The Maskarrans – The Guild of Shadows

The Maskarrans are the rulers of the underworld, an intricate web of criminals, smugglers, spies, and informants. They operate in every major city, controlling black markets, contraband trade, and espionage. No crime within their territory occurs without their knowledge—or their cut.

Origins & Structure

The Maskarrans formed from the remnants of House Dimir, The Nighthawks, and other clandestine organizations. Over time, they merged into a structured criminal syndicate that protects its members while ensuring total control over illicit activities.

The guild is ruled by the enigmatic figure known as “The Sagacious Man,” a name whispered in the dark corners of society. His identity remains a mystery, and some believe the title is passed down through generations, while others think it’s a facade for a secret council.

Hierarchy of the Maskarrans
  1. The Sagacious Man – The unseen but all-knowing leader, whose influence extends through every city.
  2. The Shadow Council – A small group of elite lieutenants who oversee entire regions and manage the guild’s key operations.
  3. Underbosses – Trusted city leaders who control local crime and enforce tribute payments.
  4. Silken Tongues – Master manipulators, spies, and informants who deal in secrets and misinformation.
  5. The Black Hand – Enforcers and debt collectors, ensuring order within the ranks and punishing those who break guild law.
  6. The Unseen – Thieves, smugglers, and street-level operatives who make up the foundation of the organization.

Philosophy & Code

The Maskarrans do not see themselves as simple criminals—they believe in the order of crime. Their motto:

“If there is going to be crime, let it be ours.”

They prevent rampant lawlessness by maintaining control over the underworld. Without their structure, the streets would be ruled by unchecked anarchy, petty gangs, and unstable criminals.

Their laws are absolute:

  • “All crime belongs to us.” No one may operate within their cities without permission.
  • “Do not betray the guild.” The only punishment for treason is death.
  • “Secrets are currency.” Information is more valuable than gold.
  • “The Maskarrans do not fail.” Every deal made must be honored, or retribution follows.

Failure, once accepted, is not an option. Any Maskarran who fails a job must either make it right or vanish forever.

Operations & Criminal Activities

The Maskarrans control:
✅ The Black Markets – Fencing stolen goods, smuggling magical contraband, and dealing in rare artifacts.
✅ The Smuggler’s Route – Hidden trade networks that bypass official tariffs.
✅ Espionage & Blackmail – Gathering secrets from nobles, guild leaders, and even kings.
✅ “Protection Services” – Extorting businesses and enforcing territorial control.
✅ Gambling & Forgery – Manipulating wealth through underground casinos, counterfeit currency, and false documents.

The guild also has a silent hand in politics, influencing who rules and who falls.

Rivals & Conflicts

🔻 The Deathstalkers (Assassin Guild) – The Maskarrans do not deal in assassinations. The Deathstalkers claim that domain, and while they often work together, tensions exist over the power struggle.
🔻 The Assembly (Mage Guild) – The Assembly despises the Maskarrans’ use of forbidden artifacts and magical black markets, while the Maskarrans view mages as self-righteous fools who hoard knowledge.
🔻 The Knights of the Silver Sword (Explorers Guild) – The Maskarrans steal and sell relics taken from ruins, while the Knights seek to protect history.
🔻 City Watch & Local Governments – Some cities tolerate them, others wage war on them. Many rulers who tried to destroy the guild died mysteriously in their sleep.

Symbol & Calling Cards

  • The symbol of the Maskarrans is a silver coin with a masked face, often left as a warning or to mark a territory under their control.
  • Their agents wear no uniforms, blending seamlessly into society. The best thieves look like ordinary citizens.
  • Their contracts are sealed with wax containing a drop of blood, binding the deal in both law and magic.

Recruitment & Membership

The Maskarrans do not openly recruit. Instead, they find promising individuals—thieves, smugglers, outcasts, or even nobles—and test their loyalty and skills.

Those who pass are offered a silver coin, marking them as potential members. If they accept, their life belongs to the guild. If they refuse, they must forget everything… or be silenced forever.

Image – https://frc.fandom.com/wiki/Mask