The Undersiders
From street-level survivalists to a legitimate force under the PRT.
The Undersiders were an established villain team in Brockton Bay, originally assembled by the mysterious figure Coil. Taylor Hebert joined them later, after her own debut as a cape. Though they began as a relatively minor group, they quickly grew in reputation and influence, operating with a distinct code of ethics that often set them apart from other criminal organizations.
- Primary Affiliation
- Independent Villains
Lore & Background
As their influence grew, the Undersiders became central to the broader conflict in Brockton Bay, navigating complex alliances with both the hero community and darker forces. Their involvement in major events, including a fierce but costly battle against the Slaughterhouse Nine during their invasion of the city and the eventual collapse of the criminal underworld, cemented their legacy. Despite internal tensions and external pressures from powerful capes like Coil and the Endbringers, they maintained a unique identity as a family bound by loyalty rather than just profit.
In Their Own Story
The rain slicked the alleyway behind the abandoned warehouse, reflecting the neon glow of a broken sign. Skitter stood atop a dumpster, her insect swarm buzzing softly around her like a living cloak. Below, Grue cast his shadows deep into the corners, masking their approach from the ABB patrols. "Move," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the storm. The team moved in perfect sync, a dance of darkness and insects that had cost them much but earned them everything. Tonight was different; tonight wasn't just about survival, it was about reclaiming the city they called home.
Reader's Guide
The Undersiders started as a small crew of young capes trying to make ends meet in Brockton Bay's dangerous underworld. Led by Skitter, their goal shifted from simple theft to dismantling criminal empires that threatened the city's stability. Key members included Grue, who provided stealth and leadership; Tattletale, whose intelligence gathering was unmatched; Bitch, commanding her pack of enhanced dogs; and later, Browbeat and Kid Win as allies. They operated outside the law but adhered to a strict moral code regarding civilian safety. Their role in the conflict was pivotal, often acting as the bridge between heroes and villains. By targeting major threats like Coil and the ABB, they destabilized the criminal hierarchy, forcing larger players to take notice. Ultimately, their actions helped shape the future of Brockton Bay.
Did You Know?
- The Undersiders fought the Slaughterhouse Nine during their invasion, but suffered significant losses and did not defeat them single-handedly.
- Taylor Hebert's alias 'Skitter' refers to the sound or movement made by insects, not a specific species called 'skitters'.
- The group's base of operations frequently changed due to constant threats from rival gangs and authorities.
- Despite being villains, they were often praised by the public for their efforts in protecting civilians during crises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are The Undersiders?
The Undersiders are an independent parahuman team operating out of Brockton Bay, led by Taylor Hebert under the cape name Shadow Stalker. They started as a small cluster of minor villains trying to survive the city's entrenched crime families and grew into one of the most capable independent groups in the region.
What makes The Undersiders different from other villain crews?
Instead of chasing pure profit or chaos, the group follows a loose ethical line: they prefer to go after corrupt individuals and organizations while steering clear of ordinary civilians whenever they can. This principled tilt sets them apart from the more amoral gangs that dominate Brockton Bay's underworld.
What are the key powers on The Undersiders?
The roster covers a wide tactical spread, including Shadow Stalker's shadow-and-light manipulation, Coil's probability alteration, Grue's insect control, Kid Win's improvised gadgetry, Bitch's animal command, and Tattletale's precognitive-inspired trickery. Together they handle combat, intel, tech, and support without a single point of failure.
How does The Undersiders' story end?
After weathering the Slaughter Nine crisis and the wider Brockton Bay conflict, the team stays largely intact and goes on to play a major role in the escalating parahuman wars. Taylor gradually shifts away from a strictly villain identity toward a more heroic stance, though the group's independent, street-level roots remain central to who she is.
Why are The Undersiders important to Worm as a story?
As the primary point-of-view team, they anchor the narrative in the gritty, street-level reality of being a 'villain' in a world run by heroes and megacorps. Their arc from desperate survivalists to a feared independent force drives much of the plot and gives readers a sustained look at the moral gray zones of the cape world.
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