Looking at a crowd of people passing by a favorite street corner where many enjoy talking to the masses. GreenArrow looks out at the many faces populating the streets. He clears his throat and yells at the top of his lungs. "Who influenced you all?". The crowd stopped going about their daily activities, and looked at this person who was hollering like a mad man.

"Some bloodlines have been here for years, and some for months, but influence and teachings do not stop nor do they have a set time frame. My question to you as I stand before you today is quite a simple one, simple yet important. Who was your greatest influence or teacher? It can be either, both or multiple people. And how did they influence your bloodline or as the mobster you are today?

The teachers, and the students will always be here. The teachers reliving old tales, and passing on knowledge. The students absorbing what they can in a desperate attempt to learn, and know everything about our world and our values.

I will not say that I know everything, as being a student in some aspects still. I will say however that the things I have learned from great teachers I will never forget. I'm sure I will look back on this day with a smile, and with appreciation to those teachers. Perhaps the skills I have learned I will pass down, as the student becomes the teacher once more in this ever evolving community."

Looking forward to the responses he turns up his collar as the wind picks up.

"I mean everyone claims they influence so and so I like the idea of people talking about themselves for a change, Now on to who influences or influenced me personally. The bloodline of Silk is possibly the biggest influence on how my ancestors and myself act today and even though gun talk isn't recommended I still feel its a big part of our life on here and I would have to say that the bloodline of Eve and the bloodline of RookieA taught me how I handle my gun. Eve teaching me how to period and RookieA giving me the fine tunings I needed to be any good at it.  Those three ladies are probably how I seriously learned how to do anything in this world. Then there are my many friends who influence me daily and some of them have been with my ancestors and I for years now. I would like to name them all but would feel bad if I missed any of them so I will give up the podium because I want to hear what others have to say. "

Sinfest tips his family fedora to the crowd before stepping down and wiping a tear from his eye in remembrance of Silk.

Micheal quietly looks about the others, and seeing that nobody else was walking up, decided to go up himself.

"My greatest teacher... Well, anyone who knows anything about me or how my bloodline was raised in this world would know, that without a doubt it was the (at the time) Godfather of the Chicago Suburbs, Solid, who's bloodline tends to like the name Technical as well, strange name for a kid, but who am I to judge."

Micheal lights a cigarette, taking a long drag before continuing.

"My Great-Grandfather, also named Micheal, came into this world without a clue in the world about what he was doing. His father was killed just 2 days into his service during the Numbers War, so the man really didn't know what to do in this world gone mad. But, the Godfather took him under his wing, taught him everything he knew, gave our bloodline permission to be one of the Last of The Banditos, and even allowed him try being the Left Hand of a Godfather to gain experience, which was an anomaly in the time when They Who Shalt Not Be Named ruled the Mob. Sadly, Solid was taken too soon from us during that faithful duel with Space."

Micheal finishes his cigarette, dropping the butt and crushing it under his boot.

"Sadly I had things to take care of in the Old World for several months, and when I came back, I learned that I had only missed talking with one of his relatives by a few days. That man taught me ideologies and ways of thought that I've taken even beyond the Mafia, and frankly I think his words of wisdom have made me who I am today."

With that, he nods to Green before turning and disappearing back into the crowd.

Who influenced me and my short bloodline?...

....of course the Rock did!... the one and only People's champion and the most Electrifying man in all Mafialand... the Legendary Rockfather himself, Chris Vaughn.

He introduced me to this world early February of this year and it's been fun and frustrating since, especially when the Tailor keeps getting shot because of those silly wars...that's been a pain in the arse.  

I do enjoy making suits for people and am honoured I am allowed to colour this world with my work.  I have had a few laughs and cries (mainly due to that bastarding roulette) and can see me hanging around these streets for a few years yet.  It's been and privilege people and am continuing to learn.  Please let me take this opportunity to thank Chris, for all his help, his friendship and may he rest in peace.  God bless his soul.  May we take a moment in silence to remember him...

(Jabba bows his head)

Ganelon. What a guy. What a legend.

My Godfather, Archy.

Great guy.

https://mafiareturns.com/news/uprofile.archive.php?id=860274

MorbidAngel and mrevilman as my ideological inspiration. [Thank you JTG]
Manny [and FlyingPig] taught me to shoot.
FlyingPig [and Sayyid] taught me how to plan take-downs. 

