1920's Gangster RP interest thread

[mauve]

I've been kicking this idea around in my head for a while. I'd like to try my hand at GMing again, and I've been thinking about running a game about a Prohibition-era bootlegging gang, with a dash of murder mystery tossed in for good measure.

I'm still working on the details, but the basics of the story are as follows:

Arthur MacCaulay is a powerful man. He runs one of the most successful speakeasies in town. He and his gang have a hand in everything from bootlegging to the black market. He's not without his problems, though. Competition and pressure from rival gangs are constant annoyances, although nothing Arthur considers worth losing sleep over. The foundations of his empire have been built up over three generations of MacCaulays, and he has no plans to give it up.

But then one of his employees was murdered. Violently. Her body was found in a burning car abandoned downtown. Now the police are getting involved, and this time it seems no amount of bribery will keep them back. On top of that, MacCaulay’s biggest competitors are using this opportunity to start moving in on his turf. And worst of all, Arthur begins to suspect that the murderer might be one of his own men. If he and his gang want to continue to run this town, they’ll have to find the murderer before the police, all while trying to keep their own business booming.



Players will be taking the roles of Arthur’s gang members. You can be anything from speakeasy employees—musicians, servers, bouncers, dancers, etc—to hitmen and other never-do-wells. All characters can dual-class as rum-runners if they so desire. Gameplay will have all the action and shootouts and such expected for a gangster film, but I also want to put a focus on character interaction in the down times.

In order to make the whole mystery element work, I'm going to be assigning additional roles to players via PM. Some of these will be kept secret from everyone else, and some will not. This means your character might end up being an undercover cop, or might have some sort of motive that makes you a murder suspect, or you might be Arthur's second-in-command, et cetera. Not everyone will end up with an additional motive, and not all of them will be serious, incriminating, or secret. I’ll go into this in more detail after the sign-up sheet.

Uh, so yeah. A bit like the forum mafia games we used to have. Only with less voting. And a bit like every old gangster movie you've ever seen, only with less Bogart. And... well.... I'd make a comparison to Lackadaisy, but I think that would be heresy.


EDIT: SIGN UPS ARE NOW OPEN!!


Here's your basic sign-up sheet:

NAME: (I hope I don't have to explain this.)

AGE: (Art's running a business, not a daycare, so nobody under the age of 18 unless you give me a reaaaaaally good reason.)

APPEARANCE: (So the cops'll know what to put on your wanted poster.)

OCCUPATION: (What do you do? Are you a musician in Art's speakeasy? Do you run the card tables? Are you a getaway driver? A general thug of no good intentions? Go ahead and be creative, as long as you keep in mind the time period and the "no godmodding" rule. Regardless of what you choose to do, if your character can use a weapon, he or she is welcome to join in on the gang's more dangerous missions like restocking the liquor supply. I don't want to end up with some people being stuck playing trumpet for the entire game while everyone else is out doing stuff. Er, unless you want to, I guess.)

BACKSTORY: (How'd you end up here?)

OPTIONAL: If you feel so inclined, go ahead and include whether your character has a weapon of choice. I know next to nothing about guns and such, so as long you don't name tanks and laser swords, I'll probably just smile and nod and let you keep it.



!!!VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
After your character has been accepted, you must send me a PM with the information listed below, so I can assign the aforementioned additional roles to people. Again, these roles can be anything from murderer to innocent bystander. Some of these roles will be vital clues to the murder mystery, and some will be red herrings. Keep that in mind. :)

Send me a PM whether you want one of these roles or not. I need to keep track of everyone.

In the PM, please answer the following questions:
-Do you WANT an additional role?

-Would you prefer to be more heroic or a villain in the story? (Note that while I will try to give you a role that suits this answer, you might end up with the opposite depending on how many people choose the same thing.)

-Would you be willing to play the murderer? (Again, saying "yes" will NOT guarantee you'll get the part. I just don't want to accidentally assign this role to someone who really doesn't want it.)


I will wait until sign-ups close before I start actually handing out roles. That way everyone has a chance to get one if they so desire. I'll let you know whether your role is something you can share with other players in character, as not all of them need to be kept secret.



Questions? Comments?

[rapter200]

Hmm a 1920's Gangster RP. Let me see, one of my favorite games of all time is Mafia for the PC, this is a most definite yes. I am as interested as I can get. Right now I do not have any questions but when I do I will get back to you.

[mauve]

Hooray! Thanks!



I forgot to include MacCauley's profile.

Name: Arthur “Art” MacCauley

Age: 37

Occupation: Gang boss.

Appearance: “Dapper” would be an adequate term to describe Mr. MacCauley. A host at his nightclub, the Silver Beetle, Art takes great pains to look presentable at all times. When not engaged in his… ahem… less legitimate business endeavors, he’s the very picture of a gentleman. His suits are always immaculate, his shoes always polished. He prefers gray suits to brown, thank you, and like a true gentleman he never steps outside without a hat. He also never steps outside without a gun, but that’s not something he talks about in civilized company.

He’s short, but not excessively so. His hair and eyes are brown. He walks with a slight limp, due to an injury he received in a scuffle with a rival gang of bootleggers when he was younger. Because of this, he’s often seen walking with a cane. He owns several, but his favorite is mahogany with a silver handle.

Background: Art is the third MacCauley to run the “family business.” He stepped easily into the role of boss after learning the ropes from his father, the late Anthony MacCauley. Art’s major claim to fame is the Silver Beetle, the second and most popular of the family’s speakeasies. Originally called Ron’s Place, Art “purchased” the joint and renamed it to appeal to the popularity of the newly-discovered tomb of King Tut. It seemed Egypt Fever was the latest and greatest trend, and Art wanted in on that. The gamble paid off.

