The Dead Rabbits

Fredrick Greene - 'Blaze'

## Introduction

The Dead Rabbits are a gang that originated from New York City, currently operating discreetly at Hart's Spring Steeds near Tumbleweed and lead by Callie Hart.

## History

The original Dead Rabbits were founded by disgruntled gang members of the Roach Guards, who became the largest Irish crime organization in early 19th-century Manhattan. Besides street-fighting, the Dead Rabbits supported politicians such as Fernando Wood and the Tammany Hall machine, whose platforms included the welfare and benefit of immigrant groups and minorities, and under the leadership of Isaiah Rynders the gang acted as enforcers to violently persuade voters during elections to vote for their candidates. Other criminal activities the Dead Rabbits engaged in were: street fighting, knife fighting, assault, robbery, arson, murder, and rioting.

By the 1860s, the Dead Rabbits had disbanded after several riots and run ins with their rivals, the Bowery Boys. The history of the Dead Rabbits might very well have ended in the mid-19th century had it not been for Elliot Cain. The son of a former member who perished in the notorious riot of 1857 between the Dead Rabbits and the Bowery Boys, Cain was but 7 years old when he became an orphan. Even worse, higher ranking members of the Dead Rabbits denied any involvement in the riot itself to the media, and made assertions that the whole event itself was dishonorable. Though still a child, Elliot developed much resentment toward the former leaders for their actions that only amplified over the next decade.

By the time Elliot was 18, it was clear the Dead Rabbits were no longer what they used to be. With a declining status and a disbandment surely on the way, Elliot left with a few trusted individuals in an attempt to bring dignity back to the gang's name. Over the course of the next 3 decades, the Dead Rabbits steadily grew in numbers and stature, once again becoming a notorious street gang that looked out for minorities and lower class citizens. Under Elliot Cain's leadership, the Dead Rabbits moved away from political affiliations; he believed strongly that his predecessors became too concerned with their image rather than sticking true to their ideals because of politics. Furthermore, Cain was far more extreme in his distaste for the law and upper-class citizens, as he claimed both were corrupt in their own ways. The law was very easy to bend when money was involved, and those with money cheated at life one way or another. And, both parties relied heavily on their statuses, which in turn gave them unwarranted egos.

Early in the year of 1899, Elliot Cain came up with a grandiose plan to cement the Dead Rabbits in the history banks: rob the biggest bank in New York City. Not only was the bank frequented by many of the upper-class, the street it was on was also heavily patrolled by lawmen. It would be a difficult job to pull off, but a success would guarantee easy living for some time and a major blow to the two groups who embodied everything he disliked. The idea was met with many scoffs and raised eyebrows from the group, but after deliberation and discussion, eventually everybody agreed to go through with Cain’s plan.

It was during the escape part of the plan that Elliot Cain was shot in the chest by a lawmen. Several men on both sides fell, and those who stayed behind were arrested if they surrendered. Some refused to stand down, and were shot dead by police. By the time those carrying Cain reached their refuge, he had succumbed to his wound, and only a few of the Dead Rabbits remained.

With their leader gone and many others dead or captured, the remaining members were at a loss for what to do. They buried Cain - the only body they had - in an unmarked grave outside of the city. Splintered and wanted by the law, what was left of the Dead Rabbits skipped town. It wasn’t until the group was on the road that the topic of leadership arose. Now that they had some time to think, it was important to decide who would take Cain’s place. Callie Hart, a member of the Dead Rabbits for 10 years at that point became the head of what was left of the Dead Rabbits.

After arriving in Odessa, the small group set up in an old ranch near Tumbleweed - far from the eyes of any prying lawmen - and made up a cover story of being horse trainers and sellers. The market was already well sustained with other sellers, which made it likely they wouldn’t need to worry about actual clientele knocking on their door. Their main goal, for now, is to lay low; but with their entire livelihoods being based in trickery and underhandedness, it’s only a matter of time before they settle into their familiar ways.