Nine months went by before iRozan put his name atop the States page last round as the first State Don, and killed within hours. What took three quarters of a year last time took just over three months before Round 8 presented a States page without a spot left! Of course, last round was different in many ways, most notably that there was a bug preventing anyone from achieving this rank, but still, with all the bloodshed later into the last round, it may seem that more players may be forming alliances, helping each other achieve what couldn't be achieved before, and in all generalities, treating each other nicer and with more respect. Whatever the case may have been up until this point, the race does have a finish line, there is a ceiling to how high one can climb up the rank ladder, and there will most assuredly be bloodshed again now that there are more players reaching out for that top spot.
Less than one month has passed since the very early arrival of our first State Don an Co., and with the fix to the programming allowing the faster promotion of players the day after the famous three players filled up the Illinois State, California State and Nation Don spots, it took Friction four days and forty-two Organized Crimes to get Nevada. Since then, TayZ and Evisu grabbed Michigan and New Jersey, respectively, a week before Tyn and Zey picked up Pennsylvania and New York. Three days later, Ascension claimed Colorado, and the day after with Louisiana still up for grabs, Claartje stepped up. In all, it took each player an average of about Sixty-Four Organized Crimes since promoting to Legendary Don before achieving the honor of a silver profile, and several thousand gold coins resetting. It may besurprising that out of the ten players we talked to, only one has been here before, but she's still just as excited regardless, and they all seem very experienced and capable of holding and fighting for their spots.
Although SammyBoy, Spartacus and Kingofdeath have already had most of their story told by features in the Buzz over the previous few weeks, we still asked for a moment of their time to raise the newest questions presented, and Kingofdeath graciously had the patience to answer our questions:
The Buzz: Have you ever been State Don before? Kingofdeath: This is the first time for me to rank to sdon, I have tried to make it last round and i was the second or the 3'rd LDon in that time but as u know there were a bug in the ranking system and it took ages to get it fixed then I died after doing almost 500 ocs
The Buzz: So what's it like being state don? Kingofdeath: It feels great being a State don especially when you have your own BF xD and being one of the best ranks in the game.
The Buzz: It may seem somewhat evident, but for the record, why'd you choose California? Kingofdeath: I have chosen Cali because from this state, I started being strong the first BF I have ever taken over was Cali, and since then, every round I go after it first. Then I choose another BF or train station.
The Buzz: Did you think at the start of the round that you would get here, or was this your plan before the round started? Kingofdeath: Well if you want the truth, I had my doubts ranking past Respectable Don. I'm a bad guy, I always like shooting but I managed to be clam. And yeah, it was my plan before the start of the round.
I am a money maker. I always find my way in making money and points. After ranking to Rdon, I stopped doing crimes booze runs and GTA's but before then I was making shit loads and I was always buying gold because the price of the gold was so cheap so I gathered as much as I could that's why I afforded resetting or else I would never think about it .
The Buzz: Obviously you're not a very easy kill, but are you at all surprised nobody's tried anything yet? How much longer do you think you may survive? Kingofdeath: The new crew system helped us a lot to stay alive much longer. but even if they haven't changed the crew system I would have survived cuz we were hunting our enemies so they can't harm us in the nearly future and here we are we have done it well and we are still here until today .
The Buzz: What do you think will happen regarding the future? How do you foresee everyone coming down, how will DV, EH, TSE and everyone eventually fall? What will have to happen in order to shake things up as players are seemingly beginning to demand blood? Does DV have any proactive plans you'd be willing to share? Kingofdeath: Well, I guess nothing will be changed in the future our relation with the allies is so strong and we all have a common enemies so we need to work together to stop them dominating the game again .
If we broke the allies one day we will see tf mw and ets are laughing at us and they can start their job to dominate this game easily, but this wont happen because we already aware of this matter.
And yeah we have set a back up plan for anything could happen in the future.
The Buzz: Think we could see any new regimes controlling the game like last round with the new setup? Some have expressed a concern DV will be the new TF? Kingofdeath: Of course we wont dominate the game like the way tf used to we will just let players play it as it should be yeah we will shoot some players but that doesn't mean we r seeking for dominance .