Business has been quietly successful for Art, up until the point when Sally was found dead. That could be a setback.

[Dauntasa]

Alright, colour me interested.

[PyrosNine]

Only if I can somehow transpose Nein into it. Western? Mafia, same diff. Same crime, same standards.

He'd only lack the love beams, the lucky 7 sword, and the cat powers. Keeping the fox eyes because we can just say he's asian or real squinty.

[phil_]

I'd be interested, but my only exposure to the genre is pretty much Lackadaisy, the first few episodes of Baccano, and history class. Maybe I'll watch some gangster movies and get back to you. Any suggestions?

[Red Mage Black]

I s'pose even with my GMing in my mech RP, I can still be interested, yes? Not like people haven't been in two RPs before. I think I got a pretty cool character lined up for it.

[Geminex]

Sounds interesting. I don't have too much background knowlege, but give me a revolver and I'll be making them offers they can't refuse in no time.

[Overcast]

I have a definite interest in this item, and will be sticking about till we get sign ups or whatever. As for movie suggestions I figure for the time frame I'd choose The Untouchables, gets you up to speed and you don't have to dig into the black and white area.

[phil_]

I like black-and-white. Zatoichi's in black-and-white.

Also, I think I've come up with a way to get around the whole unfamiliarity with talking fast and saying "dollface," and that's by playing a simple-minded country boy, known for their talking slowly and saying "ya'll." I figure one funny accent's just as good as another, right?

Now all I gotta do is figure out a way to get him into the city, which would be easier if I knew what city the Silver Beetle's in.

Customary "Also"s and "By the way"s edit: It strikes me as a little sad that, if we were gearing up to do an Edo period yakuza RP, I'd be more familiar with the material than I am with stuff set in my country less than a hundred years ago. What has become of me? Which awkwardly segues into what will become of me, in as much as I'm gonna take a vacation around the middle of next week through the weekend. I'll (probably) have internet and all, but I thought it might be worth giving a head's up about, depending on how quickly this thing gets going.

I'm dumb edit: I just realized that there's a copy of Bonnie and Clyde less than three feet away from me, hot dang.

[mauve]

Wow, a lot of interest already! Awesome!


It's totally fine if you don't know a lot about the time period--- I'm no expert myself. As long as you have a very general idea of the level of technology available in the 1920's, you're good to go. Just as long as nobody's character uses his iPhone to check his Facebook, or alternately, rides his covered wagon into town.

Pyros, you're welcome to work that character in, as long as he realistically fits into the world. XD I have horrible mental images of Nein with a fedora and switchblade now.

Phil- I planned on having the game take place in either San Francisco or Chicago. Not sure which. Any preference, anyone?


As far as films go, I'm sadly unable to provide a LOT of examples. The Thin Man takes place during Prohibition and is an awesome movie, although it's not about bootleggers. For more modern movies, I don't remember if Public Enemies is 20's or 30's, but it's good for a general idea of costumes and old-timey outlaws. I'll accept The Maltese Falcon as good study material regardless of intended time period or lack of bootlegger gang, because let's face it; Bogart is awesome.

I actually know of several more, but the names escape me at the moment.



I'll probably open up signups this evening since there seems to be a bit of interest. Would you prefer I create a new thread, or just use this one?

[rapter200]

I vote for Chicago, most definitely Chicago. Reason: I live there (well a suburb, and currently since I am in college I live in Bloomington right now.) Chicago would most definitely be the most awesome setting ever.

[phil_]

I vote Chicago as well, because Elvis (that's the guy I'm thinking of's name, btw) is from Virginia, and it's a shorter trip to Chicago. Also, Bonnie and Clyde was totally useless for research material. Damn good movie, though. Damn good.

Oh, and use this thread, since I already have it subscribed.

[mauve]

Okay, Chicago it is, unless anyone objects.


SIGN UPS ARE NOW OPEN: Please see my first post for character sheet info and other rules.

[Krylo]

Don't know how I missed this until now, but:

NAME: Eels. Just, Eels.

AGE: 26

APPEARANCE: Eels is a thin gangly man, with a somewhat disturbing countenance. His face, like his body, is thin and elongated with a hooked, hawkish nose. His eyes are a dark brown, and he wears his, generally oily, hair somewhat short but messy. He usually has roughly one day's worth of stubble, and generally wear expensive suits--though they are usually crumpled and a bit disheveled, along with a grey fedora. He has a tendency to grin, a disturbing predatory kind of grin.

OCCUPATION: Eels is a killer. Calling him a hitman would be too kind to Eels and a disgrace to the majority of professionals in the business of making people disappear. He doesn't enjoy... clean kills, but he's not much for torture either. At least not the kind that would get you any information. It's remarkably hard to speak after Eels has spent a few minutes on you. He does send a message, however. A very gruesome message that crossing MacCaulay is a fool's game.

BACKSTORY: Eels was born to the wrong woman, on the wrong side of town, at the wrong time. His mother was a whore, to put it mildly, and he grew up in a ghetto. A good night meant listening to his mother dearest 'making some money', a bad night meant listening to her pimp teach her why she needed to work harder. Suffice to say, he did not grow up well adjusted.

His unhealthy fascination with pain started at an early age. Plucking the wings off of flies, then their legs... later cutting the tails and ears off of stray dogs and cats, and later yet 'playing doctor' in a none-too-friendly manner with a few of the other children. He fell in with a few gangs, spent a few years being shuffled through Juvie. When he got out his mother wouldn't take him back and he needed to find a trade.

Problem is, there was just the one thing he was good at, so he offered his 'services' to the biggest mob boss he could find, and played something of a pivotal role in keeping MacCaulay's 'business associates' in their place up until this latest debacle.

