Ever the thinker, ever the questioner, Anna had been left running down her own little train of thought ever since she'd happened on ThadCastlegiving a speech on choosing hands the day before. Although she was little concerned enough herself with choosing hands to want to give a particular in depth explanation of how her line had done so previously, it had set her mind racing, and she had a few thoughts of her own that she'd headed out on to the streets, despite the bitter chill of the January evening, to try to share and discuss with her fellow mafiosi.

Loosening the thick burgundy woolen scarf wound around her neck so that it didn't muffle her already quiet voice, Anna began to speak. 

"Since I heard a speech yesterday on how people choose hands, I've been thinking. Blood was one of the answers people gave, and honestly, if I'd hung around to give my own answer I would probably have had to admit that, were I to go bold and were I to be choosing my first right hand man or woman to help me establish and recruit to the family, blood would probably weigh in to my considerations also. But then that thinking on its own spiraled me into a whole other train of thought that I didn't really want to hijack Thad's speech with, especially not halfway through, so I spent the evening, as well as much of today, running with my thoughts, and this is where I am at. I'm keen to hear the thoughts of others on this also.

Blood is a touchy subject in our world. We don't seem to want, as a community, at any point ever, to officially acknowledge that it carries any weight to it at all. But, unless you are quite literally blind, rightly or wrongly, it does. If you don't believe me, keep your eyes open and look around you. Watch out for a hand dropping, only for their next of kin to replace them only a week later. If the next of kin has genuinely outperformed the rest of every crew every time that happens, I'd feel downright sad for the state of our world. 

Bloodlines, lineage, reputations - I will say now and very openly that I believe they open doors in our world. Should they? I'm less sure about it, but I'm not wholly opposed to it, because there are certain situations it makes some degree of sense. I'm not wholly supportive of it, because there are certain situations where it absolutely does not."

Anna realized she was shivering a little, and pulled her coat around her small frame a little tighter. Her breath hung in the air after each sentence, such was the chill of the evening. 

"What it comes down to, though, is how much bloodline should weigh on the individual. It's so easy and so idealistic to say, "It shouldn't, ever. I am me, I am no reflection of my ancestors", etc. But is that strictly, totally true? I, like many in our world, carry the same name as some of my ancestors, and I exhibit the same characteristics as many, which again, I believe many of us out there do. I am absolutely a reflection of my ancestors, just as many others are, whether they want to admit it or not. However, there are some bloodlines that have changed drastically over time - most have changed a bit, but some have changed rather a lot. Should they be judged on ancestors 10 generations back? 20? How far back do we go with the judging? 

What trips me up though, every single time, is just one question. 

How many chances should a bloodline expect to fuck up in the exact same way before it becomes acceptable for people to judge them for it and act upon those judgments?

I mean, you see one line - hell, some you can even track them while they do it - and they do the same shit over and over. Like, I'm confident most of us could name at least one. So at what point, knowing what this line does, over and over, do you lose sympathy with the leaders who then get dicked over by taking this person in? At what point do leaders have to risk accusations of "bloodlining" by taking action over this bloodline to ensure the safety of their cities, districts, crews? We all know that throughout time, certain leaders and certain groups have taken action against some bloodlines because of past events in that bloodlines history, but when, if ever, does that become a reasonable thing to do? 

Most of us have diaries and journals from ancestors, some of them spanning back more generations than can be counted. I'd be interested to hear views here - what do you think? How much weight does blood carry, how much weight should blood carry? If blood carries, as it arguably most definitely does, positive weight, why is there a moral issue with it carrying negative weight?"

As soon as she was finished speaking, Anna re-adjusted her scarf so that it covered the lower part of her face properly once more, to try to keep a little warmer as she waited for others to come along and share some thoughts. 

