TheJane Mendoza Gang’s ceremonies are organized into categories that reflect the stages of a gang member's journey, from recruitment to initiation, promotions and special occasions. The Gang Organization Department.

1.Initial Contact

• Location: Saloon Gloria
• Process: Prospective recruits initiate contact by ordering a “Bloody Jane” at the bar. Trixi, the bartender, questions the individual to gauge commitment. If satisfied, she confiscates their Allotment Card and provides a key to Room 7, where they meet a recruiter from the gang. After a drink spiked with Shika (a substance that dulls the senses), the recruiter explains that the initiation process is dangerous and that failure means death.

2.The three tests

• Purpose: The three tests assess the recruit's courage, loyalty, and capacity for violence.
• First Test – Frostpunkt: The recruit plays a game of Frostpunkt against the recruiter to demonstrate mental resilience.
• Second Test – Zapor Feather: The recruit must retrieve a Zapor Feather from a dangerous Zapor Nest, showcasing bravery and skill.
• Third Test – Murder: The recruit is required to commit murder on behalf of the gang, creating a shared sense of guilt and solidifying loyalty.

Outcome: Success in all three tests grants the recruit the status of Prospect, marking the beginning of their journey in the gang.

Vow Ceremony

• Purpose: This ceremony solidifies a Prospect’s allegiance to the gang. It is held in the main hall, where the Top 45 gather, and department members sing the Fate Song. The Prospect, accompanied by their mentor, kneels before Jane Mendoza, who declares their new life as property of the gang. Prospects repeat an oath, vowing absolute loyalty.
• Symbolic Act: The Prospect hands over their Allotment Card, which Jane burns in an open fire, severing their ties to the outside world. This ceremony marks the Prospect's irrevocable commitment to the gang.
• Additional Information: Detailed Overview of the Vow Ceremony

Elevation from Prospect to Hand

• Description: Upon successfully completing their probationary period as Prospects, gang members are elevated to the rank of Hand. This transition is marked by the receiving of an infrared tattoo on their right forearm. The tattoo, invisible in normal light and only visible through infrared night vision, displays the gang member’s initials and the date they joined the gang. Written in the rune-like script of the Zark Tribe (allied with the gang), this tattoo serves as both a mark of loyalty and a practical identifier, especially on the Dark Side where night vision devices are worn regularly.

• Symbolism: This tattoo symbolizes the gang member’s permanent commitment, marking them as a trusted part of the gang’s core force. The tattoo ritual is conducted by a Top 10 member and is accompanied by a small ceremony where the member pledges to uphold the gang's code and obey their superiors.

Elevation from Hand to Top 10

• Description: The promotion from Hand to Top 10 is an honor given to those who have demonstrated exceptional loyalty, skill, and dedication to their department’s goals. The ceremony for this elevation is held in the main chamber, with the Top 45 gathered to witness the new Top 10 member’s induction.

• Ceremony Details: The Associate of the department presents the new Top 10 member with a Zapor feather, symbolizing their new status and responsibilities. This feather holds special significance, as it is the same feather the member handed over to their recruiter during the recruiting process, marking the completion of their journey from Pre-Prospect to a leader within the gang. The inductee must then take an oath to uphold the values of their department and guide their fellow gang members. The feather, often worn visibly, serves as a mark of authority within the gang.

Elevation from Top 10 to Associate

• Description:Being promoted to Associate is a rare and prestigious honor within the Jane Mendoza Gang, usually granted only when a current Associate retires, is incapacitated, or killed. As one of Jane Mendoza’s closest advisors and department leaders, the new Associate gains significant responsibilities and authority over the gang’s operations.
• Ceremony Details: The elevation ceremony takes place in the main chamber, with the entire gang present to witness this momentous event. The new Associate is led to kneel before Jane Mendoza, who bestows upon them two symbolic items:

• - A Ring Made of Kourou Coins: This ring, forged from the former currency of the Humans within the Beta Age, represents the new Associate’s role in increasing the gang’s wealth and prosperity. By wearing this ring, the Associate accepts their duty to safeguard and grow the gang’s resources and influence.
• - A Whip: The whip symbolizes their authority and responsibility to lead their department with discipline. It is a reminder that, as an Associate, they must ensure that their team follows orders, adheres to the gang’s principles, and upholds the gang’s reputation. The whip embodies both the power and the weight of leadership within the gang.

• New Privileges: Following the ceremony, the new Associate is granted their own private quarters alongside the other Associates and Jane Mendoza. This move from the communal Hands’ quarters of their department to a private space signifies their elevated status and provides a place for planning and reflection.
• Oath: The new Associate swears to protect the gang's interests, guide their department, and uphold the gang’s honor and survival at any cost. This oath solidifies their loyalty and dedication to Jane Mendoza and the gang.

Gang Anniversary

• Celebration: Once a year, the gang gathers to celebrate the anniversary of its founding. This event includes a feast, storytelling, and a ceremony where significant achievements are acknowledged. Members may receive symbols of honor, such as feathers or tokens representing their accomplishments within the gang.

Death and Succession Rites

• Succession: If an Associate or Top 10 member dies, specific protocols ensure the position is filled based on merit and demonstrated loyalty. This structured process ensures continuity within the gang’s organization.
• Memorial: For fallen members, the gang holds brief but solemn rites to honor their contributions, typically involving the burning of personal items as a symbolic farewell.