Heartglass

Demographics

All the residents of Heartglass live in Glasskeep, a large cathedral that was refurbished into the main base of Heartglass. It has a lot of other small outposts in multiple cities, in and outside of Olane.
The majority of Glasskeep's residents are members of the Heartglass guild, with a mix of skilled assassins and cunning thieves. These individuals come from all walks of life, but they are united by their loyalty to Heartglass and their shared desire to make a living as criminals.
Glasskeep's residents are a mix of young and old, with a majority being in their prime. There are many elderly residents who have been members of Heartglass for many years, as well as a significant number of young teens who are just starting their careers as assassins and thieves. Elders are respected and allowed to continue their life in Heartglass, and now with Glaedrs rule, he allows any Elder to leave if they wish.
Residents come from a variety of religious backgrounds, although there are no official religious practices within the guild. Residents are free to worship as they please, and many choose to keep their religious beliefs private. Reflecting the diversity of the wider world, there are dragonborn, elves, dwarves, half-elves, halflings, and many others, all living together in harmony.

Government

The government of Heartglass is not a traditional, hierarchical system. Instead, it operates as a loosely organized network of individuals and subgroups.
Heartglass is a decentralized community, with power distributed among various subgroups and individuals. Glaedr serves as the overall leader and final authority, but much of the day-to-day decision-making is left to the subgroups and individuals within Heartglass. Heartglass is structured as a loosely organized guild, with members working together to achieve common goals. Within the guild, there are subgroups specializing in different areas, such as assassination, thievery, and information gathering. Each of these subgroups operates autonomously, with its own leader and members, but they are all united under the banner of Heartglass.
Decisions within Heartglass are typically made through a process of collective bargaining and negotiation. Members of the guild bring their concerns and proposals to the table, and a consensus is reached through discussion and compromise. Despite the decentralized nature of Heartglass's government, there are rules and laws that govern the behavior of its residents. These laws are designed to ensure the safety and stability of the community, and they are enforced by the guild's leaders and members.

Disputes within Heartglass are resolved through a combination of informal negotiation and formal arbitration. Members of the guild are encouraged to settle their differences through discussion and compromise, but when necessary, disputes can be brought before a panel of arbitrators for resolution. If disputes cannot be resolved, a "Heartglass Showdown" can be called upon. The fighting pit. The fighting pit is a designated area within Heartglass, typically an enclosed arena with seating for spectators. When two members have a dispute that cannot be resolved through other means, they may agree to settle their differences in the fighting pit. The rules of the fighting pit vary depending on the nature of the dispute and the preferences of the participants. In some cases, the fighting may be to the death, while in others it may be a non-lethal competition. In either case, the goal of the fighting pit is to provide a way for the participants to resolve their differences in a controlled and fair manner.

Defences

Steep cliffs, narrow passageways, and treacherous terrain make it difficult for anyone to approach Heartglass. Many outposts are also scattered and hidden at various locations around Heartglass, allowing its members to keep watch over the surrounding area. These guard posts are staffed by experienced members of the guild, who are trained to detect and respond to any potential threats. The outposts also set up early warning systems to alert members of any incoming threats. These systems include sentries stationed at key locations around Glasskeep, as well as visual and auditory alarms that can be triggered in the event of an emergency.
The entrances to Heartglass have been reinforced with heavy doors, barred gates, and other defensive measures to prevent unauthorized entry. These defenses can be further strengthened in the event of a potential attack, making it even more difficult for anyone to penetrate the stronghold.
The residents of Heartglass are highly skilled assassins and thieves, renowned for their exceptional prowess and training. They undergo rigorous physical training to maintain their strength, agility, and endurance. This training includes activities such as hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, parkour, and acrobatics. The aim of this training is to ensure that Heartglass members are physically capable of executing their missions and handling any physical challenges that may arise. They are also trained in the art of stealth, learning how to move undetected and carry out their missions without being seen. This training includes lessons in disguise, sneaking, lockpicking, and how to use the environment to their advantage.

History

The Assault of Secrets:

The current ruler is Glaedr the Dragon, not many know his true name. Glaedr took control of Heartglass around the year 1000AF. The overthrow of Heartglass was a calculated and risky move that required a great deal of planning and preparation on Glaedr's part. These are the steps he took:

1. Gathering Information: Glaedr spent a significant amount of time gathering information about the inner workings of Heartglass, including its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the personality and habits of its leader. He used this information to craft a plan that would give him the advantage in any future conflict.
2. Building Support: Glaedr worked to gain the support of key members of Heartglass, building alliances and forming alliances with those who shared his vision for the future of the guild. He used his charisma and his persuasive abilities to win over hearts and minds, ensuring that he would have a loyal following when the time came to make his move.
3. Waiting for the Right Moment: Glaedr waited for the right moment to make his move, biding his time and carefully observing the movements of the current leader. He sought out opportunities to exploit any weaknesses or lapses in judgment, using his cunning and his intelligence to position himself for success.
4. Striking Quickly and Decisively: When the time was right, Glaedr struck quickly and decisively. He used his superior combat skills and his mastery of strategy to take down the current leader in a surprise attack, ensuring that he would not have time to respond or rally his forces.
5. Consolidating Power: Once he had taken control of Heartglass, Glaedr moved quickly to consolidate his power. He appointed new leaders and revised the guild's code of ethics, working to build a new and stronger organization that would be able to withstand any challenges that lay ahead.
   

Glaedr was determined to make Heartglass a force for good in the world, using its skills and its resources to help those in need. At the same time, he also worked to expand the reach and the influence of the guild, making it one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the land.

Founding Date

842 AF

Alternative Name(s)

The Thorn

Type

Military, Base

Population

1000

Inhabitant Demonym

Heartglass Assassins

Location under

Olane

Owner/Ruler

Glaedr The Dragon