Lily just happened to be walking through the streets when she noticed Anna standing there making some kind of a speech. Being that she and Anna had recently just started getting to know each other she figured it would be nice to show her face and listen to what she had to say. She listened intently as Anna went into questioning bloodlines. This made Lily think some, she stood there for a moment before until Anna finished and then began to speak up some.

"I know I'm a bit new to the streets here but I have had quite a bit of family enter this world. One thing my mother always used to tell me was how important it was to keep the family bloodline clean and respectable. I didn't really understand what she was talking about at first but after hearing some of the stories that I have heard since arriving I completely understand what she was talking about.

Lily took a deep breathe as the cold air entered her lungs, she continued on. 

"I would not be here today in the position I'm in set up with a great group of people if it weren't for my ancestors and that in itself speaks wonders. Now should it be that way? Yes, to some extent just. Based on what you stated Anna the value one bloodline can offer to a crew is known based on ancestors. There are problems though sometimes with following the code of the bloodline. For one it is hard extremely hard for new bloodlines be trusted, trusted enough to reach certain goals that they have. Whether it is to be a hand or even potentially having a crew of their own."

Lily pauses for a moment and looks around, the crowd forming around her has grown quite a bit she was going to stop speaking but decided to muster a bit of courage and finish speaking.

"Unfortunately though this is how it is, being judged on your bloodline will always and I stress always be something that comes up. It's just the way of life around here. Is it wrong? Is it right? That can be debated but when push comes to shove it is what it is.

Lily let out a sigh of relief, she proceeded to walk over to Anna and stood shoulder to shoulder with her. She was hoping it was a bit warmer where she was standing but come to find out it may have been even colder.

I have to be blunt here, bloodline counts for everything in this world and I think those who say otherwise are simply blowing smoke up their ass's. There is no getting away from that notion in this thing we have, it has been and it will always be a front runner for how you, your kin and you lineage proceed in this world. Its how this place operates. The faster that people realise this, the better it would make their journey here.

So, ill be using me for example (not self glorified, more a top example to assert my point.) I'd say that I am one of the elder generations of the modern era that we see before us, we have been around for longer than we care to remember and haver seen everything that this world has to offer. Within this time frame, we have held every single position that our crime regime can offer, a tradition id like to say I'm proud of.

I honestly think that the key to success here is networking, its always having that ethos that your life can cut short without a seconds notice. Its those relationships and those friendship with linages that make your kins transition into this world a hell of a lot easier and rightly so. Its a simple task that will benefit you and your linage in years to come, id go as far as to say, its a must. Its why we see the same faces over and over again, rightly or wrongly, its the way it is. Yes working hard gets you places in this world, of course it does, but to reach the dizzy heights, networking, making your bloodline known is the key.

But this does work two-fold, as I can more than testify. Making your bloodline known ahs its pitfalls, you make a mistake your linage pays for that mistake (depending on the degree of said mistake.) I have no issues talking openly about my lineage, most know it anyway, its  been lets say the good guy, the villain and the class clown, that's what a long time in this world does to you. Ive been rogue, ive been part of underworld groups, ive been a stealthy BG shooter and ive helped many hitters stay alive a lot longer than they should, to name but a few. I have also done a lot of good things but you'll only ever be remembered for the bad stuff and that will have a negative effect on your kins and how they progress here, so it works two-fold, like ive said.

How many chances should a bloodline expect to fuck up in the exact same way before it becomes acceptable for people to judge them for it and act upon those judgments?

I'd like to think that we as a community can move past certain era's of a bloodlines mistakes and allow them rectify it, but we just cant. This place has a very thrifty knack of holding grudges, its funny to be honest. But such is the nature of the beast, given our business. I don't think it matters how many generations you look back on, or try to forget, people will always hold those blips or bad times against you, rightly? wrongly? im not to sure.  

Again using me as an example: my linage hasn't really been around for the last year, a few odd bums sleeping rough, nothing of note. So when my father before me come back for another bite of the apple, he hard stories of his father before him and how he was part of an underground group, which was bullshit, as our line hadn't graced these shores for a good while. That's the point though, because of past history, the linage of Space-pole was an easy target to use as a scapegoat, I can deal with that, Jesus id made a rod for my own back.

