The Van Der Linde gang from the popular video game Red Dead Redemption 2 leads an unconventional lifestyle outside the bounds of the law. However, unlike many other gangs in the game, they are governed by a distinct code of conduct. This article seeks to elaborate on the principles underpinning this code, how it sets them apart from other outlaw gangs, and its gradual deterioration, leading to the gang’s demise.

The Origin and Evolution of the Van Der Linde Gang

Dutch Van Der Linde founded the gang, originally starting with just him and Hosea. It wasn’t until they took Arthur Morgan, a teenage outlaw, under their wing that the gang began to grow. Comprising mainly societal outcasts seeking either protection or purpose, the gang built a reputation for being more than mere bandits. Their activities range from robbery to standoffs with law enforcement, all while operating within their own set of ethical guidelines.

The Van Der Linde Code: Guidelines for Outlaw Behavior

Contrary to popular belief, the Van Der Linde gang is not indiscriminate in its actions. The gang adheres to a few vital principles, the most important of which is to rob from the rich and abstain from harming the poor. This rule is not just rooted in pragmatism but also in a shared experience of poverty among the gang members. The code also extends to avoiding harm to women and children, a testament to the gang’s conditional moral compass.

When it comes to violence, the gang is rather reserved. Although featuring deadly gunfighters like Arthur Morgan and John Marston, their primary approach is not to fire the first shot. Intimidation often suffices in their robberies, and pulling the trigger on a civilian is considered taboo within the gang.

The Fracturing of the Code: Signs of Deterioration

Despite these strong foundational principles, the gang’s code shows signs of weakening, particularly in the game’s initial stages. The inclusion of Micah Bell, a ruthless and honor-less individual, signaled a significant departure from their established norms. Similarly, Leopold Strauss’s loan sharking activities preyed on the poor, standing in direct contradiction to the gang’s code. These deviations eroded the core values of the gang and set them on a path of self-destruction.

The Consequences: End of the Van Der Linde Gang

Ultimately, bending these principles led to the gang’s downfall. As the members began to act in ways inconsistent with their original code, disloyalty and death dismantled the once-close-knit group. In the end, very little of the Van Der Linde gang as originally conceived remained.

Final Thoughts

The Van Der Linde gang’s unique code of conduct offered them a distinct identity but also set them on a trajectory that was unsustainable in the long term. The erosion of this code led to their inevitable downfall, leaving players to ponder what might have happened had they stayed true to their principles.

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