Bullyboy

Bullyboy is a Nexus Mercantile term for enforcers employed by criminal organizations, Merchen Lords that need plausible deniability for the violence they order, and Urban Magesture who do not support a police force. They extract taxes or protection money, act as guards or bodyguards, and enforce their bosses' will.

Features

Bullyboys are contractors who enact violence at another's will. They are not bound by a code of conduct or by legal responsibilities, just by the orders of their employer. As part of their bosses organization they gain benefits and hazards from that association.

Becoming a Bullyboy

Bullyboys are made through interpersonal connections. They are scouted by other Bullyboys, potential employers, or lieutenants in their organization. Oftentimes employers hold something over the Bullyboy to enforce loyalty, most commonly a debt of some sort.

Social Status

While Bullyboys are respected for their ability to visit violence with impunity within their Ward, that respect doesn't extend beyond the Ward. Also, their position as enforcers often puts them at odds with the residents of the Ward, engendering distrust and dislike. However, a resident's obligation to their Patron will often require them to respect and assist the Bullyboy.

Payment and Benefits

While being a Bullyboy pays better than a laborer, but rarely make more than a Common Lifestyle. Most Bullyboys falsify being better paid through taking advantage of perks from their association with their boss. Nicer clothes, better jewelry, and the best food the Ward offers are common signifiers of a Bullyboy.

Career

Being a Bullyboy is not a long term prospect. It requires a willingness to enact violence without question and the capability to do so. While there is some opportunity for advancement within a bosses' organization, only through shifting loyalty can a Bullyboy improve their station. While this new boss may gain power and prestige from a Bullyboy betraying their old boss, it can make them distrust the Bullyboy and keep them at arms length from true power. Rarely a Bullyboy is able to usurp and replace their boss.

Hazards

Because of the consistent violence that the profession entails, there are few old Bullyboys as most die on the job. Either as part of their activities, or as part of purging their boss's organization. While bosses may keep healers, barbers, or vetterno on contract the lower the organizations wealth the lower the quality of the healer.