The Dead Rabbits

The Dead Rabbits were an Irish-American criminal organization active in Chicago for a brief period in 192X, lead by Cynnabue "Cyn" Sycamore. The Dead Rabbits originated in New York City, where they often came into conflict with the British criminal organization known as The Commission. Seeking to expand their territory, they arrived in Chicago after learning about the disappearance of the Streetsweepers. Focusing primarily on alcohol smuggling and weapons dealing, they struck up an alliance with La Famiglia Nostra in order to help build an alcohol distribution network. However, the Dead Rabbits struggled to make ends meet and keep their profit margins high in the White City, so they ended up returning to New York unsuccessful.

## History

The Dead Rabbits are an Irish-American criminal organization based in New York City and founded in the year 1860. The original Dead Rabbits were disgruntled members of the crime syndicate known as the Roach Guard. Originally formed as protection for New York City liquor merchants, the Roach Guard soon turned to violence and robbery for additional money - becoming one of the biggest gangs in New York City from the 1830's to the 1860's.

However, where there are money and power, there's also dissent. The Dead Rabbits got their name when, during a meeting with the Roach Guard's top brass, a rabbit carcass was thrown onto the table. The Dead Rabbits took it as an omen and that lead to their split from the Roach Guard.

The Dead Rabbits quickly outgrew their rivals in the Roach Guard, establishing themselves as one of the dominant criminal forces in New York City alongside the Italian Mafia known as the Commission. The Rabbits engaged in frequent warfare with the Commission, but neither could fully outstrip the other. This lead to an uneasy peace between the two organizations -- with neither able to expand their business without treading inadvertently on the others' toes.

Seeking to generate more profit and growth, the Dead Rabbits set their sights on Chicago. Chicago's underworld had recently been rocked by the introduction of the Streetsweepers under Mayor Hadewich. Seeing Chicago as ripe for conquest, they sent lieutenant Cynnabue Sycamore west in search of profit.

## Organization

The Dead Rabbits structured themselves similar to a military organization -- with their highest offices being generals, followed by colonels, lieutenants, sergeants, soldiers, and recruits at the bottom rungs. The Dead Rabbits demanded strict discipline and training from their men, with a strong focus on martial skill in battle. The Dead Rabbits boasted some of the most competent and well-trained fighters in Chicago during 192X.

## Notable Members

### Cynnabue "Cyn" Sycamore

An underboss (or lieutenant) of the Dead Rabbits who made his way to Chicago in 192X. See Cynnabue Sycamore.

### Tim Drago

Tim Drago is a brutal man. Before becoming a sergeant at arms of the Dead Rabbits clan, he was a bonebreaker. A semi-freelance enforcer for various crews when a message needed to be spelled out in a particularly brutal fashion. As Cyn rose through the ranks he found himself working with Tim quite a few times, something that would color Cyn for the rest of his adult life. He advanced passed him in the Clan however, being found more dependable, less erratic and prone to unpredictable violence. Tim harbored jealousy over this, but was none the less a loyal friend, and most of the time an obedient Sergeant for Cyn. Tim unfortunately lost his life in the war against the Steel Chip Gang -- and his close friend's death was one of the events that propelled Cyn to pull away from Chicago.

### Cal O'Riley

Cal O’Riley was a few years younger than Cyn, but he grew up in the same neighborhood. He’s much less of a wild-card than Tim. Holding no balk to violence as an enforcer should, Cal preferred a finessed approach to work, dealing in information gathering and counterintelligence for Cyn. Like a social infiltrator, he liked to know every face in the crowd and their dealings, and his advisory has been helpful many times over for Cyn’s efficacy as a Lieutenant. As with Tim, Cal and Cyn are fast friends, but Cal considers himself made by Cyn’s trust. He holds no ambitions on his position.

### Mercy Devereaux

Mercy was married to a former Dead Rabbits’ purser. She was heavily involved with the gang, and very much had him under her thumb. If rumors are to be believed, she killed him and took over his role in the gang, one she had been doing all along.