as “Mr. Li.” Mr. Li rules large swathes of New Angeles’ underworld with an iron fist in a velvet glove, as both his allies and enemies say. Although he prefers negotiation—rarely using violence to attain his goals—he will not hesitate to make an example of someone if the situation calls for it. In these cases, his main enforcer, a sadistic killer known only as Tanaka, is sent to deliver 14K’s message.