CRA

The CRA are terrorists on a mission. Most say they've had their day - the cause they're fighting for ended twenty years ago, with the abolition of the English monarchy and the Commonwealth. But the CRA still hold the Queen close to their hearts, and are preared to fight to get her back where she "belongs".

Background

The CRA (Commonwealth and Republican Army) are a growing band of disaffected republicans who have joined in an attempt to restore the British monarchy to global dominance. They revel in reliving the glory days of the pre-WW2 years, when Britain ruled the oceans and a quarter of the planet. Since then, things have got steadily worse for the royal family... now they're reclusive figures, hidden away in Scotland. They say they accept the British public's decision - but the CRA know they're really just biding their time, waiting for the moment to return to power.

The CRA formed in around 2010 as a reaction to the formal dissolving of the monarchy in Britain, and the Commonwealth. The core of the group had, by that time, been in place for ten years, but it was not until then that they officially formed an opposition group. The CRA is made up of two parts - the legal, political wing, which has a small voice in the British Parliament, and the illegal, terrorist faction, which of course has no official links to its brother.

The CRA's main aims are to first restore the British monarchy to power at home, and secondly to restore the Commonwealth and all of her former colonies around the globe... and that includes the ISA. Thirdly, and finally, they look forward to the days when Britain will once again rule the globe.

America

The American wing of the CRA is one of the most active after the home wing. It is particularly influential on the east coast of the ISA and around the Caribbean, where many support a return to the Commonwealth to avoid the poverty they have endured since leaving. Cities such as New York and Washington, aswell as Miami to a lesser degree, have considerable CRA activity. In other ISA cities, they are less popular and are tolerated poorly. Denver, for example, is staunchly anti-Republican (in the sense of the British republic).

Nonetheless, CRA activity has increased dramatically in recent years, as they see the cybergeneration's rejection of the ISA as an opportunity to gain support. Indeed, large proportions of their newest members are young, disaffected youths, looking for a new purpose, something to fight for. Rads and Activists, for example, openly support the CRA cause.

CRA activities are mainly terrorist in nature. Although they support the political wing's endeavours, they believe in a more direct approach to ensuring the Americas are returned to British hands. Bombing, hostage-taking, organised crime waves - all the usual terrorist methods are employed. That should not be taken as meaning they are foolish, though. Like all the best campaigns, they are backed up by sound leadership and a well-organised propaganda machine. They choose their targets carefully, making sure to avoid angering powerful opponents or potential allies. In particular, they will go out of their way to protect the cybergeneration.

Smells like Teen Spirit

The CRA recognise that the young are their main bastion of support and their best hope of making an impact. Although the ISA is a tight regime, no-one can ignore massive rallies with thousands of corporate kids marching through the city centre. No-one can ignore nail bombs placed in the heart of the corpzone. No-one ignores the assassination of the mayor while he's stood making a speech.

A YoGanger in an average city, Night City being a good example, will most likely at some point come into contact with the CRA. Whether it be directly or through a friend, everyone knows the CRA targets the cybergeneration and as such it is hard to avoid them. Some gangs are more susceptible than others. For example, as previously mentioned, the Rads and Activists agree to some extent with the CRA's beliefs, while the Streetfighters, MegaViolents and Ninjas enjoy the rallies the CRA takes part in. The MobKids find that the CRA pays well for their work, while the Viggies and Guardians will no doubt come into opposition with them at some point.

Ideals

The CRA do not call themselves Republicans by accident. Although they would ideally like to see a monarchy, they realise that is unlikely, and support a republic instead. In this republic, the monarch would be head of state, in reality if not in name. The monarch would preside over the reformed Commonwealth which would include all former colonies, such as Canada, Australia, many Carribbean and African states, and most importantly, the ISA (or USA as it will be known).

Plotlines

There are many possible involvements players will have with the CRA. They could be sounded out as possible members, or at the very least asked for support. If players become too involved, things will quickly get out of hand - they'll be involved in really dirty work, with no option to just walk away. Their lives will be centred around the CRA until they find a way out - and it's inevitable a fourteen year-old kid will want to.

What would happen if the CRA decided to bomb the building where the player's parents work? Will they stick to their guns then, or will they turn against the CRA, risking instant execution? Betraying the CRA is no casual task - they hold grudges. If players stay by their sides, though, they will find that the CRA enjoy a luxurious life from their ill-gotten gains. Organized crime pays well, especially when some kids are doing all the work for you. A kid who proves his loyalty and worth to the organisation will be able to take advantage of this and live a charmed life.