The Buzz: Any words of wisdom for those hoping to one day fill your shoes? Kingofdeath: Hum i would say to the ppl who would like to fill my shoes think twice before any action u r seeking for
The Buzz: Anything you regret or wish you could have done differently? Kingofdeath: Nothing to regret! Our plan is going perfectly.
The Buzz: hat's the most common BM you get, or is there anything you'd like to say to all the players? Kingofdeath: The most common BM I'm getting is that I have a scary profile
The Buzz: With all the money you spent resetting, do you think it's worth it? Will you make it back, or did you lose a lot, but the experience makes anything it could be worth it? Kingofdeath: Well it wasn't worth the gold I used to reach here, but I just wanted to make it because I have done everything in this game except this xD
Friction has been very notorious to the Buzz Team as being somewhat of a brick wall, either being true to the Syndicate secrecy, or of humble nature, he has rarely given any information to the Buzz previously, but opened up finally to tell us all about his experiences:
The Buzz: So have you ever been a state don before? Friction: Nope
The Buzz: How long have you been playing? Friction: I've been playing on and off since round 1, but round 7 and 8 are the only ones I was very active in
The Buzz: Why did you work so hard to get there now? Friction: I've never ranked past Don before, so it was pretty exciting being one of the first r.dons and having a chance at reaching s.don
The Buzz: Why'd you choose Nevada, for the obvious reason of the second wealthiest/busiest state? Friction: The only reason I chose it was because Illinois was taken, and I'm hoping booze run cuts are fixed.
The Buzz: Was this your plan before the round started? Friction: Nope, my plan was to be an UG shooter...but seeing as nobody seemed to want to/be able to kill me I just went for it
The Buzz: How'd you make so much money in order to reset as often as you were able to in order to rank so quickly? Friction: I got a lot of resets from lower ranks, and I was also helped out by friends and crew mates.
The Buzz: Did you have any notable strategy? Friction: No, not really
The Buzz: Obviously as the head of your crew, and as well as you've survived thus far, you're not an easy kill, but are you at all surprised you've made it this long? And how long do you think you may survive? Friction: Yes, I am extremely surprised! Especially given how many kills I've made. For the time being there doesn't seem to be any danger, but I would welcome some action right now.
The Buzz: What do you think will happen regarding the future? Friction: No idea. TSE have always been wiped regularly so I'm just waiting for the next one, I'm guessing someone will step up and try to show us what they can do.
The Buzz: What're the most common BMs you receive? Friction: The most common BM is asking about OC's... Even though it clearly says on my profile what I want. I also get asked about don cuts a lot.
The Buzz: With all the money you spent to get here, has it all been worth it? Have you made it back yet, or will you, or did you lose a lot, or no matter the cost, did the experience make it all worth it? Friction: Yeah I think in the long run I'll make it back... and of course the achievement of reaching S.don for me is reward enough!
TayZ had Evisu make him a profile picture a few days before getting the invitation that said "Number 5" and grew so worried that he'd have to have the picture remade for accuracy to reflect Evisu beating him to that fifth spot that he even went so far as to submit a help desk ticket. However, minutes before Evisu got the invitation, TayZ got to relax and forget his concerns for the new excitement and fame. Evisu humbly and quietly followed in his promotion, and regrettably could not coordinate schedules with the Buzz to get an interview in time for this publication, but we sat down with TayZ for a moment and was able to hear his story:
The Buzz: Have you ever been a state don before? TayZ: Nope first timer
The Buzz: What's it like?! TayZ: Pretty good, the extra perks at S.Don are pretty decent.
The Buzz: Why did you work so hard to get where you are now? TayZ: I was sick of not doing anything, so decided to be a bad ass and race for the top.
The Buzz: What was it like ranking up with Evisu? TayZ: Couldn't of asked for a better friend to rank with!
The Buzz: Did you think at the start of the round that you would get here, or was this your plan before the round started? TayZ: Nope! I didn't think I would ever reach beyond don+! I didn't realize how much the game would actually change, and I must say I like this round a lot!
The Buzz: Why'd you choose your Michigan, and where would you have like to have chosen if you could, illi? TayZ: Illi of course! All the booze oc % - Sammy must be loving it! but I chose Michigan thinking it would be profitable cash wise as people are over here a lot, so there's a fair amount of oc profit I make.
