Strolling through the city streets of her beloved hometown in North Side, Chicago, Rose sipped the freshly brewed Italian blend coffee she purchased five minutes prior.  The summer heat was bothersome as usual, but it didn’t deter her from sporting the favorite Chanel suit she adored.  

She glanced around to the passersby, wondering about a few things that had happened recently, and throughout the past.  It seemed to go unnoticed, or perhaps just not brought to attention, but the casual asking of information on one of the infamous Tyler Durden gang so openly in public places was disturbing.  Rose stopped a moment to speak to whomever was listening, and discuss her concerns.

“Good evening all.  I noticed the other day how casually the request was made in a local coffee shop, and other venues as well, about gaining information to the whereabouts for one of the infamous Tyler Durden upper structure.  Surely this is a common practise, and most people seem to overlook the issue of asking this in public.”

“Isn’t this breaking omerta?  Allowing others outside of your immediate Family to know how capable a killer you are.  Everyone knows how important it is to hold your gun close, but more importantly your lips closed tighter.  Sure in this thing of ours there are hitmen a dime a dozen, but why advertise your specialty?  Why advertise how strong your Family and city are?”

Rose-Raje, it depends on the person itself, really. Let's be honest, if somebody such as Duplicity or Eredin asked for the location of Tyler Durden, would any of us be surprised that they were capable to take care of Mr. Durden?

However, if one was blessed with a capable pistol, and it wasn't already well assumed that person had such a capable pistol, it would just be silly for that person to blatantly offer such information about themselves publicly. 
 

 "Always one to shack the fabric of what our structure really is, Rose," TLM chuckles out, as he walks towards Rose-Raja, "I think it's why I'm so fond of you, but I digress..."

Sifting his way through the crowds that were starting to gather, each and everyone one with their opinion and ready to voice it at a moments notice, TLM eventually made it near Rose herself. 

"Of course it's breaking Omerta. But it's much like the Laws of our country. If you're rich enough, you're powerful enough, or you got enough influence, you can do whatever you please. It's unfortunate at times, since there are those like myself who are not rich, nor powerful, nor have the influence to garner such a reputation who are told to follow the rules set in place by those who break them. But again, I digress..."

TLM was good at digressing. He made it a hobby these days.

"Rose, you spark an interesting debate here. I'm keen to watch how it envelopes and who decides to speak out on whichever side. The Durdens, though, as a Family often tend to gather in much larger numbers and not only cause mischief in our streets but also harm some of our favorite ladies... and gentlemen... of the night. I don't judge!" TLM looks to try an' find Bowie, only to remember that he is no longer with us. He sighs.
 

"... Then again, advertising a cities strength is often a form of flexing muscle, to show a power even if you don't necessarily have it. While it's not a wise decision, I would bet that these people don't really give a shit. Their words, not mine, mind you." TLM smiles. 

Pops whether they are capable or not, it is still advertising or discussing your capabilities....outside of your immediate family.  What does Omerta mean.... if we know you are a leader...a Don...a Godfather... then it is okay to tell us how good your skill is?

Silly or not it does happen, and it should stop.

“Pardon me Laughing_Man I was lost in thought, and had not replied til now.”

“See I don’t feel that way in regards that a leader can do ‘whatever they please’ because what kind of example are they setting for their family then?  Do as I say, but not as I do?!  Yes if leaders want to be boastful of their accomplishments then who is to stop them.  Does it look favorable on them?  In my opinion it does not.”

Rose shook her head slightly before continuing.

“A person can possess the highest power or position they are capable of doing in this thing of ours, but that doesn’t mean they have the right to break the very code we are sworn to live by.  Being boastful can lead to jealousy wars, or takedowns, paranoia and other actions.”

“Now was this worth it to their family who sacrificed their lives to die in a war because their leader wanted to ‘show off’ their abilities to the public? Aren’t you supposed to keep your mouth shut, and not reveal to rival families that you are stronger or weaker?”

Butterfingers was in among the gathered crowd listening to a debate that had started on the rights and wrongs of the Omerta code we live by. Being one for a little bit of a debate she shuffles through the crowd, nods her head at Laughing_Man as he sinks back into the crowd and Butterfingers steps forward.

