The
format will be similar to past years where our Big Game
is a result of what happens each Scenario Sunday (the first
Sundays in April, May, June, July, August and September).
The finale of the scenario forms the basis of Big Game X
which will play out on September
17, 2006.
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
INTRODUCING THE SYCAMORE
MAFIA...
Sonny
“The Kingpin” Hornello was a made man before his sixteenth
birthday. He spent his twenties heavily involved in racketeering
and had made a handsome living enforcing for the Sycamore Gang.
When leadership of the gang fell on shaky ground, Sonny recognized
the opportunity and quickly called in some favors. He and his
cohorts stormed the gang’s favorite haunt, “eliminating”
all opposition. In one night, Hornello gained control over all
of the illegal rackets that took place in Sycamore.
The Kingpin’s handpicked crew includes explosives expert
“Eight Fingers” Easterdon. His nickname came about
after a freak accident while eluding police in Splat City in which
Fingers lost both pinkies. Undaunted by his injury, Fingers has
become a master counterfeiter of American currency, particularly
the twenty-dollar bill.
Overseeing the monthly collections is TJ “The Fed”
Bakeroni. Formerly a police officer, The Fed found the lurid underworld
more to his financial liking. He is described as having a boyish-likeability.
TJ is a hand-shaker and backslapper, though never at the same
time...one hand remains free to go for one of the three gun pockets
tailored into his clothes.
Vinnie “The Mouth” Krezonelli is Hornello’s
personal enforcer. When it comes to having someone disposed of,
no one does it better. A religious man, “The Mouth”
doesn’t talk much, but he is known to say a prayer for his
victims right before he dumps them in the river.
“Hollywood” Shay is the levelheaded member of the
bunch. Known for his attention to detail, Hollywood is responsible
for running the smuggling operations out of Sycamore International
Airport. A devote family man, Hollywood’s son is rapidly
creating a name for himself as one of The Kingpin’s soldiers.
INTRODUCING THE MAG
MAFIA...
Ray “The Ox” Oswalt came to the valley three years
ago. He trained in the Grey Gang under “Prince” Antonio.
Known for his disarming smile, The Ox could quickly engage even
the toughest of characters in conversation while learning their
weaknesses and exploiting them. He rapidly earned the respect
of many prominent Mafia associates in the valley. Oswalt was ambitious
and started his own rackets in secret shortly after his initiation
into the Grey Gang. Within months, he had absorbed or destroyed
all of what was the Grey Gang and had gained total control of
the valley with his newly formed Mag Mafia.
Stefano “Cash” Nobelino is the man to see if you have
to get somewhere – QUICK. Cash has the firepower and the
lead foot to make transporting illegal goods a profitable enterprise.
Since his induction into the Mag Mafia, Cash has personally seen
to it that a shipment has never been late and has always been
intact. His repeated success did not go unnoticed. Cash was rapidly
becoming Oswalt’s right-hand.
J. “Shakey” Tippernello is another major player in
organized crime. Requisitioned for his business expertise, Shakey
acquired saloons in the surrounding towns and used them to launder
Oswalt’s money. He also learned how to make a mean martini.
Erico “Lizard” Criponi ran with The Ox back in the
early years. Although not much is known about Criponi, it is rumored
that he organized a group of thugs to expand Oswalt’s gambling
operations. His efforts helped to accelerate the expansion of
Oswalt’s empire.
In response to The Ox’s widespread criminal activities,
District Attorney Courtney McMichael was assigned to investigate
his business practices. Her findings could have sent Oswalt away
for life, but he made a deal with McMichael, and subsequently
added her to his payroll. Now she specializes in information;
namely doctoring files and reports to absolve Oswalt and his Mag
Mafia from any illegal matters – as they come up.
AND NOW... THE MUSCLE
OF THE SPLATMANDU CRIME SYNDICATE ...
Ted’s
Reds are the enforcement arm of the Mafia Underworld, only killing
when "contracted" to do so. Most of the time they oversee
the “financial tapestry” that has been weaved between
the rivaling Mob Bosses, keeping a close eye to ensure the Crime
Syndicate is getting their cut. This elite group is run by one
of the toughest individuals to come out of Splat City. Ever. Theodore
“The Bulldog” Cordalini is the head of the Splatmandu
Crime Syndicate. He runs a Specialty Force of hired killers out
of the back room of the Splat City Pool Hall, The Clubhouse. The
Bulldog is one of the most requested hit men within the organization,
and the heaviest hitter. His ruthless brutality has made him legendary.
