Rik Flashheart was born on the South Side of Chicago during the '68
Convention. Born into chaos, his life followed that pattern.
His father left when he was two, and he remembers nothing of the man.
The flats they lived in were burned down when he was six. The fire was
blamed on racial tensions, but since Missus Flashheart was on very good
terms with the mostly black neighbourhood. It was more likely that the
landlord, who had wanted to rebuild, had set the fire. This incident
introduced him to 'The Family'.

A local low level 'operator' teamed up with him to take the landlord down.
(It appears that several VIPs had been living in the flats.) The Family
was an attractive way to impose order on a life without it, and Rik was
endeared to the discipline, loyalty and -- of course -- money that he found
working for Don Vitrio. He moved up the ranks quickly, known for his
willingness to do anything. He was able to keep himself and his mother
comfortable until she died of throat cancer in the early 80's.

Soon after his mother's death, he experienced his abduction and first
change. The full release of rage, which had been contained before, felt
good, as did the power that accompanied it. The GoodFellas were quick to
realise this, and capitalise on it. As soon as he was prepared, he joined
their elite troupe and, continuing his standard patterns, quickly made
himself noticed. The assignment to St. Claire is his chance to make a name
for himself, and he plans to make certain the name is spelled in capital
letters. He carries a letter of introduction to Arjun, and a bundle of
'youthful' enthusiasm.

Back