4 Factions
4.0.1 Assassins of the Order of a Good Death
Deadly Induction Process: Prospective members of the Order of a Good Death undergo a deadly induction process designed to weed out the weak and ensure only the most skilled and dedicated individuals join their ranks. This process serves not only as a test of physical prowess but also of mental fortitude and loyalty to the guild's lawful evil principles.
Trial of Shadows: Initiates are dropped into a labyrinthine maze filled with traps, illusions, and hidden adversaries. They must navigate through the darkness, relying on their instincts and stealth abilities to survive. The maze tests their agility, perception, and ability to remain calm under pressure. Those who emerge successfully demonstrate their potential to operate covertly and handle unexpected challenges.
Trial of Resolve: Survivors of the Trial of Shadows face a series of moral dilemmas and psychological tests designed to assess their commitment to the guild's code of conduct. They may be confronted with situations where they must choose between personal gain and loyalty to the guild, or be tasked with carrying out a morally ambiguous assassination to prove their obedience and willingness to execute orders without hesitation.
Trial of Blades: The final trial is a deadly duel against a seasoned Executioner or Inquisitor chosen by the Grandmaster. This duel tests the initiate's combat skills, adaptability, and ability to think strategically under duress. It is fought in a secluded arena, where the initiate must prove their ability to not only survive but also defeat a skilled opponent in single combat. Only those who emerge victorious or demonstrate exceptional skill in defeat are deemed worthy to join the ranks of the Order of a Good Death.
Purpose of the Trials: The trials serve multiple purposes within the guild:
They ensure that only the strongest and most resourceful individuals become members, thereby maintaining the guild's reputation for excellence and reliability.
They reinforce the guild's adherence to law and order by testing initiates' willingness to uphold the guild's principles even under extreme circumstances.
They create a sense of unity and shared purpose among guild members, as surviving the trials builds camaraderie and mutual respect among peers.
Conclusion: The Order of a Good Death's deadly induction process and series of trials are integral to its identity as a lawful evil assassin guild. These tests not only select for the most capable assassins but also indoctrinate members into the guild's strict moral code and prepare them for the challenging and often perilous missions they will undertake in service of maintaining order and justice, as they perceive it. Creed: "Through precision and discretion, we deliver justice. With each target, we enforce order. In secrecy, we wield power. We are the Order of a Good Death, servants of law and arbiters of consequence."
Initiation: Prospective members undergo extensive trials that test their combat prowess, stealth abilities, loyalty to the guild, and adherence to its lawful evil philosophy. Initiates are closely monitored and mentored by senior members until they prove themselves worthy of becoming full-fledged Executioners.
Training: Members of the Order of a Good Death receive intensive training in martial arts, covert operations, infiltration techniques, and the art of assassination. They are indoctrinated into the guild's belief that their actions serve a greater purpose of maintaining order and justice, even if it involves eliminating individuals deemed threats to societal stability.
Purpose: The primary purpose of the Order of a Good Death is to enforce order and justice through targeted elimination. They view themselves as enforcers of a strict moral code, eliminating targets who disrupt the balance of power or pose significant threats to the guild's interests. Contracts are carefully vetted to ensure they align with the guild's lawful evil principles, often involving political intrigue, corporate sabotage, or eliminating rivals within criminal organizations.
Trading: The guild negotiates contracts with influential clients, governments, or factions seeking to eliminate obstacles to their agendas. Payment is typically in the form of wealth, political favors, or access to valuable resources that strengthen the guild's influence and operational capabilities.
The Order of a Good Death operates with a ruthless efficiency, leveraging their skills and influence to maintain control and uphold their interpretation of justice. While their methods may be morally questionable, they believe their actions ultimately serve the greater good by preserving order and eliminating chaos.
4.0.2 Thieves Guild
The Thieves' Guild is a sprawling and highly organized network of criminal enterprises that spans across multiple cities and kingdoms. Led by the mysterious Mr. Lucan, who is whispered to be immortal or even supernatural, the guild operates covertly, controlling a vast array of illicit activities with precision and secrecy.
Organizational Structure (Central Guild)
Master of Thieves
Mr. Lucan, the enigmatic leader who oversees all guild operations from the central hub in Realm’s End. His authority is absolute, and he is rumored to have been leading the guild for centuries.
Satellite Guilds
The Thieves' Guild maintains satellite branches, each with its own hierarchy and specialized operations, in major cities and kingdoms across the realm. These branches are led by trusted lieutenants appointed by Mr. Lucan. These branch leaders are seasoned operatives who oversee guild activities in their respective cities or regions. They report directly to the Master of Thieves and ensure adherence to guild laws and standards.
Guild Operations
Thievery and Burglary: Core operations include theft, burglary, pickpocketing, and heists targeting valuable goods and resources.
Smuggling and Black Market: Facilitating the smuggling of contraband goods, including rare artifacts, magical items, and illicit substances. They operate black markets where stolen or illegal goods are traded.
Protection Rackets: Offering "protection" to merchants and businesses in exchange for regular payments, ensuring their safety from other criminal elements and occasionally from guild operations themselves.
Information Brokerage: The guild gathers and sells sensitive information, including political secrets, noble intrigues, and economic forecasts, through their extensive network of spies and informants.