:Talking with a few close friends outside of a local deli, seated around a round, steel mesh table, Cunning begins to discuss their recent progress since their inception into the crime world:

            It's been about a week since that last war, and, already, our country seems to be getting back to business as usual.  The ebb and flow of fate and the inevitable wheel of fortune have again begun their upward climb.

:A few passerbies--those who know enough to know of which Cunning speaks--stop to discreetly listen in:

            After the first major war of recent times, superpowers, for the most part, were eliminated, and power was (relatively) spread evenly among several cities.  After the second, that number was cut down to three.  With only three complete crime cities existing, godfathers have begun innovative satellite cities which, with the lack of aged mafioso in the wake of these wars, have given several young crime figures a chance at the big time.

            In the space of this week, we've seen three cities spring back up, containing six crews, and I don't even know how many auths, nationwide.  Add to that SpaceMountain's retirement and DonPardo's ascension and auths, and, all in all, we've had a pretty busy week.  We've been hard at work.

:Many nod in knowing agreement

Anyway, in this time of quick change and development, I think it would be great to see these new auths hitting a high mark on the streets, etc.  Not only is this a fantastic time to set a new standard in that realm, but it would be great to be able to get to know these new faces--what they stand for and all that.  I realize that it's not my place to make any kind of expectation, but I thought it was a nice idea.

But I mainly just wanted to highlight the stunning week we've had as we accelerate back towards full speed.  Bravo, criminals of the US.

:Cunning sits back and sips his coffee as he awaits his friends' input:

Magua walks out and takes out his flask, he swigs it back as he begins to converse with Cunning...

Cunning, your views on the war are correct, many things have changed. My people and I have come forth and brought our spirits with us to these fine streets of ours. As mother earth gives us guidance and strength to endure the long nights of hard work we will come out on top and people will see how it has paid off. My tribesmen and I have learned your people's ways and have perfected them, we will bring much money and success to the lands of New Orleans so it may flourish once again.

As far as everything going back to normal, it is simply the way of life. People start anew and begin to grow as one once again, only under new people, new ideas and new rules to go about things. Slowly the money will flow like the clear waters of my creeks back home... and the bodyguards will soon come back and in the boat loads I am sure. We all know we can't hardly stay away from gambling as well, the recent demolitions will only surely be replaced by the greed that the white man has brought.

Anyway, in this time of quick change and development, I think it would be great to see these new auths hitting a high mark on the streets, etc. Not only is this a fantastic time to set a new standard in that realm, but it would be great to be able to get to know these new faces--what they stand for and all that. I realize that it's not my place to make any kind of expectation, but I thought it was a nice idea.

Sir, you are wrong to think that crew leaders shouldn't be required to speak out into these streets. In fact, it's quite the opposite, leaders are meant to lead their crews. How can you do that if you don't lead by example to begin with? I firmly believe that street activity is a must when choosing someone to lead a family.

Magua steps back and begins to drag on a cigarette as he continues his conversation with Cunning...

Gwarble witnesses the conversation between one of the new men in New Orleans and one of the promising men in his own city. He listens to the views of each in turn, before offering his own perspective on the matter at hand.

This is still the land of opportunity, lest we forget. It was always our aim to rebuild MafiaReturns and ultimately that is what we intend to do. We have provided any skilled mobster with the chance to lead their own family and real estate has been offered to fresh faces to see what they can do with the time they have.

I would be delighted to see the new families spread their roots and become staples of Cosa Nostra for the future and I hope they make the most of this chance, because I have little doubt things will grow as they did in the past. This is the time to get in at the ground floor and those with the balls to dirty their hands now, have the chance to benefit significantly in the long term.

Whilst I am a strong advocate of family heads speaking in the Streets, it is not indicative of a leader's skill or ability. There is no rule book and no laws in our world that says 'this is the way to do it' because those in power have chosen not to make it so. People have an opportunity to lead as they please and so long as the Godfathers are satisfied with how they go about this, they are allowed to do so.

I will be watching how the new families develop with interest.

:Cunning stops and removes his hat:

I did not see your approach, Godfather Gwarble.  And I certainly did not expect to grab your attention with my humble rambling, but certainly appreciate your input.

It is a pleasing sight to see new cities take root and beging their growth, is it not?  I will also be watching their development closely.  For my own entertainment, if nothing else.

And yes, I am sorry if my statements carried with them the implication that crew leaders should be expected to have a street presence.  Just thinking out loud concerning my own interest in their identities, since we find outselves with such a plethora of new organizations springing up, many of which centered around individuals who have not even had the chance to develop an identity around the streets.  And the influence that such behavior bring with it, as Magua mentioned, can be helpful.

:Cunning raises his hat again towards his godfather, respectfully, before placing it back on his head:

Magua listens to Cunning and Godfather Gwarble once more and begins to chime in again, still drinking his flask...

Whilst I am a strong advocate of family heads speaking in the Streets, it is not indicative of a leader's skill or ability. There is no rule book and no laws in our world that says 'this is the way to do it' because those in power have chosen not to make it so. People have an opportunity to lead as they please and so long as the Godfathers are satisfied with how they go about this, they are allowed to do so.

