Vought Supe Hierarchy: Finance (Patreon)

Vought International has several internal hierarchical classification system for supes.The one for the Finance department focuses on profit potential rather than raw power.

Like almost all of Vought's structures, it follows a 7-tier scale.1. Liability

Supes that are actual supervillains. For whatever reason, these supes turned to committing actual crime in costume.

Treatment: Closely monitored, potentially neutralized if deemed a threat to Vought's interests.

Pay: None from Vought. May profit from criminal activities.

Comparison: Blacklisted actors or controversial public figures.

2. Expendable

Supes that either developed defects or issues because of Compound V or with such niche powers that are either not useful/flashy enough to be a major supe. Might be lucky to land a niche tv spot. (Gecko, Mesmer)

Treatment: Minimal support, used for research or niche markets.

Pay: Minimal. Possibly stipends for participating in studies or occasional appearances.

Comparison: Wannabe actors.

3. Loss-Leader

Supes that are not profitable/powerful, the lowest tier of supes that are employed in costume. Not useful for much past being on weak teams or maintaining Vought presence on the ground in small, low-crime, towns like Unalaska, Alaska or Bisbee, Arizona.

Treatment: Basic support, used to maintain Vought's presence in smaller markets.

Pay: Low base salary plus 0.5% of individual copyright profits. Estimated annual income: $30,000 - $50,000 before copyright.

Comparison: Local TV personalities, B-Movie Actors or minor supporting actors in low-budget productions.

4. Lo-Profit

Supes that have a higher level of control + power, possibly with flashier abilities. Popclaw, Crimson Countess, The Deep, and The Skorchers team. Often utilized in small cities like Camden, New Jersey or Sandusky, Ohio.

Treatment: Moderate support, regular public appearances, some merchandising.

Pay: Moderate base salary plus 1% of individual copyright profits. Estimated annual income: $100,000 - $500,000 before copyright.

Comparison: Supporting actors in popular TV shows or lead actors in mid-tier cable series.

5. Hi-Profit

Supes with impressive powers and a notable level of control. A-Train, Starlight, Lamplighter, etc. Found in cities like Palm Beach, Florida or Montgomery, Alabama.

Treatment: Significant support, regular media appearances, extensive merchandising.

Pay: High base salary plus 2% of individual copyright profits. Estimated annual income: $1 million - $5 million before copyright.

Comparison: Lead actors in popular TV series or supporting actors in blockbuster films.

6. Lucrative

Supes considered high-List or highly capable like Queen Maeve, Nubian Prince, Stormfront and Black Noir. Seen in cities like Sacramento, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Seattle, or Portland.

Treatment: Premier support, major media presence, film deals, extensive brand partnerships.

Pay: Very high base salary plus 4% of individual copyright profits. Estimated annual income: $10 million - $50 million before copyright.

Comparison: A-list movie stars or top-tier athletes with major endorsement deals.

7. Signature

Supes that effectively represent Vought as a company. Soldier Boy, Homelander and The Young American (Homelander's son), the whole of the Seven to a lesser degree

Treatment: Unlimited support, global brand presence, tailored media empires.

Pay: Extremely high base salary plus 8% of individual copyright profits. Estimated annual income: $100 million+ before copyright.

Comparison: Mega-stars like Oprah or George Clooney who have transcended mere acting to become global brands.

Employment Structure

Base Pay and Stock Options: All Vought-employed supes receive a base salary and stock options. This ties the supes' financial interests directly to Vought's success, encouraging loyalty and performance.

Tiered Compensation: Pay scales dramatically based on a supe's classification tier, with top-tier supes like The Seven receiving significantly higher compensation packages.

Location-Based Contracts: Supes are contracted to specific cities or regions, with compensation varying based on:

The supe's tier and popularity

The city's size and economic status

Local crime rates and perceived need for superhero presence

Performance-Based Bonuses are tied to crime statistics, public approval ratings, and merchandising sales in their assigned area.

Vought acts as both employer and talent manager for most supes, negotiating contracts with cities and other entities.

City Bidding Wars: Larger, wealthier cities like Chicago can afford to contract multiple high-tier supes, while smaller cities like Richmond, Virginia, might only afford lower-tier supes or have to share supes with neighboring areas.

Crime Rate Premiums: Cities with higher crime rates or specific super-villain problems might pay premium rates to attract more powerful supes.

Free Agents and Competition: Vought's dominance allows them to effectively set industry standards for supe compensation and deployment.

Non-Vought affiliated supes (Free Agents) face significant challenges:

Potential blacklisting from prime contracts

Assignment to less desirable areas within cities

Significantly lower pay rates

Free Agents might resort to:

Accepting contracts in smaller towns overlooked by Vought

Specializing in niche markets or specific types of crime

Forming independent teams to pool resources and bargaining power

Supplementary Income Sources

Vought allows and potentially facilitates additional income streams for supes, especially those in lower tiers:

Religious Partnerships: Appearances or endorsements for megachurches

Entertainment Industry: Roles in exploitation films or network TV shows

Black Market Activities: Possibly sanctioned or overlooked by Vought for certain supes

Personal Appearances: Paid events, speeches, or endorsements