Henry clears his throat. 

You can say it's not the case and I might be swayed by your admirable intentions, desire to mould mobsters and a want to teach those that are less blessed in the intellectual perspicacious of this world (also known as the plain fucking stupid). However we all know, or those that have been around the block a little know, that the reasoning and benefits probably boil down to a few real reasons that you'll never publicly admit. 

Please note that naturally this doesn't extend to any of the current crop of leaders. Goddamn pious' in their pursuit of the old school family morals of leading, helping and Omerta. 

1 - Bodyguards 

What do you call a Mobster with no bodyguards... dead. Thehe. Bodyguards ain't cheap, in fact they are nigh on impossible to purchase on your own without serious help and/or a wealthy Filipino businessman to stump the cost. Therefore the easiest way to get bodyguards is to find a load of chumps to pay for them, then you don't have to waste your precious money. Donation competitions? Winner winner chicken dinner. Winner gets a Corrupt Agent. Donates $30 million, wins a fucking corrupt agent. Definitely won't be getting noticed next time they need a new leader either, that's for the family Left Hand Man sitting pretty and contributing absolutely nothing. 

2 - Gun Boost

It's well known that your gun aim improves with a family behind it. Not quite sure how it works, or why it works but you need all the help you can as you try to hit something better then some two bit loud mouth Wise Guy (probably me) when shit hits the fan. Your Godfather and friend likes you but you're too damn lazy to hit the practice range, so just get a family instead. Much quicker.

3 - Protection Shots  

When you're the leader, you have a family full of protection. A wide array of meat shields to keep you (and you're now slightly less shit gun - point 2) going for at least another hour. Crew leaders are always first priority when organising protection shots and so it makes sense that to look after numero uno, you need a family and you need that status. More often then not you'll get the chance to send your family straight into the firing zone to protect your ass whilst you miss another shot. But it's worth it, so you can keep living and then not even visit their funeral when the war finally ends. Families are a great tool like that. 

4 - Money 

To gamble with, obviously. Or jokingly shoot a fellow crew leaders forts and then pay them for the honour. Families are also pretty great at helping you build up a nice little stock pile for a future generation, so naturally it makes sense to get the best cash cow you can around these parts - a family. You'll tell them how they're better off donating it to you rather than putting it in the fortification fund. Well no shit. You can't access, nor gamble away that money. Not to mention you'll actually, maybe have to acknowledge and thank them for the donation if it's in plain site. 

5 - Respect  

Can't inspire and earn the respect of the masses through your actions? Don't sweat it. Having your own family automatically gives you a certain level of superiority and prestige when speaking on the streets and claiming you'll shoot someone if they pickpocket you. You won't. You probably won't flip a coin either, or make a decision depending on your mood - but just for a split second the person about to pickpocket might just think about whether or not they should. That's enough for you, just that little bit of respect.

6 - Fanboys and haters.

Everyone likes to be popular and getting your own family is bound to improve your popularity. At the very least with those you have managed to convince that you aren't like 98% of the others, offering something different. Rewarding hard work and not approaching those fresh off the boat. Most likely lies. Either way, you're finally slightly more in the know. Slightly more knowledgeable and you might even find out more than an hour before a take down is due to take place. Hell you might even be involved in deciding that the take down should happen. The glorious heights of a crew leader. To have your name insulted in public, your words brandished as bull shit and maybe the odd hit list. That level of popularity is something we all secretly crave. 

So tell me, why do you want to run your own family? So I can call horse shit on what you think the answer is you should give. 

Zeroth chuckled, "I don't." he said wondering how this man was possibly going to call horse shit on that. 

I'm going to organize my retort to your lovely little speech here into sections, just as you have. At the end, after I've told you why all 6 of your reasons are wrong (for me at least) I'll tell you why I would (theoretically) like to be a crewleader. All six of your points do apply in some way, and to some people they may be 100% true. But You asked me about me, so here goes.

1 - Bodyguards

Yes, they are quite expensive, you make a fair point. But I personally have never had a problem paying for my own. I work hard and have some money stashed away in offshore accounts that my lineage has accumulated over generations of organized crime. Over the years some family members have had some assistance, I won't deny that, but the bulk of my ancestry has funded their own protection. I don't want to be leader to get BGs, I already have them. I had them before I became important (a hand) and would have them even now if I hadn't been given my position. 

2 - Gun Boost

Although it is nice to have a little extra umph, again, my lineage has never had any need for it. We've always been strong builders, and although a gun boost is nice, you can still be a powerhouse without it. The only gun boost truly worth going for is the godfather-chairman one anyway, which very few of us will have the opportunity to experience.

3 - Protection shots

Even if you are not a crewleader, chances are you should be able to round up a few buddies to help you out should you find yourself needing a pro shot. Notice how many semi-retired Wise Guys appear out of nowhere when a rogue pops up to help them out? Those of us who have been around these parts more than about 6 months probably have a telegraph line to a friend that can help out. 

