The Gangs of Tumba

While an insidious and unwanted element in most societies, the gangs of Tumba are part of the glue that keeps the violent city together. Aside from the dubious influence of its governor, the gangs are the only ones with the power to enforce any kind of order in the city. The three major gangs have split the city between them, carving out territories to further their own areas of interest. The major gangs are as follows:

The Masks

Background:

The Masks are a collection of common criminals, depraved even by Tumba’s standards, who make no attempt at nobility or honor. They are a newly established gang, springing up twenty years ago under their leader, the Butcher. In this short time, however, they have managed to secure themselves a strong spot in the power structure by aggressively enforcing their territory and striking at rival gangs directly, stealing whatever they can.

Most other parties in the Free Cities despise the Masks, but can do little to contend with them in terms of fighting prowess. The Masks are famed for their namesake, the white masks each member wears. The masks are a remnant of Ashlandic tradition, where the faces of the dead are covered by masks that are enchanted to ward off demonic influence. When not on gang business, many of its members still choose to wear their masks on their arm, belt, or around their neck.

The Masks mainly dip into entertainment and bloodsport as a way of earning income, especially in the powerbrawl scene. They fund a few pirate crews, but pour most of their resources into street-level enforcement. They successfully drove off the local chapter of the Red Street Rippers—formerly one of the big three gangs in Tumba—planting themselves firmly in the city during the ensuing power vacuum.

Areas of interest:

-Entertainment (powerbrawl especially)

-Street enforcement (protection)

-Hits

Leader:

Etin “The Butcher” Sakaarn

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Territory:

Western part of the Proving Yard, western part of Fool’s Glint, the Ruins, southern part of the Pleasure District, southern part of Flotsam.

The Revelers

Background:

The Revelers are a gang who believe in absolute freedom. It was started by Arqen the Gentle, their leader, only ten years ago. They generally use a hands-off approach to dealing with their territories, enforcing their rules through fostering an unbreakable loyalty. Those who break the few rules of the Revelers, however, receive no kindness from its leadership, and are punished harshly.

The Revelers tend to prostitution, gambling, and arms trade. Because of their ties with several larger factions off the archipelago, they have access to large quantities of quality weapons. The Revelers hold regular votes to decide their leader, but Arqen comes out the clear winner every time.

They are dedicated to freedom and democracy, and will often work with pirate crews or paramilitary organizations to further the future freedom of the Aiyek Archipelago, their goal being to instate a true democracy across all islands, at which point Arqen claims he will dismantle the gang.

Areas of interest:

-Arms dealing

-Street enforcement

-Prostitution

-Gambling

Leader:

Arqen the Gentle

Territory:

Eastern part of the Perch, the Sunken District, northern part of Flotsam.

The Outlaw Clan

Background:

The Outlaw Clan consists largely of clanless lubbards from various clans who have come together under a single banner operating throughout the Free Cities, chiefly Tumba. All members of this clan take the name Zaman to symbolize their union, even those not of the seafolk. In the century since their inception, they have clawed their way to relevancy in the Aiyek Archipelago through violence, intimidation, and bribery, always carefully considered and specifically targeted.

Through their great knowledge of the sea and access to smuggling routes both under and above it, they have amassed a great command over the trade coming in and out of the Free Cities. They fund many pirate crews, both to harass their competition, protect their own trade routes, and bring in valuable salvage. The Outlaw Clan is always ruled by a single leader, known as a patriarch or matriarch respectively, who has to be of lubbard blood.

Areas of interest:

-Trade

-Assassination

-Drugs

Leader:

Lecco Zaman

Territory:

Eastern part of Fool’s Glint, western part of the Perch, northern part of the Pleasure District, the Shiccuen Market.