Scarin for her heart.

STAE for representing the pinnacle of success.

Manny for his methodology.

Sayyid for his perfectionism.

DeadlySin for his dedication.

Roman for his tenacity. (Even at my ancestry's expense)

Bubba for his everlasting lust. 

So Dillon your time here was a more "Trial by error" type rather than having a solid mentor or leader? I cannot relate but I'm sure that can still be a plausible account, although not a very constructive one.

My time here i have tryed to take bits and pieces from each leader of have had in my time here from the early times.

It was Tanda and Draven

Them its was Warriors bloodline i would say to a degree he has had the most profound effect on me

Simplicity's is another that i have learned alot from

Also Ladyfighter and Snip.

All of those have left a mark with me and i thank them all.

Years ago when the pioneers of my ancestry made their way across the Atlantic, they came in contact with a man named Sal_Giaquinto. To Sal, the tenets of the Mafia (Honor, Silence, Respect, and Blood) were more important than simply words we throw onto our HQ walls to show new recruits we mean business. To this day, my bloodline in this world and the other has had a profound appreciation for respect and loyalty that I believe was influenced heavily by that man.

Oh, and a man named "Ant" kept showing up in the older journals. Apparently he did a lot to teach my ancestors how to shoot properly. He seemed like a great guy.

Ah yeah Visas... 

Draven for her sense of vengeance. 

And in more recent times, Anna for her balls. 

I can't really give anyone in particular the 'honor' of having been my greatest teacher, I think everyone I'm about to list have contributed a good bit, some more than others but all appreciated and absorbed in the same way. I'll try to list the bloodlines of my biggest influences and teachers, although I'll undoubtedly miss some.

Rorschach, Insight, Jeddy, Tepid, Lush, morty, Cory Chase, ginsters, Ace, Acid, Firenza, Scottie, Technical, First, RoryRourke and finally TeQ.

Rorschach for taking my bloodline in when they arrived on these shores, Insight for being a second mentor and very good Right Hand to Ror, Jeddy for being an awesome Godfather who teached my ancestors a lot about this world, Tepid, Lush and morty for teaching my ancestors to shoot properly, Cory Chase, Ace, Firenza, Acid, First and Technical for expanding upon that, ginsters, Rory and TeQ for guiding me in the streets at times and Scottie for giving my bloodline their very first chance at being a leader.

Wouldn't be here without 'em! 

HenriDucard, hands down. Not only was he my sponsor, but he was also one of the first people I met on this site. If I have a question, I normally visit his active bloodeline, as he's been nothing but considerate and patient with my occasionally daft inquiries. 

I'll never forget when Godmother Visas took me in and showed me the true colors of this Thing of Ours. Also, kudos to bro GR8DANE for answering my questions and giving me pieces of advice. 

Boss Chong also gave me tips and made me understand the sheer importance of timers. he he 

And now, I tip my hat to boss Jake_Ballard for his continuing guidance.

~

I've had many influences since my bloodline has been here. I'd like to think I take something away from everyone I've encountered and then used it in my own way. 

Like Cato, Sal_Giaquinto taught me the ways of being in the life. He taught the code of omerta and what it meant to be a Made Man. In my eyes he is one of the true older minds this place has offered. He hasn't been on these shores for some time, but I have to admit his sense of "Honor, Silence, Respect, and Blood" will always be with me.

FlyingPig taught me how to drive on and always think about the end game. He always said "its a marathon, not a sprint" and I think its something that people should take on. This way of life isn't a quick one by any means these days. Its literally a marathon. The man also taught my bloodline how to shoot and plan your day around it.

Epsilon showed me what it was like to protect the people under you. Love him or hate him, he was always known for protecting his family and his friends. His family always came first, even over his alliances. I believe these days, more so than not, people tend to look out for themselves instead of the people that helped them get to the top. 

Cassiopeia taught me how to always be grateful to the people that work for you. When her great grandmother ran an outfit out of Philly, she always made sure that whomever donated, whomever did something that benefited her family was honored with it. She gave praises to anyone that helped make her family a better place.

A few other honorable mentions to me; Toaly, Roberto_Carlos, Barry, Curtis, Morty, Dirk, Anna, Goku, DeadlySin, Googlez. These bloodlines may not all be on these shores, but they definitely have left an impact on me.

After years I can say only 2. Who they are is none of your business.