But I won't lie, it is much much easier to find a pro shot if you are a leader or a hand. That mass mail power can be handy.

4 - Money

As stated in section 1, I've never had an issue making my own money. Whether it be from drugs and dealings with my friends in the FBN, or from my offshore accounts. And I NEVER gamble, especially not with money that was donated to me by friends or family. My ancestors were the same way, having valued donations and taxes above all else, only using that money to better the family.

5 - Respect

I would disagree with you that getting a bold suit automatically gives you respect. There are plenty of people past, present and future who I have very little respect for as leaders. There are people who wouldn't respect me as a leader. So on and so forth. The ONLY way you gain true respect is through your actions and your words. Becoming a leader doesn't magically make you a good mafiosi, and it doesn't necessarily even mean you were the best person for the job. A lot of different factors go into who goes up and who doesn't; but that is an entirely different conversation altogether. As for me, I feel generally well respected. I try to do things the "right way," I get plenty of compliments on my writing and speaking, and I have a fair amount of friends whose trust I have earned. Would being bold get me more respect? It depends on who you ask. But I would much rather gain someone's respect due to something I said, wrote, or did as opposed to just because I became a crewleader.

6 - Fanboys and Haters

For me personally, I already have plenty of both of these. I have no desire to gain more fanboys, and I could care less how many haters I have. Although, you have sort of stuck a chord here, as the true reason I would desire to lead is somewhat related. 

For me, it's not popularity, or fanboys, or haters that I desire. I'm a glory whore. I desire to be remembered. When my name is mentioned down the line, either by my children or the children of those I effect, I want them to speak highly of me and what I stood for. I would want to be known as a leader who stood up for what is right, who changed things that needed to be changed. I would want to be remembered as someone who spoke well and often, someone who could ensnare a crowd with his words. 

That is the true reason that I, and my family before me, have secretly desired leadership. We want to leave a mark here on this world, should our line ever leave these shores (heh, unlikely.) We want to do things that have never been done, always to rise above our father, or grandfather, or uncle that came before us.

Other than being a glory whore, there are a few more tempting things about being a leader I should mention.

1a - Brotherhood

The bond you form with the people in your family can be like nothing you've ever experienced, if you are any sort of good leader at all. You can meet friends that can stretch generations, make connections that may help a descendant, not to mention create a strong group that will stand up to threats and protect the family as a whole at all cost. This kind of tight knit group should always be your goal. Not just your own personal closeness to your members, but how they interact with each other as well. If the majority of your family is close, you have something special there. Every leader should strive for this type of bond.

2a - Power/responsibilities

Not many will openly admit it, and perhaps I'm either too honest or just a fool, but obviously we all want power. We all want to be the guy on top, calling the shots.

But even if you aren't that guy, being a key part of a city who is running the show can be something very rewarding. There is something fulfilling about being someone's go to guy. Being the advisor or friend he/she trusts the most to help them make a decision. Someone they are confident in and trust entirely. However that can be dangerous, as what you do with that trust is all on you. If you fuck it up, even once, that sort of thing can follow your bloodline for generations.

3a - Change

Not many leaders take advantage of this - and it's a shame. I'm not talking change as in taking out people every so often etc. I mean actually changing our world. You have the ability to make city rules, and even to convene with other cities to change world-wide rules. The last time something major was changed by the leaders was the MIA rule a few years back. Most people might not even want to change anything. Perhaps they like the way everything is in our world, or maybe they're scared of a backlash. But if I were the guy on top of the world, (which I will never be, as I intend to be buried right next to DoctorBoom when our time inevitably comes like all leaders before us) I would use that power to shake things up. To tweak the way we do things around here. 

Of course, then you have to worry about what city hall may think about those things. But we'll leave that for some other day. 

So henry, there you have it. I may have rambled on just a tad, but your speech was rather intriguing and sparked me to put in some extra effort. I applaud you for having the sack to come out here and question the motives people may have. This kind of speech gets people thinking, and gets them to take a long hard look at themselves in the mirror. Well done.

Henry, I feel like you come here with intention to argue for the sake of arguing. It is not a secret that everyone in this thing of ours in here to make money, power, respect and protection. This isn't limited to the crew leaders or godfathers. You boil it down to make the average associate look like a resource to be used for your pleasure, but is it not true that the same could be said for everyone? 

I could come here with six solid points on why the associate is doing the same thing, but that would miss the point. We are all here to earn money and gain power above the average job. However we also are here for the things shogun mentioned like brother/sisterhood. 

Basically there is no reason for a wise-guy to come to these streets and blemish the intentions of he's elders.

