CAFC Tier-Based Assessment

The Combined Armed Forces Coalition (CAFC) uses a five-tier ranking system to categorize their empowered assets and threats. Records on all known Empowered individuals are kept in a secure storage device aboard the CAFC base. Records on deceased or missing Empowered are kept in a separate, equally secure storage device. Along with their ranking, the CAFC keeps records of official missions, military service, current and past residences and all known contacts. The tier system is used for official business among the DEW and CAFC only and affects threat level and pay grade of the individuals on it. All active Heroes receive a monthly stipend for their services, in addition for a payout for missions completed. The stipend increases with your tier, while the mission payout increases based on the difficulty of said mission.

All heroes are issued with a standard government smartphone. The cost of service and data are taken out of their monthly stipend. This phone can make calls from any country in the world while also logging all communication in and out. In addition, a secondary button shows their credentials on the screen; their Tier and Codename. High-ranking government officials and the Board of Directors of the DEW can input a code that reveals more detailed information, such as real name and address. This screen can somewhat customized for unique colors and a symbol unique to the Hero, but the information displayed cannot be changed. This phone is DNA-locked to the hero. Only those with the proper clearance, outside of the Hero, can access it.

In addition to the monthly stipend and rewards for an assignment completed, all Heroes receive permission to use their powers as they deem fit. Heroes have the full might of law enforcement behind them, rendering them capable of using their powers to fight crime in addition to their regular lives. As public representatives of their government, Heroes have the full support and resources of the CAFC and the United States and Canadian governments at their disposal, all of which can be used to solve a case. The higher Tier the hero is, the more information they possess, with Diamond-class Heroes having nearly unrestricted access to any information they need outside of heavily classified or top-secret documents, save for things directly connected to an assignment they may be on.

Hero Rankings

The Hero tiers go from five to one, with five being the lowest. All heroes, regardless of past achievements or powers, start at the lowest tier and work their way up. This can be done in a various ways, though there are three that are most common. First is completing officially sanctioned members offered by the DEW and CAFC. Along with the initial payment for completion of the mission, doing so can increase your tier. After a certain number of missions are complete, the Hero will move up a tier, increasing the monthly stipend he or she receives along with granting access to a wider and more difficult variety of missions. The second most common method is through deeds. If, during the course of a crisis or a mission, the hero shows themselves to a cut above the rest through acts of heroism, intelligence, or bravery, they can apply - or someone else can apply on their behalf - for a Tier increase. The third most common way is through representation. An upstanding citizen such as a senator or congressman, high-ranking military official, or well-respected Hero can vouch for the Empowered individual and potentially increase their Tier, subject to approval by the DEW.

Tier 5 - Copper Class

Tier 5 Empowereds are the vast majority of heroes that populate the North America. Tier 5 Empowereds are those that have just started out or lack the motivation or desire to progress. Tier 5 Missions are those that involve common and mundane incidents, such as robberies or escort of low-risk assets. Missions can be highly varied and are by far the most common. Backup of higher-tiered heroes is uncommon due to the wide disparity between power at this tier. Copper missions typically have a low payout, but also carry little risk. Heroes on Tier 5 are paid just above minimum wage.

Tier 4 - Iron Class

Tier 4 Empowereds have shown to be adept in threat response and crisis situations, earning a promotion to Iron Rank. Tier 4 has significantly less registered Heroes than Tier 5 does, but is still highly populated. Iron-class missions typically involve some small amount of combat, typically reserved to fighting Hemlock or Snakeroot class villains or stopping bank robberies. Tier 4 Empowereds may also assist higher ranks with tasks, such as evacuation, investigation, or in a supplementary role to assist the more experienced hero. Tier 4 missions are typically more rare than Tier 5, though still quite common. Iron-class Heroes receive a monthly stipend equivalent the starting wage for a government worker, while Tier 4 missions return a minor amount of money, though more than Tier 5.

Tier 3 - Silver Class

Tier 3 Empowereds have significant experience in handling missions and various other crisis situations, as well as dealing with the public in general. Silver class Heroes are typically the first to be recognized by the public on a regular basis, though are still relative unknowns save for the occasional fan. Silver-Class missions tend be more difficult ones, and in addition are the first time the hero tends to act alone. Tier 3 assignment are beyond the scope of regular police work, requiring specialized skills and powers and experience to handle. This can range from a powerful Wolfsbane-class Villain to solving a case the police are stumped on. Silver Class heroes are commonly found in supplementary roles among the Gold- and Diamond- class Heroes more often than Iron-class are. Silver-Class Heroes are paid well for their role, receiving a monthly stipend equivalent to a middle class salary, while Tier 3 assignments pay a moderate sum of money.

