For this post we will be giving you a little more information about the gang known as The Reapers. The front-man is James ‘Jimmy’ King, a notorious and formidable gangster with a thirst for social justice and a blood-lust to rival Jack The Ripper. If you are in King’s gang, you are guaranteed protection; if you’re out, you’d better watch your back.
Unlike The Blue Brotherhood, the Reapers do not have the advantage of an endless supply of money and political prowess. But whilst they my not be able to always sweet talk their way around a situation, they can certainly pack a punch. You would not like to be down a dark alley with The Kings, who come from a long line of boxers and wrestlers; Jimmy is currently the Northern Champion in the ring, although his youngest brother is proving to be a little star himself. His second in command, Dyer -known as The Deputy- holds the current UK title for shortest ever wrestling match in the World Championship - 18 seconds - but lost out on the Heavyweight title, a fact that he does not enjoy being reminded of.
Although The Kings are a traditional family, with many traditional values, the women in the family play a larger role now than they ever have before. The King family matriarch is a much loved and respected woman in the community, having given her late husband a large family and instilled in her sons and daughters very strict religious and social morals. Plus with three biological sisters and three adopted sisters, the King brothers are entirely outnumbered. Everyone gets involved in the family business although some prefer to keep to the light, whilst others are happy to get stuck in.
Around Sheffield, the Kings are known to be temperamental and violent when they aren’t under the watchful eye of their eldest brother or one of the girls. Their signature on their most loathed victims is the Glasgow Smile, though most will get away with some bumps, bruises, broken limbs and a damaged ego.
Despite their violent ways and their short tempers, the Kings try hard to be religious. Anyone not saying grace before the family meal is given a quick clap around the head and a few of the family go to church and even confession. To reaffirm his family’s religious stance, Jimmy King has recently married Ava Rivers, a local Quaker girl with a big heart and gentle ways.
Alongside the biological siblings are several adopted siblings, most of them orphans from Reaper families. Brought under the protection of the Kings, they have become loyal to the gang who keeps them safe and provides them with what they truly needed- a proper family.
Their local pub is named The Port and Anchor and inside Jimmy King is affectionately referred to as The Captain. You will regularly hear the Kings suggesting a trip “down t’ ship”, especially the younger ones, to have a drink or two...or three...or eight after a hard day’s work.
Recently, the King’s have had unexpected but very welcome visitors- their cousins from the South! In a London overwhelmed by a number of different gangs, have heard of the notoriety of their older cousin in the North and have made the journey to Sheffield to see if their is a place for them under Jimmy.