LucaRossi was making his collections with a new associate of his, Deces. He was showing her the ropes of making collections weekly and making sure that no one would get out of missing a weekly payment. After they had exited the local butcher shop on 5th Avenue, Luca had noticed someone on the street corner standing on a box. The man on the box was giving a long and lengthy speech about why people want to be a Crew leader. As Luca listened he couldn't help but wonder if the reasons the man had given, were some of his own reasons...

Luca listens as other bystanders give their own opinion before Luca decides to speak up.

"You know, these reason you have given here today are pretty trollish. I say that because Consigliere Shogun has pretty much shot them all down. The bodyguard, gun boost, and money reason cannot be justified in taking a bold suit because well... you can do that all on your own. I'm quite similar to Shogun on that. My bloodline has worked hard and donated hundreds of millions to their leaders while they continued to protect themselves. Its not an easy task to do, but it is doable if you put the hard work in. I could continue to ramble about how these reasons aren't justified in someone wanting to be a leader, but I think people get the point. I want to express to others on why I was asked to lead a crew."

Luca took a second to gather himself. During that time more people turned to him so they could listen.

"Let it be known that before the fall of the late Godfather Chairman SpikeS, I had no intensions of being a leader. I stuck to myself, donated money to my leader, trained a gun, bought protection, and most importantly gave my time when it mattered. With how the takedowns went with New York, Philly, and parts of Detroit, the leadership in Chicago loved the way I handled myself and helped during the war. It wasn't just because I can shoot, but it was because I was able to delegate shooters and help where we were short on efforts. I helped lead us to a victory on both takedowns. And no I'm not saying I schemed the war plans or anything. I'm not taking that away from anyone else, but I am saying I did what my bloodline has done many times before and that was help lead others. While I wasn't the only one to do this, I guess they felt with my long linage that I was suitable to lead in Chicago.

Furthermore, I'd like to tell you why I want to continue leading a crew.

Leading a crew is no easy task. We've all seen others lead a crew or a city even and be called a waste. While the majority fail, others excel in their efforts. Maybe thats why the same bloodlines are always asked to don the bold suit. Anyways, I want to continue leading because of what previous leaders have instilled in me. My bloodline has been here for over a decade and I've be able to learn from the best that have been on these shores. While I've learned from them, I've picked up on traits that I think others should value. My current leader, Don DoctorBoom, has instilled in me what it means to protect those around you. Those who have worked their asses off for you district and city and protecting them at all costs when the time comes. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I hope I continue to instill the values that I've been taught over time, to those who put their trust in me. I want to teach what I know to those who want to work under me. And in hopes those values get passed onto other mafiosi for years to come."

Luca looks around and awaits for someone else to speak. Surely he had rambled on far too much...

Jim sat back and listened as Don Rossi finished speaking and stepped forward to add his small piece to the conversation. 

My bloodline is still fairly new to these shores and, so, none of my ancestors have ever run a crew. That said my father was the Left Hand of a respected family and based on his letters to me I know that it was never about any of the things you mention. Did he want to be a crew leader some day? Of course. Do I hope to be some day - when I've earned my way, yes of course. And I would be lying to say that a part of the pull isn't in the prestige that comes with that, however, that is not the main reason and it certainly wasn't the reason my father accepted the position of left hand man. 

He accepted the position because he was loyal to his leader and he knew that his leader was loyal to him and the rest of the family so he wanted to do whatever he could to help his family and his city. Being a crew leader takes this to another level - you are extending that loyalty out to every member of your family and city and putting your life on the line to help them to succeed.

You seem upset that crew leaders may get help from their members to get body guards, but you leave out that crew leaders and their hands are also the first to be targeted and often the best positioned to strike back in defense of their families. You lament crew leaders seeking donations but fail to discuss the millions that they spend on fortifications - yes some crew leaders may have you donate directly to them but if you then look at the fortifications you will see that they do in fact build them. 

Most importantly, however, intended or not you come across as a jaded man who doesn't understand the satisfaction that someone can get out of seeing their family succeed and helping their members grow. I am going to go out on a limb and say that you have probably never actually run a crew, or if you have that it was very short lived. Being a leader isn't about the title - it is about your actions. Someone who strives to be a crew leader only for the reasons you give would not ever be successful because they would not take the steps needed to actually solidify a family and make it more than just a group of people sharing a headquarters. The best leaders - in this thing of ours and elsewhere - are those that see the title as nothing more than another tool to help them build up their team and accomplish the goals that they feel will improve their team, city, and world. Hell, the best leaders don't even wait for the title - as with Don Rossi they start to lead and are eventually handed the title because those above them realize it is deserved. 

I have been rambling far to long so I will step back now, but I will leave you with this advice. Take a step back and exam why you feel the way you do and address those actual concerns instead of besmirching the name of all those who have taken - or hope to one day take - the mantle of leadership in this thing of ours. 