The Buzz: How'd you make enough money in order to reset as often as you were able to in order to rank so quickly? TayZ: Grafting hard to start off with, but that's my secret. Then, once I stocked around 4,000 gold coins, I bought the Illinois Slots Machine and let the good times roll! In the first day, I made $84 million and then sold. I then purchased it again the following week and made another $80 million within the first 20 minutes of buying!
Then I sold up and didn't look back. (Gold was 10k at the time)
The Buzz: Did you have any notable strategy? TayZ: Put the hours in will get you a long way; that's the best tip I can give anyone!
The Buzz: Obviously you're not a very easy target with your crew protection, but are you at all surprised you've made it this long? And how long do you think you may survive? TayZ: Not surprised at all! We all worked hard in getting to where we are currently and we will carry on doing so. The changes have helped us a lot where as S.Dons don't last the week, normally. I think we're here for the long run, plus you gonna need a funk load of bullets and cash to take the top 3 families out and I'd say the majority of in game cash and bullets are in the three families.
The Buzz: What do you think will happen regarding the future? How do you foresee the state dons coming down, how will DV, EH, TSE and everyone fall? What will have to happen in order to shake things up as players are seemingly beginning to demand blood? TayZ: An act of god at this point will be he only thing taking me and my friends down! But on a serious note, I really don't know what the future holds for us as this game can be unpredictable at the best of times.
The Buzz: Think we could see any new regimes controlling the game like last round with the new setup? TayZ: I don't think tf, mw or asura have any chance in controlling this game anymore, definitely not like previous rounds! The three families are on top and we will do our best to keep it that way only time will tell tho but i cant see it happening.
The Buzz: Any words of wisdom for those hoping to one day follow in your footsteps? TayZ: Stay cool and let the good times roll.
The Buzz: Anything you regret or wish you could have done differently? TayZ: Nothing at all!
The Buzz: What's the most common BM you get, or is there anything you'd like to say to all the players? TayZ: I think the obvious is, "can I have some cash" and I'd like to say to those players, "da da da do one"
The Buzz: With all the money you spent resetting, do you think it's worth it? Will you make it back, or did you lose a lot, but the experience makes anything it could be worth it? TayZ: I don't miss the gold I spent as I'm glad to be here. I get my personal bullet factory, body guards, a daily cut from the state, and other perks, and people pay for reset, so I'm making cash everyday. It wont take long to restock as S.Don.
The Buzz: Is there anything else at all that you think anyone may want to know, anything you'd like to say? TayZ: Just a big thank you to those that helped along the way they know who they are
Tyn and Zey share a somewhat similar story to TayZ and Evisu as the two took complete advantage of the halved timers and double XP last weekend by committing over 48 OCs and staying up just practically as many hours gaining rank points however they could! Zey said he set an alarm on his phone, but it wasn't until he was texted that he woke up to see those big bright words on his home page, and by then, Tyn had already put himself directly below Pennsylvania. So we start off with Tyn before giving you Zey's interview.
The Buzz: Have you ever been a state don before? Tyn: Never, I have never previously ranked past Don
The Buzz: Really?! How long have you played? Tyn: I started playing about 4 or 5 months after the game started, so whats that now, around 10 and a half years?
The Buzz: What's it like?! Tyn: It's like sunshine on a rainy day
The Buzz: Why did you work so hard to get there now? Tyn: Mostly because I have no life, and partly because its something I've never managed to do
The Buzz: Did you think at the start of the round that you would get here, or was this your plan before the round started? Tyn: I don't think even the most optimistic of EH member would imagine I would rank to S.Don, certainly not me
The Buzz: Why'd you choose your state? Tyn: I always planned to go for Penny, even if I could've picked from any, EH has had a history with Penny, we've owned the Bullet Factory here for a number of resets now and I've had it for a large portion of that time, so Penny was always the state for me.
The Buzz: How'd you make so much money in order to reset as often as you were able to in order to rank so quickly? Tyn: Well I haven't gambled this reset, just religiously did crimes, booze runs, made off the stock market also.
The Buzz: Did you have any notable strategy? Tyn: Certainly. Go in dry.
