It is my intention to make very clear that big changes will be made to this burg. You probably noticed that your former leader has turned tail and scarpered like the coward he is.
He will get his very soon.
Those already a part of the Family will be expected to meet at the usual place at the usual time to be introduced to your capo. He will be running things from now on.
For close associates, you know who you are, you are expected to come to D's speako this Thursday night and ask the "right" barman for Lupo. Be there by ten.
Clean up or clear out - your choice.
Chicago, 1923
Prohibition is in full swing but the liquor is still flowing. Jazz plays on the radio and crowds gather to dance to live performances. Speakeasies have replaced bars and saloons, while women have traded in tight morals for cigarettes, flapper gowns, and social freedoms. It is a time of economic growth, a golden age to some - a period of depravity to others.
Numerous gangs and mobs war over the city streets and speakeasies, petty fights have broken out over turf and rights to bootleggers and distilleries. Murder is on the rise and tensions are running high, further fueling the riots and firefights. Hands are being greased from police forces to bankers to businessmen. Previously run by Anthony De Palma, one of the most significant Families in the city has been quickly losing associates, income, and status. Anthony was placed in charge of the southern portion of the city and under his rule there have been needless murders, excessive violence, and an influx of non-desirable associates. Gangs have encroached on the Family's, previously uncontested, territory; bootleggers have steadily found other buyers, avoiding the Family, and even flappers in the speakeasies have been heard to scoff at the name.
Outraged at his cousin's poor performance as capo, Marcello has ordered Anthony's elimination and sent his nephew to take the position as capo to bring the Family and its associates back under control. With his arrival comes the change of soldiers and associates no longer loyal to the Sapienti Family. Nicolai has been tasked with weeding out the common thieves and petty drunks that Anthony accepted in as his comrades. As power changes hands, so too does the atmosphere of the city. The Family name is less of a laughing matter now. Gangs are beginning to feel the Sapienti presence once again - and they are none too happy about this change.
*** Historical accuracy is very loosely enforced for ease of role-playing. You don't need to be a history buff to participate as I do not want to make everyone keep looking up information each time they write a post. That being said, I would expect everything to comply with the times (i.e. no mobile phones, etc…) -- if you would try to be fairly accurate, it would be a plus. This is, obviously, set in America in the ‘20s – but without the historical gangsters we know, we are creating our own. Some history, customs, and traditions may be rewritten as necessary.***
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