Some estimates to the number of contracts that The Bulldog has
carried out surpass hundreds.
No one outside the Mafia is ever rubbed out, the motto being "we
only kill our own," which is generally true. Most of the
contracts are carried out with such detail that there is no way
to trace a hit. Given the street name “Brothers Grimm”,
Nate “The Hammer” Grimm and Abe "The Executioner"
Grimm, two of this organization’s most notorious enforcers,
are the men on the job. The Hammer and The Executioner are efficient
killers, which explains why they are always requested to carry
out the messy contracts. One of the more famous contracts preformed
by Brothers Grimm is that of Dr. Bunnaway. It took place in an
abandoned warehouse deep within Splat City, where Bunnaway was
to meet his demise at the hands of Abe and a crushing blow to
the mid-section.
If the contract involves stealth, Joe “The Boss” Nevito,
Karl “The Fist” Rigaretti, and Johnny “The Shadow”
Rowanetti are the likely choice. These men have developed an exceptional
skill for blending in where the average man would stick out like
a sore thumb. Nevito, Rigaretti and Rowanetti have been linked
to many contracts involving destruction of evidence and general
espionage within the ranks. The Crime Syndicate relies on them
to be the eyes and ears of the organization, keeping the Force
up-to-date on new developments between the rivaling Mafias.
“Rod the Butcher” Stanelli and Antonio “Bugsy”
Racchio are the men to see when time is of the utmost importance.
They are masters at finding and retrieving whatever the contract
entails. These gentlemen, if you can call them that, are also
heavily involved in requisitioning new items for the Armory, the
artillery depot of the Splatmandu Crime Syndicate.
For about twelve years, this group of men have been reportedly
responsible for thousands of contracts. They are probably the
toughest guys to walk around the streets of Splat City, and don't
need a license to kill, just a contract.
As the
sun rose over the small airport, the snow glistened on the runway.
Sonny “The Kingpin” Hornello watched as the large
snowflakes passed by the giant plate-glass window in his office.
“How are we supposed to get our shipment in the air in this
slop?” he muttered to himself while sipping his coffee.
The cargo plane slowly taxied on the single runway, preparing
for take-off.
“Are you sure we can’t transport the guns by cargo
van?” Hollywood Shay said as he entered the room. “This
seems awful risky a venture. We can still get the shipment to
Tippmann by tomorrow morning with the van.”
“We have to fly today. I lose fifteen percent if my buyers
have to wait till tomorrow.”
Just then a deafening sound shattered the large window, sending
both Hornello and Shay to the floor. Outside the cargo plane erupted
into flames and the rounds of ammunition began exploding from
all sides of the hull, sending pieces of fuselage across the runway.
Moments later, “Eight Fingers” Easterdon came running
into the room. “We are under attack!” he shouted,
his ears still ringing from the explosion.
Shaking the broken glass from his suit, Hornello placed a fresh
clip in his pistol and ran out the door. “DAMN YOU OSWALT!”
Hornello screamed as he pushed aside the hanger door. He knew
that “The Ox”, leader of the rivaling Mag Mafia, was
the one to blame.
Vinnie “The Mouth” Krezonelli quickly joined up with
Easterdon and Hornello and together they made their way to the
wreckage. Gunfire rang out from all sides, sending the three men
diving for cover.
* *
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Oswalt and his men sat quietly around the barracks, waiting for
news. He had been planning this attack on the Sycamore Mafia for
weeks. The Ox had been trying to gain exclusive rights to Tippmann
for quite some time, and this “little mishap” of Hornello’s
was all he needed to seal the deal.
Just then a call came in from Oswalt’s men at Sycamore.
“Mission Successful. The shipment has been destroyed.”
