Domus Poena
By Taboo Viper

TYPE:

MEMBERS: Czertza Resident, Stryvk Kroitstrov

BACKGROUND: Domus Poena, also called the Shadows, spawn from criminals of Hathian with an intricate history in gang activity and violence. They seek those with potential strength, volatility, and an exceptional skill to adapt that set them apart from most of society. Those who show proficiency in racketeering or unafraid to resort to physicality to get what they want will be targeted and processed [willing or not] to better hone these skills to offer the gang protection, to fight against competing factions, and/or to provide the citizens of Hathian as an underground market to do all different kinds of crime for the client. In other words, a ‘criminal for hire’ for the citizens who want to keep records and noses clean. Shadow members also have a shared hatred for society in general and take pleasure in tormenting and causing mayhem for those outside their circle [hence the name Domus Poena, which in Latin translates to ‘House of Punishment.’] Most factions cling to their name as their symbol. While gang members are referred to as Shades, what will be more emphasized is the ritual scarification/branding in the shape of an ‘x’ above the left region of the chest. Members will be encouraged to flaunt this scar, which Tabitha will assure is as prominent as colored bands for the world to see. It’s imagery portrays their declaration of cruelty and heartlessness towards others. Those who remove this scar or have it covered over with anything permanent will automatically be removed from the gang unless they manage to convince Tabitha or the majority of the gang otherwise. Shadow leaders will be under the title Shadow and members will be referred to as Shades. It’s a subtle difference in title because there is less hierarchy rank within Shadows as each member will be selected for their potential value to the group and refined so that their contributions as much as one of the leaders. Tabitha Adair will be the sole leader to begin with, but the opportunity for the secondary leadership position will be possible if the second Stage is established. The gang will be marketing an underground business in racketeering services or 'a criminal for hire' so to speak. This is to protect the citizens who do not want to diminish their reputations but also reap the revenge they've been fantasizing about on their worse enemies. The business will be modestly referred to as: D.P. Services. There will be events regarding specific rituals within Shadows. Every initiation will be public for those who’d be curious to attend. Each initiation will be unique depending on the individual so it doesn’t become repetitive. There might be jobs from clients that might involve the media and become an event should it be something along the lines of revealing blackmail or publicly torturing/humiliating a paid target.

UNIQUE: I'll be applying to manage Slim Goodies Diner. It'll be a professional, classy image to cover the true underground market for Domus Poena: D.P. Services. It'll be a secretly advertised and promoted business for gang members to perform illicit activities for any citizen, regardless of rank and/or prestige, if they pay the right price. ((**update will NOT be applying for Diner**))

FLAW: Those who have been selected by the gang as potential recruits will be taken willingly or unwillingly and ‘processed’ until they swear loyalty [only if unwilling recruits give OOC permission and show an interest to be involved]. There will be resentment among the prospects that are forced into the position that may develop problems inside the gang itself. Though the maximum limit of gang members has not been determined, the gang will be relatively small in comparison to the others. Enemy gangs and officers in big numbers will have the advantage. The more jobs Shadows undertake for clients, the more enemies they’ll create by meddling in affairs that aren’t their own.

POTENTIAL ENEMY: Domus Poena will be allying with Civil Services and proposing to the District Attorney in charge to protect their official business: illicit activities on behalf of a Hathian citizen regardless of rank and/or prestige. In return for protection, Tabitha will use her gang to sponsor and willingly or unwillingly 'persuade' others to commit a monetary percentage to the business. Rp that ranges from uncomfortable conversations to kidnappings to interrogations with police to deny accusations are possibilities from this. The biggest gang rival to Domus Poena would be the Devouring. Tabitha Adair and Esmeralda Siamendez have a track history and deep loathing for each other. I think this personal vendetta would make for great plots in the future and keep the gang rivalry fresh.

EXPERIENCE:I have been an active member with Crack Den for two years. Also, I was apart of one of the gangs in the past. I participated regularly in events and meetings while also promoting the gang ICly. One quality that I think will help this gang flourish and establish role-play with everyone who wants to be apart of it whether member, victim, or bystander is that I am willing to interact with all different types of characters. I have an uncanny ability to improvise just how a person can fit into a scene even when it seems improbable. There is importance for everyone to have a chance to be included. It is also crucial not only to have the capabilities to give strength to group, but also weaknesses. Role-play is about writing stories, not winning a game. So I emphasize the balance of flaws and fighting battles fairly. This is what helps convinces others to participate.

IDEAS:Tabitha intends on keeping the gang small so she can retain a personable relationship with all her members. This means she will have private encounters with recruits every so often to touch basis on how they are benefiting and promoting the gang. They will be motivated to finding those new to Hathian and cultivating them to their culture of lifestyle.

OTHER:Domus Poena will be allying with Civil Services and proposing to the District Attorney in charge to protect their official business: illicit activities on behalf of a Hathian citizen regardless of rank and/or prestige. In return for protection, Tabitha will use her gang to sponsor and willingly or unwillingly 'persuade' others to commit a monetary percentage to the business. Rp that ranges from uncomfortable conversations to kidnappings to interrogations with police to deny accusations are possibilities from this. The biggest gang rival to Domus Poena would be the Devouring. Tabitha Adair and Esmeralda Siamendez have a track history and deep loathing for each other. I think this personal vendetta would make for great plots in the future and keep the gang rivalry fresh.