Tier 2 - Gold Class

Tier 2 Empowereds are a very small percentage of the active Heroes in North America, and for good reason. Gold-class heroes are among the most experienced and powerful heroes currently active, with numerous missions and achievements under their belt, all of which is needed for the difficult and dangerous missions. While rare, Gold-class missions could involve combat with a Hellebore-class Villain to stopping a nuclear reactor. Additionally, Tier 2 assignments could involve political and social maneuvering, such as guarding a powerful politician or acting as an ambassador for the country. Gold-class are household names among the populace, earning royalties for their comics and toys as well as their monthly stipend, equivalent to an upper middle class family. Gold class assignments pay very well.

Tier 1 - Diamond Class

Tier 1 Empowereds are gods among men, heroes who stand head and shoulders above their peers. Legends revolve around them, bloating their already impressive resume. They are more than household name; they’re inspirations, icons to aspire to be, and many of them are the reason civilians aspire to be heroes. Tier 1 Empowereds are seen as the absolute pinnacle of Empowered society. Diamond-class missions are the most difficult and rarest missions, involving world ending scenarios and Nightshade-class Villains. They may also be tasked with sensitive political missions, such as rescuing the president's daughter or evacuating an important dissident. Diamond-class Heroes are paid a monthly stipend equivalent to a six figure salary, and Tier 1 assignments pay exceptionally well.

Villain Tiers

Villian Tiers are ranked from five to one, with five being the lowest. Villains are ranked on a threat assessment scale based on their relative danger to the sanctity of the union. A villain who uses his power to rob a bank will not be based on the same scale as a villain who who uses his powers to kill people, or to threaten cities or destroy buildings. The higher the tier, the more involved the response. While lower Tier Villains can likely be handled by the local authorities, higher Tiered Villains likely require the assistance of the military and high-tiered Heroes.

Tier 5 - Hemlock-class

Tier 5 Villains are the class most criminals are at. Basic street robbers, burglars, and other common, violent crime are this class. Hemlock-class Villains can be easily contained by a regular jail or prison and don’t require any extra security features. A typical response for a Hemlock-class villain is low, usually handled by the local police department.

Tier 4 - Snakeroot-class

Tier 4 Villains are typically career or highly talented criminals capable of easily committing the most severe crimes. Bank robbers, high-ranking gang members, and most white-collar criminals are Snakeroot-class. A Tier 4 Situation can typically be handled by the local PD, though Iron-Class Heroes may be sent just in case. Snakeroot-class Villains typically require more stringent security measures than Hemlock, but considering most do not possess powers of their own, it’s a relatively simply concept to confine them.

Tier 3 - Wolfsbane-Class

Tier 3 Villains are almost always Empowered, though a truly talented career criminal may be elevated to Wolfsbane-class if he or she evades capture for long enough. If a Villain shows he or she possesses a power, he or she is automatically classified as Tier 3 due to the potential for destruction. Tier 3 Villains elicit an immediate Empowered response, often resulting in Silver-or Gold- class heroes in addition to the local law enforcement. Specialized containment measure may be taken, such as handheld power dampeners if available, though oftentimes they are unnecessary so long as Heroic custody remains. Transport of Tier 3 Villains should never occur without a full transport and at least 1 Gold-class Hero or two or more Silver-class heroes.

Tier 2 - Hellebore-class

Tier 2 Villains are among the most dangerous commonly appearing in North America. Villains who consistently harm and endanger citizens, produce prodigious damage to buildings and the environment, or whom present a severe security breach will classified as Hellebore-class. A Tier-2 Situation requires full evacuation procedures of all non-vital personal and a response by no less than two Gold-class heroes. Occasionally, Tier 1 Heroes will be necessary. Containment and transport procedures for Hellebore-class Villains are long and complicated, as necessary, to keep them contained. The military will provide necessary equipment, and a full transport with two Gold-class Heroes will be maintained at all times.

Tier 1 - Nightshade-class

Tier 1 Villains are nightmares given human form, names spoken in whispers among society. Only a handful of these Villains exist, but every single one represent a world-ending event. Villains that can easily and effortlessly slaughter numerous people, destroy a large amount of property with little effort, or sacrifice the sanctity and security of the military are considered Tier 1 Villains. Full containment and evacuation measures must be observed, the full force of any available local law enforcement and military coming to bear to provide resources, including full-scale power dampeners and force field emitters, if necessary. No less than two Diamond-class Heroes will be deployed to handle this threat. The appearance of a Nightshade-class villain classifies as a Diamond Assignment and any non-Diamond personal are advised to run. Containment and transport of Nightshade class personal is not recommended, termination of the subject the only fool-proof way to secure the safety of the union.