Godfather, as it may not be a requirement as of now, but has this game not revolved itself around role playing and your ability to be able to handle yourself accordingly in the these fines streets we have? I am in no way shape or form trying to say that you are a liar. It just seems from my point of view that street activity is a requirement for a decent leader is all. I can't remember thinking to myself, "Wow he was a great leader" and he had no street activity. All in all people in power DO set the standards for requirements. I think people kinda set the bar on street activity as of now according to their own standards and discretion. I don't think that it should be a requirement to be street active, but I do however believe all the great leaders of our times we're very street savvy.


Magua leans over to a local butcher shop and buy Cunnin and Godfather Gwarble the two best T-Bones in the house...

Well boys, you care to grill out back at the new HQ and discuss this further? I mean why not kick back and relax while we chat?

A "leader" is someone who leads. You may not be popular with our community as a whole, but you can certainly do that without appearing in the streets. It is certainly possible to build a bond with your members and to run a successful family all within the confines of your own headquarters.

Being a talented speaker, or even just an active speaker, isn't a reflection of a leader's ability to actually lead their family. The two usually go hand in hand and I doubt there are many people in the 'legend' category who did it from their headquarters, but that isn't to say it can't be done.

Personally, I believe it is part of the package. It is a skill that certainly helps an individual to demonstrate their ability, knowledge and intelligence, all of which help raise their profile and attract new members. It also shows the other families and existing members what their boss is all about.

:Cunning nods gratefully to Magua:

I'd be happy to share a few steaks with you, Magua.  However, though I mostly agree with your points, specifically, "I can't remember thinking to myself, 'Wow he was a great leader' and he had no street activity," it was never my intention, with this discussion, to fall back in to the "age old" debate over the importance (or unimportance) of leaders being vocal in the streets.  So I'll make my final point, and then we'll move on to properly relaxing and celebrating the prospects of our budding country (not least of all being your own recent promotion).

Gwarble is right.  It is not realistic to expect every committed and capable gangster to be active in the streets.  And in our constant search for "realism" (such an abstract concept for us gangster to spend so much time focusing on) a good crew leader should be, for all intents and purposes, tight-lipped about his family affairs.  However, as you've mentioned, Magua, we come from a long line of public speaker and character development in the public eye, especially where leaders are concerned.  I, personally, try to hold myself to the standards of the "old school" gangster, but realize that this is simply not possible for everyone. Gwarble, however, is a terrific example of how public character development can yield positive results.

Now, :Cunning continues as his mouth begins to water:  how about those steaks?

That is very true Godfather. I look forward to these streets, I believe they could bring much hope and prosperity to The Big Easy. I am sure our paths will cross once again on these fine streets of ours Godfather Gwarble. I do look forward to those days, I enjoy much conversation in these streets myself.

Magua hands Godfather Gwarble his flask...

Care to have a drink?

Gianluca had been listening intently to the dicussion at hand and had been waiting patiently to speak and kept missing his chance

I agree that after the last two wars that have ripped through our fair 8 cities, the community is beginning to get back to flourish in a life of crime. This will always happen as us men and woman of honour are made of strong stuff and will always have our bloodlines returning to continue on the work our bloodlines have started.

In regards to street speaking from leaders I agree with my Godfather that to lead you don't have to be vocal in the streets. A leader can lead from within their HQ or by sending various forms of unseen communications. Leaders have obviously done a lot to prove to who auth'd them that they are ready to wear that bold suit.

Mr Cunning you said in your initial speech that you would like to get to know the leaders beliefs and put a face to the names, just out of interest how would you like that to happen? As sometimes if you miss the inital start of the discussion what you think has already been said so is it worth repeating it just so you have said something on the matter? Obviously it is different if the subject warrants the voice of leaders.

Well, Gian, again I want to say that I agree with both you and Godfather Gwarble in that vocality is not a necessity for a leader.  I was simply saying it would be nice at this time to see them out and about, since, at the moment, we have many new faces taking leadership positions.

And how would I like that to happen?  Simply how it is happening at this moment.  You are engaging in this conversation, giving yourself a public voice, and, thus, developing your identity in the minds of the masses.  You don't have to give away pertinent information to do this or anything, and it helps everyone undersand a little bit about how your mind works--what kind of leader you might be.

I understand your point about "What you wish to say has already been said," and I appreciate its relevance, here.  Often I will sit out of a debate or discussion on the streets, feeling that my side of the argument has been adequately represented, and that's understandable.  I would definitely agree with you in saying, "If you don't have anything worth saying, don't waste your breath and our time."

Leaders, however, naturally hold more clout than your every-day gangster, so sometimes it may be useful for them to reiterate, because it adds substance to the existing argument.  In other words, who cares what I think, but if you agree, suddenly the world should care.  Because it is you guys whose opinion matters--it is you guys who have the power to make a difference at the moment.

I hope that I sufficiently answered your question.