As long as there have been folks with free time and streets where they could roam, there have been street gangs. Traditionally, gangs are groups of hard-living individuals united by some common bond or theme. This bond may seem trivial to outsiders such as living on the same street, belonging to the same church, or working at the same profession but for those heavily into the gangs it can be an all-important distinction. Although they usually consist of a majority of men, many gangs accept female members … as long as they’re tough enough and are willing to pledge loyalty
As the name implies, gangs generally differ from organized crime by their lack of organization and long-term goals. However, even this distinction can crumble as gangs become larger and more ambitious, and local authorities fail to see the distinction with large enough gangs. In fact, most powerful cartels started out as “gangs.”
Gangs have existed since the United States’ founding, beginning with the Doanne Gang in the 1780s. This band, led by Moses Doanne, claimed they were robbing towns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania to prove their allegiance to the British, while keeping all the proceeds themselves. This gang lasted until Moses’ capture in 1788, falling apart like most gangs led by one charismatic or powerful individual.
The middle of the nineteenth century brought a “renaissance” of gangs to the large cities of the United States. At this exciting time of growth, disparate people usually of different immigrating ethnic groups lived in close proximity more than at any time in the nation’s past. For many of these downtrodden groups, joining forces with others of similar backgrounds was the only way to ensure survival.
Although many believe gangs are inherently violent or wicked, this isn’t always true. Gangs sometimes form as a defensive maneuver, ensuring the safety of its members from other gangs. It’s even possible for gangs to serve good purposes, acting as surrogate police and community support; law enforcement sparsely patrol poor sections of many cities, so membership in a gang helps supply protection and if necessary retribution Of course, in the middle of a huge brawl involving dozens or even hundreds of participants, most police don’t really care about who started it or the motivations behind it.
Although street gangs rose to prevalence in the cities, they first captured the public imagination in the Wild West. Here, bands of desperadoes rode together on horseback, robbing stagecoaches, banks, and saloons. The Reno Gang expanded this repertoire in 1866 with the first train robbery. Most Western gang members were skilled in horse riding and shooting, and their presence added to the overall image of the “lawless” frontier.
Other Wild West gangs dedicated themselves to more altruistic purposes. For example, Missouri “Slickers” banded together in 1845 to supplement the efforts of local law enforcement in the warring cattle and horse rustlers. When these vigilantes encountered those they believed were responsible for the crimes, they “slicked” their behinds with hickory withes. Their humiliating technique, though ludicrous, proved highly effective in reducing crime. While vigilante gangs were illegal and, indeed, many used the excuse of vigilantism to pull off their own crimes-the citizenry still loved them.
After the West was brought kicking and screaming into the twentieth century, the country found itself dealing with Prohibition. The lack of legal alcohol did little to seem the tide of gang activity, as the general rise in lawbreaking gave these non-organized criminals an excuse to act as ruthlessly as their organized counterparts. Gang members from this era, like their brethren from the 1850s, were skilled primarily in pugilism. These city gangs, although not terribly organized, could be huge. One dry brawl in 1857 lasted for two days; the police were powerless to stop the thousands of gang combatants.
The modern era of gang activity begins with the rise of the personal firearm. Although multi-shot firearms were available (and carried) in the Wild West, it wasn’t until the second half of the twentieth century that they became inexpensive, effective, and widely available. While earlier gangs may have been content with brawling, extortion, and general mayhem, these new incarnations add drug smuggling, weapon dealing, and grand theft to their activities. In addition, where turf wars between rival gangs would have been solved through painful bur (usually) nonfatal fistfights, these modern groups use firearms to deliver deadly retaliation. And, unlike fists, bullets can miss their mark and kill innocent bystanders. The number of gang members have also risen along with the general population, with the largest gangs having tens of thousands of members in one city.
Another trend that arose in this same period is the rise of the motorcycle; for some gangs, this vehicle has replaced the horse of the Wild West, providing the same freedom and connection between mount and rider. An antagonistic motorcycle gang can prove a frightening threat, with the roar of the vehicle often covering the sound of gunfire.
In recent decades, many gangs have more conspicuously “marked” themselves in some fashion, reverting to an earlier trend seen in such Western bands as the Red Sash Gang. These distinguishing characteristics can either be temporary (such as wearing a specific color, hat, or weapon) or permanent (such as a common tattoo, ritual scar, or dismemberment). If the latter, undergoing this painful experience is often the final step of full membership into the gang.
Another trend that’s proving deeply disturbing to some local police departments is the migration of gangs from urban areas to quieter environs. These satellite gangs are often formed by members of city-based gangs who bring their affiliations and tactics with them when they move to the suburbs. The resultant increase in crime and violence shows that even the most seemingly safe of communities can suffer from the effects of gangs.
Typical Wild West Gang Member
Reflexes 3D: brawling3D+2,dodge3D+ 1, riding 4D, sneak 3D+2
Coordination 2D: marksmanship 3D
Physique 2D+2: stamina 3D
Knowledge 2D
Perception 2D+ I: gambling 3D+ 1, search 2D+2, streetwise 3D+2, survival 3D, tracking 3D
Presence 3D: intimidation 3D+2, willpower 3D+l
Strength Damage: 1D
Move: 1D
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 2
Body Points: 18
Wound levels: 3
Disadvantages: Enemy (R2), law enforcement; Infamy (R1), desperado; Quirk (R1), mean-tempered with Moderate willpower roll to ignore slights and insults
Advantages: Contacts (R1), gang
Special Abilities: none
.Equipment: leather jacket (Armor Value +2); Cole .45 Peacemaker (damage 4D+ l; range 15/3D/45; six shots); extra ammo)
Typical 1850s and Prohibition Era Street Tough
Reflexes 3D+2: brawling 4D+2, dodge 4D, sneak4D
Coordination 3D: lock picking 3D+2, sleight of hand 4D, throwing 3D+1
Physique 3D
Knowledge 2D
Perception 3D: gambling 4D, search 3D+2, streetwise 4D
Presence 2D+ I: charm 2D+2, con 3D+ l, intimidation 3D+ l, willpower 3D
Strength Damage: 2D
Move: 1D
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 2
Body Points: 19
Wound levels: 3
Disadvantages: Enemy {R2), law enforcement; Infamy (R1), hooligan; Quirk (R1), mean-tempered with Moderate willpower roll to ignore slights and insults
Advantages: Contacts (R1), gang
Special Abilities: none
Equipment: blackjack (damage +2)
Typical Modern Gang Member
Reflexes 3D+ I: brawling 3D+2, dodge 3D+2, sneak 3D+2
Coordination 2D+2: marksmanship 3D, piloting 3D+2, sleight of hand 3D Physique 2D+1: lifting 3D
Knowledge 2D: security 3D
Perception 3D: search 3D+1, streetwise 4D
Presence 2D+2: con 3D, intimidation 3D+1, willpower 3D
Strength Damage: 2D
Move: 10
Fate Points: 0
Character Points: 2
Body Points: 1 7
Wound levels: 3
Disadvantages: Enemy (R2), law enforcement; Infamy (R1). hooligan; Quirk (R1), mean-tempered with Moderate willpower roll co ignore slights and insults
Advantages: Contacts (R1), gang Special Abilities: none
.Equipment: trench coat or leather jacket (Armor Value +2); switchblade (damage +2); length of chain (damage + 1D); Glock 17 9mm pistol (damage 3D+2; range 8/16/24; 16 shots); extra ammo