ParagonBrief descriptionParagon is, essentially, a fraternity comprised of individuals who wish to bring justice to New Manhattan and the nearby outer regions. It claims to be the right arm of all that is righteous, and its members (especially the higher-ups) are steadfast advocates of moral absolutism. It is the consensus among Paragon that through taking action against the dissolute, a greater humanity can prevail and earth itself can advance free of the rapacity prevalent in the current ‘society’.
The name ‘Paragon’ itself refers to a perfectly cut diamond – in this case, a symbol of spiritual and moral excellence. This excellence is constituted by an amalgamation of the typical desirable qualities such as valour, virtue, selflessness, etc.
Paragon sees these qualities to be at loggerheads with the sin and vice marring New Manhattan, and believe them to be irreconcilable. Ergo, crime syndicates and the like must be purged – through any means necessary. The nature of such cleansing is neither here nor there, for no matter how immoral (at face value) the methods are, the long term ends will more than justify the means. Take torture, for instance: If Paragon had to employ such a draconian method of punishment on, say, a band of slavers, it would be fit to do as those men will have curtailed the liberties of others to such an extent that deprivation of their own will be warranted, and it may just prevent such evil in the future.
Indeed, Paragon makes clear distinctions between right and wrong. Relativism is most certainly a philosophy they reject.
HistoryCurrently, Paragon’s HQ is situated in Central Square – the same building as when it was known as the Smithson Company, a mercenary company.
Kane Smithson headed Smithson Company, organising and distributing contracts and pay. He was a ruthless, immoral bastard who had no regard for human life, so long as it allowed him to rake in the caps. Due to the lack of a judicial institution, Smithson was let off Scott free for his crimes, irrespective of their gravity. Slaughtering entire families at the request of others? It mattered not, for his employees valued their pay (and life) too much. That was until Douglas Murray took a stance.
Douglas Murray, who now guides (read ‘leads’) Paragon, was the son of a priest before slavers seized their little monastery at what is now known as Liberty Lost. Murray’s father’s teachings often contained elements of militant fundamentalism, which explains his sense of morality and absolutism. Aided by their skill in firearms (which were taught at early age, for the obvious reasons one would expect in a nuclear wasteland), Murray, alongside a group of his closest friends, escaped via ferry to Manhattan Island.
Seeing their families and closest friends killed altered their view on life, jading it somewhat. Not willing to live a life of destitution, all fifteen of them –including Murray – applied for Smithson Company, not knowing its true nature. After proving their worthiness in combat, they were employed.
A few light contracts were accepted, though the group became increasingly disgusted at the brutal nature of the company. After a long string of events and careful planning, Murray and his entourage (with the backing of a few other Company employees) killed Smithson and assumed control over the company, changing it to Paragon.
Current situationParagon still generates revenue by accepting contracts from those who require their services. However, the contracts must be abide to a strict moral code – otherwise they shall be rejected. Whoever carries out the deed is rewarded with a fare share of the cut, depending on their financial situation at the time.
In doing so, Paragon effectively eliminates two birds with one stone (though they’d surely phrase it differently) in that justice is served and they gain the means (money) to continue doing so.
Although Murray certainly does not wish to depend so heavily on caps to survive, he realise it’s the only feasible way to ensure Paragon’s growth and influence. It also covers day to day necessities such as food and water, which Paragon supplies its members – a number that is ever increasing as Paragon accepts even those who are willing to fight for the right cause, but have no viable way to do so. These people are often refugees looking for shelter, which Paragon offers.
Paragon further profits by trading with vendors. Trading generally consists of selling surplus supplies of ammunition and weapons, some of which can be manufactured on sight (Smithson previously provided its own equipment), albeit to poor quality. Unsurprisingly, the aforementioned vendors must swear an oath (and in most cases sign a contract) to Paragon, promising to sell their wears if only it benefits the ‘right’ cause. Failure to uphold this promise, and the vendor will suffer the consequences.
Not all of this is to say that all of Paragon’s members are sanctimonious, holier-than-thou saints. A fair few are simply remnants of the Smithson Company who were apathetic toward the uprising, thus they took no part. They accept contracts and serve Paragon well enough, but do not endeavour to pursue its ideological desires.
Still, among most, the unwavering goal is to bring to an end the corruption of New Manhattan and establish Paragon as the source of power which presides virtuously over the region. From there, Murray and his followers are dogged in their belief that NM will prosper.
Well, here it is. Admittedly, there is a need for some more description of Paragon as an organisation; I haven’t even mentioned the separate branches yet. All that’ll come in time, though. Feeling rather tired, at the moment.
Hope this is all right, and I apologise if it’s difficult to read – there isn’t exactly a coherent structure here, I’ll be honest.
Of course, feel free to recommend any changes, etc. I’ll get on my character sheet soon enough.
» Sun Jul 17, 2011 4:28 am 