OPTIONAL: Eels loves knives, and piano wire, and the occasional brass knuckles so long as the victim is restrained. Guns are... useful, but so very impersonal. He likes to watch the life drain from his victims' eyes. Of course, a Tommy Gun and a full room can be a lot of fun in its own right.



--If this is too much/too dark, I can pitch some other characters easily enough.

[Geminex]

I've already written a PM, but still, placeholder on Tom Leary, Negotiator, Evil Marketing Department.

[mauve]

Eh... it IS a bit dark, Krylo. If he's what you want to play I'll let him in, since I know your writing style, but I'll be trusting you not to go overboard with it, okay?

I have a feeling Eels will be the one everyone in the universe, MacCauley included, will be terrified of beyond all reason. XD


Geminex, I've responded to your PM-- go ahead and post a full sign-up here when you have time to write one.

[Krylo]

Eh... it IS a bit dark, Krylo. If he's what you want to play I'll let him in, since I know your writing style, but I'll be trusting you not to go overboard with it, okay?

:(

I have a feeling Eels will be the one everyone in the universe, MacCauley included, will be terrified of beyond all reason. XD

:D


I was kind of planning him to kill people through guttings or strangulations, but otherwise just really creepy. I could do most of it 'off screen' when the opportunity presents itself.

Though, I think he'll be a little difficult to keep in check so I'll start thinking of a more... toned down character in the meanwhile. If I think of something else I will present it, if not I'll try to make Eels a little more user friendly.

My original thought was rehashing this guy (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1011143&postcount=3), until I noticed we were the gangsters. Eels came up in like, fifteen seconds of thinking, so no big deal.

[Geminex]

Dibs on my character disliking Kyrlo's character because his methods are messy, inefficient, and ineffective at that. "Piano wire. Nothing like messily strangling and cutting someone's throat at the same time, eh? Course, you won't make any more money off the, but at least they bleed out nicely and scream once or twice."

[Krylo]

Eels would agree with that assessment, purposefully missing the sarcasm. He'd also say something about how they can't really scream, but listening to them try is pretty nice.

[Geminex]

Touche. This will be fun.

[batgirl]

Placeholder spot for a card dealing femme fatale.

[Red Mage Black]

NAME: Benjamin Harmons

AGE: 22

APPEARANCE: Short slicked back blond hair, bright green eyes, modest and borderline innocent appearance. When playing at the music joints or Art's speakeasy, he often wears a shirt and vest combo. A white button-up shirt, red vest, red tie, red pants and black dress shoes.

OCCUPATION: Musician / Information Gathering on the side.

BACKSTORY: As you all know, musicians are hard to come by nowadays, especially ones who actually know what they're doing. Growing up in a family full of them is no exception. They're also easier to talk to, more laid back and generally know what's going on and the latest gossip because of their travels. The speakeasy was quite the place for 'Benny' to settle down. He found it so much easier to find what he was looking for and over the sounds of music, people would try to drown their conversations in the sea of notes.

Growing up with his family, he had studied certain instruments. The violin and the fiddle being just a couple. He found that he had a pension for information gathering when he started playing at the music joints. How people would talk to him about almost anything without realizing it. As a confidant to 'secrets' and 'down low information', he found it quite... satisfying to know that some people would even buy this information for a nice buck. Secrets or not, he often found the info too good to hand over to the police, preferring cash over possible time in the big house.

Though Art's speakeasy came as a good place to earn even more. Art pretty much saw his potential as a covert informant, because musicians often traveled and information in one city or state meant nothing in the other. So he could find out what he needed, inform the boss and earn his due. It's not as hard as one might think. Since some trust the young to never remember it at all or even care for that matter.

OPTIONAL: There's a pistol hidden in a secret compartment of his violin case, but God knows that hes never used one before or even if he even knows how to use one in the first place. There have been enough times though that he has wanted to use it. Though his profession often requires tact, patience, prudence and good diplomacy.

[mauve]

I was kind of planning him to kill people through guttings or strangulations, but otherwise just really creepy. I could do most of it 'off screen' when the opportunity presents itself. That's fine. I already know you're a fantastic writer, especially at creating fight scenes, so anything you do is bound to be an enjoyable read. I just ask that any killings done onscreen don't get too disturbing.

If you want to refine his character a bit or come up with a new one entirely, that's fine too. I'll leave that up to you.


RMB: I like him! Accepted. Go ahead and send me a PM with the details listed on page 1.

[Overcast]

NAME: Adin Fould

AGE: 28

APPEARANCE: Adin is a fairly easy man to miss, he stands an average height, not fat nor noticably gaunt, his hair is dark brown and easy to manage, worn in whatever style suits him for that day. He keeps himself shaven and will typically be found in a brown suit with a fedora he may or may not wear depending on the ratio of those who are wearing one in the crowd at the time. Though typically his wardrobe will change as he goes through his plans. His eyes are a dark shade of brown, and his skin a light gold that lets him slip around ethnicities in the area. He keeps a rather stoic face, and is never so clean as to be pristine.

OCCUPATION: Adin is a cleaner. A problem solver. If you need to get away he drives very fast, if you need to get rid of a body he knows a deli on call, if you need to move merchandise he knows a buyer. All of this will cost you, but if you have to go to Adin then you've already run out of options.

BACKSTORY: When potential has no room to grow in honest means it will often move to dishonest ones. Such was the case of Adin, poverty stricken and Jewish in the turn of the century. His parents did the best they could to give him every oppurtunity in the new world, but the land was filled with those who would cheat them and decieve. In the end debt began to arrive and it was up to Adin t find some means to save them.

He found his answer under Arthur MacCauley.

