Wymon Rawkin, a mere street-sweep?

"He's been privy to state secrets, marital gossip, secret trade deals and even the odd murder plan. Yet many will never notice him. Some don't even know he exists. And that is why they should fear him most."

-

An associate's description of Wymon Rawkin

At first glimpse, Wymon Rawkin is an unassuming fellow. Dressed like so many of the other poor people in Risha (the capital of Rohsk, one of the Four Regions of Adhonaglamar), the upper classes in the capital don't even notice him. Yet he is there, amongst them every single day, pulling on their invisible strings.

Born the son of a muckraker, his chances in life never looked high. But early on the young Wymon decided he'd become more powerful than those who ruled the capital. He just had to go about it in an unusual way.
As a teenager he started thieving and hustling. Soon though he had other low-lives do that for him. He had a natural talent to intimidate others, resorting to violence when he needed. Yet he was never cruel. And so others would listen to him, out of fear as well as respect.

In his twenties, he took up the job of street-sweeper. Blending into the background of a bustling city, he could go almost anywhere unhindered. Always sweeping and looking down, the citizens of Risha would pass him by without so much as a glance. Yet he was always alert. Listening in on conversations, shuffling closer with his broom while they whispered behind a market stall in the market square. Overhearing men who cheated on their wives, boasting to their friends about their latest conquest. Or listening in on a wife, asking her friend if she knows who can make her husband disappear. Or learning of the dirty little secret of the city clerk... Nothing would escape his fine hearing and sharp mind.

And he used that power well. Over time he drew in thieves, blackmailers, fences, even an assassin or two. Based on what he picked up in the street he'd send them out to make the most out of the information. Robbery and thieving were good to fill his pockets with coin, but he wanted more. He knew that real power lay in knowledge, having information about a man that could be used against him when the time came. And he made sure they knew he had them.

Yet other than the members of his inner circle no one knew exactly who he was. Always working with intermediaries, none of his victims was aware who robbed them, blackmailed them or was about to kill them. Faceless, yet feared all around the city. Knowing he could have nearly anybody do his will if he desired. That is the power he always craved.