Lockhinge Notes - Swamp challenges

Unlike everywhere else in the kingdom, where roads are much more common and paths of travel are easier to plot out, most of Greymantle doesn't have a big bandit problem. Typically have many different and often more dangerous problems that the rest of the kingdom doesn't have to even consider.
However, this fact may be changing, as a recent complaint that the rangers have heard come up more frequently sounds like at least one group has figured out how to function as Greymantle's version of bandits.
These raiders are well versed in the powers of stealth and surprise, as reports describe them launching attacks from seemingly nowhere, striking loud and fast, and disappearing in a flurry that leaves their victims reeling.
Combining reports, the most common description between them seem to be several small riders on deerback, often described as some combination of goblin, kobold, and a horned individual that is likely a small tiefling. Some have described rafts or boat built to move quickly, perhaps pulled by a crocodile (possibly Three Twins Bask type judging by the speed) either used to wrangle and overthrow other boats and rafts, or waiting in the mists as a getaway vehicle. Either way, the group are experts not only in traversing the swamp but being extremely familiar with its dangers and the layout of the environment in which they attack.
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A goblin, kobold, satyr (mistaken for tiefling), halfling, and half elf are the core group. As they find success, they are able to take on new recruits, use better and more creative equipment, and enlarge their operation. They not only attack transport and merchant targets, but civilian as well, They monitor a few known routes of travel (from each of their previous pools of knowledge) as well as run a few grifts and trawl for information in towns.
Goblin, kobold, satyr are the main strike team. They're fast, strong, and smart, and use disorientation to smash, loot, and run. The half elf is the main getaway driver and swamp knowledge source (ex-ranger?). The halfling is the face of the party, a conman, she excels at running grifts and using disguises to pose as a swamp guide or hired guard when going with groups, and as a traveler of some sort to gather information, whenever they arrive at a settlement. She also does most of the hiring.
The group causes fear and destruction, and aren't above roughing people up and potentially leaving them without ample supplies that they may need in the middle of the swamp, but they try not to hurt anyone too badly, sink vessels, and avoid killing at all costs. They may not all have the same reasons for these guidelines, but they all have at least agreed to them without argument. New recruits may feel differently, but those who aren't going to uphold the raiders' code are not invited back. If they feel that anyone is in danger of betraying them, the halfling especially finds ways to get them in trouble first. Luckily, this has not often been a problem.
Do they have any ties to Lockhinge? (aside from maybe the ex-ranger) Maybe thieves guild, or maybe are mostly new to it. Maybe half and half. Do they rest in Lockhinge, or are they using it to quietly step up their game? They at least have to be careful around the big city. Are they planning on staying pirates, mostly small time, or do they want to grow into a more formidable band, maybe get into swamp (or other) heists? Do they have a base of operations or are they entirely nomadic? Do they have a leader, or does the core group share the leadership, and are all of them actually on the same page about it? What do they do with their bounty? Do they sell it in lockhinge and/or other settlements when they pose as merchants? Do they have some other means of profiting off of their goods? Do they have any connection to the Silver Strand? What are all of their stories? Aside from crocodile and deer, do they have any other animals etc? Is one of them a druid with wild shape to help with their recon? Do they (or some of them) have any other idealogical goals or tenants, or is it just piracy? (freedom? anarchy? anticapitalism?