He began as a driver, moving people from desperate times when needed. As a means of impressing Mr. MacCauley when the shit really hit the fan he would often go above and beyond to save the situation. Through the people he helped he made connections, friends who owed him a little favor here and there which built to a network of "answers". He was the means to access these answers when problems arose and eventually he became that failsafe for any operation where it was too much not to have him by.

His parents no longer have to worry about swindlers and decievers, their debts are lond since paid. But the city knows the debts owed to Adin Fould.

OPTIONAL: A good strong revolver can save a man if you pull it at the right time. So he keeps one on his person for those special moments.

[krogothwolf]

Name: James "Fifi" McCloud

Age: 26

Appearance: Fifi, as he is called by his friends, is a very large man. One of few words. He has small blue yes and a bald head. He has the build of someone who works out on his freetime. His general cloths are average priced suit with a fedora.

Occupation: Body Guard/Bouncer.

Backstory: James is the son of a steelworker from Detriot. His dad owned the shop that he worked in and had James working there at a young age. It allowed him to develop into the man he was, physically at least. He always got in fights at school, not because he was bully, but because he enjoyed it. If anyone rubbed him the wrong way, he was sure to make them understand that they would do so at their own risk.

His friends gave him the nickname Fifi as it seemed prudent. Anyone else calling them that generally gets the tar smeared out of them. He moved to Chicago when he came of age as he felt restricted in Detroit, and really disliked his workaholic father. Steelworking was not for him. He was looking for something more thrilling then that. He found it as a bouncer at a night club. He quickly developed a name for himself as being one tough cookie and was hired occasionally as a bodyguard if needed. He didn't care who hired him as long as he got paid.

His reputation of cleaning out the undesirables from the places he bounced at is what got him hired at his current job.

Weapon of Choice: Brass Knuckles. Fifi is not much of a gun user, he prefers to pound people into submission. He does have a pistol if he needs it, but he generally avoids it if he can.

[Bard The 5th LW]

Name: Jeremy Carrow
Age: 23

Appearance: Jeremy isn't that physically impressive. He stands at about 5'8, and is pretty skinny. He has long brown hair and green eyes, but he lacks a jaunty hat. He wears brown pants and wears a whit dress shirt under his somewhat oversized brown vest. He carries a a somewhat jumpy personality, and is somewhat skittish.

Occupation: Professional Gambler/Rum Runner

Backstory: Jeremy always loved the thrill of a risk. Even in first grade he like to make bets with the other children around him, even if there was little to bet. While this may have seemed cute at first, it didn't seem like that for long. He eventually got into a spot of trouble in High School, when he was caught running a Gambling operation on Campus. This coupled with several other instances of breaking the rules, got him expelled.

After being kicked out of High School, Jeremy got by by taking odd jobs and taking up part-time work at different places, constantly shifting around jobs. Although he never kicked his habit, at all really. He would constantly be found spending time playing blackjack, poker, or making bets on horse races. Other than tha nasty little habit of his, Jeremy still managed to stay on most people's good side, and generally on the side of the law.

This changed however, when Jeremy's habit caused him to be in a bit of debt towards Mr. McCauley. Jeremy managed to work out a deal though before it got too extreme; he would work as a rum runner for Arthur to pay off his debt and not have his legs broken. He figured it would be a chance he could handle. He is definitely in over his head.

Weapon of Choice: Jeremy doesn't particularly like to get in fights, but he isn't a fool. The reason he wears a vest that is too big is to conceal a sawed off shotgun underneath it, it's cut about as short as it can be and still work. He hopes that he will not have to use it, and so far he hasn't. If things get to close though, he does carry a small pocket knife with him, only about 4 inches long though. To be honest, he prefers to run away.

[mauve]

Bard, Krogo, and Overcast- They look great. Consider yourselves hired! (Or in Bard's case, consider yourself financially indebted!)

Overcast:
...if you need to get rid of a body, he knows a deli.... .....oh god. XD



Bard, you're ready to go.

Overcast and Krogo, go ahead and send me a PM. Details are on page one.

[Krylo]

.....oh god. XD

Eels loves their hot 'ham' and cheese.

[batgirl]

NAME: Julia "Jules" Sandrine

AGE: 24

APPEARANCE: Jules is a tall glass of water. She stands at around 5'6" without her boots on and is a curvy and busty 140lbs. She has dark brown hair, almost black in color, and dark brown eyes. She wears makeup at all times, especially dark red lipstick. When working at the Silver Beetle, she keeps in style, either wearing a gray pants suit that is tailored to hug her figure or a silver flapper dress and headband around her trademark bob and high heeled boots. She is rarely seen without a cigarette on her lips.

OCCUPATION: Card dealer, assassin. Woman can trick deal and shuffle with the best of them and slit your throat 20 minutes later.

BACKSTORY: Jules was born and raised in Chicago to her chemist father. Her mother died during her birth and her dad never bothered to remarry. Her father was a brilliant man who owned his own apothecary shop of wonders. He mixed up brilliant potions and medicines and taught Jules everything he could. She drank it up and was reciting chemical mixtures before she could reach the height of his workbench using her almost photographic memory. Alas, business slowed and her father was having trouble making ends meet. He took out a loan he couldn't repay and was hassled by local gang. He turned to gambling to try and pay his debts. He learned to count cards and practiced trick dealing and shuffling with Jules as his "mark," she learning as he did. One night he played a bad hand and his cheating ways were discovered. He was roughed up and eventually killed. Jules decided to use her skills to eventually find her father's killers and get revenge. She used her looks and her skills at cards to get into the beds of many a man who she thought would lead her to the killers, using her own homemade poisons to get rid of her marks after they divulged any information, or lack thereof. She had heard rumblings of Art's speakeasy, and thought that would be a good place to settle down and work some information, so she went to see him about a job. After playing a few hands of cards with him, she won herself a place at the dealer's table.