The Buzz: Obviously you're not a very easy target with your crew helping to protect you, but are you at all surprised you've made it this long? And how long do you think you may survive? Tyn: I'm a little surprised yes, the boosting helped after our previous shooter was banned, but the whole of EH has put a lot of effort in to getting to where we are. They've done well
The Buzz: What do you think will happen regarding the future? How do you foresee the state dons coming down, how will DV, EH, TSE and everyone fall? What will have to happen in order to shake things up as players are seemingly beginning to demand blood? Tyn: I don't think anyone can guess what the future holds, especially on bl, history has shown that anything can happen, and at anytime, I don't presume I'll be in this position forever, so I'll just enjoy it whilst I am.
The Buzz: Think we could see any new regimes controlling the game like last round with the new setup? Tyn: It's definitely a lot more difficult and people have to find new ways of assuming control. I don't think with the new setup anyone will be able to control the game as they did in the past.
The Buzz: Any words of wisdom for those hoping to one day fill your shoes? Tyn: Yes, if you want to be an S.Don, shoot Zey, not me
The Buzz: What's the most common BM you get, or is there anything you'd like to say to all the players? Tyn: Hi players!
The Buzz: With all the money you spent resetting, do you think it's worth it? Will you make it back, or did you lose a lot, but the experience makes anything it could be worth it? Tyn: I wont make the money back from purely from being S.Don, but I will make it back. But the perks make it worth the money and effort.
The Buzz: Is there anything else at all that you think anyone may want to know, anything you'd like to say? Tyn: Yes, hi players!
The Buzz: Hi Zey! How're you doing?
The State of
New York
Welcomes You! Zey: I'm good just taking care of stuff. and nice! I heard NY is a good state!
The Buzz: Oh yeah? All I've heard has been bad things, thought I'd come check it out, see if there was a story for the buzz... Heard there's this crazy homeless man wandering the streets throwing bottles at everyone and pissing on cars claiming he's the king Zey: Don't think that guy was homeless just really drunk celebrating!
The Buzz: So we're doing an article about the state dons, willing to talk? Zey: Only if there are cookies
The Buzz: So while they're baking, you've never been a state don before, what's it like? Are you enjoying it so far? Zey: This is my first account, EVER, so nope! I've never been state don before, as I've never played BL before this round. As far as enjoying State Don, hell yeah I am!
The Buzz: Why did you work so hard to get there now? Zey: I worked hard as I figured making SD would help promote my crew TR and ever since joining BL just thought it would be really cool to reach the top rank. I honestly never expected to make State Don.
The Buzz: Did you think at the start of the round that you would get here, or was this your plan before the round started? Zey: No, I didn't expect to get anywhere near State Don! I expected to get my crew going and die a few times but build as a team, always coming back strong.
The Buzz: Why'd you choose the state of New York, for the glamour? Zey: I chose NY because one of the guys I've played these type of games with is from the Big Apple. Plus, "King of New York" sounds way better than Colorado State Don #blahblah. Zey: I must add that my home state was taken already, or as I'm from Chicago, I would have taken Illinois.
The Buzz: How'd you make so much money in order to reset as often as you were able to in order to rank so quickly? Zey: Well it was a combined effort from my crew and close friends helping me with gold & cash. Plus, I made a lot of the money/gold I had from banking, bootlegging, doing crimes, selling cars, etc..
The Buzz: Did you have any notable strategy? Zey: My strategy was to do any and everything that gave XP ignoring nothing. Jail Busting is one thing I hate doing and on most other games I avoid it like the plague.
The Buzz: Obviously as the head of your crew, you're not an easy kill, but are you at all surprised you've made it this long? And how long do you think you may survive? Zey: Surprised somewhat. Honestly I have a pretty decent group in my crew taking charge when I'm absent and ensuring daily functions are taken care of. So I knew we could do it I just didn't expect things to turn out as well as they did up to this point. I'm proud of the guys in my crew and know they'll keep going way past any expiration date.
The Buzz: What do you think will happen regarding the future? Zey: The future is unknown. Why guess it when you can live it. I foresee the downfall of the State Dons coming in the form a Legendary Don trying to get promoted, or a crew/gang trying to obtain a family/crew spot and prevent the current regime from remaining in power gathering wealth.