What that did though was force me to semi- incog, and ive done nothing but contribute and caused no drama.  I figured that it was the only to be given a good crack at the whip again. With that comes issues in its self, we, as a community are so involved and wanting to know who your linage was, its near impossible to "start again" that it forces you to break said incog. I know that ill never be given that responsibility of running a crew..

yeah authing you would be like authing osama bin landen

While I understand the fun aspect of being told this and I took no offence, the reality of it is this; my lines last fuck up was years and years ago, yet im still held accountable for those actions! is this right or wrong, honestly im split down the middle, I can understand both arguments for and against.  

So yes, for me bloodline is EVERYTHING and nothing all in the same breath. If anyone is serious about progressing in this world, then you really need to look at how you present yourself, how you act and always have it in the back of your head that you are working towards how your kin will be treated and looked after. Like it or not, this is how this place runs and it wont ever change. If I was to go out on a limb, id say it should be done this way. Its the safest and best temperature check for a linage.

It would be stupid to deny the importance of blood in building relationships in our way of life.

We all know that our world is built on trust. If we don't have trust we have nothing. How can we be sure that an acquaintance is not an informant for law enforcement agencies and the like, who might rat us out at any given moment, if we don't trust them implicitly not to do that?

Now, there are two ways of building trust, and they're not mutually exclusive. The first is on our own terms: yes, it is absolutely important to prove our worth as mobsters on our own terms, regardless of what our ancestors before us achieved. This is particularly important for those just getting off the boat, arriving on our soil for the first time. With nobody to vouch for them, they must make a name for themselves through which their ancestors may flourish. Again though, for the mobster with the lineage going back as far as journals stretch, it is important that the same is done: we all know that generations of almost all of our lines take a nap every so often. Are they often given greater responsibility when this occurs? No, they're not. Because they haven't earned it.

Blood is an incredibly important indicator of whether an individual can be trusted, let's make no mistake. If a line has proven time and time again their nous in the mafia, it is likely that the generations that follow will be of a similar standard: it is the responsibility of ancestors to prepare their children for this life, and if they do so well, then that training will last throughout the generations.

This is not to say that nobody makes mistakes: we all do. Should a mistake down the line prevent that bloodline from never being trusted again? It's difficult to say. Some mistakes are bigger than others. While the actions of ancestors do clearly hold water, the passing of generations offers a clean slate. It is down to the current generation to prove that those mistakes are learned from, and if they do so, then those relationships can be built and rebuilt. If they make the same mistakes, then they won't.

Trust is in the eye of the beholder, though. Some may consider it easier to look past the shortcomings of ancestors than others. Ultimately, if a mistake is made, consequences will be apparent. If not, it is my opinion that the next generation's opportunity to prove itself is important. 

Dizzi had just closing her jacket as she heard a familiar voice speaking. Turning the corner she spotted the speaker and recognized that she had been the original speaker of another speech that Dizzi had heard. Drawing closer she began to listen intently. Her own mind focusing on her ancestors journals since the topic at hand was a bittersweet one for herself.

Bloodlines is always a very controversial topic because it has so many areas to look at in regards to it. Bloodlining comes in different forms as well. However, I will do my best to stay on topic, and apologize if it gets a little long winded.

I understand why some people want to follow bloodlines but I have always felt that this hinders them from changing to be better than they are considered. With this so many attitudes and views drip down onto whatever kin they have and it makes it extremely frustrating and difficult to change for the better in our community. This is why I have always held that it should not bear the weight that it currently does. So many times in my ancestors journals it comes up about trying to do better and having to deal with the views that other people decide to keep throwing at them. Now in my lines particular case, not everything that was rumoured always happened in the way that people liked to think it did. In every situation there comes decisions to make. But each situation varies by the person. Sure you could say that you would do something differently, and you might but that is because you don't know the whole situation. You don't have the experiences that line has with the individuals that are part of the situation. So basically, you have just come up with a view on someone over something you had no part of. I am using the term "you" in the general sense.

