Gotham Organised Crime

## **History**

### **The Old Guard: 1970s - 2000s**

* During the early 1970s, Gotham City's organised crime scene garnered significant attention with the arrival of five influential families affiliated with the Cosa Nostra Crime Syndicate: the Falcones, Maronis, Bertinellis, Mandragoras, and Galantes, Taking advantage of Gotham's vulnerable infrastructure, these families established a firm grip by corrupting officials and exerting complete control over the Gotham City Police Department. Among them, the Falcone Crime Family emerged as the dominant force in the city, led by the formidable don known as Carmine "The Roman" Falcone. Their powerful presence dictated the operations and activities within Gotham, shaping the criminal landscape for years to come.
* The sole challenge to their iron grip on Gotham City came in the form of Thomas Wayne, a respected entrepreneur and the embodiment of goodness and justice in the eyes of the public. As Thomas Wayne contemplated a mayoral run, his aspirations posed a significant threat to the Cosa Nostra's operations within Gotham. The circumstances surrounding the tragic demise of Thomas and Martha Wayne, whether orchestrated by the crime families or mere chance in a city plagued by crime, remain shrouded in mystery. Nevertheless, their untimely demise was met with approval and relief throughout Gotham's underworld, as it eliminated a potential obstacle to the criminal organisation's' dominance.
	+ With no apparent threat to their authority, the Cosa Nostra seemingly conducted their operations of racketeering and money laundering within Gotham City for decades.
* During this time however, a clandestine organisation named The Court of Owls made themselves known to the crime families. Comprised of affluent residents of Gotham, this enigmatic group had silently operated in the shadows since the city's founding, spanning countless centuries. Curiously, The Court showed no inclination towards interfering with the operations of the Cosa Nostra, instead preferring to foster the illusion that the mob held sway over Gotham. This deceptive arrangement allowed The Court to cloak their own clandestine activities with even greater effectiveness, veiling their true intentions from prying eyes.

* After the emerging vigilante The Batman destroyed a stockpile of mob assets, Carmine Falcone employed 4 assassins to remove Batman from the equation: David Cain, Deathstroke, Deadshot, and The Phantasm.

## **Structure**

#### **Upper Levels**

* The Court of Owls: A secretive organisation comprising wealthy individuals from Gotham has covertly governed the city for centuries since its very inception. Operating in the shadows, this clandestine group wields immense power and influence over Gotham's affairs. Their arsenal includes a formidable group of assassins known as The Talons, who enforce their political control and ensure their dominance remains unchallenged.
* The Penguin: Nestled within Gotham's Diamond District, Oswald Cobblepot, better known as Penguin, oversees his operations from the renowned establishment known as the Iceberg Lounge. Within this sophisticated venue, Penguin orchestrates a range of illicit activities that encompass money laundering, racketeering, and the illicit trade of weapons.
* False Face Society: Under the leadership of Roman Sionis, the notorious False Face Society maintains an ironclad control over Gotham City's eastern districts, exerting their dominance over areas such as the East End, Bowery, and Park Row. Primarily involved in racketeering and drug trafficking, the False Facers have established a firm foothold in the criminal underworld. Previously engaged in illicit arms trade, they recently reached a mutually beneficial agreement with The Penguin, resulting in a shift away from dealing in illegal weapons.
* Cosa Nostra: Currently based in Little Italy, the diminished Cosa Nostra leverages its limited resources to offer mob protection services to numerous criminal enterprises overseen by the longstanding figures of Gotham's underworld. Despite their reduced influence, Cosa Nostra continues to fulfils its role in safeguarding various establishments associated with the city's seasoned criminal elements.

#### **Middle Levels**

* The Joker's Gang: A devoted group of fanatical loyalists stands firmly by The Joker's side, providing unwavering support in his diabolical schemes. These individuals are driven by an intense and irrational devotion to The Joker's twisted ideology. Acting as his trusted aides, they tirelessly work to construct an array of deadly deathtraps, designed to ensnare and torment the unsuspecting victims of The Joker's malevolent plans. Additionally, these loyalists are tasked with gathering the necessary resources and materials required to bring The Joker's dark visions to life. Their unwavering dedication to The Joker's cause demonstrates the extent of their fanaticism and highlights their pivotal role in enabling his chaotic reign.
* Tobacconist Club: Gotham Tobacconist's Club, overseen by Rupert Thorne, stands as a favoured gathering spot for the esteemed veterans of Gotham's underworld. Functioning both as a meeting hub and a secure refuge, this establishment provides a haven from the eccentricities of the emerging and unconventional criminal elements. With its distinguished reputation, the club serves as a sanctuary where the old guard can convene, strategise, and find solace amidst the ever-changing landscape of Gotham's criminal realm.
* Scarface Gang: Led by the notorious Scarface Dummy and its puppeteer Arnold Wesker, the Scarface Gang may be small in numbers but possesses considerable influence within Gotham's criminal landscape. Engaged in a relentless struggle for dominance over the eastern regions of the city, they find themselves locked in an ongoing conflict with their rivals, The False Facers. The Scarface Gang primarily specialises in daring robberies, using their cunning and audacity to orchestrate lucrative heists. Additionally, they are known to engage in the illicit arms trade, procuring and dealing in illegal weaponry to further bolster their operations.

#### **Lower Levels**

* The Riddler's Gang: A compact team of loyal associates lends their support to The Riddler, aiding him in his elaborate operations and playing a crucial role in his ongoing rivalry with the Bat-Family.

#### **Defunct**

* The Red Hood Gang: During a brief but impactful period, an enigmatic gang emerged in Gotham City, under the leadership of the notorious Red Hood. With a relentless drive for chaos and destruction, they specifically targeted businesses, looting valuable assets before leaving a path of devastation in their wake. Infamous for their signature method, the gang set fire to the targeted establishments, intensifying the chaos and leaving a lasting mark of destruction. The Red Hood Gang's calculated and ruthless actions cast a shadow of fear and uncertainty over the city during their fleeting yet impactful presence.