Motto: Vincere aut mori ("To conquer or die")

There are as many rumors about the origins of ISF, as there are vampires in the world. While its inception is not certain for the masses, what is certain is that ISF was the brainchild of Emperor Lysander.

 

The truth of the origins has been buried over the centuries, with only the most ancients really in the know. The ISF’s roots go back deep, all the way to the Roman Era. Lysander based them on two Roman organizations, the Arcani and the Cohortes Urbanae (Latin: urban cohorts).

The Arcani, perhaps the grandfather of the human intelligence services, was a secret Roman Imperial intelligence organization of scouts, spies, and informants. The Arcani kept an eye on the barbarian frontier. According to the historians, they had to be eventually disbanded during the Barbarian Uprising. The Emperor knows this not to be the case though.

 

The Urban Cohorts on the other hand was a heavy-duty urban police force that superseded the Vigilantes, and quelled street gangs and roaming mobs; the heavily armed warriors enforced the law and order in the ancient Roman cities. Separate from the Legion, they still could fight alongside the Roman Legions in emergency situations.

During WWIII, the ISF had the distinction of acting as central intelligence for the supernatural community, monitoring intelligence reports on the human militaries, and resistance moves and surveilling their own supernaturals for any signs of potential treachery or power grabs within the ranks. The ISF also took over the policing of surviving humans in supernaturally controlled territories.

If the supernatural armies were the hammer during the war, the ISF was the anvil. During the war, Emperor Lysander used the might of the supernatural legions to crush the disparate human militaries beneath their heels. Once victorious in an area though, he used the ISF to keep the occupied human zones quelled, once the legions moved on to continue fighting.

 

In the days following the close of World War III, the ISF reinvented itself, acting not only as the personal guard of Emperor Lysander, but as an internal policing agency and the first line of defense against the remaining Human rebels. The ISF today is a supernatural run paramilitary organization with law enforcement and intelligence roles.

 

NOTE: The Emperor’s army is separate from the ISF and is not currently present in the city. Though some veterans do retire to the area or join up with ISF. The army only gets called in during the direst of emergencies. If they do come, it's usually not good for anyone. The emperor has used his armies to cleanse entire cities of both supernatural and mortals in the past. Everyone is understandably a little nervous when the legions are on the march. Currently, the supernatural cohorts are garrisoned or deployed around the world conducting a variety of military actions, training exercises, counterinsurgency, and “peacekeeping” operations, where the ISF has needed support. Many places remain unstable around the world. The Emperor also knows that there are far more dangerous things than the human insurgents and biker gangs in the wastelands. Something he has been preparing his army for.

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Kaho'olawe and the Hawaiian Islands

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Political Climate - The Hawaiian islands are considered contested territory between Consul Zola and Consul Nassir. Given the fact that the Pacific is held firmly in Mer hands, it is imperative that the governors of the islands stay alert to the potential for enemy agents and maintain/court diplomatic relations with the Mer pods charged with protecting the area. 

 

ISF Presence - While the ISF on the Islands are charged with, and subjected to, the same duties and standards as every other Regime city, the methods they employ are considerably different.

 

Mission - Maintaining the security and defense of the members of the Regime is a primary function. At the same time, the local ISF offices are charged with locating and neutralizing foreign enemy agents and monitoring the Mer political climate for signs of rebellion. 

 

Uniform Standards - Wardens/Governors Guard/Office Personnel: ISF Wardens are expected to maintain the Regime uniform standards while on duty. The visual presence of ISF Wardens affords the population a sense of security.

 

Interrogators, Analysts, Counter Intelligence and technicians - While on duty either within the  ISF offices or  when attending official/formal functions, all ISF Intelligence personnel will maintain the uniform standards expected by the Regime. Agents currently undercover will not break the altered uniform standards for their operation (Plain Clothes) unless expressly ordered to do so. 

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ISF Racial breakdown:

The upper echelons of ISF, and the roles of Agent and Interrogator are entirely composed of Vampires. Shifters and the occasional bonded Witch fill the roles of Aides and ground forces. While there are some humans, deemed to be loyal, employed with the ISF they are regulated to the role of the office and technical support. Humans also serve in the Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services, usually with supernatural supervisors.

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Sections:

Imperial Guard - The Imperial Guard act as the personal escort and security detail for the Emperor and his council. The only time they are seen outside of the capitol is when accompanying either Emperor Lysander, or his Councilors while traveling. The Imperial Guard, unlike the other sections of the ISF, is almost entirely composed of Shifters.

