The Gilded Circle
Coin, Jewels, Artifacts, Documents, People. All and more can be stolen. All and more Are stolen on a daily basis all across the Known World. Sometimes, on request or commission. And few specialize in such thievery as the Gilded Circle. As infamous as any other criminal organization. But few can carry a mystique as potent as this gathering of Thieves.
Where once, thieves were but a prevolent issue for large cities and trading towns. Under this illicit banner, Thieves garner a breed of respect that can only be achieved by the truly ambitious and cunning in such a disreputable line of work. The likes of which guaranteed a place in legend.
Where once, thieves were but a prevolent issue for large cities and trading towns. Under this illicit banner, Thieves garner a breed of respect that can only be achieved by the truly ambitious and cunning in such a disreputable line of work. The likes of which guaranteed a place in legend.
Structure
As it has always been. Every Thief is responsible for themselves. Their havens, their stashes, their contacts, and their fences are theirs to find, keep, and utilize. Such is the nature of the illicit trade of the padfooted swipers of fortunes and treasures. And is true of every Thief under the organization of the Gilded Circle. Yet some operate under the protection and employment of a Handler. A kind of guiding hand for Thieves with less guile or cunning who aren't as resourceful as others. Such individuals often work along side a Fence or number of Fences to conduct business. With Handlers and Fences alike employing a Heavy to enforce their illicit wills.
At the head of the enterprise, are twenty-seven well hidden heads that oversee the entire organization. All of whom are mentioned by different, and temporary names. Most reasonable assumption places them among the wealthy and elite of Dekmire. Some others have said that these figures of leadership live apart from society. Guiding the organization from shadowed places of absolute security and power. But none can know for certain. Such is the resolute secrecy of the organization.
At the head of the enterprise, are twenty-seven well hidden heads that oversee the entire organization. All of whom are mentioned by different, and temporary names. Most reasonable assumption places them among the wealthy and elite of Dekmire. Some others have said that these figures of leadership live apart from society. Guiding the organization from shadowed places of absolute security and power. But none can know for certain. Such is the resolute secrecy of the organization.
Culture
Among thieves, one can never truly know the vagaries and pit falls of belonging to this seclusive echelon of society. In fact. Anyone that claims to belong to this organization, or even to the sub-culture of thieves, often doesn't last very long. For it is not a culture for the open and loud.
As interactions go. The thieves of the Circle communicate via several numbers of middlemen or hired stand ins given specific instructions. Other ways include a slew of symbols and phrases that tend towards the unassuming or are easily concealed in public spaces. The specifics of which are not common knowledge.
Only one universal medium exists for the Circles interactions, dealings, or day-to-day affairs. Coin. Profit and loss guide the weather of every thieves soul over all. With only an exceptional few acting out of personal morals. But not often. Since the morals of the thief, might necessitate a blade to find its way into their chest. Or for them to sit for a fine meal, and never rise again.
Death is taboo and anathema to the Circle and the Thieves Underworld. For the dead do not pay, horde, or lead to coin. And a dead thief enjoys no riches. Necessitating a precident for retreat and concealment when trouble arises. The average thief has never known blood on their dagger. Not by design at least. But the Circle will end a thieves life or any associates life if they threaten the safety of their secrets. Hence why those that know anything of the organization need not announce themselves or feel obligated to betray them out of personal gain. Since the secrets of the Circle are already well paid for.
As interactions go. The thieves of the Circle communicate via several numbers of middlemen or hired stand ins given specific instructions. Other ways include a slew of symbols and phrases that tend towards the unassuming or are easily concealed in public spaces. The specifics of which are not common knowledge.
Only one universal medium exists for the Circles interactions, dealings, or day-to-day affairs. Coin. Profit and loss guide the weather of every thieves soul over all. With only an exceptional few acting out of personal morals. But not often. Since the morals of the thief, might necessitate a blade to find its way into their chest. Or for them to sit for a fine meal, and never rise again.
Death is taboo and anathema to the Circle and the Thieves Underworld. For the dead do not pay, horde, or lead to coin. And a dead thief enjoys no riches. Necessitating a precident for retreat and concealment when trouble arises. The average thief has never known blood on their dagger. Not by design at least. But the Circle will end a thieves life or any associates life if they threaten the safety of their secrets. Hence why those that know anything of the organization need not announce themselves or feel obligated to betray them out of personal gain. Since the secrets of the Circle are already well paid for.
History
The idea of thieves organizing into a sophistocated structure was as laughable to the thieves themselves as it was to the enforcers of the law in the early high days of The Ellician Empire. Yet twenty-seven talented thieves in The Holy City of Old Ellicia slowly began to work together. Organizing entire sprees of pocket pickings, night time robberies, and storehouse heists. And after almost a hundred successful collaborations, sometime in The Third Aeon, 2645 E.A. a loose gathering of skilled thieves became an organization of fortune-plunderers and secret-stealers. Decimating the treasuries of many guilds, and wealthy merchants.
Thousands of years later, the organization is still a name on the lips of many a street vagrant, hired muscle, or back alley tavern owner.
Thousands of years later, the organization is still a name on the lips of many a street vagrant, hired muscle, or back alley tavern owner.
Founding Date
Third Aeon, 2645 E.A.
Type
Guild, Thieves
Alternative Names
The Circle
Leader
Location
Related Ethnicities
Entry for WorldEmber 2020
In response to the prompt Describe a famous criminal organization and the unlawful acts they commit in your world.
Comments