I'm not usually one to get out a soapbox and speak openly about my business. My approach is usually more discreet or suggestive. I think it's safe to say those days are now firmly in the past until my last days. That being said, I would like to gather thoughts and opinions on the war which has recently passed. It did not unfold as a usual conflict would unfold, as such it was rather refreshing, in my opinion.

Previously, we would see the majority of the opposing side ruthlessly gunned down in the opening minutes of the war. This would almost often result in the end of the conflict, with 'war' being described as a mop up session that follows, until all opposing combatants are despatched. Even the endeavour Don Oakheart and I took on ourselves to initiate had an element of surprise, and thus, and advantage. 

However, that's where any aspect of the predictability of the day came to a halt, when simultaneously, every gun in the country failed to fire. This then opened up a period of almost half a day for both sides to prepare for the inevitable clash that would follow, once we remembered how to shoot again. If we remove the fact that the opposing side was without two of their biggest threats, seeing as Godfather Boom and Don Skadi fell in the initial assault, we still have two sides that had no clear advantage over the other. 

So, when that golden time approached that the trigger finger could be flexed once more, we had two sides charge headfirst into battle. A first, in my book. 

Now, I'm not opening this up to debate which side had the advantage over which, or analyse every individual asset that was available to each. I'm simple reflecting on the almost unique circumstances that we had the opportunity to be a part of. I certainly have not experienced anything like it, and it was definitely not something I had factored into my plans. It was something I will always remember though as the most realistic example of two warring cities I'll probably ever see. 

I have not much to say since my grand father was around here for a very short time but I have to admit it was a hell of an introduction in this world after less than 20 days.

What remains for me is these stats, looks more like a genocide than a war eventhough I know this war was complicated and altered.

Rank Breakdown
Godfather - 1
Don - 6
Consigliere - 3
Boss - 1
Capo - 5
Made Man - 5
Wise Guy - 35
Earner - 64
Goomba - 168
Gangster - 160
Thug - 18
Civilian/Petty Thief - 185

I think it was very unique, especially given the mitigating circumstances, thats for sure. DoctorBoom and Skadi falling initially was the difference in the whole war situation, even for a moral purpose. its widely known that they both had an incredible amount of notches to their gun. Also, look at the successful take downs that Mr Boom had done previously, it was a massive loss that the defending side had suffered. Their backs were to the wall right away.

My linage has been involved in countless wars over the years, both on the winning and loosing sides. A few of them have lasted 2 days plus. They have lasted due to us, the mobsters fighting our way through them, not because of mitigating circumstances and they where a privilege to be apart of. There was no down time, there was no chance of sleep in between, these events where solid war efforts. You will never, ever really forget your first real war. I mean take downs happen all the time. A lot of the time, the "first wave" of shots will do enough damage but every now and again we have those special wars, the once that really are hard fought for. Its those wars and those events that you can really see what you are made of and in fact what others are too. 

Having not really been too much of an influence in this war, its hard for me to have too much of a love affair with it but i can totally understand your emotion towards it and rightly so. As ive said, ive played my part in many "real wars" and they are exciting, scary and keep you on the edge of your seat. 

God Father Gato i have to say it was a unique experience one that was very interesting.

While most folk thought 9 Lives was neutral as you know our lot had been decided just after DoctorBoom fell we knew idiots like SpikeS had no love for myself and members of this crew the only person who kept us alive was now dead it was a no brainer to join yourself and Rob. 2 Crewleaders that would talk to Curiosity and made atleast an attempt to communicate with us here at 9 lives.

While this whole situation was unique i kinda expected the initial volley of gunshots to much more messy.

Actually, this reminds me of a scroll I came across not too long ago, whilst studying the ancestral journals of my nomadic predecessors.

They recall times where people would start wars, shooting off randomly into groups of rivals. The surprise and shock of it all and the instant response for everyone and their mums to attempt to shoot back would make our world suddenly black out.

It would seem the God's world didn't have the capacity to deal with such a large amount of activity and would break... into blackness with the sun blocked out, the winds stopped and not just people's weaponry but their very ability to do anything came to a standstill as people blindly stumbled about the 'irc avenue' asking the gods "what the hell is going on here?!" 

As a reincarnate containing the experiences and feelings of the previous Avatars, I can draw on the memory of those who lived in such times. It was a nostalgic experience to say the least. Even if I personally didn't exist back then

Reading the story from his new family leader, as well as the information Bjorn read in his fathers journal he discovers that the mighty battles he had envisioned in his childhood where maybe his father could be involved in, he realizes that actually wasn't too far from the truth.