Governors Guard - Responsible for the personal security details for the Governor and Questor of the region. On this level, the council is expected to secure its own security personnel, should they require it. As with the Imperial Guard, the Governor's guards tend to be composed of Shifters. Each Guard detail is run by a Shifter holding the rank of Captain.

 ISF Wardens - Wardens are the most visible of the ISF personnel, filling both the role of policing vampire territories and as the first line of defense. Both Vampires and Shifters can fill the role of ISF Warden. ISF Wardens are the paramilitary law enforcers or Gendarmerie, they focus on policing in areas, where traditional police would not be able to handle the situation. The ISF focuses on law enforcement, internal security, peacekeeping, counterinsurgency, and regime stability. They do everything from check papers or the street, raid houses, hunt down escaped human slaves, or go in well-armed teams to scout or deal with the occasional nuisance in the wastelands.

ISF Intelligence – Intelligence is used by the ISF to accurately discover, identify, track, target, and neutralize internal and external threats to the Emperor and his people. Intelligence is gathered and processed through agents, analysts, and other technical means. The roles include agents, analysts, and technicians.
 

Agents – “Hello, Mr. Anderson.” Agent Smith

Intelligence Agents are completely composed of Vampires. Intelligence Agents are critical to ISF's ability to proactively mitigate risks. An Agent can be plain clothed, uniformed, or wear a suit depending on the role at the time. A mix of spies and detectives, the agents conduct what was once called Human Intelligence or HUMINT -  intelligence gathered by means of interpersonal contact, a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human/supernatural sources.

The agents are known for listening to your conversations at the café or bar, investigating crimes, running informants, and hunting down rogue supernatural, escaped slaves, and rebel humans. Agents can have a formal chat with you in their office or come into your bedroom in the middle of the night, with a handful of ISF troopers, for a more informal chat.
 

           There are three types of specialized agents: the Interrogator, Analyst and the Counterintelligence Agents.

Interrogator –  ISF Interrogators are charged with questioning witnesses, suspects, and criminals with the intent of learning the truth of a situation. Unhindered by the restrictions placed by human governments, ISF interrogators are renowned for employing any means necessary to get what they want. A vampire Interrogator is one of the most feared ISF agents. For everyone knows they may be the next person interviewed. Subtle or harsh, few get out of a session with a vampire interrogation without hidden secrets plied from their minds. The ISF provides Mind Witches for interrogation purposes. However, the use of a Mind Witch in this capacity MUST be approved by the Praetor and the witch must be monitored at all times.
 

Counterintelligence Agents (CI) - Almost as feared as the interrogator, the CI Agent is the Internal Affairs of the ISF. While an Agent may investigate threats, the CI Agent looks for internal threats in the ISF. Everything from dirty wardens to possible spies, the CI Agent uses paranoia like a well-honed weapon.

Analysts – They analyze information and allow ISF to understand, mitigate, and help agents and others neutralize threats. Intelligence analysts engage in work ranging from counterterrorism to organized crime, and beyond. Analysts gather, assess, predict, track, and disseminate. One of the few jobs a human is allowed to do is the intelligence gathered through various means. Someone has to compile all the information. Otherwise, it's just mountains of data. Analysts also help pinpoint where to conduct future operations and seek further intelligence gathering. Particularly bright humans and witches are allowed to be (or sometimes forced to be) analysts.

Technicians – “I’ve been in the van for 15 years, Harry.”
 

Techs operate equipment and make sure that equipment operates. Whether it is keeping the computer working, the camera in the van running, or the UAVs flying over the Wastelands, the techs are vital to ISF, if often overlooked. Humans are allowed into this position.

Support and Office Personnel - almost entirely human, they undergo intensive background checks and interrogation via magical means before being allowed within the ranks. They are responsible for the filing of reports and the menial day-to-day tasks required to keep the ISF running smoothly.

Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services – Technically NOT ISF, they are, however, overseen by ISF.  Often human but with supernatural supervisors. These heroes perform the same functions they did before, during, and after the war. They are still respected by both supernatural and human beings for doing vital tasks. Treated a little better than others, firefighters go through background checks and are often closely watched.

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Imperial Guard Commander: Jorgen, bound wolf of Emperor Lysander.

        The details attending each member of the consul are led by their bonded Shifter.

