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Nerdarchy > Roleplaying Games  > Zoo Mafia  > Step into the Roaring ’20s with Zoo Mafia: An RPG Drenched in Prohibition-Era Style
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Step into the Roaring ’20s with Zoo Mafia: An RPG Drenched in Prohibition-Era Style

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The world of Zoo Mafia isn’t just a game—it’s a time machine. This tabletop RPG immerses players in the glitz, grit, and danger of the 1920s and 1930s, an era defined by speakeasies, jazz, and the Variety of Zoo Mafia RPG animals posing togetherhigh-stakes drama of Prohibition. Drawing inspiration from history and pop culture, Zoo Mafia wraps its claws around the aesthetic of the era, blending it seamlessly with a world where animals rule the underworld.

The Glamour and Grit of Prohibition

Prohibition-era America was a paradox: opulence and jazz juxtaposed with crime and desperation. In Zoo Mafia, this duality is the heart of the game. Picture shadowy alleys lit by the flicker of gas lamps, opulent speakeasies hidden behind laundromats, and animals in tailored suits or flapper dresses, sipping contraband whiskey while plotting their next big score.

Whether your characters are heisting moonshine from corrupt cops or running illegal booze through underground tunnels, the game captures the thrill of a time when the law and crime danced a dangerous tango.

Jazz Age Vibes

What’s a Prohibition-era story without jazz? From swing to big band, jazz sets the tone for the fast-paced, chaotic energy of Zoo Mafia. Imagine your crew negotiating with rival mobs as a saxophone wails in the background, or dodging bullets in a raid while a frenetic drum solo mirrors the tension. Incorporating period-appropriate music into your sessions can elevate the ambiance, transporting players to a time of smoky rooms and sultry melodies.

Fashion that Roars

The 1920s and 1930s were iconic for their fashion—a detail Zoo Mafia embraces fully. Male characters might sport pinstripe suits, fedoras, and wingtip shoes, while female characters could dazzle in fringed dresses, pearls, and cloche hats. And since these are animals, think of the creative fun: a fox in a three-piece suit or a giraffe in a flapper gown and feathered headband.

The Allure of Organized Crime

The Prohibition-era was the golden age of mob bosses like Al Capone—figures whose influence extended from city halls to the docks. In Zoo Mafia, players step into a world of animal mobsters vying for power, money, and respect. Each boss has their own territory and style, from Machine Gun Otto’s chaos-driven antics to Bunny Malone’s patient yet vengeful schemes.

The gameplay highlights the nuances of this world: bribing officials, smuggling goods, forging alliances, and, when necessary, orchestrating the perfect takedown. It’s not just about pulling off the job; it’s about navigating the intricate web of relationships and rivalries that define the mafia lifestyle.

Human Influence: A World Watching

One unique twist in Zoo Mafia is the presence of humans. Depending on how you run the game, humans might remain blissfully ignorant of the animals’ double lives or exist as active obstacles and allies. Incorporating this element adds an extra layer of intrigue—what happens if the humans get wise to the animals’ operations?

Making It Your Own

Whether you lean into the historical accuracy of the 1920s or add a touch of modern flair, Zoo Mafia gives you the tools to build a world that feels alive. Incorporate real Prohibition-era slang, design maps inspired by cities like Chicago or New York, and encourage players to fully embrace the style and culture of the time.

Why Play in the Roaring ’20s?

The Prohibition era offers a perfect backdrop for an RPG. Its mix of glamour, danger, and rebellion provides endless story opportunities. In Zoo Mafia, you’re not just playing a role—you’re living in a world where every decision could make or break your crew.

So, don your best zoot suit or flapper dress, grab a glass of bootleg gin, and get ready to make your mark in the underworld. The stakes are high, the competition fierce, and in Zoo Mafia, only the sharpest claws survive.

If you’re looking to dive into Zoo Mafia or want to know more about its rules and setting, check out our other blog posts!

Thanks for reading. Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy!!

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Ted Adams

The nerd is strong in this one. I received my bachelors degree in communication with a specialization in Radio/TV/Film. I have been a table top role player for over 30 years. I have played several iterations of D&D, Mutants and Masterminds 2nd and 3rd editions, Star wars RPG, Shadowrun and World of Darkness as well as mnay others since starting Nerdarchy. I am an avid fan of books and follow a few authors reading all they write. Favorite author is Jim Butcher I have been an on/off larper for around 15 years even doing a stretch of running my own for a while. I have played a number of Miniature games including Warhammer 40K, Warhammer Fantasy, Heroscape, Mage Knight, Dreamblade and D&D Miniatures. I have practiced with the art of the German long sword with an ARMA group for over 7 years studying the German long sword, sword and buckler, dagger, axe and polearm. By no strecth of the imagination am I an expert but good enough to last longer than the average person if the Zombie apocalypse ever happens. I am an avid fan of board games and dice games with my current favorite board game is Betrayal at House on the Hill.

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