This sort of forming views creates a reputation far more negatively than if it was just the people that were invovled in the situation that had any opinion at all. I understand that rumours, quick judgements and such exist, even I am prone to do it from time to time. Does that make it right? Of course not but I do try to check myself as much as I possibly can lately because I do not want to fall into the past.

I can tell you although I believe my line to have gotten past the past, it is still very much held against me. Things my line did a very long time ago still come up when even my mother was looking for a home. I believe at one point a leader purposely barred her thinking that they knew my line when they had no idea about them at all. So it is still a very real thing.

Should we judge lines? Sure, but should you hinder them when they genuinely are looking to change? No. The problem with the negative lines in this community is that people stick them in a box and wipe their hands, thinking this is acceptable. It is not. Does giving someone a chance mean you treat them like dirt all the time? If so that is not a chance or we need to re-evaluate the definition of "Chances" when bloodlines are involved.

Dizzi paused momentarily. She knew she was quite long winded but having had such a checkered line she wanted to try to put everything she thought into the subject out.

In answer to your question regarding when it becomes reasonable thing to take action against people, never. Not until you can fully say that you are looking at them with only your experiences with them and not what other people have said to judge on. I mean we could all say a lot about someone, but does that make it true? Probably not.

If you have genuine concerns regarding a line, then fine, don't place them as your right hand. That would certainly put your family, city, district at risk. Don't auth them. But if you take away the negativity you direct towards them when they begin they could end up being one of the best members you have. You just never know because in reality you don't allow them the chance that people often claim they allow.

Going back in the journals from the Prem and Roman era. They did an absolution where they would give everyone they had bloodlined a chance. The problem that my ancestor talks about is that they couldn't screw up but that didn't mean the people around that ancestor couldn't send negative mails or comments their way. We as a community, need to begin checking ourselves. Look in the mirror and try to improve. You cannot sit on the pedestal of "Never done wrong". I am sure those lines that are so revered have made at least one bad decision in their past that they probably aren't entirely proud of.

Blood can carry both positive and negative weight but most people will try to put one over the other towards certain lines. You can't do that.. If you honestly want to judge a line then you need to look at both sides of the coin. Look at what they do that is positive and what they do as negative. Speak to them directly, don't take your views of someone off someone's word. Only then will you truly see the person for what they really are.

I apologize for this being so long. Anna you have brought up a topic that has brought about a lot of thoughts, thank you.

Dizzi slipped back into the crowd quietly.

Blood weighs a lot when it's yours.

I always long to be WOWED and this here quenched my thirst. Thanks all.

Rory stood back and admired Anna from a far. He was happy to see her return to the streets as she always brought an interesting, if not, controversial topic into the fray. After listening to some replies, Rory decided to voice his own opinion.

It is wonderful to see you grace our streets with your presence Anna, especially with such an inspiring topic. The issue of bloodlines, as you have rightly pointed out, is one that has troubled our shores for many years.

It’s not that bloodlines are ‘important’ per se, but with much like Squishy’s analogy. Many of them have desirable traits.

Time and time again, we have seen numerous members of the same bloodlines rise to the top. Now, perhaps it is something to do with their ancestry, but in my experience they are the people that really excel within our world. They earn the most money, they become prolific in the art of contract killing and they are comfortable maintaining a presence in the streets. Now, I am not for one second suggesting, that these should be the sole criteria for receiving a family, at all. I do however find, in my experience at least, that they carry many of their ancestor’s ways, taken from their journals. This gives them the advantage in knowing how to run a successful organisation. Whilst this does not mean they are certainly going to repeat these feats, it certainly gives them an advantage.

