Becoming a hangaround is probably one of the most important steps into joining a MC. This is how the club will perceive you, learn a little bit about and you get to learn about the club, it's members and it's beliefs. You should decide what club you want to begin hanging around with, while you or the club has no claim to one another, there's no shame in backing out. Motorcycle clubs are honour and pride ran machines, if you come to hang around with a club and next day are seen hanging with a different one, you'd be considered a snake and stepping on the pride of the members. They love their club and you are saying that it's not good enough for you. If wanting to move onto another club respectfully, bring it up with members of the club and explain your reasonings. You can certainly hang with multiple clubs, but you must make it clear that you are only going to hangout with both clubs and not become a probationary member.
During this time, the club will not ask anything of you, you're not going to be demanded to clean the bar, work events or anything of that nature. You may be asked to help out, this is usually the clubs way of recognising you and wanting to see if you're willing to put things aside to aid them. In such, usually, these acts are looked back upon when deciding out whether or not you are a potential prospect.
Be prepared for the club to run a background check on you, they want to know who you are, where you're from, what you do for a living, have you got a record, are you law enforcement, things of that nature. Some clubs are more strict and will check you physically, making sure you're not carrying something that could potentially bring harm to their club.
Whilst you are hanging around, this is an ideal time for you to learn about the history of the club, ask questions regarding how they formed, where they formed. This shows interest and also teaches you how the club works, what it's foundations are made of. During this you should probably ask about the bike requirements, is there rules to what bikes you can ride, things of that nature. All important information to know, at the end of the day you are the one who needs to show interest in the club, the club will not chase you to hang around them or join. Take initiative and come to events, show that you're interested by doing things the club isn't asking of you.
Initiative
In terms of this there’s plenty of things you can do, it’s really down to you. Find something that makes your character unique and appealing to be around. This can include a multitude of things, rackets, background and personality. I would always consider making sure you find ways to RP without the faction around and even by yourself, these are important traits as you progress into MC RP as it allows you to develop your character without the need of the club to push it along. Although it’s tough and a learning experience in itself I would 100% recommend having friends and activities with other factions, this can lead to a much deeper RP experience for yourself and if you want you can bring members of the club in on those things.
In terms of RP within the faction, take some initiative on what you think the club would like, find things out about the members and the club itself, that way you can bring things to the right people. This also goes in the same way as please use your common sense when talking with members and about the club. For example, we don’t want you coming up to us within a couple of days, asking for guns, drugs and other things. Absolutely mention these things in the future as something you’d like to hear about but do not expect a response of “absolutely we can give you that”.
As a hangaround you’re not a member or even a prospective member of the faction. If what you’re interested in leads in an illegal way, don’t expect members to say that they are involved in that activity. Until the club have finished their background check on you, they will be reserved in what they offer to you and what they say around you.
Character Depth
This is something that from an OOC standpoint makes you stand out. This requires some planning and thought behind your character and not that you’re just straight out of the city and into hanging around MCs. Development of your character is something that will 100% show to us OOC that you’re a person with dedication towards your character and that it’s not just a quick way into a faction.
In terms of what roleplay you can engage in to experiment into this, you can do almost anything. You don’t have to be a mechanic, ex veteran or drug enthusiast to be a bike lover. Most members have full time employment outside of the MC and I would recommend that you find something like this for your own character.
100% you can do illegal things and join, but you can also be legal and find a way into crime. Alternatively, you can be a regular citizen who isn't involved in crime but is a member of the club for whatever other reason that fits. Don’t limit yourself into thinking that there’s only X amount of ways into developing an MC member.
Approach
Simply the most effective way of doing this is to come to an event/bar where the club hangs around. You can approach the clubhouse also, but do this with caution as it’s sacred ground to the club. In your approach you should be focusing on one thing and that the clubs first impressions of you. Ask some questions, talk with members but do not go asking about illegal activities from the off, even if you’ve read newspaper clippings.
I’d recommend that you come respectfully and with intent to show what kind of person you are. Be ready for questions yourself about your life, your bike and other things that are just general conversation to a motorcycle enthusiast.
Quick Tips
1. Always show respect. This includes probates, while they may not be patch-holding members, they are still above hangarounds.
2. Do not approach members when they're busy conversing with someone else, especially other members.
3. If you know a members name, or are friends, do not use their name as if they're some great buddy of yours, especially around the club.
4. Do not touch a members vest, colours or bike unless invited to. These are the most sacred possessions in regards to the club and you will be re-educated.
5. Do not lie. Anything you say will likely be looked into and trying to obfuscate or impress members with lies may come back to bite you in the ass.
6. If you have any issues in the club, speak to an enforcer or the Sgt-at-Arms. If you're unfairly treated, got robbed/scammed/attacked by a member, etc.
7. Never speak for the club or one of its members. This is something not even prospects are allowed to do, simply refer to a member or officer.
Shoutout to @Sado @Xiao @kry @wool @aizec @DUCKBOY @Kingsley
(Only sado and Xiao actually helped, these guys just read it and said nothing, I don't think they even read it.)
