[center][h2]⥬ DATABASE ⥪[/h2][color=#B2BEB5]This section will be updated as more details of the setting are revealed ICly or OOCly.[/color][/center][hr][indent][h3][sub][b][u]State of the World[/u][/b][/sub][/h3]
[indent][hider=Technology]
[color=#B2BEB5]From a mundane perspective, recent advancements have become focused less on new, novel developments and more on making existing systems more efficient, effective and environmentally-conscious. Of note, robotics and medicine have experienced the greatest growth, the worldwide carbon footprint has been diminished significantly, and the military has finally managed to create a Mosca unit that runs on electricity rather than Dying Will Flames. It's only about as powerful as a Gola Mosca since the nature of Dying Will Flames and Box Weapons are mafia secrets protected by[/color] [i]Omerta[/i][color=#B2BEB5].

Meanwhile, the level of technology within the mafia tends to be a bit more inconsistent, especially among the upper echelons. This is understandable as most families prefer to keep the secrets behind their success to themselves; with recent developments, the need for this has only increased. As a generalization, the more powerful or science-oriented a family is, the more advanced their overall level of technology is. That being said, weaker families tend not to possess technology more advanced than what is available to the public.

However, despite this disparity, Box and Flame technology continues to remain an underworld mainstay. Their widespread nature ensures that even the weakest family can have access to them, their potency as weapons makes opponents without them a non-factor, and their customizability makes them easy to adapt to a given family member's tactics.

Despite the dominance of Box Weapons, using them requires the ability to conjure a Dying Will Flame from a Ring, meaning there is still a place for traditional mafia equipment in the hands of those unable to do so. Typically, the inherent ability necessary to power Boxes restricts their use to the upper ranks of a given family or squad leaders. Many organizations with the proper resources and connections, however, have become notorious for fielding an extensive amount of individuals with Rings and Boxes, even among grunt levels.
[/color]
[/hider]
[hider=Underworld Politics]
[color=#B2BEB5]Following recent events, the underworld has remained in a constant state of flux. What once took the form of a stable hierarchy, has become a fragile peace  barely held together without the presence of an organization of the previous Vongola’s prominence. 

Open conflict has become the norm in the underworld with the loss of intervention of the once-implacable check and balance to the more unethical elements of the mafia. Every day more factions crawl out of the woodwork, more impromptu alliances are formed, and more lines are drawn and crossed as families fight to seize more power. Even the once powerful Vongola Famiglia is not above this power struggle, though its leader has taken a more subtle approach in his actions.

During these troubling times and the respective allegiances that those among the group possess, the Arcobaleno have maintained a neutral stance. The only exception is the Sky Arcobaleno, who stands at the head of her own family. That being said, many of these individuals have become less vocal within the mafia community, and some have not be seen or heard from in recent months. Rumors have begun to spread that some of them have been defeated or captures at the hands of an unknown force. Others say that they are being hunted and have gone into hiding. Nobody knows for sure. 

Among the Vongola Famiglia and its allies, past issues of balkanization among all parties (both in regards to inter-family and intra-family dynamics) have worsened recently despite the clear need for unification and stability. With the Vongola only recently having come back from the brink of destruction, it has been attempting to maintain a defensive stance against outside threats as it struggled to rebuild and recovery territory, assets and manpower. Still, there are those few who continue to maintain solidarity with the Vongola, but the unpopular tactics of Vongola XIV has made the family and allies alike leery.

With pressure mounting from all angles, the Vongola Famiglia is becoming more and more of a powder keg. Many have even come to question the saying that the Vongola always stands unified against external threats. Dark times seem to be on the horizon and one can only describe the current state of the underworld as the calm before the storm.[/color]
[/hider][/indent][/indent]
[indent][h3][sub][b][u]Organizations[/u][/b][/sub][/h3]
[indent][hider=Vongola Famiglia]
[center][h3]The Vongola Famiglia[/h3][/center][hr]
[hider=The Vongola After Katekyo Hitman Reborn!][b]Tsunayoshi Sawada[/b][color=#B2BEB5] inherited the title of[/color] [i]Vongola Decimo[/i] [color=#B2BEB5]following the conflict with the[/color] [b]Simon Famiglia[/b][color=#B2BEB5]. As the youngest Vongola Boss in the history of the family, only 15-years-old, and one raised as a civilian, his ascension was met with initial skepticism by the masses, despite support from some of the most esteemed members of the mafia community. All doubts to his capabilities as boss were quickly overturned, however, when a series of reforms he instituted resulted in a veritable golden age for not only the Vongola, but the mafia as a whole.

The Vongola Famiglia of this era took on a more active role in moderating the mafia activities, and true to the intent of[/color] [i]Vongola Primo[/i][color=#B2BEB5], prioritized the protection of those under its domain. By creating a stronger network with which to communicate and maintain strong ties and order. Under this newfound coalition of Mafioso, certain neutralities (areas considered neutral or safe zones) were established. And so, under this so-called "Pax Vongola", the mafia would experience a peace that would last until Tsunayoshi’s retirement at the age of 50. Still, despite the progress he’d made, with the end of Tsuna’s reign came an end of the long established peace he’d worked for. Thus, also marking the last time that the Vongola could be considered truly unified.

