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| “ | One time... a Maelstrom Ganger killed a young kid right in front of my eyes, for shits 'n' giggles. | „ |
| ~ Barry Lewis. |
The Maelstrom is an antagonistic organization from the Cyberpunk franchise. They are one of the many gangs operating in Night City, being mostly known for their obsession over cybertechnology and their urge to improve their weak flesh bodies. They are one of the most dangerous gangs in the city and are arguably the most violent.
Beliefs & Practices[]
Strong believers in transhumanism, the Maelstrom are obsessed with technology and cybernetics. As a consequence of this, almost all Maelstromers are either full on cyberpsychos or on the verge of becoming one. They are also fascinated with the Net, the occult, and the pursuit of otherworldly sensation. This combination of interests is manifested in the form of odd rituals involving the use of technology and illicit substances.
The gang also seems to have an affinity for nicknames.
Uniform & Clothing[]
Maelstrom members primary wear dark leather clothing, including jumpsuits, jackets, boots and jeans. Since most members of the gang are into extreme body modifications, they can easily be recognized by their monstrous appearance - especially their intimidating faceplates, hostile optic implants and sinister red eyes. Maelstrom's cyberware style not only serves as a way to affirm their beliefs and identity, but to also draw out anti-cyberware extremists.
Criminal Activity & Behavior[]
Since alot of its members suffer from cyberpsychosis, Maelstrom is far more violent than most gangs. Their public executions and manic fighting style further contributes for their reputation as a band of lunatics.
Besides the typical mass murders that are to be expected from a gang, Maelstromers will also sometimes use their victims as lab rats or toys for cyberware experimentation. Another characteristic that makes them stand out from other gangs is their personal rivalry and history with the Inquisitors, a cult that rejects the use of cyberware and opposes Maelstrom on an ideological level.
To combat the Inquisitors, Maelstrom will keep an eye out for them while on patrol and if the two gangs encounter each other, they will immediately engage in combat, even in cases where they were already fighting someone else.
Maelstrom's primary source of income comes from smuggling illegal meds and drugs. Among the products that they smuggled, a drug called "Numbness" is rummored to be among them - a medication for overstimulation that causes its users to enter a state of emotional emptiness.
They also sell guns, cyberware and equipment that they acquired by executing heists on guarded corporate transports, being even willing to steal from corporate giants like Militech. These heists are usually well planned and done with the help of insiders within the target corporations. For obvious reasons, Maelstrom has a large presence in the cyberware black market, buying and selling highly dangerous combat implants.
During a period of time following the Night City Holocaust, Maelstrom made money by selling scrap metal and other pieces of equipment found within the parts of the city that were destroyed or abandoned due to the nuclear explosion and/or its subsequent fallout. Instead of using their own, the gang mostly relied on scavengers to do the dirty work for them, sometimes letting them join the gang if they prove themselves worthy. Once the city recovered from the nuclear explosion, this source of income would become no longer available and Maelstrom would be forced to find new alternatives.
Another prominent source of income is the Totentanz club, the most popular gangster club and "drink&riot" venue in Night City. Totentanz is located in an abandoned hotel where other gangers go to party and listen to neo-death metal music as long as they obey Maelstrom's authority and customs. If a night at TTC has a body count of less than one dozen, it is considered crappy and boring.
The gang also performs assassination jobs, which they carry out in a brutal fashion - often leaving the target's body mutilated or dismembered. They are also involved in the production of snuff films in the form of black market braindance records.
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 Villains
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Arasaka Corporation NUSA Gangs & Criminals The Valentinos The Maelstrom Voodoo Boys Tyger Claws Animals Moxes Scavengers BARGHEST Others | ||