Because WOKEO is a battle game, there has to be some reason for Characters to attack each other. In practice,
business competition caused some of that historically, but mostly it was based on personal rivalries and bad blood between
people in much the same business--getting all they can for the least amount of effort. Personal competitions, not only
between gangs, frequently led sooner or later to guys wanting to knock each other off.
The scenarios included with the rules provide models for creating games, and the advice on scenario creation
(along) with the random tables) can help, but some players will want their Characters to lead the "Hood's Life" for reasons to
attack each other, making for games that truly relate to themselves. After all, however the average criminal in the
20's and 30's makes his money, what does he do with it? He spends it--lavishly, wastefully, and very publicly.
He gains status--"Rep"--by how he spends it, with whom, where, and on what.
Characters will be able to spend their available funds on all the "leisure" activities typical of fellow
with more money than brains, not to mention good taste!
Do you want to squire Show Girls? Get into the Fight Game? Gamble on horses, dog races, cards, dice,
roulette? Spend your money on sharp clothes? Go to the best Night Clubs, Shows? Or just hang out at a house of Burlesque?
All of these? The means are presented in some ways like a traditional Role Playing Game, partly by the use of chance tables,
and even by live interaction with other players--some friends, some rivals in the same flesh pots.
"Hood's Life" allows players vicariously to enjoy the same excess, and in the process make friends and
enemies to meet in some deserted street or alley, or even in public places, to prove who's the better man--or at least the
more ruthless.
Many rules which at first were part of WOKEO were withdrawn prior to publication as they did not relate
directly to the essence of the game--gangland violence. Instead, they will appear here, along with much altogether new material,
to allow Characters to live the life, and in the process create opportunities for new games.
There will be rules for Boxing and managing fighters, working your boy towards the championship and/or
selling him out for the biggest cash return you can get. More rules will provide chances to win big--and lose bigger--gambling.
But while enjoying your ill gotten loot, you not only have to keep looking over your shoulder for the fellow
who wants what you have, there's also the Law. If you're pinched for shooting up a place--or worse--you may have to stand up
to Police Interrogation and the ever present threat of "The Third Degree." And the cops may only be interested in getting a
conviction--your possible innocence only being an inconvenience. So your Loyalty will be tested: Will you rat to get a break,
or take the fall?
Sometimes it will be your turn to intimidate some "Square John" to get him to buy your booze, or carry your
slot machines, get his laundry, products, or insurance from you, too. There are rules for leaning on people that can increase
your income--or maybe get you killed.
All these rules will be appearing here as they are worked up. Eventually, they may be published, but for
now they will be offered to any and all who want to get a taste of the "Hood's Life."
Because WOKEO is a battle game, there has to be some reason for Characters to attack each other. In practice,
business competition caused some of that historically, but mostly it was based on personal rivalries and bad blood between
people in much the same business--getting all they can for the least amount of effort. Personal competitions, not only
between gangs, frequently led sooner or later to guys wanting to knock each other off.