Jim finishes his speech by nodding respectfully to those around him and then slips back into the crowd to see if anyone else may come forward to speak. 

Horseshit, Zeroth. You do. You just won't get the opportunity so you just say you don't. You say you don't care so that it doesn't suck as much when you see someone do half as much as you get the nod because of your leaders nepotism. Keep up the one liners, you might get a tip one day.  

Turns to LucaRossi. 

I'm not really sure if Shogun has "shot them down" at all, quite the opposite in fact. I guess we all read a little different through the lines though and my narcissism usually gets the better of me in those situations. 

I think leading a crew is actually relatively straightforward so long as you can string a sentence together and know "da best way to rnk quikly." Not to knock anyone's efforts, but it generally always makes me smile when I hear those kind of statements. It's easy, it's straight forward and it's a nice little cash cow especially when you're under the comforting wing of an already established power house.

Thank you for your thoughts and congratulations on the family, perhaps this generation will fair a little longer in Chicago as a crew leader.   

Approaches Tommo.

I don't see any arguments here Tommo? I admittedly brought a topic to the streets with the hope it might incite some lively line towing discussions. It's been somewhat successful in that there have been two good responses from esteemed men of this world in LucaRossi and Shogun but otherwise a rather disappointingly predictable lack of turn out. Perhaps I'm impatient? Perhaps their replies are being written down on pieces of paper as speak? Perhaps they are discussing me behind closed doors and whether this has gone to far? Probably none of the above though. That's exactly what I just did, that's what you and me are.

Alas. I am an elder young Tommo, in age if not in rank.  

Turns to Shogun.

Thank you for your input Shogun. So if you just want to go out in a blaze of glory, a crew full of cannon fodder is no doubt the best way to do this - wouldn't you agree?

1a - "Brotherhoods" are mostly already formed from generations past.

2a - The idea that decisions are made by all crew leaders is slightly naive and idealistic let's be honest. Irrespective of rank it's still the same collection of people making and agreeing the decisions, usually 4 or 5 at best. Those same handful that tell you, as a crew leader, that you can't have a certain person as Right Hand Man.

3a - When I'm in charge it's going to be different, do different. Funny how many people say this but nothing ever changes. Walk in the same family headquarters: 1) Sign rules you haven't read; 2) Hitters bible sitting on a table;  3) Drug running tips; 4) Dusty hierarchy passed down with the names changed.

That's not why you want a family.  

[As a side note it's probably worth noting that the Chairman Boosts are only effective against those in your city or by others if you're in your city. Ergo, if you're planning to shoot your own shit up (which Rayln certainly made the most of) then it's beneficial or if you're not planning to leave your city then it's also beneficial. Otherwise with the except of a little extra money it's a relatively pointless boost and all about the ego, which is cool if that's your thing.]

Finally Henry returns to address Jim.

I guess it's interesting how our history and experiences are perceived based on the words we offer. Interesting indeed. I'm very cynical and quite possibly a little jaded - true. Or perhaps I'm just bored and wanted to spark a little something to wile away the hours. I probably wouldn't take up tarot reading as a profession though if I were you, that limb looks awful delicate.  

LucaRossi nodded in a kind gesture towards HenrySestern when he made his followup comments. Luca noticed his Right Hand Man step forward to say something that they both truly believe in. 

"To echo what my friend Toaly had said regarding leading from the front, and giving chances to all regardless of bloodlines, I wholeheartedly agree in those words. A leader must be willing to do those for the betterment of their city/district but also for the world we live in. So as I stand here and continue to share the same beliefs as Toaly, I want it to be known that The Oakwood Outfit follows those words."

Shogun smiled bemusedly at Henry.

I never said that I wanted to "go out in a blaze of glory." I simply stated that glory would be a big driving factor for me if I wanted to be a crewleader. Saying my crew would be just cannon fodder is a bit insulting, clearly your ancestors did not work for mine.

Sure, some brotherhoods are created through past connections. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't always try to make new ones. To bridge new gaps and mend old relationships. A new friend who is busting ass for me will have greater value to me than an old one who can't be around much.

I disagree on your point that it's the same 4 or 5 people making all the decisions time and time again. It just seems that way, because for nearly the past year it has been a small group of the same people. But over the course of our world's glorious history, plenty of different people have impacted our world in many different ways. 

Again, you must not have been in one of my forefathers families. Certainly, those things you listed were there. But we've also used a plethora of other things to get the crew involved. Made man parties, polls to ask how the crew is doing, competitions (and not just for donations, but also for hitting, posting, ranking.) And I know of a few other leaders of the past who have done those and other things to shake things up a bit.

The GFC boost can be very useful. As you said, it helps against your own, should their be a mutiny in your city. But it can also make you virtually untouchable to outsiders if you're in your home city.