“First off, I would like to mention that the topic I am going to present to the masses is not the result of the recent war, it’s just purely coincidental that these two time lines meet. It is actually a conversation I was having with Senka not so long ago. Having now said that, I shall start boring you all with my nonsensical and seemingly unrelated tangents.”

“With regards to families, districts and cities, the masses of people are filled up of different roles, however, when the masses go to war, the role of a person usually comes down to two categories: hitter, or protector.“

“Now we all know about the accolades of hitters, the so called pat on the backs and the ‘nice shot, ns’ echoing through the coffee rooms during war times, but what about the other side of the spectrum? What about the people who lay down their lives, not to attack for their district, but to defend it? It’s been in my experience both as first hand and watching from afar, that members of the protection squad, are not held in the same accolade as hitters. That ceremonial cheers and choruses are not held when a defensive shot is successfully made and a life is saved.“

“In some circumstances (I reiterate, SOME), monetary rewards have been given to the more elite hit men and women, so they are able to surround themselves with big, burly bodyguards. In contrast to this, I have seldom seen any sort of reward been given to a protector, regardless of whose life they may have saved.“

“Also (time for one of my horribly placed tangents), a sizeable amount of the time, the people who are relied upon to boost the defences of a person, are that of a lower rank. We, as a unit are relying on the lowly ranks to protect us, sometimes at the sake of their own lives, and yet we live in a society that dictates respect should be given to the higher echelons. Surely, if a lowly gangster has risked their own lives in order to protect your own, they have earned your respect just as much as a person who outranks you?“

“It has also been in my experience that new people to have reached our shores, have laughed off the opportunity to become a member of the protection squad, in favour of becoming a hitter. Is this just because being a hitter sounds more glamorous, or have we all contributed to the idealism of a hitter being far more important and rewarding than that of a protector.“

“I leave the floor open to any one else who wants to voice their opinion on the matter. I look forward to the different explanations and ideas brought forth.“

“It has also been in my experience that new people to have reached our shores, have laughed off the opportunity to become a member of the protection squad, in favour of becoming a hitter. Is this just because being a hitter sounds more glamorous, or have we all contributed to the idealism of a hitter being far more important and rewarding than that of a protector.“

In all honesty, my bloodline has, when choosing to go down the path of becoming a hitter, viewed being part of a protection detail as sort of a rite of passage. If we have happened to be in a position where providing protection has been viable, we have done so with enthusiasm.

Choke takes a flask from her pocket, raises it in memory of team Lynch-and-Anna and takes a deep swig.

However, once we have passed that point, I don't think any of my line has mourned the fact. Being a hitter is desirable because it carries with it a certain prestige. You have to put effort in, weeks and months of effort, before you can do much of anything as a hitter. To be eligible to protect, you simply have to show up, earn a gun and reach the day old mark.

I get that without protection, hitters would be at much greater risk and have their efficiency greatly curbed, but viewing it as a rite of passage on the way to growing into becoming a hitter is really the most common way it's been viewed as my line. Little mafiosi don't tend to go, "when I grow up, I wanna be a pro-er", because it so often is completely thankless work. If you don't get shot by a smaller hitter for doing it, a lot of people won't give you so much as a thank you for the service you've provided - and often the protection has to stalk the one they are assigned to protect for as long as that persons talks their target.

Maybe we should look to rewarding our protection squads more, however, I do believe that with all the opportunities there to train a gun, the majority will make that choice and pro only while it runs parallel with their own ambitions as a hitter.

Those right off the boat laugh off the idea of becoming a protection shooter for one simple reason - they can. These days, anyone can train a decent gun. It no longer takes much effort (time, yes, but not effort). The only thing that kept an abundance of protection shooters in days gone by is the simple fact that either they lacked the dedication to put in the effort to train a gun, or they lacked the knowledge of how to do it. With knowledge and effort no longer required, why wouldn't they opt for the more glamorous profession?

I see chokes point and really have to agree with them. Regardless if someone of my bloodline is training a gun or not they always help with proing at the start of their lives because in all honesty when working with a family that you may not know or they may not know you proing has always been a way to get their foot into the door. And there have been times where proing has earned some of my descendants more respect and higher titles such as left hand man or right hand man. My personal beliefs on proers is that they are amazing. When ever my bloodline was give their own family I even made special posts just for my proers because of the value they hold for the family. In all honesty it would be nice to see the especially decent proers getting a bit of recognition for their work and I know whenever my bloodline had power they would definitely make better relationships with their peers from Prowacking and those people tended to be who I would give away freebies to when I had them to give. I know I have had my fair share of proers who werent really up to the task so seeing a good proer is pretty amazing. I also still wouldnt ever assume someone doesnt bg up their favorite proer especially if it was something they didnt want to change from as there are a few people willing to not become a hitter at all still on these shores.

