Blackthorn Gang: Difference between revisions
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'''[[Forsaken Loyalists]]''' - Alastor Blackthorn started The Blackthorn Gang with his friend, [[Jebediah]], who was later tortured by [[Vadim]], who would go on to become a member of the Forsaken Loyalists. This | '''[[Forsaken Loyalists]]''' - Alastor Blackthorn had started The Blackthorn Gang with his friend, [[Jebediah]], who was later tortured by [[Vadim]], who would later go on to become a member of the Forsaken Loyalists. This grudge Blackthorn had against Vadim continued on and eventually against the Loyalists as well. The Blackthorn Gang’s affiliations with the [[Cult of Papa]] would lead to further conflict between the Blackthorn and the Loyalists, who had their own history against the Cult. | ||
Latest revision as of 14:36, 2 December 2025
Overview
Bang, Bang! Blackthorn Gang!' “Better safe than Stary!”'
Year Founded: 2024
Status: Active
The Blackthorn Gang (BTG, Blackthorn), named after their founder Alastor Blackthorn, emerged during a period of peace within South Zagoria. With many of the violent, raider groups disappearing or going into hiding, Alastor seized the opportunity to fill the power vacuum and forge a brotherhood built on strength, fear, and loyalty. From its inception, The Blackthorn Gang was never about mere survival, it was about dominance. Its members see themselves as family, bound not by the blood they share but rather by the blood they shed.
Alignment
The Blackthorn Gang care only for themselves and assert their dominance over the people of South Zagoria. To them, survival is taking what they are owed through extortion, subjugation, and violence. The chaotic evil nature of the gang validates their rejection of all forms of law and order.
Appearance
The Blackthorn Gang maintains a prominent menacing appearance and can generally be seen wearing mostly black and accented by white clothing. Most members have their faces covered in either white or black bandanas, scarfs, etc and sport the black and white skull and crossbones armbands.
Origins
Territory
Castle Blackthorn (Zub): Considered to be the beacon and main home for The Blackthorn Gang, Castle Blackthorn (aka Zub) was once the home of the Lost Legion. After a successful raid, Blackthorn took over the castle and has been there since.
Stary & Novy Sobor: The two Sobors have been part of The Blackthorn Gang’s territory since the beginning. Centered in the middle of South Zagoria, Stary and Novy Sobor sees a lot of foot traffic from those passing from the East to West, and vice versa, making it prime real estate for hold-ups and meeting locations.
Goals
The Blackthorn Gang openly rejects the idea of “good guys”, viewing them as hypocrites who cling to decayed morals in a world that no longer rewards them. In this world, The Blackthorn Gang believes everyone is either a resource or an obstacle.
The Blackthorn Gang’s goals are simple:
Carve out and maintain a commanding presence in their territory
People are a resource; exploit and manipulate them, make them work for their survival
Expose the “good guys” for what they truly are
Follow a code of strength and unity within their ranks
Values
Loyalty - The gang stays true to one another through actions, not just words; the willingness to do anything for another member. Outsiders may even gain favor through congruent loyal actions for the Blackthorn Gang. Everyone else is just another weak survivor to them.
Freedom - Taking what the gang wants, and giving nothing back, they aim to live free. Away from the influences of regulations and meaningless laws. The world is their playground, and they intend to use it.
Strength - You fall to the level of your preparation, and you are only as strong as your weakest link. The strong willed survive. The weak minded have no place in the gang.
History
Alastor Blackthorn
Since its inception, The Blackthorn Gang blazed through South Zagoria with reckless abandon. Robbing, killing, and subjugating any unlucky survivor who should cross their path to devious “games”. At the helm was Alastor Blackthorn, founder and boss of his gang of outcasts and criminals.
One notable event that would foreshadow the future for Alastor Blackthorn was when he & Ned, kidnapped Carter Sturmin in Pusta and took him to the top of a building in Vystovo and radioed Harry Churches of the Fireflies to bargain for Carter’s life. When asked why he did this, Alastor simply responded with “For a quick payday, for some fun.”
