In Vino's situation, it sounds like better ooc communication between those involved would have smoothed some things out. Especially when you have a character in an antagonistic position, the player needs to make a point to reassure the other player what is going on, since losing control of your character, with the character's fate in someone elses hands, really does require some faith and trust in the others involved.
The best way to have successful antagonistic role play, is to earn the trust of others as a player or dm.
I love the Red Vardo story as I've expressed it to those on the Council.
Evil in this setting in the end leads men and women to their own undoing. Julia Colds was a classic moral tale. Greed, unchecked ambition, and violence in the name of greed and ambition, will lead men and women to self-destruction, unless if they find redemption.
Julia chasing after coin that fell from someone's pocket, the way a dog would run after a french fry falling to the floor, said a great deal.
I think along the way, the Red Vardo have earned a reputation more as thugs than merchants. One of the first rules of business is "satisify the custumer." Another rule of business would be to build relationships with various segments of the community.
The Godfather wasn't about being thuggish. They had their muscle, but those in power mingled with the upper crest of society. They attended church regulary, had their children baptized, had dinner parties, rubbed elbows with politicians. They had eventually the money to run some legiitamate business. in the end though, all the sins of the past caught up to the Godfather, with the tragic death of his daughter. Even when he was trying to find redemption, tragedy befell his family, leading to great anguish. So when developing a character with similar themes, greed, ambition, violence to achieve wealth or prestige, keep in mind that a happy ending isn't likely, and the seeds are being planted along the way for self-destruction.
The Red Vardo now have a soiled reputation that hangs over them to this day, due to the sins of the past, or some of the sins of the day. Great story potential.
The more the Red Vardo resort to violence, the greater the challenge when it comes to public relations and building influence and trust among the community.
I'm looking forward to seeing where the Red Vardo story goes from here.