However, once we have passed that point, I don't think any of my line has mourned the fact. Being a hitter is desirable because it carries with it a certain prestige. You have to put effort in, weeks and months of effort, before you can do much of anything as a hitter. To be eligible to protect, you simply have to show up, earn a gun and reach the day old mark.

Choke, I think my interpretation may be slightly different to yours. I agree that whilst earning those kills that improve your aim and accuracy, being a notorious hitter does hold a certain prestige, but I disagree with your description of a person who protects. Sure, the protector may not have much experience of killing a person, if any at all, but on the majority of occasions, especially during a fierce war, a protector needs to be incredibly fast off the mark, even more so than enemy hitters. The core skill sets are needed to match, if not better that of veteran hitters. Of course, a person may be lucky, and a fresh faced, never held a gun before, gangster may be all that is needed, but we all know that runs a risk.

I get that without protection, hitters would be at much greater risk and have their efficiency greatly curbed, but viewing it as a rite of passage on the way to growing into becoming a hitter is really the most common way it's been viewed as my line. Little mafiosi don't tend to go, "when I grow up, I wanna be a pro-er", because it so often is completely thankless work. If you don't get shot by a smaller hitter for doing it, a lot of people won't give you so much as a thank you for the service you've provided - and often the protection has to stalk the one they are assigned to protect for as long as that persons talks their target.

I am glad that you agree with me with regards to protecting being a thankless task, at least I know it’s not just me that sees it this way. The task of having to try and shadow a veteran hitter is hard at the best of times, it’s what is expected in this world of ours. Hitters are having to do the exact same thing whilst trying to locate enemy hitters. Perhaps if certain incentives were set in place, even if it were until a person became a more successful hitter than a protector, it may curb this negative image of protecting.

Those right off the boat laugh off the idea of becoming a protection shooter for one simple reason - they can. These days, anyone can train a decent gun. It no longer takes much effort (time, yes, but not effort). The only thing that kept an abundance of protection shooters in days gone by is the simple fact that either they lacked the dedication to put in the effort to train a gun, or they lacked the knowledge of how to do it. With knowledge and effort no longer required, why wouldn't they opt for the more glamorous profession?

I completely agree with your consensus of shooting nowadays, FlyingPig. There seems to be an abundance of targets out there for the eager hitters, even more so than the old times, that is most definitely not in doubt. However, for some people (I realise I am saying this for the minority, not the majority), their unique skill sets mean that they have to train a lot more to be able to become a hitter.

Sorry, that was me going off topic. With regards to the glamour and ritz of being a hitter, I understand why it is in place. The thought of taking out your enemy is an exhilarating thought to say the least. I just feel that with a few incentives aimed towards the protection squad, it may make it look less like a thankless task and more of a valid life choice. It was never my intention to downplay the role of being a hitter, but highlight the role and importance of being a protector more than it has been in the past. Perhaps with this in place, the apparent gaps of importance and glamour of both hitter and protector, would be closer together, making the protector role less of a cop out for new gangsters.

Thank you, Choke and FlyingPig. It’s great to see that people have given the time to listen to this discussion and respond.

Senka slips over from her set of stairs to listen to Wargasm.

Ah our conversation. I remember this topic fondly so I will add in a little bit from my perspective.

I feel that the role of a protector is an extremely thankless job. You can lay your life on the line for someone and be forgotten as soon as you died. Should it be this way? No. I think we should be celebrating the people that keep the crew leaders and the hitters safe. I am not saying hitters are less important by all means. Both roles are just as important as the other. However, only one is ever celebrated.

The other spot you touched on Wargasm was the respect levels. Personally, if a younger member of our community is willing to risk anything they have currently worked towards in order to save my life, I would be giving them a hell of a lot of respect. It doesn't always matter on rank to me.

I wish people would get off the rank is the only reason you deserve respect kick. I give more respect to those that deserve it regardless of their rank. No offense but a Godfather approaching me and acting like a complete dick won't get much respect from me. Of course I would be civil but make no mistake there will be no respect there. I will not admire that person just because of the rank they achieved.

Taking a pause to stop herself from rambling off topic too much.

I think that people underestimate the protector. It may not take much practice but does hitting really do so anyways? As was already stated hitters need the time. Protectors still need to know what they are doing as well to do their jobs properly.

