Joey Merlino

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Italian Mafia Boss

Skinny Joey Merlino should not be where he is. It defies logic, honestly. He was losing a war with the Gambino family's chosen successor to Little Nicky Scarfo, when suddenly in sweeps the feds and down goes John Stanfa. He was a made man, little more than an enforcer in the grand scheme of things. But through a combination of ruthless backstabbing, brutal violence, and cash bribes? Now he's the boss. He doesn't rule with an iron fist because he doesn't have to. He leaves that sort of day to day business to his consigliere, letting his reputation for loyalty on one side of the scales and his reputation for merciless reprisal rest on the other. Few people choose to weigh down the ugly side of that balance too much, and even fewer live to whisper about it.

He spends most of his time in Boca Raton, wining and dining in his various night clubs and probably cutting deals with drug traffickers. Despite the best efforts of the FBI and the Pennsylvania State Police, they've never gotten the dime on the man. He's always so far removed from his rackets, and witnesses so reticent to testify against him, no fewer than three federal investigations have crumbled during his tenure. He always makes sure to wear his best suit when walking down the court house steps, however. A fact frequently captured in Philadelphia press.

As for the Philadelphia Police going after the mob? Good joke. Hilarious. Very funny. Got any others?

RP Hooks
  • Mafia Man - Joey Merlino took power in Philadelphia under suspicious circumstances. His opposition all wound up taking the fall on a RICO case. The old boss, his inner-circle, and all of his stooges. The ones that didn't turn coat or flee to the protection of New York's Gambino family took a swim in the Schuylkill. Real long ones, too. Now he runs the town. Usually from Boca Raton, Florida.
  • Sociopathic - There is nothing wholesome in this man's eyes. In fact, there's nothing there at all. He observes all of society's strictures, upholds the culture of the Italian Mafia, and in that can be considered dependable. Even predictable to a point. Right up until he isn't. He'd put a hit out on his own mother if it was called for.
  • Camera Hound - Merlino loves the media. Loves them. In his early days, just after the mob war that brought him to power, he was a page 6 darling with the Philadelphia Enquirer. His youthful playboy antics have faded with age. He still loves strong drink and beautiful women, they just don't like him much any longer. And now, the cameras are often pointed at him walking down courthouse steps. Some say the noose is tightening. Some say it's all for show.
  • Snow Bird - He owns numerous night clubs in Boca Raton Florida, in addition to several watering holes in South Philly. If you drink liquor in Philly, odds are Merlino profits from it somehow.
Logs


Joseph Salvatore "Skinny Joey" Merlino (NPC)
Pronouns: He/Him
Date of Birth: March 13, 1962
Apparent Age: 50s
Occupation: Club Owner, Mafia Boss

Public Effects:

Crime Status: 5 (Philly Mob)
High Society Status: 4
Union Status: 3
Striking Looks: Dead Inside