Sumi is right on point if you ask me, not that anyone had...
Its all about the thick of it all. When the guards are around, the gangs can still assert some intimidation or whatever they do, but they cant just be Ebils as easily. But the guards arent always around, and theres strength in numbers.
Some members of the peasantry probably -like- a gang or two, anyway. In the Five Points, some of these gang leaders were still butchers and other worksmen. They had families, and friends, and neighborhoods to think about and provide for. Its reasonable to assume that, if done properly, each of the gangs could find its niche within a sector of the community of trinisc, or wherever the idea spreads to.
Possibly this gang of order-bringers Devante mentioned could find itself better regarded in the eyes of the law, which at times allows this gang to have a freer hand in the realm of "justice" than the guards are able, bound as they are by the very laws they uphold.
I would think that half the fun of making a gang would be trying to think of your export commodity. You have to have something to -offer- the community who's majority you plan to pilfer. As long as you appeal to your select, safe neighborhood minority, you're fine. "Acting troupes", "Fishermen", anything.
Im late...
Ciao
