Factions, standing and heat
factions (standings) - where you stand with every faction
faction <name> - declare an allegiance
wanted (law, heat) - who is currently looking for you
threaten <who> - lean on someone; needs the perk for it
Standing is economic, not cosmetic
The same merchant charges different prices depending on whose colours you
wear. An allied vendor is meaningfully cheaper; a hostile one is a
liability, and sometimes a threat.
Ten corporations and ten gangs hold the city between them. They do not
sign treaties, they make arrangements — and the world keeps notes on who
you have worked for.
Heat
Crime raises your wanted level with whoever polices that ground. It decays
over time, faster where nobody is really watching. wanted shows the
current picture.