The Fallen Pride of the Old Capitol
The Capitolians, a gang with a bitter taste of past glory, hold sway over Edenlon’s historic Old Capitol District. Their very name, once echoing the majestic buildings and former importance of the district, now rings with irony in the face of their devastating war with the [[Green Sisters]] and the mounting pressure from the [[Docker Boys Gang]]. Under the leadership of the paranoid [[Gracius Vatalaro]] and the deadly [[Lucius Vatalaro]], the Capitolists wage a desperate battle to cling to the last remnants of their dominance.
Unlike many gangs that surged forth in the post-war chaos, the Capitolians are a legacy of the pre-war organizations that once ruled the Old Capitol. This was a district of politicians, bureaucrats, and the wealthy elite. Before the war, the Capitolians served as informal guardians of order and “protectors” for influential families. However, the war brutally eroded their power.
Their greatest blow came in a devastating conflict with the Green Sisters of the Capitolians and Temple Districts. This war, its details shrouded in mystery, exacted a heavy toll on the Capitolians in both men and resources, significantly diminishing their strength and morale. The victory, if such it could be called, was a Pyrrhic one, leaving their territory a tempting prize for their rivals. It was in the aftermath of this conflict that Gracius Valataro succumbed to his deepening paranoia.
The Capitolian gang, though grievously wounded, clings to a hierarchical structure rooted in family loyalty and proven service. At its apex stands Gracius Valataro, the nominal head of the family and its primary strategist. Beneath him operates Lucius Valataro, his trusted right-hand man and the true “executive” leader of the bandits, commanding them in the field.
A resilient core of “Old Guard” veterans, loyal to the Valataro family for years, forms the gang’s backbone, remembering their glory days. To replenish their ranks after devastating wars, the gang has drawn in younger, often desperate recruits from the Old Capitol, individuals seeking protection and a sense of belonging within a strong group. Their loyalty, however, is often forged from fear and promises of safety.
The Capitolians exert control over the majority of the Old Capitol, a district steeped in historical significance yet deeply scarred by war. Their paramount objective is to maintain what remains of their former influence and to fiercely repel the encroaching Docker Boys.
Much like the Docker Boys, the Capitolians offer “protection” to the local businesses that still operate within their district—shops, cafes, and even government offices. This practice, while a form of tribute, also serves to shield these areas from harassment by rival gangs. In the Old Capitol, the Capitolians often act as an informal police force and court of law, settling disputes, enforcing their own brand of “law,” and maintaining a degree of order, often more effectively than the official, weakened authorities. They also manage numerous abandoned or damaged properties, repurposing them into hideouts, warehouses, or meeting places.
Their most pressing concern is the relentless street war with the Docker Boys Gang. The Dockers relentlessly seek control of the entire docklands, including the riverbanks that extend into the Old Capitol District. For the Capitolians, this conflict is not merely about territory; it is a battle for honor and survival. The fights are brutal and bloody, often unfolding within the labyrinthine alleys and subterranean passages of the district.
The Capitolians’ image is a striking blend of ancient pride and current ruthlessness. The gang often dons dark, classic clothing, allowing them to seamlessly merge with the Old Capitol’s architecture. They are distinguished by subtle yet unmistakable details. Their most recognizable and deadly symbol is the steel laurel leaves affixed to their caps or hats. These are no mere ornaments; these leaves are razor-sharp and specially designed to function as effective throwing or melee weapons when removed from the head. They are worn exclusively by the gang’s most trusted and battle-hardened members, serving as a powerful symbol of their status and ruthlessness. Anyone who spots such a symbol immediately understands they are confronting a formidable opponent.
In combat, they rely on brutal physical violence and the element of surprise. They are skilled in hand-to-hand combat, as well as in the use of knives and improvised weapons. Under Lucius’s leadership, their attacks are precise, often focusing on the swift and brutal elimination of their target. The numerous scars adorning the gang members serve as grim testaments to their readiness for battle.
The Capitolians are a relic of a bygone era, now forced to fight for survival in a brutal new world. Their fallen pride and obsessive struggle for territory make them a force not to be underestimated, despite their diminished strength.