The Umbral Cabal
The World of Achareon is dark and full of opportunities to lose your head, so it is no wonder its denizens wish to feel safe in their homes and within the walls of their settlements. To enforce this, most of its people are very law abiding and vigilant, quick on their feet to get authorities involved if they ever spot illegal or otherwise suspicious activity on the streets. Miscreants can, in general, expect to be lucky to get thrown out of the settlements into the Dark Wilds, instead of getting executed, but some leniency is practiced as well on case-by-case basis. It is for this very reason that organized criminal entities and groups are few and far in between. And yet, for every rule, there are exceptions.
The Chamberlain
"I see you're under the impression I'm asking for permission, but I assure your highness, that I am not. And for the sake of your continued rule, I suggest you won't forget it after this gentle reminder. It's a fine castle and a nice throne, it's a long and impressive line of royals you represent; be a shame if something were to happen to public's perception of it. I'll be taking my leave now, and I'll be expecting the items requested first thing in the morning. I hope I've made myself clear, for your sake, my king."
— The Chamberlain to the ruler of Lienargel
The Group known as The Umbral Cabal is one such exception. However, unlike most criminal organizations are expected to operate, The Cabal works in broad daylight much to the chagrin of the people, seemingly unbothered by guards or other authorities. Their operations do not, however, harm individual townspeople and long as they stay out of The Cabal's way, they have relatively little to be concerned about; The Cabal's aim is fixed on the wealthy, the influential and the powerful. The group is suspected of consisting of more than its known operational members, but no confirmation of this has ever been made, and thus the role of The Cabal's leader has been understood to have fallen on an enigmatic but charismatic character known only as The Chamberlain. His real identity is shrouded in more questions than there are speculations, but it hardly matters after all these years. Everyone of import knows who The Chamberlain is, and his name is sure to spark a reaction in their midst. And for a good reason.
What little is known about The Chamberlain is that the amount of information he has been able to amass is impressive and its content highly sensitive, which has allowed him to garner influence where he should have none. And to no one's surprise one might add, as despite what The Chamberlain is known as today, he used to go by the title of Master Spy. As an ex-member of the famed League of Mastery he once enjoyed the unfettered access to much of the realm, which allowed him the foothold he now stands on and operates from. As people see it however, hidden underneath his calm and well-mannered exterior lies a ruthless and unforgiving mastermind able and willing to take an advantage of any weakness he's made aware of. Such is the aura he emanates that even people with no idea about the nature of his character or status can generally be seen feeling unease in his company.
The Cabal
Although it is easy to sometimes forget The Cabal is not just a single person, under the influential pressure of The Chamberlain, it can't be stressed enough what a pivotal role his companions serve in the operational pursuits of the group. Acting both as the bodyguards to The Chamberlain against the colorful sleuth of enemies he has managed to accumulate over the years, and as his second-in-command officers overseeing all the plans The Cabal has in motion. Who these beings truly are, and their individual pasts, has been hidden under several layers of shadows so dark they haven't seen a single ray of light in years, if ever, but this hardly matters when contrasted to the reputation they've amassed for as long as they've been known about. The group consists of;
Mithe Gloomwright
"See, it's less that I hate doing this to you. It's the inconvenience of it. But it's my experience co-operation isn't a given, it must be earned. And it's also been my experience sharp objects are great tools for achieving it. Now, hold still, wouldn't want to cut too deep."
— Mithe Gloomwright during an interrogation
Equally as enigmatic as the head of the group, Mithe Gloomwright is a beautiful fetchling woman with an uncanny ability to manipulate and utilize her shadow at will. Assumedly born in the Plane of Shadows like her ilk tend to be, her social skills are well known, or rather lack thereof. This hardly matters, however, as whoever is unfortunate enough to end up interrogated by her is likely to give up any information she seeks, or lose their mind, and then give it up. Expertly proficient at utilizing the fears of people and creating brand new ones where others lack, she is a force to be reckoned with. In addition she has been known to function as the designated driver of the group, making them one of the few travelers who do not utilize the services of The Wolverines but rely on their own devices to get them through the Dark Wilds safely.
Vi Wyvera
".. No more ale? What do you mean "no more ale"!? Three weeks neck deep in the thick of the Dark Wilds and you DARE come at me with your "no more ale"! LET GO OF ME Shae L', I swear I'll.."
— Vi Wyvera to an unfortunate innkeeper
If stereotypes can be applied to the group, where Mithe is certainly the brains of the group, Vi is the brawn. On a good day at least as intimidating as her friend, it's the bad days everyone has trouble forgetting. With draconic blood cursing through the veins of this tiefling her loyalty to her friends is only matched by the ferocity of her seething rage and volatile outbursts. A bloodrager, they call her and her kind, could not be a more apt description for her, as she's ready to leave behind a red sea of her enemies or anyone foolish enough to get in her way. Some even say she is not only related to dragons, but indeed is one herself. If anyone has been able to confirm this, however, they never returned to report it.
Shae L'
"Terribly sorry for my friend's poor behavior good sir. Now if you'd have anything stronger than water I'm sure we'll be fi.. what? No. I'm not a kitsune.. but so what if I was! Which I'm not! Really?? Vi, go for it..."
— Shae L', shortly before the inn was temporarily closed looking for a new innkeep
Keeping up with the stereotypes, with brain and brawn covered the group only needed the face, the mediator, the negotiator; and for this role and purpose Shae L' was more than well-suited. A kind-faced young woman with dark captivating eyes and the charm and elegance of a princess, it is easy to understand how one might fall under her spell. Whilst rumors about Shae run rampant, stating she was in fact born into royalty but ended up cast out, no confirmation of this has ever been made. Rumours also claim she is actually a kitsune, but having trouble hiding the fact, and if her poor attempts at hiding her foxlike tail and ears are anything to go by, the rumours certainly seem to hold water. But what ferocity Shae may lack in social situations she certainly more than makes up for in combat, and she has proven herself an invaluable ally and a great addition to The Cabal even when it chooses actions over words.
The Chamberlain
Mithe Gloomwright
by Nick Gan
Vi Wyvera
by Bailey Casandra Davis
Shae L'
by Mangomangu
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