"Interesting concerns raised right there Rose-Raje. Everyone of these people in this fine world have an opinion on this, that or the other, yet few are prepared to voice it, rather, whisper in the shadows for fear of rebuttal."

Butterfingers glances around and the faces as she feels the stares burning into the back of her head. Well at least they aren't knives she smirks to herself.

"In this world we live, like water holds flour together when making bread, Omerta holds us together making us families. We do what we can to protect one another and silence to outside the family is crucial."

Butterfingers pauses, slightly lost in train of thought as she remembers the distinct smell of fresh baked bread pulled from the stove.

"We all know the only way to survive in this world is to have a useful gun, be trained in it, use it, and make it one with your self. To be able to use it effectively, efficiently, and with the most devastating impact it can have when one chooses to use it. Yes, you can have numerous men following you around, but this amounts to nothing other than protection, whereas that shiny piece of hardened steel most carry with them, is where their safety, or the felling of being safe, lies. We live in a world where every one of us at one stage will use this instrument of destruction at one time or another, however, most will use it more often than not to strengthen our abilities."

Butterfingers pauses again, her throat feeling dry as she is not one to publicly speak often. She composes herself and continues.

"What makes this world interesting is the not knowing how strong your neighbors abilities are, not knowing if you were put in a situation if you would come out alive, or be placed into a body bag with the countless before you. Sure, family collects witness statements and each family collects details of who is using their guns, but this is kept within the family. The day we start telling our neighbor this information, or advertising that we can take out larger, stronger, more dangerous opponents, is the day questions start to get raised. Questions as this one that Rose raised now on the Omerta code, or questions of a potential threat to other families around the world. Questions of, if he can take out that target, then potentially we could be at risk. Does this not start to play on peoples minds, and then the small whiff of doubt leads to someone else, someone stronger, deciding to pull the trigger first? To take care of someone who may or may not be a threat, but is deemed one by acknowledging to the world that his gun is big."

Butterfingers stops and remembers a time when she was younger overhearing her brother and his friends talking about the size of their guns... and giggles. They weren't talking about the same gun she is now.

"And when this happens, this taking out of a potential threat, it is never just the threat. We have seen numerous times where one potential threat has lead to the demise of every single family member under them. These people that are going about daily business, not bragging about their guns, not conspiring to wipe out the world with a gun that isn't strong enough to even shoot peas. Just the daily routines. And yet, because they have a family member willing to advertise they have the capabilities to take on strong targets, these poor people around them are put into body bags as well."

Butterfingers pauses yet again, and thinks she has digressed a little off topic. Another topic for another day potentially with why family members not yet MADE are also wiped out in times of war, which also moves away from the Mafia code.

"Anyway, I agree with Rose that certain things should stay in the family, and the ability to take on big targets is one of those things. We know from the past that if high ranking people found their family talking to other families about their gun, they would be dealt with, yet the same rules do not seem to apply to them."

With this said, Butterfingers nods to Rose and @Serino, thanks them for their time and blends back into the gathered crowd waiting to hear others opinions.

Totally with Rose on this.

Announcing that you can kill any of the big 3 is a bit daft in my eyes. There should only be yourself, your boss/RH (and Godfather if applicable) and your HSL that have a clue how capable you are in the shot department.

I've always thought that going for any of the big 3 is (maybe some leverage on paulson as you could still have an average gun and kill him) is nothing but a way to stroke your ego. You are giving away vital information to God knows who. Personally, my bloodline has never been a fan of going for Tyler, Marla or Robert and I doubt we ever will be.

It doesn't matter if people think you have a decent aim, it matters when you confirm it. Any new mobsters to our world, I  would advise against ever giving out such crucial information to anyone other than who needs it.

Chucky sits and listens to those before him.  He ponders the answers and steps forward.

I would agree with Rose and Kevin.  

I think it's fairly safe to assume that we're going to all go and shoot Durdens and chase after IA's and whatnot.

A couple things that should never be screamed in the streets are "I just killed Tyler, or Marla."  Or - "I'm a prowacker!"  Those are dead giveaways of the strength of your gun (or lack thereof) and can be detrimental to your family.