Personally, I am all for giving the new opportunities to new lines, I would not be standing here the leader of a family otherwise. Judging a person on their merit is extremely important. Both of my hands, for example, hold these positions because I am very confident in their ability to do the jobs, not because I have worked with them before.

Many of the newer faces on our shores certainly work hard for their family, but to gift them a Headquarters gives them huge responsibility and in my opinion it is best to err on the side of caution until you are absolutely sure that they are ready. You owe it, not only to those individuals, but the people they will be taking in as associates also.

With regards to blood lining in a negative sense?

Many times, when something is called out as ‘blood lining’ it actually boils down to the fact that the individual continues to be a moron and continues to do things they shouldn’t. In my personal opinion I haven’t see what I would regard as ‘true’ bloodlining in a very long time, although I cannot speak for the periods whence my family has been absent from these shores.

I don’t see any need for ‘blood lining’. If a person’s lineage repeatedly fucks up then they deserve to be punished in each instance, but not before. Alternatively, if the amend the ways and wrongs of their ancestors, then they deserve a fair crack at the whip, much the same as anyone else.

Tipping his hat, Rory turned on his heels and headed off to pick up his next batch of potatoes. 

Now, perhaps it is something to do with their ancestry, but in my experience they are the people that really excel within our world. They earn the most money, they become prolific in the art of contract killing and they are comfortable maintaining a presence in the streets.

Agreed, this is what makes our little slice of the world, the addictive beast that it is. There is literally a place for every kind of personality, everyone has a role here. No matter what that role is, literally you can find a place that suits you, your kin and your skill sets, id go as far as saying its unique. That in itself poses another question, slightly off topic but still a valid one. Do you think people follow in their kins footsteps? Do they use the skill set that they see their mothers using? after all, most skills of this nature are past down through our lineage, a tried and trusted set of skills that have done their for-fathers before them well? Or do they take on a new persona, do they wipe the slate clean and learn a complete brand new set of skills?

Personally, I am all for giving the new opportunities to new lines, I would not be standing here the leader of a family otherwise. Judging a person on their merit is extremely important. Both of my hands, for example, hold these positions because I am very confident in their ability to do the jobs, not because I have worked with them before.

RoryRourke Firstly thank you for gracing the streets, its refreshing to see a crew leader grace the streets for a reason other than of that of a take down or an auth speech, so thank you for that. I do agree with the point above and I think its a perfect example of working hard to achieve what you want out of this world, but im afraid its too few-far-and-between. I do have to say though, our bloodlines go back some way, I think that's fair to say, and you sir are a perfect example of working hard to achieve the desired effect. So my points ive made don't exclusively remove the art of working hard but I still so stand my by stance and that a working relationship between bloodlines will always hold a much greater worth than just simply working hard, rightly or wrongly, it does.

Many of the newer faces on our shores certainly work hard for their family, but to gift them a Headquarters gives them huge responsibility and in my opinion it is best to err on the side of caution until you are absolutely sure that they are ready. You owe it, not only to those individuals, but the people they will be taking in as associates also.

Nail on the head so to speak. Giving someone that reign to be influential in this world is a bold move no matter of their prowess, new or not. So this is where im basing my view point on it, my lineage being a prime example. You're constantly being judged here, that huge magnifying glass is pointed on your back at all times and a risk of this nature could see you being buried, prematurely.

Many times, when something is called out as ‘blood lining’ it actually boils down to the fact that the individual continues to be a moron and continues to do things they shouldn’t.

I think that horrible word gets thrown around far too much and its used as a scapegoat for may an individual. When in actual fact they just haven't cut the mustard or their lineage is known for trouble. Its so easy for people to scream this word, half of the folks that use it have no idea what it is to be bloodline, correctly. Again, something my bloodline has actually had to deal with and rightly so at the time, if im honest.

I also don't want to come across to one sided, I do understand the merit of working hard to get what you want out of this world, hell we all have to start somewhere.