Kenneth Brendan Flannery (a.k.a. Needles)

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Description

Kenny’s got a nervous energy that scrapes against the nerves. Thin as a rail, always chewing a matchstick or picking at his cuticles, he talks fast and circles conversations like a jackal—not to pounce, but to pick the angle clean. His suits never quite fit right, his smile’s too sharp to trust, and his hands are always just shy of clean. Folks call him “Needles” not just for his frame, but for how quick he is to poke holes—in stories, in plans, in people’s patience.

Personality

Anxious and wired like a busted fuse, Kenny is constantly calculating, scheming, and hedging his bets. He respects Ox’s strength, but sees him as a relic—useful now, but not built for the future. Kenny believes the Butcher Boys need evolution, not loyalty. He doesn’t want to betray Ox... but he wants to be ready when the gang inevitably outgrows him.

Habits

Smokes menthols down to the filter

Keeps a tiny notepad full of dirt, IOUs, and half-baked leverage

Cracks his knuckles obsessively during silence

Constantly adjusts his cuffs or tie, even when not wearing them

Hooks & Angles

Has secret back-channel talks with a fixer from the Outfit

Wants to modernize the Butcher Boys’ operation—more rackets, less fists

Collects secrets like coins and trades them sparingly

Might turn on Ox if the right opportunity—and protection—comes calling

Year of Birth

1927 CE 26 Years old

Birthplace

Canaryville, Chicago

Eyes

Hazel-green, darting, never quite still

Hair

Dirty blond, slicked and thinning early

Skin Tone/Pigmentation

Pale with acne scars and a nervous tic in the left cheek

Height

5'9"

Weight

138 lbs.

Belief/Deity

Irish Catholic (and still lights candles for his ma)