The Five Families

The powers already seated when you arrive

Every player answers to one of five. The choice sets your allegiance and your starting leaning — it does not cap what you can become.

Iron River Syndicate

HeadIron — a title handed from head to head

LeaningStrength

Arms traders forged in the Russian crime syndicates and the Cartels. If you can haul weapons, fire them, or handle explosives, they want you.

Society for Balance & Prosperity

HeadHaiyan Xiang — "Old Man Xiang"

LeaningDefence

Triads with Sicilian roots and a pacific bent. They control legitimate business for illegitimate purposes — and they’re everywhere.

Kito-gumi

HeadYawara Kito

LeaningDexterity

Cybercrime rings and Yakuza heritage. Bloodline-restricted, ambush predators — the most exclusive seat at the table.

Viola Family

HeadMassimo Viola

LeaningAgility

Bikers with a touch of Bonanno. Italian-American, Italian-Canadian — they move fast and unseen.

Volkskaya

HeadAlyona Sokolov

LeaningBalanced

Eastern European networks running the city’s longest-running party. Thirteen years strong — new guests arrive daily, old ones usually leave by ambulance.

Player-run families are a separate system — see the Families section.