Chucky steps back to allow others to speak.

Seraphyna had been listening intently. She had seen people say that this was how things were done now and it could only make her shake her head. It was sad indeed how quickly people would yell things or blurt them out without a care to who was around them.

Honestly, this is a great topic of discussion. It is one that I have mulled over many times with some people here and there. Some have told me that it was just the way things were and we should adapt to it. To that I say, No. No we should not just accept this.

Guns are an important thing in our community. From pro wackers to those that can kill an insanely well protected Godfather whose bodyguards never leave them. It is highly important and this is why we should not be rushing to blurt out how many kills we have on our notches. People can assume we all shoot others, some do and others do not. People can assume what they like but why would you help someone out in knowing for sure when it could cost your life and those you work for, or care about? That seems highly silly to me.

I would go so far as to suggest that perhaps we need to emphasize just how important silence is. If this means that someone ends up losing their gun because they can't keep their mouth shut then so be it.

Seraphyna nods to those around her and simply slips back into the crowd. She pilfered through her purse for the flask she was sure she had thrown in there. This would occupy her until the next person caught her ear.

I can remember when anything to do with your gun was to be kept to yourself and your leader.  You didn't even let other family members know.  But now, people do tend to freely share their info, discuss gun related matters in public places.  What has changed, and why do we no longer care who knows? 

I do see people discuss gun matters in their private family coffee shops, which I suppose is a little more private than the local shops.  Gun training seems to become more of a family matter instead of a personal one lately.  People sharing who they have killed, making it well known they are taking shots.  Are we just more trusting of our family members now, or have we gotten lax and just don't care?

But to discuss these things in public places?  I can see the point that we all know leaders have a decent gun, so its not a surprise if they ask for whereabouts of certain Durdens.  But, by asking for this info, aren't you giving away exactly how good your gun is? 

Rose-Raje, this is a great topic.  Why exactly have things changed?  Why do we not care who knows about our gun strength?  I feel that such things should be kept private, or at least in the family. 

As the gathered crowd grew with speakers from all over, she listened to what each person had to say, nodding here and there, agreeing with a lot of what was spoken.  Rose tossed the now empty cup of coffee in the trash can then cleared her throat to address the crowd once more.

“Thank you everyone that has participated in this discussion.  Recently it was also brought to my attention behind closed doors that announcing in public regarding your capabilities could mean that it was a ploy to confuse or taunt rivals.”

Rose slowly shakes her head on this statement.

“Regardless of the whys for announcing and discussing the ability to take on the infamous Durden gang, or anyone else for that matter, is STILL breaking Omerta no matter how you look at it.”

Rose pauses for a second as she recalls the other areas of the discussion from the other day.

“Also as I would like to point out, that IF a person boasts on their skills in public, a chain of events could follow that would be devastating to all involved.  For example, if someone in a higher position discussed their skill in using a weapon in public, a rival could overhear this news and panic.  Thus creating rumors, plots, and discussions of takedowns, etc.”

“In my opinion the boasting, whether for a ploy or teasing or just plain bragging, is wrong when said person is putting the lives of their family, district and possibly city at risk of dying.  In this thing of ours people tend to get paranoid over the smallest of rumors, and risking family members’ lives over bragging rights is completely moronic.”

Omerta Shmerta.

There is enough going on here in the daily running of things that breaks omerta. Hell, some would even consider coming out here and speaking in public with people of rival families about your beliefs and the way you believe things should be done is breaking omerta. Or disagreeing with someone publically who is obviously in a higher position than you is breaking omerta. There are some things we just can't help and some things we need to do as a matter of purpose that will break omerta. 

As for the topic at hand though I have to say I completely agree that the talk of guns, who you're shooting, when you're shooting etc etc etc should always be kept in private. 

I want to offer a different opinion however... When the big wigs announce they are looking for a high priority target it isn't just about letting people know what you can and can't shoot. It's a show of force which I have seen here that some people think is incredibly wrong and could lead to situations where an entire family is wiped out. Of course, that is also possible. On the other side of that though it is also possible that this show of force could stop a secret take down in it's tracks. Showing your would be attackers that you are a lot more powerful than they had assumed. In this case, it gives you as the shooter more time to gather your intelligence, confirm any rumours or what have you and then make the first strike yourself, taking down the very target that your would be attackers had already deemed you incapable of. 

