Post by Cullen Montoya on Jul 4, 2014 19:45:05 GMT -6
This is a realistic-based SL. As such, a certain level of realism is necessary. Especially when it comes to real life organizations being used within our stories. This is even more true when it comes to real life criminal organizations being put into use. We don't expect everyone to become an encyclopedia of criminal knowledge, but we do expect some accuracy. So, I'm going to give everyone a brief overview of some of the organizations that may be encountered within EL. If you want more in-depth information, please feel free to contact me with any questions. Otherwise, the Internet is your friend. A couple minutes of research will do nothing but make the SL feel richer and more complete.
Russian Mafia: They commonly refer to themselves as Bratva. They are not closely bound like other crime families, but rather, they are loose organization of individuals with common interests. In the US, the strongest concentration of Russian Mafia influence is Brighton Beach, New York. Though there has been speculation that they have branched out across the country. Nothing has been confirmed. They came to the forefront of modern times after the fall of the Soviet Union, flourishing in the unstable environment that followed. Their rank within the organization is usually symbolized by any number of intricate tattoos. The Russians primary areas of interest tend to revolve around drugs, smuggling, guns, and the sex trade. They are also known for being one of the more brutal organizations when it comes to dealing with those that cross them. They are most often seen as ruthless and calculating, willing to do anything to achieve their goals.
Irish Mob/IRA: While mostly prevalent during the days of Prohibition, the Irish Mob practically ruled the East Coast criminal underworld for nearly a century. Their primary bases of power were in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia with some influence stretching as far as Chicago and into the American South. Their presence within LA have been almost nonexistent. The Irish Mob have suffered many tremendous losses at the hands of the Italians, most notably the assassination of Mickey Spillane by the Genovese crime family of New York in 1970. The Irish have a long-standing animosity with the Italians dating back to the early 1920s, often battling over the same territories and enterprises. These days, the Irish Mob's primary areas of influence deal with illegal gambling, prostitution, and some minor interest in guns and drugs. Please note, the Irish Mob is NOT the same thing as the IRA. These are two completely separate organizations. The IRA is currently classified as a terrorist organization in the US. The IRA generally deal in selling and shipping illegal guns in order to finance their efforts against the British government. Anyone found connected to the IRA on American soil is subject to the Patriot Act.
Italian Mafia: One of the most well-known criminal organizations in the United States, the Italian Mafia, or Casa Nostra, became prevalent in New York's Lower East Side during the late 19th century and early 20th. The most important thing to remember about the Italian Mafia is that it is all about family, though keep in mind that "family" does not always mean bloodlines. Succession is not always hereditary. The history of the Italian Mafia is well documented with many notable names and faces. While considered by many to be a shadow of their former selves, the Italian Mafia still holds tremendous interest across the United States. They are still heavily involved in drugs, prostitution, guns, and gambling.
Chinese Triad/Tong: The Chinese Triad originated in the 17th century. Their initial desires were to overthrow the Chi'ng dynasty to reestablish Ming's control and avenge the deaths of their Five Ancestors. The Tong was established in the later part of the 19th century, primarily by Chinese-American immigrants to protect themselves against nativists who wish to harm them, making them, in general, much less politically oriented. Both organizations focus primarily on drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, prostitution, gambling, and illegal guns. All numbers follow a code of conduct known as the 36 Oaths. The penalty for breaking even one of these oaths is usually death. Also note, the Triad/Tong are heavily involved in counterfeiting. Everything from currency to software to expensive clothing is often counterfeit by members of the Triad organizations. A great number of Asian sweatshops are actually fronts for Triad counterfeiting rings. Though their chief area of expertise still tends to be the illegal transportation of people into foreign countries.
Yakuza: Yakuza is most notably characterized by their strict code of conduct and widespread international influence. Their members come from all walks of life which is primarily a tribute to their members originally being from Japan's lower caste of citizens. Most start out in common street gangs, gradually working their way up to a more prominent position. The Yakuza are very much male-dominated, often refusing to give any prominent positions to their female members. Most Yakuza have full-body tattoos that are often made in the traditional methods, using only hand-made tools to insert the ink beneath the skin. These tattoos are hardly ever displayed in public, or even among other members. Displaying the tattoos openly is seen as dishonorable. The Yakuza primarily focus on prostitution, gambling, and counterfeiting. Unlike most organized crime syndicates, the Yakuza is, as a whole, are vehemently against the usage, manufacturing, or selling of drugs. There is one small group who call themselves Yakuza that do engage in the drug trade, but these members are generally viewed as dishonorable and not part of the larger Yakuza organization.