Victor - The bound Bear Shifter and commander of Consular Zola's detail.
Olivya - The bound Wolf Shifter and commander of Consular Nassir's detail.
Markus - The bound Lion Shifter and commander of Consular Holstein's detail.

                                                   Weapons, Armor and Equipment

- All of the weapons provided by the Crimson Regime to both ISF and Military personnel are powered by Magitech. These weapons no longer require ammunition to fire and have a significantly increased range and damage distribution. Use of such weaponry requires one to be a Registered Citizen, a member of the ISF, or military, and authorization to carry. Use of Magitech weapons requires all of the above.

- Armor provided to the ISF and Military allows for the repulsion, and in some cases, reflection of attacks made on personnel. Magitech has allowed for such armor to be woven into government issued uniforms and nearly undetectable. Government issued armor requires one to be a Registered Citizen, a member of the ISF, or military and authorization. Triggering Magitech armor is impossible without all of the above. Magitech armor reduces all damage by half and immediately reports the damage, location, and identity of the wearer.

Lie Detector: With a short ritual then touching the shoulder of a human or individual that is the same or lower level than the mind mage is and focusing, the mind mage can act as a living lie detector for the length of a scene. The individual may attempt to resist, and the more anxious or unruly they are, the more difficult the reading will be. For this reason, one often includes anointing the target with mer saliva within their ritual, as it will keep the target calm and make for a more accurate feeling about what is being said. As long as the hold upon the individual is continuous, the mind mage will instinctively know if what is being said is the truth or a lie. The way this occurs is different for every witches, usually occurring as a ringing in their ears for either the truth or the lie, a buzzing feeling through their fingers, or the sight of a particular character, etc.  If the target tells the truth but it is circular speaking or mean it in a different way that is being asked, it still rings as true, which makes the ability not entirely accurate. However, higher level witches are more perceptive about such things and can note discrepancies in their readings, such as a waver in a tone or a fluctuation in color. Powerful mind mages are often summoned by the ISF to assist in interrogations, then given a small boost in their stipend that week for the work. Owned witches do not receive the credits, which are instead given to their vampire master to do with as they please. (once a day)

 

ISF Uniform Standards

 

Governor:

Toxic Remnant Uniform - Jacket, Pants, Boots. (May add a cloak, or long coat, at your leisure)

 

Jacket: White, Lanyard: Gold, Crossbelt: On, Black, Button: Gold, Belt: Black (Buckle Gold)

Shirt: White, Tie: Black

Pants: White

Boots: Black

Vampire:

 

Toxic Remnant Uniform* - Jacket, Pants, Boots. (You may add a cloak, or long coat, at your leisure)

 

Commanders: Preator, Deputy Command, Section Chief

 

Jacket: Black, Lanyard: Gold, Crossbelt: On, Red, Buttons: Gold, Belt: Red (Buckle Gold)

Shirt: Red, Tie: Black

Pants: Black

Boots: Black

 

Officers: Lieutenant, Captain, Major

 

Jacket: Black, Lanyard: Silver, Crossbelt: On, Red, Buttons: Silver, Belt: Red (Buckle Silver)

Shirt: Red, Tie: Black

Pants: Black

Boots: Black

 

ISF Agents: (Includes office personnel)

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Jacket: Black, Lanyard: Black, Crossbelt: On, Red, Buttons: Black, Belt: Black (Buckle black)

Shirt: Red, Tie: Black

Pants: Black

Boots: Black

Shifters:**

Toxic Remnant Uniform* - Jacket, Pants, Boots. (You may add a cloak, or long coat, at your leisure)

 

Governor's Guard Captain

 

Jacket: Black, Lanyard: Gold, Crossbelt: On, Black, Buttons: Gold, Belt: Black (Buckle Gold)

Shirt: White, Tie: Black

Pants: Black

Boots: Black

 

Governor's Guard: (Shifter Sheriff and Warlord both serve here. Rank: Lieutenant)

 

Jacket: Black, Lanyard: Silver, Crossbelt: On, Black, Buttons: Silver, Belt: Black (Buckle Silver)

Shirt: White, Tie: Black

Pants: Black

Boots: Black

 

Officers: (Shifters may not be officers, barring the Governor's Guard)

 

ISF Agents: (Includes office personnel)

Jacket: Black, Lanyard: Silver, Crossbelt: On, Black, Buttons: Silver, Belt: Black (Buckle Silver)

Shirt: Black Tie: White

Pants: Black

Boots: Black

 

Humans: (Humans who are not bound to a vampire may only serve as office personnel and cannot be armed. Bound humans may serve as either office personnel OR ISF Agents and may carry a sidearm)

 

Unbound Humans:

Toxic Remnant Uniform* - Jacket, Pants, Boots.