OPTIONAL: Jules likes to deal in daggers and poisons of all sorts. Poisons in powdered forms to be slipped into drinks or even poisons coating her daggers. She keeps two dagger in her boots and concealed where her garter is, high on her thigh. She has small vials of various poisons and antitoxins in her purse, as well as a vial of her most potent poison around her neck.

[Toastburner B]

You guys seem to be missing a getaway driver.

Well, someone gots to do it, so I guess I will. ;)

Placeholder for now. Hope to get it up in a few minutes.

EDIT:

And done.

Name: Michael “Mickey” Cranston

Age: 35

Appearance: Mickey isn’t the best looking guy by a longshot. He stands at a hair under six feet tall, and is on the heavy side. His blonde hair is thinning prematurely, and he unwisely tries to hide it with a comb-over, but has recently hit on the idea of just wearing a hat. He favors a comfortable, but poor fitting, tan suit that is starting to show its age. Everything down to his watery blue eyes mark him as someone that is very easy to underestimate.

Occupation: Driver/General Thuggery

Backstory: You wouldn’t think it to look at him, But Mickey used to be famous.

Well…kinda famous. Almost famous, you could say.

In his earlier years, he was steadily working his way up a minor race circuit, hoping to break into the bigger leagues, and bigger money, of a major circuit.

In those days, Mickey was “Mike”, he was thin, had a full head a hair…and a bit of a drinking problem. As you might imagine, this “drinking problem” soon turned into “driving problem”, which somehow bloomed into a “racing problem”, which, through sheer coincidence, Mickey will assure you, turned into headlines that screamed “Horrible Wreck! Drunk Racer Kills Rival In Fiery Crash”

Mickey, rather than facing whatever charges were to come his way, slinked off into shadier places of Chicago. While working a job as a cabby (during which time his hair line receded as his waistline expanded), Mickey found himself in the unfortunate situation of being the impromptu get-away driver of a pair of Arthur MacCauley’s thugs as they fled from a number of rival bootleggers. They thugs were impressed by the flabby cabby’s driving prowess as he handily lost their rivals. Word slowly filtered to the rest of the gang, and soon Mickey quit his job as a cabby to work full time for Mr. MacCauley’s organization.

Mickey has taken quite nicely to criminal life. Oddly enough, working for a rum-runner has helped to sober him up a bit: he’s at someone’s beck and call at a moment’s notice, so he rarely has time to really sit back and enjoy a good bottle of hooch (man, I’ve been waiting to say hooch since I read this thread). He can’t remember the last time he got drunk…but that might have more to do with the amount of alcohol he consumed on that particular occasion than the amount of time that has passed.

Optional: Mickey has taken to carrying a small revolver around on his person. After all, it’s a hard time to work for MacCauley. He keeps a Browning Automatic Rifle in his car, for when things get “extra” hard.

[mauve]

Art has the best lackeys ever.

Batgirl and Toasty: Accepted! Send me a PM whenever you have time.

[Geminex]

NAME: Johann Kardinal

AGE: 36

APPEARANCE: (Lemme think of something.)

OCCUPATION: Aaah, my occupation. How shall I phrase this? Vell, to put it simply, I am a... negotiator. Whenever a customer doesn't pay his debts, a competitor isn't reasonable, a cop doesn't accept bribes or anyone else becomes too much of an obstacle to Business, they usually get eliminated it a fairly messy, inefficient way. I am told it is quite painful, though by the perpetrators, rather than the victims. Of course... brutal, rampant murder only works on small-time players, on the ones who (to their short-lived regret) either aren't rich or powerful enough to bother wasting time dealing with. Kill too many big guys, and there's hitmen gunning for you, prices fluctuate, cops ask even more questions, very inconvenient. Can't do Business that vay, the market must be kept stable, if we are to stay on top. On the other hand, if major players start acting up, you can't let them just dance around and do what they like, am I right? There needs to be a middle ground, a way to persuade them that the status quo is the best deal they dare demand, a way to get them to... stay in their drunk, shambling line. I am that middleground. You see, vhen the big guys begin... interfering, I pay them a little visit. Not in any... official capacity, of course, but it doesn't take the fools long to realize whom I'm representing. And they don't dare turn me away, because I seem like a nice guy at first. Open. Sociable. Willing to cut zem some slack. They know they're on dangerous ground, and it seems like they can use me to get home and dry. Of course, by the time we're meeting, once, twice a week they realize that for all my friendly demeanor and compliments, my smiles are empty and my voice is flat and I'm either constantly threatening them, or just have a very poor choice of words. See, my purpose is not to strike deals, but rather to... remind them. Remind them that for all their money and power, we've got more of it than them. Remind them that they're doing Business here, and that their investment was so much more than a few hundred dollars. Remind them that even in their big house with their bodyguard and wife and little son (and how he's growing!) they are oh so very vulnerable. Humans ignore the fact that death can come from any direction, disaster strike any second. Their life could be snuffed out from one moment to the next, and there's nothing they can do. I remind them of this little, and bring it to their attention that their current course brings them much closer to sudden, violent demise than they and those close to them would like it.
I'm good at what I do, to say the least.
And if I fail, there's alvays my trusty Ice-pick. Works a treat on closed minds.

