Orzhov Syndicate

The Orzhov Syndicate run industry and finances in Aerilon, particularly in Luxor where more than half the population lives. Meticulous and industrious the Orzhov syndicate is involved in street level crime all the way up to high-level politics and the operation of major banks. Rumour has it that the leader of the Syndicate is a dragon, the colour of which is constantly debated within the population of Aerilon. To the Syndicate - wealth is power, and you absolutely can take it with you if you’re an undying spirit living in decadent luxury on the ruling council of the Orzhov Syndicate. Built on the crushed dreams and broken bodies of citizens deeply indebted to the syndicate’s banks and loan sharks, Orzhov’s elaborate hierarchy of syndics, priests, and oligarchs exists for the single purpose of funneling wealth to the top. Beneath the twin facades of religious hierarchy and banking operation, Orzhov is an organized crime syndicate with its fingers in businesses across the city.
The Orzhov’s original function was both religious and financial, with the two functions closely related. As Aerilon’s dominant church, the Orzhov continues to preach an oppressive message that equates sin with debt and promises forgiveness to those who make tithes and donations. As Aerilon’s principal bank, it stores and secures the riches of the city, collecting interest at high rates to expand its own wealth. Its members truly believe that their work is necessary to the proper functioning of Aerilon. Although most other Aerilon see the Orzhov for the corrupt organization it is, many people are still dazzled by the syndicate’s promises of wealth, prestige, and longevity.
The Ghost Council, also called the Obzedat, that leads the Orzhov founded the guild, but it isn’t clear which members of the original Obzedat might have faded from existence since then and which current members have joined since.

Ranks

The Syndicate is ruled by the Ghost Council, (mentioned above) and the hierarchy is almost church like - which has sparked offence in the past. Vast cathedrals or filled with scribes detailing the Orzhov’s secretive and extensive ledgers. Typically, the lowers rungs of the syndicate are involved in the most illegal activity, and the higher up the more distanced the members are.

1. Ghost Council - little is known of them
2. Pontiff -Born into the Orzhov Sundicate, as a pontiff, you are one of the executive managers in charge of enacting the will of the Ghost Council. Pontiff Firon is the most senior of these Pontiffs and rules from Alenium, he is the face of the Syndicate.
3. Ministrant - The rank of ministrant is the highest position anyone can hope to attain without being born into the guild. As a ministrant, you study finance, while managing the syndics and knights under your control. Between adventures, you can now maintain a wealthy lifestyle.You are given a servitor thrull that is yours to command.
4. Knight - Knight of “x” i.e. Knight of Despair/Greed/Value - you have authority over syndics, and you are trusted — so far as anyone in the Orzhov Syndicate trusts anyone else — to transport large sums of money. You also have access to sufficient funds to maintain a comfortable lifestyle between adventures. As a priest of this rank, you hear confessions and collect penance, lead rites (and take offerings), perform ceremonies, and offer counsel to your superiors when asked. As an advokist, you represent clients in court, draw up contracts, and put your magic to use in a variety of ways. As an enforcer, you are entrusted with collecting larger sums and interacting with powerful clients. When you’re sent on a mission that poses a potential threat, your superior bestows on you an Orzhov charm
5. Syndic - Syndics are low-ranking functionaries. At this level of the hierarchy, you can expect deference from borrowers, who will perform small favors that require no significant risk, effort, or cost. The bulk of your work for the guild, in turn, involves doing favors for those above you.
6. Enforcers - the brutes, thugs and low lever members that most often deal with corrupt and illegal activities.
7. Runners

Notable Individuals

1. Braxx ;
2. Ministrant Gerome Talome - supporter and superior of Brax;
3. Jaeger Lanter - underling of Daros;
4. Nujas Valo - friend of Brax
5. Daros - rival of Brax;
6. Stavenger - enemy of Brax;
7. Roland Hacknay.

Typical Alignment:

Lawful-Neutral/Neutral

Typical Location

Cities, especially Alenium

Dragonmark

Mark of Scribing

Views and Beliefs of Other Guilds

Boros. “Though their structure is reasonable, they are naive in their outlook on justice. What glory is there in risking one’s life when work continues in the afterlife?” Dimir. “It’s hard to begrudge them their love of secrets. As long as they stay out of our business, we will leave them be.”
Golgari. “Admirably resourceful and elegant, but tragically unhygienic. The swarmers may persist, as long as they don’t try to force their aesthetic sensibilities on us.”
Gruul. “They know nothing of order and dignity, and therefore they serve little purpose as an organization.”
Izzet. “Combative and obnoxious. Their allegiance lies with no one, and their naiveté isn’t worth our time.”
Rakdos. “A necessary source of creativity and satire. Wit is a dangerous weapon, and their critiques speak to the people more than fear and surveillance ever will.”
Selesnya. “The Selesnya are idealistic fools. Looking toward nature ignores the problems at hand in the civilized world.”
Simic. “Their preoccupation with life disregards the might that death can provide.”