Oswalt threw his feet up on the desk. “This is going to
be a good day,” he said, laughing to himself. He quickly
made a call and informed his contact in Tippmann that the job
was done. With Hornello’s lack of product, the time was
now right to offer his services. “Tell them I can have 250
guns delivered by five o’clock,” Oswalt said, looking
to Stefano Nobelino for confirmation. When Cash nodded, Oswalt
finished the transaction.
When the call ended, Oswalt wasted no time. “Get on it Cash.
Don’t make a liar out of me, and be careful. I am sure Hornello’s
boys are forming a counter-attack as we speak.”
* * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter
2
“An Eye for an Eye”
Oswalt lowered his gaze when D.A. McMichael entered the room.
“How do you expect me to play off this little debacle to
my superiors in the justice system?” she growled as she
reached for Oswalt’s ledger. “This better bring me
a big bonus this month,” she added as she looked over the
month’s receipts.
“Don’t worry, you will be well taken care of as always.
You have to learn to have faith in my system.” Oswalt cooed.
“This debacle, as you call it, will increase our monthly
revenue by twenty percent.”
“Have you heard anything from Cash?” interrupted Lizard.
“He’s been gone an awful long time…”
As if on cue, Cash burst into the room, blood spattered across
his pressed shirt. Oswalt was on his feet, his face reddening
as Cash described the ambush in great detail. When he finished,
Cash all but collapsed in the nearest chair.
“I can’t believe this!” Oswalt hissed as he
paced the room. “Hornello will pay dearly for this, mark
my words!”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TJ Bakeroni pulled up the long drive to Sycamore. He could see
the Kingpin and Krezonelli walking amid the wreckage. Sonny was
kicking and swearing at the debris as he went, oblivious to the
cold.
“Hey, I got some news,” TJ shouted. Hornello looked
up and immediately moved to meet TJ at his car, Krezonelli matching
him stride-for-stride.
“Tippmann is dealt with,” TJ said as he stepped out
of his vehicle. “We got Oswalt’s guns and his money.
Before we left, we burned the warehouse and wasted a couple of
‘em on the way out.”
“I knew I could count on somebody around this joint! Great
work!” Hornello beamed, then added excitedly, “Hey,
you shoulda seen Vinnie today…he slaughtered ‘em!
I’m glad you two work for me,” Hornello praised as
he slapped both men on the back. “I think we sent Oswalt
a message today, and there will be many more to come.”
Vinnie Krezonelli giggled at the thought.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter Three
“Before the War”
Oswalt sat in the darkness sipping his aged whiskey. Small beams
of light poked through the cracks in the walls, illuminating a
tiny frame on the nightstand. Images of childhood flashed through
his mind; the friendship once so near to his heart – shattered
by betrayal. Oswalt moved over to the bed, clasping the tiny frame.
The two young boys in the tattered photo seemed to look into his
soul. Removing the picture, he knew what he needed to do. Calling
for Cash, Oswalt handed him the photo.
“I want this sent to Hornello. I don’t care how you
do it, but I want him to think of this moment in time before he
dies.” Cash nodded, placing the photo in his pocket before
leaving the room.
The Ox passed by the mirror, his reflection catching his gaze.
The mark of the paw seemed to rise from his skin, yet another
reminder of the past. “That time is over for me now, I must
silence my demons and get my head in the game,” he thought
to himself. He returned to his bed, carefully placing the empty
frame facedown on the stand. He knew what had to be done, and
better yet, what had to be done with Hornello. A feeling of calm
surrounded him as a small smile crossed his lips; sleep was almost
instantaneous.
Hornello watched at a distance as his men packed the stolen guns
away into crates. The day had been a long one – but in the
end everything seemed to go as planned. Although his runway was
destroyed, Hornello basked in the thought that he now had all
of Oswalt’s guns. “An eye for an eye,” he muttered
to himself as he rose from his chair.
As he stepped out into the moonlight, Bakeroni joined him. “I
heard from my man inside that Oswalt is working on a money laundering
operation in that old Mining Town outside of Mag Valley. Plans
are to move the operation from their warehouse in the Mag Army
Base later this month.” Bakeroni reported.
“Then that is when we will hit them next. I want total control
of that Mining town, and all the racketscurrently
running in it.” Hornello said, lighting his cigar. “If
a war is what Oswalt is after, I’m happy to oblige.”