The Buzz: Any words of wisdom for those hoping to one day fill your shoes? Zey: Don't try to fill my shoes or follow in my footsteps. Create your own path. TR is living proof that you don't have to be a veteran crew to achieve greatness its all about working as a team and trusting each other decisions.
The Buzz: Anything you regret or wish you could have done differently? Zey: I wish I would of done less booze runs at the start! I had 17 booze runs, meaning I could of ranked a lot sooner than when I did! I also wish I would of picked a friend that told better jokes!
The Buzz: What's the most common BM you get? Is there anything you'd like to say to all the players? Zey: The most common BM I get, honestly, is 1) Can I OC with you for free? (No my friends helped me to much to give free OCs away instead of help them. If you want me to OC pay or become a TR member) and 2) Who made my pictures? Zey: I would like to say one thing...... Some people say cucumbers taste better pickled.
The Buzz: With all the money you spent resetting, do you think it's worth it? Will you make it back, or did you lose a lot, but the experience makes anything it could be worth it? Zey: The money I spent resetting may of cost a lot and take bit to earn back but its possible everything comes and goes in the end its just pixels. If where not having fun wtf is the point.
As seemingly the quietest one to grab a spot, while busy climbing the tallest mountains of Colorado to plant his flag, Ascension may also have spent the most time of any in the group as Legendary Don to stop and smell the wildflowers.
The Buzz: Have you ever been a state don before? Ascension: Nope! this is my first round on Bootleggers!
The Buzz: What's it like?! Ascension: So far it's been good all though after the hard work I put in to get here recently. I've had to catch up with a few things in real life to properly settle in and relax and enjoy it. Ascension: I've been busy in real life to enjoy state don so far! Yesterday, I had football, and the gym... Tonight's actually the first night I've had the chance to sit down and log on, rather then 30 seconds here and there on the phone.
The Buzz: Why did you work so hard to get there? Ascension: Because is important to me and I like to achieve everything on a game even if it is only once, this was the closest I have got and I may not get an opportunity to be this close again.
The Buzz: Did you think at the start of the round that you would get here, or was this your plan before the round started? Ascension: I have always been a quick dedicated ranker in previous games, so I knew I would stand a chance to hit it.
The Buzz: Which state would you have chosen had all been available? Are you happy with Colorado? Ascension: I think everyone would choose Illinois first... then personally I would have chosen Nevada... but yeah, I am happy with Colorado.
The Buzz: Did you reset as often as the other? If so, how'd you make enough in order to reset as often as you were able to in order to rank so quickly? Ascension: I reset a fair few times, although I couldn't give you an exact figure... I did a fair few ocs with some of the others such as Tyn, and Zey, and then finished off with Claartje.
The Buzz: Did you have any notable strategy? Ascension: Not really, I just went with the flow at the start before I realized I had a chance to make state don... with a bit of help with a few resets.
The Buzz: Obviously you're not a very easy target with your crew helping to protect you, but are you at all surprised you've made it this long? And how long do you think you may survive? Ascension: Yes. I am hugely surprised as this is a mafia game. Regardless of how much protection you have from your crew, I have learnt over the years that you can die any day, at any time, so enjoy it whilst you're there.
The Buzz: Think we could see any new regimes controlling the game like last round with the new setup? Ascension: No
The Buzz: Any words of wisdom for those hoping to one day fill your shoes? Ascension: Work hard for your crew remain loyal to them and your friends is the best advice I can give.
The Buzz: Anything you regret or wish you could have done differently? Ascension: Nope! I am happy with how everything has gone with this account.
The Buzz: With all the money you spent resetting, do you think it's worth it? Will you make it back, or did you lose a lot, but the experience makes anything it could be worth it? Ascension: Yes it cost a fair bit to reset, and yes, it was worth it as I may not get the chance to hit this rank again. Gold can be replaced,the same with money, but there only will ever be 9 state dons!
and it will cost a lot more now to get a state don position compared to what it does with a few resets to get their first.
The Buzz: What's the most common BM you get, or is there anything you'd like to say to all the players? Ascension: "Hi CaN yOu OC m8???"
The following day, after racing with Saieko, Claartje finished her four days of OCing 65 times, the little extra compared to the rest just "to be safe," with a new picture on her profile to match her new color, and a popularity she's not new to.
