Runorata Family

"What kind of guys are they? Hm... That organization’s just like a kingdom, founded by a first- generation man called Bartolo Runorata. The reality is that there are constant conflicts between organizations in that area. Under these kinds of situations, Bartolo and his excellent commanders are able to quench the fighting. In terms of just organizational power, you’re just like kittens before the lion. No, I should say- mice."

- Claire Stanfield on the Runorata Family

The Runorata Family is a Mafia family based in Newark, New Jersey and New York.

It was founded in the first half of the twentieth century by Bartolo Runorata, an Italian immigrant from the same town as Molsa Martillo, don of the Martillo Family. In 1931, the organization had over a thousand members and connections with the police, the press, and select government officials, making it one of the most influential East Coast mafia organizations at the time.

The Runorata family had a mutually beneficial relationship with the Genoard Family for a period of time; the Genoards oversaw the manufacture of drugs (including cocaine and marijuana) which the Runoratas would distribute for them, an arrangement which proved profitable for both sides. However, the death of the the first-generation head of the Genoard Family marked the beginning of the end of their alliance. His replacements, Raymond Genoard (his son) and Jeffrey Genoard (his grandson), had different ideas about money, and Runorata-Genoard relations deteriorated while both sides tried and failed to come to a new agreement.

Tensions reached their peak in October 1930. The Runorata family orchestrated and covered up the deaths of both Raymond and Jeffrey, the bodies of whom were found in a car at the bottom of New York Bay. With the two heads out of the picture, the Runorata family quickly took over the Genoard family's factories and cover businesses (textiles), silencing witnesses through threats or murder.

Despite having influence in New York, the Runoratas had no power in Manhattan, the control of which was split between the Five Families. In December 1931, Gustavo Bagetta was tasked with obtaining a foothold in Manhattan; he oversaw the surreptitious distribution of Runorata drugs in already occupied territories, including the Gandor Family (its rival) and the Martillo Family (despite Bartolo ruling them off-limits due to his and Molsa's shared heritage).

The Gandor Family have always been on bad terms with the Runoratas, due to the Gandors' anti-drug policy (stemming from don Keith Gandor, who despises drugs).

In the 1970s (possibly around 1972) don Bartolo Runorata passes away. The family is later taken over by Carzelio Runorata, Bartolo's grandson and heir to the Family. Cazze is said to be particularly feared by the gangs of the East, known as the 'pure-hearted dictator' who tames 'savage beasts.'

The Runoratas usually use Thompsons to deal with their enemies/targets.

In the 1930s, Bartolo has a team of twelve bodyguards divided into three groups of four. The three groups rotate through protecting Bartolo's family, so one group is off-duty while the other two are on the clock. When one group is off-duty, no-one can force them to dodge work, not even Bartolo (this is a rule sanctioned by Bartolo himself).

Members

 * Bartolo Runorata (don until the 1970s)
 * Carzelio Runorata (don, 1970s- )
 * Gustavo Bagetta (capo; incarcerated)
 * Gabriel and Juliano (bodyguards; hunters; assassins)
 * Begg Garott (former apothecary)
 * Charkie (bear; formerly known as Charlie, and Cookie)
 * Rubik (former member)
 * Carlotta; (casino dealer; replaced by Melvi Dormentaire for Ra's Lance)