Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-26130256-20150806184438/@comment-26130256-20150928165518

"That would depend on when you're referring to,"  Azulius grudgingly removed himself from the hug. "Back in the old days, the answer would be 'everyone who stood in our way'.  Generally, each gang has its territory that belongs to them, and trying any funny business in another group's turf is somewhere between an insult and a declaration of war."

"Also, there are plenty of different ways for a group to earn money," Trigo explained. "Illegal gambling is a classic.  Liquor sales, back when it was illegal in Vacuo.  Prostitution, though our family never got into that.  But the backbone of organized crime always was the protection racket."

"Basically, it means having folks pay you for their 'protection'.  Which used to mean 'Pay up or we rob your place', but multi-great-grandpa Jasper did things differently.  Apparently when you have soldiers patrolling the neighborhoods and a money-back guarantee if you do get attacked, it's a great incentive to pay on time." Azulius continued, remembering the stories from his youth.

"And let's not forget the alternate payment systems that could be negotiated," Trigo smiled, gesturing to his nephew's weapon. "A few years ago, a prominent weaponsmith in Vacuo couldn't make their payments, so Ochre struck a deal.  They let Azzie use their shop to make himself a good weapon, and we forgave their payment for the month.  Of course, once we saw how happy he was with Roaring Moxie, we gave them another month free."