the Cowboys
the Cowboys
The Cowboys are a loosely affiliated group of outlaws, cattle rustlers, ranchers, thugs, and petty thieves active in the Firelands. The Cowboys do not have a centralized organization or leadership structure, it is a network of small groups or individuals often acting independently in cattle rustling, horse theft, robbery, and other criminal activities.
Loyalty within the group is through a blood oath ritual invoking usually the deity, Gokdum, god of brutality, or less often, Vukphine, the Rapacious. Betrayal of the gang is punished by death. The gang’s oath pledges mutual defense and non-interference with other gang member’s activities.
The gang’s operations are scattered about the Firelands, often crossing the Tahquamemon River, to steal cattle and horses and then sell them on the other side. Weak law enforcement allows gang members to intimidate local law officials and then leave town before reinforcements arrive.
Leadership is informal and based upon charisma and ability to deliver loot. Personal loyalty and family relationships tie smaller groups together. The Clanton gang is led by Newman Haynes “Old Man” Clanton, eldest son Ike Clanton, and youngest son Billy Clanton. The McLaury gang is led by the brothers Tom and Frank McLaury. The Pima Creek gang is led by William “Curly Bill” Brocius. the Hanged Men gang is led by John Wesley Hardin.
Loyalty within the group is through a blood oath ritual invoking usually the deity, Gokdum, god of brutality, or less often, Vukphine, the Rapacious. Betrayal of the gang is punished by death. The gang’s oath pledges mutual defense and non-interference with other gang member’s activities.
The gang’s operations are scattered about the Firelands, often crossing the Tahquamemon River, to steal cattle and horses and then sell them on the other side. Weak law enforcement allows gang members to intimidate local law officials and then leave town before reinforcements arrive.
Leadership is informal and based upon charisma and ability to deliver loot. Personal loyalty and family relationships tie smaller groups together. The Clanton gang is led by Newman Haynes “Old Man” Clanton, eldest son Ike Clanton, and youngest son Billy Clanton. The McLaury gang is led by the brothers Tom and Frank McLaury. The Pima Creek gang is led by William “Curly Bill” Brocius. the Hanged Men gang is led by John Wesley Hardin.
Ethics
The Cowboys Blood Oath
“I pledge my blood and my word to this brotherhood.I stand with my kin, steel and shot ready against any who do us harm.
When a Cowboy calls, I come—with fire and steel in hand.
I shall never lift a hand nor wag a tongue ‘gainst my own,
nor meddle in a brother’s affairs, come profit or peril.
Type
Illicit, Gang
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