Black Hand Trading Co

The Black Hand Trading Co. is a Meeting Hall Organization near Wehnimer's Landing. Their structure was officially built on Charlatos 9, 5118 (March 9, 2018) in the Landing.

Current Officers

Broker (Pres.)	Draccor
Trader (VP)	Chaddeaux Doire
Lender (Treasurer)	Drektor
Title TBD (Co-Treasurer)	Vacant
Negotiator (Secretary)	Midgar
Master of Contracts (Co-Secretary)	Taloin

Information

At the outset, this group began as an association of like minded criminals, who decided to join forces and form a syndicate. This syndicate became known as The Black Hand. The Black Hand took part in many criminal activities, from stealing and dealing drugs, to assassinating and armed robbery.

Initially, they partnered their operation with that of the Rogue Guild, assisting in the illegal theft and smuggling activities that took place there. But when the guild began to decline, they decided to focus their efforts elsewhere.

After running afoul of the law on several occasions, they decided it would be prudent to create a cover business to mask their true operations with a measure of legitimacy. Wanting their reputation as The Black Hand to carry on, they cleverly decided to create a coal trading business, and thus, The Black Hand Trading Co. was born!

Surprisingly, the cover business turned out to be quite profitable! After only a short time, the trading company began to expand into other markets, until it eventually became a large trading corporation dealing in all manner of goods and services.

But make no mistake, profitable though it may be, the corporation was, and still is, a mere cover for the true goings on in the syndicate. Most of its operations consist of organized theft, armed robbery, kidnapping, smuggling, assassination contracts, drug dealing, illegal pit fighting, gambling, and all manner of other criminal activities.

Allegiance of its members is absolute, and complete loyalty is expected of them. Any member who betrays the syndicate, or tries to leave it, pays with their life.

Joining the Black Hand Trading Co.

• Potential members must attend at least one event.

Attendance for the whole event (unless RL restrictions)

Attendance must be marked by an officer to gain credit towards membership.

• Applicants may indicate interest on the official MHO board either IC/OOC or can meet directly in game with ANY officer to declare interest.

• Applicants must pre-interview with Broker/Trader/OR Lender to determine interest, availability, experience and what the applicant can offer to the group.

• After the interview, interviewing officer(s) will schedule a meeting for the applicant to meet the rest of the officers. When concluded, the applicant must have received approval of all officers at review meeting.

• All officers must meet to discuss applicant's offer and deeds, and background checks are done during a short 12-24 hour period before final decision. All officers must agree. If not unanimous - reasons must be given and proof. Officers decide whether or not there will be a trial period.

• There is an initial donation of 100,000 silvers to acquire your insignia and cover membership dues.
  

• Should an applicant be accepted, they will be tested. This gauntlet will help determine the skills and talents of the individual and help assess under what specialty they will be assigned.

Inner Circle

Agent: (silver tongues) – have the gift of gab, and have the ability to manipulate the thoughts and goals of others.

Shadow: (scouts) – have the gift of being silent and unnoticed, they are listeners and observers.

Enforcer: (thugs) – have the gift of intimidation, both subtle and obtuse to obtain the goals of the organization

Black Market

Supplier: (gatherer) - has the gift of knowing what sells, procures items. All on the up and up, of course.

Smuggler: (acquisition specialist) - has the gift of finding and selling what shouldn’t be found or sold. Don’t ask.

Dealer: (gambling) - has the gift of knowing the odds, so the house wins. Always.

Bylaws of the Black Hand Trading Co.

Article I: Behavior

1) Any violation of game policy is ground for immediate removal from the group.

2) ALL members are to keep in mind their actions reflect on the group as a whole, should a member be found to bring negative attention to the Company they will be immediately terminated.

3) Once a member is trusted with the information of the group’s activities, they are required to follow the oath of silence all are required to take.

4) No member can be removed without a majority ruling of all officers, member in question MUST be present during discussion or forfeit any defense.

5) Any dispute is to be brought up in a meeting with at least three officers, all disputing parties are to be present to offer fairness.

Article II: Officers

1) Only the Broker and Negotiator are to contact the MHO GM to limit any confusion about events or the group. It is their job to communicate to the group what has been discussed via bi-weekly meetings.

2) Each officer must host one event during the calendar year. They are responsible for getting the event detail information to the Negotiator to submit for either calendar approval or criers.

3) Officier Duties:

• Broker will be responsible for Leading Events/Meetings, and Recruitment.
• Negotiator will be responsible for Event/Meeting Planning and Decisions and Crier.
• Trader will be responsible for inventory of Company assets and records.
• Lender will be responsible for Endowment Records, and Bookkeeping.
• Publicist will be responsible for all Announcements and Public Information.
• Broker, Negotiator and Lender will be responsible for recruitment interviews.

4) No member can be promoted to an officer position without endorsement from 3 officers, and must have attended a majority of that year's events; within reason. Candidate will be given a task to express what they bring to the group as an officer, as well as a test of skill and loyalty. - Dependent on open seat.

Article III: General Rules

1) Any use of the food cart or MHO tents must be approved by the Broker or Negotiator.

2) Any dispute is to be brought up in a meeting with both Broker and Negotiator, all disputing parties are to be present to offer fairness.

3) All members are required to attend three or more events each year to remain considered active.

4) No officer can be removed from office without a majority ruling of remaining officers, opposing officer and defending officer votes are nulled.

5) No member can be promoted to an officer position without endorsement from 3 officers, and must have attended a majority of that year's events; within reason. Candidate will be given a task to express what they bring to the group, as well as a test of skill and loyalty.

6) Any and all purchases or business using Trading Funds is to be brought up with the Lender, Broker, and Negotiator. ANY purchases made without clearance will NOT be refunded.

7) If at any time an officer willfully steps down, becomes inactive (beyond active control), or leaves the lands said officer relinquishes their position for the remaining officers to share responsibility until a replacement is found. Should said officer return within 6 months, they are allowed the choice of a 3 month trial period in previous position before active officers vote on permanence - excluding Broker unless tiebreaker is needed.