It can be a good political move to show what you are capable of when you reach a certain level of power and influence. It is also a good way of showing those around you that you know exactly what you are doing and you are capable of protecting them should the need arise. Doing this out side of being a high ranked crewleader or Godfather though is just sheer stupidity. Unless your crewleader or Godfather has asked you personally to take one of those high level shots, again to show those around you how powerful you are and what force you can bring to bare should the need arise. 

It all just really depends on what you are trying to achieve by taking one of those shots. Do you just want the +1 on your gun and maybe the reward that comes with it from City Hall after clearing out a certain number of pesky Godfathers? Or are you actually trying to accomplish something more with the act. If it's just for the +1 then it should really be re-thought. 

There were always those that lingered, who lurked, and those who would as herself... waltz up towards her friend Rose-Raje  and offer her a smile and a friendly kiss to the cheek. Katharina was certainly not known among those here besides those of her family and further not known among those of other cities. It was to them her smile widens towards.

"To do... or not to do. Respect... or not respect. Omerta... or break it. Tsk tsk, honestly. This all is very simple. Do what you want but be VERY prepared to suffer the consequences. Be smart or be dead."

And with that, the smile curves into a rather playful smirk that lights up her eyes as she awaits to hear what more is drawn from their lips or what more comes from the lingering edges of this discussion.

TLM chuckles in the back of the crowd. Somehow he had procured some popcorn in the time it took for everyone else to voice their opinions. He ate it out of a  cute little paper bag which had pictures of hearts and unicorns which were hand drawn by one of the many little children in which he visits on a constant basis at the local orphanage. What I'm trying to say is, he's one of the good ones.

"I have to agree with Katharina on that. If you want to wave your 'Gun' around, " he uses air quotes to show that he actually means the other gun, "then you have to deal with the repercussions of those actions. But there is more to this Thing of Ours than simply guns."

TLM takes a few popped kernels and tosses them in his mouth, only one out of the three actually hit the target. "You know..." He chomps, "If we are all supposed to be sworn to this Omerta code, yet half of the people who say they swear and live by it, go around blabbing everything to everyone just to flex, then what's the point of the code? Is it merely a Guidance for those who want to live in this life? Or is it supposed to be a Rule in which we all follow? Lately I'm thinking it's the former." Chomp, Chomp, Chomp.

"Because really, real Mafiasos don't just shoot everything and expect everything to be peaceful because of it. War doesn't besiege Peace. And I'd much rather read the story of how someone rose through the ranks, through political motivations, true espionage, and overall strategy, then read about someone who just happened to have a decent pistol." He looks around, obviously not everyone was on his page with this.

"But... then again, " He chomps on some more popcorn, "That's really just my opinion."

Butterfingers is standing beside TLM listening to him again, nodding. When he is finished, she tries to pinch some of his popcorn as the smell was driving her crazy.

"I agree mostly with what you have said TLM, in this day and age, anyone can build a big gun rather quickly if they know how, but to do this, stay under the watchful eye of the power hungry, or the insecure bigger guns, manipulate your way into the ranks, strategically position yourself with others you can trust to then wreak havoc and have a tale to tell your ancestors or stories to be told in the streets is far more enjoyable." Butterfingers laughs, knowing that she had seen this in the last world she had lived in."

"Some people use war as an excuse to make peace, but to me, fighting for peace is pretty much like fucking for your virginity!! It doesn't happen. It creates further tension and hostility. It's not like you are going to get your virginity back."

"The problem we have here is no different to any mafioso group anywhere else. Almost everyone wants to be the top dog, everyone wants a tale to tell and some people will lie, cheat, deceive and manipulate to get there. These people will see someone asking for locations of big named targets and it will fester in the back of their minds that this person is a potential threat to them gaining that esteemed title of Mafioso God and then this is what leads to the downfall of people or cities."

"If people did not plant the seed of doubt in the first place, then potentially they could do the above to gain the advantage rather than be wiped out before they had a chance."

"Just playing devils advocate here."