For Carter’s life, the Fireflies paid a plate carrier with “I am a dead man” etched into it. For months and years after, the rivalry between The Blackthorn Gang raged on. This was the story for many of The Blackthorn Gang’s enemies under Alastor’s command. They simply took whatever they wanted and left nothing in return. And when those who stood in his way tried to retaliate, Alastor made sure they paid in blood. Friend or foe, Alastor Blackthorn ruled with an untethered rage and iron fist.
Still, after all the attempts to dominate all others in the land, Alastor struggled with the same obstacles. No matter how hard they hit other groups, no matter how much the Fireflies, Odyssey, or Black Sheep blood they spilled, the people he worked so hard to bend to his will continued to defy him. No matter how broken he left their homes, the people remained unbroken.
And it only further enraged Alastor Blackthorn. His violence and vitriol only increased, making mortal enemies for The Blackthorn Gang. This would come to a head one day when Alastor and The Blackthorn Gang were putting pressure on The Black Sheep. Bobs, their leader, was not backing down and refused to bend the knee to Alastor. During a heated exchange, shots began flying and Alastor fled, leaving Mike Callahan, who was Alastor’s right-hand man, and Domino behind.
Upon his return to Stary Sobor, Alastor was met by his men at the church who felt they had been betrayed by their leader who had run off and abandoned them to their fate. Findhorn, the Gang’s shaman and most trusted advisor, and Callahan confronted Alastor, questioning his allegiance and accusing him of cowardice, considered an egregious crime against their brotherhood.
Alastor raged against their defiance, claiming he had an unloaded gun and was defenseless against The Black Sheep, and questioning what they were going to do about it. To this, Callahan had replied, “I’m going to remove the fucking problem!” before putting a bullet in Alastor’s stomach. Alastor fell back into the arms of Findhorn who used his blade to cut his leader open for the world to witness.
“It’s over Mr. Blackthorn,” Findhorn had whispered.
Mike Callahan
The black Stetson wearing cowboy, Mike Callahan, had been with The Blackthorn Gang since the early days. As a right hand man to boss Alastor Blackthorn, Callahan became well known throughout all of South Zagoria for his ruthlessness and his belief in the "survival of the fittest”.
During a period of uncertainty and conflict within The Blackthorn Gang, Callahan had found himself down in Balota to collect on a rent payment from Farmer Zach, the leader of the People of Balota. Callahan had grown to know some of the people of Balota during his time in the Blackthorn Gang, even fighting alongside some of them. Unfortunately for him, Callahan was alone on his trip and was gunned down. Thankfully, the people of Balota were able to save his life and for his actions in helping defend them against the attack, they sought probation for his past crimes. Considered MIA by the Blackthorn Gang, Callahan found a new home and was soon appointed Sheriff. For a brief time, Callahan was on the road to redemption and was gaining respect amongst those who once feared him.
In time, the past that Callahan had tried to leave behind finally caught up to him when his old friend, Findhorn, arrived in Balota. Sometime later, Alastor Blackthorn himself showed up to The Farm demanding Callahan’s return.
While the people of Balota saw a hardened outlaw attempting redemption, Alastor simply saw a misplaced tool. Making a scene among the very townsfolk Callahan had sworn to protect, Alastor demanded he return with him or Balota would feel the full might of the Blackthorn Gang’s wrath. Callahan bargained his life for the ensured safety of Balota and left with Alastor and his new muscle, Sider. Callahan would go on to question this decision for the rest of his life, wondering whether he had saved Balota or simply prolonged its fate.
Sometime later, The Blackthorn Gang agreed to meet with Beau, of Odyssey, someone Callahan had grown to know during his time in Balota and had even offered his help in investigating the Cult of Papa, at the Dugout. Unfortunately, an ambush awaited them. Enraged, Alastor demanded retribution and sent Callahan out to bring him Beau, believing he had a hand in the trap.
Callahan later found Beau at The Overlook and after some exchange of gunfire between The Blackthorn Gang and Odyssey, Beau left willingly with Callahan and Findhorn. Though imprisoned within the walls of Blackthorn Castle, Callahan swore to Cam, former King of The Kingdom and then member of Odyssey, that he would do what he could to make sure Beau was safe from harm. Unfortunately, Beau would meet his end when he attempted to break free from his cuffs and attacked [[[Findhorn]], who then stabbed his sickle into Beau’s neck, inflicting a mortal wound.