Backstory: Of course, my occupation isn't exactly standard... How did I get here, you ask?
Vell, as you might be able to tell, I am German... family moved here in the late 1800s, just before I was born. We didn't do well, our accent was none too popular, but we survived. Of course, living in poverty, surrounded by... hostiles... really does wonders for instilling a desire for power and money in a growing young man, and I found that both were... readily avaliable in crime. Of course, this was before prohibition, but Chicago still had gangs... Started out as a minor thug when I was 17, turned out I was good at killing people. Became a hitman. Later, it turned out I was even better at threatening people... and here I am. I do my job well, I'm good at reading people, good at subtlety... Screwed up a few times, of course... The accent got quite unpopular during the Great War, but by that time I had been doing the job for a few years, I had become important, had connections that my successor wouldn't have. I don't drink outside company, and the boss disapproves, but I'm in company a lot. I spend my free time meeting people, making more connections. I recruit the occasional individual, but far more importantly, I know whom I can ask favors of, and what it'll cost me.
I'm not intimidating, of course... Not many weapons on me, not much physical strength. But if you intend to hurt me, I'd recommend you kill me outright, because if you leave me alive, I'll be calling in favors from those far more capable than I.

OPTIONAL: Two physical weapons I like to use... I'm fairly skilled with a good old blackjack... don't have to use it much, but keeping it almost-well-hidden on my body does wonders for the odd negotiation, if my partner catches a glimpse of it. Not scared of the weapon of course, but people don't expect me to come armed.
Where the blackjack's a weapon to be seen, however, a threat rather than a killing tool, the icepick is the opposite. I greet my acquaintances with a one-armed hug... a hug that puts my right hand invitingly close to my enemy's neck. If our Business is disrespected most severely, next time I visit, I might have it up my sleeve. Not bloody, not messy, a quick, clean kill. Because a man can only be reasonable for so long, before he needs to start making threats come true.


___________


Slight change of plan there. I decided that every crime syndicate needs a high-ranking, foreign individual and that since nobody else was German, that'd have to be me.
Decided to write it in first-person, since I wanted to acquaint both you and myself with his style of speech. I'll think of an appearance. Perhaps a scar, somewhere.
Edit: Also, I know that replacing the occasional w with a v does not constitute a German accent, but, while my own german accent is prominent (or so im told) I do not no how to write it. So there.

[Red Mage Black]

And, I'm not terribly sure if my PM ever sent out. Stupid no indication after hitting the button.

[rapter200]

NAME: Walter Crow

AGE: 27

APPEARANCE: Walter isn't a very tall fella, at 5”9' he is a little shorter than average height. He has a thin build, not at all muscular. His carries a scar on the right side of his face where we was grazed by a bullet misfire accident. His eyes are blue and his hair is brown. Other than the scar he is a very nondescript person because in his line of work calling attention to yourself means death.

OCCUPATION: Gunrunner/Weapons Expert. I am the guy you go to when your run of the mill weapons just aren't good enough. I can get you anything.

BACKSTORY: Walter has connections to every weapons manufacturer and arms factory I the Midwest and Central area. Ever since he was a young boy he has had interest in guns, everything about them fascinates him. His father owned a factory that manufactured weapons of all kinds, this is what perked his interest in weapons at first. As time marched on Walter grew into his father's circle of friends, and became a trusted member if their group. When he was 20 Walter decided to move away and strike it out on his own. This didn't work out very well, and he lost his fortune on the stock market. Not wanting to face his father after getting so badly beaten by life he moved to Chicago and started working small time using his connections to buy and smuggle weapons for the small crime bosses in the area.

Optional: Walter carries an M1911 (Colt 1911) on his person at all times.

[mauve]

And, I'm not terribly sure if my PM ever sent out. Stupid no indication after hitting the button. Yep, I got it! Thanks!

Geminex- That's fine! Accepted!

rapter200: Looks good. Consider yourself hired.

So far, here's the folks who've already sent messages and are ready to go:
Red Mage Black (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023398&postcount=23)
Batgirl (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023628&postcount=30)
Krogo (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023525&postcount=26)
Bard (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023591&postcount=27)
Geminex (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023707&postcount=33) (Although if you'd like to change any of your answers for your new character, you're welcome to do so.)
rapter (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023769&postcount=35)
Overcast (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023521&postcount=25)
Toasty (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023642&postcount=31)


Accepted, but still need to message me:
Krylo (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023377&postcount=15)


Placeholders:
Wizardcat
Dauntasa


We've got a nice-sized starting roster here, but I'm gonna wait and give it another day or so before closing sign-ups. That'll give Pyros and anyone else reading this a chance to get in.


EDIT @ PHIL: Awwwwwww. :(

[phil_]

Er, upon further reflection, I don't think I'll be able to give this enough attention for it to be worth everyone's time, so don't wait up for me.

[Dauntasa]

I think I've got enough free time to join this. So, placeholder for a Marksman type character.

[Krylo]

Things have been a bit... interesting around here and I haven't really had time to think of someone else, so I think I'll stick with Eels.

[Geminex]

Eels will be fun.
Also,

Although if you'd like to change any of your answers for your new character, you're welcome to do so.

Nah, he isn't so much new as he is refined. I'm fine.

[Red Mage Black]

Wow... I just... wow... why do I imagine Ben now singing "Piano Man" while referring to all of the characters in Art's crew?

[Geminex]

Nice.

The period's wrong, but "Sultans of swing" would also be fitting.

[Wizardcat]

Mafia...! I warn ya, Lackadaisy and sleeping-through-history are my only real sources on this time period.

Only got a chance to glance through, but I want in. Placeholder, please? Current idea is some kind of doctor, as I figure there will be blood, and a lot of my others ones are taken in some way.

[mauve]

Wizardcat- Yes, I have a feeling a doctor would be a very good idea. XD

Krylo- Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to rush you.


RMB- ........now I have that song stuck in my head.

[Geminex]

Also, if this goes on for a while, we totally need to do an interlude, wherein our team stages a TF2-esqu battle against a different-colored copy of our team. It'll be awesome. Particularly since, no matter what, we'd win.

