42. STOMPANATO STREET

Stompanato runs diagonally from the north side exit on Marsten Street all the way down to the Eastern most exit on the south wall.  Stomp controls the entirety of Stompanato street all the way down to the Crossroads, just above where the street intersects with Martin Luther Kind Boulevard.  The businesses and residences along the portion of the street controlled by Stomp are overwhelmingly Latino, and they tend to push anyone not of Hispanic blood out of the remaining businesses.

Stomp would very much like to push out the gangs controlling the last few blocks of Stompanato, but the Kingsmen who control the crossroads have to much support from all the other gangs who have a vested interest in keeping the Crossroads neutral territory.  And further south they would have to deal with Maelstrom.  While the Stomp outnumbers the booster gang 4 to 1, it’s a fight that would cost them dearly.

Stompanato is the main thoroughfare through the Zone, and during the day the street is fairly safe to travel on, unless you are wearing the colors of a rival gang.  But the street is by no means neutral, and occasionally Stomp Streeters will stop a vehicle or pedestrian and demand tribute, especially if the vehicle or person seems suspicious to them.  It is wise to pay, an acceptable tribute is between 50 and 100 bucks, more if you seem particularly well off to them, and in fact you should have some extra cash on you when in the Zone and traveling through any gang territory  If you don’t have money, then food, drugs, guns, and ammunition, will all make reasonable second choices.  Or you can offer your vehicle, either outright, or put it up for stakes in a race.  The latter will actually gain you respect with the gang, especially if you win.

Drag Races are held on Stompanato every Saturday night.  The races begin at the Stompanato/Moreno Intersection and run a quarter mile to end at the 6 way intersection at 57^th Street.  The roads are closed off and neither cheating nor outside interference are tolerated during these races, as they are one of the few things Stompanato attaches true honor too, owing mostly due to their car culture.  Races are usually for cash or the vehicles themselves, though Stomp has used these races to settle disputes within the gang as well as with certain other gangs.

The street is home to several businesses, including bars, restaurants, beauty salons, and clothing stores, all operating as best they can in the Zone.  Throughout their territory, Stomp taxes these shops heavily.

Stomp territory is the true heart of the Combat Zone, most of the buildings here are decaying to abuse, neglect, and numerous gunfights.  Prostitution is endemic in this area, and drugs are distributed openly without the fear of reprisal.  While Stomp leadership frowns on the gang perpetrating violence on people in its own territory, its still rampant.  Stomp is fighting a war with Slaughterhouse, and is on less than friendly terms with the other gangs that surround them… gunfights on the streets are not uncommon, as the boundaries of turf are becoming ever more erratic.

(For more on Stomp Street, see gangs of the Combat Zone.)

Written By Deric Bernier, Images from Shadowrun,

For questions, complaints, criticisms and suggestions, e-mail the author:wisdom000@gmail.com