My faction for RootJam 2025, theme: The Swarm. A militant (red) faction politically based on classical anarchism, with push-your-luck mechanics! I hope you enjoy! Main art is by my wonderful wife, banner art is by the esteemed Kyle Ferrin. TTS mod and balance changes to follow once time permits!

As the Hollow Syndicate, you play as a grassroots movement of creatures who seek a new way of living, with no form of coercive authority or government of any description. With no leader of their own and a wide range of motivations and backgrounds, this anarchist movement has rapid but disorganised growth. Rejection of artificial borders and use of Treetop Paths allows freedom of movement, but with no overarching plan, Squats grow and Overrun from clearing to clearing organically.

Members of the Syndicate seek to reclaim clearings, buildings and infrastructure from authoritarian regimes. As Squatters, they score by occupying and liberating defenseless buildings and tokens, as well as ruins. They also defend them as their own, preventing them from being targets of battle once defenseless and occupied by the Syndicate. However, enemies score points as the Squatters are dispersed.

Whilst most of the Syndicate use largely non-violent means of occupation and resistance, a minority espouse aggressive resistance to authority. They inspire a Swarm, with hordes of warriors descending upon a clearing and indiscriminately battling enemies, with huge losses on all sides. Due to the spontaneous and chaotic nature of these attacks there is a risk of easy dispersal or devastating defeat. Disorganisation may offer advantages too, as warriors Scatter in self preservation.

As word spreads of your new anarchist communes, sympathisers flock to you and card draw is unrestrained. However, Birds, ever associated with the tyranny of the old Eyrie regime, strike fear and disperse these gatherings.