I would like to see more respect paid to protectors at the very least. Regardless of rank they are laying their lives down to protector their district or city. They are protecting something that they value. Something they hope will still be there to come back to.

I apologize if this is a little off topic.

Roberto entered into the streets and began to make his way to where the current discussion was taking place. He had heard whispers and noises in regards to the subject of protection which subsequently swallowed his full attention. As he made his way over towards to group, his un-tucked shirt rippled through the breeze, thrashing against his muscular, well defined torso. As he came to a stop, somewhere within a metre of the pack, he lit one of his cuban cigars. The unearthly toke of the hand crafted tobacco tube sent shivers down his body as he inhaled the cloudy smoke. In passing, he noticed Senka, to which he gave an extremely engrossing wink, using his world renowned "come to bed" eyes. 

I, for one, am extremely grateful to anyone who provides protection during times of need. They are an essential part in any successful take down or war, and I for one never overlook their importance. Although their job may not take all the glory of the hitters, it is just as, if not more important. They are the men and women who can be the difference between entire cities falling completely, or striving and climbing to the next tread of the power ladder. Anyone who has helped me in the past are always thanked and reminded just how important they are. 

Without these vastly important characters of our society, this great city would not be what it is today. A powerhouse of our world, with beautiful people left, right and of course centre. 

I hope my input has been somewhat interesting and also an insight of just how my mind works. Any questions feel free to ask.

After Roberto's beautifully crafted ramble, he began to walk back into the local bar. As he began to walk, he couldn't help notice that Senka's eyes were fixated onto his gluteus maximus. The tailored trouser pants he had purchase did not leave much to the imagination. He chuckled to himself and began walking in a certain way to emphasise his quite magnificent structure. What a treat he had just given.

I feel like I'm just going to be echoing what other people have already said a little here, but I'll add my two cents either way.

As FlyingPig said, hitting now doesn't take much effort. I'd even go further than that and say it doesn't even require much skill. A lot of it now is luck. Do you fire that shot just as the target is able to be killed, or does your competition? It does take a lot more time to become the big big hitters, but everybody has time.

Hitters get the glory simply because it's them putting people in the obits. Whereas that protection shot can be just as beneficial as the hitting shot, it's not as memorable. Hitters remember the people they put in the obits, but how many of them can tell us the exact person who was ready to protect them afterwards?

It is thankless, and I don't see it changing much, it's always been the same really. In an ideal world pro'ers would get the same accolades as hitters, when they make those all important pro shots, but it just isn't the way unfortunately. One of the biggest reasons I think contributes to this, is something that Choke already bought up. It does take time to develop the gun skill of a hitter, whereas you're born with the gun skill of a pro'er. Whereas it takes just as much time in a war situation, i.e the pro'ers will be trying to shoot for just as long as the hitters are, up to this point, the hitters do do more.

The only people who can change the way pro'ers are viewed, are the hitters. If they make time to thank the pro'ers, and give them the appreciation and respect they deserve, public opinion will slowly change.

Well a good pro wacker is worth his or her weight in gold they willl down there life so the hitter lives to fight on and with luck ensure the famiies survival.

It may not be as glorious as the life of a hitter but they are still the most important people in your crew

The problem is that any day 1 gangster with a gun can pro, it takes time, effort, dedication, and cash/creds. 

Now don't get me wrong, my father was a great pro-er and he saved quite a bit of men during his war time but it wasn't difficult to do. Just shoot when told/needed to. 

I, for one, am extremely grateful to anyone who provides protection during times of need. They are an essential part in any successful take down or war, and I for one never overlook their importance. Although their job may not take all the glory of the hitters, it is just as, if not more important. They are the men and women who can be the difference between entire cities falling completely, or striving and climbing to the next tread of the power ladder. Anyone who has helped me in the past are always thanked and reminded just how important they are.

Roberto, I must say that it is refreshing to see such a high praise for people who provide protection, and praise in the streets at that. I agree that the glory may not be there, but their names should also be etched along side the hitters whilst remembering great wars. My family line also thanks and praises the protectors that have aided them in the past. It is a tradition that I am proud of and one that I hope will stay in my future family line.

Whereas it takes just as much time in a war situation, i.e the pro'ers will be trying to shoot for just as long as the hitters are, up to this point, the hitters do do more.

I have to respectfully disagree with this statement, Choke. Of course, there will be hitters that will shoot at every available opportunity, and may possibly grab different protection along the way, but it is definitely not unheard of for protector to defend a person’s position at every possible moment. I mean people can say that a hitter may have to track different people to try and attack, but someone who protects may have to trail and track down several different people they have to defend. To do this under severe pressure and keep the person alive is no mean feat.