Sharing the same cell with Beau was Amanda and Bobs, of the Black Sheep. They were later released and an agreement was made that the Black Sheep would make routine deliveries of potatoes for their safety. For a time, this deal brokered a peace between the two groups. Until Alastor began demanding more, to which Bobs and the Black Sheep refused. Leading to the confrontation that would see Callahan and Domino injured in a shootout with Bobs and Elffor, with Alastor running away.
A day or two later, Callahan would be appointed the new leader of The Blackthorn Gang and a new era was dawning. Despite continued back and forths with notable rivals such as Dark as Midnight, the Forsaken Loyalists, and Odyssey, Callahan restructured the Gang and would bring them back to its roots of being “gentlemen bandits”, turning targeted communities and groups into trade partners for their security.
Under Callahan’s leadership, The Blackthorn Gang’s numbers grew and soon all of South Zagoria grew to fear and respect them. This wasn’t without repercussions though and soon the Blackthorn Gang was growing into a bigger target for its enemies, with Callahan being the main prize.
That prize was obtained one day, when Dark as Midnight had organized a radio broadcast to all of South Zagoria. While listening in and giving some colorful feedback, the Blackthorn Gang was ambushed by DAMN in Stary Sobor. That day Blackthorn member, Mira Svahn was captured which led to Callahan trying to bargain for her life with his own. Unfortunately, DAMN went back on the deal and held both Blackthorn members hostage.
Callahan was taken back to Gorka and was executed.
Skitz
Skitz had fought alongside both Alastor Blackthorn and Mike Callahan, but it was under the former’s leadership that Skitz got his ruthlessness from. Watching Alastor treat others as nothing more than a resource, molded Skitz into the tactician and killer he was. Under Callahan’s leadership, Skitz was more of a peer and his right-hand man in the group. In Callahan’s eyes, Skitz had more potential than just being a cold bloodied killer.
His greatest test came after the death of Callahan. Those who survived the attack gathered inside Stary Sobor church and soon everyone had agreed that Skitz would be appointed leader. Callahan’s death did no favors for the Blackthorn Gang, still reeling from the consequences of Alastor’s reign, the Gang could hardly find a place to lay their heads without getting into a fight or having their doors blown open. In his new leadership, Skitz formed a plan that would put the Blackthorn Gang on the road to recovery and back on top.
With the help of Boone, Skitz’s own right-hand man, a secret alliance was devised with the members of the Overlook. Small, one-on-one talks between the groups about shared enemies and interests soon turned into an amicable relationship. Under Skitz’s command, The Blackthorn Gang went from terrorizing and killing people at The Overlook, to trading for supplies to fight against common enemies. This unholy alliance paid off handsomely for Skitz and The Blackthorn Gang, before long they were prepared to strike back against Dark as Midnight for the death of Mike Callahan. After a successful raid on Gorka, the Gang invited the Overlook and their new neighbors, The Helping Hand, back to Castle Blackthorn for a celebration. That night solidified the alliance, and friendship, between Blackthorn and The Overlook.
It was during this time that Father Abraham, a priest, had taken up residence in the church of Mogilevka. Skitz was originally paranoid about the priest being a spy for one of their countless enemies, but soon realized that Abraham was searching for something that The Blackthorn Gang could provide.
Mike Callahan’s Return
The Blackthorn Gang was riding high after their revenge on Dark as Midnight, but there was soon talk amongst the ranks about a rumor that someone had found a way to bring Mike Callahan back to life.
Before long, their speculations were proven true when a mysterious shaman was brought in and housed in Castle Blackthorn. The details were muddy, but the plan was to perform a ritual in the courtyard and broadcast it across all of South Zagoria.
With the help of Father Abraham getting everyone’s attention on the radio, the rest of the group and the mysterious shaman got to work. Before long, Mike Callahan rose from the grave a changed, more violent version of his former self. After his resurrection, Callahan attempted to get back in the leadership of the Blackthorn Gang. While he was welcomed back with open arms, his mind had been corrupted with a madness that set him on a course of self-destruction.
After some disagreements with other members, the Gang saw their numbers drop when Skitz and others left. Callahan would go on to lead the group once again but his madness consumed him and before long he too disappeared. However, before he vanished he stepped down as leader and appointed Boone as the new boss of The Blackthorn Gang.
