Membership in this elite group of gamers is by invitation only, and is limited to some 20 members at any given time (the exact number is difficult to determine, and is a well-guarded secret). Like any secret organization, the existence of the group is only theorized by non-members, but its existence is difficult to prove and its membership roster even harder.
Hellions spend an inordinate amount of time proposing, writing, and editing RPG contributions (especially GURPS, see GURPS GURPS, p. 00), weapons statistics, and vehicle write-ups. The group concentrates on modern equipment, but the era really does not matter. Membership requires a certain level of competence in such areas (see Prerequisites, below), and remaining a member is sure to increase a PC's appropriate skills.
Most Hellions are congenial and friendly, and are, for the most part, helpful and encouraging to one another (even though most of them have never met in person). Their behavior outside the shadowy organization varies; PCs of all backgrounds may be allowed membership. At times, some members are given to fits of ranting (especially when mistreated by game companies), but the behavior is not only tolerated, but accepted. PCs working with a game company - as a freelancer (p. 00) or an employee (p. 00) - will find the close-knit community useful in almost any campaign.
The point cost for being a Hellion reflects Sense of Duty (Hellions) [-5], Secret (Hellion) [-1], Reputation +2 (as a Hellion, Small Group of People, 9 or less) [2], Claim to Hospitality [2], and 17 points worth of Contacts within the Hellions organization (to be chosen by the player at his discretion).
Prerequisites for membership include IQ 11+; Research-12; and at least one of Engineering (Any Weapons or Vehicles)-12, Armoury (any)-12, History (War or Military)-12, Soldier-12, Writing-12, or Artist-12. PCs may be able to garner a membership for other appropriate reasons (e.g., extensive combat experience combined with a vast knowledge of GURPS), at the GM's discretion. In addition, all Hellions must either begin their tenure with Hobby (Gaming)-15, or spend their next skills points to acquire it. Even after meeting the prerequisites, membership is still by invitation only. The Hellions is an elite organization, and membership should not be given out lightly by the GM.
Several important Hellions (including founder Hans-Christian Vortex) are already detailed in GURPS GURPS and GURPS Who's Who XXXIV. Other famous Hellions are found here, including Brandon "I Can't" Cope (p. 00), Nigel McCarty-Eigenmann-Vasquez-Ibarra-Sanchez-Morales-Escobar (p. 00), Bachman Volker Overdrive (p. 00), and andi watsashiftkey jones (p. 00).
See Playtest (p. 00) and Manuscript Submission (p. 00) for specific information on actual Hellion involvement in roleplaying game design.