If there are any organizations you are interested in bringing to the SL, feel free to contact myself, Dawn, or Rifka with any of your ideas. And again, if you want more information about any of these groups, there is plenty of information all over the Internet, or you can contact me. There are also a great number of well-made movies that give really good looks into the lifestyles of these various groups for those that don't want to do a lot of reading.
Russian Mafia: They commonly refer to themselves as Bratva. They are not closely bound like other crime families, but rather, they are loose organization of individuals with common interests. In the US, the strongest concentration of Russian Mafia influence is Brighton Beach, New York. Though there has been speculation that they have branched out across the country. Nothing has been confirmed. They came to the forefront of modern times after the fall of the Soviet Union, flourishing in the unstable environment that followed. Their rank within the organization is usually symbolized by any number of intricate tattoos. The Russians primary areas of interest tend to revolve around drugs, smuggling, guns, and the sex trade. They are also known for being one of the more brutal organizations when it comes to dealing with those that cross them. They are most often seen as ruthless and calculating, willing to do anything to achieve their goals.
Irish Mob/IRA: While mostly prevalent during the days of Prohibition, the Irish Mob practically ruled the East Coast criminal underworld for nearly a century. Their primary bases of power were in New York, Boston, and Philadelphia with some influence stretching as far as Chicago and into the American South. Their presence within LA have been almost nonexistent. The Irish Mob have suffered many tremendous losses at the hands of the Italians, most notably the assassination of Mickey Spillane by the Genovese crime family of New York in 1970. The Irish have a long-standing animosity with the Italians dating back to the early 1920s, often battling over the same territories and enterprises. These days, the Irish Mob's primary areas of influence deal with illegal gambling, prostitution, and some minor interest in guns and drugs. Please note, the Irish Mob is NOT the same thing as the IRA. These are two completely separate organizations. The IRA is currently classified as a terrorist organization in the US. The IRA generally deal in selling and shipping illegal guns in order to finance their efforts against the British government. Anyone found connected to the IRA on American soil is subject to the Patriot Act.
Italian Mafia: One of the most well-known criminal organizations in the United States, the Italian Mafia, or Casa Nostra, became prevalent in New York's Lower East Side during the late 19th century and early 20th. The most important thing to remember about the Italian Mafia is that it is all about family, though keep in mind that "family" does not always mean bloodlines. Succession is not always hereditary. The history of the Italian Mafia is well documented with many notable names and faces. While considered by many to be a shadow of their former selves, the Italian Mafia still holds tremendous interest across the United States. They are still heavily involved in drugs, prostitution, guns, and gambling.
Chinese Triad/Tong: The Chinese Triad originated in the 17th century. Their initial desires were to overthrow the Chi'ng dynasty to reestablish Ming's control and avenge the deaths of their Five Ancestors. The Tong was established in the later part of the 19th century, primarily by Chinese-American immigrants to protect themselves against nativists who wish to harm them, making them, in general, much less politically oriented. Both organizations focus primarily on drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, prostitution, gambling, and illegal guns. All numbers follow a code of conduct known as the 36 Oaths. The penalty for breaking even one of these oaths is usually death. Also note, the Triad/Tong are heavily involved in counterfeiting. Everything from currency to software to expensive clothing is often counterfeit by members of the Triad organizations. A great number of Asian sweatshops are actually fronts for Triad counterfeiting rings. Though their chief area of expertise still tends to be the illegal transportation of people into foreign countries.
Yakuza: Yakuza is most notably characterized by their strict code of conduct and widespread international influence. Their members come from all walks of life which is primarily a tribute to their members originally being from Japan's lower caste of citizens. Most start out in common street gangs, gradually working their way up to a more prominent position. The Yakuza are very much male-dominated, often refusing to give any prominent positions to their female members. Most Yakuza have full-body tattoos that are often made in the traditional methods, using only hand-made tools to insert the ink beneath the skin. These tattoos are hardly ever displayed in public, or even among other members. Displaying the tattoos openly is seen as dishonorable. The Yakuza primarily focus on prostitution, gambling, and counterfeiting. Unlike most organized crime syndicates, the Yakuza is, as a whole, are vehemently against the usage, manufacturing, or selling of drugs. There is one small group who call themselves Yakuza that do engage in the drug trade, but these members are generally viewed as dishonorable and not part of the larger Yakuza organization.
If there are any organizations you are interested in bringing to the SL, feel free to contact myself, Dawn, or Rifka with any of your ideas. And again, if you want more information about any of these groups, there is plenty of information all over the Internet, or you can contact me. There are also a great number of well-made movies that give really good looks into the lifestyles of these various groups for those that don't want to do a lot of reading.