Being tapped to become a crew leader can be a very exciting time. A chance for a mafioso to step up and attempt to make a mark on this world. A nice bold suit that stands out, a fancy headquarters, and minions to do your bidding. To become a successful leader, you need a solid, reliable support staff to help you get there. A crew is only as good as its right and left hands. Without them, a solo crew leader just doesn't cut it.

When SimonTheSwanHunter told me I'd be setting up as underboss in Corktown, I was nervous. I've been away from this thing of ours for some time. Most of my most trusted friends and confidants have moved on to other places, or the ones here that remain where already committed to their own causes. What was I to do?

Usually when a family sets up, the crewleader and hands have long established connections. Generation after generation of history, trust, and reliance upon one another. All things that help solidify a crew and help them get off the ground running successfully. But what happens when you don't have anyone to call upon in your time of need. Friends aren't around anymore, people you've relied upon in the past are currently tied up. You have to have someone to help carry the load so to speak. You break the norm and turn to someone new? That could be a dicey move.

During our time in Swanfree Song Song, Interlude and I had spoken from time to time about various things relating to this world of ours. Prior to our time there, we had no connections. Just two new faces in Detroit shooting the shit down at the 12th Street Public Toilets. Over a bit of time, we learned that we could rely on one another, and more importantly, trust one another. The same things could be said about Bathsheba. Chats here and there about various goings on in Detroit. Where we could find swans to kill, how we could undermine Simon, what to do about Twigs. Two people passing the time between various muggings. These conversations lead to building trust. Trust is always key.

So when I put on my bold suit and purchased a building down in Bricktown, I asked Interlude and Bathsheba to come along for the adventure. Thankfully they both agreed or I'd look like a dunce running around all by my lonesome. Three people who were strangers just three months ago, working together to build a crew from the ground up. 

I broke from the norm, and I'm confident it will not bite me in the ass when the day is done!

Massive congratulations! 

Reading this was awesome. You've absolutely nailed what it means to build something real. It's not about the fancy suit or the HQ (tho they're a great perk!) – it's about the foundation of trust. The fact that you were nervous shows you understand the weight of this, and that's what makes a good leader.

But what you did next is what makes a great one. You didn't just look for the usual suspects; you built your own foundation from the ground up with Interlude and Bathsheba. That's not a "dicey move," that's a visionary one. Trust that's built from shared goals and conversations, not just inherited history, is some of the strongest there is. Your story of going from strangers to running a crew together is the best possible start you could have.

SimonTheSwanHunter tapped you for a reason. He saw your ability to read people and build genuine connections. Now you've got a crew built on loyalty you forged yourself. Here's to you, Interlude, and Bathsheba taking Bricktown by storm! Wishing you all the success and great run!