The Numberless Agent

A Brief History of HYDRA
(as told by Agent Drew; edited and typed up by Agent 14)

HYDRA. We all know the motto: "Cut off one head, two more grow in its place." But who are these green-wearing bastards?

HYDRA is a terrorist organization known for their criminal and subversive activities in the hopes of bringing about a fascist new world order. Baron Wolfgang von Strucker was not the founder but seized control shortly after joining. He's also known as the Supreme Hydra, and he leads HYDRA with active cells worldwide. Their influence has been particularly strong in Europe over the years.

Each faction has its own leader; however, they all ultimately answer to Baron Strucker. Other high-ranking HYDRA officials include: Madame Hydra (a title that has been bestowed on several women over the years; I don't know who the current holder is, though, I believe it was Viper at one time) and the Gorgon. They-- along with others I'm not familiar with-- are considered the Ruling Council of HYDRA.

Over the years, several factions have split from HYDRA due to conflicting ideals. So we have the Baron to thank for the founding of Advanced Idea Mechanics (A.I.M.) and Secret Empire among other, less successful, groups. They have been known to cooperate with HYDRA, though, when working toward common goals-- as has the Hand for reasons I'm not quite clear on. (Supernatural ninjas and fascist scientists don't seem to have a lot in common but what do I know?)

Often HYDRA trades skilled fighters for sheer numbers (as the motto might suggest) but this is not always the case. They had, in the past, a program not unlike that to create super soldiers from volunteers (or the children of volunteers). The success rate is unknown because, at one point, most were killed in an attack on the HYDRA base where they were living. It is believed the scientist and research done were also lost in that attack.

Those members with powers that remain are trained to become assassins or one man/woman armies, depending on their power set. These people are particularly dangerous, especially when they believe in their cause emphatically. And those who do not? Well, HYDRA keeps telepaths (such as Mentallo) in their employ to ensure loyalty and cooperation from their members-- whether they like it or not.

In short, HYDRA is a serious threat whenever they pop up. They've been linked to numerous terrorist and neo-Nazi attacks. Despite using cannon fodder in battle, they also possess nearly unparalleled technological abilities. From where that comes, I couldn't say. I do know they receive funding from ill-gotten Nazi treasures and the investments of the original Hand leaders and, so far, no attempts to freeze their assets have been successful.

Any questions?