He wonders if coming to the NY Manhattan clan from Godfather Gato had been a good choice. He acted upon his first judgement, for he had read many entries in his father's journals mentioning the name of the good mr Gato quite often woven with many signs of respect until the last entry in the journal. But now reading this, as well as the other public announcements he knew in his heart he made a good choice knocking on this man's door. He was unsure if the man would find a place for him, since he was just a small time beginner and saw many people ahead of him in their ways around the crime life but he would do his best to make his father proud.

But after hearing from some of his father's friends, or the ones that left some notes here and there he realized that indeed his father deemed Gato to be worthy adversary and was disappointed of having to fight against him but his honor and loyalty lay with those the new Godfather was fighting with. But with the knowledge Bjorn has at this stage, he realizes what had driven these men to issue a duel, and not any duel, a duel that would not bring any advantage to any of the 2 men but only the men and women they were leading and trying to protect their current and future interests. As he wonders how other wars apparently had been more planned and less involving the lower ranks of crime life, wouldn't it be actually an even nicer way if the men whose interests were clashing to find potentially more honorable ways of settling disputes and avoid any loss of those men and women in early stages of their lives, lives that could be spared when wars do no claim all those who live the life we do???

My father grew up in Chicago within the long shadow cast by DoctorBoom and as a result, took part in many of the takedowns that you talk about. He told me that while they were each exhilarating in their own right, the thrill dissipated quickly as the threat from the opposition was reduced to near zero quite quickly in most cases.

What happened here this weekend was something completely different and will be something that will be told at my family's table for generations to come. The initial "phony" war as both sides organised and planned, your duel in the streets with Godfather K_W which could have changed the entire outcome had you fallen and not him. The final result was never secure right up until the last few hours and it made for one of the most memorable experiences of my bloodline's history in this world so far.

You bring up an interesting point Godfather. Whilst battles such as this are not entirely unknown, it has been a long time since my family was involved in one. I believe the last time was many years ago, perhaps back in the old country, back in the days of 100-200 crew members. According to my family memoires, battles back in the old country could take days or even a week. Descendants of members had time to rejoin, rank up and join in the fight as pro shooters and even low level hitters on occasion before the battle was finally won.

For me it was really interesting to hear old and young discussing the war in very different ways - some being confused about what was taking so long and why it was still rumbling on. The conversations that came from those discussion in my view really divided the new generation here and those with a family history here. 

For me I look through my ancestor's journals and I read that this last war reflected the way thing used to be....for me I like that, anyone can wait for people to go their beds and then start shooting and everything is finished within a few hours. To go to war tactically - have to think, plan, negotiate is what this thing of ours is all about.

That said huge losses happened, we are facing new / old times here and things will settle, people will learn the ways of this world, the mafia world is a harsh one but strategy, alliances and an ability to negotiate, plan and be a bit clever are absolutely essential to surviving - I think this last war highlighted that big time!

goes back to drinking Jack Daniels and lights a cigar

I must admit, watching the war it seemed an eventuality what was coming, especially after the death of Pine.   However the city wide power outages did add a spin to it.  What was interesting for me was the fact as the city got the power grid back up the first instinct wasn't to shoot but find pro to add additional strategy to the war.   There pro carried over, we must need it before picking off potential pro wackers sleeping in their beds.

The fact many people were also contemplating what to do as they worked which side they would be on as some people like Curiosity kept her hands to her chest except to her most trusted meant people didn't have information to spill.   The numbers online in the run up just to see what was happening even if not part taking just to see cities crush and people fall drew my attention a lot especially with how calm and quiet things can be, this sudden rise in hostility and wanting to see the revenge they would never gain for themselves, and the change of heads of course brought a grin.  Suddenly to see 200 people nearly wandering the 6 cities meant was hope to see growth.

Rebecca nervously approaches Godfather ChristianGato to pay her respects, but accidentally passes gas on him instead.  It was a cute lady-like squeak, but she was embarrassed nonetheless and ran away blushing.

You live and rule only once. So u know when time has come to us to die. You also know what and who knows what to do next when you have information. All in all it's just a beautiful song. Keep goin' and rollin' on. 

Godfather ChristianGato, I for one thank you for sharing your reflections with us.  Scenarios such as this are rare, and to be a part of them will make for great tales to pass along for generations to come.  Salut, and be well Godfather.

Misogyny tips his hat to the Godfather respectfully and turns to leave.  As he turns, he accidentally passes gas on the Godfather so hard that the Godfather's cigar smoke wofts back into the opposite direction  Embarrassed, Misogyny hurries off.

Any reason why people keep farting on me?

Reignites his cigar.