LA COSA NOSTRA The Italian family are known for their fancy pants way and sophistication, but they aren't all glitz and glamor. La Cosa Nostra is involved in fraud, extortion, bribery, loan sharking, money laundering, illegal gambling, drug trafficking and even murder. Dabbling in their affairs is a dangerous game. They don't like competition, and though they aren't ones to look like a threat, but they are so much more than they appear. While the Blood Angels and Sons of Chaos are ones that will beat your skull in, the Italians are the ones who use a sniper to kill you quickly and cleanly. It is how they are and they get paid top dollar to take people out. When the Family has an enemy, they will kill that person. Free of charge. They aren't ones to let people close to them, preferring to keep only those who have proven themselves true. Generally, that means that unless they've spilled blood, or have giving the Family something to hold over them, they aren't going to moving up the ranks. These days the Italians own most profitable businesses on the better side of the Island, including a rooming house, equestrian center and Privilege, an upscale strip club with beautiful dancers and a south beach feel. The Italians are also heavily involved with Romano Construction, who are one of their main allies; Romano Construction does all their money laundering for them. The Italians have the most influence in the game as they have politicians and some less scrupulous law enforcement officers in their pocket. Don Alanzo Decker is the leader of the South Carolina Family.

LA COSA NOSTRA RANKS Don--- also known as the boss or the godfather, the don is the one in charge. He oversees all the branches in the organization, getting his own cut from each transaction. The don has the final say in all mafia decisions. NPC, TAKEN. Consigliere--- known as the advisor to the family, consiglieres aren't blood related to the don and his family, but have always had a close relationship with the don. He is a trusted mobster that serves as mediator in group meetings and gives the don an objective opinion on certain situations, always speaking what he thinks is best for the family. The consigliere acts as a representative and a liaison when getting in contact with public figures of society. Though having no crew of his own, he holds a lot of power in the family and is respected just as much as the don and underboss. Underboss--- appointed by the don, the underboss is the second in command who is in charge of the caporegimes and oversees their transactions before taking it to the don. The underboss is the first in line if the don is imprisoned or dies, becoming acting don. Caporegime--- translated, they are the captains. They are chosen by the don and underboss. capos are in charge of the different illegal activities the family engages in. They have soldiers that make up their 'crew' and do the grunt work of that illegal operation or whatever their capo tells them to do. Capos run their crew but make sure that they follow the family guidelines and limitations, and giving the don his cut of all transaction the operation makes. Soldiers--- soldiers are full-mafia members of the family after they have been recommended by capos when they were associates. They work under one capo in that specialized illegal operation and are told whatever they are supposed to do. They are usually the most at-risk members of the family to get arrested since they are doing most of the illegal transactions. Associates--- this is where many people start out as, because they are not full-members yet. Associates are typically errand boys doing grunt work that not even soldiers would do. They also try and keep the heat off full-members. Once an associate has proven themselves, a capo recommends them to the don and usually becomes a soldier of the crew in which that capo recommended. Allies--- allies are not part of La Cosa Nostra at all. They are usually friends of the family that the family can go to if they need an ally's resources and will always have protection by the mafia if they needed. Allies can be politicians, other public figures, or blood-related family members to the don that aren't part of the mob. Allies to the Italians are only 'in bed' with the italians and don't befriend rival groups.

BLOOD ANGELS This faction is more a number of smaller local gangs joined up collectively into one. It was formed by the street gangs of the Island after the Italians took control over most of the profitable businesses and operations and things began to get tough. Their first leader was Big T, who organized the gang in 2012 shortly before he was murdered. He ran the BA with an iron fist. Disloyalty was immediately met with death. Those who failed their job were likely to be beaten to death. That is why only the best ran with the BA. The weak and ill-skilled were quickly weeded out. Nowadays they are still a vicious group to their enemies, but act also as peace-keepers on the rough side of the Island. BA gang members are required to abide by a strict set of rules. Failure to obey the word of a gang leader, or to show proper respect to a fellow gang member, may result in a beating, or even execution for more serious offenses. Blood Angels start recruiting from the elementary and middle-school aged youth. Gang membership offers youth a sense of belonging and protection. Blood Angels are involved in producing, transporting and distributing methamphetamine, as well as crack, ecstasy and marijuana. In addition, the BA are involved in other criminal activities such as assault, burglary, weapons trafficking, drive-by shooting and homicide. Other crimes they favor include dog fighting, prostitution and kidnapping. They also run the PowerHouse, an escort agency catering for everyone.

BLOOD ANGELS RANKS Leader--- A set leader is not elected but rather asserts himself by developing and managing the gang’s criminal enterprises through his reputation for violence and ruthlessness and through his personal charisma. The gang leader decides what level of criminal activity they are involved in. The leader is all powerful having the final say in all decisions. However, this position is not easy to maintain as there are always those vying for it and planning the leader's downfall. Hardcore members--- these members of the gang are individuals that are criminally and culturally immersed in the gang. The most violent gang activity usually spurs from them. Not everyone will achieve this status in their lifetime as part of the gang, it is determined by if the leader(s) think you are worthy and how much you are willing to do for the gang. Hardcore members are very willing to use violence both to obtain the respect of gang members and to respond to any person who “disrespects” the BA. Associates--- unlike the associates in the Italian mob, the associates here are members that have made personal commitments to the gang culture. Some members stay in this position for their entire lifetime. However, they are dedicated in gaining the level of recognition to be promoted into the hardcore member group. More than eighty percent of gangs' membership typically falls into this category. To the extent that women belong to the gang, they are usually associate members and tend to be used by their male counterparts to carry weapons, hold drugs, or prostitute themselves to make money for their set. Fringe--- people in this group haven't made a life-long commitment to a life of crime in the gang. They are still able to function outside of the gang and often seem to lack the direction needed to be one hundred percent in. Wanna-bes--- they are not actually gang members, but are usually youth that are eager to be a part of the gang. they might imitate, dress, and adopt some of their symbols and hand signs, but they aren't in the gang or expected to have any responsibilities. Flesh pedalers--- they kidnap and smuggle people. They are responsible for finding fresh blood for the PowerHouse. Madams--- is in charge of looking after the prostitutes. They were usually once trafficked themselves. Madam gets ten percent of the earnings the prostitutes make and gives the rest of the money to the mob. Sweet butts--- those prostitutes that aren't sold to the public, but passed around among the mob. Many have either been kidnapped or sold into slavery.

