Hounds of Artifact, Relic, and Débris - H.O.A.R.D.
The organization was founded about 100 years ago. Nobody knows the exact date because the founders didn't care to create any official document.
The founders wanted a name for themselves that could be circulated around Tacillia to make them better known in treasure-hunter circles. These people followed the unwritten rules of the treasure hunter code of conduct but also wanted a better life for themselves, which meant more profitable work. That was the original sin that changed the course of the organization. As they started to become famous, they began to have more and more members, and one of them was a cruel bugbear named Khalk. He rose through the ranks quickly and soon became the leader of H.O.A.R.D. That was the turning point of the organization. Before him, there was a loose leadership of a couple of members who decided what requests and tasks they accepted. With Khalk, he was the only one deciding what the organization would do. He also changed the succession rule of leadership. Since him, only in combat can someone become the new leader of H.O.A.R.D. He also dismantled the code of conduct of the treasure hunters and accepted almost every kind of work that brought money to the organization. Those who tried to oppose him left the organization or disappeared without any trace.
Nowadays, the leader of H.O.A.R.D. is a lizardfolk female named Burthe. With her as leader, the organization further changed to a paramilitary company. While still searching for ancient items, they are also doing guard duties of the wealthy both at home and during travel. There are also rumors that the disappearance of certain noblemen and women who opposed some questionable direction of the Dominion can be linked to them. All these activities made H.O.A.R.D. a very rich and very influential organization.
They are still heavily invested in looking for ancient equipment. After all, the items can give them money and power. Because of this, in recent years, they started to map the Pristine Prairie and the Southern Marshes and kept all their findings to themselves.
I liked the original idea of the founders, but this new H.O.A.R.D. is nothing but a corporation full of scoundrels and miscreants
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