Jacket: Blue, Lanyard: Black, Crossbelt: On, Black, Buttons: Black, Belt: Black (Buckle Black)

Shirt: White, Tie: Black

Pants: Blue

Boots: Black

 

Bound Humans:

Toxic Remnant Uniform* - Jacket, Pants, Boots.

Jacket: Blue, Lanyard: Silver, Crossbelt: On, Black, Buttons: Silver, Belt: Black (Buckle Silver)

Shirt: White, Tie: Black

Pants: Blue

Boots: Black

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Witches: (Witches work in an auxiliary capacity with ISF or as Office personnel only. They may NEVER carry sidearms. Witches cannot be officers or Agents)

 

Toxic Remnant Uniform* - Jacket, Pants, Boots.

Jacket: Red, Lanyard: Black, Crossbelt: On, Black, Buttons: Black, Belt: Black (Buckle black)

Shirt: White, Tie: Black

Pants: Red

Boots: Black

 

Mer: (Mer working for the ISF cannot hold the rank of officer. They can, however, be either office personnel or Agents)

 

Toxic Remnant Uniform* - Jacket, Pants, Boots.

Jacket: Grey, Lanyard: Black, Crossbelt: On, Black, Buttons: Black, Belt: Black (Buckle black)

Shirt: White, Tie: Black

Pants: Grey

Boots: Black

 

* Females may opt to wear the skirt that comes with the uniform.

** Shifter Elders attending council meetings in the Government building must wear the uniform even if they are not serving directly in the ISF.

 

Jacket: Black, Lanyard: Silver, Crossbelt: On, Black, Buttons: Silver, Belt: Black (Buckle Silver)

Shirt: White, Tie: Black

Pants: Black

Boots: Black

 

For more information see TECHNOLOGY

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                                                                                          Rank

Praetor (Also known as Commander) - For each city in the Empire, the ISF is headed by the Praetor. The Praetor acts as the Keeper of the law. This office is selected by the Quaestor, or if none are currently in the area the Governor. Only the Governor can veto a selected vampire. Once elected it is the job of the Praetor to oversee the protection of all within the Governor’s territory, as well as ensure the laws of both the territory and Consul are upheld.  They may execute law-breakers without trial, so long as they are unable to bring them in alive. Their word is the law when the Governor or Quaestor isn’t present. They are in equal rank to those on the Magister and are often one of them to ensure laws are correctly carried out.

Deputy Commander - The Deputy Commander is second in command to the Praetor with the auspices of the ISF. Generally speaking this individual will be handling the day to day running of the ISF under the supervision and direction of the Praetor.

Section Chief - The Section Chief is responsible for the day to day running of his or her area of concern, assuring the smooth operation that the Empire is known for. In larger cities, each section can expect to have a Chief. In smaller cities, or those without a need for such things, the Commander appoints a Section Chief as needed. (In some cases, the Governors, and even counselors, have appointed these individuals.)  Section Chiefs hold the rank of Major.

 

Sections within the Kaho’olawe offices:

 

Wardens

Office Personnel (This includes technicians)

Special Operations:

      Field Agents

      Interrogations

      Analysts

Emergency Services

The singular exception to this policy is with regard to the Governor's Guard. The Governor's Guard is composed entirely of Shifters, the Shifter in Command holding a rank no higher than Captain.

Captain - ISF Captains oversee and execute commands handed down by the Section Chief.

Lieutenant - ISF Lieutenants work under the auspices of ISF Captain to assure smooth operation of mission and responsibility.

Sergeant - Sergeants in the ISF act as the bridge between ISF Agents and ISF Personnel and the Officers of the ISF. Sergeants are responsible for assuring that Agents and Personnel are in their assigned post and doing their job in accordance with ISF policy. Should a question, or concern, arise, it is the ISF Sergeant, and not the Agent, or Office personnel, who will address it with the Lieutenants and Captains should it be deemed necessary.

ISF Agent - These are the men and women filling the ranks of ISF Intelligence personnel and interrogators.

ISF Personnel - These are the men and women, generally humans or witches, working with the ISF in a support capacity.