[mauve]

"YOU FAILED TO FIND THE MURDERER.... PREPARE FOR SUDDEN DEATH!" [/announcer voice]

[Geminex]

Nah, the announcer is Art, who's pitting the two identical teams against each other, betraying them both. IT WAS HIM ALL ALONG!

[mauve]

No, it was Art's evil twin. He looks exactly like Art except he has a mustache.

[Red Mage Black]

I realized that we're still missing something for our group. Basically, the 'hack-surgeon' or 'mafia doctor'. I guess in a way, Eels will just chop off whatever limb you need hacked off. Though I guess he'll be damned if he's going to stop the bleeding for you.

Anyway, it's alright to have that song stuck in your head. Just from Geminex mentioned, I now have that song stuck in my head.

[Bard The 5th LW]

I thinka TF2 BLAM moment would be hilarious. We do already fit some TF2 character types, and probably one more if we get Wizardcat as a medic.

[Geminex]

Dibs on spy.

[Krylo]

Wizardcat- Yes, I have a feeling a doctor would be a very good idea. XDAnd now I kind of wish I would have given Eels a medical background... just not for healing.

Krylo- Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to rush you.It's cool. You didn't.

The backed up sewer system did.

Though I guess he'll be damned if he's going to stop the bleeding for you.

Now that's not true.

He'd probably really enjoy heating up a piece of iron and sticking it in your wounds.

His issue would be in not killing you. It's no fun for him if you're not dead at the end.

[Geminex]

See, that's vhat I'm talking about. You can't do Business that vay! Geez, I thought I vas supposed to be the utterly cold-hearted one here, and I am, actually. It's just, vhile I'm indifferent to brutal murder, Specimen A here seems to enjoy it! He's a liability!
Goddammit, can't ve just arrange another vorld var, send him to the front lines? He'd be out of our vay, at the very least. And our lives vould be vone hell of a lot easier without him around. He'd come back alive, I'm sure, and he'd probably thank us for the holiday. We'd all be happy. Please, boss?

I think Johann will start replacing all his Ws with Vs.

[Red Mage Black]

Now that's not true.

He'd probably really enjoy heating up a piece of iron and sticking it in your wounds.

His issue would be in not killing you. It's no fun for him if you're not dead at the end.
You know, I didn't think of that. Though now that I remember it, you did say he wasn't really one for torture. However, I could imagine him actually doing that. If I'm correct, then he doesn't really talk much. Then again, he doesn't need to say anything to be anymore utterly horrifying then he already is.

Your description of him reminds me of the Nosferatu clan from Vampire: The Requiem.... or just Nosferatu in general.

[Krylo]

I said he wasn't one for the kind of torture that leaves you able to speak afterward.

[mauve]

See, Wizardcat? THIS is why we need you to be a doctor. XD

Because"Dr. Eels" would effectively wipe out Art's entire gang for "medical research purposes" long before they were ever in any danger from rival gangs.

[Toastburner B]

I get the impression that Mickey is going to be hiding in his car a lot. >_>;;

[Krylo]

See, Wizardcat? THIS is why we need you to be a doctor. XD

Because"Dr. Eels" would effectively wipe out Art's entire gang for "medical research purposes" long before they were ever in any danger from rival gangs.

Urge to rewrite backstory and make him 35, with an early life as a doctor, and being jailed for just that reason...

But no, rewrites would be to tone down the disturbing aspects of his character, not increase them.

[Geminex]

And you know vhat's vorse? People respect him for it! They see him drenched in blood, and instead of scolding him for killing off a potential customer, they avoid looking him in the eye and feel scared!
Vhat is so special about gruesomely killing people, can you tell me? Does it require skill? No. Subtlety? No. Physical strength? Barely.
And yet you all act as if he vere some god of death who eats mortals for breakfast!

[mauve]

Urge to rewrite backstory and make him 35, with an early life as a doctor, and being jailed for just that reason...

But no, rewrites would be to tone down the disturbing aspects of his character, not increase them.

XD Go ahead! That's fine with me.

[PyrosNine]

NAME: "Nein"

AGE: Over 20.

APPEARANCE: Long brimmed homburg that is so beaten down and dirty that it's almost more of a bucket hat, rests comfortably over his head, obscuring his eyes to a degree in it's slump. His hair obscures the rest of him, for from the neck up already the idea of "neat" and "clean" are banished from Nein. Wears a plain white T under a beaten brown jacket, to pants a little too big held on by a rope instead of a belt. Shoes are small boots, cheap leather.

In spite of rough clothing, Nein is quite the looker, though his eyes are almost like he's some sort of China-man. Real wide brown eyes.

OCCUPATION: General Lowlife, interested in getting ends met without getting arrested for things he may have done recklessly in the past, and will do legit and illegit work if they won't ask questions about where he's been.

BACKSTORY: Nein is a wanderer by nature, hopping from town to town, bar to bar, slum to slum, looking for work, looking for a place to sleep, and looking out for the cops. Going legit would mean settling down, and in his experience, doing that means that you've given your past a chance to catch up to you, for it's only so long that some lawman meets you on the street with a clean face and recognizes you for that punk that shot his partner during a police raid, that dealt with two drunk idiots far too severely, that skipped town when his landlord was found mysteriously choked to death on a solid gold miniature of some Indian deity in in your apartment....and he doesn't intend on stopping any time soon, stopping into the local area for a job and some quick cash before moving on. He has the distinct feeling he's being followed for some reason...

OPTIONAL: Nein tends to carry little in the way of weaponry, preferring to find things as he needs them and drop them when they get too 'heavy' on him. Have no doubt, that he'll probably end up with signature weapon, a six-shooting revolver sooner or later.

[Krylo]

Nah. Wizard can be the doctor.

I'll enjoy this version of insanity just as much as the calm collected 'researcher' type of insanity.