SONS OF CHAOS MCC The original founder was a nomad biker from California, Richard Vaughn. He gathered a couple of followers while riding from one state to another and eventually they ended up on the Island when the Italians began to prosper and decided to stay seeing a possible opportunity in the situation. Upon Richard's death in 2012, another long time member took over control of the biker club. They have a reputation for drinking parties and raunchy fights. They have their hands in the drugs, prostitution and guns game, and they do not like the competition. If it weren't for the truce that they have with Blood Angels, they'd have started a bloody war to gain full control of their trades. They use brute force and brash words to get their points across. There is a comradery and brotherhood in this gang however. If you wear the Sons' colors, you are family. Mess with one you literally mess with all and murder isn't untouched ground with these people. Every leader has found only one way out and that was death, but isn't that the only way? The current leader has been in place for the past two years and it's clear that he isn't going anywhere any time soon. People who owe debts to them have discovered quickly they aren't guys to be trifled with. They are, for the most part capable with guns and not afraid to use them. These days most of the weapons, explosives and other illegal items come from them. They have many cops in their pocket. Among the businesses on the seedy half of the island several are owned by the Sons of Chaos, including Busted Knuckle Garage, an auto repair shop and Iron Stallion, a porn studio. The Sons are constantly making runs against the Italians and are extremely protective of their turf. They are known for random hits against the Italians but have learned in the passing years to better cover their tracks. All club members must be male and at least 18 years of age. All prospective new members much be sponsored by a current member. All prospective new members must complete a probation period. All members pay monthly dues and all new members will pay initiation fees. Any member caught using the needle will lose his colors and everything that goes with them. Members may only ride Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycles.

SONS OF CHAOS RANKS President--- the President is the leader of a chapter/club, and may be voted into this position or have it handed down from the previous President. Their power varies from club to club, either requiring a popular vote to have their wishes forwarded, or simply ordering members to complete them. Generally acts the signatory for the club in legal contracts. Vice President--- second in command, and will lead in times where the President cannot (such as illness or incarceration). In some clubs, the President may be a figurehead of sorts and the Vice President will be the "true" leader of a club. He is either voted into this position, or appointed by the President. Secretary--- best described as the bookkeeper of a club, and will maintain membership details, meeting minutes. The Secretary usually arranges club meetings. He is either voted into this position or appointed by the President. Treasurer--- usually the member with the best writing skills and probably the most education. He will maintain the chapter roster and maintain a crude accounting system. He is also responsible for collecting dues, keeping minutes and paying for any bills the chapter accumulates. Club properties may be owned in the Treasurer's name. He may also sign legal contracts for the club. Either voted or appointed. Sgt. At Arms--- because of the violent nature of outlaw gangs this person is normally the strongest member physically and is loyal to the president. He may administer beatings to fellow members for violations of club rules. He is the club enforcer. their basic role is to keep order at meetings and handle clubhouse and club security. This role may extend to leading the club in attacks during war, and trying to identify members deemed to be disloyal or potentially acting for law enforcement, then handling them - usually brutally. They may also provide members with weapons if necessary. Road Captain--- organizes routes for clubs to take when out on a ride, and ensures safety on the road. Road captain rides mostly in rear to help guide flock. This person fulfills the role of a logistician. The Road Captain maps out routes to be taken during runs, arranges the refueling, food and maintenance stops. He will carry the club's money and use it for bail if necessary. Patched Members--- this is the culmination of literally years of service to the Club. Members have full rights within the Club and are accepted by the peers as their equals. Full patched member status is a "til death do us part" kind of thing. Which is the reason this decision is not taken or looked upon lightly. They are the individuals who carry out the president's orders and have sworn to live by the club's by-laws. Prospects--- these are the club's hopefuls who spend from one month to one year in a probationary status. They must prove during that time if they are worthy of becoming members. Some clubs have the probate commit a felony with fellow members observing in an effort to weed out the weak and stop infiltration by law enforcement. Probates must be nominated by a regular member and receive a unanimous vote for acceptance. They are known to carry weapons for other club members and stand guard at club functions. The probate wears no colors and has no voting rights. Associates--- individuals who have proved their value or usefulness to the gang. These individuals may be professional people who have in some manner helped the club. Some of the more noted are attorneys, bail bondsmen, motorcycle shop owners and auto wrecking yard owners. These people are allowed to party with the gang, either in town or on their runs; however, they do not have a voting status or wear colors. Sweet butts--- they hang around or live at the clubhouse. They are property of the club at large and sometimes part of a stable of prostitutes or strippers that bring their money into the club’s membership in return for housing, protection, power and a little profiling at events. They also keep the clubhouse and motorcycles clean, however not attend club meetings. They are permitted to wear colors with the inscription "Property of Sons of Chaos", embroidered on the back.

THE LAW In a place overrun by back alley scum the need for good law enforcement is high. These individuals are helping every day to put the bad guys away. That includes the cops, private investigators, U.S. marshals, lawyers, etc. Of course not every cop can be good. Some succumb to the stresses of the job after ten or so years and look for a little bit of a handout from those in need of a protection from the eye of the law.