MERC is an offshore holding company for several international private security firms and military contractors providing specialized security services to international corporations, governments, and VIPs, or at least that’s what they advertise. In reality they provide, highly trained, heavily armed muscle to anyone who’s will to pay their price. (It’s where many of the world’s criminal organization recruit their armies of henchmen from.) Persons, or organizations, wishing to make use of their services can be sure they will pay a hefty fee. Once their identity has been confirmed, through a long vetting process, a contract for services is negotiated and recruitment for their client begun.

MERC primarily recruits personnel with prior military, or paramilitary experience. Over the last few year, many of their recruits have come from eastern Europe, or from the former Soviet union. INTERPOL believes many of these recruits to be former elite troops such Soviet VDV paratroopers, or Spetsnaz special operations soldiers drawn in by the promise of high pay and the chance to put the skills they have learned to use.

In addition to providing routine foot soldiers, MERC also maintains a small cadre of power armored troopers. These troops are specially selected and trained in the use of their “Enforcer” power armor, and are trained to work in teams of five. Their current commander is the German mercenary, Warhead, who laid out the design specs for the suits. Both he and Ram Rod conceived the Enforcer troopers training program, and continue to refine it as they receive after action reports from the field.

In addition to their Enforcer power armor, MERC troops are equipped with some of the latest in hi-tech weaponry (purchased from the Foundry). MERC’s troops receive some of the finest training money can by, with several former special forces members, and the super villain Ramrod, acting as their instructors.

To ensure that captured troops can’t or won’t revel any information about their employers, a telepathic block and several hypnotic suggestions are placed within their minds. If captured and forced to talk, the block will stop all but the most powerful mind probes, and the suggestions will force them to forget everything since their employment.

At various times throughout its history MERC has made use of super powered operatives including Salvo, Deadeye, and Hammer, when they have deemed necessary. Although it’s also rumored that the mutant assassin, Bloodhawk (A former operative of the KGB’s Al’fa special operations unit, who now sells his services for profit.) was also once in their employ.

Known MERC subsidiaries include:

Strategic Security Services, International (S3I) - A Canadian based “security” company.

Command & Control (C2) - A South African consulting firm that provides “trainers” and “advisors” to foreign militaries.

Standard MERC trooper
Power Level: 3
Abilities: Str 13, Dex 12, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10
Skills: Climb 4 (+5), Drive 4 (+5), Intimidate 2 (+2), Knowledge (tactics) 4 (+4), Notice 2 (+2), Profession (soldier) 4 (+4)
Feats: Equipment 5, Teamwork 1
Equipment: MERC uniform (armored jumpsuit, + 3 Toughness; Gasmask; Flash Goggles; Commlink) (6 Points), XM-17 Pulse Rifle (blaster rifle, + 8 Damage) (16 Points), Knife (3 points) = 25 points
Combat: Attack + 3, Damage +1 (unarmed), +8 (rifle), Defense + 3, Initiative +2
Saving Throws: Toughness +4 (+1 without uniform), Fortitude +4, Reflex +1, Will +1

Totals: Abilities 8 + Skills 5 (20 ranks) + Feats 6 + Combat 13 + Saves 4 = 36

The Board of Directors

Currently composed of eleven members:

Warren J. Harding III - A former US Army Ranger who was dishonorably discharged for reportedly providing paramilitary training to several organized crime groups. Thanks to his family’s pull (they own Harding Shipping, one of the largest shipping companies in the US), the entire incident was hushed up.

“Major” Jerry Nottingham - A former Canadian Forces Major who was discharged for abusing prisoners during a UN peacekeeping mission. He’s currently the president of Strategic Security Services, International (S3I).

Henri Blanchard - A Corsican arms dealer with extensive contacts to various European underworld families. He’s currently wanted in France and Spain for supplying weapons to ETA, and the UK for supplying weapons to the IRA.

Col. Aleksandr Drevnerussky - A former KGB operative rumored to have extensive contacts with the Russian mafia. He still maintains strong ties to the current leadership of the FSB, Interior Ministry, and the Protectorate (Russia’s official super team).

Bryan de Klerk - A former South African Recce Commando and BOSS operative. He’s the current president and CEO of Command and Control (C2). C2 is rumored to be involved in everything from providing security for companies mining “conflict diamonds” to providing bodyguards to various dictators and strongmen.

Shamir Levi - A former Israeli Mossad agent, now operating as a mercenary. He’s wanted in Israel for his involvement in money laundering, embezzlement, and gun running scheme. He’s rumored to have provided the bodyguard training to many members of the Colombian and Mexican cocaine cartels.

Hans Kruger - A former intelligence operative for the East German Stasi. He has many contacts in the former Eastern Europe and with the various criminal organizations operating in them.

Col. Jason “Jack” Roach - A former officer with the Parachute Regiment. He has extensive service as a “military advisor” to several African countries. He’s reportedly been involved in several war crimes, but no solid evidence has ever been turned up against him.

Kanaye Watanabe - The former Japanese super villain “Steel Warrior”. He currently specializes in providing “high-power” (metahuman) muscle to the various Yakuza families.

General Ali Mohammed Al-Barak - A former officer in the Egyptian Army’s Special Forces reportedly with extensive ties to several middle eastern extremist groups, and criminal organizations

CPT. Jose Alejandro Rodriguez - A former member of the Argentine Army Special Forces, he’s known for his lavish lifestyle and fondness for the ladies. He’s also rumored to have been providing info to not only the CIA, but anyone willing to pay his price.

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