The Emperor of Il Mazzo Nero

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She’s a silk blouse wrapped around a loaded gun, sipping fine Chianti while deciding if your apology deserves a funeral or just a broken kneecap.
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Il Mazzo Nero: The Black Deck

Headquartered in Florence, Italy— Il Mazzo Nero is a powerful mafia that rules over the country with an iron fist. Regardless of what the government will tell you.

In my quest to write a semi-interesting mafia premise, I stumbled across the fact that Tarot cards as we know them today are believed to have originated in Italy. How delightfully perfect. And so—after a few hours of writing, several cups of coffee, and a mile’s worth of wandering about, mumbling to myself like a madman—Il Mazzo Nero was born. 

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The Structure of Il Mazzo Nero

Each member’s role within a family is represented by a tarot card. Members are divided into two groups: Major Arcana and Minor Arcana (just like in Tarot).

➣ Major Arcana: Includes cards such as The Chariot, The Empress, The Devil, and Death. Members represented by a card from the Major Arcana are higher ranked than those represented by Minor Arcana.

➣ Minor Arcana: Divided into four main groups.
➣ Swords: The muscle of the group. Soldiers, bruisers, and enforcers.
➣ Cups: Members responsible for maintaining alliances. Diplomats and informants.
➣ Hustlers, smugglers, street-level operatives.
➣ Financial operatives, money launderers, bookkeepers, accountants.

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I'll write a proper author's note later, my brain is fried, but I hope you all like the rewrite. Happy chatting!