Though lines like, "Did you know an average adult human can lose 1.68 litres of blood before beginning to go into shock? Hmm... lets see how... average you are, shall we? Tell me when it stops hurting." would be kind of fun.

"There are over 200 pain receptors in every square centimeter of your skin... shall we see how many we can trigger before you lose consciousness, hmm?"

[mauve]

Pyros- Looks good! Welcome aboard. Send me a PM when you have a chance.

[krogothwolf]

Now I have vision of that Eel's being that torture doctor guy from Baccano!

[Red Mage Black]

Egads Krylo, I couldn't stop laughing my ass off as I imagined some creepy looking bastard with a rusty scalpel say that stuff to someone.

Also, I just imagined Ben as the clueless type that wouldn't know why the hell people were afraid of the guy. "Don't judge a book by it's cover, guys. He may look like a serial killer, but that doesn't mean he is one."

[batgirl]

I actually thought of being the good old saw bones, but I seem to gravitate towards that role all the time. If it really came down to it, Jules could mix up some medicines instead of poison, but she's no doctor.

"Oh you have an ache? Here I'll grind up some opium and cocaine for you."

[mauve]

I'm gonna close signups today. Anyone else interested in joining, now's your chance to say something.

Those of you who have posted a placeholder, don't worry, you're still okay. Post a character when you get time.

Those of you who haven't PMed me yet, please do so at your leisure.

Those of you about to rock, we salute you.

[Geminex]

Excellent.
Oh, and also, I decided to start creating our theme song.
I just spent ten minutes rewriting the lyrics, and quite a lot of it is lacking. Feel free to make improvements!
I wasn't sure whom to replace Harry with. Suggestions?

Sultans of Crime:

You get a craving in the dark
It's been raining in the park but meantime
South of the river you stop and you could really use a drink
A speakeasy's selling Spirits and Liquor
You feel all right when you hear those bottles ring

You step inside, but you don't see too many faces
Coming in out of the rain to feel the whiskey go down
Too much competition, too many cops around
But not too many gangs can serve that golden brown
Way on downsouth way on downsouth Chicago town

Check out Hit man Eel, he get all the kills
Mind he's strictly murder he doesn't want to torture or steal
Piano wire's all he wants to afford
When he sneaks up, right behind you, to make you squeal

And Harry doesn't mind if he doesn't make the scene
He's got a daytime job he's doing alright
He can play honky tonk just like anything
Saving it up for Friday night
With the Sultans with the Sultans of Swing

And a crowd of old men they're sitting in the corner
Drunk and dressed in their respectable suits and sensible shoes
They don't give a damn about any rum-running gang
It ain't what they call Business, just running booze
And the Sultans made profits

And then the Boss he steps right up to the microphone
And says, just as we sell the last bottle of wine
"We're out of stock, but, please, feel free to come again"
and he makes it fast one more time
"We are the Sultans
We are the sultans of Crime"

[mauve]

Nice. XD

Me, I STILL have Piano Man stuck in my head. Thank you RMB. Now I've got weird rewritten versions playing over and over:

Now Art at the bar is a businessman,
He'd be happy to cut you some deals.
And as long as you pay,
And ol' Art gets his way,
You won't have to meet Johann or Eels.

And the card dealer's serving up cyanide,
As the gambler runs rum for his debt.
They were played a bad hand,
Now they're stuck with this band,
But this life hasn't killed them off yet.



Yeah, I know. Don't quit my day job.

[Geminex]

Yours is better than mine. I bow to your superior ability to mutilate the lyrics of great songs to suit your ends.

^^

I could totally imagine Ben singing that, though.

[Red Mage Black]

Cripes, though to be truthful, I don't think Ben would want anyone being in a 'band' with him. If anyone moved in on his 'territory', then he wouldn't be too happy. By territory, I mean his nice little 'informant' gig.

Though yeah, those would sound like songs he'd sing.

[Dauntasa]

Well, I've been hit with a sudden and unexpected lack of free time and ideas, so if this RP is ready then just go on without me.

[Bard The 5th LW]

While it doesn't fit in the time of this RP that much, and I doubt I could change the lyrics, I am quite partial to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18vzLo3sKJg) song.

[mauve]

Sorry to hear that, Dauntasa.

Well, I'm gonna say signups are closed now. I plan on handing out roles sometime this weekend, probably start the game then too. Your answers have been.... interesting. XD If I was a social researcher, I could write an essay on this.


EDIT: Here's a list of everyone's characters. Let me know if I forgot anyone.

Arthur, (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023089&postcount=3) That Dude Who Pays You


Red Mage Black (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023398&postcount=23), Benjamin the Musician
Batgirl (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023628&postcount=30), Jules the Assassin
Krogo (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023525&postcount=26), "Fifi" the Bouncer
Bard (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023591&postcount=27), Jeremy the Gambler
Geminex (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023707&postcount=33), Johann the "Negotiator"
rapter (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023769&postcount=35), Walter the Weapons Dealer
Overcast (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023521&postcount=25), Adin the Guy You Don't Want to Recommend You A Sandwich Shop
Toasty (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023642&postcount=31), Mickey the Getaway Driver
Krylo (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023377&postcount=15), Eels the Creepy Dude
Pyros (http://forum.nuklearpower.com/showpost.php?p=1023929&postcount=61), Nein the Jack-of-All-Trades
Wizardcat, the Medic.

[batgirl]

Due to a power outage I am now on day 2 of no power and as such no internet. Hopefully power will be restored soon, but I don't know when that will be so bear with me if I don't post right away.

[mauve]

No worries, Batgirl. Hope your electricity problems get resolved!

EDIT: All PMs have been sent out! Please let me know if you didn't get one!