Boone
This chapter is still being written…
Notable Members
Alastor Blackthorn -The founder of The Blackthorn Gang, led the group with ruthless indignation. During his reign, The Blackthorn Gang made enemies out of most of South Zagoria. He was later disembowelled by Findhorn...
Mike Callahan - Once second in command under Alastor Blackthorn, Callahan and Findhorn turned on Alastor claiming he ran away from a fight between The Blackthorn Gang and The Black Sheep. Having been captured and executed by Dark as Midnight, Callahan was resurrected by The Blackthorn Gang which caused his mental state to become twisted and has since been missing.
Skitz - After the death of Mike Callahan, he was chosen by the others in the group to take the lead. While known for his resilience and sharp shooting, he stepped up to form a secret alliance with the Overlook that would pave the way for a new, prosperous BTG.
Boone - Was appointed the leader of The Blackthorn Gang after the resurrection and disappearance of Mike Callahan. Helped to expand the reach and influence of The Blackthorn Gang across all of South Zagoria through controlled chaos and diplomacy.
Findhorn - A shaman and advisor to the leaders of The Blackthorn Gang, Findhorn had endured the death or disappearance of each of Blackthorn’s leaders since its inception. Through his time with the group, he had been a prominent figurehead and made crucial contributions that would ensure the gang’s longevity. Findhorn was also responsible for the death of Beau, of Odyssey, and delivered the killing blow to Alastor Blackthorn.
The Gimp - A mysterious and notable figure found in the woods amongst piles of corpses, The Gimp was a beast of a human tamed by Alastor Blackthorn himself. He was used to doing the dirtiest of devious deeds for the Gang and lived on nothing but the flesh of his enemies. After the death of Alastor, The Gimp fled and has been MIA since.
Mira Svahn - Was once a member of The Dark Carnival joined up with The Blackthorn Gang, not long after Mike Callahan became the leader, to find like-minded people she could call family. Mira was accused of helping DAMN plot the execution of Callahan, despite there being no proof or validity to these claims, she soon after fled her new home. She would later return to finally clear her name and was met with open arms.
Father Abraham - Once a quiet man of faith, he was recruited by Skitz during a time when he was lost and looking for purpose. Though intending to attempt to calm the wild and ruthless members from within the Gang, Father Abraham would be shaped by the world around him and his actions as a member. He would later be approached by the Cult of Papa to orchestrate the Mogilevka Massacre.
Relationships
The Blackthorn Gang does not have friendships, only resources that they exploit for their own personal gain. Nevertheless, friendlier attitudes were met with certain groups and people around South Zagoria.
The Overlook - Once a place The Blackthorn Gang would visit to assert dominance over anyone who dared pass through, became an ally against common enemies. This was quickly broken after the Mogilevka Massacre.
The Woodsmen - Much like their relationship with the Overlook, The Woodsmen were exploited as a resource and were occasionally aided against common enemies. While they did not agree with the Blackthorn Gang working with the Cult of Papa, the Woodsmen continued to stand firm on neutrality.
The Helping Hands - Another resource that was exploited by The Blackthorn Gang that would form an unlikely alliance against common enemies. The relationship between the two groups took a hit after the Mogilevka Massacre.
Known Enemies
Fireflies - After Fireflies member Carter Sturmin was nearly thrown off a rooftop the Fireflies and The Blackthorn Gang have been at odds since the beginning.
Forsaken Loyalists - Alastor Blackthorn had started The Blackthorn Gang with his friend, Jebediah, who was later tortured by Vadim, who would later go on to become a member of the Forsaken Loyalists. This grudge Blackthorn had against Vadim continued on and eventually against the Loyalists as well. The Blackthorn Gang’s affiliations with the Cult of Papa would lead to further conflict between the Blackthorn and the Loyalists, who had their own history against the Cult.
Dark as Midnight - Even before the execution of Mike Callahan, the Blackthorn Gang and Dark as Midnight have been rivals for one reason or another. It was rare to ever see the two groups peacefully around one another.
Odyssey - the Blackthorn Gang’s rivalry with Odyssey was solidified when Findhorn executed Beau, of Odyssey. Since then, Odyssey has been seeking retribution against Findhorn and the Blackthorn Gang.