The Buzz: Compared to the last time you made state don, how has it changed? Claartje: I think it’s pretty much the same. The only thing that I don’t remember from last time, is having a special Private Investigator. I think we get more cuts too, but I don’t remember exactly. It’s been 5 years since I was State Don last
The Buzz: Is it a comfortable rank to you, are you cool and taking advantage of what you couldn't last time, or is it just as exciting as if this were your first time?! Claartje: It’s definitely still exciting! I was so nervous before the invite got sent! And so excited when I actually got it
The Buzz: Why did you work so hard to get here? Just for the fun of it? Claartje: Well, I had all this gold just sitting there, figured I might as well use it to get to State Don, instead of using it to rank back up after I got killed. (Which was my original plan)
The Buzz: Did you think at the start of the round that you would get here? Claartje: No, not at all! I’ve been expecting to die ever since I reached Don. Every rank after that has been a very pleasant surprise The most pleasant being State Don of course
The Buzz: Are you a little sad you got Louisiana? Which state would you have liked to been able to pick? Claartje: I would be lying if I said I wasn’t sad… Of course I would have rather had a more high profile state! But I am just happy being State Don, I don’t really care If I would have had the choice of all states, I would have picked Illinois, for obvious reasons
The Buzz: How'd you make enough money in order to afford to reset as often as you were able to in order to rank so quickly? Claartje: I saved up all my money in the beginning of the reset, and bought a lot of cheap gold Even now, I save enough money to buy 100 gold, and buy it right away. I didn’t spend any real money buying gold, just in game money.
The Buzz: Did you have any notable strategy? (Just for the record, but kinda like you told me, bust first, crime second in bps, crime first otherwise, but would you maybe be willing to elaborate?) Claartje: I do booze runs every 1,5 hour. That’s a big money maker once you can negotiate up and down consistently. I do crimes and GTA’s, sell all my cars. Joining bust parties is a good moneymaker too, especially once you get good at busting I hardly ever gamble, and if I do, I make sure it’s only about what I make in a day, and I leave enough to do booze runs again so I don’t have to sell gold.
The Buzz: Obviously you're not a very easy target being a part of a higher ranked gang, but are you at all surprised you've made it this long? How long do you think you may survive as state don this time? Claartje: I am very surprised I've made it this long! It’s been a very pleasant surprise though, and I hope to be State Don for a long time
The Buzz: Think we could see any new regimes controlling the game like last round with the new setup? Claartje: I can’t really answer this one, because I hardly played last round, not familiar with all that went down back then
The Buzz: Any words of wisdom for those hoping to one day follow in your footsteps? Claartje: Just work hard, try to make good friends, and enjoy the game!
The Buzz: Anything you regret or wish you would have done differently? Claartje: Nope, don’t think so
The Buzz: What's the most common BM you get, or is there anything you'd like to say to all the players? Claartje: Most common BM is probably “Thanks for the bust” Or lately “Congrats State Don” Claartje: I would like to make a special shout out to my crew, and all my friends, for helping me get to State Don. I couldn’t have done it without them! Also to all the people who OC’d with me while I was making my run for State Don, thank you very much!
The Buzz: With all the money you spent resetting, do you think it's worth it? Will you make it back, or did you lose a lot, but the experience makes anything it could be worth it? Claartje: I think it’s worth it, yes. It’s awesome to be State Don again, and the gold was just sitting in my account anyway I can make it back eventually, I don’t doubt that.
The Buzz: Is there anything else at all that you think anyone may want to know, anything you'd like to say? Claartje: Come to Louisiana everybody, we have Mardi Gras, and I hear girls flash their boobs at you
The Buzz would like to commend each of the ten players on their hard work and congratulate them on their achievements. We wish you the best of luck from here on out, but as everyone clearly sees, it's now just a matter of time, so we hope you get to enjoy your time to the fullest while it lasts! And we also look forward to seeing the action that will eventually unfold, so good luck to all players!
but I chose Michigan thinking it would be profitable cash wise as people are over here a lot, so there's a fair amount of oc profit I make.
only time will tell tho but i cant see it happening.
I had 17 booze runs, meaning I could of ranked a lot sooner than when I did! I also wish I would of picked a friend that told better jokes!