THE GUILD OF THIEVES 

A Criminal Syndicate with a rumored stronghold in Highsteppe.

The Guild of Thieves is a clandestine organization specializing in theft, smuggling, and black-market dealings. While many dismiss its existence as mere folklore, persistent rumors and unexplained disappearances suggest the guild operates from the shadows, exerting influence across major trade routes and urban centers. Its main foothold is believed to be hidden deep within Highsteppe, a region notorious for lawlessness and secrecy.

Despite having no formal alignment, proximity to Celestia means the hills subtly favor The Covenant, serving as a buffer and an information pipeline when needed. They are tactically hostile toward the Dominion, and the Guild profits from misdirecting Dominion supply routes and selling false manifests.

The Primary Base of Operations is a rotating stronghold within the Highsteppe - the current seat is whispered to be in a cavern network called The Veiled Warrens, but they also have safehouses in Bellegast and scouted paths into the Scarab Desert for smuggling and vanish-points.

Structure & Hierarchy 

The guild operates under a strict hierarchy designed to maintain secrecy and efficiency:

• Guildmaster – The elusive leader, whose identity remains unknown even to most members.
• Council of Shadows – A small group of senior thieves who oversee regional operations and enforce guild law.
• Fence Masters – Specialists in laundering stolen goods and managing black-market trade.
• Cutpurses & Footpads – Street-level operatives responsible for pickpocketing, burglary, and reconnaissance.
• Silent Blades – Elite assassins and infiltrators used for high-risk missions. 

Initiation into the guild involves a series of trials testing stealth, loyalty, and ruthlessness. Betrayal is punished by death—often in a manner that serves as a warning to others.

Activities & Influence 

The guild’s operations include: 

• Urban Theft Rings – Coordinated pickpocketing and burglary in major cities. 
• Smuggling Networks – Transporting contraband through hidden routes. 
• Information Brokerage – Selling secrets to nobles, merchants, and rival factions. 
• Political Manipulation – Bribery and blackmail to influence city councils and trade guilds. 

 The guild’s reach extends beyond Highsteppe, with whispers of agents embedded in merchant caravans and even royal courts.

Beliefs & Code 

Despite its criminal nature, the guild adheres to a strict internal code: 

• Loyalty Above All – Members must prioritize the guild over personal gain. 
• Silence is Survival – Revealing guild secrets is punishable by death. 
• Honor Among Thieves – Theft from fellow members is forbidden.