The problem is that any day 1 gangster with a gun can pro, it takes time, effort, dedication, and cash/creds.

Now don't get me wrong, my father was a great pro-er and he saved quite a bit of men during his war time but it wasn't difficult to do. Just shoot when told/needed to.

Chong, where I agree that anyone can protect, and I can’t dispute the time that it takes to build up a good offensive gun, I disagree with the difficulty given to protecting. Sure, if a person is lucky and they don’t really have anyone looking out for them, then a lackadaisical protection manoeuvre is all that’s needed. However, in the heat of battle, and you have several people that want nothing more than to place a bullet between your eyes, a good protector is needed, after all, they need to have the skill to avoid several people.

Chalk hears Wargasm quoting something he said, but then turning to Choke to reply.

You silly man, I'm over here!

I think you may have misunderstood what I was getting at. I meant that in a time of war, the pro'ers and hitters will be spending the same amount of time doing their job as eachother, however, and I'm thinking this is where the confusion lies, up until war, it takes more time, and more from the hitters, to be the hitter, than it does from the pro'er, to be the pro'er.

Hitters will have to train, therefore taking up time, whereas pro'ers don't need to train their guns to be pro'ers.

I do agree with your reply to Chong though. It definitely takes skill to be a good pro'er. These pro'ers are normally those who have had ancestors that were hitters, or simply they are people accustomed to our ways, and know their way around a war situation.

This is definitely an interesting question, which could raise quite a few differences in opinion - as already seen by people's responses.

In answer to the question of it being an undervalued skill or not I guess I would have to ask you this question - If you had enough trained guns to kill every single target in a war, wouldn't that be better than having to use a protection wack to defend yourself? I think that this is probably why it is undervalued by most - because it is something you only do if you absolutely have to, not something you would choose to do otherwise.

However, it is not that often that you have enough people to kill every single target that could do damage, so more often than not protection wacks are definitely something that's required.

Personally, I know that my line have always appreciated and valued protection wackers. I've read their journals, and they knew that their life was in the balance - the only thing standing in the way of certain death, the untrained gun of a protection wacker.

Chalk hears Wargasm quoting something he said, but then turning to Choke to reply.

You silly man, I'm over here!

I think you may have misunderstood what I was getting at. I meant that in a time of war, the pro'ers and hitters will be spending the same amount of time doing their job as eachother, however, and I'm thinking this is where the confusion lies, up until war, it takes more time, and more from the hitters, to be the hitter, than it does from the pro'er, to be the pro'er.

Hitters will have to train, therefore taking up time, whereas pro'ers don't need to train their guns to be pro'ers.

Trying to cover his apparent mistake, Wargasm casually looks at Chalk instead.

Yes, Chalk was what I meant to say, but a small piece of dust went into my mouth. CHOOOOOKKKKKEEEEE CHOOOOOOOKKEEEE!

Slyly smiling to himself as he thinks he has got away with his school boy error, he starts to respond to Chalk.

I agree that extensive training is needed to become a hitter, and in some cases, the more elite hitters have dedicated their lives to perfecting the skill of murder. However, with previous people mentioning about it being easier nowadays to become a quite successful hitter with the amount of targets littering our streets, does this still warrant the same differences of respect and glamour of being a hitter that were instilled in this land from a long time ago?

I can't say i'm here for a long enough time, to know how hard it was to become a hitter. But, it is commonly voiced, that it has become quite easier than it used to be. So yes, probably most people go for hitting. From my point of view, hitting is not for everyone, because you can't have only hitters in your crew. If that's the case, who will protect  your hitters? How can you have enough money in the crew to upkeep every hitter's bodyguards? I have accepted to play the role of the protector, I have accepted the fact that it is more important to pay for my hitter's bodyguards than for mine, since they got gun skills and i don't. A protector can more easily be replaced than a hitter that's for sure, so you gotta focus protecting your hitter.

On the other hand, I do believe that protectors should get more credit. It's not only that they risk their lives. Let's say you get into war, you fly to kill your enemies and you get your protector to fly and shoot you. Who's gonna die? Probably him, because the cannot hit you since you are protected. You can't give the protector anything more than the credit for his role in this. And it is a big role, though some people certainly don't appreciate it as much as they should

The lower rankers usually are responsible for the pro's? Yeap, that's right, cause they more replaceable. I know it sounds bad, but that's the way it is. The way i see it, it's the hitter's job to protect their protectors, and vice versa. During a war, if all of the hitters survive and a lot of protectors have died, it is certain that the protectors did a better job.