Following Vongola Decimo’s departure,[/color] [b]Ietsugu Sawada[/b][color=#B2BEB5] took on the title of[/color] [i]Vongola Unidicesimo[/i][color=#B2BEB5]. With a noble heart and an optimistic outlook he would begin to make questionable decisions leading the Vongola down the path of destruction. In trying to do more good, he enraged many long time, legacy, and older members of the Vongola, among others in the mafia world against the advisement of[/color] [b]CEDEF[/b] [color=#B2BEB5]leader[/color] [b]Roberto Bernardello[/b][color=#B2BEB5]. Roberto tried to warn Ietsugu that his actions would lead to ruin, but he was determined to press onward. Unbeknownst to him, however, information began to surface regarding his actions which caught the attention of prominent mafia leaders. This information, whether true or not would speak concern that Ietsugu may have been breaching [b]Omerta[/b]. 

An investigation had been launched in order to clear Ietsugu’s name, but all evidence proved circumstantial and wasn’t enough to disprove allegations against him. As such, various families began to leave the coalition, cutting ties with the Vongola. Things weren’t looking good. The boss was suspected of breaking omerta, members were splintering off into factions, and the traditional Vongola unity was beginning to crack. Ietsugu’s struggles proved fruitless and soon his head would be called for. In the midst of the chaos, news of the Vongola’s instability was made public widespread attacks on its territories and assets commenced. In response, his[/color] [b]Sun Guardian Valentina Suzuki[/b][color=#B2BEB5] urged him to step down for fear of his life, or so he thought. Fearing for the inevitable, he left his position, but not before appointing[/color] [b]Amelia Terrazzo[/b][color=#B2BEB5] as his successor. 

Amelia had made spent time heading up countless missions which put an end to various sex trafficking rings. She had also used money to help fund various organizations to help the victims. She was of noble heart and would carry on his father’s legacy. Ietsugu would be satisfied and the quicker he could leave, the better. Then, he and some of his loyal followers could weed out the leak. However, it was not as simple as he’d hoped. 

Roberto Bernardello chose his own candidate, his daughter[/color] [b]Fabrizia Bernardello[/b][color=#B2BEB5]. Roberto had no doubt that his daughter would win, and once she did he, and the ones really calling the shots could begin to take control of the Vongola. Nobody would be the wiser. Amelia’s group is ill-prepared for the brutality that Fabrizia and her guardians attack with during the Ring Conflict. Amelia is left comatose (supposedly in a top secret Vongola facility), her Sun guardian suffers nerve damage to his left leg and right arm, her Cloud guardian is left paralyzed from the waist down, her Mist, Lightning, and Rain guardians go into hiding following hospitalization, and her Storm guardian is killed. Despite his disappointment in the outcome, Ietsugu retires after roughly 14 years as boss and Fabrizia inherits the position of boss, accepting the title of Vongola XII. 

As[/color] [i]Vongola Dodicesima[/i][color=#B2BEB5], Fabrizia is little more than a figurehead, using her newfound power to restructure the family at her father’s behest. It becomes far more militant, and while unable to reclaim much of the land already lost during Ietsugu’s reign, she puts a halt to further loss. From the shadows Roberto pulled the strings though it was unclear if the decisions were his own or that of a third party. On the forefront Fabrizia led the charge without question until she met[/color] [b]Sofia Mangione[/b][color=#B2BEB5]. Sofia would eventually become her lover and conscience. At first, her presence was deemed inconsequential, but when Fabrizia began to make decisions that didn’t fall in line with the plans of her father, he became enraged. Fabrizia was no longer working to forcibly expand, acting with far more leniency and mercy, and was pulling away from his grasp. 

Sofia had become a problem and this could not stand. So, Roberto went to Valentina who’d been helping unknown figures pull the strings from the start. Sofia was marked for death and when she was killed Fabrizia went on a rampage. Having falsified evidence to help further their goals, Valentina and her silent partners gave Roberto everything he needed to point his daughter in the direction of the upstart[/color] [b]Verdino Family[/b][color=#B2BEB5]. The attack that followed would go down in history as the[/color] [u]Verdino Massacre[/u][color=#B2BEB5]; those fortunate enough to survive would go underground. 

Following the Verdino Massacre, a tape surfaces of Roberto killing Sofia. Taken aback, he denies having anything to do with it, but can offer no proof. Overcome with grief, shock, and betrayal, Fabrizia spirals and becomes unable to lead the Vongola properly. In a fit of rage, her[/color] [b]Storm Guardian, Alexander Dubois[/b][color=#B2BEB5], attacks Roberto and the two battle for roughly two days, leaving a trail of destruction across Italy. Alexander returns to receive treatment claiming victory, but Roberto’s body is never found and thus his death is unconfirmed. Speculations surface, but no answers.

