Battocks Boys

A group of door step loan sharks operating in the poorer eastern quarters of Morton. They first became recognised as a groups in 1002 MD but were almost certainly operating collectively for some years before that.They have maintained their position through a combination of slightly lower rates of interest than most other similar lenders (at last for new or occasional customers) coupled with violence and/or intimidation to both other lenders and to their customers. "The Boys" have successfully navigated the changing of the first generation and have recently begun to expand their business in the surrounding wards, much to the dismay of the local tallymen.
Although their primary business is money lending, they have branched out to a certain extent into pawnbroking (a logical extension as it revolves around secured loans) and some dealing in stolen goods (where these goods are pawned on the understanding that the goods are forfeited immediately).
What is often unrecognised is that the prime reason for their domination of the local loan markets in Battocks and their growth elsewhere it their extensive records on the credit worthyness of their clients which allows them to set rates based on reliability and ability to pay. As Old Ma herself says "I think most people are like sheep - a bit stupid, easily lead and most productive if sheared on a regular basis rather than skinned as a one off. I see my boys as shepherds."

Structure

It is better to think of the Battocks Boys as a consortium or a co-operative than as a gang or organisation. They work to an agreed standard for repayment terms and penalties and broadly speaking fall into two categories: the "names", who actually do the lending and take the majority of the cut and the "bodies" who provide the security, retaliation and enforcement. Although the "names" are nominally independent they all acknowledge Old Ma Pardo as the ultimate arbiter. It is alleged that she owes this position to the fact that they are all related to her in one way or another - this may well be true, but equally it many of the matriarchs of the lower areas of town have similarly large family networks and drive similar loyalties though none has the sway of Old Ma and her boys.
Their extensive records are maintained by Old Ma's grand daughter, Pardo Onayah Hallick, who's knowledge of the financial prospects of the townsfolk of Battocks would be the envy of any taxgather and who is now beginning to be referred to as "Young Ma Pardo".

Type

Consortium, Financial

Alternative Names

The Boys