The Black Lotus

The Black Lotus is a vast and ever-expanding criminal organization with members across the nations of The Unknown Realm. It was established centuries ago by a legendary thief, whose prime alias was The Shadow Rose. The Guild draws its name from the mysterious Black Lotus Flower, representing Mystery, Secrecy and Hidden power. All of which are rather fitting for this shadowy organization. The Black Lotus' Insignia is a stylized black lotus blossom with intricate, intertwined roots, which Represents the interconnected nature of the organization's operation across the world's nations.
The Black Lotus has a relatively well-organized hierarchy led by a mysterious figure carrying the title of Nightshade, passed on from leader to leader. Below Nightshade, the guild is divided into regional branches. Each branch is led by a well-trusted lieutenant, known as a Petal, who oversees the operations in the branch's area. Below the petals, who have promising thieves who oversee smaller cells, those who lead these smaller cells are known as Stalks. The Bottom rung of the ladder consists of the recruits known simply as roots, the lowest ranks of The Black Lotus.
As an organization, the Black Lotus specializes in various criminal activities such as Burglary, Smuggling, Heists, Espionage, and Blackmail. They are often the go-to source for stolen Artifacts, dangerous secrets and sensitive information. This is all possible thanks to their extensive network of informants, spies and fences who allow them to quickly and quietly gather information, identify targets and distribute illicit goods. The members of The Black Lotus are notorious for their stealth, mastery of disguise and agility.
The Black Lotus has successfully established a strong presence in most major cities and ports, even having smaller sects in rural towns. In addition to those on the surface, The Black Lotus have even established themselves in the world beneath, home to the Dark Elves and Grey Dwarves. On top of all this, because of their notorious reputation, they have developed strong bonds with other criminal organizations.
Among the various criminal organizations, The Black Lotus are often respected and trusted, or at least as trusted as an opposing criminal faction would be. However, to the more law-abiding factions, they are seen as menaces and boogymen, especially by the aristocrats.

Structure

The Black Lotus hierarchy consists of Nightshade, the organization's leader. Then you have the Petals, The Lieutenants of the Black Lotus. Below the Petals, who have the Stalks, talented thieves who lead smaller sects of the organization, and finally, at the bottom, you have the Roots.

Culture

The Black Lotus is said to be a tightly knit organization, with even Ex-members refusing to reveal any secrets and seemingly having no ill will to their Siblings in Shadow. If questioned, ex-members referred to The Black Lotus as their chosen family.

Public Agenda

As a Thieves' guild, the Black Lotus's goals and motivation are purely rooted in Greed and the collection of power and wealth. They ultimately wish to control the criminal underworld to enshroud the kingdoms in their shadowy grasp. Though beyond that, their goals are a mystery to outsiders.

Assets

Thanks to their extensive reach, The Black Lotus has abundant wealth and information at their fingertips. In addition to their vast amounts of blackmail, they hold over most of the rulers of the World, though one ruler still eludes them.

History

The Black Lotus was founded in the 460th era by an individual known as the Shadow Rose. Who founded the organization in hopes of keeping their identity and wealth secretive.
The Shadow Rose was said to be a mysterious and enigmatic individual master thief who could steel the clothes off your back without you noticing. And there had been speculation that The Shadow Rose must have been a long-lived race given that for two centuries, The Shadow Rose was the leader before eventually handing the reigns to a new leader who claimed the Title of Nightshade.

Where Shadows Blossom, Secrets Bloom

Founding Date

460 P.T.

Type

Guild, Thieves

Leader Title

Nightshade

Founders

• The Shadow Rose