Following Fabrizia’s 25 year stand as boss, rumors of a curse began to rise within the mafia community. The Vongola were cursed, and the bosses were destined for misfortune of some kind. However, There were few who would want to accept the title even if Fabrizia was in a state to make the decision herself. As such, the new[/color] [b]head of CEDEF, Melodica Silva[/b][color=#B2BEB5], advised her on a candidate. The title of[/color] [i]Vongola Tredicesimo[/i][color=#B2BEB5] would go to Lorenzo Baratta. Lorenzo had already built a reputation for himself within the Mafia community and the Vongola. He would also follow the advice of Melodica without question. It was the perfect candidate to continue the agenda of those in the shadows after Roberto had begun to stray from their path. 

Lorenzo observed the advice given to him and acted accordingly. Slowly, the Vongola began to reacquire some of the territory and assets it’d lost though in small amounts. It is possible that had he continued to follow orders Lorenzo would have made an amazing long time pawn. However, as he grew more confident in his abilities, he attempted to escape the control of what he would soon dub the[/color] [b]“Shadow Vongola,”[/b][color=#B2BEB5] but to little success. It was true that they would not move so brazenly so as to avoid the public’s eye, without their orders he began to make decisions that would lead the Vongola deeper into ruin. He began to pour money into secret projects, cut deals and negotiate for help beginning to leave the Vongola indebted to various other Mafia organizations. The Vongola made various technological strides, but the results did not outweigh the costs. The Vongola debt began to grow and outrage within the family grew.  In his 7th year as Vongola Tredicesimo he begins to crack under the pressure, unable to correct his mistakes. So, he chooses a successor,[/color] [b]Nico Ruggiano[/b][color=#B2BEB5]. 

Nico had spent years studying, had earned multiple degrees, and had built a reputation as one of the most strategic business minds in Vongola history. Left with a Vongola in possibly the worst state it’s ever been in, his leadership would be needed in order to get them to a better financial state. However, Melodica soon chooses her own candidate in order to remove Nico in favor of a more easily manipulated boss. Nico competes, unfavorable though the scenario may be, and wins by the skin of his teeth. He is forced to rely primarily on the combat skill of his guardians as his strategic minds doesn’t translate well to combat. 

Even so, he ascends to the position of[/color] [i]Vongola Quattordicesimo[/i][color=#B2BEB5]. He is approached many times by Melodica urging him to listen to her in order to save the Vongola, but he continues to work according to his own will. However, when even long time allies such as the Bovino and Chiavarone begin to contemplate abandoning the family members call for more immediate action. Nico responds in kind beginning to network, and make deals with the heads of other mafia families. The Vongola takes on role akin to that of mercenaries, performing various escort missions, assassinations, and more until they clear their debts. From their, Nico begins to shift their business model to a more independent self-sustaining mafia oriented one. With the crippling debt gone and new (and renewed) bonds with various mafia families the Vongola is finally able to see progress, though it pales in comparison to its former glory. Even so, this does little to quell tensions among the members of the Vongola. Previously established factions remain more divided than ever. His progress does not meet the outlandish expectations and the family begins to teeter on the brink of civil war.

Seeing this, Nico decides to choose a successor. One who’ll serve the role of a mafia boss better. So, he calls upon a, previously underutilized, group that over time had quickly become one of his most valuable assets: The Simon Famiglia. Though small in number, the members of this family are entrusted to search for and bring forth a potential future boss with the blood of Vongola coursing through his veins. The Simon famiglia works with discretion and soon brings to Nico’s attention a number of possibilities. He visits each candidate, most located in Italy until finally he has to take time to travel to Japan. He visits a small, young family residing in the town of Kokuyo. It is there that he meets a young woman, and her two children Yoshiaki and Ami. Within this woman, these children, lied the blood of Vongola. It was during this exchange that Nico made his decision. He requested that[/color] [i]Simon XIII[/i] [b]Akihito Kozato[/b][color=#B2BEB5] assign one of his guardians to watch over the family as he was interested in it’s growth. 

Akihito agreed and assigned[/color] [b]Manuel Robino[/b][color=#B2BEB5] to the family. They’d be under his watch as the[/color] [b]Simon Forest Guardian[/b][color=#B2BEB5]. Over the course of his time watching over the family, he would come to decide that for all his fault, Yoshiaki would prove to be the boss that Nico wished to succeed him. Though this decision would do nothing to appease the factions crying out against Nico’s snail’s pace progression. The Vongola was reaching its boiling point and with the induction and training of a new, inexperienced group of relatively unknown [i]children[/i], it was unlikely that its new leader would not face opposition. 

And so, the story continues.
[/color][/hider]
[/hider][/indent]
[h3][sub][b][u]Locations[/u][/b][/sub][/h3]
[indent][/indent][/indent]